Think November's a 'meh' month? Here are ten ways to prove yourself wrong
It's not just hibernating animals who get all indoorsy when winter hits. The longer nights and wetter weather make getting outside much less appealing than in summer and the less you do, the less you feel like doing. But rather than wait for spring to jolt us back to life, we're taking a different approach to winter this year. We'll be embracing the cold and gloom like a sporty, yoga mat-wielding vampire.
In November's Manchester fitness round-up we've got a bunch of wintery activities including cold water dipping, a night run, cosy yin yoga, and a Sunday afternoon dash around the Goyt Valley south of Stockport.
And if you really don't feel like exercising at all, go to one of the spectator events or talks coming up this month. Watching other people get active always inspires us to get moving ourselves. (Though we won't be attempting that backflip in the picture above any time soon.)
Here are the best fitness and wellbeing things to do in Manchester this November.
Bee Sober Manchester Cold Water Dip | Brushes Clough, Oldham | 5 November
What gives you a better buzz than beer? Cold water swimming. Try it at this collaborative event from Bee Sober Manchester and Active Friends. There's no pressure to get in the water if the fear takes hold but they promise the after-effects will make you feel "bloody amazing" if you do. 1pm-3.30pm. £1.
European Breaking Championships | Belle Vue Basketball Centre | 5 and 6 November
Breaking (or breakdancing as you might know it) is now an Olympic sport thanks to its mix of gravity-defying moves and crazy footwork. You can see the best B-Girls and B-Boys in Europe at this World DanceSport Federation event at Belle Vue Sports Village. Exhibition rounds and head-to-head battles will play out to epic DJ sets until only two dancers remain. 12pm. From £12/£7.50.
Legacy of the Lionesses at Football Writing Festival 2022 | National Museum of Football | 10 November
Inspired by the World Cup-winning Lionesses this summer? Head to this talk at the National Football Museum to hear Sky Sports broadcaster Caroline Barker chat to top sportswriters Suzy Wrack and Carrie Dunn and Lioness legend Kerry Davis. They'll be discussing the Lioness's achievements and their potential legacy. 7pm-9pm. £8/£6.
Seed Talks: The Science of DMT and Ayahuasca | Friends Meeting House, Mount Street | 11 November
One for the seekers and psychonauts amongst us, this talk from Dr David Luke will take a deep dive into the shamanic, scientific and therapeutic uses of the naturally-occurring psychedelic substance DMT. If you're interested in transcending the boundaries of space and time and communing with the spirits of nature (and who isn't?) it'll be right up your street. 7pm-9.15pm. From £11.50.
Psychi Climbing Festival | Rockover Climbing, Cheviot Street | 12 November
Manchester climbing brand Psychi has put together this fab day of climbing-related activities including technical workshops, friendly competitions, coaching from Team GB athletes, signings from top climbers, physio appointments and film screenings. 10am-6pm. £15.
BodyStrong UK Weighted Calisthenics Competition | 0161 Community Gym, Stockport Road | 12 November
If you're never happier than when dangling from a calisthenics rig with a bloody big weight tied to your waist, we have just the event for you. It's the Northern England regional heat of the first-ever BodyStrong UK One Rep Max calisthenics competition. Cali athletes can enter to demonstrate their strength in four exercises: the muscle up, the pull up, the dip, and the back squat. May the strongest Manc win. 10am-3pm. £40.
The Manchester 24-Hour Run Against Homelessness | 53Two, Watson Street | 16-17 November
First things first: you don't have to run for the full 24 hours. This fundraiser for the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity is done in waves with runners and walkers joining for as many 5km laps as they like. It's organised by the University of Manchester's social run club Run Wild MCR and anyone can take part. Lots of Manchester running clubs have signed up to do their share of the laps including Ancoats Run Club, Belle Vue Racers, Keep On Keeping On, Manchester Road Runners and Chorlton Runners.
Laps start and end at theatre/bar 53Two in the city centre and you can just turn up on the day (or night) if you like. All money raised goes to the A Bed Every Night scheme. 12pm-12pm. All donations welcome.
Candlelit Yin Yoga | Whitworth Locke, Princess Street | 17 November
We love the sound of this cosy Thursday night out organised by cafe and florist Bread Flower and Thorlby Yoga. It's an hour-long relaxing yoga session followed by warming drinks and baked festive goods. They'll bring the blankets, you bring your fluffiest socks. 6.30pm-8.30pm. Also on 3 November and 15 December. £20.
Pretend film screening and Andy's Man Club talk| Arbeta, Newton Heath | 18 November
One for the guys, this is the premier of the pilot episode of a new mini-series, Pretend, about men's mental health. Head along to watch the interactive screening, meet the filmmakers Freshrb, and get involved in a discussion led by suicide prevention charity Andy's Man Club. It's near the Central Park Metrolink stop and they'll be serving popcorn and drinks. 6pm-8pm. Free, you just need to register.
Peak Raid3 Mini Mountain Marathon | Errwood Sailing Club, Goyt Valley | 20 November
Trail running meets orienteering in this three-hour stomp around the Peak District. The aim is to visit as many checkpoints as you can to collect points within the three-hour time limit. Whoever bags the most wins. It's part of a four-race series (the first two have already happened) but you can still get involved. You'll need navigation skills, a decent level of fitness and the right kit. Do it solo or as a pair. 12pm. £20.
Main image: European Breaking Championships 2022 - Dany Dann
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