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FAQ

What fitness classes do you offer?

At Connect Fitness we offer live online streaming Barre, Express Barre, Strength & Cardio, Low Impact Strength and Express HIIT classes. You can also come along to one of our studios to do a live Barre or Low Impact Strength class.

A full body class with a focus on core and posture.  It’s low impact, and joint friendly, using light weights. But you’ll still find that signature shaking in thigh work. You will get clear and detailed guidance with an emphasis on alignment, breath, balance and flexibility.  Through small movements and isometric holds, you’ll safely build strength and endurance – physically and mentally!    

Barre is for every age, every body type and every fitness level. Its literally suited for everyBODY! The classes are designed to be customisable for everyone so you can choose how hard or how easy you would like it to be. 

  

Absolutely YES!  Barre is for every age, every body type and every fitness level. Its literally suited for everyBODY! The classes are designed to be customisable for everyone so you can choose how hard or how easy you would like it to be. 

Low Impact Strength class is a full body class which will challenge and empower your body. The class incorporates big movements which work multiple muscle groups at the same time. As the name suggests, all movements are Low Impact and easy on your joints.  

In this class you will use dumbbells with a weight of  3Kg and above. Don’t be put off using heavier weights. The exercise movements are designed to use large muscle groups enabling the safe use of medium and heavy weights. And medium and heavy weights doesn’t have to mean growth of big bulky muscles, you can build stronger muscles without ‘beefing up’! 

Weight bearing exercises will not only strengthen muscles but bones too. Strength training supports bone density and can therefore help lower your risk of osteoporosis.  

If you want to join this class from your home via livestream but don’t have the right weights, no problem! All exercises can be carried out without weights. 

Hiit stands for High Intensity Interval Training, it is a form of Cardiovascular exercise. It consists of intense bursts of exercise, followed by shorter recovery periods. This allows you to workout at your full potential during each burst of activity.  

Hiit is perfect for those who are short on time, as classes tend to be a maximum of 30 minutes. 20 minutes Hiit plus 10 minutes warm up and stretching time. 

Evidence has shown that your body will continue to burn calories at a higher rate after a Hiit class. This will increase your metabolic rate and aid weight and fat loss. Hiit can also improve your VO2 Max, which is a measure of how fit you are. A high VO2 Max is associated with numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of stroke, heart disease and diabetes, a longer lifespan, improved mood and self esteem & improved sleep patterns. So a lot of boxes ticked in just 30 minutes! 

Yes, yes, yes! Hiit is suitable for all levels of ability. Alright, Hiit is a high energy class which will provide a challenging workout. However, this type of exercising is perfect for all capabilities since you can set how hard you ‘push it’. Whilst a beginner may complete 5 reps of an exercise in a 20 second interval, a more experienced client may push themselves to achieve 8-9 reps of that same exercise in the same time. It really can be tailored to you.  

Also, our skilled instructors will give low impact modifications for each and every exercise, so that the ‘jump’ can be taken out of all movements, if necessary. This will help beginners build stamina to progress, and also ensure that those with injuries can exercise safely.  

It is a Full Body workout blending Low Impact Strength work with High Impact Cardio exercises. This gives you an ideal mix of functional and high energy moves, with lots of motivation to ensure you get the most out of your workout.  

Weights, small, medium or heavy, can be used for this class, but you can also use your own bodyweight, making it perfect for all fitness levels.  

If High Impact is not for you, we will offer Low Impact Modifications to tailor this class to your individual needs. 

Barre, Express Barre and Low Impact Strength are all low impact, joint friendly classes which provide an amazing and challenging workout without any jumping motion. Exercises in these classes can still lift the heart rate to add a cardio element to your workout. These classes can also be seen as a building block to establish the strength required to progress to high impact exercise  

Express Hiit and Strength & Cardio classes are also a viable option for those requiring a low impact class. Our skilled instructors will give low impact modifications for each exercise, so that the ‘jump’ can be taken out of all movements, if necessary. This will help beginners build the stamina required to progress and ensure that those with injuries can exercise safely.

High Impact workouts are defined as those that move both feet off the ground at the same time. Think Jumping Jacks, high knees, squat jumps and burpees.  

