Which workout works best?
AAs social lives restart, we all want to lose weight — fast. We tried out six leading home exercise regimes to see which really burns the most calories
T LONG last the halcyon days of long lunches in pub gardens and summer barbecues with friends are almost within reach. But if you’ve spent the last few months lounging in tracksuit bottoms and dipping into the biscuit tin, the prospect of socialising may not appeal as much as it once did.
Almost half of us admit to putting on weight during lockdown, with the average adult gaining 1kg through drinking, snacking and less physical activity.
With April 12 — the projected date for outdoor meet-ups in England’s pubs and restaurants — just six weeks away, there’s not much time to get in shape before lockdown ends. Gyms are still closed, but there’s nothing to stop you exercising at home — there are plenty of online workouts designed for you to do in your living room or garden.
From PE with Joe Wicks to celeb-endorsed trampoline sessions, there’s something to suit everyone and, better still, many are free. SARAH RAINEY dons her Fitbit and puts a selection to the test. . .
FIGHT ALL-OVER FLAB WITH JOE WICKS
WHAT IS IT? Three 20-minute live workout sessions a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9am) with ‘Body Coach’ Joe Wicks, 34, who has 2.7 million YouTube subscribers. His lockdown PE classes were viewed 22 million times last year, earning him an MBE and a Guinness World Record, with fans tuning in worldwide. BEST FOR: All the family. His initial goal was getting children active, but the sessions are now aimed at grownups, too. It’s useful to have a sense of humour, as some of the moves — such as the ‘Pikachu pop’ — are a bit silly. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3/5 EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None, although you’ll need quite a lot of space to jump around. COST: Free. Search for ‘The Body Coach TV’ on youtube.com. THE WORKOUT: A series of cardiobased exercises, from running on the spot to kangaroo hops, bicycle crunches and high kicks, with 20second breaks in between. It’s fastpaced and fun — I can see why he proved so popular last spring.
By the time we get to the second round my heart is pounding and I’m feeling the burn. There’s no cooldown at the end, but I’m ready to flop on the sofa. CALORIES BURNED IN 20 MINS: 295 HOW OFTEN? Three times a week will burn 5,310 calories in six weeks, equivalent to 1kg weight loss.
TONE UP YOUR LEGS ON A TRAMPOLINE
WHAT IS IT? Showing that trampolining isn’t just for kids, celebrity fitness studio The Ness has opened to the masses, offering virtual ‘bounce sessions’ to subscribers.
Fans include Gwyneth Paltrow and Eva Longoria, while Goldie Hawn has also endorsed the fat-burning powers of ‘rebounding’ — highintensity cardio exercises on a mini trampoline. BEST FOR: Fitness fanatics looking for something a bit different. You’ll also need high ceilings. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 4/5 EQUIPMENT NEEDED: A mini trampoline is helpful, although there are ‘sculpting’ sessions that require only a mat. You can buy a fold-up trampoline from £29.99 (argos.co.uk), or hop on the kids’ one in the garden. COST: £28.39 a month or £255.59 a year; there’s a seven-day trial package, too (thenessdigital.com). THE WORKOUT: Having not been on a trampoline since my eighth birthday, I start by acquainting myself with the basics. There are 15-second video tutorials for each move, from squats and knee tucks to the more intimidating ‘cross tap’ and ‘scissor’.
I choose a 20-minute session with an energetic jumper called Kendall, who takes me through a fast-paced routine that involves high kicks, squats and jumping jacks.
I soon get into the swing of it, my enthusiasm tempered only by fear of hitting the ceiling.
By the end, I’m dripping with sweat and pumping with adrenaline. CALORIES BURNED IN 20 MINS: 302 HOW OFTEN? Do this high-intensity routine twice a week and within six weeks you’ll have burned 3,624 calories — just over half a kilogram.
GET A-LIST FIT WITH SOME DANCE MOVES
WHAT IS IT? She counts the likes of Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz as clients — but now you can learn the patented ‘Tracy Anderson Method’, as the celebrity fitness trainer has opened up her studios online.
Online subscribers choose from three levels (start, fundamental or attain), which comprise 20 to 30minute dance cardio videos.
There’s a virtual ‘prescription office’ where experts will analyse your fitness and experience, too. BEST FOR: Intermediate and advanced workout fans, with some dance training. The workouts are fast-paced and tough, with no explanation of the moves. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 5/5 EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None. COST: £64.48 a month or £579.21 a year, so it’s more expensive than most real-life gym memberships. You can test it out first with a 14-day free trial (tracyanderson.com).
THE WORKOUT: i choose a ‘Catalyst Cardio’ workout with nikki, an impossibly toned gigi Hadid lookalike. Flailing around as i attempt to copy her graceful dance moves, i feel like a hippo.
