Whether You Want To Burn Fat Or Build Muscle, These Are London's Killer Fitness Classes

From Esquire

Forget the old slog on the treadmill or queue for the weights machines. Interactive and group-led fitness classes are the new normal when it comes to staying in shape, whether your goal is to build muscle, burn fat or just to actually enjoy working out. Because that, ultimately, is what makes these London gym classes so popular – communal exercise is shown to make your train harder and have a better time while you're doing it. Think of it like clubbing, only more wholesome. And with slightly less sweating.

If you've never tried them before, then perhaps it's because the idea of group gym classes makes you picture Mr Motivator. But this new breed of gym classes is varied and all-encompassing, with something on offer to suit every level of fitness and personality. Whether you're the kind of guy who likes to perform for an audience, or prefers to tuck himself away in a corner, London has something for you. And none of them require spandex.

In fact, London has fast become the epicentre of new and innovative fitness class offerings, with gyms and boutique studios mushrooming across the capital, all vying for the attention of fitness fanatics searching for their next endorphin hit. Some are niche. Others are, frankly, ludicrous (Drake yoga, we're looking at you). Which is why we've sorted through the chaff to round up the 12 best fitness classes available in London right now. Whether you're looking to bulk up, lose weight or just sweat out last night’s booze, these are the gyms and studios where exercise is never a solo activity.

Metcon3 at Equinox

The best fitness class for: fat-burning

This 50-minute, high-intensity metabolic conditioning workout makes use of all three energy systems: ‘phosphagen’ by way of short bursts of explosive power, ‘glycol’ through movements requiring a sustained effort, and finally the ‘oxidative and aerobic’ system via increased heart rate. By targeting all three, the workout acts as a fat-incinerator and ensures results that leave you feeling fit, motivated and ready for anything. Especially your reflection in the gym mirror afterwards.

Various locations throughout London; equinox.com

amRAP at Gymbox

Best fitness class for: waking up

What could be a better way to clear out the cobwebs than an early morning gym class that challenges you to complete as many reps as possible of bodyweight and kettlebell moves? Well, all that, but with a speed rap soundtrack. When you think you can't squeeze out another goblet squat, side lunge or burpee, Ludacris will be there gee you on.

Various locations throughout London; gymbox.com

Wit Gone Bad at Wit Training

Best fitness class for: building muscle

If there’s one thing people that go to Wit have in common, it’s a set of abs you could crack walnuts on. If you survive Wit Gone Bad, you'll understand why. With three high-skill CrossFit workouts back-to-back, this class is not for the faint-hearted. Kicking off every Friday afternoon, it's the perfect way to finish off the week. Just make sure you've got nothing strenuous lined up for Saturday morning.

Wit Training, 1 New Change, London EC4M 9AF; wit-training.com

All Star at F45

Best fitness class for: functional fitness

F45 is one of the world’s fastest-growing fitness networks, fusing HIIT, circuits and resistance training into functional, 45-minute workout session that are available in 36 different flavours. One of our most loved is All Star, a HIIT class made up of heavier, weight-based resistance exercises that activate those fast twitch muscle fibres. The result? Lean muscle mass, enhanced athleticism and a well-earned sense of achievement.

Various locations throughout London; f45training.co.uk

Chill at FLY LDN

Best fitness class for: repair

This open-level yin class (a type of yoga based around slow, relaxing movements) works deep into muscles, joints and fascia using focused breathing and targeted stretches, which you hold for extended periods with the help of props such as blocks, straps and bolsters. The best bit? It’s set against the studio's wall-to-wall 4K display, which projects vibrant cinematic visuals (think cascading waterfalls and desert island sunsets) to elevate relaxation levels. Just try not to doze off mid-class.

FLY LDN, 24 Creechurch Ln, London EC3A 5EH; flyldn.co.uk

Gymnastic Strength Training at Alex Nino Fitness

Best fitness class for: your Instagram

Alex Nino is a PT who runs gymnastic strength training (GST) classes at various locations around London. With an emphasis on building strength and flexibility gradually through wrist, shoulder prep and hand placement, these handstand-focussed sessions are the perfect place to start for anyone wanting to learn how to a solid inversion. Whether you plaster it all over Instagram is your call.

