I am a long-time HIIT lover and recently converted Sala member, so I had high expectations for Chroma — of course, it delivered.
Sala’s new Chroma series blends the concept of chromotherapy, vibration, and sound to enhance both physical performance and mental well-being. The room is covered in mirrors and coloured LED light walls, choreographed to the music; so basically my dream workout.
The studio’s chic, minimalist layout was almost enough to distract me from the fact that I was about to willingly put myself through fifty minutes of what I can only describe as ‘fun’ in the same way people describe marathons as ‘fun’. In saying that, if I’m going to spend almost an hour working out, I want it to be hard. And (spoiler alert) boy was it that.
Blue was the class of choice; full-body, high intensity intervals switching between treadmills and weight stations. The structure is simple but effective — there are screens above you that show the next exercise and a clock that counts down each interval to keep you moving. The weight stations focussed on strength training, with exercises that targeted different muscle groups, while the treadmill intervals pushed cardio to the max. The mix between the two meant no muscle was left unworked, and the quick transitions made sure there was just enough time to catch your breath.
Despite the burn (or maybe because of it), I was hooked. There’s something about a dark room with a backdrop of light walls and upbeat music that gets you digging when you think you’ve got nothing left in the tank. The instructor floated around the room offering incredibly well-timed pep talks that kept me going when my lungs were burning and muscles begging for mercy — reminding myself of the prize: a killer bod and bragging rights. The group energy was contagious, and the camaraderie made the struggle almost… enjoyable.
Fifty sweaty minutes later, I was a hot mess in the best possible way. My hair? A disaster. My muscles? On fire. My mood? Absolutely fabulous. That post Chroma glow is no joke, and I waltzed out of Sala feeling like I could take on the world — or at least another kilometre on the treadmill (give me a few days though). Consider this a flawless 10/10 from me.
All three sessions are now available on Sala’s timetable, with bookings open via their website and app. Show up in your fitness gear and dive into this vibrant new series in full technicolor.