Getting started

Think you can't run? Well that’s just not so. Anyone can take up running and learn to love it too. Louise Hudson explains how. What’s it all about? To non-runners the running world can seem intimidating. All this talk of marathons, energy drinks and...

Pilates is widely known as a great system of exercise to strengthen the core and prevent injury, but it can also be an intense and challenging workout that will enhance your fitness and leave you feeling toned, invigorated and balanced. Pilates is wonderf...

The modern Shaolin Kung Fu is the remnant of an ancient martial art that shook the foundation of the world of martial art in the Far East. Although Shaolin Kung Fu had lost its former glory, it still remains as one of the most prominent and most powerful martial arts that exist in the world today.

23 year old Yorkshire-born cyclist Lizzie Armitstead has risen through the ranks of British Cycling’s academy to become one of our most exciting riders. She competes both on the road and on the track and will be one to watch at London 2012. Here she share...

Badminton is the fastest racket sport in the world, with shuttles travelling at speeds faster than a Formula One car (that’s 421kph)!

Imagine an hour of high intensity racing, over narrow dirt tracks, weaving through trees, dropping down dips, climbing over steep banks - sometimes carrying your bike – occasionally in thick mud.

Alpha Bags are the latest sandbags to hit the mainstream fitness world. They form part of a new company called Alpha Strong, which was launched by two women, Kathy Hankins and Crystal Trimble, in the winter of 2009. The product line for the compa...

Aiming to bring the party to the pool, Aqua Zumba is the latest variation of the Zumba fitness craze that has swept the world.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is growing in popularity, and The Blue Mile charity event allows you to give it a go.

Personal trainer Kirstin Ahmed tells Sportsister why she believes Circular Strength Training is the future for working out.

I’ve just pedaled 1000 miles through New Zealand. But I’m not a cyclist. At least I don’t think I am. In any case, I certainly wasn’t a cyclist when I got on the plane at Heathrow in April, bound for Christchurch.

Participation levels for women’s football are at an all time high, with 1.1 million girls currently playing the sport in England. So why not put your best foot forward and become a part of the team?

Hiking is a fantastic sport as, once you have the basics, it doesn’t cost you anything! It can be enjoyed all year round, with friends or by yourself, and it turns the whole countryside into your playground.

Touch is one of the fastest growing sports in England, played by people of all ages and skill levels. Introduced from the Southern Hemisphere in the 70’s, Touch is a fast, evasive, non-contact form of rugby.

Yoga is fantastic for both mind and body, and more and more people are discovering the benefits of including yoga sessions as part of their regular training regime.

With mountain biking becoming ever more popular with female riders, coach Ally Campbell gives us the lowdown for those who want to give it a go.

GB Standard Life player, Stef Collins shares her guide to get you started in the sport of basketball.

It’s one thing learning a new sport in a sports hall or playing field. It’s quite another being on top of a snow covered mountain sand having both feet strapped into a waxed board. Welcome to the lifestyle sport that is snowboarding.

Judo isn’t necessarily one of the first sports you might think of when choosing an activity for it’s fitness elements, however, as a highly technical and competitive combat sport it is becoming the martial art of choice for many women.

Thinking of taking up rugby? Here’s our beginner’s guide to life in the scrum.