Ropes at the ready – we feel the burn
with an innovative, high-intensity circuit workout
At a glance
What’s the concept?
A high-intensity 45-minute circuit using
battle ropes, the VIPR, BOBU balls and hand weights
How much is it?
The class is only open to members of
Equinox. Monthly membership $270
Difficulty?
Whipped! Is aimed at all fitness levels,
but steel your nerves for a tough session!
Sick of logging it out on your own in the
gym? Go for a group class for a motivational boost and friendly competition. So
far, so straightforward… but what if we said to try a class with ropes that
definitely aren’t for skipping? These battle ropes are more tug of war than
skip in the park!
Working
the battle ropes is a challenge
Whipped! An exciting new circuit class at
high-end London gym Equinox, brings together the best elements of high
intensity circuits, ramping up your cardio capacity while blasting fat, using a
great range of equipment.
The background
The class is designed to get your heart
rate soaring to burn fat while sculpting you from head to toe in the most time-
efficient way. Our instructor Rory explained that, unlike steady state
workouts, intense bursts of exercise help put your fat loss in the fast lane.
Sounds good, right? So if you want to change your body for the better, the
Whipped! Class is the perfect place to start.
‘Holding a rope in each hand, we
slammed them to the ground and swung them from side to side’
You work to your body’s maximum capacity in
30 seconds, doing as many reps, using good form, as you can. The circuit is
cleverly designed so you work a different muscle group with each exercise, and
simultaneously push your fitness to its limit.
The
circuit is cleverly designed so you work a different muscle group with each
exercise, and simultaneously push your fitness to its limit
The class
Rory led a dynamic warm-up involving a
quick jog around the room, followed by exercises like high knees and jumping
jacks.
We were then paired up and allocated a
fitness station. As usual in circuits, each pair circled the room in a
clockwise direction, performing high-octane exercises at each station for 30
seconds before moving to the next exercise. By the end of the class, we’d
visited each station four times.
My partner and I began in plank position on
our forearms, pushing up onto our hands. The aim was to do these plank
transfers as many times as possible within 30 seconds.
Holding
a rope in each hand, we slammed them to the ground, making small rippling
waves, and swung them from side to side.
Next, we moved to the battle ropes, which
posted the biggest challenge of all the exercises. Holding a rope in each hand,
we slammed them to the ground, making small rippling waves, and swung them from
side to side.
This was followed by a whole host of
exhausting moves, from V-sits holding a 3kg dumbbell to barbell rows while
wobbling on a BOSU ball. The class ended with another speedy jog around the
room, followed by a series of stretches to ease our shaking muscles.
Louise’s verdict
If you’re bored of the same old workouts,
this class is brilliant. Yes, it’s punishing, but the fact that the exercises
are short and sharp is a big draw. Our trainer was a great motivator and helped
spur us on – even when our arms felt like they were about to fall off! There’s
no denying the class is challenging but it’s also fun and there’s no risk of
getting bored. We’ll be back!
