Gymnasium has actually been my gym of choice for the last year or so. I’ve really enjoyed my time here as a member, so I felt it was only right that they got some air time on the blog!
Let’s jump into it!
Gym Overview
Not heard of Gymnasium before? Gymnasium have 3 sites in London: Brixton, Clapham and Wandsworth.
Here are a few things that I believe really stand out and underpin what Gymnasium is all about:
- Class led sessions by amazing coaches who really know their stuff. They are a really passionate, knowledgeable and caring bunch!
- Over 100 weekly classes, featuring strength, conditioning & mobility. It’s plain to see that their classes are not only geared to improving your strength and fitness but that they also want to keep you well-oiled and injury-free to optimise your day-to-day life outside of the gym.
- Gymnasium is the only B-Corp-certified gym in the UK!
- The coaches always know your name – I know this is a minor detail but I find it very impressive. It makes you feel really welcome. This is even the case for members who are newly onboarded – they always know your name.
- Community: the members are lovely – everyone is chatty and smiley which is always rejuvenating after a day of WFH.
- Gymnasium runs a few different class concepts including “Athletica”, “Delta”, “CrossFit” and “Stronger”. You can explore each concept here. I am a regular to Athletica, it keeps me moving well whilst pushing my overall conditioning and aerobic capacity.
The Workout
This week’s Monday Athletica, was called an “Athletica Strength” which involves a bit of barbell cycling and a lesser focus on cardio compared to a standard Athletica Class.
This workout was paired – it’s rare that you get an individual-based Athletica class. I really enjoy a paired or grouped format as it is simply more fun than going through the paces on your own!
Warm Up:
Everyone collectively:
- 10 x Walkouts with press-up
- 10 x Thoracic rotation in bottom squat position
- 1 min in child’s pose, moving hands out wide to stretch lats.
You go I go (YGIG) in pairs.
- Dumbbell RDLs x 10
- Good mornings x 10
- 10 Heaven to earth (5/side) x10
Complete the above twice through.
We then had a few minutes to get comfortable with the barbell movement which was a clean (I hadn’t done one in a while so I was pleased we got some warm-up time)! Tai, the coach leading the session was very helpful in getting my form in check before we settled into the main body of the workout.
Workout (In Pairs):
4 x 8 Min station with a 90 sec rest
Station 1:
Increasing ladder of Barbell Power cleans (From the ground). Partner A goes and does 1 rep, Partner B then does 1 rep. Partner A will then do 2 reps and so on and so forth…
Thoughts: This was certainly the post technical station, I hadn’t cleaned in a while so I didn’t go too crazy on the weight. I believe we progressed to 9 reps each, I kept it slow and steady, unbroken sets. My partner Danny was great at setting the pace here and cheering me through!
Station 2:
Rear leg elevated Split Squat. 30 Seconds Right leg, 30 Seconds left leg.
1 Min rest while your partner goes.
Thoughts: This was so much harder than it seemed. Incredibly painful on the quads. I started with a bit of added weight but I had to remove it as it became way too much! It’s crazy how much burn you can get in a bodyweight-only movement when performed slowly!
Station 3:
Alternating Every minute on the minute EMOM (i.e. 4 rounds each)
10 TRX Ballerinas (5/side) into 5 wall ball hamstring curls
Thoughts: I found the coordination of the TRX Ballerina very difficult, I couldn’t get to grips with it at all – I think a bit more practice is needed here! This wasn’t a movement I had tried before but Tai was great at helping get more stable and better my form, although there is still a lot to work on!
Station 4:
Increasing ladder of full push-ups with DB Renegade rows
Thoughts: 100% the hardest station, and of course it was the one we had to finish on! The push-pull combination was a potent upper-body combination! I had to take a couple of breathers on this. My partner flew through the reps so my turn felt like it came round far too quickly each time!
Round-Up
A great overall workout, very little focus on cardio today but I found that quite refreshing. I woke up the following morning with serious tricep DOMS (I can blame station 4 for that)!
Key learnings from being a member at Gymnasium for the last 12 months:
- Stretching and Mobility: The Coaching Team take this seriously. It’s definitely something I have overlooked before, but getting a good stretch/mobility window in each session has definitely kept me moving better. I need to keep this up!
- Everyone’s favourite Erg is the C2 bike, everyone rushes for this when there is an Erg station where we can pick and choose – you’ve got to react fast if you want to dibs it!
- Working out with a team is far more enjoyable than a solo workout.
Verdict
- Sweat – 8/10
- Endorphins – 10/10
- Recommendation – 10/10
Live nearby? Want to try Gymnasium for yourself?
Currently offers:
- 25% off if you pay for 3 months upfront.
- 50% off your first month.
Email: coach@gymnasium.fit
Website: https://gymnasium.fit/wandsworth/
Disclaimer
Remember that individual experiences may vary, and the review is based on my personal encounter with Gymnasium. It’s advisable to visit, enquire, and experience the studio firsthand to make the best choice for your fitness requirements.
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