High Impact exercise is a fantastic form of cardiovascular exercise and it can improve your stamina and endurance, and aid weight loss by boosting your post workout metabolism. 

In contrast, Low Impact workouts require you to always leave at least one foot on the ground. These include squats, lunges, deadlifts and press ups 

Low Impact exercise is still challenging and demanding, and many low impact exercises will provide a cardio element. It is easy on the joints, making it perfect for those carrying injuries or recovering from an injury. Low Impact classes are excellent for improving strength, balance and alignment. Leaving you with fabulous posture and feeling strong.  

Incorporating both Low and High Impact classes into your weekly workout schedule will create the ultimate balance for your body. A strong, fit body and mind requires the perfect blend of Strength, Cardio, Balance, Endurance,  Flexibility and Mobility. 

Modifications are given in all our classes to enable every client, regardless of body type or fitness level, to take part in our classes. If you want to push yourself to your limit we are always there to help, or if you are just not feeling it that’s ok! We are here to make exercise accessible and fun for everyone. 

How your body feels, and moves will vary from day to day, and how you approach exercise on any given day will depend on so many factors. All classes provide modifications to either lower or increase the intensity, providing a specific workout for each client. This is also a fabulous way for you to monitor your own improvements and achievements, you may find that over time you can gradually increase the intensity and progress to the next level. And that is an amazing feeling! 

Remember, it is your workout, and we can tailor group fitness classes to you, connecting with you and giving you a personal experience.  

What do I wear and what equipment do I need?

You will need some light dumbbells – one pair of 1kg and one pair of 1.5kg weights

If it is your first barre class, don’t worry – we have a few sets at the studio you can borrow.

Wear grippy socks, or just use bare feet.

You will need:
• an exercise/yoga mat
• some light dumbbells (one pair of 1kg and one pair of 1.5kg weights) or cans/bottles of water
• a chair
• resistant loop band
• optional soft ball, yoga block or cushion

Good news – trainers, water and yourself

You will need and exercise mat/ yoga mat 

Ideally, a pair of medium to heavy dumbbells of 3 Kg or above 

Trainers on 

Water bottle 

(These classes can all be carried out without weights, although weights are recommended to get the most out of your workout) 

Wear comfortable stretchy leggings or comfortable clothing.  A vest or t-shirt and layer up for studio classes.  

In addition wear suitable trainers to support your feet and ankles during these sessions.

Good news – just yourself

Amazon and most sports shops have a selection of equipment, and here’s our quick tips on what to look for. 

  • We recommend hex dumbbells; they won’t roll because of the hexagonal shape and so are useful for floor exercises like tricep dips or renegade rows.  Look for dumbbells coated in urethane (or polyurethane) which is a more durable outer layer and won’t mark your floor. 
  • As you’ll be on your knees, elbows and palms on your mat, a thicker mat (5mm – 9mm) will provide extra cushioning on hard floors and will be the most hard-wearing.   A PVC or natural rubber (more eco-friendly) mat with a slightly textured surface will give you the best grip.  
  • For our online workouts, a mini resistance band is the most useful.  You can buy these stretchy loops singly or in packs with a range of resistances, so you can challenge yourself by increasing the resistance as you get stronger!   
  • We use a Pilates mini exercise ball (like a soft netball) in our barre classes to add in resistance or instability.  Look for a ball with a diameter of 23cm, or 19cm if you’re petite, made out of non-slip, strong, burst-resistant material.  The pack should include a pump to inflate your ball.   
  • Yoga block – roughly about 23cm long, 8cm high & 16cm deep. Can be used in our barre classes for support in certain moves, and to help build strength and flexibility with others.

Where are your studios, parking & transport?

Connect Fitness
29A High Street
Thames Ditton
Surrey KT7 0SD 

(Located on Pips Path, which runs alongside Budgens). 

Connect Fitness 

There is a large public pay & display car park located behind the studio, on Ashley Road, KT7 0NJ. 

You can pay by cash or Ringo, at a cost of 90p per hour. 

There is free parking in designated spaces on Thames Ditton High Street for up to 1 hour.  

Our studio is easily accessible by train and bus. 

Thames Ditton train station is about a 5 minute walk to the studio. 

 

How do I book a class or a free trial?

