Trend sweaters

Watching as a group of 15 trainees run on the treadmill, with another 15 doing squats on a floor mat, there’s no misunderstanding of why they call this Sweat 1000. While most would associate the name with perspiration, which you do, in this case the term is in fact an acronym for “Specialised Weight and Endurance Aerobic Training.” Rather fitting, isn’t it?

Still wondering where the 1000 fits in? The good news: A Sweat session promises 1000 calories burned in a one-hour workout. The bad news: you have to keep up with the trainer to do so.

In some ways, it’s not all that bad, but then again, I cheated the prescribed method by running at a speed at least five times slower than the rest of the group.

Started by fitness guru Steve Uria, who has over 22 years of expertise to his name, the Sweat 1000 workout is designed to offer a full body workout. Using an “interval style” training programme, moving from treadmill to mat every 10 to 15 minutes, the training works by asserting different positive stresses and strains on different focus areas of the body. By not allowing the body to get used to or rest at any given time, endurance is activated.

The treadmill workouts consist of increasing speeds and gradients over time; the floor work of weights, push-ups and squats, incorporating a unique balance of functional, stability, athletic and agility training. Each class is different, so you never know what you going to get. There is no getting bored and the trainers all possess enough lung capacity (likely a pre-requisite) to motivate and inspire. But it is not bootcamp. Sweat 1000 takes your

body to another level, a space where you are able to recognise your full potential – with music blaring in the background all the while.

The only issue presented was during the part of the programme that involved lifting weights: more attention was given to the right arm as opposed to the left, thus not providing a balanced workout.

After all my moaning and groaning – I left feeling rather sore – the class leaves you feeling revitalised and stimulated; the kind of feeling you want when leaving a gym. Looking at the women (classes are unisex) in the gym with their slick, muscular bodies, Sweat 1000 must be doing something right.