Cane'rcise exercise craze at canary wharf la fitness

By Tom Derbyshire on February 14, 2008 1:35 PM |

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Canary Wharf

IT WAS Charlie Chaplin’s trusted prop. Penguin’s turned into a sword in Batman. Prostitute painter Toulouse Lautrec stored half a litre of absinthe in his.

And now you can use one to stay fit.

Yes, the humble cane is the latest item to be seized by the fitness industry as a tool to get in shape.

LA Fitness on West India Quay is piloting Cane’rcise classes, which claim to be the “jazziest and sexiest new dance-based work-out since pole dancing did the rounds”.

The group class is dedicated to the spirit of West End musicals and takes in numbers from hit shows such as Cabaret and Chicago.

An LA Fitness spokesperson said: “It’s the ideal way to live out West End fantasies while burning serious calories.

“Adding a cane not only injects that little bit of glamour to the class, but ensures you get a full body work-out as well.”

Dancer Philip Aiden (pictured) is leading the high-energy sessions at LA Fitness, having appeared on stage in Chicago, Evita and My Fair Lady and choreographed pieces for Fame, West Side Story and Cabaret, as well as teaching at London’s Central School of Ballet.

LA Fitness experts say using a cane in your work-out routine allows you to work your upper body, chest, lower back and core and engage your abs, arms and shoulders.

The dance element includes leg lifts which open the hips and tone the glutes, quads and hamstrings.

The hour-long Cane’rcise class is available to members on Tuesdays, from 4.30pm.

After four classes you will be able to perform a full routine and be moving like a young Liza Minnelli.
For more information on the class and how to sign up, visit www.lafitness.co.uk or call 0870 224 5474.