If staying active was one of your goals for the new year, then luckily, Joe Wicks is coming over to our city to give us a helping hand with that, as he’s got a brand-new fitness experience called MOVE Manchester that’s taking over Aviva Studios, home of Factory International, this weekend.
Kicking off on Friday 26, and running until Sunday 28 January, this three-day immersive experience includes a range of sessions that are fit for all ages and abilities, coached by some of the best in the business.
You’ll first be able to get your weekend off to a flying start the MOVE Manchester community hub.
Here, you can get involved with a range of events and activities, completely free of charge – including ice baths with ice bath experts, Brass Monkey, cooking and wellness sessions, a giant hopscotch obstacle course, quick HIIT workout sessions, and a self-care lounge.
Not only that, but lululemon will also be hosting a pop-up shop and personalisation station, so you can get your fitness gear looking fresh for 2024.
Joe Wicks’ new fitness experience ‘MOVE Manchester’ is taking over Aviva Studios next week / Credit: Supplied
Saturday and Sunday kick off with a 40-minute high-energy workout, and afterwards, you can get to know The Body Coach himself with a Q&A. Then, once you’ve got your blood pumping, you’ll be able to slow things down with a restorative flow and stretch yoga class, accompanied by a wonderful violin and cello duo.
Fitness experts like Joe Wicks will always tell you that rest and recovery are equally as important as physical activity itself, which is why wellness-conscious Jasmine Hemsley will be on hand to help you utilise your senses in a calming session using crystal alchemy singing bowls that provide the ultimate lullaby to unwind.
Of course, Joe will be hosting a number of his famous ‘PE With Joe’ high-energy workouts for the whole family in the Warehouse, also followed by a Q&A, so little Mancs will want to make sure they have their questions ready.
Arguably the showstopper of the weekend will be ‘Joe’s HIIT Party’, which is a high-tempo blast that will leave you feeling fitter, stronger, and happier than when you walked through the door – but this isn’t your standard body pump-style class, as it features a live DJ that’s guaranteed to get you moving and singing along.
“My goal is to show people that fitness can be fun, and to inspire everyone to keep moving in 2024 to boost their physical and mental health,” Joe commented ahead of next week’s event.
“This event is going to be really special and like nothing I’ve ever done before”.
Tickets are still on sale and you can grab them from as little as £10 per class / Credit: Supplied
MOVE Manchester will take place in the Warehouse, an enormous 5,000-capacity space inside the state-of-the-art Aviva Studios, that feels almost like entering a colosseum. It’s taller than four double-decker buses, the length of a jumbo jet and set to be bouncing for MOVE Manchester when Joe Wicks is in the house.
If you’re looking for a full action-packed day though, then you can buy a day pass priced at £90, where you’ll be able to participate in two sessions, receive a signed copy of Joe’s latest book, ‘Feel Good in 15’, the opportunity to experience an ice bath with Brass Monkey, and get a one-year subscription to The Body Coach App.
MOVE Manchester is happening down at Aviva Studios this Friday 26 – Sunday 28 January, and you can find out more and grab tickets here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Nike and go-to online running shoe suppliers confirmed as new sponsors for Altrincham 10k
Danny Jones
The annual Altrincham 10k just got a whole lot bigger and better ahead of this year’s run, as the annual race has just notched Nike as one of their new lead sponsors – and that’s not all.
Alty’s annual race is also being backed by SportsShoes.com, a.k.a. the go-to trainers supplier for so many runners, who will be presenting the 2025 edition in partnership with RunThroughUK.
Now part of RunThrough North‘s regular programme, Altrincham 10k continues to grow in size with each passing year, as demonstrated by getting such prestigious sponsors on board.
Taking place this weekend, the 2025 Alty 10k could just be the biggest yet.
We are thrilled to announce that we are teaming up with @Nike & @sportsshoes_com to bring the town an unforgettable race day 🤝
📅 Sunday 7th September 🏃 3,500 runners 👟 Closed roads ⚡️ Electric atmosphere
Set to welcome approximately 3,500 runners to the Trafford market town’s central streets, the Altrincham 10k is one of the final large-scale running events on the local calendar.
Aligning both famous brands with the heart of Altrincham’s running community and, indeed, giving Greater Manchester’s wider sports culture, it’s yet more prestige for 0161.
The 2025 race will also see Nike showcase its latest road running line-up, including the newest max cushioning shoe: the ‘Vomero Plus’; the responsive ‘Pegasus’ everyday trainer, as well as supportive ‘Structure’ model, meaning runners will get a chance to sample their latest styles.
As well as support from SportsShoes.com and official Nike ambassadors, North West native and GB triathlete Katie Halligan, Hits Radio presenter and ultra runner Hattie Pearson, as well as local Manc artist Emma Evans will all be there too.
These equally inspiring women have also been chosen to help represent Nike and RunThrough’s shared mission of attracting more female runners, as shown with events such asthe recent 2025 Women’s Run Series back in April.
Co-Founder of RunThrough, Matt Wood, said of the new partnership: “Welcoming Nike as title sponsor of the Altrincham 10K, alongside our long-standing partner SportsShoes.com, is a huge milestone for the event.
“This partnership highlights the growth of our community and the strength of our brand. We can’t wait to support the thousands of runners taking part in the Nike Altrincham 10K, Presented by SportsShoes.com.”
As for SportShoes, brand manager Gavin Bannister added: “The energy around this year’s 10K will be electric, and we can’t wait to see everyone out there chasing their goals and celebrating the power of running.
“From our own athletes to first-time runners, this event is all about showing up, pushing limits, and being part of something truly special, and that is what Nike and Sportsshoes.com are all about.”
Entries are still open for any of those interested in a last-minute place in the race on Sunday, 7 September – you can sign up HERE.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink has been confirmed for a return to Cathedral Gardens once again this festive season.
Skate Manchester has always been a festive staple of our city centre, and there’s also a flurry of other frozen events and activities planned for 2025 too – including the return of the Scare Skate for Halloween.
Following success in previous years, Scare Skate returns this spooky season, and families, friends, and festive fun seekers visiting the rink this season can expect Halloween-themed music, lighting, and themed props to ignite the fright factor.
After Halloween, the magic continues as the rink transforms into a festive wonderland.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season / Credit: Supplied
Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
You’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
The rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions tailored to meet the needs of all visitors, which includes dedicated quiet and toddler sessions designed for a more relaxed environment, along with discounted tickets and weekly events for students.
New this year is the Skate on and Skate off ‘Pit Lane’ available during skating for those needing a break and a hot chocolate or mulled wine, plus a VIP ticket option allowing for a fast-track entry into the rink.
Super early bird tickets are now available to buy / Credit: Supplied
Skate Manchester is also one of the most sustainable events in the UK, thanks to being partially powered by the grid.
“We’re proud to bring one of the top five largest ice rinks in the UK to Manchester once more, as part of our mission to create magical and sustainable winter events that will set the standard for winter attractions globally,” commented Rob Derry, who is the Director at Tamarisk Events, the company that coordinates the event.
“By being partially powered by the grid, Skate Manchester is one of the more environmentally responsible attractions of its kind, allowing visitors to enjoy the magic of skating with a lighter footprint.”
Skate Manchester will be returning to the city on Saturday 25 October and running right up until Sunday 4 January 2026, with super early bird tickets now available to get your hands on, and discounted family tickets and student night tickets also available.
You can find more information and to book tickets here.
Harry Quick -
22nd January 2024 
