There’s a workout revolution hitting London – and for once it doesn’t involve ‘athleisure’ apparel, ballet, or green juices. Project Awesome is a totally free (yep, really), city-wide programme that gives stressed-out guys and gals of all abilities the chance to get a serious workout done, all before 7.30am. We spoke to founder, Danny Bent, about what the buzz is and how to get involved…
1. What was the inspiration behind starting Project Awesome?
"Project Awesome was inspired by the November Project in the US. I wanted to train with lots of people and have fun at the same time, and so Project Awesome was born."
2. Who’s welcome?
"Everyone is welcome - we have everyone from a 6 year old to a 72 year old lady who climbs one step at a time. We have people who haven't trained ever before to elite athletes. Every workout can be adjusted so everyone can have a workout that pushes them. The beauty of Project Awesome is that it is all done in a different spaces around the city and if we were able to press a pause button mid-workout, you would have no idea who was faster or slower."
3. How fit do we need to be?
"Fitness level has absolutely no relevance, if you can put one foot in front of the other, you are ready for Project Awesome. It's all about the community and your effort and your smile as you see your fitness improve."
4. What kit should we bring?
"All you need is your running shorts and some training gear. The brighter the better! And some cash so afterwards at 7:30am you can have a coffee."
5. What should we expect from our first session?
"Expect hugs and high fives. Expect a lot of colour, lots of cheering and some banging tunes in iconic places all over London. Expect to be surprised how much fun fitness can be, and how much easier fitness is when you're surrounded by positive people who are cheering you every step of the way. Expect to make friends and be inspired by the people who show up."
6. What makes Project Awesome workouts unique?
"All my sessions are made to distract you from the fact that you’re working out. I want people to show up because they want to have fun with friends but leave feeling strong and toned and healthy."
7. What do you hope Project Awesome will achieve?
"I set up Project Awesome hoping to train with friends. What happened was that a whole community was born! They spend an hour every Monday, Wednesday and Friday smiling and laughing with friends, whilst 'accidentally' getting super-badass fit."
8. Any plans to roll out outside of London?
"People are complaining that there aren't Project Awesomes in their city, so I'm keeping my eyes out for people who might want to lead Project Awesome in other major cities. But it takes a very special type of person - super loud, super positive and willing to commit to being there each session."
9. If we can’t make it to a class, what tips would you give to busy women who want to find room for a few moves?
"I think at the crux of every sport is abs. If you can strengthen your abs, everything from getting off the sofa to smashing a marathon becomes much easier. Five minutes in a morning, planking and doing ab curls, can take minutes of your running times.
BUT fitness is hugely more fun with friends. Suffering, smiling, improving, and laughing with someone else makes relationships so much stronger."