If you’re feeling under motivated in your exercise routine and in need of some variation, then download the Fitopia app. Allowing you access to a number of fitness studios around South West London, the app offers a variety of different types of classes including HITT, pilates, yoga, boxing and much more!
Fitopia app launched in June 2016 to make boutique fitness more accessible and affordable. The app allows users to join their favourite ‘home’ studio where they can access unlimited classes. In addition, they can also attend five external classes at other local studios per month (either at one studio or at five different studios). Currently the app is available across Fulham and South West London studios including Transition Zone, The Hot Spot Yoga, Bootcamp Pilates, Absolute Pilates, Slice Studios, Pedal Studio, Vida Pilates and Evolve 353.
Fitopia is easy to use and by logging in you can see a list of classes available across all studios on an individual day. I signed up for two months, using Slice Urban Fitness in Parsons Green as my home studio and I couldn’t believe what a variety of classes I had access to. I also found, that unlike some gyms the classes don’t get booked up instantly. I was able to book classes for the following day reducing the need for forward planning and allowing me to spontaneously exercise.
Here are a couple of my favourite classes that I discovered on the app:
Abs attack, Slice Urban Fitness
Kasha does a brilliant abs class on a Tuesday evening. The class is only half an hour so it’s nice and quick but very effective. She mixes the class up with fun exercises and partner work which keeps it interesting and distracts from the burning abs! This class makes you hurt for days.
Bikram yoga, Hot Spot Yoga
I’d never tried Bikram yoga before so I was really keen to give it a go. It was a 90 minute class in 40 degrees heat that takes you through a specific series of 26 yoga postures. There are three important things that I learnt which I feel are important to share:
1) 500ml of water is not enough for this class! I should have figured this out when I saw people with 1.5 litre bottles!
2) Wear as little clothing as possible. A sports bra and leggings is more than enough. It is very hot!
3) Don’t expect to be able to leave the studio straight away – you will need to have a shower because you will quite literally be soaked upon finishing!
I was instructed that as this was my first session, my main aim was to remain in the room. This felt like a challenge at times! However, I succeeded and as a result of the deep stretching I felt amazing afterwards. I went back to this class a number of times and I definitely felt the benefits of the increased stretch from the heat. They also offer a 60 minute class for those who prefer a shorter class.
Boxing HIT, Transition Zone
I was really pleased when I discovered this class. Currently suffering from a stubborn foot injury, I am unable to do too much cardio that involves a lot of impact through my feet. This class was perfect and certainly gave me a high intensity cardio fix! The class involves partner work with boxing pads, use of punching bags and a whole load of core. It’s fast paced, challenging and great for stress relief!
Standard Reformer Pilates, Bootcamp Pilates
Bootcamp Pilates takes Pilates to the next level through the use of reformer machines. These vastly increase the number of movements you can cover in a Pilates class and provide a highly effective, no impact stretching and toning workout. The changeable springs on the reformer also allow the difficulty of the move to be increased or decreased, catering for beginners and those who are more advanced.
I also attended a number of Pilates and yoga classes at Slice Urban Fitness, all of which were excellent. I was really impressed with this fitness studio as there are numerous classes to choose from, relatively small class sizes and the studio is smart, clean and very friendly.
I would highly recommend the app to anyone in South West London as it is so simple to use and opens up a huge number of classes that would not otherwise be accessible through one studio. It also allows you to easily view all of the classes in one place without having to log onto different studios websites, providing an easy user experience. I’m sold!
Who’s it for: Anyone who wants to spice up their fitness routine and wants access to a good variety of classes
How much: Pricing starts from £129 per month upwards (depending on what home studio you select) for unlimited classes at your home studio and five external classes at other studios
When/where is it: Currently available in a number of studios around Fulham, Parsons Green and Richmond (with plans to expand further across London)
How to sign up: Download the Fitopia App at the Apple Itunes store / Android playstore
More information: Take a look at the website
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