There was eight of us and two of them. Being the newest addition to the class this meant they didn’t miss a trick – or lack thereof – when I didn’t get an exercise correct.
Love Lift is a ladies only affair led by personal trainers and World Beauty Fitness and Fashion (WBFF) Pros Nicole Aristides, 26, from Whetstone and Frankie Hassan, 24, from Southgate.
The weekly hour-long class, on Mondays evenings at Blueprint Fitness in Whetstone High Road, focuses on weight training for fat loss.
If you find the words “weight training” off-putting bear with me, because the class uses minimal, simple kit and your own bodyweight to strengthen and tone your whole body. They focus on your glutes and your core, with some interval training to keep your heartrate high. They talk you through each move carefully and detail where in your body you should feel the strain (and the effects).
Love Lift, with few participants and two instructors, is a rare find and whatever your levels, the class is completely lacking in judgement as they coach you and the other women support one another through it.
“We’re trying to create a community in the class,” Nicole explains. “It’s fun, but it’s not for fun it’s for results. If someone is struggling we can coach them as personal trainers and we don’t expect the same thing from everyone.
“They can learn from us and train on their own so they don’t have to worry about money for a personal trainer.”
Having been going to the classes for one month I can say that yes, they are hard, but I’ve definitely seen results in both my fitness and strength. As the weekend draws to a close each week and Monday draws in I look forward to the class, knowing that it sets me on path for a healthy week, which is a pretty nice way to start the week.
In keeping with the aim to create a community of like-minded, health conscious people Nicole is launching a new initiative on September 30, Team Real Results.
The group is for women on any kind of fitness journey, with a “realistic approach to training and nutrition”.
Nicole explains: “We promote effective workouts, healthy lifestyle changes and accountable nutrition to help you achieve your personal goals.
“Team Real Results will meet for monthly check-ins, whilst having direct access to my tips and advice. An exclusive members Facebook group will keep members informed of events and will continuously be updated by both members and guest industry professionals with honest posts, knowledgeable guidance and achievable challenges.”
At the monthly meetups members will get weighed, take measurements or capture a progress pictures, all three can be done or none at all if you choose not to.
Nicole says: “Check-ins are there to remind you that you are not alone and no matter how you are getting to your goals with or without my guidance having accountability and support is what is going to keep you on track.
“I will be there to answer any questions and help you set goals, as well as providing members with exclusive fitness classes and workshops. Once you join my team, I will do all I can to ensure you achieve your goal while motivating and educating you along the way.”
The first check in will be on September 30, 8am to 9am at Blue Print Fitness Studio and will include an introductory prize draw of fitness and nutrition goodies.
Blue Print Fitness Studio, 1105 - 1111 High Road, Whetstone, N20. Contact nicolearistides@hotmail.co.uk
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