Browsing Tag

Yoga

Retreat Yourself

Posted on February 11, 2020

The concept of going on a retreat has always sounded pretty unique to me, somewhere you go with a specific goal in mind, be it weight-loss or strength building, or even a more meditative soul seeking trip away. Finding one however has only seemed to come through a studio you follow who’s hosting one, through social media, or even friends of friends who went and had a great time…

Now though there’s a real game changer for those seeking some substance on their next trip. Retreat MI is the easiest way to source your own retreat, searchable through your preference of fitness, food, location or maybe you aren’t even sure and just want to see what’s on offer? The great thing is, these are packaged per nights you want to escape, so you can see exactly what’s on offer and book accordingly.

I visited a lovely little retreat called Nirbana in Sri Lanka last month that put precedence on surfing and Voga. No that’s not a spelling mistake either… Voga is the latest yoga craze to test your comfort level (and balance), with recognizable movements punctuated by more fun dance-y rhythms, to the tune of vibey 80’s favourites. It’s catchy and a don’t-take-yourself-too-seriously is an important mindset to have going in.

With a busy mix of fitness and fun, there was also some time to relax poolside in their picturesque inland setting. I’m used to more beach front Sri Lanka views but waking up with the monkeys in the trees chattering and a relaxed breakfast schedule was a welcome alternative to my usual little weekend getaway. From a sunset river SUP to early morning surfing, we didn’t lack adventure or options.

I’ve got my sights set on a Pilates retreat in Sicily next so if you fancy a wellness weekend, I’ll see you there!

travel

A Wellness Weekend at EDITION Abu Dhabi

Posted on March 21, 2019

It’s not often we venture out of our highly captivating city, but in my view, the capitol has some of the most underrated hotels out there! For example, a wellness weekend away to Abu Dhabi with celeb chef Tom Aikens is my idea of a holiday. The brand new EDITION is a beautiful new addition to the city and brings with it a wealth of destination dining hotspots.

Positioned in the downtown district on the waterfront of Al Bateen Marina, it’s truly my new home away from home. A couple of beautiful gyms, spa and restaurants surround a three-story social space that has literally everything under one roof! We arrived to join Michelin-starred Chef Tom Aikens at Market, his all day dining concept which focuses on imaginative, no waste, healthy lifestyle options in an open kitchen setting.

After a well-rested start to the weekend, we ventured out to the Eastern mangroves with Seahawk to kayak around on their crystal clear waters and get some vitamin sea. A new favorite of mine, the mangroves are a beautiful eco hotspot just teeming with life.

Heading back for the evening, we sampled the modern menu of Oak Room, which celebrates world-class ingredients with ‘British rock ‘n’ roll flair’. All whilst either seated or standing in their very communal setting. Paired with exclusive French wines from MMI, the tasting menu offered a selection of everything from a carvery to a la carte options too.

Not wanting the evening to end, the rooftop of The Annex is the place to be, with it’s perfectly positioned sunset views and fire pits for the chillier nights too, it’s a favorite for residents and guests alike.

Waking up with the sunrise was how we greeted our last day at the resort, enjoying not only the warm welcome from the rooftop of the residences, but the spirited yoga session and sound healing with Eastern Vibrations. The EDITION is really a dream staycation that feels more like a vacation.

Fitness Recommended

Rituals Launches Soulwear

Posted on January 22, 2019

Rituals Cosmetics is the first brand in the world to combine home and body. Each product, over 400 in total, is inspired by an ancient Eastern tradition and Soulwear is no exception. The Home, Yoga and Sleep wear draws inspiration from the heritage of ancient Asia. The clothing line features carefully curated colours and symbols from the Far East.

Prints and designs reminiscent of original Chinese and Japanese fashions, made with soothingly same soft, high-quality fabric that really is good for both at home relaxing and on the mat exercising. The soft cotton leggings are my favorite, not designed for heavy sweating, more suited to yoga and reformer pilates.

Picture plenty of understated colours with peeks of red and delicate floral patterns. Here’s a sneak peek at my favorites from both the home and yoga collections…

HOME: The collection showcases a selection of lightweight tops, cardigans, wrap jumpsuits and soft trousers for women, as well as unique sweaters, t-shirts, polos. hoodies and trousers for men.