She bounds from one movement to the next — grapevines, twists, jumping jacks and twirls — without a break, and i find it hard to follow with no instructions. There’s heavy techno music blaring throughout and the whole thing is less Strictly Come Dancing, and more dodgy nightclub. Still, i’m shattered by the end. CALORIES BURNED IN 20 MINS: 230 HOW OFTEN? Do this four times a week and you’ll easily shift a kilo.
HONE A SIX-PACK WITH GIRL POWER
WHAT IS IT? Designed by women for women, Sweat is a lifestyle hub offering fitness tips, workouts, nutrition advice and recipes.
Co-founded by Australian fitness influencer Kayla itsines (who has 12.8 million followers on instagram), its trainers are all female and are based around the world.
Subscribers are connected via an app, which then tracks your fitness by linking to your Fitbit or Apple Watch. BEST FOR: Fans of short, fast-paced cardio workouts (though there are yoga and pilates options, too).
Workouts can be done in small spaces with just a smartphone, so it’s ideal if you live in a flat. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 4/5 EQUIPMENT NEEDED: none. instead of weights, the instructors suggest using household cleaning products or water bottles. COST: £14.32 a month or £85.93 a year. Sign up at sweat.com. THE WORKOUT: A 20-minute fullbody session with Kayla — who’s earned an impressive £356 million from her online workouts, so she should know a thing or two about working up a sweat at home.
We start with some basic lunges and stretches before moving into a demanding routine of jumping jacks, squats, Russian twists and sit-ups. Somehow, she manages to talk (and smile) throughout, shouting out words of encouragement, but i’m completely breathless and red in the face. it’s so intense i collapse onto my mat during the penultimate exercise, a side plank, and have to sit the last few minutes out. CALORIES BURNED IN 20 MINS: 286 HOW OFTEN? Three times a week will result in 1kg weight loss — and noticeably toned abs.
BOX CLEVER FOR PERFECT BICEPS
WHAT IS IT? Boxinginspired toning, strength and conditioning classes from Rumble, the trendy gym founded in new York. David Beckham swears by it, apparently, as does Justin Bieber.
Classes are live-streamed on Zoom (so you can access them on your phone, laptop or tablet), up to nine times a day, and last 45 minutes. BEST FOR: Anthony Joshua wannabes or teens with pent-up angst. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 4/5 EQUIPMENT NEEDED: gloves are optional (£14.95, amazon.co.uk). COST: Single classes cost £11, or you can buy a set of eight (which expire within 30 days) for £70. Visit doyourumble.com. THE WORKOUT: A trio of glossyhaired instructors take me through Rumble’s signature moves: the jab, cross, uppercut and hook, all while hopping back and forth on their toes.
There’s skipping, squatting and lunging, too, with modifications for beginners.
The workout finishes with an abs section, comprising sit-ups, planks and mountain climbers. it’s highoctane and easy to follow, with clear explanations and plenty of motivation throughout. CALORIES BURNED IN 20 MINS: 225 HOW OFTEN? Work up a sweat doing this four times a week and you should lose 1kg.
We had a giggle over pictures of our Ibiza clubbing pasts
CURRENT ROLE
ENTREPRENEUR and musician.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET
SOMEONE successful, driven and fun who enjoys going out.
DATING PAST?
I sPlIt from my son’s mum when he was a year old. she’s since married and we live in different areas, so I don’t see much of him. I was with my last long-term girlfriend for two years, but our relationship ended during the first lockdown. I dated someone over the autumn, but that ended in november. I’ve just never really found the one.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
I’M A public speaker and musician so I don’t get massively nervous. I can be shy and introverted, but I don’t tend to fret too much.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
lAuren is rather cute. she was wearing a black and white woollen number. I was going to put on a shirt, but I forgot. luckily, I had on smart jeans and a t-shirt. For a restaurant date I’d have changed, but as it was on Zoom in my office, my outfit seemed oK.
EASY TO TALK TO?
We BotH run our own businesses so understand what’s involved when you work for yourself. We had a giggle. We have both spent youthful summers raving in Ibiza and held up to the screen pictures of our clubbing outfits — we were in stitches. I was pulling a face in one and lauren was dancing in hers. I love going to music gigs and have been to hundreds, but lauren hasn’t been to a single one. she is open to trying one though.
As for food, lauren had got something Chinese in from M&s. I ordered a curry, but I didn’t want to end up with sauce around my mouth, so I had a rather small and dry chicken tikka.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
At one point lauren said, I like ‘really big ones’. she was referring to cars, but it made me laugh a lot.
DID SPARKS FLY?
Yes, we swapped numbers and plan to meet up for a socially distanced dog walk. We’re both dog lovers which is a bonus. I’ve got two border collies, while lauren owns a French bulldog and a staffie cross. I like that lauren isn’t high maintenance or opinionated, she’s relaxed company.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET IN PERSON?
Yes, we’re going to.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I PlAY my cards close to my chest but if pushed, I think she liked me.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HER?
Yes, my family are down to earth and that’s a good character trait lauren shares, too.
Interviews: SAMANTHA BRICK