Body Attack is the hardest class going at Abbey Leisure Centre. Our brave apprentice Jacob Ranson was up for the challenge – but did he end up living to regret it?
It’s the class which people walk out of because it’s too much too handle and even the instructor gives out warnings.
I was the first to turn up to the Body Attack class bright and early on Thursday morning, with aerobics instructor Allison Overton greeting me with: “You picked the hardest class we offer, so just do what you can.”
Her comments made me even more curious about what the class in the newly opened Barking Abbey leisure centre had in store for me.
As we kicked off with some warm-up exercises, Allison’s words were playing on my mind, and I knew that I had to make sure I did everything well, as I’ve always prided myself on having good fitness levels.
We then stepped it up a gear, with my first drop of sweat coming early on, with a lot of running, jumping and shuffling to start.
We were just two loops into the first of three cardio sections, when the only fellow newcomer left the studio, leaving me the last man standing with five women that are regulars.
At this point everyone was starting to look extremely tired – yet the class about go up another level with two more loops of cardio, before upper body and lower body circuits.
The upper body section was probably the hardest section with plenty of push ups and “jacking planks” which really got the body burning, although it already was.
To round off, we did some quick movement lower which was definitely my favourite part of the class before finally doing a five minute intense abs workout.
Despite the burning stomach and legs, I felt great after the intense 45 minute class knowing I got a good workout in.
The Body attack class runs three times a week - Wednesdays at 12.15pm, Thursdays at 9.30am and Saturdays at 11.30am. It costs £7 for non-members.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here