The Beat Box classes at Kobox gym are energetic, full of fun and will make you sweat A LOT. Ollie Lee, the resident trainer at the celeb-approved gym, will not only help you sculpt your upper body and core areas, he’ll make you feel comfortable as well. Ollie’s classes are inclusive and non-judgmental, as he maintains that ‘everyone in my class is the same.’ We spoke to Ollie about what to expect, the importance of weight training and why we should avoid faddy diets…
Morning workout or evening exercising?
My personal preference is evening, as I find it helps to relax me before I settle in for the evening. However there is no wrong answer. Some people find it helps to start their day off by training, others like me like to train to help relax in the evening. Whatever works best with your schedule is the perfect time of the day.
How much exercise do you do each day?
I do anything from 20 minutes to 90 minutes depending on how much time I have available. 20 minutes is sufficient to get a beastly workout. But sometimes I’ll do a 90 minute complete workout or 50 minute Kobox class.
If someone only had 20 minutes a day to exercise what would you suggest they do?
I love this question. Most of my clients have very full schedules juggling work, family and social lives. I am quite often helping them to plan 20 minute work outs. I always encourage a high intensity circuit or something to that effect. 20 minutes is enough to get your heart rate up, work your upper body, lower body and core areas. In summary a HITT (High Intensity Training) circuit working your full body. Six exercises lasting one minute each followed by a one minute rest and then the whole thing repeated two more times. This will get the heart rate pumping and the muscles burning. You will be dripping in sweat.
What makes your class unique/different to other gym classes?
The energy! In my classes we all work together and chase the same goal. People often burn up to 1000 calories in my classes.
How do you drag yourself out of bed and to the gym when you really CBA?
For me it’s not a question I ever ask myself. It is just something that must be done, like brushing my teeth or putting my clothes on. It’s just part of my everyday life; it is not optional. The more you do it, the more you do not think about doing it. It becomes part of your everyday life routine.
What’s the one exercise you just can’t do?
It is not really an exercise, but I have never been able to do a cartwheel. You may laugh but since childhood when my sister mocked me for my terrible attempt it has been my arch nemesis.
How do you think Instagram/YouTube tutorials has changed the way we exercise? Do you worry that misinformation around exercise spreads on social media if people aren’t coming to classes or seeing proper PTs?
There are good and bad points to social media in fitness. The good: it is fantastic that fitness tutorials and videos are accessible to everyone via social media channels. It just means there is more information for you which can only be good. The bad: there are some channels which promote unrealistic ideas of what fitness is, whether it be by promoting certain body types, ‘fat burning’ teas or just general bad advice. But overall, I think accessibility is a good thing. Just do your research first or speak to a fitness professional and ask for their advice.
Do you think more women are training in traditionally ‘male’ ways (i.e. weight training rather than cardio)
I take issue with the term ‘traditionally male ways.’ Women have done different types of weight training for centuries. However, the general consensus is that it is traditionally for men; so, we need to get rid of this rhetoric. I do think more and more women are realising the benefits of weight training which is fantastic. As humans we must balance our training. Sometimes lift weights, sometimes lift our body weight, sometimes do cardio. Sometimes do all three together.
How would convince someone who had exercise class phobia to come to one of your classes?
Firstly by connecting with them and making them feel comfortable. Letting them know that everyone is exactly the same in my class and no one is watching you. I am there to support them.
What’s the one surprising piece of kit you really rely on?
A resistance band. I use them everyday and they are great for everything.
What’s the one thing you should have at home to work out with if you really don’t have the time or money to go to the gym?
A resistance band is great. It is small cheap and massively effective for working out the full body.
How can we turn our January fitness fad into a genuine habit?
Finding something that you actually enjoy. Something that you look forward to doing. Something which is a highlight of your day. There are so many types of training or exercise now, so many different and varied types of clubs and activity. Just go and try them until you find one.
How do you maintain your motivation when it’s dark, cold and miserable out?
By having a target, a goal. For example: I want to look and feel my best for my holiday, wedding, birthday etc. By setting an actual goal for an event or a specific date this will keep you motivated on those challenging days. Especially if you have already begun to start seeing results.