21 Olympic sports you can try with Be Well

21 Olympic sports you can try with Be Well

There’s nothing quite like the Olympics. The eyes of the world will be on Paris this summer as the very best athletes from all around the world compete for ultimate glory in their chosen sport.

One of the very best things about this truly global event is the chance to discover something new or develop a passion for a sport you previously knew little about.

Many of us will also be inspired to switch off the tv, get off the sofa and give these sports a try ourselves.

So, for those bitten by the sporting bug this summer, here are 21 Olympic or Paralympic sports you can try with Be Well…

Gymnastics and Trampolining

Let’s start with a classic Olympic sport… Gymnastics! Our ‘Gym Tots’ and pre-school classes are the perfect first step for little ones while we have regular lessons for children and adults, as well as a Gymnastics Squad for those ready to compete. We also offer fun trampolining courses for school-age kids.

Swimming

Swimming is amazing for an all-round, low-impact workout and you don’t need to be Adam Peaty, Rebecca Adlington or Duncan Scott to book a lane, with pools at five of our local leisure centres. We’ve also got lessons for adults and children alike, while our Wigan BEST squad offers young people a route into competitive swimming.

Boxing, Rowing and Weightlifting

If you’re looking for a group exercise class that packs a punch, try Hatton Boxing – a full-body workout designed in collaboration with champion fighter Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton. Punch, duck and weave your way to cardiovascular fitness. Our high-spec gyms also have rowing machines and free weights to push you to your limits.

Basketball, Badminton and Table Tennis

Be Well sports sessions are perfect for those wanting a relaxed and social way to play with no commitments. It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about taking part, being active and enjoying yourself. We’ve got a range of coach-led, fun-focused sessions to choose from including Basketball and ‘No Strings’ Badminton, or you can hire a court and play a variety of sports with friends – including table tennis.

Running

Whether you can manage 100 metres or a marathon, you can enjoy running with us – on your own on a treadmill, or as part of a group. Couch to 5k and Run Your Way are perfect for beginners, while 5k+ and Half Marathon training sessions can help build your stamina so you can go further.

Cycling

Again, the choice is yours… Pedal your way to fitness in the gym (you can even follow virtual routes in the mountains of Europe and elsewhere), join a Les Mills RPM class, or come along to one of our many group rides around our local green spaces. We’ve even got 1-2-1 and group lessons to get you started.

Climbing, Skateboarding and BMX

Our exciting adventure zone at Howe Bridge Leisure Centre boasts an indoor skate park suitable for skateboards, scooters, aggressive inline skates and BMX bikes; plus colourful climbing walls offering different levels of challenge. Take the kids for a fun day out, or even book a party! You can also go rock climbing up in the Lake District at Low Bank Ground…

Canoeing and Sailing

With Be Well Outdoors you can dip your toe into the world of watersports! Among the outdoor adventure activities on offer at Scotman’s Flash and Low Bank Ground are rafted canoeing and sailing, as well as paddleboarding, kayaking and windsurfing.

Archery

Take aim with Be Well Outdoors! We have soft archery as part of school trips, corporate experiences and party bookings at Scotman’s Flash, Haigh Woodland Park and Low Bank Ground.

Football and Golf

Two of the more modern (and controversial) additions to the Olympics. We’ve got weekly women’s football and walking football (women’s and mixed), plus golf courses at Haigh Woodland Park and Pennington Flash. Or why not combine the two, with footgolf at Haigh!

Tennis

As well as expert coaching and lessons for children and adults, we’ve got indoor or outdoor courts you can hire to play with friends – plus free, social park tennis sessions at Leigh’s Pennington Hall Park.

Boccia

Boccia (pronounced bot-cha) is a Paralympic sport, similar to bowls, that tests both muscle control, hand-eye coordination and accuracy. You can attend on your own or with a support network, while carers can also take part free of charge.

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