From hot yoga to mountain biking and even pole dancing, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to get fit in Cheltenham this year. So, pull on your gym gear, tie up your trainers and get ready to build your strength and fitness in 2026 – and, most importantly, have fun!
Join the world's fastest-growing sport with Padel Shift
Padel Shift, based at Elkstone Studios between Cheltenham and Cirencester, is your gateway to the UK's growing Padel tennis network.
Described by The Telegraph as "Like tennis but cooler...", Padel is an all-action hybrid of tennis and squash played on an enclosed court that's sociable, easy to pick up and great for players of all ages and skills.
Elkstone offer free Intro to Padel small group coaching sessions to help ease you into the sport, or you can drop off the kids at the courts and spend some time exploring Elkstone's food hall, boutiques and wellness hub.
Rock climbing at Boulders & 270 Climbing
Cheltenham is lucky enough to be home to two dedicated climbing centres, with indoor bouldering at Boulders and a mix of climbing walls, bouldering and high ropes at 270 Climbing between Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Friendly staff at both venues offer taster sessions for newcomers and courses for kids wanting to learn the ropes. Or why not test your nerve on 270 Climbing's high ropes course, which is one of the highest and most challenging in Europe
Low-impact training and winter wellness at Cheltenham Lido
Swimming is an ideal low-impact workout. It builds stamina and muscle strength while putting less stress on your joints than other forms of cardio.
The 50-metre main swimming pool at Cheltenham Lido is one of the largest outdoor pools in the country, making it ideal for building endurance. There are also sunrise yoga sessions as well as slides and a paddling pool for little ones.
Or why not enjoy a Scandinavian-inspired retreat this winter with the Lido's new Nordic Spa Experience – the chance to relax, recharge and experience the proven benefits of sauna and cold immersion.
Social workouts with Cheltenham Parkrun
As a sport, running is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. It lowers cortisol, promotes mental clarity and strengthens joints.
It doesn't have to be a solitary activity either. Parkrun Cheltenham is a free, fun and friendly 5k weekly event taking place every Saturday at 9am Pittville Park. It brings people together over a love of running, and you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. It’s up to you!
Downhill biking with Cheltenham & County Cycling Club
Cycling and mountain biking offer the same great cardiovascular benefits as running with an extra dash of adrenaline. Cheltenham & County Cycling Club runs a wide style of rides including cross country, endurance, downhill and dirt jump. It's the perfect place to get fit and meet like-minded bike enthusiasts.
The organised events are mainly aimed at cross-country leisure and local downhill, so whether you’re new to the area or looking for a wider network of people to ride with, they’re always happy to welcome new members.
Health and wellness classes at Leisure At
Featuring cutting-edge equipment and brand-new features like a sled-track, boxing zones and TRX stations, the Leisure At Cheltenham gym is there to support your 2026 fitness goals, with personal training available if you need some extra motivation.
As well as the gym there are swimming and diving pools, an athletic track and workshops and courses throughout the year to help look after your mind, body and soul.
Grab a racquet and exercise with your friends on the badminton courts, take your workout to new heights with a trampoline class, or soothe aching muscles in the wellness suite.
Self-defence at Cheltenham Martial Arts
Cheltenham Martial Arts is more than just kicks and punches. Through their martial arts classes or fitness kickboxing you’ll gain focus, determination and confidence that will seep into everything you do.
Their adult martial arts classes teach men and women alike how to how to defend yourself through practical, reality-based martial arts training. While their fitness kickboxing offers an intensive, full-body workout that is as cathartic as it is exhausting!
Kickboxing at ClubKickbox
ClubKickbox is an exclusive, members-only club providing 50-minute, high-intensity kickboxing fitness classes for all levels in a unique, state-of-the-art nightclub setting.
Led by expert instructors, the classes combine cardio and strength training which promise to not only get participants fit but also help them unleash their inner power! Punch, kick and even dance your way to toned glutes, arms, back, legs and core.
Taster sessions are available for just £5 if you want to give it a try. Classes run Monday–Thursday and Saturday in the Manchester Park business estate on the outskirts of Cheltenham.
Functional fitness training with F45
F45 Training is an international fitness community specialising in high-intensity team training sessions that keep members engaged, motivated, inspired and sweating daily.
Their innovative approach to exercise puts members through an array of circuit-based workouts which promise to burn fat, build muscle and get you energised in just 45 minutes.
Located in the Brewery Quarter, F45 Fitness Studio runs daily sessions. There’s even a live DJ every Saturday to keep the fun going!
Outdoor gym equipment
A gym membership can be expensive, but this doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the benefits of regular exercise. Several places around Cheltenham offer free-to-use gym equipment set amongst Cheltenham beautiful green spaces.
Bright yellow gym apparatus stretches the length of the Honeybourne Line from Cheltenham Spa Train Station to Waitrose, turning your daily jog into an engaging obstacle course.
Similar equipment can be found in Montpellier Gardens near the skate park, Caernarvon Park in Up Hatherley, Benhall Playpark, Sandford Park, The Beeches in Charlton Kings, and Burrows Field in Leckhampton.
Hot yoga at Ella & Fleur
Ella & Fleur is a story of transformation, born from a shared passion for yoga and wellness.
Located on Pittville Street in Cheltenham town centre, they offer a wide selection of classes with the heated studios allowing the body to flex and compress more deeply. You’ll stretch further, breathe deeper, sweat harder and melt fully into the detoxification experience.
Or build strength, flexibility and balance with their low-impact Reformer Pilates sessions, which are suitable for beginners and people recovering from injury.
Pole dancing at Momentum Pole & Aerial
Looking for something a bit different? Momentum Pole & Aerial is a small Cheltenham business that aims to redefine your idea of exercise.
Focusing on body neutrality, self-confidence and community, you can expect a safe and supportive environment at their pole dancing and aerial arts classes. Like gymnastics and ballet, pole and aerial training using hoops, slings and silks is a skill requiring athleticism, elegance and skill.
Classes are open to all abilities, and they offer a six-week fast-track program to get novices feeling strong and confident.
