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: 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.