YOGA: Carefully designed to ensure freedom of movement for both men and women. The collection features a subtle palette, combined with soft and breathable fabrics that promise unrestricted movement in every pose.

fashion

ba&sh X Ana Heart Yoga

Posted on May 10, 2018

Parisian brand ba&sh are famed for their city-cool collections and fresh yet modern designs, adding a twist to your active wear for the second time with their latest Ana Heart capsule yoga collection. Making our mat’s look pretty with a feminine, pattern-free, contemporary approach for the city yogi who doesn’t want to make a fashion statement, but wants quality and style too.

The mantra: no rules, except those you make for yourself.

Ba&sh is the result of a shared love of fashion, led best friends Barbara Boccara & Sharon Krief. Bringing their dream wardrobe to life so that they could share it with other women. A brand truly made by women for women. Loved worldwide, they are now helping to bring the French expression of freedom, modernity and a joyful elegance to our shores down at Citywalk 2.

This is yoga, but with a bit of sarcasm. Athleisure too, these pieces are too good to be kept in a drawer, designed to be worn both inside and outside the studio. You just feel good in it too, it’s flattering, flirty and can even be worn to work. And you can sweat in in more importantly.

Check out a few of my favourites from capsule collection here:

Fitness yoga

Yoga Every Damn Day With HOLDEReight

Posted on April 11, 2018

It’s not about being good at something, it’s about being good to yourself… and part of my philosophy on inner happiness is about whether i’ve been able to extend that conscious effort outwards. Homegrown brands like HOLDEReight are a true example of this, balancing functionality with freedom in their eco-friendly collections.

Launching some gorgeous new prints for the summer season, HOLDEReight’s new pieces draw inspiration from the land and sky, these naturally crafted yoga mats envision skyscapes at different times of the day alongside softly lit, feminine botanical designs, all hand-drawn using water painting techniques.

HOLDEReight is keeping true to its environmentally friendly origin – made from 100% natural rubber that’s sustainably sourced, it is also biodegradable. Even the HOLDEReight name represents balance, infinity and wholeness. These yoga mats are beyond comfortable too, at 4mm thick, you get extra support and cushioning than your average mat. There’s also a luxury velvet-y touch to them and with over 15 different designs, you’ll not run out of inspiration.

Don’t worry about them getting dirty too, they’re conveniently machine washable. Also stocked in a whole host of locations across Dubai like; Namshi, Adventure HQ, Urban Yoga Dubai and Hot House Yoga Abu Dhabi… pick your favourite here!

Fitness

Athleisure Aussie Style – by Claire Hastings

Posted on April 4, 2018

Anyone who’s ever been to Australia knows that our neighbors from the Down Under are pretty damn active. From surfing to netball and beach volleyball, is it any wonder that most of them look so hot and gorgeous when the love of sports and outdoor activities seems to be the favorite national pastime? Gymwear and athleisure are a lifestyle, and no one can pull off that slouchy, cool, I-do-push-ups-for-fun kind of chic like an Aussie can. Whether you’re interested in becoming more active or you simply want to up your athleisure game, here are some cool style tips and brands that can help you pull off that sassy gym look with ease.

Yoga every damn day

Photo by David Kuba on Unsplash

Yoga fanatics (or just those who favor yoga pants) are particularly fond of brands such as Dharma Bums, an activewear brand that was founded by Debbie Lawson, the famous guru back in 2013. Outdoor yoga is a huge thing in Australia, and some people actually make a living from creating Instagram and other social media profiles where they post a lot of pictures incorporating spiritual yoga poses with beautiful scenery to serve as a backdrop. Stylishness is important, and Dharma Bums offers elastic, high-quality stretch materials that don’t hinder movement, and it’s possibly the very reason why even people who don’t practice yoga are fond of this activewear. Comfort comes before all, but that absolutely doesn’t have to mean that it can’t be chic as well, so if you’re looking to pull off a slinky little yoga look, we suggest a vibrant, patterned pair of tight yoga pants with a solid black or gray top.

Combining pieces

The trick to pulling off that laidback Aussie style is knowing how to combine your pieces. This is First Base brand is spectacularly simple, but they embrace that old-school sporty vibe and pair body contoured clothes with other pieces that are loose-fitting, slouchy, and an absolute joy to wear. There’s nothing as great as a slouchy tee and leggings to not only get you through a workout, but through a regular day as well. You see, this is what athleisure is all about, a movement that helps busy people who need a way to get from work, to pick up the kids, and then go back to the gym without much fuss and changing in between. This is your everyday cool outfit, so just throw on a denim jacket over it to zhoosh it up a little, and maybe wear a cool pair of sunglasses and a messy bun to complete the look.

