BODYISM, LONDON - Be Kind to yourself

Any fitness class that starts with a shot has to be a good time, right?

'Bodyism Warrior' is the signature class at James Duigan's Notting Hill members-only wellness studio - Bodyism. Before each class you are given a delicious 'Berry Blast' shot filled with acai, green tea and amino acids to rev up your metabolism, boost energy and help burn fat.

I  was invited to take a complimentary class at the studio after stopping by the 'Clean & Lean' cafe a few weeks ago.

Bodyism is famous for whipping super bodies into shape like Rosie Huntington-Whitely, David Gandy, Pippa Middleton and the forever iconic Elle Macpherson.

The lights in the studios are designed to provide additional Vitamin D and the air is specially purified and oxygenated for maximum wellness effect.

photo above from my gym twin @vivalevee 

Best guy, standing gaurd

We were greeted by a lovely girl (and that dog above) who gave us a tour of the facilities and explained membership options. She explained that the focus of the club is 'optimal health', and made sure to let me know it's exclusive and members-only. Membership includes a welcome pack, classes (depending on which membership tier you purchase) and discounts at the cafe and beauty treatment centre. Membership begins at £110 per month for the basic package up to £30,000 per year (yes, you read that right)

The signature class is about an hour long - it's fusion of yoga stretching, High Intensity Interval Training for fat loss (like high knees and even crawling around on all fours like an animal, that part was really funny) and Pilates for toning.

During the class it felt like we weren't working that hard. I wasn't panting or sweating like the classes at the other boutique gyms I've been to. But today, I can definitely feel it! Sneaky and effective.

After the class I treated myself to a gluten free, diary free, refined sugar free (fun free) yet somehow still delicious chocolate chip 'Life Changing Cookie' and a 'Body Brilliance' Smoothie - tag line: the Supermodels secret weapon (I'm a sucker for marketing)

We were encouraged to try the signature 'Bulletproof coffee' - shot of espresso, organic butter and coconut oil, but I wasn't feeling for any caffeine. Maybe I will try make it at home.

Sticker from Anya Hindmarch

Then we went to have a very late lunch at Granger & Co.which is only a few minutes walk away. Westbourne Grove is one of my favourite parts of London!

Photo above from google.com/images

Scrambled eggs and sourdough toast (with yummy melted butter)

Verdict

The experience was Amazing. I love the mantra - be kind to yourself and taking wellness as an experience and a lifestyle. 

Maybe one day when I have enough spare time and cash I'll take the membership... but for now the smoothies, and cookies will be just fine.

x o x o

ANOTHER_SPACE

Another gym post, but not just another gym. My new favourite!

Another_Space is located right in the heart of Covent Garden, less than 5 minute walk from Tottenham Court Road station. I've recently read that this gym has won prizes for being London's "most beautiful gym".

No memberships or joining fees, just the way we like it. You buy credits and credits = classes. 

They provide everything you need for a hassle free workout - meaning there is an entire section called "Pack Light" on their website. If you work in the area, or want to have a quick workout before brunch and a day of shopping, there's nothing better than not having the carry a heavy ass backpack around London. 

I'm talking Cowshed shampoo and conditioners, body lotions and facial cleaners, deodorants, fresh workout towels waiting in the studio, fluffy white towels for showering and biodegradable towels for your hair, cycling cleats and boxing gloves... the works!

This studio operates as a one-stop-shop for HIIT training, cycling and hot & normal temperature yoga. Their HIIT classes combine boxing and interval training, and the cycling is a similar set up to Psycle London (although I do prefer Psycle classes for how they choreograph with the music). I haven't tried a yoga class yet because yoga is boring

The Trainers are fantastic, they're super organised and the classes and explosive and well timed to the music so you leave the studio feeling like you gave it your all. 

Plus, there are there is a cafe that supplies food from The Natural Kitchen and mix-and-match smoothies for the perfect refuel. (My favourite is this breakfast smoothie with oats, banana, almond milk and almond butter)

photos from www.google.com/images

sweaty but smiling

The facilities combined with the effort and skill of the Trainers make this place my current numero 1 - if you haven't checked it out already get off your ass and get to it! 

Have you tried HIIT boxing, spinning or hot yoga? 

What's your favourite place to work out in London? Any recommendations? 

Let me know in the comments below! 

x o x o