Q&A with GymClass founder Helle Hammonds

We popped down to Holland Park for a Q&A with GymClass founder Helle Hammonds; it’s London’s hottest new workout.

• How did you get into fitness?

I was always a sporadic gym goer, one of those people who would get into fitness for a few months and then drop out due to work, family and lack of motivation. After years of yo-yo exercising, I started a program that involved weight and H.I.I.T training.  After starting to see the results this type of workout had on me – the way my body looked and felt – I was hooked. That’s when I decided I wanted to help as many people as possible feel the same way.

• You’re involved with lots of exciting fitness brands, from Barry’s Bootcamp to GymClass, what do you think makes an awesome workout?

I think the energy of the trainer is an integral part of creating an awesome workout, together with a well thought out session plan. At GymClass we train your whole body in a variety of skills, which will allow it to perform at its maximum ability using a variety of goals including strength, endurance, power, coordination and flexibility.  It is very easy to exhaust people with endless burpees but the key is teaching skills, which produce results that last.

• What’s your favorite thing about working in the health and fitness industry?

I love the variety of incredible people who I meet daily, and the fact I can help them make changes and achieve fantastic results, which have an enormous impact on improving many other areas of their lives.

• How do you stay in shape?

I train three to four times a week using my own GymClass program of varied High Intensity Training using pull ups, push ups, TRX, free weights and boxing. I focus on things that strengthen the mid line (core) and wherever I can, try to lengthen muscles, creating a longer, leaner yet athletic body. In my perfect week I love to add a session at Barry’s Bootcamp and some kind of yoga or stretch session.

• What’s your top tip for healthy living?

Get organised, book your training in advance and be ‘selfish’ by making it a priority. This will have a positive impact on other areas of your life, helping improve everything else you do: work life, family life and relationships etc. Food shopping in advance is also key – making sure you plan what you eat and have healthy options in the house helps avoid cravings and last minute bad decisions.

• What’s your favorite healthy meal?

My homemade Spaghetti Bolognese, made with lean mincemeat and tons of veggies. When I am being super good I don’t have pasta but will make a substitute with spiralised courgettes, but most of the time I do eat it with spelt pasta, which leaves me feeling satisfied so I don’t go looking for sweet treats afterwards!

• What’s your favorite cheat/treat meal?

Easy… pick ‘n’ mix sweets!

• Who’s your fitness role model/inspo?

I am really inspired by people who manage to have non fitness related full time jobs and manage to stay in great shape; many of my own clients inspire me daily. I love TV fitness pro Jillian Michaels as she is tough but cool and I really respect her career. I am also a fan of many Australian instagram superstars such as BaseBodyBabes.

• What are your goals for 2015?

I am constantly looking to reach as many people as possible with benefits of exercise and healthy living.  This year I launch the GymClass brand and opened it’s first studio, so next year I hope to open more locations and produce online programs for everyone to access whenever and wherever they may be.

Check out GymClass at gym-class.co.uk