Fitness factor: Trixter VR X-Biking

What? It's similar to spinning but the bike is more like a real bike, with moving handlebars and real-feeling gear shifts. A simulated track on a screen in front keeps you motivated.

How hard was it? Pretty tough. Uphill climbs are harder as you have to shift the gears right up to avoid the pedals clunking around — you can't pace yourself as you might with a spin bike. It may be confusing for road cyclists as you increase gears to go uphill and decrease to go down in order to match the difficulty level. This will work your upper body and your legs, though.

Calories burned? An average of 500 per half-hour class.

Ready for more? I'd have preferred it if your actions affected the movements on screen but the simulated ride is pre-recorded. Trixter also makes the Xdream bikes with individual screens.

Try it out: From next week classes cost £160 for 10 at Trinity Health Club, 108 Crawford Street, W1, trinityhealthclubs.com. (You can try the Xdream at Virgin Active, Twickenham, virginactive.co.uk)