Gymbox

Gymbox Win Best Classes in Tatler Magazine

Lulu Le Vay — 2013-05-17T14:24:21Z

We are popping corks in the office as we have just won Best Classes in the divine Tatler Magazine Gym Awards 2013! Congratulations to the Gymbox team and a big thank you to all our members who make our classes so special.

Best Classes

Winner: GymBox

A trendy spot that's half retro gym, half nightclub, where everyone is young and hot. But that's not why you'll come here. You'll come for the bonkers classes: Rihanna routines, glow-in-the-dark hula-hooping and Kangoo. Think aerobics, but wearing what look like ski boots with springs on and bouncing three feet into the air. Glorious. Details: From £62 a month. At Farringdon, Bank, Holborn, Covent Garden and Westfield London (gymbox.com).

For the full feature, go here.

Fearless: Gymbox Member Class Review

Lulu Le Vay — 2013-05-17T10:02:59Z

To celebrate 'fearless' month, Gymbox has asked members and friends to embrace challenging new classes and let us know how they got on. The first this month is by self-professed 'mum on the run' Kaisa Larkas - journalist and owner of Pop The Fashion Store. To kick-start her iron-man training she takes on a double session of Kettlebells and Express Bootcamp at Gymbox Farringdon.

Last week, I offered to try out a few classes at Gymbox in Farringdon. I used to teach at many of the different clubs in London, but never at Gymbox, so I was looking forward to having a good nosey around the space. With my appalling since of direction, I thought I may struggle to find it. However, it can't be missed, as it's practically right next to the station. I was first 'greeted' by their 'Sorry, we're open' board, which made me laugh. The guys at reception were really helpful (and pretty cute too) and sent me off to the very colourful changing rooms (pink, light blue and green lockers, anyone!).

I was going to do a 40 minute kettlebells session followed by a 20 minute Express Bootcamp. Despite being an instructor myself, I've not done that much work with kettlebells before. Most of the moves were straight forward, and I managed them with pretty heavy weights. There were a few trickier ones too though, and after bashing myself with the kettlebell a few times, I decided it was better to keep perfect form with a smaller weight rather than trying to lift heavy for the sake of it.

The class was tough but I still had plenty of energy for the bootcamp. We did a lot of pair work and just used our own body weight for resistance, so there were no free weights taking extra space. The burpee, press up, jumping squat combo and other similar sequences got the heart rate up and doing them with someone added an extra challenge.

I was paired up with a guy who started to struggle a bit towards the end. It turned out he had done a 40 mile bike ride in the morning, so fair enough! I loved the class as it was short but effective.

I decided to be good and stay for a quick stretch afterwards. But before I had a chance to sit down, I was challenged into sprints with a guy who had just done the bootcamp too and clearly had some time to kill, or extra energy to use up! Either way, it was a good finish for the training.

I enjoyed both classes but would definitely like to try something a bit more challenging next time. I'm loving the sound of Bitch Boxing (Farringdon Tuesdays 7pm) and also reckon that I would be great comedy value in an Aerial Yoga class, as I have just about as much grace than an elephant...

Do you want to be fearless take on a challenge and tell us about it? Email lulu.

Kaisa Larkas is a journalist and owner of POP - The Fashion Store, which will soon be offering Gymbox Plus members a tasty discount. Watch this space for further details.

Pic credit: Shaneen Rosewarne Cox

Pump up the volume!

Lulu Le Vay — 2013-05-16T06:35:08Z

Drop those pounds underground people! Fitness-Freak pop-up rave class for one night only

Fitness-Freak.com, London's first online fitness discovery and booking service is hosting the city's first pop-up rave class on Wednesday 5th June, sponsored by Time Out Live.

Reflecting their ethos that fitness can be fun, the Fitness-Freak.com cardio and conditioning exercise is set to 90s dance classics and ravers in attendance will be provided with glowsticks to help get the fitness party started.

The high energy, mass fun class lasts 60 minutes and will be hosted in the atmospheric vaults under Waterloo station. With multiple teachers on stage and a crowd of 100s, you'll be sure to get your groove on and burn up to 500 calories. Boom!

The pop-up rave is for one night only, with two sessions and limited tickets so make sure make sure you get your tickets now, right here!

Where?

The Vaults, Arch 236, Leake Street, SE1 7NN

What time?

Session one – 6:30pm

Session two – 8:00pm

And don't worry, if you can't make the date, Fitness Freak is soon to be launching classes at Gymbox, Bank branch for non-members for £10 per session, which also includes trampolines to get you jumpin' jumpin'. For more information contact: Jessica@fitness-freak.com

So pump up the volume, get in that fluro LYCRA and get back to the old skool.

