I went to a work out class everyday for a week in York, here’s the fun stuff to know

As someone who normally works out solo, the thought of going to a group class honestly felt a bit terrifying, but I was seeking out a new exercise that I would love. Naturally, I thought why not try seven different classes in one week? Logical, right?

From aqua sessions to HIIT, I found that each class was welcoming, fun and adaptable to all fitness levels. So, whether you’re looking to go solo like me or want to try with friends, here is your guide to just seven of the many fitness classes out there in York for students!

Monday: Aqua

Starting in the deep end (literally). I was so nervous starting the week but aqua was the perfect start. I met a lovely woman in the class who wanted to get fit enough to lift her grandchild, and let’s just say that she was in the majority of the aqua demographic: lovely elderly ladies.

The class itself was interesting; the music was definitely not for me and the instructor was wearing a vest that said “I workout to burn the crazy” and THE galaxy leggings (2015 flashbacks). Pushing that aside, I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Taylor Swift themed aqua classes popping up in the future.

Overall, it was very cute, low intensity, low impact (not even sure I broke a sweat) and could be a laugh with friends. Plus, you could even follow the class up with a sauna natter session – the perfect girls evening.

Tuesday: Body Attack

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This literally did attack my body. Whereas aqua was lovely old ladies, this class was filled with people who could casually run a 10k in their lunch break. I was really surprised by my level of fitness in this one, but the positive vibes carried through. It was the type of class that you high fived and clapped throughout – it gave nothing but positive energy.

Normally I am against giving a man a microphone, but this man I wanted to kill, kiss and go clubbing with all at once. He made me SWEAT. I would advise stretching before (I couldn’t walk the next day), especially as the warm up and cool down were burpees and singing to Lady Gaga…

Wednesday: Yoga

The recovery Yoga was needed after Body Attack, and a much enjoyed midweek break. Having only ever attended York Yoga Society classes, I was worried about what to expect but it was actually very similar.

Honestly, some people in the room were bending the laws of physics and others were struggling to reach their knees, but it was a very calm and positive environment to be in. Yoga is something that can be really intimidating to start (out of fear of not being able to do a headstand) but all the classes I have attended gave loads of variation to suit your body.  

Thursday: HIIT 

I made a big mistake with this one – forgetting my shoes! Normally I am a barefoot weightlifting girly but this was not advised for HIIT! For my class there were eight stations each with a strength and plyo exercise.

I found HIIT very humbling. You think you can easily shoulder press 6kg but simply not after the second circuit. Plus, the sweat was real. It was very fun for a quick and effective workout (roughly 25 mins) but there was also plenty of room to adapt. By the end I was doing kneeling push ups with no shame. 

Friday: Body Balance 

This one was the most difficult due to the fact that I had to physically stop myself laughing at the instructor. I would not recommend going with a friend whose simple glance can make you laugh. The class itself was a combo of yoga and pilates moves but done in an interpretive dance way, which was just not my style. Maybe with different music I would have liked it more, but the botched covers of James Bond theme tunes were not for me. Still, it was a cool variation of yoga at a very low level! I’ve maybe done around 20 yoga classes in my life and could easily do the hardest variations. 

Saturday: Body Combat 

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Lets just say that I’m not going to be winning a fight any time soon. I was super excited for this one but it fell a little bit flat for me personally. The second I picked up what we were doing, we moved on, but the instructor did say that it takes about three classes to pick up the teaching style and move names. The moves are repetitive (a lot of kicking and punching) and the class itself was very dancy. It’s advertised as strengthening, but I felt more like I’d end up on TikTok with a “woman who will do anything but lift weights” caption. Saying this, I can see how it’s a low impact way to get movement, which is always a win. 

Sunday: Fitness Pilates

Admittedly, this was meant to be Zumba but I overslept… so why not end up in a pilates princess era? Pilates is not just for the Insta girlies but for everyone! Every move hits a muscle I didn’t know existed and I came out of the class feeling toned and relaxed. It’s a really low pressure and low intensity environment to build muscles and see a group class in action. 

Personally, I would definitely book to do HIIT or Body Attack again, and maybe the occasional yoga class (but I do prefer doing this in my PJs at home). York has loads of gyms and while a class can seem scary at first, jumping into something silly like Aqua or Zumba and having a laugh at yourself can really help to show that it’s not that serious. Everyone is just trying to find ways of movement that work well for them and you shouldn’t be afraid to do that too!