Seven Ways to Stay Fit in Wellington This Winter

Winter may be strong upon us. I get it — it's hard to leave the house, let along move those aching joints with rain lashing at your window panes. But after winter comes spring and we all know what comes after that. Weather aside, it's important to keep your body alive and well, and we want to help. Here are seven ways to keep active during this dreary season. Come summer, you will be patting yourself on your sunblock-slicked back.

Thrive Pilates

STRETCH IT OUT AT THRIVE PILATES

Wellington's newest and most beloved pilates studio, Thrive gives pilates a fresh twist. While keeping the core principals (breathing, precision, movement integration, core control) well maintained, the instructors at Thrive have backgrounds in circus and aerobic training as well as health science. The workouts are innovative and challenging and are carried out in classes of six or less. Thrive suggest that consistency is the key here; a doozy with a central location and affordable rates.

29 Manners St, Te Aro

DO LAPS AT FREYBERG POOL

A classic, through and through. Swimming is still one of the best (and cheapest) ways to stay in shape and there is nowhere better to get your laps in than this iconic waterfront locale. Freyberg is open from 6am to 9pm everyday and you're likely to get a lane to yourself if you pick your time right. After your laps, treat yourself to a session in the steam room or sauna, still one of the best places to keep those winter blues at bay. Dust off those speedos; every muscle in your body will thank you.

139 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay

TAKE THE DRIVER'S SEAT AT THIRD THURSDAY PEDAL POWER

Celebrating Wellington's cycle culture, Pedal Power puts you in the driving seat. On August 17, grab a funked-up bike and pedal your ass off. While you ride, you can watch a film on the pedal-powered projector and witness DJs make music through pedal-powered turntables. Expect to see lycra and glow sticks en mass. If this doesn't get you on ya bike, nothing will. BYO bike helmet.

Wellington Museum, 3 Jervois Quay

GET SWEATY AT HOT YOGA WELLINGTON

If you're not sold by the 'hot' part, listen to this. Hot Yoga Wellington has three studios (Wakefield and Featherston Streets in Wellington and Andrews Ave in Lower Hutt) and offers a variety of classes, including Yin-Yan and Power Vinyasa. There are around half a dozen classes a day and memberships offer unlimited attendance. After almost a decade in the business, Hot Yoga seriously know their shiz. Need a new sanctuary? Here it is.

139 Featherston Street // 2G Wakefield Street // 21-23 Andrews Avenue

CLIMB ROCKS AT FERGS KAYAKS

It's all about the wall. Fergs Kayaks is an institution and its 13m high wall is made to be climbed. If you're an experienced climber, you know the drill. If you're a beginner, Ferg's experienced staff will (ahem) show you the ropes. It's a great way to boost your confidence and your upper body strength and chances are you'll be back and clipped in again before the week is out.

6 Queens Wharf

THROW PUNCHES AT GLOVES BOXING GYM

You got this one. Winter is the best time to start attacking that punching bag. Nothing will make you quite as hot and sweaty and Gloves Boxing Gym is the place to get hot and sweaty. Their classes are non-contact, helping you learn the basic boxing techniques without getting hit in the face. Gloves will work you hard but the results speak for themselves; not just your body but your focus and discipline as well. And we haven't even got started on those endorphins. Whoa, mama.

28 Hopper St, Mount Cook

CONQUER MOUNT VICTORIA

Because sometimes the sun does come out. Even if it doesn't, zip up that windbreaker and get walkin'. Get some fresh air into those lungs and check out the great views (they're always better than you remember them). It's an oldie but a goodie and costs absolutely nothing. Hard to beat.

Start the 4.7km loop at Charles Plimmer Park at the top of Majoribanks Street