Cape Town - I consider myself in shape as most of my life I have kept fit by jogging and recently by doing Bikram and Vinyasa yoga. Clearly, I was fooling myself.
I discovered this interesting titbit after the most intense workout of my life – a S.W.E.A.T.1000 class at the BUC Fitness Club in Sea Point.
There has been a buzz on social media about this new exercise concept, which local celebrities have hailed as “the greatest workout ever”.
Some have made a point of posting post-workout pictures of themselves in tiny shorts showing-off their newly-acquired, well-sculpted bodies.
Cape Argus photographer Cindy Waxa and I tried out two S.W.E.A.T.1000 sessions on Monday and Tuesday, and did we sweat.
We arrived two minutes before our first class and jumped right into it.
The class takes place in a group setting; I counted 20 people in the first class. The state-of-the-art studio is filled with gadgets such as treadmills, BOSU balls, dumbbells, TRX suspension bands and other toning and resistance training equipment. Everyone has their workout stations neatly set up with all the equipment you will need during the class. Like any gym class, you need to bring a towel and a water bottle.
Led by a strikingly buff instructor who is behind you throughout the class encouraging you to “stay strong” and to keep pushing, there is no room for slacking.
I’ve heard stories of people throwing up during the class. I nearly did too as I attempted to sprint on a speed of 11 up a steep gradient of three.
The 60-minute, high-intensity class is designed to help you burn a massive 1 000 calories in each session. To burn that many calories, you have to work hard.
The class switches between sprinting on the treadmill at different speeds and inclines, and floor work. You are given three treadmill speed options from eight to 20. I stuck to the minimum.
The aim is to stay moving in order to burn the calories by doing a combination of cardio on the treadmill, strength exercises such as squats, pushups, planking and abdominal work that will make your stomach muscles shake. It’s quite tricky balancing on the BOSU ball with weights while doing squats… so do expect to fall over a few times.
With upbeat music pumping, disco lights flashing and the sweeping ocean views of the Sea Point Promenade, the atmosphere is exhilarating.
Even though I felt as if I was in a torture chamber where time had stood still and every muscle in my body ached afterwards, I enjoyed the rush and being able to push my body to its limits. I enjoyed the second class even more as I now had an idea of what to expect.
I would really recommend it if you are someone who wants to lose a lot of weight and get fit fast, but pace yourself in your first class and don’t try to keep up with the experienced, well-toned regulars.
Paul Rothschild, and his brother Andrew, opened the Sea Point branch, the largest in the country, in June this year. S.W.E.A.T stands for Specialised Weight Endurance Aerobic Training with the 1 000 representing the amount of calories that one can burn during the 60-minute workout.
It combines “interval training, functional training, core stability work, athletic training, and agility training,” says Rothschild, pictured below. “The class is different every single time and the dynamics are continually changing, thereby alleviating the boredom factor and keeping workouts fresh and unique.”
Rothschild explains that the exercises cater for all fitness levels, from beginner to intermediate and advanced.
“Our classes are continually developing and we work with a number of sports scientists and health professional worldwide to ensure that workouts are fun, safe and effective.
“We are always up to date with world fitness trends, ensuring that we have the latest fitness products in our classes at all times,” he says.
S.W.E.A.T.1000 uses a specifically designed treadmill called the FreeMotion Incline Trainer which is different from other treadmills on the market as its incline can reach up to 30 degrees as opposed to the conventional 15 degrees.
“Studies have shown that walking on an incline above 18 degrees burns three times more calories than running on a zero degree incline,” says Rothschild.
To achieve maximum results, he recommends you attend classes three times a week. “It is truly an unforgettable workout experience that keeps clients, including celebrities, professional sportsmen and women, and fitness professionals coming back for more.
A 30-day unlimited class package is R1 895. Your first class is free and thereafter you have the choice of purchasing individual classes or class packs.
Class is different every time
For someone who has never set foot in a gym before and who generally keeps fit by taking regular long walks, photographer Cindy Waxa did quite well in keeping up with the insanely challenging S.W.E.A.T.1000 class.
“I enjoyed the exercises, even though I fell a few times and couldn’t do some of them,” she says. “I loved the music – it made me temporarily forget about the muscle pain I was feeling.
“The class is tough but as I want a flat stomach for summer, I realise this is how hard I need to push myself in order to get it.”
Nontando Mposo, Cape Argus