Now Delivering Roo-t Camp

Struggling to get to the gym? ROO-T CAMP could be the answer for anyone needing an extra incentive to join the January health kick.

In a UK first, Deliveroo and YMCA have joined forces to launch a nationwide gym class that rewards anyone who completes the 40 minute session with a free takeaway and it’s not just curries and Chinese on offer but healthy options for post-workout fuel.

The completely free ROO-T CAMP classes are available in London, Manchester, Newcastle and Swansea and comprise of a mixture of bike riding, stair climbing, balance and weight lifting.

The classes have been developed as new analysis reveals a food delivery rider tops the list of best calorie-burning jobs. 

Fitness expert, Jane Wake said “Becoming a Deliveroo rider requires a certain level of fitness but it’s almost guaranteed to get you into better shape – even on a part time basis. For Deliveroo cyclists there’s an obvious cardio workout, however all riders improve their balance, and both core and leg strength too. Carrying orders from door to door whilst negotiating steps and stair cases will improve agility, speed, upper and lower body strength which is why this really so good for the whole body. Biggest of all is the incentive to move fast. 

“The right motivation is a wonderful thing when it comes to fitness and we now know that activity that’s built into your lifestyle can be far more effective for long term fitness, health and weight loss. “Jane Wake reviewed the average daily activity to find the jobs that burn the most calories. Approximate figures based on a 70gk person:

1. Food delivery rider (cyclist)–1,080calories per hour*

2. Firefighter – 845 calories per hour

3. PE Teacher – 282 calories per hour 

4. Masseur/masseuse – 280- calories per hour 

5. Electrician or Plumber – 247 calories per hour

Zoe Groves at Deliveroo said “A large number of our riders tell us they took up the role partly due to the health benefits associated with it. Through our partnership with the YMCA we hope to help more people on their own personal journey to achieve their fitness goals for 2019. With such a vast range of restaurants on the platform it’s easy to find the perfect post work-out meal on Deliveroo.”

Denise Hatton, Chief Executive, YMCA England & Wales said “YMCA encourage and support people to lead active lives from an early age, through to adulthood. The Roo-t Camp is a great way to open up our fitness centres to more people in the community so they can stay fit and healthy.”


Health and Nutrition

Deliveroo’s in-house health experts compiled a handy guide for dishes on the platform based on the type of exercise undertaken:

Pre-workout meals:

POW – Soak Pot
A small amount of complex carbohydrates and protein before you workout is advisable. The slower releasing carbohydrates are may be beneficial as they’re going to keep you energised throughout the whole workout.

POD – Pistachio & Blueberry banana bread
Banana combined with a source of protein and healthy fats from the pistachio nuts you have a tasty form of energy, ready to get you started! The sugar in this banana bread comes mainly from the banana itself which provides fibre and is a fruit well known for its pre workout benefits.

Post-workout meals:
YO Sushi! – Salmon & Tuna Box
Top tip post-workout, is to ensure you are consuming fast-absorbing carbohydrates such as white rice combined with protein for recovery of muscles, such as a portion of salmon and tuna sushi, this is going to help aid repair and recovery quickly after your session.

Pod – Salmon & Egg protein Pot
Consuming protein post-workout gives your body the amino acids you need to repair and rebuild muscle proteins. Aim to eat at least one gram of protein per kilogram of body weight over the course of any active day. This snack pot is perfect on the go!

YO Sushi! – Vegan sushi box and edamame side
A great option for vegetarians, soy beans contain all 9 essential amino acids making it a fabulous post workout. High in plant protein, low in sugar, saturated fats and a speedy source of carbs from the white rice, this vegan box is a perfect post workout.

Meals for endurance, ideal for runners/swimmers/cross-training:
When you exercise – regardless of what type – your muscles use their glycogen stores for fuel. This process may result in your muscles being partially depleted of glycogen and some of the proteins in your muscles will be broken down.

After any exercise, your body will immediately try to rebuild its glycogen stores as well as repairing broken down muscle proteins. So, by eating the right nutrients after exercising, you can speed up this process.

Jamie’s – Veggie Bolognaise
A great source of protein with a source of carbohydrates from the pasta, along with being high in fibre and low in sugar.

Consuming protein post-workout gives your body the amino acids you need to repair and rebuild muscle proteins. Aim to eat at least one gram of protein per kilogram of body weight over the course of any active day

Bar Burrito – Naked Chicken Burrito
High in protein with a source of complex carbohydrates from rice and black beans. 

If you are especially active, such as activities like running/swimming, the carbohydrate component is crucial within 30 minutes and consumption of 0.5–0.7 grams of carbs per pound (e.g. 1.1–1.5 grams/kg) of body weight after training, which results in proper glycogen re-synthesis.