5 Ways to Stay Active in Kent this Winter

When winter arrives, the temptation to stay indoors and hibernate is strong. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and unpredictable weather can make it harder to maintain an active lifestyle. However, staying active in winter is essential for your physical health, mental well-being, and overall energy levels. In this blog, we’ll share winter fitness tips for adults, including indoor exercises for winter, safe outdoor activities, and motivation strategies to help you keep moving all season long.

1) Indoor Fitness Classes & Clubs

• Heavenly Fitness (Maidstone): Offers unique studio classes like aerial yoga, bungee fitness, aerial hoop, and a range of other acrobatic fitness all under one roof to keep fit creatively in winter. 
• Lockmeadow Health Club (Maidstone Leisure Centre): A full-service gym with group classes, weights, and cardio facilities to beat the cold-weather slump.
• Age UK Kent Rivers: Free or low-cost exercise, mobility, and strength sessions for adults 50+, including chair-based workouts and walking sports across Faversham, Sittingbourne, Gravesend, and more.
• Online Classes: Join virtual sessions for guided routines. These could be offered locally or there are a range of YouTube channels that offer HIIT workouts, Pilates, Yoga, Dance or even Kickboxing sessions.

Indoor Fitness Tip: Bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups require no equipment and can easily be built into the day. E.g. waiting for the kettle to boil.

2) Outdoor Winter Walks

• Minnis Bay to Reculver Coast Walk: A scenic 12 km stroll along the Viking Coastal Trail with beautiful sea views and historic towers—ideal for a brisk winter walk.
• Folkestone Artworks Walk (~5.5 km): Combines fresh coastal air with outdoor art installations—perfect for a cultural winter outing. 
• Chartwell & Emmetts Garden Loop (~8 km): A countryside hike near Sevenoaks with woodland trails and café stops, great for an energising cold-weather walk. [kent.muddy…ttos.co.uk]
• Wye Downs Walk (~7 km): Rolling hills and sweeping Weald views near Ashford offer a refreshing winter hike. 
• Local Parks: Even in winter, Kent’s green spaces (now glowing with autumnal orange) offer the perfect setting for a refreshing walk. Whether it’s your local park, a Woodland Trust site, or a countryside trail, a brisk stroll outdoors is a simple way to stay active and boost your mood during the colder months.

Winter Walking Tip: Dress in layers, wear non-slip shoes, and choose well-lit paths.

3) parkrun & Running Events

• Ashford parkrun: A regular Saturday 5K in winter—community-run, free, and suitable for all fitness levels. 
• Picturesque parkruns: Try Kingdom parkrun (Penshurst) or Lullingstone parkrun for forest trails and hillier terrain for a scenic winter run. 
• Running Groups: Across Kent and Medway there are a range of running groups for all different abilities. From Beginners2Runners, RunTogether and Kent Running Coach to more social running groups there are a range of options for all.

Winter Running Tip: Warm up indoors before heading out, stay hydrated, avoid icy surfaces and make sure you are wearing something reflective/bright.

4) Cycling & Winter Bike Rides

• Viking Coastal Trail: A flat, largely traffic-free 65 km route around Thanet with coastal views—ideal for crisp winter riding.
• Cantii Way (147 mi loop): A longer touring route across Kent’s countryside—great for experienced cyclists with hybrid or touring bikes.
• Beaches & Coastal Promenades: NCN2 (Folkestone–Dover) and NCN1 (Whitstable–Canterbury) offer safer, invigorating winter rides.

5) Community & Group Activities

• Active Kent & Medway: Use their “Activity Finder” to locate winter sports, fitness classes, walking groups, and indoor activities happening throughout Kent.
• Age UK Walking Sports: Social, less intense forms of netball, football, and walking groups for adults 50+ in Faversham, Sittingbourne, Herne Bay, Whitstable, and more.

There are a range of options out there to ensure adults across Kent - whether fitter or just starting - can stay active, healthy, and motivated in winter, with both indoor and outdoor choices.

Remaining active in the winter has been proven to:

• Boost Mood and Reduce Stress: Exercise releases feel-good hormones that help fight winter blues.
• Support Weight Management: Staying active helps balance festive treats and comfort foods.
• Strengthen Immunity: Regular movement improves overall health and resilience.
• Improve Sleep Quality: Physical activity promotes better rest, which is crucial during darker months.

One of the biggest challenges in winter is finding the motivation to exercise. Here are some strategies:

• Set Realistic Goals: Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on small, achievable targets like 20 minutes of movement daily.
• Create a Routine: Treat exercise like an appointment—schedule it and stick to it.
• Buddy Up: Exercising with a friend or joining a group can keep you accountable and make workouts more enjoyable.
• Track Your Progress: Use a fitness app or journal to monitor your activity and celebrate milestones.

Remember, motivation often follows action - start small, and the momentum will build.

For other ideas on how to stay fit this winter, see our 10 Ways to Stay Fit in Winter blog. If it is wellbeing that you're interested in, we have 8 Tips for Self-Care This Winter