On my first visit to Virgin Active, I tried out their ZUU (pronounced as Zoo) class, an Australian-born fitness concept based on high-intensity “primal” movements using body weight only. It wasn’t easy because we are not naturally attuned to animal movements, plus the intensity of the workout promises a good sweat. The founder of ZUU, Nathan Helberg, was in Singapore in March and he conducted a ZUU Master Class which I got to try.
Because there was only one ZUU Master Class, the 45-minute class was so crowded (due to the popularity of the class amongst members) that I found it quite stifling. It was hard to find space in the room, but the upbeat atmosphere and the raging enthusiasm made up for the multiple brushes of sweaty bodies.
The Master Class is Level 2, with a higher intensity and more complex moves. I spoke to Nathan after the class and here’s a look into our chat:
Q: Animal movements feel quite unnatural to humans and some might struggle during ZUU.
A: They might feel foreign to you as an adult but they are not unnatural ranges of movement. Many of these movements were done when you were a kid, such as crawling like a bear. After the initial few sessions, you’ll gradually get reminded of those movements and you’ll be fine.
Q: Using bodyweight exercises to strengthen oneself, aka functional training, seems to be the trend now.
A: That’s right. Regular ZUU classes will see you gain strength as well as stability in joints. Doing weights make you strong yes, but the range of movement is limited and anything outside of those movements are not functional. ZUU also helps to prevent injuries, improves your stability and strength in those ranges of movements. In addition, your metabolism is raised for 48 hours after, so you are still burning fat even at home.
Q: Is it difficult to convince people about ZUU?
A: It can be a bit tough to convince people about animal movements, so the best way is to show them. I have trained elite athletes and even the Special Forces with ZUU and it has proven effective. For the average person, it is a fun way to keep fit and stay trim. I lost 26kg just by doing ZUU and for the past eight years ZUU has been my only form of workout.
Q: How different is ZUU from the typical group fitness class?
A: The culture of ZUU is very unique. There is no fixed choreography and we run around the class giving each other high-fives or pats on the back. Instead of standing on a spot doing the workout by yourself, we move all around the studio infecting each other with our high energy levels. Different instructors will give different workouts from the 100 over ZUU movements, but you are promised a full body workout each and every time.
Q: How many levels and movements are there in ZUU?
A: There are 18 exercises in Level 1 and another 18 exercises in Level 2. Altogether there are more than 150 movements across six levels. Instructors are free to design the workouts however they like, using moves from different levels. So you always get a different workout to keep your body challenged, as the human body adapts very fast.
Virgin Active Raffles Place is the only place in Singapore that offers ZUU classes.