Hot Weights Diva of the Week

Lulu Le Vay — 2013-05-15T08:00:35Z

At only 21, Megan Cook, an architects accountant, has ditched the classes and has eyes firmly on the body building prize by training for a competition later in the year. We commend her fearless attitude and find out how she copes with entering the 'man cave' in the gym and why women should have muscles.

Hi Megan, you have a Link membership, how's that working for you?

I work within a close distance to Holborn, Bank and Farringdon. I pick which one I want to go to daily by either the body parts I want to train or what classes are on in which gym. Farringdon, for example, is my favourite place to train legs.

What do you like about Gymbox as a brand in general?

The atmosphere I would say is one of the best things about Gymbox, compared to normal gyms the music is much better. Obviously the DJs are wicked and I love the interior design and layout.

We heard you left a friend at dinner so you could squeeze in a late night session before you went home. Are you obsessed?

Yes, I would say so. I don't know what I 'd do with myself If I didn't go to the gym: I can't imagine going home after work and having the evening to do something else. I think I'd end up just eating.

Do you have the social/work/gym life balance working?

The work and gym balance is nailed and the social has changed a lot since I never wanted to miss classes or training sessions - so I don't see my friends as much as I used to. But, I've made lots of new ones in the gym.

What are you are doing in the picture?

Ha, I'm pulling a funny duck face and pretending to lift some weights. No actually I'm doing a set of dead lifts. This wasn't too heavy so I was completing 12 reps of these which I did three times.

You've gone from class bunny to weights diva - how come?

I used to do so many classes - I just loved them all. My favourite ones were actually classes that involved lifting weights. I'd always make sure the men didn't have heavier weights than me - it was like a challenge. One day I decided to be brave and started following a weights routine. I braved the 'man cave' and I was hooked.

You're training for a body building competition - did you ever think you'd do something like that?

No, not in a million years! I never thought I would turn into so much of a gym freak. Two years ago I hardly ever went to the gym, now look at me!

What do your friends and family think of your passion for weights?

My friends that don't really get why I train so much, or why I would want to look 'manly'. My family are supportive apart from my Grandad who always says 'women shouldn't have muscles'.

Is it intimidating for women to train in the 'man cave'?

It used to be when I first started but not so much now. Women are worried what men will think, and assume that the men expect the girls to just use the machines. I go out of my way now to tell women not to be intimidated and when you're training you get so caught up in your own workout that you don't really notice people anyway.

You used to be too skinny, how do you feel now?

I was so unhealthy. I lived off sweets, McDonalds, pasta... I feel so much better now. Eating healthier makes you feel better and I have to eat a lot of food to build muscle and give me energy. I've noticed my hair and nails grow faster which is a bonus!

Do you connect better with people who are active?

100%. You have to be around like-minded people, to encourage each other and talk about all things fitness and food. I find being around people who don't embrace the gym like me a bit frustrating as I don't understand why they wouldn't want make their bodies better and healthier.

This month is 'fearless' month: what are your goals?

To win the competition. I have to strive to get first place!

Look out, our Hot Bod photographer will be in a gym near you soon...

New VPT action: Eduardo Goncalves

Lulu Le Vay — 2013-05-14T10:50:50Z

Well hello there! A new VPT has arrived to Gymbox. Welcome Jiu Jitsu black belt Eduardo Goncalves.

Discipline, Family, Respect, Education

I've been practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) since 1992. It was taught at the respected Nova Geração Academy in Rio de Janeiro under the motto: 'Discipline, Family, Respect, Education'. Jiu-Jitsu has always seen as a philosophy of life - as well as a sport - and considers that any BJJ academy should create not only fighters but also conscientious and respectful citizens. I am a Grappling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teacher however the last is my favourite.

Gymbox loving

What I like most about Gymbox is the welcoming and friendly atmosphere that I feel every time I teach which reminds me of my gym back home in Rio de Janeiro. I also really like the facilities, they're excellent. I usually teach in gyms where they focus just on one specific market such as MMA or BJJ classes, at Gymbox I find there is more variety with the classes and sports activity.

Teacher's Pet

It's very rewarding when I see my students getting more self-confident and when they reach great results in national and international competitions. There's no feeling quite like it.

Training days

My daily routine starts with some weights in the mornings with additional technical sessions follow by an intense Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training at least three times a day for six days a week. Which is just as well as I love pizza: it's one of the pleasures I cannot resist.

Brazilian flavour

My classes are for professionals of any area who are passionate about martial arts and fitness. Focused in teaching both the techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a good series of aerobic exercise in order to optimise the students' performance in the sport, these classes are not only an ideal to lose weight and get fit, but also a good confidence builder for any aspect of your life. I hope to bring some of the good and exclusive vibes typical from Brazil one of the most beautiful countries in the world!

