GONG SPACE CENTER: A NEW TRAINING PROGRAM

Our coach introduces her program: mobility, cross-training and calisthenics!

The Training Center is evolving its program with an offering designed to support every athlete according to their level, goals and how they feel on the day. Mobility, cross-training, calisthenics and, starting in October, yoga: these different practices are all part of the same approach, based on progression, listening to your body and enjoying movement. Blandine is taking the lead on this new Training by GONG program and introduces her vision, the classes on offer and the upcoming sessions.

Blandine, coach at the Training Center, and Jeanne, GONG staff, seen from behind.

The classes on offer

What kind of experience do you want people to have when they come to train at the Training Center?

I want people to feel understood and supported, so everyone can push themselves if they feel like it or enjoy a gentler session if that’s what they need that day. The goal is for them to have a good time, enjoy themselves and leave with a better understanding of their body and our approach to sport.

Can you introduce the different activities and classes available at the Training Center?

The Training Center program is built around three disciplines: mobility, cross-training and calisthenics.

Mobility is a gentle class focused on listening to your body, waking up the joints and developing range of motion. It involves deep muscular and joint work.

Cross-training mainly takes the form of circuits and exercise combinations designed to develop different physical qualities: cardio, explosiveness, muscular endurance, strength, power and proprioception.

Calisthenics focuses more on developing strength and muscular endurance using bodyweight exercises, with an emphasis on movement control and mastering your body in space.

What does a typical session with you look like?

We always start with a thorough warm-up to activate the muscles and joints. Then we adapt the planned content, whether mobility, cross-training or calisthenics, to the people attending and their needs.

Depending on the session and weather conditions, we can also make the most of the Training Center environment and the fitness trail in the forest just behind it. After training, there’s also the option of enjoying a drink together at Slab, the GONG Space Center restaurant.

What goals can people work towards at the Training Center?

You can come to develop your overall physical abilities: mobility, strength, endurance, explosiveness, power, body control... The goal is to build a body capable of meeting the demands placed on it, whether in everyday life or as a complement to another sport.

What can people expect from a session with you?

Above all, someone who listens and provides genuine support. Every session is adapted to the person’s level, goals and how they feel that day. The idea is to progress while enjoying yourself, but also to better understand your body and what it is capable of.

How can you make sport a lasting habit rather than just a New Year’s resolution?

Above all, you need to be consistent and find an activity that motivates you. Having a coach means being guided, avoiding going too fast and not skipping steps. Individual sessions and small-group classes give you a regular appointment with your coach while also benefiting from a group dynamic where everyone motivates each other. 

Yoga

Yoga classes will also be available from October. Can you explain what this practice can offer?

Yoga is a gentle practice whose intensity varies depending on the type of class. It engages breathing, concentration and the muscles. In particular, it helps develop movement control and deep core strength.

Why did you decide to include yoga in the Training by GONG program?

Because it fits perfectly with our approach to sport. Yoga complements the other practices offered at the Training Center with a different approach, particularly around control, breathing and mobility.

What physical and mental benefits can people expect?

Yoga helps develop muscular control, deep core strength and mastery of the body in space. Mentally and in terms of breathing, it helps create an overall sense of relaxation while still providing a genuine physical workout.

On a personal note

What is your own training routine?

I currently compete in athletics and HYROX. I train around seven to eight times a week to develop my physical abilities and tailor my preparation to my goals and competitions. Alongside that, I also practice other sports for fun.

What activities do you do when you’re not coaching?

I mainly run, train for HYROX and do strength training. I also simply enjoy doing sports with friends and family, whether that’s hiking, playing tennis, going surfing or heading out for a SUP session. For me, the important thing is simply to stay active and keep the body moving.

What are your personal or professional goals for the coming months?

On the sporting side, I have several HYROX competitions planned through the end of the year, before the winter athletics season starts again with the indoor 800 meters.

Professionally, above all I want to share our vision of sustainable sport and introduce more people to it. The goal is to develop the Training Center and the Training by GONG method!

Practical information

Where and when can people come and train with you?

You can find the class schedule and available booking slots directly on the Training Center page.

How do you book a session or class?

You can book a session directly or purchase a session package. Once you’ve purchased the package, you’ll receive a link allowing you to book your time slots.

What upcoming dates should people look out for, particularly for the launch of yoga?

Classes have already started at the Training Center. From October, yoga classes will also be added to the program.