Ladie, there's a new workout in town and it's one you'll want to know about. Fear not, there's still time to get into that all-important New Year's Ever party dress...
Are you (like me...) a victim of failed personal training, unused gym memberships and too little time to justify a two hour visit? Welcome to Hiitgirl, the workout that might just change your fitness habits forever.
This little gem is the brainchild of busy mum of two Susan Dyson. Having worked in the fitness industry for many years, both as an instructor and business owner and entrepreneur, Susan discovered a shared view amongst her peers of getting bored with traditional workouts that took up too much time. How could busy women get the most effective workout possible in the shortest space of time? Having discussed it with her girlfriends discovered a common frustration at being locked in to expensive memberships or personal training sessions with little noticeable results. And so the idea for Hiitgirl was born.
The workouts centre around High Intensity Interval Training, fitting an intense full body workout into just a 30 minute session, including intervals of 30 seconds work and 30 seconds rest, synchronised to an on screen timer; if it's going to be short it's got to be tough and a class can be as effective as two and half hours in the gym. The result is a total workout with lots of variety to challenge body and mind. Classes are kept small and intimate, with inspirational female trainers (not screamy, shouty bootcamp people here...) that help encourage you to reach your fitness goals. The whole thing is set in a beautiful, contemporary workout space, designed by the team behind Sweaty Betty stores.
In spite of initial scepticism from the pilot group, within two weeks of trying Hiitgirl people were hooked, amazed at the results that were happening before their eyes.
Classes are are varied to keep things new, and focus on simple movements, often using one's own body weight, like pushing, pulling, lifting, lowering etc, as well as things like oversized squishy medicine balls and sandabags. Hiitgirl has also been designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible; even the exercise bikes are air-powered.
I'm the first to admit I am deeply unfit. I had a gym in my building a couple of years ago but only ever used the jacuzzi and steam room. I'm Hiitgirl's target customer; three jobs, long hours, no spare time, hate the gym and utterly despise the thought of working out in a room with twenty other people (men) training for marathons when I can barely run for the bus.
I recently signed up for a course of classes to try this wonder-workout out for myself, and I certainly haven't been disappointed. With classes at super-convenient times throughout the day, including before and after work and weekends, it's easy to find one at a time to suit. The workouts are satisfyingly challenging, pushing you to your very limits, but when you're just about ready to reach breaking point the 30 minutes is up. In just two short weeks I've noticed them getting (ever so slightly...) less difficult (NB if the trainers are reading this I didn't say EASY...), I already feel a little bit fitter and a little bit stronger. In two more weeks I may even be able to do a whole press up...
While my schedule has been interrupted slightly by a case of winter flu and a crazy busy week at work meaning I had to skip a few classes, I'm determined to get back on it as soon as Christmas is out the way. With three of these a week I should be bikini-ready in time for my Caribbean holiday in February, with minimal fuss and minimal stress. I'll keep you posted on my New Year's Fitness Challenge in January!
Hiitgirl holds classes seven days a week at their Crouch End Studio. For more info and to book a free taster session visit www.hiitgirl.com
Love Laurel x
