AntiGravity Yoga

AntiGravity Yoga at Virgin Active Health Clubs.  Instructor - Nuno Campos.

AntiGravity Yoga at Virgin Active Health Clubs. Instructor – Nuno Campos.

Hanging upside down in a silk-made hammock sounds like something reserved for acrobat performers – yet in Virgin Active Health Clubs along with several other athletic centres, the everyday sports enthusiast is doing just that. The idea is to improve strength and flexibility. Minutes into an AntiGravity Yoga class, you find your body swinging, then twisting and finally stretching in ways you could never have imagined. Think of a challenging pilates or yoga class, and then place yourself in a hammock. Though make note: do not consume food or drink within hours from the start of class – ‘losing your lunch’ gains a new meaning here. Continue reading

Swedish Fitness

Image supplied by Marie Verchere at Swedish Fit

Image supplied by Marie Verchere at Swedish Fit

To many in Sweden, and surprisingly France as well, Swedish Fitness is a way of life. With classes performed anywhere from school halls to the beach, this fitness craze, also known as Friskis to the Swedes, combines a mix of aerobic and strength-based exercises to upbeat grooves such as Daft Punk, Kanye West and yes, even Abba at times. While Friskis may sound a bit like cat food, this work-out is certainly not for the felines – but instead an onslaught of women (and a few men) who are eager to burn some calories.   Continue reading

Power Plates

AltFitHealth_PowerPlates

Image supplied by Nahid de Belgeonne at Good Vibes Studios

In the mood for good vibrations? We are referring to the Power Plate (of course!) – a training device that produces vibrations from its platform and then through your body making each movement more challenging and thus burning calories in half the time. Another fitness fad? It’s up for debate. London certainly seems to be embracing it as more studios open every month.     Continue reading