The world’s toughest workout classes

You’ve heard of set-jetting, but what about sweat-jetting? Nowadays, travelling for sport and fitness events like Hyrox and major marathons is becoming more common, and some are taking it a step further by making pilgrimages to famous workouts around the world. Here’s our guide to the world’s toughest workout classes worth travelling for.

Barry’s  

Where to try it: Barry’s West Hollywood , Los Angeles

Often called the “hardest” workout class and touted by celebrities as the ultimate fat burner, this programme made its name in Los Angeles but now has branches all over the world, from London and Zurich to Singapore and Sydney. The 50-minute classes take place in the famed “Red Room”, a dimly lit room awash in red lights. Blaring music and spirited instructors keep the energy high. Attendees rotate between a run on a treadmill and weighted exercises, which target muscle groups across the body throughout the course of the class. Prefer not to run? Book a double floor spot for more strength training. 

Participants are encouraged to tailor exercises to their own abilities, with the option of walking, jogging or running on the treadmill, and using lighter or heavier weights when on the floor. That said, due to the fast-paced nature of the workout, it’s helpful to have some prior experience with the movements, which include common exercises like squats, planks and lunges.

The amenities and post-workout rewards are equally appealing – pre-order a protein shake at the Fuel Bar before class and it’ll be ready after your workout, while locker rooms are equipped with Dyson hairdryers, private showers, plush towels and bath products.

Megaformer workouts and Lagree Fitness

Where to try it: H-Kore , Hong Kong

The word “megaformer” alone is enough to strike fear into anyone’s heart, even if you might not know what it is – combine that with Lagree Fitness and a fierce session is guaranteed. So, what exactly is a megaformer workout? In a nutshell, it’s a low-impact, high-intensity exercise that uses modified Pilates reformer machines. Unlike Pilates, the Lagree method focuses on strength and cardio, leaving you with burning muscles and a bucket of sweat. Movements on the machine emphasise instability, thus activating your core – vital for almost everything you do in your daily life and in sports. This makes Lagree suitable for everyone, from athletes and people recovering from joint pain to those who want to start working out.

Lagree workouts are based on three principles: lengthening time under tension (which eliminates momentum as a way to generate power), variable tension (where resistance grows the more the machine is stretched) and targeting your deepest core muscles. 

Gymbox

Where to try it: Gymbox Bank , London

Creator of London’s infamous Flatline workout – a class so intense that it had paramedics on standby and participants signing waivers – Gymbox offers a range of classes from, and they put it, “holistic to sadistic”. Though they no longer offer the Flatline programme, there are plenty of options to pick from. For a gruelling, sweaty session, the aptly named Gassed workout promises fatigue through low-rep rotations of weighted strength exercises and HIIT. Bloody Good Workout revolves around the menstrual cycle, allowing women to train for strength while being in tune with their cycles. Tri-lactic rotates you through three stations to work strength, cardio and agility and is named for its use of the lactic energy system, which burns glucose as fuel and results in lactate – both powering your muscles and creating that unmistakable burn. 

Tone House 

Where to try it: Tone House , New York City

Bring out your inner athlete at this New York fitness studio, which aims to bring elite-level strength and conditioning exercises to the mainstream. No prior lifting experience is necessary for their strength programme, which concentrates on helping you build muscle through the three traditional lifts: the squat, bench press and deadlift. The conditioning programme, meanwhile, covers agility, speed and endurance training through floor drills that’ll keep you light-footed and ready for sport as you cheer on your workout buddies while it’s their turn on the turf.

Once you’re ready, move on to the advanced conditioning programme for double the volume and half the rest. There are also Hyrox-specific conditioning classes for those looking to sharpen their race-day performance.

F45 Training

Where to try it: F45 Sydney Olympic Park , Sydney

This Australian fitness brand almost feels designed to fit into an active travelling lifestyle, with multiple global branches. Emphasising functional training, its 45-minute workouts centre around movements you use in everyday life, with the added benefit of strength and cardio training. You’ll also get time to do a body composition analysis, watch demonstrations, learn the exercises, and warm up before diving into an intensive, guided and music-driven session of sweat-filled fun.

Workouts are also designed to develop your fitness over time by splitting your programme into three phases: the base phase, meant to develop proper technique at moderate intensity; the build phase, which ups the training load and intensity to develop strength, power and muscle mass; and the peak phase, where you’ll be maximising output, placing greater emphasis on efficiency rather than simply chasing fatigue.

F45 has a big following, with several locations in Hong Kong and many more beyond. Those with an F45 Passport membership can visit eligible F45 studios around the world a certain number of times per month, while a standard membership is tied to one location.

Wondering how to stay motivated to exercise? Read our expert guide to workout motivation, or explore our tips for getting back on track.