If you're looking for a way to burn off a few too many sweet treats consumed at your first picnic this weekend, we have good news.
Fitness studios around the city are pivoting to different offerings under the new guidelines and launching a series of safe - but sweaty - outdoor workouts.
The move comes after this week’s announcement from Prime Minister Jacinda Arden that under the new guidelines nicknamed by many as "2.75", outdoor exercise classes "for example, yoga or bootcamp," can take place, as long as the classes have a maximum of 10 people (including the instructor), with distancing of two metres between each.
This announcement has led many studios around Auckland to launch outdoor classes in carparks, pavements, public parks….the list goes on.
Here are some of our top picks:
Basecamp Power Yoga
It won't be as warm outside as Basecamp yogis are used to, with the indoor studio usually heated to a toasty 33 degrees. But with the Auckland spring heating up, this might be a good thing - and at least friends will be able to flow together again! From Friday, Grey Lynn studio Basecamp is introducing "The Lot Series": 60 minutes of Power Yoga at the Scrapyard parking lot, with a variety of different teachers. Attendees must bring their own mats and drink bottles.
StudioBox
If two months at home with the kids or flatmates has got you needing to work out some frustration, this is the perfect opportunity. Boxing studio StudioBox is launching outdoor group classes in the car park of its Newmarket studio, promising "10 x 3-minute rounds of strength and conditioning training, mixed with cardio and core".
It's also running outdoor personal training sessions if you want a little extra: 45-minutes each, "including boxing pad work and functional strength training".
Sweat Yoga and Pilates
If, like me, you've been sweating to some of 'Sweat Yoga's' free Instagram-based classes throughout lockdown, you'll now be able to get that same sheen on outdoors. This Newmarket studio will be running outdoor HIIT Pilates and yoga in a space close to its Newmarket studio - offering up to three classes a day, there's sure to be something for everyone.
Good Ground
Sure, you've probably already had a picnic in the park, but it's the perfect space to get a workout in too. Good Ground is launching its 'park series', running functional 45-minute sessions in both Cornwall Park and Auckland Domain from Monday to Saturday - all equipment provided. According to their Insta story, they're also putting the feelers out for a sunset session of yoga up Mount Eden on Friday… go vote if you're keen to head along!
