2-in-1
stuff generally, I would say, doesn't work. 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner for
example - a great idea in theory but doesn't quite work in practice. It
achieves a psychological goal of making one feel like they've saved on time
without compromising on the conditioning of their tresses but really, come on,
it's just moisturising shampoo. Same with 2-in-1 toothpaste and mouthwash (does
toothpaste not give you minty fresh breath already?), 2-in-1 cleansing and
toning wipes (just watery cleanser) and 2-in-1 bath and shower gel (that's the
oddest of them all -why is a body-washing gel differentiated for showers and
baths?).
So
does the same apply for 2-in-1 fitness classes? Well firstly, there's not that
many I guess. There is yogalates, which I don't have on the Hitlist because I
thought yoga and pilates are so similar already, it'd be like having a
jogunning club. Maybe they'll bring out a Zumba Punch class one day, which I
could see working (you heard it here first) or a trampolining hula hoop class (skills
would be required for that!) but until then, we have Cardiolates.
Cardiolates
is a mix of, you guessed it, cardio and pilates- based exercises. It's not
really a mix in a fusion sense; it's more 30minutes of cardio and 30minutes of
mat pilates. Cardio comes first, which consisted of an energetic, easy to
follow, jumpy cardio sequence during which Instructor Diana would add a new
move on every 45seconds or so and run the sequence from the top each time. The
method flowed well and meant you could learn the steps and sequence easily
without stopping the routine. The moves were also clearly choreographed in time
to the music sequence, which helped in remembering the moves but also made it
more satisfying to "perform." And because the cardio section was non-stop (not even
for an obligatory water break), when the section finally came to an end, the
cooler pilates section was more than welcomed.
At
first. The pilates section was similar to the mat section of a Frame Method
class (see Day 29 Frame Method), using the squishy red balls between your feet,
thighs or under your lower back to perform various toning exercises. There were
some pulsing movements, leg lifts, planks, sit-ups and it wasn't before long
that I was wishing we were still on the cardio. With the cardio section,
between the music, high energy and constant distraction of focussing on the
moves, I found my mind was diverted from the fact that I was exercising. But
with the pilates section, with all the pulses and counting down, I found it
difficult to focus on anything other than the pain/ toning feeling in the part
of the body that was being worked on/tortured.
But,
as far as classes go, it does what it says - there is some decent cardio and
some decent toning exercises. So, if you're a bit pressed for time and can't do
a cardio class and separate toning class, then this is the solution for you.
And if you're looking for extra inspiration, instructor Diana is probably the
definition of strong, lean fit!
The Need To
Know:
-
Where: Frame
Shoreditch
- Nearest
Station: Shoreditch
High Street (4mins)
- When: Various classes all day, 7 days
- How Much: £10 if
you have a top-up card, else all-inclusive memberships available
- Special
Note: You can purely pay as you go
but it’s worth having a to-up card to benefit from slightly cheaper per class
fees.
The Want to
Know:
- Who’s it
For: For those who can’t decide
between cardio or pilates
- Sweat
Scale: 7/10.
- Strength /
Cardio / Flexi / Tone: Cardio and toning
- Complexity: 7/10
- Fun Factor:
7/10
- Changing
Facilities: A few showers and toilets in the changing rooms
- Instructor
Inspiration: 8/10. Definition of fit.
The Stats:
- Total Time: 51mins
- Calories Burnt: 195
(Brought down by the (pi)lates section)
- Average
Heart Rate: 114
- Max Heart Rate: 154  |
| The Incredibly Toned Instructor Diana |
 |
| The Beautiful Sunny View from Frame |
 |
| Can You Guess Which Half Is Cardio vs. Pilates? |
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