It’s 8 weeks into lockdown and we’re not going to lie, we’re really missing our beautiful studio, our fellow Herts Dance & Fitness instructors and of course, all our fabulous students!
But it’s not all doom and gloom – we’ll be back up and running before you know it and while our collection of poles, hoops, silks and hammocks wait for us at the studio, your HD&F instructors have come up with a range of online classes that will help keep you fit and flexible until we’re back in full force.
With that in mind, here are just 4 ways we’re here to help you keep your fitness levels up during the lockdown!
- Working up those abs
If you’re worrying that pole inverts are set to be a struggle when we’re back up and running then we’re sure you’re not alone! That’s why regular ab workouts are a must. Working both the upper and lower abdominals, as well as the obliques, will result the core-heavy elements of our regular aerial activities being less of a shock to the system when we’re back.
A lot of us, understandably find it challenging to get motivated with ab exercises but luckily that’s not a problem faced by HD&F instructor, Vanessa! Join her on a Monday or Wednesday for an hour dedicated to abs. You’ll certainly feel the burn afterwards but it will be worth it!
- Don’t neglect to flex
One of the best things about working on your flexibility during lockdown is the fact that you don’t need any equipment at all to get started – just clear a bit of floor space and you’re ready to go! Whether you’re working on achieving that perfect over-split or you’re just getting started on your flexibility journey, there’s never been a better opportunity to dedicate time to stretching.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to online flexibility classes. Join Apolline on a Monday or Thursday for her flexibility flow session or sign up for a splits express class with Ellie on a Tuesday, and Vanessa on a Wednesday or Saturday to fast track your way to splits perfection. Your hip flexors will thank you for it when we’re back on the pole and hoop!
- Get some cardio in
If you’ve ever contemplated joining a HD&F dance class but been worried it’s not for you then there’s no better time to give it a try than from the comfort of your own home. Dancing superstar instructor, Stephanie will help you with your confidence and flow and, let’s face it, everyone knows that dancing is good for the soul as well as for the body!
Aside from the mental boost you’ll get from dancing it out, an hour of movement will get the heart rate up which is ideal for those of us who are not able to leave the house during this period of isolation. Join Stephanie for a contemporary routine on Tuesdays or for a dance workout on Thursdays – working up a sweat is guaranteed!
- Condition from head to toe
In an ideal world, we’d all jump straight back into aerial classes and continue to work on our nemesis tricks where we left off. While it might not be -quite- as quick as that in reality, we all stand a much better chance of maintaining our pre-lockdown levels of fitness by working out all our muscle groups.
That’s where body conditioning classes come in. By keeping the muscles in our backs, core and legs targeted, we’re not neglecting anything necessary for a pole and aerial class. You can join Ellie on a Monday or a Saturday to learn a variety of exercises that you can always practice in your own time, alongside some serious HIIT sessions!
And that’s not all!
HD&F have your exercise needs covered every single day of the week and there’s something for everyone in our online timetable. If you want to try something different, why not join Amanda on a Tuesday or Thursday to practice your handstands and headstands? Studio owner and head instructor, Stacey teaches Trigger Point Pilates on a Wednesday, and if you really want a hardcore stretch then join Jade on a Sunday for a back-bends class that will leave you head over heels. If you’re lucky enough to have a pole at home too then there’s even more choice available!
