From boot camp to beauty treatments, these top fitness trainers will have you feeling fit and looking fabulous in just a few heart-pumping sessions.
British Military Fitness Boot Camps
Various Parks in London (plus UK-wide)
It may sound like boot camp, but this is surprisingly fun. British Military Fitness operates in parks throughout London and the UK with classes led by former or serving members of the British Armed Forces. Don't worry, you won't be made to run with packs on your back or crawl through mud-filled tunnels—sessions are geared to all levels of fitness and designed to be a motivational and effective way of shaping up or dropping pounds with results measured at monthly fitness assessments. Once you've separated into groups (depending on ability), you'll do a warm-up followed by 50 minutes of varied training and a cool-down. There's an atmosphere of camaraderie, and while it's not Royal Marine-standard training, you will be pushed to go further and really boost your level of fitness. You can also take part in excursions; the 3 Peaks Challenge tackles Ben Nevis in Scotland, Snowdon in Wales, and Scafell Pike in England; there's a ski trip to Flaine in France, and a more challenging tour of Borneo where teams compete in biking, hiking, kayaking and climbing. Closer to home, show off your new stamina in three- or six-mile races. British Military Fitness also operates in Cape Town.
Suzanne's Files Exclusive: 2 weeks free membership (mention "Suzanne's Files" when you ring to book). Offer valid until May 6, 2009.
London England
Personal Trainer: Josh Salzman
Move aside, Lara Croft. Josh Salzman worked with Angelina Jolie to get her in tip-top shape for the Tomb Raider films, and he'll do the same for you. He is based at the Wentworth Club in Surrey, where he has trained several high-profile celebrity, business and sports clients since 1986. His philosophy is simple yet effective: combine a healthy food program with regular exercise—and he's not talking about spending hours in the gym each day. Even 90 minutes a week, says Salzman, will help you feel better about yourself.
Wentworth Drive | Virginia Water, Surrey GU25 4LS England
Personal Trainer & Beauty Therapist: Gina Hemmings
London
In mind- and body-blowing fashion, Gina Hemmings takes the idea of "personal training" to a whole new level of well-being. This inspirational personal trainer, pilates instructor and beauty and massage therapist promises that in just a few visits she can greatly enhance your sense of wellness with a custom-designed program combining full-body workouts with reviving spa and beauty treatments from massages to facials, manicures and pedicures. Best of all Hemmings, or one of the top notch trainers or therapists on staff, brings both gym and spa to you. You choose the location for the fitness session—at home, your hotel room, or in a local park—with beauty treatments done in the comfort of your own home or room. Her no-nonsense and professional approach is motivational and effective.
London England
Personal Trainer: Stephen Price
London
Personal training doesn't begin to describe the range of services at this terrific gym and health, owned by former international rugby player and cricketer Stephen Price. With a hand-picked team of complementary specialists—including a physiotherapist, nutritionist, yoga and pilates instructor, strength and fitness expert, sports massage therapist and aromatherapist—Price works with a maximum 30 clients to ensure they receive total fitness, health and well-being attention and advice. The service is highly targeted to the individual with state-of-the-art programs, equipment and two or more experts working on a client together at any one time. Holistic health at its best.
3 Jubilee Place, Chelsea | London SW3 3TD England
oscarbeagle on Oct. 7, 2008
I love Tom Stockwell and Paul Ellis of Ellis Stockwell . They have a brilliant six week programme that I did and lost two dress sizes! It is hard work but it is changing my life and they are great motivators! Also, TenPilates in Notting Hill for dynamic Pilates -- fast paced, great music and superb trainers. Luke and David are my favourite!
oscarbeagle on Oct. 7, 2008