Team Boutique will #powerup the night at the Energizer Night Run in Battersea Park on Saturday 13 April. This got Boutique HQ thinking about what to wear to the event! Here are some ideas for kit that will match the glowing vibe of the race:

For pre and post race you need to keep limber muscles warm, for that, this jacket is a must and if ever there was a time neon pink and yellow rocked, it would be to #powerup at the Energizer Night Run.  Unisex Flex Fleece

Our *slight* obsession for print leggings in the office is getting a little out of hand. We could do a whole blog just on them. However, for the sake of succinctness we found these bright Lululemon ones that make us think of Spring!

If you’re more of a shorts than legging kinda gal, then these Lorna Jane bad boys could be for you. Plus they have a concealed zip which is always handy for keeping keys and a mobile safe.

If you want to your feet to do the talking on your neon outfit, these Nike Air Max hit the spot in any colour enough to power you up through the race.

Not sure what you did before Barry M nail polish? Us neither. These pots are so affordable that buying several at a time is still cheaper than your lunch (take note Chanel). We’ll be trying out these ice cream coloured , matt nail varnishes

Whilst we wouldn’t advocate wearing jewellery whilst running, (black eyes from bouncing necklaces, scrapes from a fellow runner’s ring), studs seem to be fine and we couldn’t help but fall for these super cute lightning bolt ones from Etsy, to, er…help you run as fast as lightning? *hangs head in shame*

Oh and if you hadn’t heard the ‘Scrunchie’ is back, which on one hand is great (less split ends) and on the other…well the jury is out. If you’re a dedicated follower of fashion might we suggest you purchase something from the vintage-inspired mecca American Apparel.

When you join Energizer Night Run you receive a race t-shirt as well as a head torch to light up the night sky, so sign up with Team Boutique we can’t wait to see you there

http://boutiquesport.com/ukevents/energizer_night_run

Last week, Boutique Sport was lucky enough to be invited to the opening of Wimbledon’s brand new spinning studio, Pedal Studio.

If you are looking for a spinning class with the use of weights or full of jerky seated press ups, then this perhaps isn’t the class for you. As we found out, Pedal Studio 

takes spinning to a whole new level creating a ‘real’ mountain bike experience making it more like cycling than spinning.

The class started with a gentle warm up followed by a seven minute seated hill climb with strong resistance to simulate an actual hill out in California (where the instructor resides). We were informed that normally this section would last for 15 minutes, but as a taster class, this was whittled down to seven minutes –but there was still enough time to feel the burn.

The ethos behind these classes is not the fluff perhaps we are used to when it comes to spinning. These classes are serious and stimulate the muscles in a way normal spinning would not. The long sections of resistance training help build stamina and burn fat without building bulk. Each class is different ensuring muscles do not get used to a routine, meaning classes vary in difficulty levels week on week. If it’s good enough for triathletes and professional mountain bikers, then you can expect some serious results if you add this class into your weekly routine. 

Pedal Studios is five minutes from Wimbledon station and is £5 for a drop in class. For further information, visit: http://www.pedalstudio.co.uk/

Meet our latest Glambassador Jenny

What is your favourite form of exercise?

I’m passionate about exercise in all its many forms, but as a dancer and barre fitness instructor I have to say that the methods used at barrecore (www.barrecore.co.uk), are absolutely the most fun and most effective I have encountered. Using a ballet barre and your own body weight, a blend of ballet, Pilates, and isometric exercises are utilised to challenge body and mind (accompanied by motivating and fun playlists), to create long, lean strong bodies and improve balance, strength and spatial awareness.

What is your biggest sporting achievement?

Mine is more of an exercise achievement-I’ve recently conquered my fear of the weights area in the gym and wish I had done it years ago! I think many women, including fitness professionals like myself are unnecessarily daunted by training this typically male dominated environment, even though we know the fantastic  benefits strength training can bring. I had an amazing coach show me the ropes, and I recommend to anyone who is interested in strength training to find an expert who can thoroughly explain the equipment and its uses, so you feel confident and capable in what you are doing. I have seen amazing changes in my body, and am really enjoying the process.

Do you have a top tip to stay motivated?

So many, from years of training myself and my clients! My top three are:

 •  Find a form of exercise you love, whether that be organised sport, running, dance, group fitness classes, personal training, etc. Try everything at least once, however ‘out-there’ it might be. My latest passion is Aerial Silks- great for your arms, core and legs, and amazing fun!

•  If you are feeling really unmotivated then tell yourself you will just do 20 mins of your planned activity-sometimes it is our brain that is the hardest muscle to work! Once you are into your workout it is easier to discipline yourself to complete it, and the endorphins produced by exercise will help push you through to the finish.

•  Consistency creates results. I know it is not what I do in one session that will make a change, but what I do on a day to day, week by week, month by month basis. This is true for both exercise and nutrition.

 Jenny teaches at Barrecore, for more information click here 

For all of those Londoners who would rather spend money on something other than fitness, we have discovered that our capital offers an exciting range of free classes all over the City. Working out isn’t always easy but when it’s free that’s one less excuse!

We have picked out a few of our favourites, these include classes that are completely free, and those that offer a free first class to keep you coming back for more.

Home Run

Choose from a series of free guided runs from various locations around central London. The runs are from 2 miles to 6 miles and are led at a comfortable pace, making the commute home much more enjoyable and a great way to meet new people. Not only is it free, but Home Run helps you to build your exercise into your commute and save money and time. They even carry your bags! 

Nike Training Club

Free to join, Nike Training Club is a full-body, women-only training programme created by world-class Nike-trained instructors to get you lean, toned and strong. For women of all fitness levels the classes are offered in parks, including Hyde Park and Clapham Common, gyms and Nike stores across the UK.

Simply register online then turn up and get ready to work hard. 

The Scoop

Feel the burn this summer and join fitness professionals from 37° for free fitness classes in The Scoop at More London. The Get Fit for Free sessions at the Scoop take place from 7.30am - 8.30am, 2nd May - 25th July 2012 and is your chance to get toned, fit and healthy with Bootcamp and Zumba Tone classes. Taking place every Wednesday morning, there is no excuse not to take part in this weekly class before work. 

The Boot Camp workout combines high intensity aerobics and military style exercises for a complete body workout and Zumba Tone combines cardio moves with small hand weights to get you burning calories and toning your muscles at the same time.

All of the free fitness classes at the Scoop are suitable for any fitness level, but you will have to turn up ten minutes early before your first session to complete a health and fitness questionnaire. Classes are limited in number, so to guarantee yourself a place, please ensure that you arrive early.