A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to try out the new Best’s Cycle studio and loved it so I wanted to try out the Bootcamp class too. The studio, down next to Embankment station, is beautiful with very smart changing rooms including a cold air vent for after the sweaty classes and l’Occitane toiletries. I’m such a sucker for posh toiletries…
The Bootcamp studio is huge with three sections of treadmills and custom floor benches. In the middle of the studio are long shelves with lots of different weights of kettlebells, dumbbells and medicine balls so there’s always an option to suit everyone.
Now, I’ve got to be honest. I’m not a fan of this format of class. I hate running on treadmills and I dread each interval but to progress and get better you’ve got to put yourself out of your comfort zone. This was so far outside of my comfort zone.
The instructor showed me and a few other newbies around the studio and explained what was coming up and we got started. In the hour we did three 6 minute sections on the treadmills incorporating sprints on the flat, uphill and downhill. Yep, downhill. On a treadmill.
We also did three sections on the floor covering our whole bodies with exercises like weighted overhead lunges, step ups, Russian twists and burpees. By the time the class ended I was very sweaty, my muscles were sore and I was a bit shell-shocked
So here’s the good:
- The equipment is beautiful, clean and hi-tech (I mean, downhill treadmills?! Mind blown)
- The studio is lovely, especially the showers, and there’s a smoothie bar that makes delicious drinks
- The class will challenge you and targets the whole body so you can get a brilliant workout in 50 minutes
- My glutes, abs, shoulders and legs felt sore the day after which is a sure sign of an effective workout
And here’s the not so good:
- I personally don’t like being called out by my name over the mic if I’m running slower because even running on a treadmill for 6 minutes at a speed of 10 is an achievement for me at the moment
- I was having a few issues with my lower back during the class caused by a tweak in the gym the other day and despite having to stop and stretch it out I wasn’t given any modifications, I was just told I need to work on my core
Overall I would recommend the class if you like a challenge and you want an effective whole-body and cardio workout in under an hour. Just make sure you know what you’re letting yourself in for and tell the instructor before the class if you have any injuries, even if they don’t ask.