1Rebel Reshape class review

I recently decided to add some variety into my workout schedule and tried the 1Rebel Reshape class. Here’s my honest review of this high intensity workout.

About 1Rebel

1Rebel is a boutique fitness studio chain that offers a variety of group workouts in a premium and stylish setting.

Born in London, 1Rebel has now 10 studios across the British capital and is also present in Australia as well as Dubai.

Each studio is designed to provide an immersive fitness experience, complete with state-of-the-art equipment, cutting-edge technology, and top-notch instructors.

What are the 1Rebel classes?

As of Spring 2024, there are four different classes on offer in the London studios:

1Rebel offers a range of signature classes tailored to different fitness goals and preferences. Some of the key classes include:

Ride: A high-energy indoor cycling class that combines intense cardio with upper body workouts using hand weights.
Reshape: A high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class that incorporates both cardio and strength exercises.
Rumble: A boxing-inspired workout that blends boxing techniques with HIIT exercises.
Reformer: A low-impact yet challenging Pilates-inspired class performed on a reformer machine.

How much does it cost?

There are different package and membership options which are definitely worth looking into if you’re planning on becoming a regular 1Rebel goer.

Newbies you can buy the “New To 1Rebel Triple” pass, giving them 3 classes for £49 instead of £70.

You can check the current price list and offers here.

1Rebel Reshape class

The Reshape class is high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout that combines cardio and resistance training. It’s not a walk in the park, but it will leave you feeling accomplished, empowered and extremely sweaty!

Format

The class lasts 45 minutes and you either start on the treadmill or on the floor, depending on what you selected when you booked.

You’ll alternate between blocks of resistance training / HIIT exercises on the floor, such as dumbbell snatches, goblet squats, burpees and press ups, and cardio training on the treadmill.

You’ll mostly do sprints and incline running on the treadmill, but the instructor might also make you use the parachute or sled modes to spice things up.

Intensity

The workout is known for its high intensity, with instructors pushing participants to work at their maximum effort levels throughout the session. Expect to sweat and feel challenged!

Variety

This class incorporates a variety of exercises to target different muscle groups. The weekly schedule offers upper body, lower body and full body workouts so that you can do several sessions a week without ever getting bored. Plus, each instructor has their own style, and no class is ever the same.

Is it suitable for complete fitness newbies?

Whilst the instructor will provide options for different fitness levels and you can always do things at your own pace, it is best to already have some running and resistance training experience to really enjoy the class and benefit from it.

Due to the fast-paced nature of the workout and the large group of participants, the instructor doesn’t have much time to demonstrate each exercise or correct your form.

What do you need to wear and bring?

Wear light workout clothes you feel comfortable in. As you’ll spend roughly half the class on the treadmill, I’d highly recommend wearing running shoes. I personally wore Saucony Endorphin Speed for these classes.

Small sweat towels and shower towels are provided. There’s a water fountain to fill up your bottle.

1Rebel Reshape class review

I bought the newbie pass which gave me 3 classes for £49. I did them all at the 1Rebel St Mary Axe studio and here’s my honest review.

The workout

I used to love going to Orange Theory when I lived in the US, and the workout format is very similar. Alternating between treadmill and weights is my favourite type of class, so I knew that I would really enjoy the Reshape concept.

I like that there are different options on the schedule, with upper body, lower body or full body focus which is great for those who attend several classes a week.

The workout itself is very intense, there’s always a fair share of burpees and press ups alongside challenging treadmill intervals. I’d say that it’s really good to build overall fitness and muscular endurance with the high intensity, fast-paced workout format.

The only slight downside is that you often do a block of 3 exercises with the same set of dumbbells, when you could use heavier weights for one of the exercises. Several times, I felt like I was not pushing myself enough with the weights, because there was no time to switch dumbbells.

The atmosphere

The atmosphere is really energising, from the curated playlist to the blue & dark room setting making you feel like you’re in a nightclub.

The instructors are also contributing to the atmosphere, bringing their A-game to challenge and cheer everyone. I took my 3 classes with 3 different instructors. Each had their own style but they were all equally brilliant at enhancing the experience.

Once you’ve spent 45 minutes in the room, challenging yourself in such atmosphere, you leave feeling absolutely pumped and it's addictive.

The 1Rebel studios

I can only personally talk about the St Mary Axe location, but all studios are up to the same standards.

In true premium boutique fitness style, 1Rebel lives up to the expectations with top notch amenities. The changing rooms have everything and anything you may need, from showers to big lockers, hairdryers, straighteners, styling products, big mirrors and even an iron board, so that you can take an early morning class then get ready for work.

But the best thing is being able to grab a fresh towel from the SMEG fridge just after your session. Perfect to help you cool down!

Oh and if you want to refuel straight away, you can also pre-order your post-workout shake and pick it up at the 1Rebel bar before leaving.

Is it worth the price?

I bought the newbie pack because I thought £49 for 3 classes was a great deal. I’d love to carry on going to 1Rebel once or twice a month, but I personally think that the other packages are too expensive, especially with a time limit to use them up.

I already have a regular gym membership and I run a lot (incurring expenses in running races and running shoes) so I can’t stretch my fitness budget further. However I’m keeping an eye out for potential offers and deals as I’d love to take part in more classes.