This Les Mills Sprint & GRIT Strength review covers my experience doing both classes back to back after a break, what the workout actually feels like, and who it suits best.
After a few too many weeks away, I finally went back to the gym and decided to restart with two of the most intense formats from Les Mills: SPRINT and GRIT Strength. This was very much an “okay, here we go” kind of day, equal parts excitement and fear, because these classes do not ease you back in gently.
Quick Verdict
SPRINT
- Intensity (1 to 10): 9
- Good for: cardio conditioning, leg power, fat loss support, pushing your limits in short bursts, anyone who loves a fast paced ride and a clear structure to follow
- My after class mood: so happy to be back, surprised I kept up, legs flying, proud, and honestly relieved I did not stop
GRIT Strength
- Intensity (1 to 10): 9
- Good for: full body strength, serious leg burn, conditioning, mental toughness, and anyone who wants to feel strong fast with weights and bodyweight moves
- My after class mood: destroyed, sweaty, out of breath, could barely speak, but genuinely proud and so glad I came back
Class Snapshot
SPRINT
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Format: interval based indoor cycling, fast warm up, then hard efforts with short recoveries, simple coaching cues, you control the intensity with resistance and speed
- Equipment: indoor bike, towel, water bottle, optional heart rate monitor
- Instructor style: Pedro was cheerful and motivating, clear on technique and safety, kept the energy high and the pace moving
- My focus today: show up after a break, stay in the work even when it felt too fast, keep pedalling, and prove to myself I can still do it
- Injury notes: none mentioned, just legs working hard and that “back in the game” fatigue
GRIT Strength
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Format: high intensity strength intervals with weights, repeated work blocks, short recoveries, plus classic GRIT moves like burpees and push ups, full body fatigue builds fast
- Equipment: barbell and plates (you mentioned a 15 kg bar), optional mat, towel and water bottle
- Instructor style: Rita is warm and smiley, but ruthless in the best way, she demonstrates clearly, makes the hard moves look easy, and does not let you hide
- My focus today: keep moving even when I felt out of shape, stay with the bar work, survive the burpees, and get through the session without quitting
- Injury notes: no injuries mentioned, just heavy legs, full body exhaustion, and that “I cannot even speak” finish
The Workout: SPRINT + GRIT Strength (Back-to-Back)
On my arrival, by the door, I saw the instructor Pedro Pereiros, who was, as always, cheerful. He asked me if I was ready, to what I answered: “I don’t know…
”. Confession: I was NOT ready at all!
As usual, in the beginning, he gave us the technical and safety instructions, and we started. The 1st track was crazy fast – the accelerated warm up. But, as soon as I began, I felt SO HAPPY to be back. I gave my all. I thought I wouldn’t be able to keep up, but I did! Well… at least I didn’t stop. That’s good, right?
Now, let’s talk about sprinting! I LOVE IT SO MUCH! And, funny enough, my legs were really fast! I was proud, I must confess.
Great class, Pedro was fantastic as usual (have I told you he is a great teacher? I learn so much from him
) and I was really happy to be back!
Loved this Les Mills Experience? You might also like GRIT Strength with Cláudia Estrela: An Intense & Unforgettable Experience!
Next was GRIT, with Rita Calaz. When I saw her, I was so happy. What a great smile she has. Makes me feel good every time. But don’t let her beautiful smile fool you. She’ll make you work…HARD!
I asked her which GRIT was and she said “Strength”. I sighted with relief. But I don’t know why I do this. All 3 GRITS are tough! And Rita wasn’t playing today.
With a big smile on her face, she explained the hardest of the exercises, demonstrated them beautifully and looked at us like it was super easy. Needless to say, I SUFFERED TODAY! OMG! I just kept thinking: “why did I choose 15kg?” Jeez! That bar was so heavy!
And people, I like burpees. Really! I LOVE THEM! But 50?!
I managed 20 (I think ), and during the whole time I was cursing myself for being so out of shape! THAT WAS EMBARRASSING ! At the end I couldn’t even speak! Hahahaha! So AWESOME! Awww! I missed this! I am so glad to be back!!!
What a great class! I really love doing GRIT with Rita.
Today was SPECTACULAR. It’s so good to be back and with 2 classes that really make me feel dead and alive at the same time! 😅💪🏾🔥
Instructor Notes
Instructor credit: Rita Calaz (IG: @rita_calaz) and Pedro Pereiros (IG: @pedro.pereiros). They’re the instructors who led these classes.
Pedro’s SPRINT coaching is exactly what I needed to get back into the gym after a break: clear, calm, and properly structured. He covers the technical and safety cues upfront, then keeps the pace moving without making it feel messy or overwhelming. The first track felt brutally fast, but his energy stayed steady, and that helped me commit instead of panicking. I also love that SPRINT with him feels like a clean challenge: you know what you’re doing, you know why you’re doing it, and you can push hard without feeling lost.
Rita’s GRIT Strength is sharp and organised, with that perfect balance of precision and pressure. She demonstrates clearly, keeps transitions tight, and makes the whole room move as one, even when everyone’s legs are already cooked. What I love most is how she pushes commitment while keeping the session controlled. You always know what’s coming next, which makes it easier to go all in, scale when you need to, then jump back in fast.
If you enjoyed this SPRINT style, you’ll probably like this one too: How Sprint with Igor Angélico Pushed My Limits and Burned My Legs!
How I Felt After Class
- Right after: Completely spent and weirdly energised at the same time. SPRINT had my legs flying and my lungs working overtime, and then GRIT Strength finished the job with that heavy, full body fatigue that makes you stare at the floor for a second and question your life choices. I walked out sweaty, shaky, proud, and slightly stunned I didn’t quit halfway.
- Later that day: That clean “I’m back” feeling kicked in. My mood stayed high for hours, and I had that calm confidence that comes from doing something hard and actually completing it. Everything felt easier afterwards, even the normal boring parts of the day.
- Next day: Legs definitely felt it, especially quads and glutes, plus that deep soreness that reminds you the work landed. Nothing dramatic, just that satisfying stiffness when you sit down, stand up, or take the stairs.
For another session that hits the same “intense but addictive” vibe, you might also like: How I Survived Another Les Mills GRIT CARDIO Session with ANDRÉ GODINHO.
My Gym Essentials
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.
If you like these real life updates, you might also enjoy this cold morning walk recap in Lisbon: Cold Morning Walk at Estádio Universitário de Lisboa.
