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: 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: 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: 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

UNDERCOVER: A visit to Marylebone did not disappoint!

Indaba yoga, 18 Hayes Place, Marylebone, London, UK, NW1 6U

Your first class is free & walk in classes range from £12 to £15 depending on how long they are. I did a free class, and I booked over the phone, just to be sure. 

The name if this place, 'Indaba', means ‘gathering’ apparently. What it actually should translate to is 'yoga centre with a million and one different types of classes, and lovely studios'. They boast on their website about having 'devoted and attentive teachers', and if my instructor Nikos was anything to go by, that's true. He had a gentle sense of humour and I felt like he was constantly adapting the class to the needs of the group. 

I've been to loads of yoga classes and this was one of the best. It wasn't horrendously, exhaustingly challenging...but I felt like I'd done a good workout afterwards. I also felt like the instructor allowed people to try new moves and push themselves, but with his support.  For example, he was very helpful to a girl who wanted to do a headstand, but had never tried properly before. With his assistance, she did a lovely pose! This was an Ashtanga class, so lots of focusing on your breath and working up a good sweat. The room was also heated but only to a warmth that was cosy, rather than Bikram sweaty! 

You can do all sorts of different classes here though, and they do hot yoga if that's your thing. And thankfully, unlike many London yoga studios, they have lovely changing rooms so you can be as sweaty as you like and still emerge from the building looking lovely. Proper lockers, free herbal tea, a comfy waiting area and nice showers go a long way, especially if you've made the 'trek' to Marylebone! 

The studios were warm, light and welcoming. It was a 90 minute class, but after I'd shaken off the initial stress I'd walked in with, the time went past pretty fast. The instructions given in the class were clear, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, despite a clear difference in ability among the group. 

I'd happily make the journey there again if I needed to unwind.

Best bit - the teacher

Worst bit - they charge for towels. You know how I hate that. 

Good for - Relaxation and testing your capabilities 

The score - 9/10

UNDERCOVER: A workout thatʼs like cycling in a nightclub?! Boom! Cycle

Saturday 19th May 2012 at 2pm - FREE for members of Boutique Sport website at BOOM! Cycle Studio, Shoreditch. 

Check out Boutique Sport and Boom Cycle for more details. I found out about the event by subscribing the Boutique Sport mailing list & responded as quickly as possible to secure a spot! (But as an undercover agent, I gave a fake name and wore a disguise!). Apparently, they were inundated with responses so had to put on two events in the same day!

If you havenʼt been to a spin class, you havenʼt lived. Itʼs one of my favorite ways of working out, and as someone who has struggled with creaky knees over the years, I know that cycling is a sure-fire way to build up the muscles that support your knee joint. Boutique Sport, the sports events company run lots of free events in London and they teamed up with Boom!Cycle in Shoreditch to run special Saturday classes recently, and you got a goodie bag with lots of lovely makeup, magazine, shower stuff & some Vita Coco as a reward too! 

As with all good spin classes, the music was pumping, the room was dark like a nightclub, and you hop on, pedal away furiously and burn a gazillion calories. The difference with BOOM! Cycle is that you donʼt waste your time working only your lower body; you also use weights to exercise your upper body whilst pedaling on the static bike. You kill two birds with one stone, hurrah! The class could have been tougher, but thereʼs also no reason why I couldn't have cranked the resistance up on my bike, or used heavier weights, if I wanted to make it more challenging. 

 

The instructor was really enthusiastic and encouraging, and looked the part. I actually overheard a girl say afterwards, that the instructorʼs perfect biceps kept her going when the class was tough! Iʼd say thatʼs a good point. I know some people find the constant pedaling tedious, but I love it. And, the addition of the arm and core exercises mean that itʼs not monotonous as all. The studio was perfect for spin - dark! The event was really well organised too.

You want a nice warm shower after a sweaty workout like that, but the changing rooms were packed (and the showers were almost communal) so I decided to get freshened up at home instead. 

Best bit - getting more out of a spin class than usual (and the freebies).
Worst bit - not being able to get into the changing rooms/shower so leaving very sweaty
Good for - exercising with a nightclub vibe. 
Score - 8/10

UNDERCOVER: Bootcamp Pilates. Ouch!

Bootcamp Pilates! There are four studios - I went to the Hoxton one at 152-160 City Road, London, EC1V

The website says 'forget any other form of so-called full body work-out'. I'm pretty sure I'd be out of a job as booty blogger if that turns out to be true, so I thought it was a good idea to check.

(Not me...just a great pic!)

For those of you who have never done a reformer class, the workout beds are based on Joseph Pilatesʼ principles of 100 years ago. He was held in a camp during World War 1, and helped his bed-bound inmates to use their beds to exercise while they were lying down, by using bedsprings, cables, and pulleys. It makes it sound like a form of torture, I know, but bear with me.

