Healthy Being

[healthy-being-blog]

Working the smile muscle

Walking out of my first Friskis experience I am not sure what is hurting more, my aching body or my cheeks. This is the first fitness class I’ve done that has provided a full-body workout that even included my Zygomaticus (smiling) muscle!

Friskis & Svettis is a not for profit Swedish gym class that has been around for 30 years. The instructors and board members help run the group in their spare time and do it for the love of it - and it shows.

There are about 50 people in the class and we start by forming a circle around the instructor, Martina. Her energy and beaming smile makes you instantly relaxed and open to the class. 

We begin jumping around and mimicking Martina’s easy to follow moves. You can’t help but laugh thinking that 5 minutes ago everyone in the room was so serious walking in from work and now we are jumping around with our arms in the air.

The class lasts 50 minutes, incorporating all the elements you want in a work out: strength, flexibility and stamina.  The moves flow with the eclectic mix of music catering to everyone’s taste and ensuring you can have a sing along between panting breaths. When the session is over the cool down is excellent with a lot of stretching and a calming relaxation at the end.

This workout really is amazing burning 600 calories in 50 minutes. I would recommend everyone do this class. Trust me you will be hooked.

Classes are £5 per class or £40 for 10.

Friskis & Svettis hold classes at three convenient locations around London. I went to the West End class at the Central YMCA. Their other classes are in Marylebone (Swedish Church) and Islington (Movingartsbase).

Address: Central YMCA, 112 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NQ

Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road Underground

Website:  www.friskissvettis.co.uk

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[healthy-being-blog]

Engage your core in Angel

HQ Pilates is a bright, clean, modern studio situated in a convenient location directly across the road from Angel tube station. After hearing good reports I decided to take my boyfriend along to a beginner reformer class to test them out. He was slightly daunted seeing reformer machines for the first time - mistaking them for torture racks - but luckily he was not deterred.

Reformer machines are designed to give the user maximum support during their routine. They are made of a steel and wood and are fitted with ropes, straps and hand grips, which are fully adjustable. There are springs at the base of the reformer to create different levels of resistance and once you understand the concept they are easy to use.

As it was a beginner class the instructor, Amy, explained how the machine worked and answered any questions. She was warm and welcoming - even though it was a Saturday morning - and she constantly checked on everyone’s spine alignment and made sure we were all ok. The class ran for an hour at a gentle pace and was easy to follow. By the end we felt great and ready to take on the world.

There are endless benefits to reformer pilates, including improved flexibility and core strength. It is easy to become addicted, especially seeing the results to your body. Even my boyfriend wants to go back for more!

The classes can be a little pricey at £25 for a single class, however this is a standard price for London and it is completely worth it! The more classes you purchase the better deal you get.

HQ is open seven days a week but you must book to reserve a spot in a class.

Address: Pilates HQ 4th floor 17 Islington High Street London N1 9LQ

Tel: [phone]

Website: www.pilateshq.co.uk

Nearest tube: Angel

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[healthy-being-blog]

Water Workout in East London

Kayaking is a great workout challenge and a fun way to soak up the rare London sun. I recently found the perfect place to pick up a paddle - right in the heart of East London. The Castle Canoe Club is a canoe/kayak club based at the West Reservoir Centre, a tranquil body of water just off Green Lanes, Stoke Newington. Your first session at the club is free (so there is no excuse not to try it) and they have a huge range of equipment available for use.

The atmosphere is very laid back and the instructors are encouraging, making you feel comfortable as you prepare for splash down. After a quick briefing you are free to get on the water. Do a few laps of the reservoir, or if you’re feeling a little more confident, practice flipping the kayak in an Eskimo roll with an instructor. You will be surprised at how quickly your arms start to ache, but there is something reviving about slicing through the water. To reward your hard work you can relax and grab a coffee at the café next door after, while watching the pros battle it out in a game of canoe polo. The club is open on Sunday mornings from 10.00am to 1.00pm and Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 8pm in Spring, summer and Autumn. There is no need to book, just turn up! If you enjoy yourself you can sign up for a membership on the spot. Address: The West Reservoir Centre, Green Lanes, London, N4 2HA Website: www.castlecanoeclub.co.uk Nearest Tube: Manor house

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