Core Collective, located behind glamorous Kensington High Street is not a gym. Nor is it really a fitness studio. Core Collective is a state of the art, uber-cool boutique where you happen to bust your gut, drink virtuous concoctions and munch on gourmet health food.
When Core Collective announced the launch of their kitchen, we knew it would be a keeper. Desperate to try out whether their nourishment offering is as ass-kicking as their workouts, I woke up early on a Sunday morning to trial their famed Velocity class and indulge in some seriously good nosh.
Sunday mornings are for sleeping in and fried eggs… waking up to go and sweat and burn quite literally is the antithesis to this day of rest. However, all of that instantly disappears the minute you walk through Core Collective’s doors. The place is buzzing with gorgeous toned and tanned semi-gods, and after checking in and checking out the talent, you are ready to squat until you look that hot.
The space is nightclub-cool… incandescent industrial lighting, copper detailing and exposed walls all help to set the scene and ease you into the mood. The bathrooms are in keeping with this sophistication, all with the help of Bamford Spa products and personalised plastic bags.
Velocity is a high intensity interval training workout that consists of a circuit of exercise stations. After a gruelling warm-up, everyone partners up and hits the course. Each drill is performed for 45 seconds before being given 15 seconds to escalate on to the next set. Rest really is for the wicked!
Some of the stations look like a scene out of 50 Shades of Grey – belts, boxes, handles and straps. My favourite task is what can only be described as rope thrashing – I squat and shake a weighted rope in the hope that it will replicate a wave. I manage a small ripple at best. But it hurts and oddly it feels good to hurt. Other sets include TRX push ups, weighted squats, rowing machines and box jumps.
45 minutes later and I can barely feel the stomach grumbles under my concrete abs (okay not yet, but I’m getting there!). After a lathering of Bamford shampoo and a GHD of my hair, I am vaguely human again.
The Core Collective Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch and a full scale list of smoothies. The main bar has a buffet of freshly prepared salads and sweet treats, whilst their main menu offers hot items. Forgetting that it is only breakfast time, I opt for two courses, but I like to think I have earned it.
One of their specials is a Spirulina Smoothie Bowl: a mason jar filled to the brim with green goodness and topped with coconut chips, banana and honey. It is heavenly and although sweet, it is only amplified by natural sugars from fruit. With added protein powder, the smoothie bowl is more than enough to quench both your hunger and thirst. However, when the buckwheat waffles arrive, my tastebuds are tingling and my stomach miraculously makes room. Completely dairy and gluten free, the waffles are truly scrumptious. They arrive hot and moist, topped with refreshing coconut yogurt, punchy fruit compote and a delicious salted coconut caramel. They are filling in themselves and after a few divine mouthfuls I am done. I pack them in a doggy bag for an awesome Monday breakfast.
Other great options on the menu include their Green Bowl: a Kale, spinach, chard, avocado,
poached eggs and dukkah bowl as well as smashed avocado on sourdough toast with feta and green peas. I eye up the plates on other tables and know I will be back for more.
With numerous fitness boutiques and gyms popping up it can be difficult to choose a favourite, but Core Collective ticks all the boxes: top notch trainers, innovative and enjoyable class formats, gorgeous surroundings, great location and delectably nutritious food – what more could you want?
Core Collective runs on a Pay as you Go basis, which is perfect for those commitment phobes out there. However, classes brought in bundles are an obvious cost-saving choice. Other classes held include: Accelerate, a low impact cycling class; Resistance, a TRX strength class; Sculpt, their unique take on Barre; and Power Yoga and Mat Pilates. Sign up to their newsletter and you will get all the information on their workshops and events, which in the past have included collaborations with Belvedere vodka, Imbibery juice, and beauty and hair brands.
Classes start from £20 for your first introduction, and packages are available starting at 4 classes for £90. For more information and to book a seriously good workout, check out their website at www.core-collective.com.uk