May 2017

Fitness
Going the X-tra mile
elliptical trainer (better than
trying to spell that) or crosstrainer.
It's the fitness machine
where your feet stay on large,
flat pedals. Seen by some as the
poor relation of the treadmill, it
does have an important place
in training. It is low-impact and,
therefore, perfect for those
recovering from injury or literally
taking the first steps on their
fitness journey.
Yoga
If the parks, canal paths and
streets of Hackney belong to
the runners, the halls belong to
the yogis. There are seemingly
dozens of studios offering yoga
– in a dozen of styles – with
dozens more independent
practitioners.
Roger Love, a local personal trainer,
continues our A-Z of fitness with... X,Y
X-jack
If you are bored of the basic
jumping jack or need something
with more bite, try the X-jack.
For the jumping jack, start with
your feet together and your
hands down by your sides.
Jump your feet out to the side
and raise your arms above
your head. Immediately do the
opposite back to the starting
position and keep going.
An X-jack is a great progression.
You start with feet hip-width
apart, drop to a squat position,
so you can touch your toes with
30 LOVEEAST
your fingers. Then, jump out of
the squat, straighten your legs,
land on the balls of your feet,
and cross your arms across
your head to make an X. Then,
keep going.
You could start off with 30
seconds of X-jumps and then
take a 60-second rest before
going again. Try for 20 minutes.
You have an instant interval
session that will torch fat and
improve your cardiovascular
system.
X-trainer
This is what we used to call an
From my years in studios and
gyms, one thing is clear: more
than many other classes, it
all comes down to finding
a teacher whose style and
personality you hit it off with.
From what I have seen, good
local places to start would be
London Fields Fitness Studio,
in Mentmore Terrace, The
Refinery, in Well Street, or
Stretch in Ada Street.
London Fields offers classes
for £5 each. The low price does
not reflect a lack of quality, just
a commitment to affordable
fitness.
The Refinery offers a large
variety of high-quality classes in
funky surroundings. Stretch was
a pioneer in yoga in Hackney
and prides itself on the quality
of its teaching.
Roger Love is a personal trainer
based at Netil House, Westgate
Street, Hackney. hackneypt.com