So this is it, our brave new world. Or more accurately my world shrunk into a central London apartment comprised of two rooms and a medium-sized terrace.

Pre-lockdown the gym, walking and any fitness activity was my escape. Changing into fitness gear signalled the working day was complete; equally pealing off the techni-coloured lycra and standing under the shower cleansed my body and mind.

I love the gym, but mostly for the classes. You can’t replicate that group dynamic as an individual wandering aimlessly from one piece of equipment to the next. I like to be corrected by a teacher who knows significantly more about form and technique, I need to be pushed by the social shame of being the first to give up or indeed by the trainer who knows me by name and that I could lift heavier, stretch further, keep going seconds longer.

I love the routine, the community, the sense of accomplishment, but also the efficiency of signing up to a class and knowing during that time block I will get the task done. I had the timetable figured out, when I would do weights, cardio, yoga for the stretching, yoga for the mind and the rest days. I was one of those who went to a gym or a studio five or six times a week, occasionally I would do something at home as well.

Well not anymore.

Looking to replicate this, I turned to the internet and was greeted by an impressive number of online options. As gyms and studios have been forced to shut, many instructors have moved to live online classes seeking to keep people motivated and active, which is great but disorientating and more than slightly overwhelming. Over the last week or so, I’ve slowly figured out a new routine, leaning heavily on teachers I know and trust and then following their recommendations to find more options to try my hand at.

Ahmed

I ‘discovered’ Ahmed’s yoga classes during a trial of ClassPass two Christmases ago and haven’t looked back. Working primarily in East London, he walks the knife edge of relevant and authentic without using those words and therefore never quite being so achingly cool as to become alienating / uber hipster.

There is nothing about his style that I do not adore. Join his yoga or meditation classes to clear the mind, but be prepared to work for it as he will not let you off lightly.

His classes use Zoom, a free video application, and he is keeping the numbers low to protect the sense of intimacy that he is a master in building. To see his schedule, or book a private lesson visit his Instagram or just head over for a lesson in being a real human, he’s good for that in spades.

Karen Russell

Karen is a yoga teacher whom I go to with all my questions about yoga, injuries, random ideas and general advice. I trust her implicitly and she is just amazing.

A former ballet dancer and over 20 years qualified as a yoga instructor in various different practices, her understanding of the physical body is astonishing. She could do all the Instagrammable poses, but doesn’t and I’ve often left her classes wondering how she ‘fixed’ an injury or worry without seeming to do anything at all.

The best way to get in touch for a private class is via her website.

Richie Bostock

A colleague who is averaging four live online classes a day introduced me to Richie aka The Breath Man. Sine my attempts to meditate or practice mindfulness often result in accidental naps, breath work is perfect for me. His sessions are grounding, restorative and just plain impressive to discover how your body can respond to the simple act of manipulating and controlling your breath.

Richie’s sessions are conducted daily, via Instagram live or Zoom, with his rolling schedule posted a few days in advance on Instagram.

Indaba Studio

This list wouldn’t be complete without what many consider the best yoga studio in London. Posting their schedule on Instagram, with more classes and instructors being added as the days progress it’s wonderful to see how businesses and their communities are adapting.

HIIT and strength work

Barbara

I think I have a girl crush on Barbara. Just try one of her classes and you’ll understand. She’s posting home workouts on Instagram in addition to launching weekly live online HIIT, yoga, stretch and dance sessions.

GymBox

Since I’m a member of GymBox, I’ve been stalking their Instagram page waiting for the moment they announced their Instagram Live classes. My favourite trainers in the mix are:

Hattie

If you have attended Hattie’s in person fitness classes then you’ll be in awe of her high level energy. Always smiling, sometimes through the pain, she has a way of convincing you that the sweat will be worth it.

Ophelie

Launching her £10/week membership schedule this week, Ophelie’s mobility and contortion sessions are masterful. She also has a number of free classes via Instagram live throughout the week, posting her schedule on Instagram stories.

strength - Low impact

Barrecore

Barrecore’s live class was my first foray into this new fitness challenge, and I’m so glad I tried. They’ve adapted their signature moves for home workouts with minimal equipment; you won’t think you’re doing much to begin but believe me so you still feel the burn and it still hurts like hell in the best possible way.

Their community has a huge feel good factor, exemplified by them offering up free membership to all NHS workers during this period. Hit up their website to book in - bonus first live and two weeks on demand classes are free - just prepare yourself for the muscle shakes.

And if you’re curious about their ‘in real life’ studios for when this fog lifts, have a peak at my review of their London Moorgate STRETCH class here - everything about Barrecore from the clean aesthetic to the friendly and knowledgable instructors is top notch.

Nadine

From Studio Lagree, Nadine’s Instagram Live classes bring the principles of reformer pilates into your home. I’m grateful for this gift, but not sure my aching limbs agree.

The wonderful premise of an online live class is that it can maintain a sense of community and importantly provide some accountability. I’ve tried home workouts before, Insanity is the only one I don’t just stop and watch the video while sat on the mat hoping it will absorb by osmosis. These classes are truly helping me keep it together, please share any others that you think I should try out!

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