Natalie Tries: Fierce

November 25, 2024

‘In this class you will experience the true spirit of the African tribal culture and awaken your inner earth-mother.’ I could feel the journalists around me shrinking back into the walls. But ten minutes in to the first ever Fierce class at Virgin Active we all sprang to life, ignoring the PR reps and photographers at the edge of the room, you couldn’t help but respond to the music. This is Zumba … with a fearless edge.

What on earth is Fierce?

Hailing from Africa, the classes are an hour of tribal expression set to primal rhythms, created by renowned dance teacher and Group Fitness Instructor, Teva Scarborough. And Virgin Active have brought it to the UK.

In the wake of the global success of Zumba it’s clear that there’s a market for high-energy dance-based fitness classes that allow you to work out whilst having fun in an incredibly social environment.

Fierce is inspired by the tribal rhythms and high-energy moves of traditional South African dancing. It is all about saying ‘yes’ to the music and letting your body move to the rhythms. The classes aim to work out your body but also open up your inhibitions and allow a little freedom and expression into lives that are otherwise very controlled and reserved. It’s all about the release of your inner freedom.

This all may sound a little new-age and skeptics will be snorting derisively I am sure, but I challenge you to take this class and not allow the music to take over. Even the most conservative of you will be leaping and whooping as though you’re on the plains of Africa before the hour is up.

The Class

Having my face painted like a Cheetah was rather surreal at 8am, but I donned my tribal necklace and bangles and tried to get into the spirit. The studio was decked out like a savanna with a replica lion looming absurdly in the corner; it was all a bit too much to take in before my morning coffee.

But our two little instructors popped out dressed head-to-toe in animal print and their vibrancy and enthusiasm was infectious. When the music finally started I was itching to get going.

Each track lasts about three minutes and we are given some basic tribal steps to learn for each new song. The steps are simple and are shown slowly before being sped up. But as a definite non-dancer I managed to cope with the steps, so don’t worry if you fear that you’re in the uncoordinated category. Even when you lose the steps the instructors gave us a go-to move so that you were never left completely aimless. Unfortunately, this go-to move uncannily resembled Miley’s infamous twerk… so I did my very best to remember the steps!

The class is far from intense, but after 30 minutes you will begin to feel the burn. A lot of the moves are low and squat-like so you are really working your thighs and glutes. By the end of the session I was sweating so much that my cheetah face-paint had dripped attractively down my face. Luckily, face paint isn’t compulsory.

The Benefits

- It works your whole body. The class moves through a series of routines that incorporate, big, bouncy movements. It’s fantastic cardio but also makes sure to target as many muscle groups as possible.

- It’s inclusive. The classes are gentle and fun. Anyone of any age can get involved and feel the benefit of these classes with minimal risk of injury. It would be a really fun reintroduction to exercise if you’ve had a break.

- Stress relief. There is nothing better than an hour of dancing, clapping and whooping to let go of your tension from the working week. It’s incredible how elated it can make you feel to completely let go of all your inhibitions.

Fierce classes will be rolled out exclusively at Virgin Active health clubs across the country from January 2014. For more information about Virgin Active membership visit: www.virginactive.co.uk

Natalie Morris, Sportsister
The Women’s Sport Magazine

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