Sport as a passion

Photo by Bewakoof.com Official on Unsplash

Healthy lifestyle is what adventure-seekers are all about, and if you like to train, or just need a fun way to get in shape, the right outfit is incredibly important. You know how they claim you can’t have both high fashion and sporty comfort in one? Aussies beg to differ. People who play popular sports understand the motivation behind wearing something that makes you look good, so stepping into the room with a custom netball uniform that happens to be cute as hell is totally what they’re all about. We love that attitude – regardless of whether you surf or play rugby, or just happen to be a gym rat, fashion is still within your reach and you can indulge in it as much as you like.

Off Duty

source

While Australian weather is warm, evenings can still be cool, and layering your outfit properly is the ticket to both style and comfort. If you want to upgrade your getup and really make it special, a good jacket is required, and picking out something from Adidas by Stella McCartney collection is a perfect way to get that fashion diva vibe. The whole collection is very cute, very girly, and excellent to wear when you want to take a selfie, so find a hoodie to go with your shoes and enjoy your activewear.

Ready to pull your sneakers out and hit the pavement? Gymwear is slowly becoming daytime wear, and in Australia we’re already seeing people embrace this trend of comfort and leading a healthy lifestyle, so let it inspire you to start your own fitness journey.

Follow Claire here!

Featured

Go Green With Eco Gifts

Posted on January 30, 2018

What do you get the person who has everything… and by everything I mean you have no idea what they actually need. I find shopping for my friends and family to be a little tricky so I normally but them something i know i’d be happy to receive – like something shiny or fitness related, but this year, sustainable and ethical is also a prerequisite.

Check out my top suggestions below for anyone who’s looking for something a little different this year:

Veja
Right now I love products that are made differently and the VEJA sneaker project is made with a really positive process. Using organic fairly traded cotton for the canvas of the shoes, wild and fairly traded rubber for the soles, they also use solely recycled plastic bottles to create their unique technological fabric! Made in Brazil, these beauties can be bought in Dubai’s favourite athleisure hub, Hautletic.

Wildwood Sunglasses
These WildWood frames are without a doubt the perfect pair for the beach and all manner of outdoor adventures in the U.A.E.. Based in Dubai, these wooden sunglasses aren’t just for show, as they are fully U.V. protected. They’re on an eco-friendly fashion mission too, having recently teamed up with The Nature Conservancy and plant a trees through their ‘Plant a Billion’ campaign for every product they sell. 1 sale = 1 planted tree…

Wild Body Active
These gorgeous mats from Wild Body Active are keeping me energised. Not only are they gorgeous to look at, their aim is to produce eco-friendly mats that are both unique in design and super functional too. Made from premium microfibres, the mat will absorb sweat making for a supremely grippy surface suitable. They are all 100% recyclable, biodegradable and free from PVC, chlorine, phthalates, latex, silicone and all other toxic nasty’s. Launching new to the market are their training kits, similar to TRX trainers, these are perfect for when you need to workout without a gym.

*As published in Women’s Health Middle East, January 2018.

yoga

Event Recap: Yogahub at Marasi Business Bay

Posted on November 2, 2017

In keeping with Fazza’s Fitness Challenge, Dubai Properties has just launched at Marasi, the first outdoor aerial yogahub of its kind in Dubai, at a little known but ever-so-picturesque park in Business Bay. Boasting the region’s first open-air swing yoga facility, it’s free to take part and can host up to 150 yogi’s, four times a week. All you need is to register with beloved pilates and yoga studio Piloga and bring your own mat to give it a (guided) go.

The pergola-style structure will be permanently on site at Marasi for all future events and can hold up to 15 swings at a time. The 3000 square metres of surrounding green grass is the perfect place to practice and hone your inner zen, against the backdrop of the Dubai Water Canal and the skyline of Business Bay.

Who wouldn’t want to wake up here.

If you still need more persuasion to kick off the covers early this season… there’s also some sunset session’s you can sign up to!

Fitness

Testing Out: The Platform

Posted on October 24, 2017

We really are spoilt here, with a plethora of programs and places to train in Dubai, it’s quickly become the new fit hub of the region. So what can possibly be missing? Well for one thing – these set ups are often unique to their own studio’s and to get more of a one-stop shop, you’d need to sacrifice your favourite instructors or juice bars to get all your equipment and classes in one place. The Platform offers you a more flexible workout, with its part-studio, part-gym and part-lifestyle space setup.

