It's a new year and a new start, here's how to make the most of it.
January has arrived and with it, hopefully a renewed sense of purpose and hope. The beginning of the year is also a good time to take stock, assess your health and embark on endeavours which will help you get the most out of the year ahead. With this in mind and the fact that the purse strings are probably a little tight this month, the following activities and events are worth keeping an eye out for.
Johannesburg:
Yoga in the city
Yoga is a great way to detox and live a more balanced, mindful life. It’s also appealing because people of every shape and age can participate. For those interested in taking up yoga, ‘Yoga Warrior’ in Rosebank is offering a five-week beginner class series. Classes kick off on the 11th and 17th of January and span 90 minutes per session. The classes are designed to teach the fundamentals of yoga in a fun and easy-to-learn fashion and cover principles such as alignment and breathing, basic stretches, balancing and strengthening and relaxation techniques. The series is ideal for those who have never done yoga, those who want to learn the basics properly and those who simply want to do a refresher. The series costs R550.
Keep it local
Those on the lookout for some delicious food and great vibes need look no further than Braamfontein’s Neighbourgoods Market. Open every Saturday come rain or shine, the market offers all manner of scrumptious nibbles, much of which is organic and all of which is prepared by local producers. Samosas, sticky pork ribs and sandwiches, gourmet mushrooms, rustic pies, craft beers, thick, fruity smoothies, cheese, chocolate, artisanal breads and much more besides is on sale every weekend. Prices vary greatly so it’s possible to stick to your budget. The market is located at 73 Juta Road and is open from 9am to 3pm. Entrance is free.
Cape Town:
Green Point Park
The area around the Cape Town Stadium has been transformed into a quaint public park and educational biodiversity garden characterised by child friendly pathways. Numerous shaded pockets punctuate the park which make for great picnic spots. Facilities and services include walking and cycling paths, an outdoor exercise gym, children’s playgrounds, paid guided tours and water features. The park is a great place to take the family for a day trip and stretch your legs. The park also offers the opportunity to teach your child a thing or two about plants and socialise with the community. Entrance is free.
Lion’s Head walk
For those who feel like working up a bit of a sweat without having to pay for the benefit, Cape Town’s Lion’s Head walk is the way to go. The walk is easily accessible and quite do-able for people of all ages. There’s even an easier route to follow for those with very small children. The views are spectacular and best of all, free.
Durban:
Keen to get into shape but watching the money? If you live near the Suncoast Casino in Durban you can exercise for free courtesy of the casino’s ‘Sunfit’ programme which is directed by acclaimed lifestyle and wellness expert Lisa Raleigh. Classes offered include kickboxing, Zumba, boot camp, yoga, core fit and kickboxing. The classes run from Monday to Saturday and are open to everyone.
Go green
Durban’s ‘Green Hub’ is a great platform from which to engage with nature and embark on some adrenaline pumping activities. Located at Blue Lagoon Park, the hub focuses on nature based tourism, sustainability and education. It also serves as the base for the Durban Green Corridor (DGC) which operates canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and cultural tours at uMngeni Valley, Inanda Dam and the Valley of a Thousand Hills. A must for those seeking eco-friendly, educational experiences. Prices vary.