This week for ClassPass I decided to try something a little different and go for an outside gym class; City Energiser by the Torrens with Proactive Fitness. I met the class just outside Goodlife on King William Street and was introduced to our very cheery instructor Cristie Shuttleworth who gave me a short explanation of what the class would entail as we embarked on a casual run (!) along King William down to the Torrens River. I don’t think I’ve had to move faster than a brisk walk since I left high school many years ago, so needless to say I fell a little behind the group. Fortunately Cristie was nice enough to lag behind with me so I didn’t feel like as much of a skinnyfat person.
The City Energiser class was a circuit class that focused on strength, fitness and mobility. There were four points spread around the grass area, and at each point was a different exercise to complete. Running was required to get between each point, and the running was seriously the easiest part of the whole class. Some of the exercises we had to do were push-ups, sit-ups, planks, squats and many, many others that tested every single part of my body. As hard and exhausting as it was, it was also kind of exhilarating pushing my body so hard, and the constant encouragement from Cristie forced me to push myself harder again.
Cristie told me the class that day was smaller than usual, consisting of only three participants other than me, which was because they had an extremely difficult workout the other day and a few of them were still recovering. No judgement from me there. Although the group was small, I could tell it was a really dynamic and friendly group as they asked each other questions about their lives, joked around and chatted about recent coffee dates. They made me feel extremely welcome, and didn’t judge me or laugh when I flopped to the floor mid push-up because my body had turned to jelly.
This class is not for the faint of heart or beginners, but for someone who really wants to see and feel results, and is capable of pushing themselves to the limit. The genuine community atmosphere of the class will make sure you always feel included and encouraged, and the patience of Cristie will ensure you are never unable to do an exercise. As the class is at midday in the city, it’s perfect for people who want to get away from their desk and get in a solid hour of exercise in the fresh air away from the stresses of the work day!
Image: Proactive Fitness
