Video: Freeletics Brussels workouts in Parc du Cinquantenaire

Started off as a German start-up in 2013, Freeletics is a body-weight-only training programme and a smartphone app. It consists of tailored workouts given by a virtual coach and a feed where users can follow and give each other a "clap clap" for completed workouts.

In a few years, the concept has become a global fitness movement followed by people forming a strong community. Common workouts are organised in a number of cities around the world, Brussels being no exception. In fact, the city is particularly active with a training scheduled every Sunday afternoon at 17.00 - all organised on a voluntary basis.

"I was doing Freeletics in France and then I discovered this group on Facebook," says Jérémy Derenightcourt, who moved to Brussels last year and is now one of the main organisers of the weekly meetings. He takes care of the music and decides the workout to complete together.

"I find it motivating that you can do sports with friends in a group rather than alone at home", he added, echoing other people in the group, a mix of many nationalities, locals and expats.

Salvatore Fazio, who joined the common workouts last September, learned about the group through word of mouth, and is so far enjoying the sports. "The physical changes are unbelievable thanks to Freeletics and all the people who are doing it with me," he says.

The trainings vary in their level of intensity. The first workout to test one's fitness level usually consists of 150 burpees, one of the most notorious exercises even among the most seasoned free athletes. It is a full body exercise where one gets from a standing position to squatting, doing a push-up and then jumping up in the air. Needless to say, it makes everyone soon gasp for air.

Demanding as it may be, the group spirit is strong. Even on a rainy day, a new person has found his way to try out the sports for the first time. Diego Zúniga Aguilera, a student from Honduras, is tired but happy about the experience. "Everyone is encouraging and you want to get the best out of it," he says.

The Sunday get-togethers are also a way to get to know other people. For this reason, a special event will be organised on 2 April from 14.00-18.30. The free athletes based in Brussels and Namur will offer a day for those new to the sports to discover the atmosphere of the sports teams. The event will celebrate the 50th common Sunday workout and gives the possibility to explore and hear tips about the body weight and running programmes.

For those wanting some change to indoor cross-fit lessons and the normal gym, this group could be a great way to mix up your exercise routine and get to know a bunch of nice people. The only equipment needed is a sports mat and a bottle of water. The app is not necessarily needed. The group normally meet behind the athletics track at 17.00 on Sundays, or under the arches opposite Autoworld in the event of rain. For more information, see the group’s Facebook page.