Day 26 ! Nike Training Club

That was brutal. Wonderful, but absolutely brutal. I saw my sweat drip onto the mat (sorry Nike) and there was nothing I could do, I didn't bring a towel because I really didn't think I'd need one. I did bring water but finished it halfway through the class. Luckily (and nicely!) Nike supplied water bottles, as if they foresaw that foolish girls would turn up unprepared.

First surprise was that the workout was in the shop. On the actual shop floor, with people browsing the trainers and leggings as a gaggle of about 25 panting girls did burpee after squat after plank just by their feet. It was a bit stars in their eyes- at first it's just a plain shop then poof! The shop benches become "studio" boundaries and open up to reveal studio mats. Water appears. Girls in workout clothing rock up. The floor opens up as a platform rises with the instructors pointing to the beach. Ok, I made up that last bit.

Second surprise was continuity of exercises. I can't remember them all - they were non-stop (water breaks encouraged as and when needed) so at some point my body went into survival mode and every ounce of spare energy was going into the exercise at that moment - no energy was left to think or register. 

I remember planking a lot. I remember my sides (or obliques technically) hurting. I remember thinking, "when will this end?" And I will never forget the series of push-ups from hell - 10 push-ups of 10secs (going down slowly for 10seconds then push up quickly, times 10), then some "break-time" burpees, then 8 push-ups for 8secs, an burpee alternative, 6 push-ups for 6 etc then 4 then 2. Then death on the mat.

Third surprise was the intensity of exercises. I did not think one could work out that hard in a class for an hour with no equipment other than a mat. But with the right instructor, you will be motivated to push yourself to the limit (and you'll thank him after!). Instructor Rory kept us going, kept it fun and kept everyone engaged for the full hour. 2-3 variations were provided for every move so no-one had an excuse not to be challenging themselves. You just didn't want to let him down. By the by, the easiest way to get a room of girls to work out hard? Get a fit male instructor to shout at them. So simple yet so effective.

But what made this class particularly special was the camaraderie between the girls - there were smiles, laughs, cheers and happy groaning (not like that) throughout the class. It was very similar atmosphere to Day 7 Nike x Frame RunClub.

I was really tempted to write that the class was awful and no-one should try it. Purely because it was already so hard to book a place. I booked the day places became available and it was fully booked by the end of the day already. After the class, I spoke with Westfield NTC organiser Darina who might try and organise more NTC classes, as the classes are getting too popular - please do, that would be absolutely awesome!

Between NTC and Nike Run Clubs, anyone who's after some serious cardio and/or high intensity strength workouts need never join a gym again. Thank you Nike for making the World a fitter place, one class at a time!

The Need To Know:

- Where: Nike Store, Westfield London (Other locations available)

- Nearest Station: Shephards Bush (4mins)

- When: Mon/Tues 18.30-19.30 (Other locations have other times)

- How Much: Free as a bird!

- Special Note: It’s free and places go very quickly. So try not book a place and then not turn up because you’re ruining it for someone else!

  

The Want to Know:

- Who’s it For: For those who want to work.out.hard. Ladies only, sorry men!

- Sweat Scale: 9/10.

- Strength / Cardio / Flexi / Tone: Strength & toning

- Complexity: 6/10

- Fun Factor: 8/10

- Changing Facilities: None really. Can change in the shop’s changing room but best to turn up in workout gear.

- Instructor Inspiration: 9/10. Never stopped encouraging!

The Stats:

- Total Time: 52mins

- Calories Burnt: 270

- Average Heart Rate: 122

- Max Heart Rate: 163