Funky ways to keep fit in Warminster

Summer is the time of barbecues, lounging by the pool, sipping pints of ale in local beer gardens and perhaps the odd Pimms...so by the end of August, when the kids go back to school and work beckons, you might be wanting to shed a few pounds. Furthermore, recent reports suggest that by 2030 some 40% of the UK population will be clinically obese, so with that news there is no better time to start!

We have been looking at "new" and "different" ways of getting into shape, losing weight and generally keeping fit in the Warminster area, for those of you up for a new challenge. After all, you probably aren't using the gym membership you pay for on a monthly direct debit, and keep-fit videos are a little passé. Try something a little funkier!

Pole Fitness

Pole dancing for fitness is becoming an increasingly popular way to stay fit. Almost every town and city in the UK now has at least one pole school.

Emma Elliott, of Fit2Perform in Warminster says "Pole Fitness is an exciting and fun way to improve your general fitness and well-being. It will improve your coordination and flexibility; build your upper body strength and tone up your tummy and thighs."

Emma explains that in a beginner's class you can expect to learn how to put together some dance routines, and learn to spin (holding your body off of the floor in various poses whilst spinning around the pole). Then as you progress, you can learn to climb the pole and hold yourself in different positions (whether upside down or upright!). Whatever level you are working at, you can expect to leave the class feeling like you have worked every muscle in your body, and hopefully you will have had some fun!

The Fit2Perform classes are £35 every 4 weeks, which includes a one hour lesson per week. You will always have your own pole (no sharing!) and there are no more than 7 people in a class. Pole dancing is run on a booking-only system as every class needs to be planned in advance depending on the level of the students. You will get a much more personal service with pole dancing than with some other exercise classes, as every aspect you work on will be tailored to your abilities.

Fit2Perform can also hold pole dancing parties for 7-15 people for £150, for a fun and different way to celebrate a birthday or hen night!

The Fit2Perform classes take place in George Street, with their own off-road parking. Pole Fitness takes place in its own studio, with changing facilities available. They currently run classes Monday to Friday evenings and are able to offer daytime classes with a Crèche on a Tuesday and Wednesday morning. For further information or to book yourself in, contact Emma Elliott on 01985 847044 or email her: fitnesspoledancing@hotmail.co.uk

Fitness Bootcamp

If you need to lose weight and want a "crash course" in dropping the weight, why not go down the "Full Metal Jacket" route and try a fitness BootCamp?

The South West's leading Fat Loss Boot Camp (for women - sorry guys) operates in Warminster on a regular basis, and guarantees to help you drop a dress size and lose up to 17lbs lighter in just 28 days...can't say fairer than that!

The "Physique BootCamp" operates using a unique Fat Loss System, which will ensure that participants lose body fat rather than lean muscle tissue, and training sessions that don't just burn calories during but also after!

Carolyn Melvin, Camp Coach for Warminster, says "We train 3 times a week, always outdoors and all year round. The next 'experience week' is 12 September and any ladies can come along and try out a week, and the next full BootCamp kicks off on 19 September". The sessions take place just off Imber Road/Firbank Crescent (near the Army camp but not linked to the army). Further information available at http://physiquebootcamp.com or email Carolyn Melvin at warminster@physiquebootcamp.com

...and much, much more!

Elsewhere in Warminster, Harridges Health and Fitness Club provides a complete range of quality fitness equipment for all ages and fitness levels. The club is fully supervised at all times by trained fitness consultants, allowing guests to work out safely and confidently. Classes run in the past include Pilates, Thai Boxing, Bootcamp Fitness, Circuit Training - so feel free to contact them directly for details of current courses: 01985 219991 (34 Market Place, Warminster)

Finally, Warminster Sports Centre remains a bastion of activity for Warminster folk, including both swimming-based activities and also gym/sporting activities. Warminster Sports Centre has something for everyone and from September onwards classes include Aqua Fit, Circuit Training, Pilates, Zumba, Yoga and Tai Chi! For more information on classes and activities at Warminster Sports Centre, see here: http://bit.ly/p9rNa6

Whatever activity you choose, good luck and stick with it!