Fix your bike for free, run the Manchester Half, duel with a lightsaber
If you started 2022 with a health or wellbeing goal, it's reaching now-or-never time for making it happen. Or at least for making some progress before 2023 comes around.
With this in mind, we’ve put together an October what's on guide for Manchester that aligns with some of the most common intentions people set in their New Year resolutions: Spend more time in nature. Practise mindfulness. Run a half marathon. Become a Jedi Master.
Time to dust off those running shoes and power up that lightsaber. Read on to see our top ten picks for fitness and wellbeing things to do.
Bicycle Maintenance Workshop | Stanley Square, Sale | 1, 8, 29 October
If your bike's been confined to the hallway for months because fixing that puncture is above your paygrade, this is the workshop for you. Led by the team from Manchester Bike Kitchen, it'll cover safety checks, brakes and gear adjustments, removing wheels, fixing punctures, and more. Bring your bike to try out the skills as you learn and get it road-ready once more. 11am. Free.
Mindfulness in Nature | The Whitworth | 6 October
Find a sense of connection and calm in the beautiful grounds of The Whitworth with this free meditation session. It’ll take place in the Alex Bernstein Garden as twilight gathers. Let your senses be heightened by the sights, sounds and smells of the natural world, and leave feeling lighter and less stressed. 5.45pm-6.45pm. Free.
MCR Outdoors Trail Half Marathon | Fletcher Moss Park, Didsbury | 8 October
Fancy attempting a half marathon but don't want the big crowds of the Manchester Half the next day? This off-road alternative will take you through the woods and riverside meadows of Fletcher Moss, with the aim of clocking up 21km on the trails. You'll be running as a group at a steady, social pace so it's great for anyone wanting to give their first half marathon a go. 11am. Free.
Manchester Half Marathon | Old Trafford | 9 October
If you're race-fit and in the mood for a last-minute challenge, there's still time to enter this 13.1-mile race around the streets of Trafford and South Manchester. For the first time ever the route will cruise down to the city centre before heading back out as far as Sale. With cheer stations, a flat, fast course, and a brilliant atmosphere, everything's pointing towards a new PB. 8.55am. £42.
Free therapy sessions from The Self Space | Feel Good Club, NQ | 9 and 10 October
To mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October, on-demand mental health service The Self Space are giving away free 30-minute therapy sessions over at The Feel Good Club. They're available on a first-come, first-served basis - click the link in their Instagram bio to book.
Beyoncé Dance Class with SOS | GFFDamian Dance Studio, Corporation Street | 11 and 18 October
Learn a choreographed routine to Beyoncé's COZY at this confidence-building dance class from queens of female empowerment SOS. Instructor Danielle will break down the moves to make it super-easy to learn, even if you've never done a dance class before in your life. 7.10pm. £10.
Rugby League World Cup | Leigh Sports Village, Leigh | 19, 23 and 30 October
If you didn't get a ticket for the final at Old Trafford in November, there's still a chance to experience the action at the Rugby League World Cup with these first, second and third-round matches. Teams playing include Ireland, Wales, Jamaica and Lebanon. Adult tickets start from £10.
Tough Mudder | Heaton Park | 22 and 23 October
The OG of obstacle course races is back at Heaton Park with 10k of challenges that'll pit you against neck-deep mud, icy water, and electrical currents before you can claim your medal at the finish line. It's all about teamwork and comradery and the cheesy photo at the end for your desk. £89 or £10 for the 1k kids Lidl Mudder.
Lightsaber Fencing | Parrs Wood High School, East Didsbury | 27 October
If you were a child of the Eighties you wanted to either marry Luke Skywalker or you wanted to be him. If it was the latter, here's your chance to live out your fantasies with a two-hour session learning the fundamentals of lightsaber fencing ending with actual combat of the kind not seen since Luke duelled Darth Vadar on the Death Star. No experience needed; the Force will guide you. 8pm. £15.
Pro-Balance Health Strength and Conditioning Course | Lloyds House, Jackson's Row | Starts 31 October
If you set a new year's resolution to get in shape and then totally forgot all about it, this is how to seize victory from the jaws of defeat. It's a six-week course running up to mid-December that'll teach you how to lift free weights safely and transform your body to get lean. Classes are kept small so you get plenty of one-to-one instruction. Coach Andy Jeffries used to train Beyoncé back in the day so you're in good hands. £99 for six sessions. Mondays at 6pm or Wednesdays at 7.15am.
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Main image: Tough Mudder
Read next: Our gig guide for Manchester: October 2022
Read again: Track stars: Is Manchester a leader in fitness tech?
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