Did you know that during lockdown the number of posts on Instagram related to yoga increased by 64% in the U.K.? If you’d asked me pre-lockdown whether I’d be going to yoga or pilates twice a week or more, I’d have raised an eyebrow (or two). Now, London is getting back to the hustle and bustle, I’ve been challenging myself to step a little further outside my comfort zone – FLY LDN has enabled me to do this in a safe, unique, immersive workout environment.
They have a huge selection of classes including Base Flow, (specifically designed for beginners, postpartum practitioners and those recovering from injury), Slow Flow (an immersive mellow flow class set to an uplifting playlist meditative, aimed at busy business people who really need to tune everything out). For beginners or anyone looking for a slow-paced, low-intensity class) and Dynamic Pilates (designed to improve flexibility, strength, posture and alignment).
So, you may think, which did this novice go for? All of them.
When joining a gym or boutique fitness company, you need to be able to ensure that you’ve got enough of a selection to stay motivated to keep going, especially having everything at our fingertips nowadays. I’d heard a lot about the luxury immersive experience that is FLY LDN and after reading ex-lawyer Charlotte Cox’s story, it was a must. I got my team of close fitness girls together to test this out together because everything’s done better with friends (socially distancing of course).
FLY LDN did not disappoint.
My first class was Slow Flow with Fi, and as soon as we started I no longer felt in the heart of London, I’d been taken away to a far off land as sandy beaches, beautiful trees, water and landscapes rolled past me. It was really quite something. Fi focussed very much on your breathwork teaching which. Although I enjoyed the Slow Flow class, I felt that we were moved very quickly through the flow itself and as a novice, would have preferred something a little slower as the title suggests.
48-hours later and it was time to give Low Impact with Katie a go. Now, this is my jam. Weights, sweat – what an utter joy. The class had adequate spaces to ensure we weren’t close together (big tick), and the moves worked every muscle in my body. It’s safe to say I left feeling refreshed and ready to smash the day. Katie kept the class working hard and smiling throughout, thoroughly enjoyable.
Last but by no means least, Pilates with Chiara. With her infectious energy, it was easier to smile through the pain of the class – it isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s really one not to be missed. Chiara was one of the best fitness instructors I’ve ever had and I’ve trained at over 50 boutique studios in London. She has an exciting way of teaching, expressing her knowledge as you’re guided through each movement. During the class, she walked around the room to ensure positioning was correct but made the class feel very at ease. I would suggest that if you’re a beginner to pilates (like me), don’t wear any bright colour gym wear combinations and ensure you relax your face at all times, otherwise, she will spot the stress levels on your face and let you know!
So, what’s the verdict?
There’s clearly a reason FLY LDN’s studio is one of the best in London.
The immersive qualities of the classes (screen, music and darkroom), allow you to focus on your fitness rather than looking at other people around you or worrying about your pace.
If you’re looking for a post-lockdown fitness challenge or something that can complement your current workout routine, FLY LDN is the perfect space to let all your thoughts from the long day melt away.
Class Prices: Start at £20 per session and can be booked on the FLY LDN website
Written by Kaya Cheshire for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International