5 of the Best: Rooftop Summer Fitness Classes in LondonBy Angelica Malin

Downward dogs in the sunshine, barre on a rooftop and boxing practice against the London skyline – summer activities in London are a tower above the rest. Looking for the best rooftop fitness classes in London? From HIIT sessions to ballet work outs – we’ve rounded up the best rooftop fitness classes taking place in the capital over the summer months. Bring your A game, people:

1. For Brunch and Barre: DEFINE London x The Trafalgar St James Hotel 

The 411: Fitness. Brunch. Views: get them all at DEFINE London and The Trafalgar St James Hotel’s unique rooftop workouts, followed by a slap up breakfast. Every Sunday (next classes are 17th and 24th June), DEFINE London founder Ashley Verma, together with her team of fitness experts, will be leading 50-minute full-body workouts against the iconic London skyline.

The Classes: Each class on the schedule is next level barre; infused with Ashley’s signature New York energy and amped-up music, for non-stop, head-to-toe intense body-burning, stretching and strengthening systems. Regular classes achieve a strong, lean and sculpted body as well as improved posture, muscle definition, weight loss, increased flexibility and reduced stress levels. The 50-minute sessions commence at 10am, followed brunch in the Trafalgar Dining Room from 11am-12pm. One of the best rooftop fitness classes in London, for sure.

When: £45 per person. Book here.

Where: Trafalgar St James Hotel, 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square SW1A 2TS

2. For Yoga, Ballet and Boxing: Aviary

The 411: Ditch the sweaty gyms this summer, and make a beeline for Aviary’s stunning rooftop terrace for their new wellness pop-up series – RooFIT – running on selected Thursday and Fridays throughout the summer. Soak up killer panoramic views, whilst shaping up with one of three workouts from world-class fitness brands: triyoga, BXR and En Avant Ballet.

The Classes: In June, Aviary are teaming up with triyoga for 45 minute yoga classes helping to improve your inner and outer strength through physical postures and meditation. In July get your sweat on with BXR’s classes focusing on the main pillars of athletic training; strength and conditioning, skills, cardio and mobility. Finally, En Avant Ballet will be taking to the roof with their adult ballet group classes to improve posture and flexibility.

Price: Tickets cost £25 per person and includes a PRESS Juice and goody from Aviary’s website here.

For a full timetable, see here.

Where: Montcalm Royal London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX

3. For HIIT Training: John Lewis x HEX 

The 411: Fancy sweating it out above the bright lights of Oxford Street? We’ve got just the ticket. John Lewis’ ‘Summer of Sound On The Roof’ has launched a series of sunrise HIIT training sessions from Clapham-based fitness experts, HEX, running every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday until 31st August.

The Classes: HEX founders, Chris Timmins and Phil Wilkins, have worked in collaboration with ex-army fitness blogger and TV presenter, Olivia Cox to curate the high quality workout which promises to start the day with an energised hit. Starting at 7:30am, the classes will help you feel stronger, blitz body fat and boost your metabolism. One of the best rooftop fitness classes in London right now, we say.

Price: £10 per class. Buy here.

Where: 300 Oxford St, Marylebone, London W1C 1DX

4. For a Summer Series: Mondrian London

The 411: Mondrian London has partnered with pioneering nutrition brand Innermost to launch the inaugural Mondrian London x Innermost: Summer Sweat Series. The series comprises of four high-intensity classes led by four of Innermost’s game-changing partner studios: BLOK, F45, Sweat It and Digme, followed by a nourishing brunch and Innermost superfood protein smoothies.

The Classes: Designed to give a solid grounding in boxing fitness and technique as well as build strength and endurance, BLOK’s class (23^rdJune) includes both pad work and conditioning exercises. A high-impact and intense cardio circuit that isn’t for the faint hearted, F45’s Varsity Class (14^thJuly) incorporates a variety of plyometrics and bodyweight exercises to smash an incredible 800+ calories in just one session. Designed to fully engage the core while building and maintaining muscle for a strong, lean body, Sweat It’s Compound60 (11^thAugust) is a 60-minute full body assault to dirty trap beats. Wrapping up the series is Digme’s signature HIIT workout (29^th September), focusing on three key pillars: run, condition, move.

Price: £29 per person early bird ticket / £35 per person standard ticket (including brunch and Innermost post-workout superfood protein smoothie). Buy here. 

Where: Mondrian London at Sea Containers, 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD

5. For Posture and Wellbeing: Coq d’Argent x Fat Buddha Yoga

The 411: Fat Buddha Yoga are popping up at Coq d’Argent over the summer with their special Thursday morning yoga classes. Founded by DJ and yoga trainer, Jessica Skye, Fat Buddha Yoga is a modern take on traditional yoga, aiming to teach yoga as a way to look after the body as well as the mind.

The Classes: One of the best rooftop fitness classes in London, these high energy classes focus on healthy, positive living with music mixes to kick-start your day. Make a morning of it with breakfast at Coq d’Argent, served from 7.30am-10am. There’s everything from Greek yogurt with granola to vegan options like avocado on toast. Rise, shine and downward dog.

Price: Tickets are £12 per class, or £40 for four classes. Book here.

Where: 1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