Keeping your eyes on the prize(s)

2013

Italian Open BJJ – Champion Black belt under 64 Kg and Absolute division

2013

World Pro Trials – Champion Black belt under 65 Kg

2012

Europeans Open No GI – Silver Medallist Black belt under 67.5 Kg

2011

English Open – Champion Black belt under 64 Kg

Eduardo will be teaching BJJ Tues @ Farringdon 12.50. Tues @ Bank 6pm. Weds @ Farringdon 6.50. Thurs @ Bank 6.30pm

Stay local with Asia de Cuba

Lulu Le Vay — 2013-05-13T11:43:34Z

Stay local and get 15% discount at Asia de Cuba

Yes, you heard correct. The delicious Asia de Cuba restaurant at St Martin's Lane hotel - next to our Gymbox Covent Garden club - is offering a marvellous 15% discount for all members who mention 'Stay Local' when booking a table. This discount applies to the orgasmic A La Carte menu and also in the chic Light Bar before 9pm.

To give our valuable Gymbox members some insight into the menu, we simply had to test out a few items on your behalf. Our social media queen Lulu and Gymbox friend and DJ Anna Greenwood took the culinary plunge. It's a tough job...

Lulu

After a gruelling Frame session at Gymbox Covent Garden - 70 burpees? Oh yes I did! - I was ready for some fine tuck. I've always loved the St. Martin's Lane hotel - Philippe Starck is a design genius - and I get such a buzz slipping on a nice frock and sipping cocktails in such a luxurious environment.

A bit tiddly and ready to devour just about everything on the menu, myself and my date Anna Greenwood were ready to absorb not just the bustling atmosphere but several hundred calories as well. That's the beauty of training five times a week. We can eat.

I went straight in for the Calamari salad for starters and then took no shame whatsoever in getting involved in the Cuba coffee crusted ribeye. Yup, that's right. One thing Asia de Cuba is not afraid of is exploring the fusion of Asian and Cuban cuisine to the max. I've never tasted anything quite like it. The portions were so hefty I took no shame in getting the remains boxed up for what was going to be another tasty dinner the following day.

Anna isn't a big drinker so I thought it would be rude if I didn't sample some of the cocktails on her behalf. Well, it was my duty to you dear members: what could I do? The Triple Berry Mojito, the Havana Cigar Manhattan and the Passion Caipirinha went down the gullet very easily indeed.

Stuffed and happy, I couldn't resist the Mexican Doughnuts. There was enough on the plate to feed four people so once again, a little box went into my bag as there was no way I was letting those tasty morsels get wasted.

I was on the verge of proposing to head chef Paul Whittick on our way out. But that could've been the cocktails... Hic!

Anna

If you haven't eaten for a fortnight then Asia de Cuba is your number one dining destination. This is because the portions are huge. Like, HUGE.

Unusual for a restaurant outside of Yorkshire and even more so in swinging London town, but it could be an upmarket entrant on Man vs Food judging by the food mountains one is presented with. Saying that you can eat lightly if you choose, but that's not much fun if you really haven't eaten for a fortnight.

Their ceviches are excellent and if you have the sharing platter (between four of you will be enough, definitely too much for one, definitely) you get to sample them all and the super freshness of the fish is a welcoming start to any meal and makes you feel all clean inside. Or maybe that's me.

The Miso black cod was a fine dish: the sweet flesh of the fish was cooked perfectly and thoughtfully complemented by an elegant dollop of edamame beans in a semi-mashed state. It's prettily presented too. Always nice when your tea makes the effort.

Couldn't fit in one of the more exciting puddings on show due to there not being much room left inside my body, but had the sorbet and fruit platter which admittedly isn't wildly adventurous of me, but I fear I would have exploded on the bus home had anything more substantial been eaten.

For further into and bookings, go to their website or call 020 7300 5588

Lovebox is in the air!

Lulu Le Vay — 2013-05-10T15:02:28Z

Refer a friend and win tickets to Lovebox

Lovebox fever is hitting London as the build up to one of the capital's favourite festivals is on the musical horizon. Refer a friend to Gymbox and win tickets to the Sunday shenanigans on July 21st - the dizziest day of the three day event. Star acts for the day include special guest, the queen of hip hop Lil' Kim, alongside Lovebox regulars Horse Meat Disco and Andrew Weatherall's Love From Outer Space. Watch this space for further announcements and interviews with featured artists.

For further info and the full line-up, go to the festival website.

