If you often suffer from stiffness but don’t like the idea of yoga, then this new class exclusive to David Lloyd could be the solution.
Developed with the creators of Cirque Du Soleil and Reebok, it involves the use of a specially made stretchy band. It looks like a resistance band but the instructor who took me through my paces referred to it as an ‘assistance band’.
Rather than creating resistance with the aim of developing muscle tone, she explained that it works towards lengthening muscles and improving full range of movement.
Why is this important? Muscles cross over joints and as they get tighter, they can restricts the full range of movement of a joint which can eventually lead to injury. In theory it sounds great but what was it like in practice?
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Set to music, the class uses dance moves similar to a typical aerobics class so it is dynamic and gently raises the heart rate without providing the ‘burn’ you get of a typical cardio workout.
We used the band to create flowing movements and shapes as we moved, at one point even throwing it around our heads as if we were about to lasso something. This and whipping the floor with the band just made me feel silly. By far the most effective part of the workout involved using the band to help stretch the muscles.
I was expecting something unique and acrobatic in light of the fact that it is has been developed by the creators of French Canadian circus group Cirque Du Soleil but sadly I didn’t find this.
Then again, judging by photographs of the instructors doing far more complicated exercises perhaps they were just taking it easy on us.
If you like exercise to aerobics music, and are after a class that will help to improve your flexibility then this could offer an entertaining solution. With fans such as Kelly Brook and Helena Christensen you’ll be keeping good company.
The JUKARI Fit to Flex™ work out is available exclusively at all 78 David Lloyd Leisure UK clubs and at David Lloyd Leisure Dublin, Brussels and Barcelona . For more information visit www.davidlloyd.co.uk.
Rachael Woolston, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
