Two-in-one fitness classes could be the most effective way to work out

Research has shown that variety is a key component in encouraging people to keep going to the gym. One study of gym-goers in Florida found that the group with the highest retention had a regime that included diversity and spontaneity.

The best thing about the two-in-one dual classes is that you have inbuilt variety in every session.

The minute you start getting bored of sprinting on the treadmill, it’s time to jump off and start lifting weights. Not allowing your brain to get bored is really important when it comes to motivation.

Additionally, you might also learn a new skill. Whether it’s boxing or barre or TRX – lots of these two-in-one classes feature at least one exercise that requires some technical skill. Once you’ve been going a few weeks, you will probably find that you’re floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee.

Two-in-one classes are perfect for people who crave variety but don’t have the time to fit in hundreds of different classes every week.

Our favourite two-in-one classes

Fitness First – ROX

‘ROX is high-calorie-burning and guarantees a full-body workout,’ explains Joe Ridley, health and fitness Manager at DW Fitness First Cottons

‘Combining two of the most popular training methods – running and boxing – a ROX session is a boxing-inspired workout with a bootcamp feel and HIIT training style.

‘HIIT classes burn 9% more fat and are overall 17% more effective than standard aerobic or steady state training so ROX goers should expect to see fitness results.

‘ROX focuses on boxing technique while also providing cardio intervals that will make participants seriously sweat and have them burning calories long after the class is over.

‘The mix of running and boxing gives the feel of two workouts in one and allows participants to explore or develop a new fitness discipline (boxing) and to improve stamina with the running side of the workout.’

Another_Space – Hiit

‘Boxing is a full body workout, requiring a huge amount of strength. It works your upper body, lower body and engages your core,’ explains Jamie from Another_Space.

‘The combination of muscle building and strength training with bouts of cardio results in better body composition.

‘Your metabolism is also spiked by this training, but EPOC – commonly referred to as afterburn – keeps that spike for up to 24 hours after training. This means you continue to burn more calories than usual – therefore maximising the fat-burning effect of the training.’

SPN – PWR LFT

‘Blend classes are so effective for getting a total body workout as it gives you a perfect mix of toning the muscles whilst strength conditioning in the same class,’ says Sarah Gorman, Davina McCall’s personal trainer and creative director at SPN.

‘Our box and barre class for example activates the muscles, compounds them, then strengthens at the same time. You get a dynamic cardio heart rate increase with the boxing element and then a toning LIIT section with the barre.

‘It’s important though that the mix is blended so that the body doesn’t know what’s coming next. You need a seamless flow between the exercises so that you get all the juicy benefits without a jarring chop and change.

‘The two-in-one class is one of our most popular especially for people who are time poor but want to get the most from their workouts.’

Digme – Matrix

This is actually a three-in-one class based on three key pillars: run, condition and move.

You start off on the Technogym’s SkillMills – which are essentially treadmills with a slightly curved belt that you power with your own legs. Like a hamster wheel.

The second part of the class is comprised of kettlebell exercises and moves on the TRX. Each class uses this section to target a specific area of the body, and it will be different each time.

The final section is move – which includes lots body weight exercises getting you up and down off the floor with burpees and press-ups and lunges.

So Heartcore – Ride2Tone

This class is a unique blend of a 30-minute powerful ride, followed by yoga and mat-based Pilates. It targets cardio health, balance in strength, and flexibility.

We particularly like this class because of the combination of high and low intensity. Finishing off a heart-pumping workout with something soothing like yoga or Pilates is the perfect way to recover is kinder to your body than just going home and collapsing in front of the TV.

We are always on the hunt for ways we can incorporate a gentler approach to fitness into our workout regimes – and this feels like the perfect compromise.

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