I've done reformer classes before, and they are telling the truth when they add the word 'bootcamp' to the title here. It hurts, and it's hardcore. But in a good way! You basically lie on a bed made of comfy leather padding, wood and metal, and do a variety of exercises using your body as the weight, and springs and pulleys for resistance. Many of the exercises are simple planks, push-ups etc, but there were some hilarous bunny hops too, and a standing slide on the bed that vaguely resembles surfing.

The instructor was really attentive and sweet. She made sure we knew everyone was comfortable, and knew what we were doing. She also made a massive effort to make my friend and I feel at home, as we were newcomers to the class. But, she was an iron fist in a velvet glove - every pose was held for longer than other classes Iʼve done, and every move had more reps than Iʼm used to! Feel the burn!!!! As Iʼm a little competitive, I refuse to stop early, although our teacher did remind the class that we could rest whenever we wanted to.

The studios are really lovely, and just a quick hop from Old Street roundabout (grab a coffee at Shoreditch Grind on your way - yummy). The studio is light and airy with high ceilings, and loads of room. The changing rooms are small, but clean and tidy, and they provide complimentary towels. Can I just pause for a little rant here. I love a free towel. I actually get really excited when gyms give you a towel to use, free of charge; less washing for me, no damp heavy towel to drag around all day. So simple, but so satisfying. Happy days (rant over)!

Apparently Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Aniston and Elizabeth Hurley all like Pilates reformer classes. Iʼm not sure I look more like any of them after one class, but I certainly felt the effects of my workout on my core muscles the next day. Sitting up in bed the next morning was rather painful, but I do like to feel the burn, and had pushed myself quite hard in the class.

Best bit - It felt like a proper workout that would strengthen and stabilise my muscles.

Worst bit - It wasnʼt all that much fun.


Good for - Getting stronger and leaner


Score - 7/10

UNDERCOVER: Flow Yoga, Pineapple Studios

Hello fitness freaks.

The classes here are excellent, and although they can be quite demanding and high-impact, they are always fun. 

You can walk in at any time in the day and there will be something going on, and they have a HUGE range of classes.  I rocked up on a Monday night, on a whim, and I decided to go for a more relaxed class.  Dynamic flow yoga is actually more tiring than your usual class; theres not much time to stop and rest like there sometimes is! You move from pose to pose in a flowing manner and the focus is on holding the poses with strength, breathing well and being strong (basically, it does what it says on the tin).

The teacher was really supportive, and made everyone feel like it was a one-to-one class. She offered options for the less yoga-tastic in the group and pushed the regulars to take each pose further.  It was one of the best yoga classes I have done. Having said all of that, its slightly off-putting to be able to hear the pumping music leaking in from next door while you’re in ‘relaxation’ at the end of the class!

All in all, a great class.  Challenging without being horrendous, nice friendly group (good job really, as we were all jammed in pretty close) and fab teacher.

Best bit – felt challenged but also relaxed

Worst bit – the studio is more set-up for pumping dance classes than relaxing yoga

Good for – improving your yoga

Score – 8/10

What: Dynamic Flow Yoga

When: Monday 6pm

Where: PINEAPPLE DANCE STUDIOS, 7 Langley Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9JA

How much: £7.00 (plus small fee for walk-in customers)

UNDERCOVER: Weekend wake up call! Britannia leisure club

Christmas was wonderful…but fattening, and let’s not even think about the impact all the booze had on my liver. To make matters worse, I broke out of my usual exercise routine. And by that I mean, I just stopped doing any exercise at all, and invested my energy in to eating chocolate instead.

But 2012 is here, and I’ve resolved to be fitter and more fabulous by February. I started with a gentle (and by gentle, I mean pathetic) 3k run on the 3rd. But then it was time for my first class of 2012.

I went to Britannia Leisure Centre, in Hackney, just off New North Rd, and did a circuits class. And it hurt. In a good way! It’s a council gym, so it’s not as flash as the big chains, but the facilities are good, and it seemed clean and well-equipped. The class uses a step board and a weight bar, and is pretty fast moving. The routine centred around doing reps of moves involving your whole body…and lots of hopping about, and jigging up and down. It felt like a good strengthening workout as well as a cardio blast.

Half the class does one set of moves, while the other does something different, and then you switch. Not the best class if you’re not terribly well co-ordinated, although it was a nice group so I cant imagine you’d be sniggered at for getting it wrong. Finished off with some abs work, and I learnt a few new exercises that I could do at home.

CLASS : Saturday Morning Circuits

LOCATION : Britannia Leisure Centre

TIME: 10am