When you walk out of your first Friskis experience you’re not sure what is hurting more, your aching body or your cheeks. This is a fitness class that provides a full-body workout which even includes your Zygomaticus (smiling) muscle!
Friskis & Svettis is a not for profit Swedish gym class that has been around for 30 years. The instructors and board members help run the group in their spare time and do it for the love of it – and it shows.
There are about 50 people in the class and we start by forming a circle around the instructor, Martina. Her energy and beaming smile makes you instantly relaxed and open to the class.
You’ll begin by jumping around and mimicking Martina’s easy to follow moves. The class lasts 50 minutes, incorporating all the elements you want in a work out: strength, flexibility and stamina. The moves flow with the eclectic mix of music catering to everyone’s taste and ensuring you can have a sing along between panting breaths. When the session is over the cool down is excellent with a lot of stretching and a calming relaxation at the end. This workout really is amazing burning 600 calories in 50 minutes.
Friskis & Svettis hold classes at three convenient locations around London. One at West End at the Central YMCA, and two more at Marylebone (Swedish Church) and Islington (Movingartsbase).
Classes are £5 per class or £40 for 10.