Mission Statement :

The aim of Hour of Power is to offer an advanced, yet highly attainable means of cardiovascular and muscular conditioning to people of all ages and fitness levels, requiring minimum time expenditure while achieving optimum results.

History of the Class :

The Hour of Power was created by Dragan Radovic over 20 years ago. Working at various health clubs around London, Dragan observed that without exception, conventional aerobics classes were completely lower-body dominated. Any upper body involvement in the routines was either minimal or superficial.

Gordon Ryan (Irish Instructor), Darren Rudecki (Senior Instructor UK) and Rajko Radovic (National Director of Hour of Power) dmeonstrating Hour of Power at the Bodypower Fitness Expo at Birmingham 2010.

Seeking to add an upper-body dimension and make his mark in the field of "aerobics", Dragan incorporated dumbells into a simple aerobic routine and very soon the logic behind his approach to total fitness began to catch on. From this early discovery, a deeper understanding of upper body fitness later developed - hence the creation of the Fitness 4x4 training concept.

Since those early days however, the Hour of Power Class has barely changed. Though it may have been reined, the principles and exercises formulated over a decade ago, remain the cornerstones of today's class. Perhaps the only significant area to have changed is one that was originally thought impossible to change..... THE INTENSITY !

Hour of Power has completely changed my view at fitness. After the first few classes I noticed a huge difference in my fitness levels, energy levels and overall body tone. I have been an avid follower of the class and Gordon for over two years now and attending twice per week and it really has changed the shape of my body for the better.

The class is both challenging and fun and Gordon is excellent at keeping you motivated and pushing you beyond your limits to increase your fitness levels. It’s like having a personal trainer every Monday and Wednesday. I can’t recommend the class highly enough for people of all fitness levels. Gordon will start you on a low weight and help you to work up to high levels of intensity with larger weights. I never thought I would be doing the class with 4.5kgs!! It has become part of my life and I very rarely miss a class. It is a great overall workout for the entire body, all taught by an excellent instructor.

Having made one of the biggest commitments of my life...to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation in October 2011, I needed an equally committed Personal Trainer to prepare me for this massive challenge. I met Gordon Ryan in April 2011 (in Club Vitae Gym) and immediately knew my training was in safe hands. Gordon identified that in addition to getting my fitness up, I needed to work on strengthing my core in order to reach my goal. We began training together and Gordon made sure that everything from my footwear to my diet was monitored. After a few months of gym work and jogging outside, I attened my first 'Hour of Power' class and I can honestly say it has changed the way I exercise.

The 'Hour of Power' is a high intensity cardiovascular and musclar conditioning class that works every inch of your body. There are three stages, the squats, the upper body dumbell section and finally the abdominals. Gordon not only takes the class but participates also, giving us the encouragment we need when the going gets tough..(which it always does!). I now attend two 'Hour of Power' classes a week and am completely hooked!! I cannot recommend Gordon Ryan highly enough, he helped me reach the summit of Africa's highest peak (19,000FT/6000M) and has truly changed my life.