You probably think that the gym is the last place you would want to find the love of your life.
You’re sweaty, wearing lycra, probably make-up free… but maybe this is just the time to find your next romance. Your heart is already racing, your blood is already pumping – sparks are bound to fly.
The latest craze for single fitness nuts is date-ercise. The speed dating fitness class that could help you work on your love life as well as your summer body. Your heart is a muscle after all.
So would you give it a try? Is breathless, sweaty speed dating the antidote to soulless swiping that we all need? Or is it your idea of hell?
‘Date-ercise is just like any other fitness class, with the twist that everyone is single and wanting to meet somebody,’ explains founder Keith Mcniven.
‘You can pace yourself on the various zones, but you will still be pushed physically.
‘The aim is for Date-ercise to be challenging but fun, and a great chance to find love with a like-minded person.
‘We also had some healthy drinks and snacks afterwards, once everybody had showered and changed, which was a great opportunity for people to chat further.’
So what do you actually do at a date-ercise session?
It’s pretty much like a HIIT class – with an extra helping of flirting.
After a quick warm-up, 14 guests bond over a series of exercises for 45 minutes in total.
Tailored for couples and led by an experienced personal trainer, participants complete 45 seconds of work at various stations – including battle ropes, exercise bikes and sledge pushing, and then you get 40 seconds to rest between the zones.
At the end of each circuit there is a one-minute resting period so you can talk to prospective lovers. If you’ve got any breath left.
Don’t worry – you don’t have to be a world-class athlete to take part. The class has been designed to be as inclusive as possible, with a mixture of exercises to suit all levels.
There are even plans to offer more advanced classes in future, as well as LGBT-specific classes and Friend-ercise – for people who are new to the area and want to expand their social circle or just on the hunt for a workout buddy.
‘In the last few years, there has been a fitness boom – with more people embracing a healthy lifestyle focused on well-being,’ explains Keith.
‘Similarly, we’re getting tired of constantly swiping on dating apps and going our for drinks to meet new people, but opting for engaging activities instead.
‘Date-ercise aims to bridge that gap and bring together people who want a workout, but also the chance to find love and hang out with like-minded people.’
So if you prefer burpees and protein shakes to steak and red wine – this could be the perfect first date for you.
‘I didn’t expect a date where I was sweating so much to be successful,’ said one happy participant.
‘It’s the perfect balance between exercise and socializing.’
Another added; ‘finding something in common like fitness can really be a bonding experience.
‘The class was the perfect blend of an amazing workout and meeting new people.’
Originally offered as a one-off pop-up by Right Path Fitness, demand has been so high that the brand has decided to make it a monthly event and will be held at Right Path Fitness in Liverpool Street.
Tickets cost £25 per class and include a complimentary mocktail and some healthy snacks. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles to save on plastic – which we love.
So if you’re looking for love, put down your phone and pick up your trainers. Maybe a sweaty, visceral connection is what we need to create something meaningful.
I am Team GB
Toyota has teamed up with Team GB to re-launch the hugely successful participation campaign ‘I am Team GB’.
Inspired by the achievements of Team GB athletes and the amazing efforts of local community heroes, Team GB has created ‘The Nation’s Biggest Sports Day’, which will take place on the 24thAugust.
Over the weekend, there will be hundreds of free and fun activities across the country, put on by an army of volunteers; the ‘I am Team GB Games Makers’.
To Join the Team and be part of The Nation’s Biggest Sports Day sign up at: www.IAmTeamGB.com
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