Zoom workout classes have been fun and all, but we’re dying for some contact time with our favourite fitness studios (socially-distanced of course)! Now, like everything else in the world, there are new measures in place to ensure we are all safe during our workouts. For example, group exercise must be done outside in small groups of five (6 if you count the instructor), which we’re not complaining about! We’re all for al fresco fitness, especially during the summer months….being at one with nature, lots of fresh air and (fingers crossed) you can top up your tan whilst getting your workout done, win-win! Smaller groups also present lots of benefits in our eyes as your instructor will be able to give each individual way more attention than in a packed out class, helping to perfect your technique and push you that little bit harder! We’ve compiled a few of our fave studios that are taking their workouts outdoors. Come rain or shine, these sessions will be taking place until it is safe enough for us to return back to our beloved studios.
FLEX in the Park
Taking place in the middle of Battersea Park, FLEX is back with their expert trainers offering some kickass classes to get you in shape! FLEXit is their high-intensity workout designed to work your whole body and test the limits of your heart rate. Peach For The Beach is a 55-minute class specifically designed to maximise activation and strength of the glutes, be prepared for a booty burnout! Power Flow is a strong vinyasa flow which incorporates lots of cardio. Expect to work hard during this rigorous practice with longer holds and the introduction of more advanced postures.
BXR Park Classes
Back with boxing-inspired classes and more, BXR is holding 60-minute classes at Paddington Park closeby to their Marylebone location. Their SweatBOX class involves shadow boxing and bodyweight exercises paired with slam bags, this will test your agility and cardiovascular system as well as tone all over. Perfect for those dying to lift some weights again, the Strength + Conditioning class uses kettlebells and dumbbells to target those big muscle groups, be prepared to be stiff the next day. Cardio Conditioning & Core will get your heart pumping and give you abs of steel, expect high energy!
The Fore
Set in the King’s Cross Coal Drop’s Yard, The Fore has one of our favourite outdoor locations! Run by one of their expert instructors, there are two types of classes on offer to suit different styles of training. Fore Restore is a 45-minute low impact class, combining mobility flows and conditioning movements with breathwork. Focusing on restoring postural alignment these classes aim to deepen core strength and improve balance. Leave feeling subtle, stretched and focused. Fore Strength is a 45-minute full-body HIIT based. This energising, high-intensity workout combines plyometric and cardio-based bodyweight exercises that will target every part of your body.
Paola’s Body Barre PBB In The Park
Bringing her signature barre classes to South West London parks, Paola’s Body Barre is running ‘PBB in the Park’ classes on Monday evenings. At the moment, classes are taking place in both Bishops Park in Fulham and Wandsworth Common. You will need to bring your own mat and glute resistance band for these classes. Run by either expert trainer, Danniella or Paola herself, you will be sure to feel the burn everywhere after this, nothing gets the muscles screaming like a barre workout!
Core Collective Outdoors
At parks across London, Core Collective will be setting up their outdoor classes to offer hardcore workouts that will make you sweat! Chose from Clapham Common or meet at their Kensington or St John’s Woods locations, where you will meet outside and then be taken to the outside workout spot. The two classes available to book are RUN/HIIT or BODYWEIGHT/HIIT. Switch up between running intervals and explosive bodyweight movements during the RUN/HIIT classes, designed to test fitness, you’re heart rate will be racing throughout! Incorporating the best of their signature circuit based classes, BODYWEIGHT/HIIT is an energetic, cardio-heavy workout that will work the whole body, make sure you bring a sweat towel for this one!
F45 Track
Experts in functional HIIT workouts, F45 have launched 45-minute Bootcamp-style track sessions across a number of their London locations including Tottenham Court Road, Camden, Stratford, Kingston and Brixton. Taking place in nearby parks to the studios, these sessions will be gruelling yet rewarding, in true F45 style. Expect high-intensity exercises and even higher energy as the F45 trainers are raring to have you guys back.
Frame Outdoor Classes
Back with their renowned feel-good, high energy classes, Frame is adapting to the times by introducing Social Fitness! Taking place at Coals Drop Yard in King’s Cross, classes include Rebounding, Barre, Dance Cardio, 80’s Aerobics, Ass and Abs, BoxFit and Strength. There really is something for everyone with this amazing line up of different classes and the location is beautiful….these do get booked up fast so be quick!
words by Isabelle Shury
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