It’ll come as no surprise that the Coach staff like to exercise at lunch – but we’d go so far as saying that a lunch break is possibly the best time to get moving during the working week. For one, after four hours of sitting still staring at a screen our bodies are crying out to move, shake things out and loosen up.
That’s just one reason why we’re keen to tell you about Red Bull’s AWOL (that stands for Active While On Lunch) campaign; another is that the energy drink brand is hosting free 45-minute workouts in the studio space at its offices in Covent Garden. A different boutique studio or trainer will take over the space each day from Monday to Friday throughout May, with sessions running from 12.15pm to 1pm. Considering fitness classes in the capital cost in the region of £20, the “free” part should motivate anyone working nearby to break a sweat while their colleagues get crumbs in their keyboard.
We tried the strength and mobility workout from one of the gyms featured, Onyx, earlier this week, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The hip-opening movements were especially welcome since we spend more time sitting down than is healthy. The session consisted of learning and practising movement patterns you won’t tend to find in classes at gym chains and it was all the better for it – especially as it was challenging but fun. Translation: everyone was a bit crap but that just made it a great leveller. Onyx runs a class at Red Bull every Thursday until 30th May. Book your free place on universe.com.
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If you’re after another way to combat the slumping and stooping a desk job can contribute to, check out Bandforce – Dynamic Pilates on Mondays. PT Jemal Rose focuses on full-body movements on Tuesdays, while Milo & The Bull serves up a fat-burning strength and conditioning session on Wednesdays. Un1t rounds out the week with a cardio session in which you work with a partner, so you may wish to send an invite to your work spouse and get them to block out the time in their diary.
If you don’t work near Covent Garden, or you work a strict “one hour only and don’t get back to your desk in your sweaty workout gear” type of job, Red Bull has plenty of other ways to help you do something at lunch other than stare at your phone. Namely, a series of 15-minute workouts that are better for fitting everything into an hour – that’s changing out of your work clothes, getting to a park, working out, returning to the office, showering (or wiping your pits at least) and grabbing a quick bite to eat. Visit the Active While On Lunch website to watch.
