fitsteps – ‘strictly’ fitness.

21th November 2013

   FitSteps ‘Strictly’ Fitness class at Champneys, Tring Any of you following me on Twitter over the weekend would have seen that I was invited down to Champneys Spa Resort in Tring to take part in the new dance and fitness infused class, FitSteps which is the brain child of Strictly Come Dancing’s Natalie Lowe, Ian Waite and Contestant and World Champion Swimmer, Mark Foster. I am in no way a dancer, this became ever more evident throughout the class but this wasn’t just a dance class and with claims it burns up to 600 calories in just one session I couldn’t wait to lace up my Nikes and hit the studio. Once the class started it became apparent that I was going to need to adapt it slightly to suit my amateur level, removing complicated arm movements to focus more on the steps. However they were later reintroduced as we hit the strength routines of the Tango. Both Natalie and Ian were great with Ian providing little nods of encouragement as I appeared to dance to a completely different beat and Natalie on hand to help me get to grips with the strength stances. Before long my heart rate was in the clouds, my gym clothes damp and I was completely out of breath but the smile on my face, something that doesn’t appear when counting down the minutes on a treadmill, is what made me realise the appeal of this class. I wasn’t just trying a new way to burn calories, I was learning something and having fun whilst doing it so isn’t that the work out we’ve all been searching for? Once the class was finished it was time to indulge in some of the facilities and treatments Champneys has to offer embarking on a full tour […]

FitSteps ‘Strictly’ Fitness class at Champneys, Tring

Any of you following me on Twitter over the weekend would have seen that I was invited down to Champneys Spa Resort in Tring to take part in the new dance and fitness infused class, FitSteps which is the brain child of Strictly Come Dancing’s Natalie Lowe, Ian Waite and Contestant and World Champion Swimmer, Mark Foster.
I am in no way a dancer, this became ever more evident throughout the class but this wasn’t just a dance class and with claims it burns up to 600 calories in just one session I couldn’t wait to lace up my Nikes and hit the studio. Once the class started it became apparent that I was going to need to adapt it slightly to suit my amateur level, removing complicated arm movements to focus more on the steps. However they were later reintroduced as we hit the strength routines of the Tango. Both Natalie and Ian were great with Ian providing little nods of encouragement as I appeared to dance to a completely different beat and Natalie on hand to help me get to grips with the strength stances. Before long my heart rate was in the clouds, my gym clothes damp and I was completely out of breath but the smile on my face, something that doesn’t appear when counting down the minutes on a treadmill, is what made me realise the appeal of this class.
I wasn’t just trying a new way to burn calories, I was learning something and having fun whilst doing it so isn’t that the work out we’ve all been searching for?
Once the class was finished it was time to indulge in some of the facilities and treatments Champneys has to offer embarking on a full tour of the Spa, something I don’t get the luxury of at my own gym, literally having to tear myself from the Steam Room. I must admit I found myself a bit confused as I couldn’t see their Jacuzzi only to then realise that it was in fact outside, sunken into the decking overlooking the beautiful country side. I was in heaven. I struggled to leave but my last stop was for my Full Body Massage with Jess one of the many Therapists on hand at the resort. She was the epitome of both professional and friendly, making sure I was completely comfortable before the treatment commenced as well as tailoring the treatment to my personal preferences. It was nothing less than the perfect end to the perfect stay with Champneys and I hope that it won’t be the last.

If like me your wanting to get involved with FitSteps in your local area all class information can be found on their website www.fitsteps.co.uk alternatively you can e-mail them at info@fitsteps.co.uk or call on 08456492582.

FitSteps will also be running across all Champneys Spa Resorts – Tring, Henlow, Springs and Forest Mere so if you’d like a day of indulgence and fitness fun log on to www.champneys.com for more details.