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: 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: Spread your legs in the City(!) - Blue Cow Yoga

Wednesday night approaches, mid week drinks are tempting to relieve the stress of the week so far....but this time I opt for a Blue Cow. Not a new cocktail though, Iʼm afraid...its better. Blue Cow Yoga is a yoga studio set in the heart of the city, yet when you walk in, you couldnʼt feel further away.

The reception is open-plan with a minimalist feel. Remove your shoes on arrival and place them in their shoe- rack wall before registering. The registration was quick and the staff were extremely friendly. Each class is £14 which sounds a bit steep but you do get provided with towels (you know how I love a free towel), good changing room facilities, and an endless supply of fruit/herbal teas. The studios themselves are spacious and all equipment from yoga mats to blocks are provided.

Sitting in my best guru position, we wait for the teacher to arrive - and she was brilliant fun from the start. She was so calm and yogi like that her vibe just rubbed off on you. The group was a mix of men and women but I didnʼt feel at all intimated or self-conscious, especially as the teacher was brilliant at putting everyone at ease. I think the class would suit all levels; she was very good at showing the basics and also adapting them for the more advanced in the group.

I would have to say my highlight was lying on my back, legs spread as wide as they would go, staring up at Gresham Street while busy professionals rushed around oblivious to my legs akimbo pose just below them. This teacher called that particular move...the dead fly! Ha ha.

I really did enjoy the class, the atmosphere and studio was great and the people who work there are very warm and friendly. Would definitely recommend this to the city folk among you if you want to find some much needed calm and relaxation, but want to do it in style!

Best bit - the calm oasis in the city 
Worst bit - getting on the tube after enjoying the calm!!
Good for - relaxation
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