CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT: Adidas Response 3-Stripes

Adidas Response 3-Stripes Long Sleeve Tee and Long Tights put to the test indoors and outdoors.

CLIMALITE® fabric is designed to sweep sweat away from your skin. It uses a moisture-wicking fabric that leaves skin dry and comfortable. The running tights keep you sweat-free, carry your music, and are easy to take on and off even when you're all sweaty and hot.. in theory. The top is slim fit so supposed to flatter and the tights are fitted for the same reason. Looking through my workout wardrobe I tend to wear t-shirts and tank tops with 3/4 length trousers or shorts so I am not too sure how well this outfit will go down...

So I have the navy tights and bright neon yellow tee to test. I felt a bit silly in the top until I put both items on. I was so comfortable and warm that I didn't really care about the colours! Plus I need to stop wearing black and dark colours when I run early in the morning as it's usually still dark when. Both items were so soft and felt so light that when I set off on my 7am run I felt pretty good. The trousers are so elasticated that you have a lot of freedom, it's just like another layer of skin! As soon as I was outside I was pretty skeptical as there was frost on the cars but both the top and the trousers kept me warm and dry. I did my usual route but managed to run longer as normally I get cold and hot and can't stop thinking about a hot shower. I think it must be the warmth and the freedom of movement that the clothes gave me because I ran an extra mile than usual and still made it to work on time.

A week later I tried the outfit at the gym. On the treadmill both items worked well and they kept me at quite a nice temperature. I was slightly warmer than but in a good way as the air con was blasting so I was able to go a lot harder than usual. I then tried them out whilst doing weights and kettlebell swings and got a bit carried away and went pretty hard core again. Stretching out at the end was great because of the warmth and the fact that I was sweat-free so I stayed and stretched. Normally I go home and stretch there but I was so comfortable I couldn't resist!

Best bit - it's so warm and keeps you dry.
Worst bit - nothing!
Good for - comfort, movement, warmth when training 
Score - 9/10

If you want me or any of the Fitness Freak team to take on a challenge from your brand or class - email me at BootyBlogger@fitness-freak.com Iʼm happy to be your guinea pig!

UNDERCOVER: FITTER LONDON

You know when you book into a Saturday morning class and as soon as your alarm goes off on Saturday you regret it? Well that didn't happen to me. I'd e-mailed Matt at Fitter London at the beginning of the week and he told me to just turn up to class and that there was no need to book. I had heard from the Fitness Freak team that I was in for an intense class. I still wasn't dreading it. I woke up before my alarm so ate my breakfast then strolled to the tube. I was pretty excited, despite being slightly fueled by last nights' cocktails.

I found the Fitness First where the classes are held. It wasn't until I queued up outside the studio where the previous Fitter London class was happening (10.30am circuits) that the fear began. The room was full of sweaty people working ridiculously hard. They were smiling and having fun but I instantly wanted to kick myself for the extra couple of cocktails last night, no matter how fun they were! On Saturday mornings Fitter London's classes happen at Fitness First. Very easy to find and the gym has  nicest front of house staff I've met in a long time. Very friendly and really helpful. The first class is free and you don't have to book. But don't let that put you off or worry you because the studio is a good size and there is plenty of equipment for both the 10.30 and 11.30 class so you will get in. 




                    

The instructor, Matt, was really thorough and helped the newbies with technique but also made sure to push the regulars. I was told the format of the class changes on a weekly basis but that they work on lots of glute activation and abs/lower back. Which is perfect for me as I know my glutes can get lazy. The class also seems to target that under bum bit that appears when you've treated yourself to too many cakes... In the class itself we used giant kettlebells. Not the pretty, colourful ones I was used to. The weights are the same but they look like Russian weightlifting kettlebells. So I felt pretty awesome swinging them around. We partnered up and took turns to perform reps of different exercises. Whilst your partner is doing one exercise, you do another. The sections were between 5-8 minutes long so having a partner really helped you push yourself, as you knew you had to switch with them soon. 

