In the realm of fitness, where personal trainers often boast extensive athletic backgrounds, Libby Bawden stands out as a pioneer of a different sort. The founder of DnB HIIT the Floor, the world’s first international drum and bass workout, Libby brings a refreshing perspective to the fitness scene.
Libby’s journey into the world of fitness wasn’t conventional. Contrary to the image of a seasoned fitness professional, she didn’t have a background in sports or a penchant for pumping iron. In fact, she confesses to disliking PE and feeling out of place in traditional gyms. Her introduction to the world of exercise came in her late 20s when she discovered the invigorating combination of home HIIT workouts and Drum and Bass music.
“You know, it’s funny. I spent most of my younger years with zero interest in exercise and thinking gyms were these intimidating places where I’d feel out of my depth. But I loved dancing and drum and bass music and came up with the idea of creating a workout to drum and bass, which all started in my little loft, and everything changed!”, she says.
The catalyst for her fitness journey was unexpected health challenges—a diagnosis of skin cancer and endometriosis within a span of six months. Faced with these hurdles, Libby resolved to get physically stronger.
However, the search for an exercise routine that resonated with her love for dancing and drum & bass proved futile. It was this quest that led her to create something entirely new—a workout that combined her passion for dance and music with the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training.
Thus, DnB HIIT the Floor was born. Libby’s classes provide a unique blend of energetic drum and bass beats, dance, and effective HIIT exercises.
What sets her brand apart is not just the workout routine but the inclusive and vibrant community she has built around it. It’s a safe space, welcoming those who feel like misfits in the typical fitness world.
Something interesting about her journey is that despite not having a fitness background, she found herself in the best shape of her life in her late 30s, proving that fitness is not reserved for a select few. Her classes offer more than just a workout—they transport participants to the atmosphere of a club or a night out, all while reaping the health benefits of exercise.
The success of DnB HIIT the Floor is not confined to the studio. Libby has become a resident at the world’s largest drum and bass festival in the Czech Republic since 2016. She was featured as part of World Drum & Bass Day in 2021 and gained recognition from UKF. Notably, she boasts a roster of some of the biggest drum and bass music artists in the world, a testament to the unique appeal of her workout.
If we dive deeper into Libby’s journey, her achievements extend beyond the fitness studio. She has launched her own clothing and accessories line, adding a stylish flair to the fitness scene. In response to the global demand for her classes, she has also created a worldwide platform, allowing people from all corners of the globe to participate in the DnB HIIT experience.
Currently, on a successful tour of events across Europe, she is gearing up to announce dates for the USA—a testament to the global impact of her innovative approach to fitness. Her brand values centre around providing a supportive environment where individuals can thrive, celebrate their uniqueness, and encourage each other’s progress.
In a fitness landscape often dominated by conventional tdhjvtnm norms, Libby Bawden’s journey is a breath of fresh air. Her story inspires those who may have felt out of place in the world of exercise, showing that fitness can be enjoyable, inclusive, and transformative. As she continues to drum to her own beat, she explains her biggest motivation as, “I believe anyone can find a way to enjoy exercise whether its my drum and bass workout, belly dancing, CrossFit or something else. No matter how small the step we take towards improving our fitness we should celebrate. Small steps add up to big life changing moments. In my classes I want people to have fun, feel part of a community and get stronger”.
