Sporting fun for summer

With summer almost upon us, many can be found tilting their heads skywards and dreaming of slipping into trunks or bikinis with a perfect fit. But fear of the odd love handle can easily puncture this illusion.

Maybe it is time to do something to trim some of those excess pounds that have been hanging around since Christmas?

The thrill of outdoor sports can be a personal thing. The general 'have to speak to everyone' requirement of team sports puts some people off from the outset.

However, there are plenty of sports that don't involve turning up and chucking a ball about with the monosyllabic, hungover mates you were busy drinking with the night before.

Some exercise allows you to turn up (preferably sober), meet new people and keep in touch with the ones you like.

It's much like speed-dating, just with more sweat. Well, in most cases anyway.

There are some events in the capital you've probably never considered taking part in. But now the sun's shining (well, some days), it's the perfect time to get out there and give them a go. They'll not only get you out of that armchair, but they'll give your heart a good workout before that big holiday romance.

T'ai chi in Holland Park

If you are looking to unwind from the stress of London living, the beautiful, serene acres of Holland Park are an ideal environment for a session of this tension-relieving martial art.

'People draw different things from it,' says class leader Dave Wright. 'Some come to keep fit, some to refine their different martial art forms and some to clear a bit of headspace and relax away from the office. It helps with physical grounding and how to deal with forces on the body. The "pushing hands" aspect allows two people to develop sensitivity and timing together.'

Classes are based on the teaching of Grandmaster Huang, who used to teach students how 'slow is fast and fast is slow' and to 'seek the quality, not the quantity'.

When: Sun 10.30am (Jun 8 1.30pm)

Where: North Lawn, Holland Park W8

Tel: 020 7494 0045

Cost: £5 a class

Tube: Holland Park

In-line skating in Hyde Park

All are welcome here, from pirouetting skating wizards to those rolling along on two left feet. The latter, with maybe more of a sense of adventure than a secure balance, will be glad to hear qualified instructors are on hand to offer lessons. Two large groups of skaters roll through the park with music and whistles creating a real party atmosphere on Wednesday and Friday evenings. It's a great way to keep fit, see a bit of the capital you might have ignored up until now, and, you never know, maybe discover a hidden talent.

When: Wed 8pm

Where: Serpentine Road, Hyde Park

Info: www.londonskate.com

When: Fri 7pm

Where: Hyde Park Corner

Info: www.citiskate.com

Cost: Free, except for lessons on Fri

Tube: Hyde Park Corner

Swimming at Tooting Bec Lido

A piece of history as well as a relaxing retreat, London's first lido was built in 1906, and is one of the largest in Europe. If you want to top up your tan while exercising and meeting new faces, this is a great place to come.

The giant art deco outdoor pool was recently given a facelift, resulting in an environment in which when the tin gets hot and the sun beams down, it's easy to forget the smoggy, overcast city you are actually in. One of the few outdoor destinations that can cater for the family, the lido boasts a paddling pool, water-squirting animals and an outdoor cafè.

'It gets very hot in the summer and is a great day out, but not that many people know about it - sometimes not even those that live across the road,' says duty manager Steve Silverson.

'It's very peaceful even when it's busy. The atmosphere can be very therapeutic,' he says. And as if all that isn't temptation enough, Brad Pitt is rumoured to be among past visitors.

When: Until Aug 31 6am to 8pm, Sept 6am to 5pm

Where: Tooting Bec Road, SW16

Tel: 020 8871 7198

Cost: Adults £3.65 (£2.60 after 6pm), children and concs £2.50

Tube: Tooting Bec, then bus 249 or 319

Golf in the City

The Volvo Urban Challenge is out to prove that just because the capital isn't built on lush greenery, there's no reason why Londoners shouldn't be driving, pitching and putting with the best of them.

Starting on June 23, those who previously felt too attached to the City's concrete to venture onto a course will be given the cost-free opportunity to learn from the masters, PGA qualified professionals, during their lunch hours.

An interactive golf zone will be built in the Broadgate Centre for the purpose. Participants can also compete in a golf competition, with great prizes up for grabs.

When: June 23-27, 11am-9pm

Where: Broadgate EC2

Info: www.volvocars.co.uk/urbangolf

Cost: Free

Tube: Liverpool Street/Moorgate

Riding at Ridgway Stables

Ridgway caters for both the trotting novice and the galloping expert. There are miles of riding track, including woodland rides, and natural areas full of wildlife for those Black Beauty fantasists looking to run wild and free.

'People come here because they enjoy the riding and the fresh air. It's a really nice, unusual way to enjoy Wimbledon Common,' says secretary Kiki Heyman. 'In the past, we've taken lots of groups in; from birthdays to hen parties. There's no membership needed - you can just ring up and book on most occasions. Safety is considered our first priority.'

When: Mon-Sun 9.30am-5.30pm; evening rides available

Where: 93 Ridgway SE19

Tel: 020 8946 7400

Cost: £34 midweek, £37 weekend per hour. Discounts for groups.

Info: www.ridgwaystables.co.uk

Tube: Wimbledon, then bus 200

Sailing in Docklands

The fact that London has one of the world's most famous rivers running through it means there are more chances for messing about on boats than you might think.

Unsurprisingly, the area that harbours (no pun intended) the most activity is Docklands. On Wednesdays and Fridays during summer, the Docklands Sailing & Watersports Centre runs an evening open to the general public called Twilight Sailing. For £17.50, non-members who pitch up earn their course map, wristband for a later barbecue, sailing equipment and crew-assisted boat.

There are also corporate goings-on at the DSWC with a benevolent philosophy behind them. The DSWC Trust, a registered charity, runs a scheme called the Youth Float Programme, where donations and funds raised allow youngsters the chance to experience sailing and dragon boats for the first time in their lives.

When: Wed & Fri 6.30pm to dusk

Where: 235a Westferry Road E14

Info: 020 7537 2626, www.dswc.org

Cost: £17.50

DLR: Mudchute/Crossharbour