All our classes are available to register on our bookings page. Simply choose if you would like to book a Live Online Class or book one of our In Studio Classes.

All our classes are available to register on our bookings page. Simply choose if you would like to book a Live Online Class or book one of our In Studio Classes.

Registration for an In Studio Class opens 2 weeks before, and closes at the class start time.

Yes, if you are completely new to Connect Fitness and not previously taken any free trial classes with us, then you are able to try out a free class. Choose either a Live Online Class or an In Studio Class.

Payments?

You can make a payment at any time. All payments are made via our secure booking system on the Team Up website and App.  

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Subscriptions are recurring payments which are taken on the 1st of each month (Subscriptions may be cancelled and restarted at any time).  

If you wish to start your subscription mid-month, your first payment will be calculated on the number of remaining days in that month, so you will not be charged the full monthly subscription fee until your second recurring payment is due. 

Drop-in and single classes are also available. 

Payments are via our booking page

How do I cancel a class?

You can cancel these classes at any time, right up to the start of the class. Simply, connect to the booking system on our website and cancel the relevant class.  

If you cancel a class up to 2 hours before the start time of the class, the class will be credited back to your account for future use. However, if you cancel with less than 2 hours notice the class will be deducted from your account.  

We operate a waiting list system so 2 hours allows us time to contact clients on our waiting list to offer them the place.  

Will I be charged if I miss a class?

If you miss one of these classes without cancelling, you will not incur a charge.  

 

 

If you miss an in studio class without cancelling, or cancel less than 2 hours before the start time, this class will be deducted from your account. We operate a waiting list system and so require a minimum of 2 hours notice. Please see our Terms and Conditions.

What do I need to join a livestream class?

You can book into a livestream class via our Online Booking System 

  • Our live online streaming classes operate via Zoom, please make sure you have Zoom available on your device, and that you have an active Zoom account that you can sign in to (Zoom accounts are Free of charge). 
  • After you have registered for your chosen class, you will receive an email from Connect Fitness which includes a link to join the class. Please note, you will receive a different link for each class. Please contact us by email if you do not receive a code and we will assist you in logging in to your class. 
  • Please make sure you have enough space to safely move around and try to position your mat so that you can be seen by your instructor. This will allow your instructor to connect with you and give you the appropriate feedback throughout the class. 
  • Please have the recommended equipment available and ready for use. The items required for each class can be found here.

 

There are two ways to join your live online streaming class: – 

Via the Registration confirmation email, or Reminder email, from Connect Fitness.  

Simply click on the link found in this email to enter your Zoom class.  

Remember each class has a different link, so carefully check the date and start time on the email before you click ‘Join the video class’ button.  

or, Via the Team Up website (or Team Up App).  

Login to your Team Up account. Select Connect Fitness. Click on Schedule and then your chosen class. Click ‘Open video stream’ and you will automatically enter the Zoom class. 

    • Please try to sign in at least 5 minutes before the start time of your class so that your session can start promptly.  
    • If your instructor has not yet opened the meeting, you will be held in a waiting room until your instructor is ready and lets you in to the class.  
    • When you are let into the class, please check your video is switched on. Although it is not compulsory to have your video on, we would recommend you do so. This will allow your instructor to offer any specific corrections, advice and praise, giving you a great workout. 
    • If you have technical issues joining the class, or with audio/visual connections, please check your Zoom settings. If this does not resolve the issue, please log out and log back in to re-join. 
  • Prior to starting the class, please check that you can see and hear the instructor.  Select Speaker View.
  • If you have any specific conditions or injuries, please inform your instructor before the class starts. Or if you prefer, you can email us prior to your class at hello@connect-fitness.co.uk 
  • When starting the class your instructor will mute all participants to eliminate background noise and interference.  
  • From time to time there may, unfortunately, be technical glitches, if your instructor gets disconnected, please wait a few minutes and they will re-join you as soon as possible.  
  • Once the class is over, you can end the session yourself by clicking the red end button in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen. 
  • Your instructor will be available for a short time at the end of each class, please unmute yourself if you would like to say goodbye, or if you would like to ask any questions. 

 

Further Questions

If you haven’t found what you were looking for and have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible – thanks!