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Exercising when it's dark and cold

Today in Groningen the sun sets at 16:47. Around mid-December that is already at 16:16. You can do this in the evening, indoors and outdoors.

Sportspots editorial team, updated on

Totally in ShapePhoto: totallyinshape.nl

Indoors, after work

What helps in winter is a fixed time. On a dark Tuesday at half past seven you don't just suddenly feel like going outside, but when a class is waiting for you, you will go. These are on the timetables in Groningen for the coming days:

  • Mon 18:0060 min Box & Kixx Gymnow in Hortusbuurt Free trial week
  • Mon 18:0060 min Cycle Gymnow in Hortusbuurt Free trial week
  • Mon 18:0090 min Women's Kickboxing Vechtsporten Groningen in Driebond Free trial lesson
  • Mon 18:3075 min Contemporary Balletschool Wanda Kuiper in Binnenstad Advanced17+
  • Mon 19:0060 min Hatha Yoga Katinka de Bruin in Helpman
  • Mon 19:1560 min Pilates class 1 Fit met José - Pilates in Oosterpoort Trial class €5
  • Mon 19:1530 min Recreational swimming beginners Groninger Zwemvereniging TriVia in Helpman Beginners
  • Mon 19:3090 min Introductory Bouldering Class Apex Boulders in Schildersbuurt Autumn promotionTrial class €10 + entryBeginners

See everything in the sports calendar

What makes winter more fun

Still going outside: how to walk in the dark

  • Make sure you can be seen. Wear something reflective and, if you're walking on dark paths, a light. Drivers and cyclists see you far too late in dark clothing.
  • Choose a route you know. With wet leaves, frost and poor light, you won't see bumps and slippery patches coming well enough. Lit streets and cycle paths are better than a woodland path.
  • Dress in layers. After ten minutes you'll be warm, so start feeling a little cold. A hat and gloves are easy to take off if it gets too warm.
  • Take time to warm up. Start the first few minutes gently and after finishing go indoors quickly, or put on something dry.
  • Go together. With a running group it's safer, and you're less likely to skip sessions.

Outdoors or with a group in Groningen, after 5 p.m.:

Never run before? Then you can start now with this nine-week schedule, and by spring you'll be a runner.

Something to work towards

A date helps you keep going. These are on the calendar for the next ten weeks in Groningen.

All events