Can you really get fitter in just 10 minutes? And without even breaking a sweat? Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge say you can with High Octane Ride.
Offering the perfect solution to those lacking the motivation to dedicate the time to training in the gym, High Octane Ride boasts that just 10 minutes on their special stationary bike provides the same benefits as 45 minutes in the gym - and minus the sweating…
The programe is based on the idea of HIIT - High Intensity Interval Training - working your cardiovascular systems to the optimum levels. So in 10 minutes you do just 40 seconds (2 x 20 second rounds) worth of sprinting. This means you work to optimal levels and avoid needless sweating by overdoing it. This type of training raises your metabolism higher and maintains that for a longer period post-workout. Meaning over all you burn off more.
During your session you are guides by CAROL, the automated android voice, through headphones. She talks you through how the Neanderthal would never have jogged or worked out, they either walked, or were running for their lives. Focusing on your breath, you are lead into an almost yoga-inspired practice as you pedal slowly, when suddenly you hear a rustle and the sounds of an approaching predator meaning its time to get the blood pumping.
The program saves your info and allows you to track progress over sessions. CAROL then adjusts her own settings accordingly to ensure you are always tested to individual performance levels making it truly bespoke.
So does it work?
For my first session I rocked up in my work clothes - leather boots, slim-fit jeans, and T-shirt and a hoodie - and I lived to regret it. You can do this workout in everyday clothes, but slim-fit styles do make it a little harder to move, especially during the sprint! The second round I removed the hoodie!
As for sweating - I can’t say I didn’t. It was less than I expected, but I was short of breath and did have to mop my brow considerably.
On my second go I decided to up the ante and rocked up in trainers and shorts so I could move better. I sweat again. Being freer just made me work harder and I left feeling rather hot. But I definitely felt worked out. I think those who train regularly are going to push themselves so hard on this machine that you will sweat - especially when your competitive side comes out to bead your old score (or someone else’s) - but those who are looking at something to help them start training, this is perfect. My colleagues who are gym/exercise-phobes didn’t sweat when they took part, but felt worked out and enjoyed the experience.
The sweat thing aside, High Octane Ride is brilliant, I am a huge fan of HIIT workouts and this is one of the funnest I have taken part of. The tracking ability is so good and motivating you to do better each time.
Located next to Style Concierge on the Third Floor of Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge, you can hire a private pod for your own workout, or use the open floor bikes to work out with friends.
High Octane Ride
£12 per session
or
6 sessions for £50
Afterwards, Harvey Nichols invites you to sit back, relax and hydrate in with a complimentary coconut water from Jax Coco.
High Octane ride is available from now until the end of May - to book an appointment call the Style Concierge team on 0207 235 5000. Find out more about High Octane Ride.
Have you tried it out yet? Did you sweat? Get in touch on Twitter or Facebook and let me know!
Welcome!