January is a brilliant time to kick off fresh habits – not with pressure, but with positivity.
Whether you’re aiming to add a little more movement to your week, try something different, or simply make the most of winter light and fresh air, East Cambridgeshire has a range of ways to help you stay active this season.
Here are some ideas to inspire your New Year’s resolutions; with options from gentle walks to gym classes and everything in between.
Gentle and Scenic Winter Walks
Getting outdoors, even for a short walk, is one of the easiest ways to start the year with movement and fresh air. East Cambs has lots of welcoming green spaces where you can build walking into your routine:
Jubilee Gardens
A riverside garden linking Ely’s riverside to the city centre. Its paths and open lawns are perfect for a brisk winter stroll with peaceful views.
Ely Country Park
Open across seasons, this park offers wide, accessible trails and plenty of places to pause and enjoy nature.
Even a 20-30-minute walk, either first thing or after work, can help reset your energy and mood. Try setting yourself a simple weekly step goal and enjoy ticking it off in these lovely spots.
Leisure Centres to Keep You Moving
If you prefer structured activity or want to try something new, East Cambridgeshire’s leisure centres offer a great selection of options – from gym workouts to group classes and indoor sessions when the weather is chilly:
The Hive Leisure Centre
A fully equipped gym with cardio and weights, swimming pools, fitness studios and a busy timetable of classes including Zumba, tai chi and total body conditioning.
Littleport Leisure
Community-focused facility with a gym, training spaces, sports halls and more; a great choice for all ages and abilities.
The Paradise Centre
A fitness centre with gym, classes and sports halls, perfect for when you want a mix of activities under one roof.
The Ross Peers Sports Centre
Offers a variety of court sports, fitness suites, indoor bowls and more, ideal if your resolutions include trying new sports.
Whatever your current fitness level, these centres make it easy to find classes or facilities that fit your goals; whether that’s building strength, increasing stamina, or simply getting outdoors more often.
Step It Up (If You’re Feeling Bold)
For those looking to push their active goals a bit further, there are options that deliver real adrenaline and excitement in East Cambs. For example, the Hannam’s Wake Hub offers watersports and wakeboarding challenges for anyone after something more dynamic this year.
Trying a new kind of activity can be a brilliant motivational boost, and it doesn’t have to start with perfection. It just needs curiosity and a sense of fun.
Reward Yourself Afterwards
Of course, after moving your body and getting out in fresh air, there’s nothing better than a tasty lunch or a warm drink. East Cambridgeshire is full of lovely cafés and pubs that are perfect for refuelling; whether you’re embracing Dry January or indulging in a well-deserved pint.
A hearty bowl of soup, a roasted Sunday lunch or a rich hot chocolate are all excellent ways to round off an active start to the year.
Explore eating and drinking in East Cambs
Make 2026 an Active One – Your Way
New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be about big extremes or strict rules. Sometimes the best changes come from simple, sustainable shifts; like walking a little more, joining a class you enjoy, or trying an activity you’ve never done before.
Wherever you start, East Cambridgeshire has plenty of spaces, places and opportunities to help make it a year of good habits, fresh air and a bit more movement.