Explore fitness options in Stratford | Stratford Cross

Fancy getting out on your bike? There are some fantastic cycle routes in and around Stratford for you to enjoy. Starting in Victoria Park follow an 8-mile loop along the canal towpaths that takes in scenic Limehouse Basin and historic Three Mills before heading to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Another route, centred on the Olympic Park, starts at the Lee Valley VeloPark with 5 miles of track along the park’s rivers and canals, taking in all the main 2012 Olympic venues, before heading back to Stratford Cross for a well-earned bite to eat.  At the London velodrome you can take part in the adrenaline rush of road racing, BMX and mountain biking or indoors follow in the tracks of Olympic stars with track cycling taking a one-hour taster session or a four-stage accreditation. If you haven’t got a bike, you can easily rent everything you need.  

Walk or run along the miles of tracks of the 500-acre Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, keeping fit and taking in the lovely views. Perfect for visitors, residents or those seeking a break from their desk in Stratford Cross, you can find out more about the most  popular trails in the park here. Looking for more of a challenge? In Stratford there are regular organised running events to suit every ability and goal, including the ever popular Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park half marathon on March 3, 2024.  

Next door to Stratford’s London Stadium is the London Marathon Community Track, a six-lane, 400m track, full-size football pitch and athletics facilities. On Tuesdays and Thursdays there are public track sessions where you can try out the facilities for less than the price of a coffee per hour. To find out more, or book for yourself, a club or organisation, visit the London Stadium website.

From gym and yoga to swimming and badminton, there’s something for every interest and fitness level. Here are some ideas:

The Copper Box Arena is a venue for everyone. This 2012 Olympic venue in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is not just one of London’s most versatile and exciting events spaces but is also open to the public as a state-of-the-art gym and major London fitness centre. A wide variety of indoor classes range from group cycle and body conditioning to yoga and Zumba. They also offer table tennis and have 10 badminton courts for seasoned players and newcomers alike. Memberships include a flexible pay as you go option.   

Stratford swimming pools are second to none. At the London Aquatics Centre you can work out in the 2012 Olympic pools, experiencing what it was like for Team GB athletes to swim in the Olympic Games. Choose one of their invigorating training options held in the competition and training pools or swim in a lane that matches your pace. Enjoy the flexibility of one-off swims or discover the benefits of their different membership options including pay as you go.

With too many great Stratford gyms to mention, we’re showcasing two very different ones. For the pretty fit there is Gym 1971, a 4,000 sq ft space, set up by two former HM Forces Commandos to offer a mix of classes from high-intensity CrossFit and strength training to Olympic weightlifting and gymnastics. Before signing up to a membership you can try before you buy with a taster session. Looking to combine fitness with fun? Gym Box is a unique gym in the heart of Westfield Stratford with disco lights, larger than life personal trainers and DJs on site. Perfect if you want to get fit but want a less serious vibe and to mix exercise with fun. Pay as you go or opt for a wide variety of membership options.

Explore the Stratford Cross website for further fitness ideas and for a variety of other things to do in Stratford from eating and drinking to entertainment and leisure.