We put the Les Mills GRIT™ Strength exercise class to the test in a bid to regain that bikini body: find out how our Creative Services Editor, Sally, got on during this intense 30-minute workout!
It’s that time of year again: cute sparkly festive dresses have started appearing in my favourite stores, but I can’t fit into them as I’ve had yet another year of too much Singapore-style fun (read boozy brunches, epic vacays, and one too many ladies nights). And my bikini is definitely looking a lot less flattering than it did a few months ago. The problem is, that though I’m partial to a spot of yoga, spin class, or bootcamp sesh every now and again, I haven’t managed to find my exercise thing that burns the calories, keeps me in tip-top shape, and is sustainable in the long term. I get bored, start making excuses, and then I have a wine and stop caring. So when I heard about the latest workout available at True Fitness – Les Mills GRIT™ Strength, I was intrigued. Mainly because it promised an intense workout that lasts only 30 minutes. Half an hour and no more slogging it out on a treadmill for hours on end?! That’s my kinda exercise class.
Once signed up, I took a peek at what was involved. Though only 30 minutes in length, it quickly became apparent that this class was going to be no walk in the park. Think HIIT (high intensity interval training) with the addition of barbells, weight plates, and body weight resistance (gah!). Throw in some pumping music and – I imagined – uber fit trainers who look like they’d eat me for breakfast, and I began to feel a little apprehensive to say the least. After giving myself a pep talk, I rocked up to the gym on a Friday evening to put myself to the test.
Arriving in the studio, my fears were instantly allayed. No intimidating meatheads or gym bunnies; instead, happy, smiley trainers who were super friendly and welcoming. And, judging from the turnout, I assumed this must be a popular class. As I set up my station, I began to feel that I might just make it through unscathed.
The class began and the 30-minute countdown was on: a series of squats, lunges, press-ups, weights, and jumps ensued. Within five minutes I was dripping in sweat (surprisingly not tears). While I initially felt rather smug at the seemingly short class length, after ten minutes of intense action, 30 minutes started to feel a lot longer than it sounds. Thankfully the two trainers leading the GRIT™ Strength tribe were enthusiastic and encouraging. Just when I thought I couldn’t push myself any further, a high-five came my way and made the pain bearable. Then, more squatting and lunging until my legs resembled jelly and every muscle in my body was screaming for mercy.
And then a miracle happened. It was over. I could barely walk but, unbelievably, I still had a smile on my face. I’d even go as far to say I enjoyed it (but I ain’t gonna lie: there were moments when I thought I wouldn’t make it to the end; this class is not for the faint-hearted!). Thanks to the high energy vibes, crackin’ tunes, and brilliant trainers, I’d made it. Would I go back? You bet’cha. A few sessions of this each week and I reckon I’ll be in my spangly Christmas outfit in no time. Result!
Fancy trying it for yourself? You can now sign up for a free GRIT™ Strength trial class here!
True Fitness offers more than 450 exciting group exercise classes every week with 45 different types to choose from, ranging from Aerobics and Resistance/Strength-training to Yoga, Hot Yoga and Spinning. Classes are set in spacious studios to provide members with the best workout experience.
This article is sponsored by True Fitness.