Female-friendly fitness

Sporting differences between the sexes were highlighted by the Women's Sport and Fitness Foundation last year in a report called it's Time, which found that the divide can start in Pe lessons at school. I have memories of wearing itchy aertex shirts and bouncing off a springboard in an ungainly fashion, embarrassed that boys were watching. Such off-putting associations, at an age where we start to feel conscious of our bodies, can instil an aversion to exercise in any woman.

To tackle the problem, several London organisations have begun offering women-only exercise options. Whether it's swimming, circuits in the park or even boxing, women can increasingly opt to work- out in a tes tos terone- free environment. National gym chain Fitness First has launched two women-only gyms in the capital (crouch end and chalk Farm), each with a membership of about 1,300. And Sam Mendis, personal trainer at the all-female gym 44 Portland Place, says the past few months have seen a definite increase in members, and that the rise is not just a question of religion. (Muslim women will often choose women-only gyms over mixed ones.)

"Whereas before it's been seen as a social thing for men and women to go to the gym, now women come for their own time and space and want to just get on with their training alone."

Here we look at London's best womenonly exercise options:

FIT FOR A PRINCESS AND A SUPERCHICK
What are they? Outdoor workouts in london's parks with special emphasis on toning bums, stomachs and thighs. It's a bit like that outdoors organisation British Military Fitness - but with pink outfits and less shouting.
What do you do? The hour-long sessions are a mix of cardio and toning exercises where you can burn up to 600 calories depending on how hard you push yourself. Those averse to running will be glad to hear that there isn't much of it - barring the odd short sprint or quick warm-up jog. Fit for a Princess groups are large, often requiring two trainers to manage everyone. Superchick classes are smaller, more personalised and chatty.
The verdict: I'm genuinely hooked, and have been going to Clapham Common classes two or three times a week. The exercises are nothing that you couldn't do on your own in the gym, but motivation is higher when working in a group and the workouts are different each time so you won't get bored. Both run two-week boot-camp options too.
Cost and contact: Fit for a Princess operates on clapham, Wandsworth and Eel Brook commons, and Wandsworth Park (020 3051 8850, www.fitforaprincess.co.uk). Superchick operates in Battersea Park, Hurlingham Park, regent's Park and Hyde Park ( 020 7734 0483, www. iamsuperchick.com). Costs vary, see websites for details.

GIRLS IN GLOVES
What is it? Thai boxing for women.
What do you do? Beginners start by learning punches, footwork and how to keep a good stance. More experienced boxers will focus on bag work and shadow sparring and have the option of some contact sparring. Expect a high-intensity workout with boot-camp style, circuit training warm-ups and partner work using pads.
Health benefits: Thai boxing builds selfconfidence and mental resilience but also increases your spatial awareness, strength, stamina, speed and flexibility.
Cost and contact: £15 per session or £100 for 10 at Miguel's Boxing club, 261-262 Hardess Street, Se24. contact trainer S imone Harvey (07910230296, simonepersonaltrainer@yahoo.com; http://simoneharveypt.tripod.com).

LONDON ROLLERGIRLS
What is it? A rollerskating derby club.
What do you do? Two teams of five women skate around an oval track. Four on each team form the "pack" while the one remaining has to skate around the track as many times as possible, getting past her opponents who try to barge her off. It's a full-contact sport so you need to be prepared to fall over. Get in touch first to arrange borrowing skates and protective gear if you don't have any.
Health benefits: A great way to get fit and build resilience in a social atmosphere. You can burn as many calories as you would by running and work your glutes, thighs and calves but with less impact on your joints.
Cost and contact: £5 per session, Tuesdays 8-10pm and Saturdays 4-6pm. Contact info@londonrollergirls.com or join the forum at www.londonrollergirls.com.

THE KENWOOD LADIES' POND
What is it? Women-only swimming at Hampstead Heath.
What do you do? Brave the icy temperatures and get back to nature with a secluded swim in a natural pool.
Health benefits: Swimming tones the whole body and gives you a great cardiovascular workout. You can burn around 900 calories an hour while strengthening your heart and improving circulation.
Cost and contact: A swim costs £2 (£1 concessions). Hampstead Heath, NW5 (020 7485 4491).
Alternatively: If outdoor swimming in slightly murky waters doesn't appeal, try a women-only session at some of the city's leisure centres. Acton Swimming Baths, Thamesmead Leisure Centre and the Kings Hall and Clissold Leisure Centres in Hackney have one or two women- only sessions per week. Tottenham Green Leisure Centre has several slots throughout the week and the Hayes Pool dedicates the entire centre to women on Monday evenings.

MELISSA FREEDMAN AT THE LONDON SCHOOL OF YOGA
What is it? Yoga for woman
What do you do? Classes follow a mixed style of hatha, ashtanga, vinyasa and sivananda yoga.
Health benefits: Yoga improves circulation, flexibility and fitness, aids weight loss and helps combat stress.
Cost and contact: Participants pay what they can afford for each class and all the money is donated to local charities. Sessions take place during term-time at Nancy Reuben School, 48-50 Finchley Lane, NW4 and resume in mid-September. Contact Melissa on 07737 921129 or email melissafreedman@ hotmail.co.uk/www. londonschoolofyoga.com

BRITISH DUATHLON
What is it? A women's-only duathlon event and training sessions in November.
What do you do? A two-mile run, a 10-mile bike ride and a further two-mile run. During two taster sessions in September, you'll practice the allimportant transitions between the run and the bike ride and get advice on bike maintenance.
Health benefits: The training will get you very fit. Combining running and cycling gives your body a serious workout.
Cost and contact: The training sessions are free if you enter the Duathlon for a £7 fee. Otherwise they cost £4 each. Training: Monday 1 September and Monday 8 September 6-8pm. Event: 9 November at Minet Park Cycle Circuit, Springfield Road, Hayes. Contact Jon Train on jontrain@britishtriathlon. org/www.britishtriathlon.org