This week it’s so exciting I have found the exercise of the year it’s the workout for athletes, fitness junkies, amateurs, ballerinas, yogis and party people. It’s called Disco Barre and it’s taught at The Refinery in East London and a few other locations in London.

Let’s set the scene, I’ve arrived in East London not far from London Fields to what looks like a street of warehouses and to the right a see a sign The Refinery, I make my way in and leave the bright white first floor to the dark grey stairs tunneling down to a single door, what have I got myself into?! I’ve been delayed, I’m stressed. I’m with my photographer, my stylist and a fellow Fitwear freak. I open the weighty single door and I’m transported to a calm and refreshing atmosphere. It’s lightly scented, elegantly lit and minimalisticly styled. Salt Crytal candles are placed in the sleek and trendy seating area. There is no place I would rather be right now, complete Zen.

I quickly change and we’re shown to the studio with the utmost delightful service. The room is lit with purple disco lights dimed for what I’m hoping will not show how uncoordinated and undancey I am. Sophie from Disco Bar welcomes us all and shoots uplifting energy into the room.

We are all excited and in awe of what’s in store for us although I can see there’s a few that have been here before. It’s set out like a Barre Studio with full mirrors and a barre around the room.

Sophie puts us all in places, she’s strict but caring, I feel I must do my best with her guidance. The class starts. Sophie looks amazing she is doing all the moves with elegance and I’m able to keep up but feel more like a hippo in than a ballerina, my toes don’t point like hers. We are using what feels like every little muscle  in our bodies but it really feels like I’m going to walk out of here longer and leaner than ever before. We are taken through a grueling barre workout pulsing until our bodies feel like they want to drop, we haven’t even lifted any weight apart from 1kg for a couple of moves. Sophie is a level 3 Pilates teacher, you can tell she danced most of her life and knows her body well and how to push your body to its leanest, longest and strongest. The small and sexy choreographed moves are varied between core work, strength training and isomeric holds. Is this called dance or fitness? My answer’s both and I’m in love. Thank you for having me Sophie and The Refinery you truly have fun and fit down pat and I can’t wait to come back.

If you can, head down there! Work that body, you don’t even need any dance experience.

What I’m wearing:

Rita Ora Adidas Bone Leggings

Adidas Top

Hydrated with Tapped Birch water

Big Love

Alys x