Short bursts of exercise at a high intensity (where you get red-faced and puffed out) preferably combined with short intervals of lower intensity cardio are better for burning fat, building lean muscle and boosting overall fitness than longer, easier workouts. There have many been so many scientific studies proving the point that Government has taken note and now recommends 150 minutes of exercise each week in sessions of 10 minutes or more (with 30 minutes, five times per week being the ideal) and with more emphasis on vigorous activity.
Tim Foster, Virgin Active’s head of fitness experience says, ‘Fast Classes are popular with members looking for an effective whole body workout in a short space of time, before picking the children up from school, meeting friends for a drink or rushing back to work from lunch.’
Here’s ELLE’s guide to the gyms offering Express Classes. Oh, and here’s a tip for free, schedule your classes into your diary at the start of each week, you’re less likely to drop out or double book yourself that way.
Virgin Active offers Fast Classes that last 15 or 20 minutes including Power Plates, Body Pump and Circuits. virginactive.co.uk
Nuffield Health has a selection of fast, high intensity Express Classes including Express Kettlebells, Express ViPR and Express TRX. nuffieldhealth.com
Fitness First offers the short classes lasting from 15 -30 minutes with Core Class (which focuses on the stubborn lower abdomen area) being the shortest and most intense. fitnessfirst.co.uk
Third Space has four express workouts all 30 minutes or less including Bars & Ropes (using old school climbing frames); Core Class, a 15-minute abdominal blitz; Cycling Express; and Hardcore, an extreme abs class using a Swiss ball. thethirdspace.com
David Lloyd offers Express Personal Training at 30 minutes a session. Great if you really want to push yourself, well you won't be able to hide at the back of a class... davidlloyd.co.uk
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