Working Out In London
Working Out In London
There is nothing I love more than getting a good sweat on. Not only are the benefits aesthetic but also mental.
For me, starting my day off with the gym sets me up and keeps me focus. I am not an evening gym-goer, in all honesty, if I have to miss a morning session, I REALLY struggle to find the motivation to go in the evening. That being said, find out what works for you. Some people don’t have energy in the morning and value that extra hour in bed. Whereas I would rather wake up at 6 am and get it in before I start my daily activities. Classes are a great way to get you motivated in the morning as also means that if your brain is perhaps half asleep sleep, you don’t need to think about what workout you are going to do. These are my favourite classes in London.
BXR
BXR is a boutique boxing gym situation in Marylebone, and they have just opened up a second location in canary wharf. The versa climb class is like cardio you have never experienced before. With burning up to 800kcal in 45mins this class is nothing but sweaty. The trainers are great and really push you, also with a little cheekiness to them to keep you smiling even though you might feel like it’s a version of torture. My personal favourite is Alex Nicols’ class, but if you don’t book within 10 mins of his weekly class schedule being released, then you will be pushed to get a spot. If you want a high power cardio class, burning the max amount of kcals and to get a serious sweat on – this class is a total must.
Barry’s Bootcamp
Now we all know about Barry sim sure. The perfect mix of treadmill based cardio and weighted exercises on the floor. Having sampled all the locations and most of the trainers to class I religiously return to is Thursday morning Ass & Abs with Tee. She really does get that bootay burning and ensure that those kcals are being burned! Although the SW1 location is the most luxurious out of the venues, I still have to say the Tee makes Bayswater worth the visit.
Reformer
Dialling the heart rate down a little but by no means the results. Reformer Pilates is one of my favourite things to do, the ache the next day is real, and you can feel it working and getting that bum more toned and those abs to pop. Reformer is heavily focused on alignment and accurate muscle engagement which you wouldn't ordinarily train in your day to day gym routines, which can lead to improved posture, better balance and more stability. I go to Heartcore which have many locations all over London which make it pretty accessible no matter where you work.
PBB
Another one of my favourite low-intensity class is Paula’s Bootay Bar. From having her own studio in Fulham in west London, she also started to take classes at KXU. If you want to feel the burn in your glutes for a couple of days after, then this is for you. Do NOT be fooled by the name; this is not just for girls. I took a few of my guys friends to this class last week, (and I feel the need to add they are cool DJ guy friends) and they loved it – so much so that they returned without me the following week.
Soul Cycle
So it finally came to London!! I’m not much of a spinner if I'm honest, out of all the cardio-based classes spinning would always be my last pick. However, then I went to soul cycle and tried Mantas class, and I have to say I got hooked. Not only is this class super tough and making you sweat, but what I love about soul is that its also a mental release too. Not only do I feel amazing due to the endorphins released from this high cardio class, but I also feel super inspired and motivated. Encouraged to step outside your comfort zone and push yourself physically, but also to let all your inhibitions go and don’t be afraid to let out a whoop and a cheer. Yep, I am that person at the front that’s bopping and whooping away!
