London Gyms

Core Collective Cycle- Join Me In The Saddle

| tigeresskirby

Spin classes- the general consensus is that you either love them or you hate them. A little like marmite, right? I’ll keep this short but sweet. I used to really dislike spin. Like, really dislike spin. That was until I was offered a place at Core Collective to train up as one of their Cycle instructors. I didn’t of course mention that I wasn’t a spin fan, but instead decided to take on the challenge and train up to be part of the team. It seemed like a great place to work, I wanted to start teaching some kind of fitness class and it would fit perfectly alongside my modelling and blogging. So, I hit the bike behind the scenes and after many one-to-one sessions and a nerve-wracking audition, I was finally ready for my debut.

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Tribeca Studios

| tigeresskirby

Yesterday I headed to Tribeca Studios– a brand new gym in Ealing, London- to see what they had to offer. Literally just around the corner from Ealing Broadway station, it’s not hard to find, which is always a good start…

Although the gym looks tiny from the outside, it’s surprisingly big once you get in and has a huge personality to match! As soon as you walk through the door, you catch a glimpse of the spin class- that’s if you don’t hear it first. Upbeat music, a hardcore instructor and a whole lot of energy vibrates from the spin room, leaving you eager to see more.

Heading downstairs to the main area, I was greeted by a friendly member of staff who gave me a tour of the gym. Changing rooms, showers, a smoothie bar and the Downtown studio on the lower floor then up to Uptown Ride and another exercise room.

I was impressed with how much thought has gone into the gym to make you feel welcome and a part of the Tribeca family. I was also surprised at how technologically advanced the gym is, with features that I hadn’t seen elsewhere. For one, everybody is given their own chipped wrist band that’s attached to their account. This is used not only to scan you into your chosen class on the screens outside of each studio, but doubles up a key for your locker by scanning it on the locker door. Fancy! You can also request a smoothie before your class and it will be waiting for you after. There’s no need to carry cash (or your card) as it’s charged straight to your account, with an email receipt as confirmation.

Even the smoothies have a likeable personality; tasting great, with a personalised message and witty packaging.


As for the class, I went to BODYATTACK; a  high-energy body-weight class, performed to the beat of the music. From start to finish we didn’t stop moving, yet by the end I actually felt more energised than before! There was a lot of jumping, squatting, high knees, bouncing and pulsing, all in time to the music. I don’t have a dance background (nor can I say that I have too much rhythm) yet I was able to keep to the beat without stopping, so don’t be put off if you’re not a natural mover. A definite feel-good class. Afterwards, you’re treated to luxury showers with hair dryers and straighteners. So you can leave looking as good as you feel.

Everybody was extremely friendly, staff and customers included, and the whole gym just has a really great feel. It’s £15 per class or you can buy packages to receive discount, for example 5 classes for £10 each. I’ll be trying more classes at Tribeca, so keep posted for more recommendations and reviews right here. If you want to see for yourself, click here. 

1Rebel Rumble

| tigeresskirby

Yesterday I headed to 1Rebel, the boutique gym that over the past two years has taken London by quite a storm. Now with two sites, both within walking distance of Liverpool Street station, they offer three intense classes led by the city’s top instructors; Rumble, Reshape and Ride.

Reshape, a high intensity class focusing on specific muscles (dependent upon which session you book), combines free and body weight exercises with treadmill sprints to really test your limits. Ride on the other hand, does exactly what it says in the name. Or as 1Rebel say, “We don’t spin. We Ride.” It’s a challenging class led on bikes, incorporating hand weights to give a full body workout. I’d been to Reshape and Ride before, but Rumble I was yet to try so thought I’d give it a go.

Held in a dark circular room filled with punch bags hanging from the ceiling, I knew on arrival that this was going to be intense. Those who didn’t have gloves or wraps (including myself) could pick them up from reception for a small fee, but you’re more than welcome to take your own. Each with our own bag, we started off by running through some technique pointers able to practice along with the instructions. Then the real workout began. We jabbed, hit and hooked our way to the end, alternating between boxing and body weight circuits.

Although physically and mentally demanding, I have to say that the class was actually extremely fun. It gives you a chance to fully let go and even though you’re surrounded by a room full of people, when it comes down to it, it really is just you and the bag. I’d describe this as the perfect class for anybody who wants to de-stress, improve fitness and actually get the most out of their workout.

Click here to see more from 1Rebel or book your own session.

P.S. No need to take shampoo, conditioner, body wash, your hair dryer or straighteners, moisturiser, hair spray or even your nail file! It’s all provided along with heated seats and roomy lockers in the changing rooms! Oh and an iron…

 

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Source: dezeen.com

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1Rebel Gym: London’s New Fitness Destination

| tigeresskirby

With Nike’s NTC Week touching down in London there’s been a lot going on in the city’s fitness scene this week, but something that’s definitely caught our attention is the launch of the new 1Rebel gym- a no-contract boutique gym experience. I just had to see what all the fuss was about.

1Rebel is new fitness destination with ‘pay-as-you-go’ high intensity classes. Aiming to ‘revolutionise London’s fitness industry’, this boutique gym differs from other gyms in the city. Located centrally opposite The Gherkin, this is one gym that you definitely need to experience. Consisting of two contemporary fitness studios- one for spin, one for shape- luxe chill areas and top-class spa-like changing rooms, the gym even has a sports fashion retail zone and a cold-pressed juice bar, courtesy of Roots & Bulbs.

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This isn’t a gym, it’s an experience. There’s no standard workout area, just classes. You can choose between Rebel Ride, a high-intensity group spin session and Rebel Reshape, a hardcore conditioning class that targets certain muscle groups. Both classes are carried out to a backdrop of bespoke playlists curated by internationally acclaimed DJs.

I tried the spin class at London’s NTC Week at the top of the Gherkin, which was literally breathtaking but yesterday I participated in the Lower Body Rebel Reshape at the gym itself and got more than I’d bargained for. This class was intense. In fact, that’s an understatement. A full 45 minutes of non-stop training. Switching from treadmill to bench every 4 minutes there’s no time for slacking. The trainers are amazing, screaming words of encouragement down their microphones. My favourite of the day, which definitely got me squatting harder was ‘think of those cocktails tonight!’ Oh boy.

A great class to go alone or with a group, just select your station online at your desired time. I went along with my good friend Lois and it was great. We had stations next to one another and were able to push each other to train harder, but not to fear if you want to go alone. Everyone is there to push their limits, so you’ll have enough encouragement from others in the class and the group leaders. This is an amazing gym for both men and women and you’ll get a great work out no matter what your fitness ability.

After working up a sweat (plenty of sweat), you’ll need to recover in the amazingly modern changing rooms. You’re offered cool towels from a Smegg fridge, top-class grooming and skincare products and GHD styling equipment. There’s even nail files, hair grips, combs, toothbrushes and heat protection spray for the women. Men you’ll have to go and see for yourselves, as unfortunately I wasn’t allowed in the male changing rooms, but I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!  Exposed piping, Hollywood style bulb-lined mirrors and heated seats to ease post-workout aches, this is a trendy urban fitness destination. If you’re serious about getting fit, you know where to head.

Sign up now at 1Rebel online. xx

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