"In powerlifting you train to be stronger, not act like a noisy chihuahua"

Didier Kan — 2013-05-09T07:29:50Z

A few things I have learnt at the powerlifting British Championships

When I came back to Gymbox last week, post-win, most people congratulated me whilst some of the 'wannabe' strong blokes eagerly asked me: ‘how much did you lift?' They then predictably compared their 'alleged' personal bests and wondered how they would rank. Being polite and courteous I always tell my numbers and stop the discussion there. There are few things, however, these Alpha Males might want to know.

Not all lifts are equal

There's a huge discrepancy between the way people lift in a gym and how it's done at a meet. Very seldom do I see anyone squatting low enough to even hit parallel - especially with heavy load. Too often I see big guys trying to impress skinny guys, with an overloaded third or even quarter of a squat. Skinny guys wouldn't know any better, so would be impressed. That, in turn, would encourage the bigger guys to stick with poor range. At a meet not enough depth equals ineligible lift.

The bench press event requires the bar to touch the chest, and pause, until the signal of the judge allows it to go up again. Most gym-goers probably couldn't move the bar up once it's stopped, unless they lift their bum off the bench - but that's a disqualification too.

As for the deadlift, the bar descent has to be controlled. Any slam will not be tolerated and banned. Happy slammers at the gym might think that the noisier they are the tougher they come across. In powerlifting you train to be stronger and must display control, not act like a noisy chihuahua. Apply these three points and most 'gymrat' PBs become obsolete before we even started.

Nothing will prepare you for the chaos of an actual meet

A British Championship involves many competitors. The whole day will probably drag on forever. After I warmed up thoroughly for my first squat I was told I wouldn't be lifting for at least an hour. By then I had to warm up again which disrupted not only my level of energy but also my mental build up.

When it came to the bench press I was told the exact opposite. As my coach was preventing me from warming up too soon out of nowhere someone decided It was my turn - in the next 60 seconds! I had to go straight from an empty barbell set of 10 reps to 110kg without wrist straps as I didn't have the time to open my bag.

An hour-and-a-half later, struggling to maintain some energy, a 60kg deadlift for a few reps was the only preparation I was granted, before hitting 180kg. I was lucky enough nothing snapped on the platform, let alone succeeding my first attempts.

The adrenaline factor

Adrenaline rush is a funny thing. It can give you the butterflies; make you sweat; feel sick - but most importantly it increases your strength. It also affects time reaction which causes numerous failed lifts at meets as we must wait for the judge's signal to start and complete them. I believe my past as a live gigging musician made a difference. I don't know if I would've stayed focused and recycled that adrenaline into extra superman fuel.

Age and weight categories

Many combat sports involves a weight category. In strength there's an added age parameter. It only make sense when we understand basic physiology. We start with the juniors, then the seniors. Next are the Masters. M1 is 40 to 50 years old. M2 50 to 60. M3 60 to 70. And M4 is anyone over 70 who's still alive and still lifting. I happen to be privileged enough to train with some elderly gentlemen, well into their 80s, who still compete and deadlift 130kg+. That, my friends, inspires me more than all the orange bodybuilders in the world. The powerlifting community is not elitist or vain, it has a heart, a real sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.

Steroids users will be publicly shamed and disqualified

At my first meet there has been a few dodgy males with a bad attitude: unnaturally over-pumped biceps and veiny faces - and some females looking angry. At the British Championships there is none of that. Everyone's nice, friendly and helpful. There is drug-testing but it's not compulsory. Lke the sword of Damocles, those with a spotty back, or orange face, would risk being humiliated.

Conclusion

So, for all of you who think you can do it, what are you waiting for? It's rewarding to focus on things we actually do and have done as opposed to things we might have, or could have - should have - done.

I've won first place at the 2013 British Championship in my category (that's M1 under 93k) last week-end, and proven anything can happen with the right attitude and a little bit of good will. Everyone has got potential to excel at something - the hardest bit is to find out what it is we are good at.

www.didierkan.com

Hot Beard of the Week

Lulu Le Vay — 2013-05-08T08:38:53Z

Paul Kiernan, 31, Senior Developer at M&C Saatchi, is new to our Covent Garden club so we welcome him - and his fabulous beard - to the wonderful world of Gymbox.

'I'm a newbie to Gymbox. I love it as it has a great selection of free weights and it has friendly members who, so far, are always willing to provide a spot.

I like wearing this t-shirt in the picture as it's a metal-core band that I used to listen to when I was younger. However I think the name sums up life sometimes!

