Set to the rhythm of ’90s drum ’n’ bass in ancient woodland surrounding Highgate, London Jungle Running is the brainchild of North London folk singer, nature lover and personal trainer, Stacey Cohen. It’s a bizarre combination, but it works.

Like a Silent Disco mixed with an outdoor HiiT class, Stacey plugs you in to her sound system and you’re immediately transported back to some dodgy nightclub in Farringdon. Only this time there’s no need to break out ‘big fish, little fish, cardboard box’; Stacey has cardiovascular alternatives.
It doesn’t take long before you forget Highgate Woods is mostly populated by bewildered dog walkers and families, and though you may break out your Running Man, the name Jungle Running is a bit of a misnomer. It’s more a mix of sit-ups, squats, sun salutations, local history and nature lessons.

Super fun session today in #highgatewoods #silentdiscofitness #airbnbexperience #london #londonjunglerunners #subahh #happyvibes

A post shared by London Jungle Runners (@londonjunglerunners) on Oct 24, 2017 at 5:32am PDT

The idea came to Stacey at the tail end of a music festival when she realised she wanted to stay healthy and keep dancing outdoors with like-minded people. It’s not just a chance to get fit and move like an idiot to old-school rave, you also get to look at the woods from new angles.

Groups meet several times a week and classes are £12 a pop. Wear appropriate gear for a fitness class, but don’t slip on your newest threads, things can get muddy in a hurry.

I can’t say I rushed home to dig out my Roni Size CDs, but I was happy enjoying flashbacks to the days when music this fast was a staple soundtrack to everyday living.

Head to Highgate Woods to give it a try or visit londonjunglerunners.com for more information.