By Madeline Nave
It’s painful to think about working out early in the morning and later in the evening after work; dreadful even. Getting to the gym is the hardest part, but once you’re there you don’t regret it. Working out with groups and happy instructors can make a world of a difference.
All across London are great groups ready to include you in their community of fitness freaks. The atmosphere of fitness boutiques is modern and inviting. I encourage you to check out these fitness boutiques because I totally am while I’m here!
Sweaty Betty
Buying a membership to a gym can be a hassle because of the paperwork and over priced classes. But at Sweaty Betty, all in-store classes are free. And if you can’t make it to the one of the 19 London locations for a class? Check out an online video to get your sweat on at home. Bookings for classes are available one week in advance and you can do it online.
There are 70 different classes per week from yoga and pilates, dance, spin to bootcamp and trainings for triathlon and marathon. Along with the plethora of classes to choose from, clothing for all types of fitness is available; tanks, vests, leggings, sliders, as well as headbands and water bottles.
Psycle London
Cycling has become a huge community for men and women alike. At Psycle London you ride for 45 minutes to upbeat music specifically chosen for each level of cycling. Cycling shoes are highly encouraged and if you’re thinking you can’t go because you don’t have shoes, they have them available free of charge so you can’t get out of working out that easily! They sanitize them after every use so don’t be grossed out.
The classes are full body workouts with enthusiastic instructors happy to ensure everyone is absolutely prepared. There are chilled water lines outside the studios to fill up your sports bottles which you’ll definitely need during a session. Towels are always waiting on bikes ready to be used and the changing rooms have fluffy towels at your disposal after a shower.
Two locations are available for your bike ride: Mortimer Street and Canary Wharf. The Canary Wharf location opened this May with two studios, spacious changing rooms and yummy pre and post workout smoothies, shakes, juices and meals. Find Psycle on Twitter: @psyclelondon.
Barry’s Bootcamp
Barry’s Bootcamp is definitely one of the most intense fitness boutique. The workout focuses on a weekly routine: Monday is arms and abs, Tuesday is butt and legs, Wednesday is chest, back and abs and so on. Classes focus on “shocking” the body with HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training). The regimen combines intervals of cardio on Woodway treadmills and floor work including weight training and resistance exercises.
Absolutely no phones are allowed during hour long sessions in which you are pushed to your limit by high energy trainers. “Your 1st time is always special” but don’t expect to die. It’s possible to burn 700 to 1,000 calories in one session so be prepared to sweat. After your workout, reward yourself with a shower using MALIN+GOETZ products, Barry’s performance gear in the boutique or a yummy treat from the Fuel Bar.
Barry’s Bootcamp can be found in Central London and a new studio in London East is soon to open. Lastly, every class is a beginner’s class and expert’s class and everything in between; it all depends on how much effort you put into it.