The Sprightly Spud

The debate as to whether ‘work from home’ enhances or compromises quality of life is very much a complex one. Some of us relish the flexibility and control it brings; you may choose your own hours, avoid a chaotic commute, or shirk the stress of office politics and choosing an appropriate outfit. For certain individuals, comfort is the key to creativity, and the silence of a cosy living room leaves them more productive than ever. Nevertheless, for many, the idea of spending 8 hours glued to a laptop in solitude, with no reason to change out of your pyjamas, somewhat depressing.

Like it or not, 61% of London’s workers now work from home at least once a week, with 19% never frequenting the office at all. This raises a number of issues…

Whilst not having to spend an hour commuting each day may give you more time for self-care, training, or socialisation, it might also make it hard to separate ‘chill time’, from work – a difficulty that has plagued the self-employed for years. What’s more, interactions between co-workers can add little sparks of joy to our day, and collaboration can often lead to innovative ideas. We may also miss out on post-work drinks, and the sense of community that an office brings, resulting in us feeling isolated and flat. 

Loneliness isn’t inevitable when working flexibly, and some certainly thrive off the independence it brings. This being said, group workouts may be able to add a little more spice to your solo grind…

Being a loyal 1Rebel lover, I couldn’t help but note that they really may provide an ideal solution to lone-working lows.

The Endorphin Boost

It’s no secret that getting moving can spike more than just your heart rate. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, thus may have a positive effect on cognitive function and creativity. Furthermore, the surge of endorphins we get after a good session not only helps boost our mood, but may trigger improved motivation, focus and energy too. 

For this very reason, forward-thinking offices and co-working spaces are now making gyms or studios a priority, but for those of us working from the comfort of our bedroom, we have to come up with an alternative solution. 

A walk, or solo session at the barbell, will certainly not do any harm, but a 1Rebel class could elicit even more benefits. Training with others is proven to make us push harder, leaving us feeling more accomplished, and maximising our endorphin production. 

The result; you’re a WFH weapon. 

The Power of Small Talk 

In a city that moves at 100mph, interactions with others are often fleeting and hard to come by, as we all try to squeeze a million different pursuits into the same 24 hours. Traditionally, congregating in an office with a big group of people, all of whom were (hopefully) working toward the same goal, meant we had at least some spontaneous chats and smiles throughout the working day, and could bond over completing tasks as a team. Video calls and online meetings go some way to keep us communicating, but in-person exchanges are pivotal to building trusting relationships. Consequently, it’s easy to see how only nattering with our laptops could be a sure-fire contributor to the ‘loneliness epidemic’. 

Never fear, Rebel is here. 

No matter whether you’re in the mood to discuss the weather before your 6.15 ride class, a number of exchanges with real humans are unavoidable. From the front of house staff member greeting you on arrival, to the instructor wishing you well as you head out of the studio. Perhaps you get spark a conversation with a fellow attendee about their favourite trainers, or receive a compliment on you’re gym gear. These quick transactions may seem trivial, but something as simple as a smile can leave you feeling less alone. Furthermore, building a rapport with a trainer or another Rebel means there is someone around to check in on your wellbeing as you navigate the tumble-dryer of city life!

The end goal may be to form friendships which lead to post-class coffees, and shared meals after a long day at the (home) office. Its important to remember that everyone in that studio is likely in a similar situation to yourself, and you’re all striving to reach your full potential, athletically or otherwise, thus shared interests are inevitable. 

Honestly, Reshape is quite literally friendship speed dating.  

The Joy of Rush Hour…

Except actually joyful. 

One thing few WFH Warriors miss is the daily battle across London, on tubes, trains and buses, to get to the office.

At exactly the same time as the rest of the city’s inhabitants. 

With 11 studios scattered across the capital, it’s pretty likely that you’re closer to a Rebel location, than you would be to work. What’s more, inserting a trip out into your daily routine, whether that’s before or after your at-home 9-5, can help give you the structure necessary to maintain a work-life balance. 

Whether you walk, jog, lime bike or scooter to your class, the journey can create a stopgap between corporate and cosy.The best part is that you’re travelling to an activity you actually want to do, not plodding to a desk and clunky computer!

Slowing The Pace

Whilst you may be keen to shake off he day in a high-octane, hard-hitting Rumble session, there are always going to be days when our bodies are craving something a little more rejuvenating. The answer to this is, of course, Reset.

A pioneering self-guided format which aim to capitalise on the myriad benefits of contrast therapy, Reset allows you to sauna and cold plunge your stress away. Aside from aiding athletic recovery, improving circulation, and bolstering the immune system, Reset offers an exhilarating rush of endorphins, and the chance to mingle with like-minded rebels putting their mental health first. Once again, this satisfies the need for connection that hybrid working can create.

A Rebellion From The Mundane

One could certainly argue that hitting zone 5 on the treads in reshape is not conducive to casual conversation, nevertheless, whether you’re able to speak or not, the sense of moving in unity towards a common goal (your max heart rate?) can cultivate a community within us and our fellow rebels. 

We know by now that training makes us feel good, but busy schedules can often get in the way of a consistent routine. Booking a class, and putting it in the diary like a meeting, means you’re so much more likely to prioritise this ‘you time’. Your fellow rebels would miss you if you didn’t come!

Working from home is riddled with perks, but can also leave little time for social pursuits, as we struggle to know when the grind actually should stop. So, try a Rebel class, it might just be the pick-up you need.