Running outside is a hell of a lot more interesting than pounding away on a treadmill.
Finding a good route can make your exercise a lot more pleasurable.
Here are seven of my 5k routes in and around Hinckley and Burbage, suitable whether you're a beginner looking for local 5k running routes or a seasoned veteran looking to mix it up.
Getting out to run and walk my local area has given me a greater appreciation of the history and the area that I live in.
Some of them include my cool-down walk to so they'll be slightly longer than 5k.
And, if you're not ready to run them yet, they're perfectly suitable for walking.
It's always a good idea to let someone know your route and your expected time back, especially when you're running it for the first time.
And, make sure you've dressed appropriately for the exercise you're undertaking and the conditions.
Enjoy...
Hinckley Leisure Centre to Holycroft 5k
Start at Hinckley Leisure Centre and run out to the Holycroft estate before looping back.
A fairly flat, well-lit route on pavements, suitable all year round.
Hinckley to Burbage 5k
Start at Hinckley leisure centre and head up to Burbage and back.
The route is uphill to Burbage, well-lit route on pavements and suitable all year round.
Hinckley out to the A5 via DPD 5k
Start at Hinckley leisure centre and follow the DPD footpath out to the A5.
Relatively flat until you get to Sketchley Grange.
Be mindful around DPD and the back of Sketchley Grange - it's fairly quiet and can be dark depending on the time of day and year you go.
The Aston Flamville 5k loop
One of my favourite routes, the Aston Flamville loop.
I start at the little Tesco on London road.
A mixture of pavements and road so I wouldn't advise going in the dark.
Watch out for the little kick uphill back into Burbage and make sure you sprint up and over the motorway bridges.
Hinckley Hollycroft Hilly 5k
This route starts at Hinckley leisure centre and has a couple of nice climbs around Holycroft park towards the end.
It's well-lit and suitable all year round.
Burbage Common 5k
Start at the Hinckley road and Sapcote road junction and head out to Burbage common.
It's a mixture of road and trail running.
Absolutely beautiful in the summer but I wouldn't wear your best white trainers in the winter.
Be mindful that when it's dark, it's pitch black in the woods.
Burbage up and back 5k
Start at the little Tesco on London road and it's straight uphill to Burbage and then back for a final climb up Queen's road to the finish.
A mixture of pavement and gitty's, fairly well-lit and suitable all year round.
Remember to consult your doctor before undertaking a new exercise programme.
Any questions just give me a shout.
Ben Yates is a personal trainer based at Places Gym Hinckley and Hinckley Leisure Centre in Leicestershire.
To book your free personal training consultation click here