In these shots I am doing heavy (for me) 50kg z-bar arm curls, 8 reps max with a controlled eccentric contraction on lowering the weights. I superset these with hammer curls 10 reps max to burn out the biceps and give a greater range of movement. I usually train 3-4 times a week and I cycle an extended journey to work every week day to keep fit.

In the past I've prioritised training over my social life, this has now changed. I have a bit of a obsessive personality. At one point I was training six days a week, weight training four days, running two days - and cycling to work every day. This meant my life revolved around sleep and food. After training hard for many years I'm looking to balance out training with social life.

I grew up with four uncles who weight-trained and played rugby. My dad was into racket sport and my mum was a bit of a tomboy. My family come from Cornwall and I was always taken out on long hikes, pushed to climb trees and deal with pain. A lot of my friends are into fitness and I look for partners who are outdoors people and enjoy exercise, but not to an obsessive degree, as I think two people in a relationship like that could get a bit much.

I do have the odd day when I can't be bothered. Because my job is so random I'm not always sure the next time I can get to the gym so I take every opportunity I can get. 'Being tired' isn't a valid excuse for me. You just have to man up!

I stay motivated by seeing results and maintaining current levels. Keeping fit makes me happy, I can get a bit down or unsettled if I don't exercise. Also I've noticed if I have a lazy holiday I really lack energy in life. Keeping active is much better.

I'm very flattered that I got chosen this week. The photographer said she loved my beard. It's only five months old so any compliments are very welcome!'

Could you be our next Hot Bod of the week? Look out, our photographer will be in a Gymbox near you soon.

Fearless: No Cat Fighting, Just Bitch Boxing

Lulu Le Vay — 2013-05-03T08:50:33Z

Following on from this week's Hot Bod of the week profile where we interviewed Muay Thai boxer Nosheen Raja, - we continue to celebrate women in boxing and the launch of our 'fearless' month by profiling Gymbox class Bitch Boxing run by VPT and fighter Lisa Moore. So girls, time to grab yourselves some boxing gloves and get in the ring. Ding ding!

Hi Lisa, how did you start working as a VPT for Gymbox?

I started working in sales at Gymbox Farringdon a year ago. It was my foot in the door and a job to support me while I studied to qualify as a trainer. When I was sat in my interview i remember reading the timetable and said to myself 'This time next year Rodney I want to be teaching Bitch Boxing'. And so 18 months later here I am!

Impressive. So when did you first get into boxing?

Three years ago I was lucky enough to take part in a charity fight being organised to raise money for a children's care home. I jumped at the chance and have been addicted ever since.

How has it changed you as a person? Physically and personally?

Boxing is a very demanding sport, I'm so much stronger both physically and mentally. I'm more disciplined with my lifestyle - I train hard and I see the results. It's allowed me to see how much i can push my self. Boxing is as much a mental sport as it is physical. You have to be strong, stable and balanced, but mentally relaxed and still alert.

Do you prefer training/fighting with men, or women?

I'm part of Page Boxing alongside Jesse Page, Rupert Stamp, Kyle Allen and Iron Mike. It's great for me to train with the lads, I learn a lot from them all but when it comes to sparring I prefer to train with woman as it's more realistic. The lads hit me hard but I know they won't hurt me and I will never compete someone their height or weight, so it's not real for me.

Why do you think women like to box?

I ask my female clients this and a majority of them say because it's a good for stress release, escapism and is a confidence boost. But it's also an all-over body work out. I think it's empowering for women to learn a sport that's normally seen as aggressive and brutal. It gives us that inner unshakable confidence.

Tell us about the class Bitch Boxing, what can people expect?

I love running the Bitchboxing classes and i'm chuffed to see the same faces coming back every week. We have wide range of punters that attend, from the serious (who have talked about competing themselves) to the 'train with a friend' ladies and then everything in-between. It's good to have a mix. 80% of the women I train are a little intimidated at first with the boxing area but after their first session they realise there's absolutely no reason to be. By the second session most of their initial thoughts/fears/preconceptions have gone.

That's great to hear. How do women approach boxing differently to men?

We are just as competitive as men but we do have a different mind set when it comes to learning - women generally tend to be better listeners and are more receptive. There are some really tough ladies in my class, some have real potential and you have to watch out for the quiet ones - they're feisty!

In terms of the body and fitness, what can boxing give to women?

Naturally women have less upper body strength in comparison to men - they have more body fat and less muscle mass. Boxing is a great way to improve on this. It can boost your cardiovascular to the next level while leaving you trim, lean and strong. It's called fighting for for a reason.

BYO Boxing Gloves/Bag Mitts Westfield: Wed 6.15pm Farringdon: Tue 7.00pm Bank: Wed 6.15pm. Covent Garden Thurs 7.00pm