The class is different to any other kettlebell class I have taken before. I have never been in a class where so much attention is paid to the muscles that people don't know how to active. At the end of the class lay on mats and used the kettlebells to work on our arms, abs and backs and I could really feel everything engage properly. As a result I was able to challenge myself and use a heavier weight (when Matt passed it to me I thought he was mad, but I survived!). I absolutely loved the class. It was hard core and really works on endurance as well as strength. On Sunday morning when I woke up even my forearms ached, so you know it was a good class. I really want to try the circuit class next and think I may become a regular.

Best bit... The intensity of the workout

Worst bit...Not being able to book

Good for..abs, arms, glutes, thighs

UNDERCOVER: POWERTONE STUDIO

When I think of power plates I think of burning and sweating to hard core music. Quite often being shouted at (in an encouraging way) to keep going and trying really hard to enjoy the burn comes to mind too. Powertone studio is far from that image. Don't get me wrong, I did feel the burn, it was just in a far calmer environment!

The studio is a quick walk from Moorgate station in a block full of physio and sports related offices. The studio itself is a tranquil place on the top floor so you get a good warm up just making your way there! It has 4 machines so the classes are nice and small and I could tell that everyone in my class and the classes before and after were regulars because they had a really laid back feel.  

The class itself was quite intense but set to quiet music so you could actually hear the instructor and concentrate on what he was telling us to focus on as well as the burn. Weirdly enough it was quite relaxing too although I was burning and sweating it really helped me unwind after work. It was unlike any power plate class I've done before because although a lot of the exercises were the same as other class I've previously taken and just as intense something about the atmosphere made the burn much easier to handle so minute exercises were flying by. 

All the instructors are personal trainers and so are great at giving specific exercises to different clients in class to target specific areas/help you reach your goals. I happen to take a class taught by one of the owners so I can confidently say it is a fun and friendly studio that cares about its clients, you don't feel like another faceless customer. There are studios all round London and the first class is free so if you want to check out the studio and see what I mean by a relaxed, intense power plate class then you have no excuses (apart from the City studio being shut at weekends.)

Best bit... the atmosphere

Worst bit... walking up all of the stairs

Good for... glutes, abs, arms, thighs

UNDERCOVER: PEDAL STUDIO

The Fitness Freak team know about all new studio openings in London. They’re just on the ball like that which works well for me as I’m the one that gets to check them all out. I was fortunate to be sent along to the brand new spinning studio in Wimbledon on a Friday morning for a very special class with Jennifer Sage, a world renowned Spinning instructor who had come over from Colorado especially for the studio launch day. Yes it was an early morning but with a rep like she has I just had to drag my butt out of bed to be put through my paces. The class was very different to any ‘spin’ class I have done before. It is taught in a very specific way which credited to the ‘spinning’ format or teaching. No press ups or bouncing around on the bike, just cycling and working with the resistance dial. So I got a pretty full on intense leg burn throughout and I loved it!

Pedal Studio in Wimbledon is the second studio opening under the Pedal studio umbrella. A brilliant concept… spinning bikes in a room that you can book and ride 1 hour slots from 6am to 9pm every day. My favourite part about this whole concept is that you have the option to use a heart rate monitor and watch your heart rate on the screen throughout the class. You can also track your performance against other class participants, and I’m going to be honest this is where my competitive streak comes out. It’s great motivation. The studio is on the third floor of a fitness filled building in residential Wimbledon. When I say fitness-filled, I mean that there is also bikram yoga and reformer Pilates in the same room. What a great combo…

After this particular class, there was a lovely breakfast put on in the bikram yoga social area. It was a great chance to network, learn more about the class offerings and how the studio idea came about! I nearly forgot to mention that we left with a goodie bag! So all in all I had a fab, guilt-free start to the morning!


