Combat in the City

Decided to get physical and check out another Body Combat class tonight after work at Fitness First in Perth City. Was interesting to see the gym so tightly packed! I suppose being located right on Murray Street and going there straight after office hours at 5:30pm on a week day it makes sense, but was a bit of an eye opener for me. Loads of people downtown hit up the gym for an end of day workout!

The Body Combat class was totally packed, I'd say there were more than 45 people in the room. Definitely made for a big and busy group. The teacher was full of fire and fury as she bounded around the stage screaming encouragement and asking the group for more power, more energy, more, more, MORE. It was quite a mind-blowing experience as a follow up to my recent stint of yoga and Zumba but it felt good to smash it out with a variety of jab cross, uppercut, kicks and hooks. Definitely worked up a sweat tonight!

Check below for more info...

• DETAILS: Monday evening, 5:30-6:30pm. Fitness First Perth CBD. 166 Murray Street, Perth, 6000.
• COST: $22.00 per casual class (but apparently once you're in the door of the gym you can attend class, then do a work out or even do 2 back-to-back classes. In theory. If you're not too exhausted after just the one!)
• TEACHER: Jacinda
• BRING: You'll definitely want a sweat towel and a water bottle for this one!
• BEST BITS: Totally different levels of energy and aggression to the last few fitness options I've tried. If you're dealing with a lot of pent up anger or frustration come along to this class and punch, kick and upper-cut it out of your system!
• FITNESS FIRST PERTH CBD TIMETABLE: www.fitnessfirst.com.au/clubs/timetable

Ginny's Finding Fitness Rating: ★ ★ ★

Body Combat, Challenge Stadium

I was looking for the perfect Sunday morning start to kick off my Perth 'Finding Fitness' challenge... Figured where else but 'Challenge' Stadium! ;)

Challenge Stadium is a venue I've known well for a long time. Back in the day when I was a uni student I swam laps there pretty regularly in the outdoor pool. Ahhh... the memories. Speaking of memories and my uni years, that's definitely what the Body Combat class I joined today reminded me of! I hadn't taken a Body Combat class in almost 5 years... But luckily it all came flooding back relatively quickly.

Lots of enthusiastic cries of "jab, cross, upper cut" accompanied bubbly energy and quick movements. The class was quite small, just six ladies including myself and the teacher Leanne, but this worked out fine because it gave us lots of room to move! Apparently the class is usually a little busier... but following City To Surf everyone is taking a bit of a break. I had a lot of fun and think it's definitely a good, non-intimidating option for someone who is keen to jump, kick and punch their energy out!

BODY COMBAT is a 55 minute cardio workout based on a series of martial arts moves timed to music tracks. It is one of three Les Mills group fitness classes currently offered indoors at Challenge Stadium. The martial arts program is inspired from a range of disciplines: karate, kick boxing, taekwondo, tai chi and muay thai. It is intended to increase strength and endurance through shaping and toning work.

Check below for more info on this class...

• DETAILS: Sunday morning, 10:30-11:30am
• COST: $13.00 
• TEACHER: Leanne
• BRING: Sweat towel for cool down, FULL water bottle (mine was 1/2 empty and nowhere to fill up until you leave Challenge at reception). Make sure you wear sneakers and a good quality support bra... Lots of jumping around in this class! ;)
• BEST BITS: The room has a nice window view of the sunny outside pool! Bring swimmers and make it a double whammy workout by diving in for a swim post-combat. General entry to the pools is just $5.20 and there's both indoor and outdoor pool options.
• CHALLENGE STADIUM CLASS TIMETABLE:  http://www.venueswest.wa.gov.au/2/244/2/aerobics_timetable.pm

Ginny's 'Finding Fitness' Rating: ★ ★