Escape The Ordinary: Gymbox Introduces World's First Escapology Fitness Class

• Gymbox partners with world record-breaking escapologist Rob Roy Collins to create a class that combines fitness with the art of escape

• Class launches to mark Houdini’s 150th birthday

• Circuit training meets escapology as participants build strength, flexibility, and problem-solving skills

• Each member will learn how to break free from real handcuffs – a party trick to impress (or escape tricky situations)

  
  

 Gymbox is challenging brave Brits to escape the mundane with ‘Houdini’ – the first-ever escapology fitness class that will have you training like the master of escape himself.

Developed with World Record Breaking escapologist Rob Roy Collins and Gymbox Master Trainer Hattie Grover, ‘Houdini’ is a thrilling escapade that will transform members into modern-day Houdinis, breaking free from the chains of everyday fitness routines – both figuratively and literally.

‘Houdini’ – crafted to mark the famous escapologist’s 150th birthday – nods to the practices of Harry Houdini, the original fitness freak who was renowned not just for his escape acts, but also for his rigorous fitness routine. 

From reportedly running six miles through Central Park in just 45 minutes to performing death-defying stunts well into his 50s, Houdini’s legacy is proof that physical endurance and mental clarity are key to becoming a true fitness freak.

Think you’re ready for the challenge? 

Members will warm up with specialised breathing techniques to get them in the zone and increase lung capacity – essential when breathing whilst suspended upside down or submerged underwater.

The heart-pounding ‘Houdini’ circuit will see members combine finger-busting exercises to build hand dexterity, core-crushing moves including hanging inverted crunches, and resistance band workouts for upper body strength to truly train like an escapologist.

Inspired by Houdini's own rigorous fitness regime, these exercises develop the strength, flexibility, and fine motor skills needed for seemingly impossible escapes, from slipping out of handcuffs to breaking free for ropes and chains – whether upright or suspended in the air.

Wannabe Houdinis will finish up with a crash course in escaping from real-life handcuffs, taking home a valuable skill to show off to friends. But that’s not all…

The real test awaits as members are suspended upside down with their hands cuffed behind their backs, racing against the clock to escape their restraints using nothing but their newly acquired skills.

Beyond providing a new approach to fitness, ‘Houdini’ has been specifically designed to not only mirror Houdini’s own fitness regime, but to reap the benefits of inversion training, fine motor skill development and unique problem solving. 

The new class’ unique format incorporates inverted exercises which - by hanging participants upside down - will improve spinal health. 

By using inversion boots, participants will, like Houdini, experience inversion decompression which comes with a host of spinal benefits including; rehydrating spinal discs, reducing nerve pressures, improving overall joint health, relaxation of tense muscles and improving core strength.

Members can also reap the benefits from a mental wellbeing perspective, with inversion training also proven to ease stress and relax the mind. Add to that a Houdini challenge and a focus on learning new skills. From keeping calm in a tight situation to escaping from handcuffs, gym-goers will not only improve their problem solving skills, but also develop their adaptability and even general stress management.

Hattie Grover, Master Aerial Trainer at Gymbox, said: "Houdini is not just about breaking a sweat - it's about breaking free from limitations, both physical and mental. This class will challenge our members like never before, combining the thrill of escapology with a hardcore workout that targets strength, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.

"Participants will emerge feeling stronger, more flexible, and ready to escape the ordinary. It's the perfect addition to our gravity-defying aerial category and continues our mission to provide unique, creative workouts that push the boundaries of fitness."

Rob Roy Collins, World Record-Breaking Escapologist, said: "Escapology is as much about mental strength as it’s about physical prowess. This class will not only build your body but also sharpen your mind. The rush you get from freeing yourself from restraints is unlike anything else – it's a true test of skill, nerve, and determination.

"My tip for those looking to take on the Houdini challenge? Stay calm, trust your training, and remember; the only real limits are the ones in your mind."

‘Houdini’ will be available at select Gymbox locations from 2nd September 2024. For more information, please visit www.gymbox.com to check the latest class timetables.