One year in, we’re getting the hang of Zoom workouts.

With Level 5 restrictions keeping gyms and studios closed for the foreseeable future, Cork’s trainers, yoga gurus and fitness pros have found loads of creative ways to keep their clients interested online.

One of the best things about the abundance of online classes is that you never get bored; whether you want a sweaty, heart-pumping cardio sesh or a soothing meditation, it’s all there at your fingertips.

There’s also no traffic or parking to contend with (that’s two excuses out the window) and you’ll always have plenty of space to stretch out – especially if you push back the sofa or the kitchen table.

Here are three new online classes to try this month:

1. Train with an Olympian 

Need some expert coaching to coax you off the sofa? Now you can train with Irish Olympian and World Medallist Gillian O’Sullivan from the comfort of your own home.

The athlete, who still holds every Irish record for all distances from 3km to 20km, is starting a Zoom online fitness class on Tuesday, March 9th. The class will be a mix of strength, toning and core work and it will be suitable for all fitness levels.

A €53 ticket buys you eight classes (two per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6pm-6.45pm) and missed classes are recorded for catch-up. Booking is now open here.

2. Monday evening meditation 

Buddhist nun Kelsang Drolma will be leading an online meditation livestream starting on Monday, March 8th, 2021. Meditation for Everyday Life will run weekly until March 29th.

“Meditation is a simple but very effective method to calm the mind, let go of stress, tension and worry, and give rise to an experience of inner peace and wellbeing,” says Drolma.

“During these classes, you will be introduced to meditation techniques that can be practised by anyone. You will get practical experience of the benefits of meditation, including how to use meditation to handle stress, be happy, stay focused and have harmony in your relationships.”

The classes are €6 – €8 per session and you can book online at meditateinireland.com.

3. Try FIIT Stick 

A brand new type of fitness class developed by charismatic Corkman, Martin Forrest from Midleton, FIIT Stick uses a walking stick (or an umbrella, golf club or a sweeping brush) to improve mobility with a little meditation and cardio to boot.

With a background in Tai Chi and Zen meditation, Martin’s aim is to help people achieve their own personal success by focusing on untapped potential and bringing it to life using a blend of fun activities with cognitive and motivational tools.

Ideal for an older demographic who have spent many months isolated and shielding during the pandemic, Martin is offering his FIIT Stick fitness class, free to all on the evening of Thursday, March 4th as part of Social Impact Ireland’s spotlight series. You can register here.