If Brexit is making you want to punch something, there are exercise classes that can help. Use your natural aggression for good, says Fiona Adams...
I exercise as much for my physical health, as my mental wellbeing. While I’m toning and growing my muscles, and giving my heart a workout, my brain is busy releasing happy-making endorphins. In return, I’m giving it a well-earned break from the trials and tribulations of these troubled times. I like to think of it as a cerebral away-day while my body is going through hell.
Of course, there are lots of lovely, civilized ways to exercise; you can run, swim, walk, play tennis, get aerobic or do gentler options like yoga or pilates. I’ve tried them all over the years – and enjoyed every one – but I’ve discovered that absolutely nothing compares to the pure unadulterated stress-busting joy of my latest obsession. Pumped up by music from the likes of The Prodigy and the energetic exuberance of my teacher, my go-to Monday morning workout involves 45 minutes of throwing punches, flying kicks and bucket-loads of natural aggression. In the end, I’m exhausted but exhilarated. Reader, I love it.
And this magical thing? It’s BodyCombat from Les Mills, a high-energy martial arts-inspired class that is non-contact, with no gloves or pads, so you don’t need to worry about being paired up with someone twice your size. In addition to tracks that involve jabs, hooks and uppercuts in a variety of sequences, you will also get to sample elements of Karate, Kung Fu, Mixed Martial Arts, Capoeira – an Afro-Brazilian martial art with dance moves, Taekwondo and Muay Thai, known as the ‘art of the eight limbs’ which uses your fists, elbows, knees and shins. At times you might imagine yourself nimbly dodging an opponent in the boxing ring, at others you’ll be fending off would-be assassins down a dark alley with a killer punch. It’s all very satisfactory.
Teacher Caroline Stammers was once a mere participant like me but seven years ago, buoyed up by natural ability and huge enjoyment, became a Les Mills BodyCombat instructor. She now teaches throughout the week in Epsom, Teddington, Kingston, Chessington and Tadworth.
“I just fell in love with it,” she explains. “I couldn’t get enough of it, I loved the music, loved all the moves!”
Although the class itself has evolved since it began, BodyCombat is a discipline that has a high return rate, with the added attraction that you can really give it some welly, throw those punches like you mean them. It’s one of the reasons why people love it so much, says Caroline, although the aggression doesn’t always come naturally.
“I often think I’m the most aggressive person in the room,” she laughs “and that people think I’m a bit insane. But it’s all about letting go; sometimes I’ll say ‘look a bit meaner, pretend you’re in a real fight’. Once you realize you aren’t being judged, that no one else is looking at you, except me and I’m here to help, then I see a change in the class. You might not feel that aggressive first thing in the morning but as you throw yourself into the music and the moves, you will be ready.”
In addition, the varying class content always makes for an exciting and challenging workout, as Caroline explains.
“Les Mills brings out a new release every three months, with new music and new moves. The instructors will also mix up the programmes, so you never bore of the routine. The different discipline combinations keep people interested and there are lots of levels. Someone who’s new can do the same tracks, with low-impact options, alongside someone who’s been doing it for five years, and takes all the high options. For those 45 or 60 minutes, they can do the exact same choreography and that really appeals.”
So, whether you are just up for burning calories or, like me, occasionally need to pummel an imaginary opponent, try a combat class – it’s a win-win situation.
BodyCombat is widely available and can be enjoyed wherever Les Mills programmes are taught. Visit lesmills.com for further information and class locations.
