TRIED & TESTED: One Element Bootcamps

I’m starting this review with an apology. Sorry Water Aid for totally crashing your fitness session. But I do thank you for how welcome you made me feel. Right by Vauxhaull City Farm with the occasional bleat or whinny of a horse, there was also the sound of traffic. And gasping. I’d joined a One Element fitness session and there was a lot of running. For those that don’t know me, running and I aren’t friends.

One Element promises fitness with new friends that will make you leaner and lighter. I’m not sure how light I felt at the end of all the shuttle runs but I get the jist. Taken by Paul, a sturdy guy who looks like an ex rugby player (I strongly suspect he may be one…), I got there as he was setting out some plastic markets on the grass and a ladder. I eyed them suspiciously. A few minutes later, 5 members of Water Aid turned up, ready to start their session. It sounds as though the guys at Water Aid have got a good thing going there – as well as these park sessions, they also go climbing nearby. I’m a strong believer in work places encouraging staff to get outside and get fit.

I can’t remember the exact sequence of events but the One Element session was certainly challenging. There were sprints, jogging, ladder runs (good for footwork and coordination of which I discovered I was sadly lacking and as a consequence slowed everyone up), more shuttle runs, core and stretching. The hour passed quickly and under the spring sunshine it was a real pleasure to be outside. Apparently it’s also pretty fun in winter as there are fewer people gawking although that’s when you need to be equipped with something more grippy than normal trainer as the ground can be rather mushy underfoot. Indeed, there’s no mats provided so you’ve got to be prepared to do sit ups on the grass. I don’t advise wearing your newest gym gear to these sessions.

What I liked most about these sessions is that they weren’t boring. For a start, exercises are one after the other and secondly, they’re varied. Plus, seeing people from the same work exercise together was a really nice sight. More companies should do the same! Not only does it strengthen working relationships as well as bodies but it decreases the likelihood of sick days.

The One Element Bootcamp is apparently different at every session. This one combined cardio and agility with some partnered resistance work. As far as a workout goes, this felt challenging but do-able and I enjoyed it. Even the running.

More Information about One Element

How much? Your first session is free and then it’s £35 a month for 1 session a week, or £45 a month for unlimited classes

Where to find it: There are 12 locations across London so you’ll have no problem finding a bootcamp near you.

Who should try it: Anyone who wants to enjoy getting fit outside and train with friends