The idea of doing an intense workout during my lunch break doesn't appeal for one big reason; I don't want to return to my desk hot and sweaty. Well, that's at least how I justify it, but with the launch of Harvey Nichols High Octane Ride (in store this month) there's no excuse.
The world’s first ‘nano gym’ concept allows you to get fit in under 10 minutes per week, in your high heels, all without breaking a sweat. In fact, one session is said to be the equivalent of a 45 minute jog with the pods tailor made to each rider for a completely bespoke workout.
I consider myself to be quite fit. I run three times a week, cycle at least once and put my hand up for pretty much any workout on offer, so meeting 'Carol' (the digital system that decides how hard you'll be pushed) didn't phase me. That was until she started growling at me as I rode as hard as I could for 20 seconds. Yes, just 20 seconds - twice. It was hard.
This type of exercise is designed to force your body to use its sugar stores in muscle (known as glycogen) to supply you with energy, alot faster than traditional exercise does. Typically, you burn 20 - 30% of your sugar stores in 20 seconds, which would normally take 30 minutes during a traditional workout. After a few sessions of High Octane Riding, your heart responds to the challenge created by the sprint by pumping out more oxygenated blood per beat. In short, you flush out the bad stuff and create more of the good.
I didn't break a sweat, but I did feel hot, like the type of hot you feel on a thirty degree day. I would also suggest avoiding a big lunch pre-workout, as is the case for any workout really. But, the fact I could wear my heels and return to my desk afterwards had me sold.
Try it for yourself in Harvey Nichols stores until the end of May.
