1Rebel

Oh 1Rebel, you beauty you… what is there left to say, really? This boutique fitness studio has given me some of the best beatings of my life… I’m in love.
First off, they are on Classpass. But if you are like me, 3 sessions per month (or 6 between both locations) will not be enough. So go get yourself some more.
Next, book yourself in for a Ride, Reshape, Rumble, and Rounds class… possibly in that order. Possibly all with Jamal.
Ride is 1Rebel’s answer to spinning: high quality bikes, ride to the beat, music I later add to my Spotify playlists… sweat it out on a Saturday morning and feel amazing about yourself afterwards.
Reshape is HIIT and not for the faint of heart: 45 mins of intervals between a treadmill and weights, you will finish drenched in sweat feeling like you have conquered a small island nation. It’s seriously so powerful.
Rumble is not offered at this location, but if you want to punch a real punching bag really hard, do that at Broadgate.
ROUNDS and Double Shot are some 60 minute combination of the above and are my personal favourite.

It’s a 5-​star workout, for sure, any way you slice/​shred/​tone it. Count me in.
1Rebel serves a very particular niche. And that would be: high end space and amenities for City-​dwellers/​workers looking to sweat in style.
While doing so very well, it actually does not come across as overly obnoxious or high flying. The risk for this was high, but I am here to say I felt very welcome, comfortable and in place at 1Rebel and I am not a gym junkie.
I signed up for the first session (10 quid) and opted for a RIDE session with Jamal. It was a 45-​minute spinning+ session with a bit of arm weights thrown in for good measure. It was sweaty, high paced, fun. FUN?! What did she just say?! Yes, fun. Even though my legs killed and I wanted it to end, I dare say it was fun. Jamal was upbeat, challenging and good natured to keep you pushing the max.
But the real winner here is the facilities. The showers, 3-​temp Egyptian cotton towels, makeup counter, hair styling centre… I want to get ready here every day! You’ll only need your own personal essentials and a change of clothes to walk out looking fresh and ready to tackle the world. With a little pink your cheeks, to boot!
Even better? You won’t get dinged for extras. No towel charge. Free bottle of water. Spinning shoes complimentary. Basically yes, the classes are on the pricey end but with all that included it’s about what you pay at other studios — and this spot has the bonus of being fresh as hell with the digs.
In it to win it, will definitely being trying a RESHAPE class soon (treadmill/​circuits/​weights) to see what that’s about — but given their flexibility of options (prices obviously go down the more you buy) and their inclusion in ClassPass, I highly recommend any of you people looking for a great workout to get yourselves down The City.

1Rebel offers new customers (aka Rebels) a first time complementary session. You can choose from either RIDE or RESHAPE.
I choose RIDE as my trial session with Tiago and had an amazing workout. Despite being the sole Rebel rider in the 5pm class, Tiago put in over 100% work, passion and enthusiasm as if the class was full. At first I thought it was going to be awkward having an unplanned private spin class, but it was outstanding (I’m spoiled now!). I couldn’t hide amongst a sea of other clients, and pushed myself harder since Tiago’s attention was solely on me. I felt like a celebrity! Tiago’s thumping playlist along with the different colored timed light effects made me feel like I was clubbing in Ibiza. I was in the zone and loving it. I will definitely be booking another class with Tiago.
The facility and spin bikes are all top of the line. The receptionist that I checked in with was still in training, and although lovely she didn’t give me a complete understanding of the locker room’s ins and outs. All of the lockers have a built-​in lock, but no instructions on how to engage it. Luckily, there was another client in the locker room to help me. Several other girls also asked her for help too once they heard her give me instructions. The levers for the shower are a little confusing, as you need to use the red and blue levers that are outside of the main shower stall (not the obvious lever that is closest to you when in the stall) — you’ll see what I’m talking about when you are in there… Note, that used spin cleats do not go back to the cubby hole where you got them. There is a used shoe bag in the locker room. These are things that would have been useful to know on my first day, but the gym recently opened and I’m sure once the staff is fully trained there won’t be any confusion.
The soaps and shampoos are lovely and have the pretty scent of lemongrass and verbena. I really enjoyed the hand lotion in the WC. It smells and feels like Aveda’s Pure Abundance hand cream.
Although I didn’t have the cult-​like spin class experience with a herd of other Rebels, I can honestly say I had an exceptional workout and great customer experience. I’m looking forward to another RIDE with Tiago, and also trying a RESHAPE session soon.

1Rebel is easily one of the coolest gyms I’ve ever been to. The vibe in this place is amazing and full on luxurious. So yes, it’s very high end but still incredibly relaxed and just über cool in all aspects!
The entrance to the gym looks inviting, almost like you are walking into a club. The moment I walked in I was greeted by a lovely girl in the reception who gave me a short info package on how the facilities work. Then she handed me a pre-​heated white towel embroidered with their logo. This towel is to be used after showering so afterwards you can wrap yourself in warm towel bliss, mmmmm. But this is only the first temperature of towel available; at the gym itself you have a sweat towel as well to use during the workout and in the locker room you can find a black Smeg fridge with chilled towels to cool down after the training! How awesome is that?
There are two kinds of classes to choose from. There is RIDE and RESHAPE. Ride classes are cycling classes and if you are looking for something new and exciting they offer RIDE LIVE which is a cycling class with actual LIVE music! That is insanely awesome!!! I can’t wait to try it out! In any case I chose RESHAPE which is a 45 minute long intense whole body exercise. In the gym you are designated one treadmill and one bench full on dumbbells. The class is very tough but that’s the way I like it! I will definitely be going again.
The showers are just heavenly. The raindrop shower head and the lovely 1Rebel shampoo, conditioner and body wash make it so relaxing and nice that I felt like soaking in there for the rest of the day! After you shower you can pamper yourself to all the products imaginable at the vanity mirror and table provided in the locker room.
Feeling peckish after your session? No problem :) Roots and Bulbs is located upstairs. Roots and Bulbs provides natural, whole foods, cold pressed juices and superfood smoothies. Also 1Rebel offers lunchtime sessions that are only 30min long and include a free lunch.
Sounds expensive right? Well it kind of is… but it’s well worth it. There is no contract, so it’s a pay-​as-​you-​go gym which I like and you can buy a single session for £25. If you buy more they are cheaper, like for example 4 session is £88 and £10 sessions is 200 and so on. But the first session is free so I urge everyone to give this place a try ;)

I came to 1Rebel for their ‘Ride’ class during their opening and although I almost switched my alarm off, I’m so happy now I made the 7am class!
1Rebel is unique startup fitness centre in the fact that its specialty is two classes, ride or reshape. Simple but effective. As soon as we stepped in the door we felt welcomed by the friendly staff who informed us of where everything was and were more than happy to help with confusing lockers and shoes for the bikes. Pierre, our class instructor was fantastic. Greeting us at the door, happy to help with our set up and both motivating and humorous through out the session.
Now I thought it couldn’t improve much from here but walking into the changing rooms was like being at a spa! Fresh white fluffy towels, shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, hairspray, moisturizer all at your fingertips and most importantly GHD dryer and straighteners! Truly a gym that stands out from the rest.