Best bit… Jennifer Sage, I now love her!
Worst bit… nothing!
Good for… fat burning and working yourself hard.

UNDERCOVER: TOTAL BOXER

Fit to fight bright and early on a Saturday morning? I booked myself in after I'd bought my blender and decided to get my butt kicked into shape as I had definitely been slacking. When my alarm went off I definitely regretted my decision! However once I'd dragged myself out of bed, had my morning green tea and saw that the sun was shining I felt a hell of a lot better. Conveniently for me the gym is based a 10 minute leisurely paced walk from my house. 

It is a small studio right by Hornsey Post office that the owner used to rent out as a photography studio. The gym floor is equipped with punch bags, mirrors and a square taped in the middle. It's got a great boutique feel. I loved that there were boxing posters on the walls and a fight playing on mute to really get us in the mood. The class wasn't your average boxing fit class, I learnt technique and understood why I was punching in certain positions so by the end I didn't just feel like I'd worked hard and sweated, I had a feeling of accomplishment!

A pet peeve of mine is being in a class whether I'm a newbie or not and not being explained or shown the technique required. I like to know what I'm doing and why, especially if it's something like boxing. The instructor was very thorough but not in an annoying way. Whilst the regulars were doing the usual skipping rope warm up (hello Rocky) he was going through the basics with me. 'If I try and punch you in the head you have to duck' not that bluntly, in a funny way... You get the jist!

I know that Sandra Bullock and other stars kickbox and doing boxing workouts to stay in shape and I assure you, doing this class on a weekly basis will really help you get fit and tone up. We did sessions on the floor practising punches and the different techniques, punching the punch bags and hitting pads. I love it, especially when Rage Against the Machine, Foofighters and Queens of the Stone age, I felt pretty kick-ass! I am definitely going to add a bit of Rage to my gym workout soundtrack, they definitely got me pumped up. I didn't realise how much I would use my abs. The whole time boxers are doing fast footwork or punching they have to say centred so it was a pretty full on ab, leg and arm workout.

One of my favourite things about the gym is how personal it is. It's a small space and it just so happened that in my class there was only one other person so we got a very focused class which was great as I was a first timer. But all the classes are apparently like that. Often there are two instructors in a class to make sure everyone gets attention and pushed to work hard which I think is great. Glasses and water were put out too so that during the breaks between drills (I guess I'll call them) we could hydrate. Another great thing is that the owner has the cutest dog who just hangs around, stays out of your way but adds to the laid back, friendly atmosphere. 

Best bit...the studio and extra attention to detail for the clients
Worst bit...nothing 
Good for...feeling great, cardio and fun!

UNDERCOVER: KICKBOXX

From the moment I went on the website and saw the video I knew that I was going to worked hard whatever class I booked into! I chose the beginners class after a conversation with their receptionist as I don't have much kickboxing. I was a little bit worried that it wouldn't be intense but I was assured that it would still kill me but that it would contain less advanced combinations... they were right!
I got to the studio and was waved up by the instructor. I love the interior of the whole building (annoyingly I forgot to take a picture and can't find one online, sorry!). Aaand the toilets were lovely and clean! I feel very strongly about good shower and toilet facilities and Kickboxx definitely ticks the box.

The class was quite small but everyone there was very friendly and I could tell that they were regulars so it had a really relaxed feel. We started the class running laps of the studio and doing press ups at each end. After this we stretched. By this point I was ready to get punching things! The class was split into sections, these were then repeated but with different exercises.  We started with combinations on the floor followed by what I like to call 'attacking the punch bag' with variations of the combos we'd just learnt. To split up the sections were exercises done for one or two minutes these was ridiculously hard! I had just used up all of my energy punching and kicking and then I had to do press ups, hold the plank position and punch the bad with one hand arrgghh (in a good way!).

