Healthy Living London’s Hannah Cox, recently discovered POPfit; a boutique fitness studio by London Fields that specialises in dance classes. Stephanie Burrows, the co-founder, creates routines to music that gets you sweaty, smiling and, in my case, singing along! POPfit hosts a range of classes; Dance Cardio, Dance HIIT, Barre, POWER HIIT, POWER Form, Yoga Flow, Ass and Abs, Core Barre and POWER Yoga, as well as personal training.
When arriving at POPfit for the first time, I was welcomed by the smiley and friendly reception team, then headed downstairs for my first POPfit class. Outside the studios, there is a comfy sofa and table space, that makes the waiting area feel relaxed and welcoming. There are two large studios for classes and a smaller studio perfect as a PT space. I headed to the larger studio for a POPfit Signature class with Darren. Enthusiastic, energetic and someone who genuinely seems like a really nice guy, Darren led his class with confidence. The music was a mix of old classics and new favourites that have that sing-along feel! The routines were easy to follow, but challenging enough to keep you focused. I left feeling energised and most importantly, with a smile on my face. I even had enough energy to perform the mandatory ‘jump’ in front of the neon sign!
My second class was POPfit POWER HIIT with Caroline. This class includes weights and lots of toning and strength exercises. Set to great music, which thoughtfully distracts from the aches and pains, this class was challenging, but doable. Caroline led the class with an encouraging and friendly approach, whilst giving clear instructions and tutorials, despite a recent injury – that’s dedication!
“It’s fun, it’s movement, it’s good music. And I love that!” Kate Hudson
I have also attended two of the POPfit special events; POPfit Spice Girls Signature and POPfit GALentine’s Day class. Both classes were led by the stunning Stephanie Burrows, co-founder of POPfit and choreographer of the dance routines. Stephanie was a student at the Royal Ballet School, which is evident in her discipline and dedication to dance. When asking Stephanie about POPfit, she speaks with passion and enthusiasm for the studio that she has created and this shines through during her classes.
The Spice Girls class was packed with eager participants, following Stephanie’s routines set to… you guessed it… the Spice Girl’s music. So much fun, not a single frown in the house, even during the plank challenge at the end of class, which I failed quite early on! I am pleased I decided not to wear my Union Jack flag dress though, as no one else dressed up! Maybe this should be a prerequisite next time!
The GALentine’s class was a really lovely event too, which had people smiling from the outset as the reception was adorned with heart balloons. This signature class was so much fun as all the participants were friendly and chatty. Stephanie led this class with energy and positivity, which is definitely infectious. I left the studio feeling happy… even though I had just exercised!!! This may have also been aided by the delicious smoothie I had that the studio has recently started making for post-exercise.
POPfit’s signature dance class, is my favourite workout; a class that is fun, lively and stress-free. By this, I mean a class that is full of like-minded people that want to exercise and have fun, are a range of abilities and are not ‘judgy’. I have been to a variety of classes at POPfit now and every time the class has had a positive energy and upbeat vibe. The reason this is so important, is because I like to enjoy my workout… I want to ‘want’ to exercise and POPfit is one of the few studios that I look forward to going to class.
“POPfit is a lifetime passion for me… I noticed how so many women are scared to workout, often they feel intimidated and conscious of body image, and I want to change that. POPfit is for everyone, at every level of fitness. I’ve crafted the workout so it’s easy-to-follow, equipment-free and gets you sweating whilst connecting with your body. I love it, and I hope you do too!” Stephanie Burrows
For me, exercise doesn’t come naturally and it usually feels like a chore and I put it off. Plus, London is full of uptight, dare I say it… ‘wanky’ studios that are stuffy and not at all welcoming. For example, my worst kind of studio is one where you are greeted by an arrogant reception team, then everyone in the class is unfriendly and silent. You feel like others are experts and you shouldn’t be there despite it being labelled as ‘all-abilities’. And then the class starts and it feels like a competition of both fashion and fitness where the best dancers perform their routines at the end of the class, whilst the rest of us sit awkwardly and form the audience for their inflated egos.
Okay, rant over… and most importantly, thank you to POPfit. I am so grateful to POPfit for opening a friendly, approachable, fun and client focused studio.
Find Out More:
Who’s It For?
Anyone who wants to have fun whilst working out. All abilities welcomed, just check their timetable for what class best suits you. They also have mums and babies classes too.
Where is the studio?
19 Sidworth St, London E8 3SD
How much are classes?
They offer an intro class for £5 – bargain! Then there are multiple options for buying packages. Check their prices here.
What do I bring?
Wear gym clothes and bring a bottle of water – you’re gonna need it! They provide mats and towels. They do have a selection of gorgeous Fabletics gym wear for sale, should you want to update your wardrobe.
More Info:
Website – https://www.wearepopfit.com
Instagram – @wearepopfit
Twitter – @wearepopfit
*Health Advice:It is advisable to consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.
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