We were talking about saving
time only yesterday (Day 35 Frame Cardio-Lates), if you’ve only got an hour and
want a workout that is both cardio and toning. Well, we can take that one step
further, yes we can, so if you're really really pushed for time, Frame run some
30 minute classes - Frame Camp (another of their signature classes, along with
Day 29 Frame Method) and the short ‘n’ sweetly named Vibe class, which is a
short ‘n’ sweet exercise blast using the powerplate machine (which is
essentially a giant, adjustable-speed, vibrating…plate).
Now, powerplates had a
“moment,” when they become a bit trendy, almost really took off, but then kind
of fizzled somewhat, just before they got insanely popular. Most gyms probably
have one or two machines in the corner, with trainers incorporating them into a
session at some point and a few places (like Frame) might have a few machines,
but powerplates never really caught on, in the same way as, say Reformer Pilates
(Day 5) or spinning. I figure that this is either because: (i) the machines are
too expensive or (ii) it requires too much instructor per student. With a class
of four, Instructor Caroline could comfortably keep an eye on all of us,
correct our technique, adjusting out vibration speeds and make sure none of us
were vibrating off our plate, but had there been a class of say, 10 students,
it would have got a bit tricky I think.
The exercises on the
powerplate were technically simple toning exercises for “only” a minute each –
star jumps to warm up, some variations of lunges, planks, side planks, squats
with dumbbells, squats without dumbbells, tricep dips – BUT, do these on a
powerplate and suddenly these exercises become much harder. You have to
actively focus to keep balance and engage your core throughout. During one
exercise which just involved sitting in a v-shape (with feet on the plate, not
even holding feet up!) and moving a medicine ball to your left and then to your
right, I had to engage / tense / squeeze so as not to fall off the machine.
Then add onto this, very
little breaks between each exercise (it is a 30 minute class after all, may as
well go all out), you will feel like you’ve had a workout by the end. Whether I
would do this everyday, or as the main exercise I do, I’m not sure – it’s not
the most fun fun fun class but then I don’t think it’s supposed to be. It’s
supposed to be a short, sharp burst of intensive exercise so you can get on
with the rest of your day – and it certainly is that.
Just two final things to
note: (i) the class starts bang.on.time. And that’s a good thing too, because
it ain’t cheap. It’s priced the same, if not more than some of the other
hour-long signature Frame classes. If we were looking at cost-per-minute, this
would be at the top! And (ii) do not, under any circumstances, go to this class
needing the toilet. The vibrations will not bode well for you.
The Need To
Know:
-
Where: Frame
Shoreditch
- Nearest
Station: Shoreditch
High Street (4mins)
- When: Various classes all day, 7 days
- How Much: £10off-peak/£12peak 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 don’t have
time to or don’t like spending time on exercise
- Sweat
Scale: 7/10.
- Strength /
Cardio / Flexi / Tone: Intensive toning
- Complexity: 6/10
- Fun Factor:
6/10
- Changing
Facilities: A few showers and toilets in the changing rooms. Try
to avoid going at peak time, if you can. I came out the toilet to find someone
sitting on my bag. With her bare bum. (Why??)
- Instructor
Inspiration: 7/10. Cheery and kept us going throughout!
The Stats:
- Total Time: 28mins
- Calories Burnt: 128
(A very respectable 4.6calories/minute – similar to Day 34 Reggae Aerobics and Day32 Zumba Toning)
- Average
Heart Rate: 121
- Max Heart Rate: 151
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| The Cheerful Instructor Caroline! |
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| Do Not Give Into This When You Leave the Studio! |
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