Comedian Tom Webb to roast gym-users as they exercise

Gym-goers are to get professionally ‘roasted’ by a comedian as they work out this month.

In special classes, stand-up Tom Webb will dole out 45 minutes of verbal and physical.

The ‘Sunday Roast’ class will take place every weekend in September at Gymbox in Covent Garden, Central London, under a tie-up with the local 99 Club.

Tom Webb, who is a resident MC at the comedy club, said: ‘Going to the gym has always seemed overtly masochistic to me and the idea of having a professional comedian roast you as you exercise seems like a cry for help. However, it turns out that it’s bloody hilarious and a really tough class.

‘Each person receives a questionnaire a week ahead of the class, meaning that I can get the perfect roasting material on everyone and can make it a very personal experience for everyone in the room.

’As you can imagine, the last 18 months has not been the busiest for us comedians, so it’s great to get back out there doing what I love most.’

Research suggests that laughter increases the heart rate and calorie expenditure by up to 20 per cent, with 15 minutes of laughter alone can burn up to 40 calories.

The circuit-style class combines HIIT training with continued bouts of laughter and extreme temperatures – meaning even more calories burnt.

Sport scientist George Coote explained: ‘Laughter is extremely beneficial for our mental health as it triggers receptors in the brain which release endorphins such as dopamine and oxytocin which improve our mood. 

‘But people forget how beneficial laughing is for our physical health. Not only does laughing burn calories, but research has also shown that during intense bouts of laughter there is an increase in contraction of abdominal muscles and this can remain for as long as 45minutes.’

Rory McEntee, creative director at Gymbox, added: Much like the gym industry, the world of comedy has had a challenging 18 months, so we are delighted to be able to partner with the 99 Club to give our members a much-needed laugh while they get their sweat on.

'We’re known for having the most creative classes and throwing a comedian into the mix is certainly the most unique we’ve done to date.’

Published: 3 Sep 2021