Studios aren’t just about getting fit anymore, they’re about creating a community. What else explains why everyone was flocking to Digme’s Christmas Special spin class? Surely most sane people will be making the most of the free food and drink at their work Christmas party? Nope. Ciara reports on why the Digme Christmas session was the place to be…
With a week to go before Christmas Day, where else would you want to be than a Christmas themed spin class at Digme Fitness?
Digme have 5 studios: Moorgate, Blackfriars, Rathbone Square, Richmond and Oxford. They offer 3 disciplines of spinning: Ride, Perform and Beat and their signature Matrix classes which focus on a discipline of run, condition and move.
Every month Digme host their ‘Beats n Cleats’ spin special which is a themed ride. On Tuesday 18 December I headed along to the Moorgate studio for the festive special, it was easy to find, about a 5 minute walk from the station, just tucked behind at Moor Place.
The studio was decked out with state of the art equipment, friendly staff, lovely Cowshed toiletries, fluffy towels, power showers and the essential cosmetics so it was perfect coming straight from work. Since it was Christmas, a big tree adorned reception & stockings were hanging all over.
I checked in at reception by giving my name, the front of house staff confirmed my bike number and asked if I’d like a smoothie made for after class. Since I was heading home for dinner I didn’t take the offer but there was lots of choice and I think it would be really handy I’d done a morning session and was going to the office.
At the start of the class, staff were on hand to help set up the bike, and my shoes & towel were already there for me. Jamie was the instructor for this class and I’d heard he was renowned for his good music! At the start of the class, he welcomed all new riders and everyone gave a cheer of encouragement. Jamie explained the basic moves, the lights went down, the strobes came on and we were straight into the warm up!
The focus of this class was the music, the aim was to ride to the beat and have a good time. We started with an energetic warm up to some big Christmas classics which included press ups, arm pumps & easy to follow sequences. Jamie had lots of encouragement and reminders that this was our time after the day to let go and take time for ourselves.
The 45 minute session included a mix of high intensity sprinting and lower intensity, higher resistance tracks. There was a good mix of both and it felt as though the playlist had been designed to make sure everyone could keep up and take a break on the less intense routines which followed the high intensity. At the beginning of each track Jamie told us which level to aim for and how to go for a challenge. I really liked this because I could set my own level and didn’t feel like I had to do what the rider next to me had chosen.
There was plenty of alternative moves on the bike with advanced options for the experienced riders and the less complicated options for those who might be new to spinning.
Jamie was at the front of the class on a platform so everyone see him, and he came off the bike to give lots of encouragement in the form of whoops, dancing and count downs!
The big finale was a high energy mash up of Christmas hits, dance moves & lots of cheering. We finished the class with a full stretch and high five from Jamie on the way out.
As it was the ‘Beats n Cleats’ special we were treated to refreshments of prosecco and party food after class. There was a really inclusive atmosphere, with riders chatting to one another and arranging New Year meet ups!
On this class I convinced my friend to come along with me. She has only been to a spin class a handful of times and had lots of worries; ‘Will everyone be really good?’, ‘Do I have to use the clippy shoes? ‘Will I be able to do it?’
We both came out feeling invigorated, with the music and party atmosphere it didn’t feel like a workout at all and there was so much encouragement it didn’t matter whether you did this every day or never before, everyone was welcome.
‘Digme’ means achievement and Digme beach is the start line for the World Iron Man Championship which the CEO has completed twice. Digme say their aim is ‘to help set your sights high, achieve more than you ever expected and leave feeling exhilarated’ and I can vouch that is how I was made to feel and I will be back for more!
More Information
Want to be part of the Digme community? It’s all about mutual support, friendship and having fun – if that sounds like something you want to be part of, book in for your first class now!
How much: Intro offer packages start from £24.99 for 3 credits
Where: Take a look at the five Digme studios in London
When: Times and days vary dependant on studio but generally run from early in the morning to evenings.
Website: www.digmefitness.com
Hello! I am Ciara, a Mancunian living in London who loves all things food, fitness & wellbeing. After doing a placement at a London hotel in my third year of University when I graduated there was only one place I was headed and that was back to the capital. I didn’t know too many people here so took up running, something I had told myself I couldn’t do and threw myself into all kinds of classes to meet new friends & discover the city’s health and wellbeing offering. 5 years’ on I’ve met some lovely people and enjoy an active & balanced lifestyle. I love to cook, explore new places in the UK and beyond, visit my family & spend time with friends. Day to day I work in Human Resources and maintaining a healthy lifestyle gives me energy and keeps me happy after long days in front of a screen! I share all the things I love here @ciaras_wellness come and say Hi!
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