City Matters edition 70

CITYMATTERS.LONDON 28 March - 10 April 2018 | Page 21
Wellness Matters
stretches, followed by a general warm up, then
a warm up specific to the muscles you will be
working in the weightlifting section; in our
case the shoulders and lats required for the
snatch.
Then it’s on to the skills section where we are
coached on the correct technique for the snatch
(lifting the barbell from the ground to overhead
in one continuous motion) and encouraged to
add more and more weight until we reach our
maximum.
As it is the beginning of a new programme or
‘test week’, these weights are recorded and used
as a base figure to measure progress.
Bodyweight exercises follow (variations
on pull ups) and the session concludes with a
CrossFit favourite; the WOD or Workout of the
Day.
Three exercises, 12 minutes, as many reps
as possible. Again, our rounds and reps are
recorded and will be used to track progression
throughout the course of the three-month
season.
What are the benefits?
Fast results in a community of like-minded
fitness fanatics.
That’s what has earned CrossFit its cultlike
following over the last 15 years and WIT
certainly aren’t changing the formula.
Head coach Gus Vaz Tostes, who designs all
the programmes, says the regimen is designed
for people of any fitness level to reach their
peak strength and stamina.
“People come in to lose a bit of weight
around their belly, but the achievements keep
them coming back; when they can add an extra
10-kilogram weight or do their first pull-up, it’s
addictive,” he says.
WIT allows drop-ins but the sessions are
designed to be smashed out three times per
week as part of a year-long programme,
with each season targeting strength, power,
endurance and stamina.
“You don’t realise how well it’s working until
all of a sudden everything comes together
and you’re stronger, you’re moving better, and
you’re looking better as well.”
How much?
A one-month unlimited membership will set
you back £250 but the rates go down the longer
you subscribe. One-off sessions are £25 plus
whatever you happen to spend in the shop
get your pump on: and look good while
doing it with a trip to the gym kit depot
updating your gym kit. There is no pressure
to buy the clothes, but we imagine showing
up in tattered tracksuit pants while the rest of
the team is decked out in a uniform of singlets
with slick logos and ergonomic training tights
would get old fast.
Where can I try it?
Lower Ground, One New Change EC4M 9AF
stress busters: magic fingers can be a cure-all
Top 3 Square Mile massages
The Klinik
Conveniently located next to Liverpool Street
Station, wellbeing studio The Klinik offers
20-minute stress-relieving neck, shoulder and
face massages. Head down during lunchtime
for a quick relaxing treat. They also do longer
Swedish and sports massages.
16 Devonshire Row EC2M 4RH
Cowshed
Feeling knackered? A bit lazy? Or are you wild
today? Whatever your state of mind, pay a visit
to the Cowshed treatment rooms at The Ned for
a bespoke full body massage tailored to your
mood. Finish off with a dip in the 20-metre
indoor pool.
The Ned, 27 Poultry EC2R 8AJ
Thai Kosai
The experts at Thai Kosai don’t dabble in facials,
pedicures or any other beauty treatments, just
straight up massage ranging from traditional
to deep tissue to aromatherapy Thai massages.
For ultimate relaxation, try the Four Hands
treatment, where two therapists will work
simultaneously on unknotting those muscles
and releasing tension in your neck and back.
5 Toynbee Street E1 7NE
Specialists
in sports injury &
rehabilitation
Book now
ultrasportsclinic.com
+44 20 3893 5100