When it came to attacking the punch bag, I loved it! It's great because you can apply as much force as you like so it really is one of those you get out what you put in type of classes. The first time on the punch bag I was a bit ropey. My pulse was racing and I was getting to the panting stage but with Jay-Z blaring and the instructor's encouragement I somehow got through it. I'm not sure where the energy came from but I was literally working as hard as I could for the whole class. I was in total outdoor bootcamp mode and definitely felt at the end of the class that I had punch, kicked and sweated enough to have earnt myself a lot of cocktails that evening!

The class is a great combination of kickboxing and a bootcamp class AND it's fun! I've already recommended the class to my house mates and friends and I suggest that everyone in and near the Crouch end area tries it. Your first class is free so you really have no excuse. The class will push you to your limits in that way cross country running used to at school, although somehow it is enjoyable!

Best bit... attacking the punch bag!

Worst bit... the gloves, if you don't have your own you can borrow but as with everywhere they are a bit smelly.

Good for...Toning and stretch

UNDERCOVER: SPORT WITH STYLE TAKE 2

I was lucky enough to have gotten a place on the Boutique Sport Sport with Style event at Blue Cow Yoga. I have loved all the Boutique Sport Sport with Style events so far and we all know how I feel about cocktails, goodie bags and yoga so I was pretty much set. I'm not sure why but the day after the paralympics closing ceremony everyone seemed exhausted...that is everyone that wasn't lucky enough to get out of work and to the parade (boo). I was really hoping that we would be relaxing and slowly stretching in yoga because, if I'm really honest, the thought of the complimentary cocktail from Late Night London at Gable & Cellar Bar is what got me through the day!

The class was really invigorating! It was not a relaxing or calming class but, as it turns out, was perfect for me! I needed a class that made me sweat and work hard so by the end of it I really felt like I deserved my cocktail. By the fourth side plank I was feeling the burn and sweaty! The instructor that took class was Harry who was great. There were a mixture of beginners and yogis in the class but he was clear and calming (even when we were in horse rider's pose for what seemed like forever). I felt a lot of clicks through out the class which meant that by the end my body felt great and all the aches and pains I had from sitting in the office all day had gone. Apparently Harry only teaches in the mornings but his class was perfect for a Monday night as I was able to shake off whatever was making me tired and felt really invigorated and sweaty after the class!



After class the Boutique Sport ladies gave us all vita coco and goodie bags full of UNE All In One mascara, Alpro chocolate mouse, Yu! Jus Fruit Pieces and Kiwi Shoe Passion gel cushions. If you haven't tried any of the above do it! The Yu! Jus Fruit Pieces were delicious and are 1 of your 5 a day and are now a new (not-so-guilty pleasure of mine, than you Boutique Sport ladies. Aand if all of that wasn't enough there was a running guru at the studio giving advice. When I was showered and dress I walked to Gable & Cellar Bar, which is literally 10 seconds from Blue Cow, where I enjoyed my complimentary cosmo in the lounge room that had been booked out for us very grateful ladies! The convenient location of the bar to the studio was an added bonus that really topped off the event! The Boutique Sport team really know how to throw an event with the right balance of exercise, fun and free things! Thank you for another great event.Best Bit: The free event, location of the bar and the feeling after the class!Worst Bit: Wanted a longer class

Good for: Networking, Mondays and cosmos!

UNDERCOVER: TEMPO PILATES

Tempo Pilates is Pilates set to music. It's Covent Garden branch is in Gymbox and as I've said before Gymbox is like a night club and although TP is separate I was very excited about the whole Tempo Pilates experience!

In my mind I was expecting it to either be Pilates exercises and sequences choreographed to music, like a dance on a reformer bed (!), or Pilates exercises to booming music. It was a mixture of both. The songs are chosen to fit the exercises/pace and stage of the class. In the studio you don't hear the pumping music from Gymbox, just the great soundtrack. I love Pilates but I have to say some classes I come out feeling like I worked hard but not too intensely throughout. After this class I knew that I had worked every muscle in my body from the start. Within the first 15minutes I was shaking and I have to say it is a good job the music is there because it definitely helped me push through and enjoy it!

