My Favourite Virtual Gym Classes
Virtual workouts
We may never need a gym again…
Everyone who knows me, knows I love working out. Not only to keep physically fit but also to stay mentally healthy – it really sets me up properly for the day. Pre 'quarantine' when life was normal, my daily routine would always consist of getting up early and heading straight to the gym.
It's now deep into week 3 of isolation, and I have got to say on week two I was starting to feel a little demotivated in my workout routine. I had days where I would consider going on a run, and I would just procrastinate for an hour. Sometimes when you are your own motivator, it's hard to just get on with it and do it. So I wanted to share some of the fantastic classes I have come across in the last week that have helped me get my mojo back.
I am someone who loves a gym class, I would tend to do about 3-4 gym classes a week as I find they really help me stay motivated – HOWEVER group fitness classes are one of the many luxuries we no longer have. Here is where virtual training comes in.
Some of the free 'Live' classes hosted by trainers and boutique studios on Instagram are great and give you that little 30min pump to get your body moving, but I have to admit I don't love them. The connection isn't always great, the trainer can’t check your form, and it's really easy to stop mid-set as no one is there pushing you.
ENTER ZOOM! I've done a few workouts using zoom, and honestly, it makes you work so much harder as it emulates being in a real class. You can see everyone else working out, and it pushes you like you would be pushed in your regular classes. All industries have taken a huge hit during this time, and this is one way we can support people who might be out of work, who have found a solution to the current climate and adapted respectively. Zoom classes have honestly helped me get my gym mojo back, and now that the weather has brightened up – it's so nice to take you laptop outside and train there, be it a park, rooftop, balcony or garden.
Want to sweat?
Group Classes - HEARTCORE S&C HIT
If you want a serious cardio hit and to get that heart rate reaching plus 190 BMP then you must try Beni's class at Heartcore. He hosts HIIT session on a Monday at 8.30am, and Thursday 10.30am. A serious love-hate relationship will be instantly be formed, and you will definitely get your motivation back. A full-body workout using just body weighted exercises, mainly cardio-focused but with strength work too.
PERSONAL TRAINING - One on One
Lots of gyms are also offering their trainers to do personal one on one sessions which I have also found have helped me so much. I've done a few sessions with Courtney from BXR, and he made me SWEAT just as much as I would in his versa classes! If you can’t get hold of a one to one session, they are offering great group classes shown in the link below.
Want a burn?
VARIIS IGTV Yoga Classes
I have found myself practising a lot more yoga, and I have really seen the benefits, not only in my flexibility but my strength and also my clarity of mind. I've been sleeping better and also started to meditate – I am still in the early stages, but I am already noticing an improvement in my mood and productivity levels. These aren't zoom classes, but Variis by Equinox has some great classes saved to their IGTV. The full-body with a core focus 30-minute yoga is a pure ab burnout and will have you aching the next day. Not only will it make you sweat, but it also just allows your body to take time to stretch.
Paola's Body Barre
PBB is one of my favourite classes in London – amazing for sculpting and toning. She's offering zoom classes, you can find her virtual schedule on her Instagram, and you can simply book in through the app MindBody.
OneTrack - Virtual Running
I love running, but sometimes I just don’t have the motivation to get out there and do it. Anthony Fletcher, known to many as Fletch, if offering a virtual run club. He usually hosts a run club on Monday evenings at the Duke of York square in Chelsea which has around 60 people of all abilities - some marathon runners, some Iron Men and people who just love to run. So, like many, Fletch has taken this concept to the virtual world so we can still enjoy a run club, but keeping our social distance - in this case miles and miles from each other.