Practising what it calls ‘exercise mixology‘, the combination of efforts helps to build a unique workout blend that will literally have everything you could need under one roof. Featuring 3 core studios… Cycle, Mind/Body and HIIT, but there’s also a dedicated PT zone, Wattbike area and even a climbing wall.

To top it all off, there’s a CRYO facility to help you cool down after one of your sessions too. Offering classes in 30, 45 and 60 min sessions, there’s a very dynamic offering here that will ensure you don’t get bored.

fashion

5 Aussie Activewear Brands you Need to Know

Posted on October 18, 2017

Season after season, activewear (athleisure’s big sister) is only getting bigger and bigger. Everyone’s turning to the comfy and stylish and brands around the world are looking to align their designs with the customers’ needs. As we’re always on the outlook for the next best thing, we’ve given this fashion scene around the world a closer inspection and were pleasantly surprised to find that Australia may just be the leading country this season, at least when it comes to activewear brands.

So, for all of you who love being fashionable but prefer staying comfy, here are the top five Aussie activewear brands you should consider wearing:

HyperLuxe
The pride of Perth’s idyllic North Beach, the family-owned business HyperLuxe successfully blurs the line between casual daywear and workout gear, and works perfectly with modern-day lifestyle. HyperLuxe’s designs are intended for everyone who wants to look stylish and still have the ability to easily switch from a workout to running errands, having coffee with friends, carpool, and more. The brand’s been actively growing for two years now and we’re kind of impressed with the offer they currently have. The brand understands the busy schedules their target customers struggle with and they design to make their (active) lives easier.

Twotags
Lovers of active and healthy lifestyle, all those almost religiously committed to their workout routines will absolutely adore Twotags. The brand that prides on their very specific and focused aesthetics is perfect for athletes and dedicated gym-goers (or trainers) who love to look stylish but keep their fitness regimens uninterrupted. The designs are tailored in such a way that they show off your hard work in a stylish manner.
The brand delivers aesthetic fit and quality products, and they pride on their superb understanding of the market they are designing for. Further, by their own admission, Twotags refuses “to work with department stores & retail middlemen, passing on the savings to you”. Kudos!

Dharma Bums
There’s no harm in aligning your chakras with an awesome pair of leggings, is there? This high-performance yoga and activewear brand is everything you want to wear if you are a yoga lover or a stylish girl on the go. Dharma Bums is about to be four (4) years old this November and, as far as we’ve gathered, the brand has built a huge shopping audience by now. It was founded by a fashion designer and yoga teacher Debbie Lawson with the idea of changing the way yoga apparel is made. As laid out on the brand’s page, “Dharma Bums insists on an ethical code of conduct from the companies that make the product. Each Dharma Bum garment is made onshore in Australia and has the stamp of approval from Ethical Australia”. Further, before actually being launched on the market for sale, every new design is tried by yogis worldwide to make sure both fabrics and fit agree with the asana taken. Sweet, isn’t it?

Talbot Avenue
Yet another yoga-inspired activewear brand, Talbot Avenue designs for both yoga devotees and those who’ve never stepped foot in a gym! Women who trust Talbot Avenue wear the brand as their everyday street style looks, not just as a part of their yoga practices. This fact alone is continually stimulating the brand to channel their creative liberty towards actively extending their activewear offer and keeping their audience active and stylish. The fabrics, prints, and patterns they work with are carefully selected by the creative team behind the brand, so watch out for geometric shapes, snakeskin prints, monochromes, high-quality stretch with moisture-wicking capabilities and much more. Talbot Avenue’s designs work with every exercise, making it easy to extend your boxing class to a calming yoga session, afterwards. The brand is Australia-based but stocked in the USA, UK, and Europe, too.

Toned by Ashy Bines
Designed for all women, Toned has only launched their first collection but we kind of have a feeling this one is the first of many. The collection is chic, comfortable and super functional, with a very stylish twist to it. It is intended to flatter everybody and shape – from the ladies who need extra support in the bust area to those who wish to show off/hide their tummies or thighs. Fitted hoodies, comfy loose sweaters, flattering tights, and other activewear garments are just a few things this super cute brand offers. The designer of the brand collaborated with fitnessees around the world, listened to their wants, needs, feedbacks, and requirements and designed a collection with all that input in mind. We suggest you give it a chance!

Written by Claire Hastings.

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