Where the PTs Train: London Insiders’ GuideBy George Pearse
London’s fitness scene is absolutely booming right now; all over town, boutique studios are popping up, offering a huge range of classes with high quality showering products as standard. But where do the trainers go to get their dose of the wellness action? George Pearse of personal training service Fresh Fit London shares where he goes to get his endorphin fix in the capital:
1. For the Spiritual One: Triyoga Shoreditch
The Run-Down: A huge part of my offering as a trainer stems from a regular yoga practice. There’s a massive offering around town, but this is one of the very best studios for overall quality. Not only do they boast a huge variety of different yoga styles, they also offer level 2/3 classes, which is a great way to elevate your practise, ensuring that you keep developing courtesy of incredible trainers that boast world class expertise. I highly recommended the Marcus Veda vinyasa flow class: the attendee standard on display (wall to wall yoga teachers!) is not for the faint hearted, but honestly, yoga buzzes don’t come much better than this in London.
Where: Unit 2, 10 Cygnet Street, London E1 6GW
Photo Credit: Triyoga
The Run-Down: Just the word crossfit is enough to put some people off; too alpha, too brutal, or too heavy you’ll often hear. But scratch beneath the service of that label, and what crossfit – as an umbrella term – tends to offer is dedicated trainers, who simply love what they do. Nowhere is this more true than at the crossfit box, Momentum, based in Haggerston. They offer a huge range of classes but my preference is their metcon class, which fuses body weight training with compound weighted movements – and some old school blood sweat and tears! It’s rough and raw in terms of facilities, but I never leave without a smile on my face. Expect creative, varied workouts as standard. If you make the Sunday morning 9am with Kat, you’re guaranteed a good week.
Where: Arch 328 Stean St, London, E8 4ED
Photo Credit: Momentum Crossfit
3. For Something Different: Fly LDN
The Run-Down: Eschewing the trend for HIIT classes is ‘hot new thing’ on the scene, Fly LDN. Primarily a yoga studio – their animated screen has to be seen to be believed – they also offer a brilliant low impact class, which was crafted by PTs and physiotherapists to really put wellness warriors to the test. Designed to be friendly on joints, and complimentary for any yoga practise, it certainly doesn’t make it ineffective in terms of the workouts themselves. The 45 minute classes are divided into challenging AMRAP blocks, building strength and endurance. They also develop skills by assessing your squat form or teaching you headstand in classes with a maximum of 5 people. The shower gel in the changing room is also a major draw!
Where: Fibi House, 24 Creechurch Ln, London EC3A 5EH
4. For a Smart Workout: Orangetheory Fitness
The Run-Down: Dark basements, loud music, treadmills, free weights flying about the place: we’ve all had these workouts. They’re super effective in working up a sweat, but it’s never exactly form guaranteed or much by way of individual attention. One of the best gyms in London – Orangetheory smartly manage to navigate this domain with the use of wearable technology. You’ll pound a treadmill, you’ll row your way into oblivion, but you’ll also be able to gauge just how hard you’re working whilst you do so. And this obviously has benefits when it comes to managing progress or athletic development. With studios in west and north London, and with new sites lined up, you’re never far from a power hour of heart rate monitor based fun.
Where: Locations here
Photo Credit: Orangetheory fitness
5. For the Hidden Gem: Fieldworks
The Run-Down: The real allure of fitness extends far beyond the body beautiful. At its best, it is all about community; like minded people who seek regular training to keep their bodies moving and their minds equally as active. One of the best gyms in London, Fieldworks is the embodiment of this. Established a couple of years ago by an ex marine, their trainers take classes each day in disciplines ranging from strength and conditioning, to kettlebell specialisms and strength for runners classes. They boast an animal flow specialist amongst their ranks too, so there’s truly something for everyone on the menu. If you find yourself at a loose end, come and train with me on a Friday night: 30 minutes of strength and conditioning, followed by 30 minutes of stretching. The perfect tonic to a week at your desk.
Where: Arch 8, 274 Richmond Rd, London E8 3QW
Photo Credit: Fieldworks