Mindset, 1 Lower Marsh, London, SE1 7NT; alexnino.co.uk

Ride at Psycle

Best fitness class for: spinning

A British on the US phenomenon SoulCycle, Psycle has expanded rapidly since its founding a few years ago and now has four London studios, our favourite being the recently updated Mortimer Street space, which spans six floors. Go for the original Ride class, which has long been one of the best spin classes in London. Clip yourself in for some empowering instructors, pumping beats and a fun, high-energy atmosphere.

Psycle, 76 Mortimer St, Marylebone, London W1W 7SA; psyclelondon.com

Lunges in Leggings Calisthenics at MoveHackney

Best fitness class for: not taking things too seriously

Gyms can be very po-faced places, what with all that grunting and gurning. This gym class is the opposite of all that. By encouraging class-goers to don the wackiest compression tights they can get their legs into, Lunges in Leggings advocates a more fun approach to fitness than your average session. But that doesn’t mean the workout is any easier. Held at Move Hackney studio in east London, the group’s Calisthenics class combines strength training, muscle building and flexibility work, and with no dumbbell in sight. Expect friendly, community vibes alongside a total body workout including handstands, pistol squats, and gym rings.

Move Hackney, 140 Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London E1 5QJ; lungesinleggings.com

More Vinyasa Flow at MoreYoga

Best fitness class for: your budget

MoreYoga is probably the fastest-expanding boutique yoga studio brand in the UK right now, thanks to its affordable memberships – which start from just £32 per month – and high-quality teaching. Led by yogis who are as inspirational as they are informed, the More Vinyasa Flow class makes yoga accessible to all, from complete beginner to the seasoned practitioner.

Various locations throughout London; moreyoga.co.uk

Reshape at 1Rebel

Best fitness class for: a full-body workout

Reshape is one of the most gruelling workouts in London. By switching between rounds of high-powered treadmill sessions and dynamic weight sequences, you hit your muscles from all angles, which pushes your strength and stamina to their limits. By firing up a good number of muscle groups at the same time, this 45-minute workout torches more calories than you would in a session twice that long. A killer class that leaves you wondering what the hell just hit you.

Various locations throughout London, 1rebel.com

Boxcon at 12X3

Best fitness class for: boxing

With a full size boxing ring taking centre stage, 12X3 is one of London’s best boutique boxing studios. Boxcon, its signature class, offers gym-goers a total body workout via 12×3-minute rounds, under the watchful eye of two specialist coaches, who will take you through boxing drills, bag work and pads. Most of its trainers either are or have been professional fighters, so there's nowhere to hide. A fast paced, high-octane group experience that will leave you on the mat.

12x3, 76 Alie St, Aldgate, Whitechapel, London E1 8PZ; 12x3gym.co.uk

BLOKstrength at BLOK

Best fitness class for: strength training

BLOKstrength focuses on a range of strengthening exercises, which aim to make you stronger, fitter and leaner. It incorporates both 'isometric' and 'isotonic' manoeuvres (translation: holding moves and flexing moves), which the studio says will help create a healthy balanced body, supporting joints and promoting weight loss. Take the class in the Clapton branch to give your workout an industrial, warehouse feel.

BLOK, The Tram Depot, 38-40 Upper Clapton Rd, Clapton, London E5 8BQ; bloklondon.com

Yogasana with Stuwert Gilchrist at Indaba

Best fitness class for: sweating out a hangover

Indaba’s Yogasana classes focus on coordinating physical movement and mindful breath work in a heated room, which quickly has you drenched in sweat. Led by yoga legend Stuwert Gilchrist – a teacher notorious for his fun yet high-energy practice – this class stimulates the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to push you beyond what you thought possible. Be sure to book in advance; classes sell out fast.

Indaba, 18 Hayes Pl, Marylebone, London NW1 6UA; indabayoga.com

Fortis by SpeedFlex at Marshall Street Leisure

Best fitness class for: high-tech training

Fortis is a brand new HIIT class powered by Speedflex weight training machines. These high-tech “momentum free” devices generate more resistance the harder and faster you train with them. This means as you tire and slow down, the resistance decreases, allowing you to train at maximum intensity for as long as possible. Every class-goer gets a Myzone heart monitor strapped to their chests, which beams your heart rate zone and effort levels to a huge screen for all to see. Slacking off isn't an option.

Marshall St, Soho, London W1F 7EL; speedflex.com

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