The Arena Workout

Last night I took part in my first exercise class at my gym Fitness4Less in Southwark.  I'm really enjoying this gym and can't believe it's such good value at £15 a month but it seems lots of other people feel the same as it's so incredibly busy.  I'm not sure if it's just this freezing weather (we've had snow in the UK over the weekend!) that is driving people to work out more indoors in the gym or if it's gaining in popularity day by day.  The gym is very busy and all classes must be booked in advanced online.  I've tried to get into the classes that start at 6.15 in the evenings and they are always already fully booked.  I then read about 'The Arena Workout' which starts at 7.15 on Monday evenings and was actually able to get booked in as  it's that little bit later in the evening.

The Arena Workout is described as...

"An interval based class using body weight exercises which was designed by athletes to improve performance. A fun class for all levels guaranteed to keep you on your toes!"

I felt quite nervous arriving at the class and waited while the instructor marked out a square pattern on the studio floor with small flat weights.  He explained where he wanted people to stand when he gave out different instructions and that one of the rules of the class is that you must be constantly moving - even if it's just jogging on the spot whilst he is explaining an exercise, the penalty for not doing this is push ups.  

The class was then divided into three groups and pairs within the groups.  Two by two you and your partner perform an exercise up and down the studio.  The type of exercises didn't require any equipment and were things like squats, jumping jacks, push ups.  It definitely raised my heart rate and was a clever way of having approximately 30 people doing intense exercise in a small space.

Overall it did motivate me to work hard for 45 mins and gave me some variation from the same gym equipment but I didn't feel as though enough attention/advice was given to say whether or not you performing an exercise correctly or even safely.  I think 'form' is very important to prevent injury and the instructor never stopped to correct anyone.


I'd really like to try and give either the circuit or pump and sculpt class at 6.15 on wednesday or thursday a go and so I'm going to try and book one of those for next week.  I think you must have to book for the next week as soon as the class is finished to stand a chance of getting in for the week after!