When I was booking the class online, before paying, I was taken to the deals page. I loved this as it meant that the class was only £10 as I was a first timer. Annoyingly I had to book a 45 minute class in order to fit it into my lunch break but I wanted more! The classes aren't divided into level but the teacher, Gina, adapted exercises for the beginners and more advanced people in the class. She also explained everything really clearly so the class still moved quickly. Lunch times tend to attract beginners apparently so if you're more advanced I'd head to a morning or evening class. However I felt the burn, got the shakes and definitely sweated so any class would work!

Best bit... feeling the burn to the music

Worst bit... wanted more! I should have booked an hour class

Good for...bums, thighs, arms, abs

UNDERCOVER: Gyrotonics at The Third Space

I booked an appointment with Loa at The Third Space gym in Soho. I feel I need to flag up that this gym is INCREDIBLE but your session with the gyrotonic crew, doesn't get you entry in to the actual gym.  The Pilates & Gyrotonic studio is separate. And you will want to get in to the Third Space gym when you see it - it's stunning.

This was one of the best workout sessions I've ever had. I arrived feeling tired, scrunchy, a little hungover and very much like I'd been spending too much time hunched over at my desk.  I left feeling tall, lithe, strong and clear-headed. This is not an exaggeration. I felt lighter in many ways, but unfortunately, my wallet was also considerably lighter too. These sessions cost a LOT of money.  In so many ways, it's 100% worth it, but a one to one session for non-members is £65.

When they say one to one, it is literally a hands on experience.  I suppose you'd pay nearly that for a massage or a physio session, or one to one yoga class, and I doubt all three of those combined would do you as much good as this.  Gyrotonics is like really extreme pilates reformer class.  It is based on swimming, dance, martial arts and yoga, but takes place on machines made of wood, springs and ropes.  My lovely instructor had me sat astride something that resembles a wooden horse, pushing two rotating wheels with my arms in opposing directions in a diving motion...then five minutes later I was hanging upside down on a monkey-bar contraption! It's really hard to explain the moves, but it's basically like stretching and hanging about on a wooden climbing frame….but it does you good, and you do it all under the guidance of an instructor! Have a quick look here if you want to see some photos of the equipment. 

This is fantastic if you've been injured and need rehabilitation, or have a large budget. It was incredibly relaxing, soothing and I felt no pain during the workout, although some of the planks were extremely challenging!  I know (by the pain in my stomach muscles the next day) that it's good for your core, but I also think it would be great as a rehabilitation after an accident, or for someone with extreme back pain. Quite a few of the other people having one to one sessions were in their 40s or older. My dad had a frozen shoulder a year ago, and still suffers pain from it. I'm sending him down there quick sharp as it would be AMAZING for him, and his budget would allow for it more than mine.

The staff here are all incredibly friendly, and I loved this session. If money were no object, I'd be down there once a week, but I think that the cost is a bit prohibitive for me. I'd definitely treat myself to a session after a stressful time at work, or if I got injured in any way doing sport.  They seem to understand a lot about how your body works and I felt very much like they tailored the stretches to what I needed and the kind of body I have. 

Best bit: the feeling afterwards and the staff

Worst bit: the cost

Good for: rehabilitation and strenghtening

9/10

PS... Look how amazing the pool is!! I had to show you.

UNDERCOVER: Home Run

Running... love it or hate it, it's good for you. Improving overall fitness and a huge driver in weight loss... for me anyway!

You can imagine my excitement when Fitness Freak told me about a new initiative in London, Home Run! Free guided running tours after work hours to encourage Londoners to get off public transport and run home instead. Something I tell myself I'll do every other day but something always comes up... working late or a cocktail invitation, or I have a huge gym bag with me! So here's the best bit... they CARRY YOUR BAGS. One problem solved. I'll have to work at ignoring the cocktail invitations!

