The gym class where you do nothing but sleep has finally arrived and we were the first to check it out.

The Napercise class, which consists of climbing into bed and napping for 45 minutes, was announced last month by David Lloyd Clubs.

The first trial was in Sidcup and was such a success that trial days are now being rolled out around the country.

David Lloyd Bromsgrove was the first Midland club to join in, holding three classes today.

Worcester follows suit tomorrow (Friday, June 9) with five classes. Solihull is keen to be next.

The trial classes are free to members and non-members.

Its designed for tired parents and stressed-out workers who can go there for an uninterrupted 40 Winks Workout, scientifically designed to reinvigorate the mind, improve moods and even burn the odd calorie.

Heres what happened at the first class in Bromsgrove.

When I first wrote about Napercise, my reaction was like thousands of others this is my kind of gym class!

I turned up in comfy clothes while other nappers wore workout gear.

While interest has been huge, only three other people apart from me signed up for the first class at 2pm and they all worked for David Lloyd.

But the 4pm class, perhaps easier to join later in the day, was fully-booked.

Outside the gym studio was a sign saying: Shh! Napercise in progress.

Inside were seven inflatable single beds, with sheets, duvets and pillows.

There was an introduction from sports manager Kevin Bennett, who took us through some gentle stretches and said: The point of the class is to get across to people how important sleep is to your mental and physical health.

Its not just about the active stuff we do here. Sleeping has even more of an impact on your life than working out in the gym three times a week.

On a rainy, miserable day where the main topic was General Election, having an afternoon siesta seemed a great idea.

Having had less than seven hours sleep last night, I felt tired and ready for a nap.

The beds were surprisingly comfy. When Kevin switched off all the lights and put on relaxing music, I felt warm and drowsy.

For the first few minutes my mind was racing, though - how was I going to write this article, what would the traffic be like on the way back to Birmingham, when would I find time to vote, isnt it a bit strange sleeping with strangers?

But after a while I forgot about the other people, especially as the beds were far enough apart. I relaxed more and drifted off. I didnt get 45 minutes of deep sleep, but I did doze for a while.

And the best thing is that nobody snored.

We were woken by Kevin returning and putting on a low-level light, so it wasnt too glaring.

Among those trying out the class was Harriet Busfield, from Bromsgrove. She said: It was really comfortable and I did fall asleep towards the end. It was really relaxing.

Fitness coach James Haughton, of Worcester, also gave it a go. He said: I had a really early start, I was up at 4.30am after only about five hours sleep so I thought this was a great idea.

Now I feel like I can get on with my day with more energy.

Just being able to close your eyes in a comfy place with no interruptions was heaven.

I did feel more refreshed at the end of it and could see it catching on.

Oh, and for anyone worried about hygiene, yes they do change the sheets between classes.

At the moment the classes are free as they are being trialled - but I'm not sure how much I would pay to go and sleep in a gym when I can do it at home.

It's the kind of thing everyone says it's great but when it comes down to it, would you actually go?

Original post:

The Napercise gym class where you do nothing but sleep is here - but is it any good? - Birmingham Mail