Alina Fatima Jaffer

4 Low-Impact Workouts in Inner London

These fitness lessons vary in intensity and style.

A general curiosity, a pesky injury, and a visceral hatred of cardio drove my latest decision to try low-impact exercise.

Here are the engaging workout classes in and around Central London which will have you feel the burn without unwelcome joint pain.

1. BarreSignature, Barrecore Islington

Barre classes are the high-intensity, low-impact workouts approved by A-lister beauties like Alessandra Ambrosio and Jennifer Aniston.

According to Barrecore, the ballet-inspired exercise uses the body’s weight as resistance to tone muscles.

Before heading to the studio at 90-92 Upper Street, I completed a necessary first step: embracing the balletcore aesthetic with a messy bun and some pastel accessories.

The 50-minute BarreSignature routine included an intense warmup of squats, planks, and crunches. Light dumbbells and the ballet barre were then used in repetitive sequences designed to trigger calorie-burning muscle movements. Given the small class size — 10 people of varying ages and abilities — there was plenty of one-on-one instruction available.

Barrecore’s introductory offer is four classes for £49. Other membership options are listed on the company’s website.

2. Vinyasa Flow, MoreYoga Caledonian Road

If you’re looking to work up a good sweat without any swanky frills, this is the low-impact, medium-intensity class for you. Don’t worry about getting dolled up or bringing any equipment — just come as you are.

The studio, located at 474 Caledonian Road, is a single room which comfortably accommodates 15-20 people.

As someone unfamiliar with Vinyasa yoga, I opted for an open level class. Novices and experts flowed through fast-paced poses for 45 minutes while the instructor suggested modifications to make movements easier or harder. She also provided clear, individualised feedback when difficult poses elicited strained grunts from newcomers like myself.

MoreYoga offers pay-as-you-go class packs and membership options

starting from £39 per month on their website.

3. Dynamic Pilates, Yogarise Covent Garden

Yogarise’s 13 Mercer Street location includes an inviting reception area, luxurious changing rooms, and eye-catching decor.

There are, however, some obvious oversights. From poorly maintained equipment to late starting classes, pilates-goers have to exercise their patience before their muscles. Luckily, the workout itself is worth putting up with these minor inconveniences.

The 45 minute low-impact, medium-intensity session used lightweight blocks to enhance mat exercises like shoulder bridges, leg raises, and squat sequences. Instructions were clear but not individualised — though this was understandable given the 25 person class size.

Monthly memberships start at £105 with drop-ins available for £18. These high prices took me by surprise, but did not seem to faze the Alo Yoga and Lululemon-cladded crowd in attendance.

4. Slow Flow, Samya Studios Islington

Samya Studio’s restore class is the perfect low-impact, low-intensity yoga session for a recovery day. The space, tucked away at 19A Cobble Lane, is tricky to spot but absolutely worth the trouble.

A reception area complete with lockable cubbies and cosy couches takes

up the first floor with the stunning studio on the second floor. Complimentary blocks, blankets, and mats are available.

If the hour-long intentioned flow doesn’t leave you feeling relaxed, the calming music and immersive scent of sage certainly will. Poses are held for minutes at a time, encouraging flexibility and focus.

Samya Studios offers four classes per month for £60, along with other membership options, on their website.