Home Run now have over 50 routes running all over London ranging between 2 and 6 miles. I decided to embark on the London Liverpool Street to Stratford run. I registered on their website the day before and turned up at the meeting point beside the station to be greeted by a friendly team in bright orange t-shirts. They took my bags and put them in the cycle box (there is a lovely girl that cycles all our bags to the end destination), checked me in, gave me a bright orange t-shirt to wear and gave us a brief health and safety overview. The good thing is, the group seperates in the run... and guided help is with each group so it doesn't matter if you're used to running marathons or not, as long as you are reasonably fit, and enjoy running, it's great. 

My run was 4.6miles. It was great. Easy going & social. I got to meet some new people and learn a new route home (incase one day, I do want to do it myself)! My bags were there waiting for me just outside Stratford station.

So instead of taking myself home via the tube to grab my workout kit, I will be getting fit by running home. Genius idea. Simple & fun. I'm a happy BB!

9/10

Best For: Getting fit without going to a gym
Worst Bit: Being heckled out by East London kids... I'll get over it!
Good For: A social way of exercising

UNDERCOVER: Sport with Style!

Boutique Sport event in collaboration with Lulu Lemon and Barrecore in Chelsea!

When: Thursday July 5th 2012

Where: Chelsea, London

Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Three great brands together, one event. I’m in heaven. If you haven’t already, sign up to the Boutique Sport e-mail alerts….they run free (and fun) events across London every couple of months for women. 

Once you’re on the list, they send you emails about their events. You RSVP to an invite, and hey presto, you’ve got a free class and a goodie bag to boot! So, I replaced my usual Thursday evening cocktail hour with a yoga class in Lulu Lemon’s Chelsea showroom.  There was a choice between that, run club & a Barrecore class.  I like to run solo, and the Barreworks class filled up vey quickly, but I was more than happy with a yoga class instead. Especially because it was with one of Lulu Lemon's brand ambassador, Mercedes Ngoh.

The class was lovely and could be very challenging if you wanted it to be (you know my competitive streak comes out, even when I’m chanting ‘om’).  The class was exactly what I needed after a tough day at work. If I’m honest, it was a little more crowded than I had hoped, but I guess you have to put up with that when you attend a free event.

After the 45min class, the run club and Barrecore groups joined us in the showroom for nibbles, Vita Coco, mingling & shopping. Unfortunately, I was too busy chatting away with everyone (and it was a pretty packed) so I didn’t actually get around to doing any shopping,  but I’m sure I’ll be lured back again soon. It was lovely to meet other fitness enthusiasts, experts and ladies that love exercise.  I tend to feel much more enthusiastic about getting in to an exercise session when I have good company.

The best part was, we all left with a fab goodie bag (you know I love those) which included: mascara, sports sister magazine, some very tasty chocolate covered seeds, and the best part above all… a yoga passport. What the hell is that, I hear you asking? Well, Lulu Lemon have partnered with the best yoga studios across London and are encouraging people to ‘get into yoga’. So for two weeks, during the Olympics, I have 10 FREE class passes! Excited much?!

Best Bit: The free event and free goodie bag!

Worst Bit: A bit over-crowded

Good for: Networking - Meeting a fab group of like-minded women.

UNDERCOVER: Yoga in a loft = Yogaloft!

As soon as the team at Fitness Freak told me about this new studio opening, I knew I had to try it out...even if it meant hopping on the tube to North-West London (!)

Yogaloft is run and owned by Susannah. She is a trained instructor herself and always dreamed of one day owning a yoga studio, and thought it would take ages to make it all happen - but then she walked in to the space which is now Yogaloft, fell in love, and here we are. She says she immediately loved the open space and feel of the place, and I think she was right to take the plunge - it is very bright and airy with a lovely community feel and open, welcoming reception.

