CircusFit review: Getting to grips with tightropes, trapezes and stilts

Learning circus skills in a relaxed environment makes for a fun class, but could leave you wondering when the sweatfest will start

(CircusFit)

Despite the self-doubt that first ripples through me when I'm greeted by the daunting tightropes, stilts and unicycles as I walk into the school gym where CircusFit meets, I'm immediately put at ease by the friendly and qualified instructors of the Albert&Friends Instanct Circus group.

Having never even attempted juggling before, I'm not too sure what to expect. But the fantastic instructors went at my pace, and due to the small number of people in the class, it was down to me what I tried and in what order.

Starting slow with basic circus tricks and stretching, I soon moved on to the trapeze. This is the only exercise which left me aching the next day due to the somersaulting and grappling up both ropes to be suspended in the air.

Using the trapeze is a good workout for your core and stomach muscles, having a similar effect on your body as pilates or yoga. This is the same for the tightrope, where having a pulled up posture allows you to balance on that all-important wire.

Your arms also get a good workout from hoisting yourself up the ropes to twist and turn on the trapeze.

From learning to ride a unicycle to walking on a tightrope, the instructors are extremely trustworthy and not once did I feel vulnerable – even when I was taught how to fall just in case I lost my balance while parading around on one-foot high stilts

The relaxed atmosphere of the exercise class makes it enjoyable. It is welcoming and social, and would be an ideal location to workout in a group of friends and let loose after a day at work due to the non-judgemental, encouraging environment, no matter your ability.

And for those who like to vary up their routine to keep working out interesting, I would recommend CircusFit.

However, if you're after a sweat-inducing, breathless workout - like you would get from spinning or an Insanity class - CircusFit may not be for you. I found it to be more skills-based and it didn’t feel like a "proper workout".

Overall, I’m not sure whether I would make CircusFit a regular workout as personally, I prefer workouts where you ache and sweat - satisfied that you’ve burned as many calories as possible.

But if you want to try something fun with friends or master a skill you’ve admired since childhood whilst working on your core and strengthening your muscles this is the class for you.

CircusFit meets every Thursday at 5.30pm in Hammersmith, West London. Classes can be booked on the lifestyle subscription service Wonderush. New subscribers can get their first month for £5 using the code HIGHFIVE.