Brad Shaw
If you’ve ever finished a HIIT class feeling like you’ve been politely mugged by a set of stairs, you’re not alone. The fitness world loves to promise “results,” then quietly hands you a fortnight of stiff legs and regret. That’s where FORTIS by Speedflex strolls in today, chest out, claiming it can deliver high-intensity training without turning tomorrow into a limping festival.
This state-of-the-art fitness concept — powered by Speedflex and backed by singer, actress and fitness-aficionado Alexandra Burke — launches today across the UK, bringing the Speedflex philosophy to dedicated boutique-style studios inside Everyone Active leisure centres. The promise is simple: “HIIT Without the Hurt,” delivered in 30 minutes, and designed to be affordable, accessible and inclusive.
HIIT, but make it personal — and actually doable
The core idea behind FORTIS by Speedflex is personalised resistance. Instead of everyone wrestling the same setting and pretending it’s “fine,” the workout adapts so each participant can train at their optimum level — in the same class — whether you’re an athlete, a returning gym-goer, or the person who still considers “carrying shopping bags” a legitimate strength session.
The session runs for 30 minutes and includes functional movement stations to keep things varied — less rinse-and-repeat, more “right, what’s next then?” Energy is tracked via MYZONE, giving members live heart rate data and feedback on effort levels, so you can see what you’re doing rather than guessing based on how loudly you’re breathing.
Alexandra Burke: performance schedule, real life, and a serious reason to train
Burke is fronting the launch as a self-confessed HIIT fan and Speedflex ambassador, and she’s candid about why fitness has become non-negotiable in her life — not just for performance, but for health.
“Whether I’m going about my daily life, performing eight theatre shows a week or spending long hours in the recording studio, I know being fit and healthy is crucial for my body and an optimistic mind.
My family sadly has a history of diabetes but through research I’ve found that consistent exercise can have a positive impact in reducing or even reversing the symptoms and problem altogether.“
And she’s not pretending this is just another celebrity wellness fling, either. Burke says she backs the method because she’s seen what it does when you actually stick to it — especially when time is tight and recovery matters.
“I’m a huge fan of the Speedflex method because of the results it gives me and so I’m supporting Speedflex and Everyone Active’s goal to create a fun workout programme for everyone in a beautiful environment. I’m living proof that this 30-minute HIIT workout will leave you feeling good without the normal aches and pains of the gym.
Sign up for your free class today!”
That last line is doing what it says on the tin: the studios are pushing free classes to get people through the door and onto the kit — a smart move when the big obstacle to HIIT is usually fear of being broken by it.
Boutique fitness pricing — without the boutique fitness attitude
The strategic play here is straightforward: take the boutique experience (specialist studio, structured coaching, modern tracking tech), put it inside Everyone Active centres, and price it so it doesn’t feel like a monthly direct debit punishment.
The collaboration aims to open boutique fitness up to a whole new market — people who want quality programming and a proper environment, but aren’t interested in paying premium rates just to sweat near scented candles.
Where the first FORTIS studios are opening
The first three FORTIS by Speedflex studios are launching in:
- Marshall Street Leisure Centre in Central London
- Westgate Leisure Centre, Chichester
- Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre, Hertfordshire
Seven more studios are planned to open in 2020, all within Everyone Active leisure centres, as the rollout expands.
The bottom line
FORTIS by Speedflex is pitching itself as HIIT that doesn’t punish you for showing up: 30 minutes, personalised resistance, functional variety, and MYZONE data to keep you honest. Add Alexandra Burke’s backing — with a very real health motivation behind it — and the concept is clearly aiming for more than a launch-day splash.
If it delivers on the “Without the Hurt” claim, it won’t just be another HIIT trend. It’ll be a practical upgrade for people who want intensity, results and consistency — without waking up the next day feeling like they’ve been hit by a bus that does burpees.
