Last Thursday, I sweated more than I ever have. In my entire life. But, that’s what you get when you decide to take a fitness class at SPORTSCO. Never have I had a more intense (or rewarding) workout experience. Here are the reasons why you, too, should head over to SPORTSCO to tone your body and sweat out the stress.
1. This place has everything
The gym at SPORTSCO has a huge range of equipment that offers endless fitness opportunities. Not only do they have all the essentials (treadmills, elliptical machines, weights, etc.), but they also have specialized equipment to enable every workout under the sun. What’s more, if aquatic fitness is more your style, SPORTSCO have a lovely lap pool. And they don’t just cater for adults – SPORTSCO has something for all the family with children’s summer camps, family swim hours, and a pre-school to boot.
Underfoot, a machine that vibrates to add resistance to and crank up the difficulty of this plank exercise.
2. Push it, push it (to the limit, limit)
I naively picked the Functional Training fitness class out of SPORTSCO’s timetable because it fit my schedule (even though I had no idea what it actually was). Much to my surprise, I ended up in a high-intensity workout that involved rotating through ten very challenging stations with “breaks” (i.e. ab workouts and squats) in between rotations. The class was engaging, challenging, and well run, and by the time 45 minutes were up I was exhausted (but very pleased). A couple of days later (once my muscles had stopped hating me) I came back for more and took part in a spin class. The class was formatted around a stellar pop playlist, and we were challenged to pedal along to the beat while cranking up the resistance on our bikes, for a fun but difficult workout. Both classes were exceptional, and I’m sure the same holds true for the rest of SPORTSCO’s classes, which include everything from intense workouts like Fusion Fit and High Intensity Interval Training to more gentle fitness builders like Aqua Health and Active for Life. Yoga, Zumba, lifting, and more . . .
Ladder exercises kept us on our toes (and fingertips) in Functional Training.
Jumping squats in action at Functional Training.
A few different weight-lifting exercises in our Functional Training rotation.
3. Trust in the pros
When I arrived at SPORTSCO for my first class and the instructor found out I had no weightlifting or Functional Training experience, he said, “This is going to be a hard night for you.” He was half-joking, half-deadly serious but even though the workout was both unfamiliar and challenging, Brian’s expert instruction got me up to speed with all the exercises in no time. Plus, he made sure that all members of the class were staying safe by insisting on a warm up and cool down, correct form, and hydration. He also offered some strong encouragement . . .
Brian: How are you doing?
Me: Good!
Brian: Then can’t you move a little faster?!
Brian helping a class member improve her form.
Brian lending a hand for balance.
When I returned for a spin class, I had another amazing instructor who helped us make the most out of our hour-long workout. Since there’s no way for anyone else to see how much resistance is on your bike or how hard you’re working, spin classes rely on individual accountability to achieve optimal results. As someone who doesn’t love working out, it takes a lot to motivate me to put in my best effort in a fitness class. In spinning, the instructor brought a high level of energy and intensity to the class that made me want to work my hardest, this resulted in an exceptional workout experience and left me feeling like a champ.
The gym team aren’t only class instructors, though – if you’re looking for even more personalized fitness advice, SPORTSCO employ a personal trainer and offer services at their Physiotherapy Clinic. Whether you’re looking to achieve specific fitness goals or recover from a sports injury, they’ve got professionals to look after you.
4. Squad goals
When I arrived for Functional Training, I was a little apprehensive about joining a class that seemed to be full of old pros, but my classmates were all very welcoming and fun to train with! Everyone was very willing to help me out when I was unsure about how to do a certain exercise, and generously consented to be photographed during the workout. Each class member’s high level of dedication created an atmosphere of intensity and full commitment to the workout. After spinning, we all walked out dripping with sweat, and yet people were still up for a friendly post-workout chat. SPORTSCO seems like a place where you couldn’t help but make a few new friends – or where you could have fun and get fit with pals! SPORTSCO have squash and tennis courts, a sports hall with badminton, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, and more (plus clubs you can join to play any of the above), an indoor golf simulator, and outdoor Astroturf pitches and running track – perfect for time with friends playing any team sports.
My Functional Training class suffers in solidarity during a “relaxing break” (LOL nope) that consists of ab sits.
5. Sit back, relax, and enjoy their facilities
After both of my intense workout classes, I was more than ready for a little relaxation. Luckily, SPORTSCO has a posh Leisure Suite complete with a sauna, steam room, heated loungers, and hot tub. Plus, they have bucket showers (yes, that is exactly what it sounds like) which are deliciously cold and very fun. Both times, I left the gym feeling wiped out – but somehow refreshed and deeply relaxed as well. Plus, the relaxation opportunities don’t end there – if you’re looking for more, SPORTSCO are ready to oblige in the Urban Day Spa.
I now only shower by bucket.
When all is said and done: SPORTSCO take fitness seriously, yet welcome newcomers with open arms. Far from making you feel self-conscious or foolish, they elevate you to their level of workout commitment. I can’t think of anywhere better to get in a great workout (and maybe even make a few new friends along the way).
If you would like to win a summer prize bundle from SPORTSCO including a one month membership, click here.
This week’s BBD4 Business In Focus Post was written by Lucie Lyon.