Yes, you read me correctly. ONCE a week!

According to Jorgen Albrechtsen, its President and Founder, Concept 10 10 will improve strength and endurance, rebuild bones and muscles, restore vitality and postpone the aging process more safely and effectively than any other form of exercise — even more than any cardio exercise such as running or spinning.  Also, there’s no warm-up required and you don’t need to complement the program with any other workout. It’s just that 20-minutes and you’re done.

I know what you’re thinking because I thought the same thing: That’s a lot to promise from a 20-minute workout once a week. However, the testimonials say it all. Members in Jeddah brag to me about their improved back strength and reduced backaches. Corporate men and busy moms reveal their increase in muscle mass and overall strength. Still, all can’t brag enough about the extra time this program gives them to do other things — important things like spending time with the family or watching the entire sixth season of Lost to catch any clues they might have missed the first time. 

I decided I had to see for myself. When I met with managing director, Khalid Shams, I was shocked to find out that he was also an instructor. It wasn’t his physic — he was toned — it was the fact that he was wearing a suit and tie. Unlike the bulky, weightlifting types I’m used to seeing at gyms in leotards and barely-there tanks, these instructors don’t workout with you. I know what you women are thinking: “What gym does she go to?!” Relax, I’m merely talking hypothetically. Instead, these kinds of instructors merely guide and motivate you — like I imagine Olympics coaches do.

In fact, the entire gym of Concept 10 10 feels more like a chic clinic than an actual gym. That’s because there’s only two sets of machines in both the men and women sections. The way it works is: You book ahead by appointment and when you get there, your machines are adjusted — seat heights and weight resistance — prior to your arrival. Think of it as a luxury workout to the tenth degree! All you have to do is show up!

Even more, you won’t even break a sweat, I promise! That’s because you’re not supposed to. “We keep the room at 20 degrees and have a mobile fan that follows you as you move down each machine,” explains Shams.  Contrary to popular belief, not sweating is actually a good thing. “People think sweating means losing more fat,” explains Concept 10 10 instructor, Akram Gebreal. “But, this is a myth. Your muscles actually perform better when cooled rather than when overheated.”

This makes Concept 10 10 perfect for your lunch breaks! You don’t even need to shower after and you can wear pretty much whatever you want. I had to try it for myself. I had nothing to lose, except maybe three kilograms in my thighs! So, I went in my flats and sweats that I usually wear underneath my abaya at work (please don’t tell the fashion section I wrote that!) And, after about 60 seconds (yes, I know, that’s only three reps), I was shaking. My arms were going to fall off. According, to my workout instructor, Sahar Najdi, I’m “very weak.” So much for the motivation! Yet, I continued, shaking and hyperventilating.

Believe it or not, my muscles were sore for the next two days. However, I will go back to try it out. Like I said, for 20 minutes a week, why not? I’ll try anything to get rid of my sharwama-thighs… and who knows, this might actually work. I’m trying it for a month in the hope that I’ll be ready for bikini season in St. Tropez — unfortunately, that too is another hypothetical idea!

Concept 10 10 also has centers in Denmark, Greece, New Zealand, Dubai, Abu Dhabi. Here in Jeddah, the fitness center is located on the third floor of B4 in the Salama Center on Prince Sultan Road.