Our Top 5 Classes
Our Fitness Manager, Laszlo Szabo has put together his favourite five studio classes from our brand new schedule, here are his favourites…
1. CrossCore Rotational Bodyweight Training:
CrossCore is a highly versatile suspension body weight training system. Similar to TRX but with the addition of a pulley, providing greater versatility and insuring that you work both sides of your body without compensating with your stronger side. I love teaching this class as you get a total body workout. Especially your upper body, core and balance will be tested. There are several options to make the exercises easier or harder to suit your level. If you are after a leaner, stronger body this is a fantastic class for you, previous experience is not required but you might need some time to learn the technique first before you are ready to progress to the more testing exercises. It’s a must try!
2. TABATA:
Tabata training is one of the most popular forms of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). The difference between HIIT and Tabata is that rest and work periods in Tabata are shorter compared to HIIT, and Tabata pushes the limit on the percentage of your maximum heart rate. It consists of eight rounds of ultra-high-intensity exercises in a specific 20-seconds-on, 10-seconds-off interval. You can alternate upper and lower body exercises or you can do a block of upper body followed by a block of lower body for increased intensity. TABATA sessions typically last 30 minutes, shorter than the normal 45 minutes but believe me it’s plenty… It’s a very popular class amongst participants who love a challenge and like to push themselves to their limit. It’s great for rapidly improving cardiovascular fitness and stamina and muscle endurance. I love TABATA because it challenges me and it gives me such a buzz, it feels great when I get to the end of the class! Mission accomplished!
3. Barre Fitness:
Barre Fitness blends elements from different exercise styles including ballet, Pilates, and yoga. That said, barre workouts (in most cases) aren’t designed to deliver a cardiovascular fitness component. They’re also not designed to drastically improve muscular strength. So, if your goal is to experience significant changes in body composition, barre classes may not be the fastest way to achieve results. Barre work includes both slow and fast exercises, which both serve to strengthen muscles. Slow exercises are typically performed first, to stretch and warm up muscles, and to focus on proper body form, whereas fast exercises condition your muscles. Stretching is a vital part of Barre exercises because it reduces injury. A flexible body in Barre makes it easier to build strength too. See below list of benefits that Barre Fitness could help you achieve:
• It improves your posture
• It helps your muscles work effectively and correctly
• It increases your flexibility
• It targets every muscle group
• It’s low-impact
• It has low injury risk
4. Pilates on the Ball:
This class primarily uses a large Swiss ball, an inflatable ball that measures anywhere from 55 to 75 centimeters in diameter. We use several of the normal Pilates mat exercises and transfer it to the ball for increased workload and more challenge for core and balance. It is also effective to help to treat and rehabilitate low back pain. The exercise ball can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
• Finding neutral spine position
• Learning proper posture
• Increased lumbar (low back) mobility
• Increased abdominal and back muscle strength
• Increased balance and stability
• Development of overall control and strength of the core body muscles
When I started teaching this class years ago it was not well known, therefore was not well attended. Now it is rare we don’t have a full class, most of our members who tried this class years ago are still attending as they love all the benefits, mainly pain free back and stronger core.
I personally love Pilates on the Ball as it gives you more exercise variety, increased level of muscle engagement and it is a fun workout to do. Most of our classes attract a wide range of age groups and abilities alike, yet everyone has a great workout as it is easy to adjust to increase or decrease the workload.
5. Restorative Yoga with Meditation:
This class is perfect for those in need of taking time out after a hectic day. Restorative Yoga practice is all about slowing down and opening your body through passive stretching to allow your muscles and mind to relax deeply. Each Yoga teacher has their own approach and technique to deliver a restorative session however most classes incorporate some gentle/slow flow Vinyasa exercises and plenty of stretches before you get to the meditative section where you get taken on a journey to create inner peace for body and mind. This is suitable for all ages and abilities, however if you have severe joint issues you might find it difficult to get down to the Yoga mat. I love the meditation part of this class as it helps me to clear my mind. It’s like a reset for my brain that helps me to tackle all the stress that comes my way.
By Laszlo Szabo, Fitness Manager
