Last week saw the opening of Rich's Fitness & Spinning Studio, located just North of Fur Elize on McKenzie Street. On one side of the gym is a Coffee & Juice Bar, where healthy (and not entirely healthy) drinks and snacks are available, ranging from smoothies, protein shakes and the likes, to croissants, Illy's coffee and milkshakes. The gym itself is a professional looking venue, with big mirrors, punching bags, a series of spinning bikes, pull up bars and weighted bags and balls. Interestingly, mainstream gym equipment and large numbers of dumbbells are missing.
The owner, Richard, explains why: "We are not here to pump iron. If you can press 200 kg, how is that gonna help you in daily life? What we hope to offer St. Lucians is real fitness, that will benefit them in all aspects of their lives."
As a result, currently on offer are:
- Spinning classes which uses indoor-biking to improve cardiovascular endurance as well as developing leg muscles.
- Pilates classes which focus on strengthening and stretching core muscles and improving posture & balance.
- Cross-fit classes which are a fun way of working out to help people gain a broad and general fitness. During classes you combine movements such as jumping rope, sprinting, pull-ups, dips, push-ups, and much more, to improve general fitness.
All classes allow for the different exercises to be modified in range of difficulty from beginning to advanced, which is why anyone is welcome and can join any of the classes, no matter how fit (or unfit) they are.
As an opening offer, currently anyone can participate for free in one class of their choice during the month of August. Bookings are essential though, to ensure a seat on a bike or place in the class. Spinning: Monday 6:30 to 7:30, 17:00 to 18:00, Tuesday 11:00 to 12:00, Wednesday 16:30 to 17:30, Thursday 6:30 to 7:30 & 11:00 to 12:00. Pilates: Tuesday 6:30 to 7:30 and Friday 6:30 to 7:30. Cross-fit: Tuesday 17:00 to 17:45 and Thursday 16:30 to 17:15.
Contact Rich on 0834531621 or richsfitness@gmail.com for spinning and cross-fit classes
Susan on 0829407194 or prohealthbiokinetics@gmail.com for Pilates classes
There is talk of more classes becoming available in the next couple of months: Kiddies Kickboxing, Stick fighting and traditional Japanese self-defence, and Aerobics.
Trainers that would like to offer classes using the facilities at Rich's Fitness & Spinning studio, please do contact Rich on the contact details above.
