Brits Battle Brexit Frustrations With 'BrexFit' Workout
The 30-minute "Brexfit" classes have punching bags featuring the mugs of Britain's most hated politicians.
Reuters
LOADINGERROR LOADING
LONDON (Reuters) - Londoners fed up with Brexit can vent their rage with a special gym routine that includes high-intensity exercises like pummeling punchbags bearing photographs of some of the main players like Boris Johnson and Jean-Claude Juncker.
The 30-minute circuit also features the “Theresa May Sack Race,” “Jacob Rees-Logg lifts” and “Politico Headslammer” in which participants slam balls on to pictures of British Prime Minister Theresa May and opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Advertisement
There is also a “Cameron Quitters’ Corner” named after May’s predecessor David Cameron to take time out.
The Brexfit classes are being offered by fitness company Gymbox, whose boss Marc Diaper said the theme was chosen by a members’ poll of their main frustrations with living in the British capital.
Fifty two percent of respondents said Brexit, followed by rent prices and train delays.
“We thought well, what better way to actually release frustration and anger than actually put on a Brexfit class as we’ve called it, where you can actually punch your most hated politician in the face on a punch bag,” he told Reuters.
Advertisement
The course was designed with the help of an anger management expert, said fitness instructor Boriss Visokoborskis.
“It’s for our members to relieve the stress caused by Brexit, and all the frustration they see in the mass media and internet and so on,” he added. “They are leaving our classes feeling relieved, lighter and they do something good for themselves, they work on their body.”
Student Ania Jarzabkiewicz, 26, originally from Poland, said she felt “amazing” after the class.
“I have a problem to get my student loan because of Brexit, so today I really take out my frustration on this whole situation and I feel really good,” she said.
Advertisement
Fitness coach George, 25, said his favorite exercises were the sack races and punch bags. In this particular class, leading Brexiteer and former Foreign Secretary Johnson bore the brunt of his frustration.
“It’d be wrong to punch him in the face in real life so ... doing it on a punch bag there’s nothing wrong with that, and it’s definitely a great way to get your frustration out,” he said.
With six months until Britain leaves the EU, May has yet to reach a deal on the terms of the divorce, and her plan for future trade ties has been rebuffed by both the EU and many in her own Conservative Party.
Corbyn said this week that Labour would vote against a Brexit deal based on May’s proposals, the strongest warning yet to a prime minister whose plan to leave the EU is hanging by a thread.
Advertisement
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.