Image by McTumshie in the Londonist Flickr pool.

This is the first in a series over the next 26 weeks bringing you Londons sporting alphabet from A to Z. The goal is to help you find places to play and perhaps even try a new sport. This week its the logical first choice A.

Aerobics

Group aerobics classes have gained recent popularity, particularly with the 90% of Londoners not naturally motivated to get out and exercise. Aerobics classes range from high to low intensity, with popular high-energy classes usually named body attack, body combat and abs blast. For beginners, it is probably wise to start with low-impact classes such as water aerobics, but you can always check with your gym or instructor to find out the nature of the class.

Aerobics classes are offered by all the main gym chains such as LA Fitness, Fitness First, David Lloyd and Nuffield Health. However despite their innate high quality, membership fees can be exorbitant and it may be worth checking out sites such as payasugym.com for cheaper London aerobics classes. Local leisure centres are also good sources, so browse the UK Fitness Network for cheaper aerobics alternatives.

Aikido

Dating from the 19th century, Aikido is a Japanese art of self defence that uses an opponents own momentum to work against them through locks, holds and throws. The main advantage is that it requires very little strength, making it accessible to all ages. Both the London Aikido Club and London Aikido offer 10 week beginners courses for around 65-70. Otherwise the Sport England recognised British Aikido Board has a detailed Aikido Club Finder,which is covers all of the UK Aikido Clubs.

Archery

Image by JudyGr in the Londonist Flickr pool.

Archery is said to date back to at least 10,000BC, making it one of the oldest sports around. The recent London Olympics has catalysed a surge in those fancying themselves as the next Robin Hood, and this sport is inherently low impact and safe. With approximately 23 Archery clubs in London, the majority open to new members, why not give it a go? The London Archers stands out as one of the most renowned, shooting at Kensington Palace Gardens in summer and Pimlico in winter. Alternatively, for more flexibility, check out 2020 Archery, a thriving indoor club shooting around the Tower Bridge area and offering courses for beginners.

Continue reading here:
Where To Play Sport In London: Part A