Define is a new venture from American trainer Ashley Verma. The petite fitness studio in the heart of Fitzrovia specialises in improving strength, posture and definition with a series of barre, dance and mat work classes. The high-energy barre classes are the real stars. Ashley’s method involves intense isometric moves (read: tiny repetitive movements until your muscles are quivering uncontrollably) followed by deep stretches. It's a challenging class whatever your fitness level, but her energy and enthusiasm is infectious. Plus knowing you’re never more than a few minutes away from a chance to catch your breath and stretch it out helps.
Classes at Define are at the pricier end at £28 a session, but the classes are kept small so they have a personal-training vibe. The studio has a luxe feel too, with piles of white towels, hair ties and toiletries on hand plus The White Company products in the roomy showers to soothe your shaking limbs post-workout.