The class I did was Iyengar yoga - which is known for using props to make sure you can stretch deep into a pose. I guess the theory is that everyone can do the poses correctly, but some of us need lots of support from blocks and ropes to get it right! The class I did was taught by the lovely Claudia and before you can say ‘om’ I was bending over chairs backwards, stretching into muscles I didn’t know I had, and doing head stands! It was a very personal class and Claudia was an excellent teacher. I learnt so much about the strengths and weaknesses of my body which I have never been told before. I like it when instructors walk around and offer personal tips and help to everyone. I almost felt like it was a 1-on-1 session, but in a group environment. Perfect.

I know I say that I ache after most of the classes I do, but this took things to another level! I actually didn’t even attempt exercise the day after. But, we all need a day off every now and again! And I think sometimes with yoga, the pain just means you need to be doing more classes! It's a good job I write about fitness classes for a living then!


The studios here are stunning, and it’s friendly, welcoming, relaxing and everything you would look for in choosing a yoga class.

Best Bit... A personal yoga experience in a stunning location
Worst Bit... Not sure there is a point for here. I enjoyed every minute! Maybe the ‘ouch’ the next morning!
Good for... a chance for a bit more of a challenge for people who do a lot of yoga. 

UNDERCOVER: Kettlebells at Gymbox - youch!

6.45pm Gymbox Holborn, 100 High Holborn, WC1V 6RD
Gymbox can be difficult to get in to classes as a non-member, but that's because it's so brilliant. Classes are free to Gymbox members - just book in to ensure you get a place - and about £8 for non-members.

Going to Gymbox is more like hitting a nightclub than having a workout. The music is pumping, the lights are flashing, the place has an industrial look (metal tubes and pipes on show) and the people look waaaay too cool to be exercising.  It's a frenzy of funky hairdos, the latest fluro kit and trendy high-top trainers...but the classes are also great, and a break from the norm. Whatever the latest exercise trend is, you're likely to find a class at Gymbox. Kettlebells are basically dumbbells but with proper handles so you can have a bigger range of movement.  The Gymbox website promises that this is the "Russian Military way to improve your core strength and muscular endurance", and if that isn't enough to convince you that this is hardcore, they go on to say that "this class will work every major muscle, build power and shred body fat". Shred body fat!? Bring it on!

 The main aim of the class is to swing these weights about like a lunatic (and not let go) whilst keeping a good strong stance. By swinging the weights, you're using your core muscles as well as your arm muscles as you lift, and your leg muscles as you balance and squat. Essentially, you feel like you’re working every muscle in your body, all at once.  The group was quite small (about 6 of us), but I assume that's because you're flinging weights about and you need a bit of space to do that! The instructor of the class was really attentive to everyone, and made sure he kept his beady eye on us at all times. That was necessary, as I kept waiting for him to NOT look, so I could wimp out and have a break when my arms started to ache! He made sure we were lifting correctly, so we didn't hurt our backs, and pushed us on when we looked like we might flake out. It was a very mixed ability group - a few newbies and a few regulars - but the moves seem to work for everyone - you just lift heavier weights if you're more experienced. 

 

We didn’t do too many reps of anything, so it wasn't boring, and the class was only half an hour anyway.  It was mainly standing moves but there was also floorwork to crunch those sides and abs, and slim the muffin top. I'm not going to be running back to the class, as it wasn't as much fun as something like Zumba.  But I did really feel it the next morning, which is not something you can often say after a 30 minute workout. I also think that classes like this are really useful, as now when I pop to the gym for a solo workout and a run on the treadmill, I have a few new kettlebell moves to go through that really work.


Some recent advertising from Gymbox that I love...

(can't wait to try the Yummy Bummy class)


Best bit: Learning some new moves.
Worst bit: The fear that the bloke in front of me might let go of his weight at the wrong time!
Good for: A quick yet effective workout.
Score: 7/10