Versa Climbing at BXR London: The Toughest Cardio Workout in the City?
Looking for the ultimate cardio challenge in London? BXR’s Climb to the Beat class might just be the hardest one out there. Here’s my full review.
First Impressions: A Boutique Gym with a View
I’m no stranger to group cardio workouts—Spin, Barry’s, run clubs, you name it. So when my partner and I signed up for a Versa Climbing session at BXR City, I was feeling (over)confident. That confidence? It didn’t last long.
BXR City is a stunning boutique gym, perched on the 25th floor with a breathtaking nighttime view that rivals spots like Duck & Waffle. The gym itself is compact but well-equipped, featuring two main studios: one for Versa Climbing and another for pilates and strength classes. The changing rooms are sleek, well-maintained, and on par with the high-end experience you’d expect from a top-tier London gym.
What is Versa Climbing?
If you haven’t come across Versa Climbing, it’s a full-body cardio workout that utilizes a VersaClimber—a vertical climbing machine with a screen tracking your stats. Unlike traditional cardio, this machine:
✅ Works both your arms and legs simultaneously
✅ Lets you adjust resistance and step size for varied intensity
✅ Is low impact but high burn—perfect for VO2 max training, Hyrox prep, or cross-training
In this 45-minute class, you sync movements to music, shifting between sprint-style bursts and controlled climbs. Expect high-intensity intervals, all timed to big EDM-style drops.
The Workout: Intense, Addictive, and Brutal
It takes a minute to get used to the climbing motion, but once you do, it’s absolutely killer. The class is designed for max calorie burn—BXR claims up to 800 calories per session, which I 100% believe.
The workout builds intensity in waves:
🔥 Warm-up – Small steps, getting familiar with the movement
🔥 Sprint intervals – Explosive, fast-paced climbs
🔥 Endurance sets – Longer strides, pushing VO2 max
🔥 Final challenge – All-out climb to finish
I hit 4,000 feet—just shy of the ultimate goal: climbing a vertical mile (5,280 ft). Not bad for a first attempt!
The Studio: Lights, Music, Atmosphere
One thing I’ve learned from spin classes—lighting and music make or break the vibe. BXR nails both.
✔️ Club-like lighting: LED strips along the walls, setting the tone for intense intervals
✔️ Perfect music curation: Heavy beats that push you through the toughest moments
✔️ Immersive atmosphere: The perfect mix of focus and energy
Music is a game-changer in fitness, and BXR’s Climb to the Beat class maximizes that effect. The highlight? A remix of Mason’s “Perfect” where you extend your steps on the 1-2-3-4 count—pure motivation.
How Does Versa Climbing Compare to Other Cardio Classes?
💪 More intense than Spin? Yes, in terms of sustained effort.
🏃 Better for VO2 max than running? Potentially, because it’s full-body and low impact.
🔥 As tough as Barry’s? It’s different—less variety but relentless intensity.
While it won’t replace strength training, the low-impact, high-resistance element makes it a great addition for endurance athletes, runners, and anyone looking to push their cardio limits.
Should You Try It? (Pricing & Deals)
💸 Current offers:
Roughly 14 ClassPass credits per session. Get a £1 trial with 20 bonus credits here.
If you’re looking for a next-level cardio challenge that will leave you drenched, exhilarated, and possibly questioning your life choices mid-class, Versa Climbing at BXR London is 100% worth trying.
Final Thoughts: Is This London’s Toughest Cardio Workout?
It might be. The combination of relentless climbing, full-body engagement, and perfectly curated music makes this one of the hardest (and most addictive) fitness classes in the city.
Would I go back? Absolutely. I already have.. Just maybe not the day after leg day.
🚀 Tried Versa Climbing? Let me know your experience in the comments!