Punk Aerobics

There’s nothing quite like someone shouting out;“Yeah, body hair!” when you’re working out to make you feel good about yourself.This one-off class in the upstairs area of Leith Depot in Edinburgh mixed feminist punk music with an inclusive – and not too strenuous – aerobics session.

Ran by Tracy Griffen, of Griffen Fitness a personal training studio based in Leith, the class involved all the typical work- out moves – holding your leg behind you, squats, overarm stretches, as well as a lot of punching and kicking. “Imagine you’re kicking someone you hate,” shouts Tracy, as ‘Cherry Bomb’ by The Runaways blasts out in the background.

The soundtrack was the best I’ve ever exercised to:‘Oh Bondage! Up Yours!’ by X-Ray Spex, and a cover version of ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’ by The Slits that brought a whole new layer of meaning to the original.

As the first exercise class I’ve been to all year, as well as the only one I’ve ever attended while wearing jeans, the format was definitely doing something right. So keep an eye out for more punk aerobics in the future, or pop on some Peaches and have a go at home.

Words: Ana Hine

Punk Aerobics took place at Leith Depot on 13 June 2018

—— Like what you see? Consider supporting us! ———

You can support our independent feminist arts journalism for as little as $1 per month on Patreon: www.patreon.com/artificialwomb