Dad Fitness Classes London: What to Look For

Search for dad fitness classes London-wide and you will notice something. There are hundreds of options for mums, and far fewer that seem to have dads in mind. Plenty of dads I meet in Archway feel a bit awkward walking into a class full of 25-year-olds in matching kit, or a mums-and-babies session where they are the only man. So they do nothing, or they pay for a gym they visit twice a month. This guide is for the dad who wants to get fit, but wants it to be straightforward, friendly and built around a busy family life.

Dad fitness classes London: what is out there

Here is an honest overview of what is on offer for dads in London.

• Big gym classes. Spin, HIIT, body pump. Lots of time slots. But groups are large, coaching is limited and you need a membership.
• CrossFit boxes. Strong community and a lot of lifting. Can be intense for a dad coming back after years off, and memberships tend to be pricier.
• Parent-and-baby classes. Some studios and baby group listings run sessions that welcome dads with little ones. Lovely during parental leave, harder to fit in once you are back at work.
• Running clubs and parkrun. Free or cheap, sociable, but mostly cardio.
• Small-group bootcamps. Strength and fitness in one session, coached, with a mix of mums and dads. This is what I run.

If you are trying to choose between these, my guide to choosing a bootcamp in London goes through what to look for.

What dads actually need from a class

After coaching dads in North London for over 10 years, I find most want the same things.

1. Strength. Lifting kids, car seats, shopping and suitcases. Classes should build real, usable strength, not just make you sweaty.
2. A safe way back. Many dads have an old knee, shoulder or back problem. Good coaching means you get options, not a “push through it” attitude.
3. Short and efficient. 45 minutes, in and out. Not a two-hour gym trip.
4. No ego. Nobody cares how much you can bench. You are there to feel better.
5. Flexibility. Kids get ill, work runs late. Pay-as-you-go beats a 12-month contract for many dads.

What a typical bootcamp session looks like

Here is a sample of the kind of session you would do in one of my classes in Archway. You can try a version at home too.

• Warm-up, 8 minutes: mobility for hips, shoulders and upper back, light squats and lunges.
• Strength block, 15 minutes: kettlebell deadlifts, goblet squats, rows and push-ups. 3 rounds, 10 reps each, with lighter and heavier options.
• Conditioning, 12 minutes: a circuit of carries, step-ups, pad work or slam balls, 40 seconds on and 20 seconds off.
• Core and cool-down, 10 minutes: planks, dead bugs, stretching.

For a full breakdown, see my sample bootcamp workout. If you want to train between classes, my post on the best workout for dads has a simple home plan.

Classes I would point dads towards

At SYP Bootcamp, every class mixes mums and dads, and dads tend to like two in particular:

• SYP Box Fit, beginner boxing with pads and no sparring. Great for fitness and stress, and nobody gets hit in the face.
• SYP Built To Last, functional strength for over-35s, focused on lifting, carrying and moving without pain.

Before you start

If you have not exercised for a few years, start with one class a week and add a second once you are recovering well. If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, chest pain on exertion, diabetes or a current injury, speak to your GP or physio before starting. If you are 40 to 74, the free NHS Health Check is a good place to start too.

Getting to Archway

My classes are in a church hall in Archway N19, indoors, so the weather does not matter. Archway station is on the Northern line, and plenty of buses run through the area, so it is a short bus or tube ride from much of North London, including Highgate, Holloway, Tufnell Park, Crouch End and Kentish Town.

FAQs

Are there fitness classes for dads in London?

Yes. Some are aimed at dads with babies, but most dads join mixed small-group classes, bootcamps, circuits or running clubs. Look for small groups and good coaching.

What is the best workout for dads?

A mix of strength training two or three times a week plus regular walking or cardio. Classes that combine strength and fitness are an efficient option for busy dads.

Are bootcamps worth it?

For many dads, yes, if the groups are small and the coaching is good. You get structure, accountability and a planned session without needing to design it yourself.

How many times a week should I go to a class?

Start with once a week. Two classes a week plus some walking is a great target for most busy parents.

Book your first class

Come and see what it is like. SYP Bootcamp runs 45-minute small-group classes in Archway N19, maximum 10 people, £15 a class, with easier and harder options for every exercise. Dads are very welcome.Book your £15 class here or call or WhatsApp me on 07301 512215 and I will send the timetable. If you would prefer to start one-to-one, have a look at private personal training at SYP Fitness.

About the author

Artem Olekhnovych is a personal trainer in Archway and the founder of SYP Fitness and SYP Bootcamp. He has coached clients in Archway, Highgate and across North London for over 10 years, and runs small-group bootcamp classes for busy mums and dads. Read reviews from his 1-1 clients.