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I tried 7 intense fitness classes in Cape Town - how I chose my favourite

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Two years ago I decided to start ABC Adventure Bootcamp. This meant getting up at 5:30AM every second morning to attend my 3-times a week 6-AMer class. Come rain or shine, I was there.

It started out really tough, especially since I’d been guilty of committing to a yo-yo fitness routine – getting semi-fit for a few months and then stopping all together for another few months. Not good.

And however much I loved bootcamp, I was ready to try something new after a year. (It has been this way my whole life. I’ve done gymnastics, swimming, synchronised swimming, hockey, netball, tennis, Taekwondo,  short-distance running, Kundalini yoga…and the list goes on)

So I went in search of 'the one'...

Krav Maga

This Israeli fighting technique might leave you with a few bruises after the first class already. They go all in – that applies to both the fitness and the fighting bit. Not the best place to start if you’re very unfit, but definitely try this if you’re keen to learn the skills necessary to fuck someone up (like a predator, of course).

Pros

I only did one class – but I’m sure this will make you fit as hell (I was dripping after 10 minutes) and it will teach you some very important skills to keep you safe in any situation. Yes, even if you’re petite, you’ll be able to use these skills to fight off a big dude.

Cons

The fighting bit was hectic for me, I must say. I love contact sports, but since Krav Maga wants to build your muscle memory, the fighting taught in class is not necessarily ‘play fighting’ – it’s real. This is so you train your mind and body to always respond immediately when there’s a threat. A bit much for me as I wanted to do general fitness and not necessarily become a street fighter.

Go here to sign up.

Switch Playground

Think of a club (so lights, DJ, music pumping, some moody smoke), add a bunch of different stations, then add yourself sweating (dry heaving almost) and a bunch of very enthusiastic trainers (often shirtless boys).

Pros

This really makes fitness fun; it’s a good way to start the day for sure - so go do morning classes.

Cons

It’s too expensive – but sign up for a class every so often, it'll make for a nice change of pace from your normal routine.

Go and sign up here.

Crossfit

This has been one fitness craze that just hasn’t died down. People are obsessed! So I tried it for myself for a month – and it is truly awesome!

It’s tough on the body though since you use so many weights and generally work your bod to the max during class (I worked muscles I seriously didn’t knew I had!) – it’s definitely not for the delicate amongst us.

Pros

You’ll get fit and see results very quickly. If you go regularly you’ll get the body of your dreams for sure as it’s so great for toning. The people are also really cool, and it becomes like a bit of a community. Not cult, don't worry. Community.

Cons

It’s also very expensive. Over R1000 a month is a bit tight for my budget. Also, my body was just too sore - all the damn time.

Sign up here!

Kickboxing and boxing

I’ve always wanted to do boxing, and after trying Taekwondo at university I knew I loved kicking more than punching. So after getting bored of gymming for a year, kickboxing seemed a natural fit.

My first class, like most gyms/clubs was free of charge – which is really great when you're still weighing your options. (You can now actually take the whole first week for free!)

After my first kickboxing class I was elated. This was 100% what I wanted and needed.

Pros

I was wrong in thinking I only wanted to do the kickboxing as the boxing is just as challenging and rewarding.

The overall fitness is amazing, plus I am learning technique which is something you often don't get at your average boxing fitness class. The kicking and sparring bits are seriously so much fun and I feel these classes will keep on challenging me, which is very important to someone like me who changes fitness regimes almost as often as I put petrol in my car.

Plus it’s only R750 per month for unlimited classes!

Cons

I already hurt myself in my third class – kicking someone's knee with my shin – kak sore. But the challenge for me now is to constantly think and to take it slow and learn from my mistakes – i.e. focus on how not to hurt myself.

Go and sign up to fight the good fight here.

Twenty Four at Virgin Active

This is a fabulous class for beginners who are keen to get fit. And don’t get me wrong – when I say beginners I don’t mean this is a breeze by any means. Hell no. But it’s a class where you can go at your own pace really, so beginners will really benefit from doing these basic exercises. 24 minutes, 24 exercises.

Pros

It’s always a bit different which means it stays fresh, and it’s really a great workout that you can do if you don’t have lots of time.

Cons

You, of course, need a gym membership to take advantage of this – but I’d say there are really no cons to this class. Best class I’ve taken at Virgin for sure.

Sign up to Virgin here.

So, can you guess which one I chose? Kickboxing!

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