GymClass - Notting Hill

Gymclass, Notting Hill

As you enter GymClass, high-end studio in Notting Hill, and are greeted by the friendly receptionist, ambient candles and low level lighting, you're lured into a false sense of security. Don't be fooled by the calm and tranquil environment outside.... you are about to be well and truly blasted!

Reception area

Set up by Celebrity Personal Trainer and Barry's Bootcamp Coach, Halle Hammonds, with Tatler calling Gymclass the "best hardcore workout in London" and Vogue citing it as "one of the toughest workouts around" - this one was I had to try!

“I SET UP GYMCLASS AS I WANTED TO PROVIDE AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE WITH AN EFFECTIVE AND TIME EFFICIENT WORKOUT IN A HIGH QUALITY AND PROFESSIONAL, BUT FUN AND FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT.

Halle Hammonds, Gymclass Instructor and Owner

Whilst every instructor is slightly different in their approach, each session comprises of two main components - high intensity interval training and strengthening. The HIT component keeps up your cardio fitness and calorie burn, whilst the strength component builds muscular endurance and power. An all rounder!

The torture room!

After completing a rather vigorous 'warm-up', the group was split into three groups, all competing against one another through various exercises. With fourteen participants max in each class, there's just enough people to ensure a good atmosphere yet still provide a personalised approach. Intimate enough that the instructor can keep a good eye on everyone, there's certainly no hiding in the corner as we began into our 50 minute session..... Sprints and hill climbs on the bikes, body weight work on the floor - yes, that means burpees, press ups and squat jumps - strength training on the TRX, swings with the kettle bells, cardio HIIT on the punch bags, and arm rows on the machines. Talk about fun and varied, right?!

OK, form not quite there...yet!

What I particularly loved about GymClass was how energetic and motivating it was. Working together in your group to compete against the other teams, the friendly competition really kept everyone working to their max through the entire class. You couldn't be that kid who lets your gym class down, right?! With each completed round scoring your team a point, rather than collapse on the floor after completing 20 burpees, you grabbed your chalk and basked in tallying another mark on the floor, before racing onto the next exercise. 

Post class, amenities are on point. Fresh towels provided, individual shower cubicles, fully equipped with BedHead toiletries, alongside deodorant, face wipes, hair bobbles, hairspray, GHD's, etc - no corners skipped here! 

Amenities on point...

And of course, a serious class requires a serious protein shake menu, and GymClass didn't disappoint...

YUUUM. Can I have one of each?!

Which one to go for?! As Helle points out, whilst an average class burns 700-1,000 calories, after firing up your metabolism the burn will continue long after .... meaning my Cheeky Choc Shake was practically calorie free :P Ok, maybe not quite, but with chocolate protein, almond milk, banana and peanut butter - the combo of carbs, protein and fat was the perfect refuel for my oh-so- tired muscles! 

Gymclass, I'll be back!

With classes costing £27 per session, admittedly it is towards the higher end of the London average. But, fear not, as Classpass will let you try it out, alongside over a hundred other high end studios around London, from £55 a month. Sign up using this link - http://class.ps/d4aw6 - and you'll even be credited with £30 just for trying it out. Just don't go spending it all on those Gymclass Protein Shakes!