Healthista’s Giulia Mele reviewed new fitness app Rise Today which allows you to book any fitness class in London. We love it
Using a mobile app for me isn’t the most motivating of things (if I can’t convince myself to go to the gym, how can an electronic device?). But new app Rise Today, free from iTunes has taken me by surprise. Basically, it allows you to book fitness and wellbeing sessions from boxing to barre, personal training to Pilates based in London.
Rise cater for all, yoga, gym bunny, HIIT-er or yet to discover your true calling. I am definitely part of the last category, I’vebounced between different classes and never really found a workout I love. So reviewing RISETODAY has given me a chance to try new classes.
RISETODAY cater for all, whether you are Yogi, Gymshark, HIITer or yet to discover your true calling
User-friendliness
I found it pretty easy to use. After a few steps I had a wide range of nearby quality fitness sessions on-demand. After downloading the app, I created my own profile (remember to enter your current or future location which is fundamental to search for convenient classes, 1-on-1 coaching or fitness facilities).
Once registered, here’s some tips to help you for the first time you use the app:
- Fill the location, distance, date and time and category options to filter sessions
- See the session name, location, trainer name, price distance and times in the search results
- At the bottom of search you will find suggested sessions
- Remember that the defined area is 25km from the centre of London
- Once you’ve chosen a session, tap to view its details
- Tap “book session” if you want to book that session
- There’s a top-left burger icon which opens a menu where you can view past and upcoming sessions booked by you
- Other menu items include profile where user can edit personal details and payment method
I enjoyed just scrolling through the huge list of possible sessions every day and I immediately got tempted to grab my gym clothes and go to try one. As my aim was to challenge myself and try some new classes out, I opted for some of most novel class I could find – here’s what happened:
Aerial Hoop for beginners
The Aerial Hoop is a circular steel ring suspended from the ceiling, on which you perform acrobatic moves. The class I attended was at the Flying fantastic studio in Bankside.
The last time I watched someone on a suspended ring was at a circus show years ago, so when I saw the class available I couldn’t resist.
The lesson was not exactly for beginners, but apart from feeling much more clumsy than the others, who had been at this for a few months, it wasn’t a real problem because the instructor Jen Robinson was so great at explaining everything and making it accessible. Thus, I was able do the basic moves.
I can’t lie though, circular hoop apparatus was daunting, but finding myself in the air couldn’t have been more thrilling. The Aerial Hoop requires a skilful balance of strength and flexibility, something which you will progressively work on during the class. As with any aerial skill, the core muscles are essential in being able to execute moves with confidence (for me, it was a huge effort just getting on the ring).
The lesson lasted an hour and you can see from my face how much I enjoyed it. Absolutely recommended for those who want to try a unique gymnastic experience.
The class, with a maximum of seven people per instructor, costs £20.
RISE TODAY is free from iTunes
Read more:
30 minute fat-burning workout for abs – new Sweaty 30 series
Chroma Yoga – the new class combining yoga with LIGHT therapy
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