This Les Mills Sprint and GRIT Athletic review covers my experience doing both classes on the same day, with Sprint first and GRIT Athletic afterwards. It was one of those gym days that felt intense from the start, with cycling intervals, heavy legs, step work, weights, partner drills and that very specific feeling of leaving the gym absolutely thrilled.
Some training days are just movement. This was not one of them.
This was an intense training day from the first Sprint track to the final GRIT Athletic effort.
Sprint pushed my legs, lungs and focus on the bike. GRIT Athletic then moved the intensity into a completely different format, with the step, the bar, plates, knee push-ups, partner work and fast transitions.
It was hard, sweaty, demanding and exactly the kind of session that makes me remember why I enjoy training hard.
Quick Verdict
Sprint
- Intensity: 9 out of 10
- Good for: indoor cycling, cardio conditioning, leg power, resistance work, speed, mental focus and short intense efforts
- My after class mood: sweaty, proud, energised and fully pushed
GRIT Athletic
- Intensity: 9 out of 10
- Good for: athletic conditioning, step work, strength endurance, explosive movement, partner drills, cardio fitness and full-body intensity
- My after class mood: destroyed, smiling, thrilled and genuinely happy I gave everything
Class Snapshot
Sprint
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Format: high-intensity indoor cycling with fast tracks, resistance, standing work and recovery periods
- Equipment: indoor bike, towel and water bottle
- Instructor style: Pedro was strong, motivating and full of energy, with clear coaching and that ability to push the room without losing control
- My focus today: pedal faster, hold the resistance, stay with the beat and keep going until the end
- Injury notes: no injury mentioned, just burning legs, heavy effort and serious cardio work
GRIT Athletic
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Format: athletic HIIT with step work, bar work, plates, bodyweight drills and partner exercises
- Equipment: step, bar, plates, towel, water and training shoes
- Instructor style: Rita was sharp, playful and relentless in the best way, with that mischievous smile that makes you comply even when you are suffering
- My focus today: survive the step work, keep up with the speed, use the heavier plates when needed and not disappear during partner work
- Injury notes: no injury mentioned, just full-body effort and serious fatigue
The Workout: Sprint + GRIT Athletic
OMG! This INTENSE TRAINING DAY!
I started with Sprint and Pedro Pereiros. I arrived a little late and walked into an incredible atmosphere, and above all, the music: BEAUTIFUL!
This class is so intense! I always end up absolutely dripping, my legs BURN like crazy and I LOVE it!
I feel like I am improving considerably on the bike. I managed to pedal fast, for longer, standing up, with resistance.
There was a speed track that drove me to the edge. The pace of the music was incredibly fast. I kept pushing my speed higher and could not believe it when I found myself pedalling right on the beat of the music. I was so happy! And there is more! Just when I felt myself losing steam, I heard Pedro: “Come on Suzi!” And that was all it took to give a little more and reach the end without slowing down. Sometimes all we need is one word of encouragement!
Pedro was incredible! I am always in awe of his endurance. The speed at which he pedals, with heavy resistance and standing up! Pure INSPIRATION! I am working towards that day!
The class was PHENOMENAL. I love the state I am in at the end! The instructor pushed us hard, kept the energy sky high, and gave us an incredible workout!
I moved on to Grit Athletic with Rita Calaz. I was expecting Cardio! PHEW!
We started on the step and then moved to the bar. It is incredible how the warm-up in these classes is already a workout in itself.
Rita was determined to make us work. With that mischievous smile of hers, nothing slipped past her: “Knee push-ups, Suzi?”, “Anyone going on holiday needs to use more weight.” she told another student. And what does everyone do? Smile and comply! No excuses!
And my beloved 5kg plates? Getting comfortable with the 10kg ones is going to be quite the journey. Especially in the clean-press-squat!
The best moment for me was the partner work. That was something else entirely, jumping on the same step as your partner! And to my surprise and delight, when the pairs rotated, Rita DID IT WITH ME! Well, the enthusiasm started fading pretty quickly when I found myself desperately trying to keep up with the teacher’s speed! Good lord, that woman jumps fast!
The class and instructor were SPECTACULAR! I gave everything and left the gym absolutely THRILLED! I genuinely walk out smiling! There is something wonderful about training hard!
Instructor Notes
Instructor credit: Pedro Pereiros and Rita Calaz.
Pedro’s Sprint coaching was powerful and motivating. He knows how to push the class without making it chaotic. His energy, endurance and timing make the workout feel intense, but still controlled. That small “Come on Suzi!” came at exactly the right moment.
Rita’s GRIT Athletic coaching was sharp, playful and demanding. She notices everything. There is humour in the way she pushes the room, but there is also no escape. The class felt fast, athletic and properly challenging, especially with the step work and partner drills.
Together, they made the day feel strong, energetic and memorable.
How I Felt After Class
- Right after: sweaty, exhausted, happy and full of that post-workout high that only comes after a hard session.
- Later that day: physically tired, but mentally satisfied. It felt like a proper training day, not just a casual gym visit.
- Next day: legs and body definitely felt the effort, especially after Sprint resistance work and GRIT Athletic step drills.
Final Thoughts
This Sprint and GRIT Athletic session was a magnificent intense training day.
Sprint gave me speed, resistance, burning legs and that incredible feeling of keeping up with the music. GRIT Athletic gave me step work, plates, partner drills, knee push-ups and the kind of full-body effort that leaves you smiling afterwards.
It was hard. It was sweaty. It was demanding.
And I loved it.
This was one of those gym days that reminded me there is something genuinely wonderful about training hard.
Everything I actually use and love during my workouts. Tested, approved, and perfect for busy women who want efficient results.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated without wasting time refilling.
- Training Shoes: Stable, comfortable, and perfect for cardio and step workouts.
- Gym Bag: Compact but spacious enough for everything I need for my sessions.
- Shockproof Phone Case: Keeps my phone safe during intense workouts, because I drop it more often than I admit
- Smart Fitness Watch: Tracks heart rate, calories burned, and workout intensity.
