15 Ways To A Healthy, Fit And Fun Dry January

By Partner Last edited 98 months ago
15 Ways To A Healthy, Fit And Fun Dry January

Produced in partnership with Funzing.

Pop-up painting

Want an enjoyable January without heading to the pub? Here's a bunch of ideas to keep you on the straight and narrow without sacrificing the fun factor.

1. Want to get sexy fit not sweaty fit?

One word: salsa. Let Nadia and her team of expert instructors transport you to South America by way of Piccadilly Circus. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experience hip-shaker, this is a fun, sociable way to shed those Christmas pounds — and it's only £3.

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2. Want a chocolate fix during your vegan January?

Ela, a Cordon Bleu chocolatier, to the rescue. She'll teach you how to melt, stir and pipe your very own vegan truffles, pralines and bars and how to jazz up your creations with some surprising ingredients. The session ends, of course, with some chocolate: hot chocolate in an edible chocolate cup, to be precise.

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3. Want to break your high-street addiction?

Spend a delightful day dressmaking with Craig at The Fashion Box and you'll feel a tingle of pride every time someone asks you where your gorgeous outfit is from. Fabric and fastenings all included so all you need to

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4. Want a healthier relationship with alcohol?

Dry January isn't just a 31-day booze detox — it's an opportunity to reassess your whole relationship with alcohol, and what better way to do that than with someone who's been there. Laura and the supportive Dry January Boot Camp team will help you overcome pitfalls and achieve your healthier future.

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5. Want to make music but can't read a score?

Drumming is the answer! Sue heads up London African Drummers — travel round this beguiling continent through rhythms inspired by different regions. A seriously uplifting couple of hours on the Djembe with a real community spirit.

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Djembe drumming

6. Want to try your hand at useful, beautiful crafts?

Designer and leatherworker Candice can teach you how to make your own beautiful leather purse or cardholder. You'll learn how to cut from a template, punch holes with a prickling iron, use the traditional saddle stitching technique and emboss your name or initials on to your handiwork — all materials and tools are included.

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7. Want to cook up a storm?

If your New Year's Resolution is to learn a new skill, why not try a tasty one? Chinese food pro Will of the London Cookery School leads this hands-on dim sum workshop where you'll carefully create fluffy roast port char siu buns and aromatic pork and chive dumplings — before gobbling them up at lunch after.

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8. Want to explore London while keeping fit?

Cycle round the capital with Jess and the London Bicycle Tour Company crew. This certainly isn't just for Wiggins: all abilities are welcome to hop on to one of their safe and comfy two-wheelers, don a helmet and be guided round both major sites, from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, and quiet streets.

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9. Want to burn 1,200 calories while having tonnes of fun?

The trampoline is your new best friend. Check out Jumping Fitness with Andrea and Monika and unleash your inner kid: you'll be building up your stamina, cardiovascular fitness and burning calories without even noticing.

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10. Want to create prints to be proud of?

Join Georgie, a talented textile designer, and create your very own bespoke prints at her studio. You'll go home with a one-off eye mask, pencil case, toiletries bag, tea towel or tote bag — certainly not something you can pick up on the high street.

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Delicious dim sum

11. Want vegetarian food that doesn't scrimp on flavour?

Neapolitan-born Bermondsey-resident Giuseppe is cooking up a vegetarian storm that'll show the most skeptical carnivores just how wrong they can be. Expect simple, fresh ingredients, authentic Italian recipes and a warm, convivial atmosphere at his sociable veggie supper club.

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12. Want to try a totally new type of dance?

Ever heard of bachata? Discover this dance from the Dominican Republic at one Nadia's sociable soirées. The combination of music, energy and new friends is sure to put you in a good mood.

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13. Want to unleash your creative side?

Arm yourself with brush, spray paint and palette and head to this pop-up painting session with Gareth where you'll be inspired by seminal street artist Banksy. It's your canvas so get as creative as you want!

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14. Want to take better photos?

Capture London through a lens with Foto Ruta. Whether you're using a fancy DSLR or just a smartphone, pro-photographer Becky will show you how to take inspired snapshots of the city and can answer all your camera questions, from technical tricks to compositional pointers.

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15. Want a tasty alternative to cooking with wine?

Try cooking with tea. It's not just sweet treats that benefit from this unique ingredient — Kyle will teach you how to make savoury dishes like buttery oolong-infused soups, tea-infused barbecued pulled chicken, tea risotto, Ceylon-poached pear salad and Japanese chazuke (tea over rice).

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Find more London experiences with Funzing through their website, Twitter and Facebook page.

Feeling inspired to share your hobby, professional skill or talent? You can become a host and promote your own event on Funzing — find out more on their website.

Last Updated 12 January 2016