Reebok's Jukari is the 'cure for workout blues'

The group lessons, which have been designed in partnership with international entertainment group the Cirque du Soleil, are described as "a cure for your workout blues".

They were launched in Miami last month, with classes quickly opening up in Europe in Madrid and Warsaw.

At the moment, however, the only place in the UK to offer Jukari is in Canary Wharf.

Reebok instructor Magda Polikarska said: "This exercise is great fun.

"It's perfect if you work in an office and are sitting at the desk all day. It makes you feel energised.

"Mainly it's your core stomach muscles which keep you stable on the bar, but when you are moving your legs you feel the strain all over your body.

"It's great for your lats and your rhomboids. It's really all the back muscles - all those muscles you don't usually use in the gym."

Instructors at the club have to go across the Atlantic for training on how to run the classes.

Dairina McCarthy has been to Montreal in Canada, where she was taught the ropes by master trainers and members of the Cirque de Soleil.

Magda will be the second instructor to go for training when she heads to the global Reebok headquarters in Boston over the coming weeks for two days of intensive work.

Throughout July there will be six classes for members, but after Magda returns the classes will be held five times a week.

Magda, who has been working at the Reebok club for three years, took part in Jukari sessions for the club's staff last week.

She said: "It was fantastic fun. It's the kind of workout where you don't look at the clock at all. You really go for it.

"I did wake up the next day a bit sore - aching in places I didn't know I had muscles - so you know you've had a good workout."

A Reebok studio was specially adapted for the classes, which are able to take up to 16 people.

The Cirque de Soleil provides the music to go with the sessions, which last about 30 minutes.

The gym will also be stocking a range of outfits designed to be worn during classes.

Go to www.reebokclub.co.uk .

The Wharf photographer Louisa Emery was one of the first in the country to try out the Jukari Fit To Fly.

She said: "A recently-sacrificed gym membership and an exercise regime that consists of walking to the train station and the occasional dip in the lido had me worried I might show myself up at my Jukari taster session.

Particularly as I had nightmarish visions of a stomach-churning, vertigo-inducing ordeal.

In reality, I had nothing to worry about.

I wasn't exactly flying through the air with the greatest of ease but considering my lack of co-ordination, I found this class easier to navigate than I expected.

Spinning Buddha-like, a good 50cm from the ground, I was complimented on my apparent grace and strength.

This, of course, was very encouraging.

I would like to think I demonstrated equal dexterity and poise through a series of jumps and Leroy from Fame-style straddles.

Galloping around in a circle, I did feel a bit of a fool, but in a full class I imagine this would just add to the exhilaration.

Although pulling my chin up to the bar in a kind of inverted push-up did defeat me, I will need something to work on next time.

I'm looking forward to having another go."