Category: HEALTH & FITNESS

EQ Wellbeing is doing something new for your wellness

Following the buzz around South Melbourne’s wellness sanctuary EQ, their standout offering, the Signature Journey, continues to capture the attention of locals seeking a restorative escape. If you’re looking for a moment of genuine calm and reconnection in the city, this 75-minute self-paced ritual is a must-try. The Signature Journey guides guests through a grounding cycle of sauna, steam, aromatherapy, and cold therapy, thoughtfully designed to promote mental clarity, deep relaxation, and physical recovery. It’s no wonder this experience has become a go-to reset ritual for Melburnians prioritising their wellbeing. Expect soothing heat, invigorating cold immersions, sensory tea moments, and a beautifully curated space that encourages stillness and balance. Whether it’s a midweek recharge or a weekend indulgence, the Signature Journey offers a meaningful way to feel deeply restored. Priced at $150 per person and available daily, this wellness ritual is perfect for anyone craving a moment of calm in the heart of Melbourne. To book your Signature Journey, visit eq-wellbeing.com.

Saunas and bathouses in Sydney: the new social frontier

If you’ve ever craved a moment of pure bliss—a soul-warming sauna session or an invigorating ice bath—without the hefty price tag, listen up: Sydney’s wellness scene just got a massive upgrade with the launch of XtraClubs, the city’s first “affordable-luxury” wellness brand. It’s here to make world-class contrast therapy accessible to everyone, and it’s an absolute game-changer! XtraClubs is redefining what wellness looks like with its incredible self-service, tech-enhanced experience. Specialising in ice baths, steam rooms, Finnish and infrared saunas, this is not your average bathhouse. In fact, they boast the largest Finnish sauna in the entire country! Open from 6 am to 11 pm daily, it’s designed for busy parents, hardworking professionals, and anyone looking for luxury, affordability and real results. What is XtraClubs? Say goodbye to overpriced single sessions and inconvenient opening hours! XtraClubs was created to democratise wellness, transforming it from a luxury for the wealthy or a recovery tool for elite athletes into an everyday practice. With memberships starting at just £14 per week (that’s about $27.95 AUD), it’s making rejuvenation more accessible than ever. Inspired by the world’s leading bathhouses, the facilities are seriously impressive. The star of the show is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Finnish sauna, a handcrafted marvel that can host up to 35 guests at once! This isn’t just a trend; sauna and cold plunge use has surged globally, with a 40% rise in the US alone over the past two years. XtraClubs is riding this wellness wave and bringing it straight to Sydney. How it works:… Read More

Pilates on the Gold Coast: why you should pick it up

Welcome to a new kind of workout experience on the Gold Coast! Muse Pilates is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its first studio, nestled in the heart of Southport at The Alcove. From 14th October, locals can immerse themselves in the world of reformer Pilates, crafted meticulously for individuals of all fitness levels. Muse Pilates is on a mission to redefine fitness with its mantra of “real Pilates for real people.” This isn’t just about physical exercise; it’s an invitation to escape the usual hustle and bustle, shed those pesky judgements, and find your zen in a supportive and empowering space. The studio is dedicated to making everyone feel at home, regardless of their Pilates prowess or the shape they’re in. As Allana Ford, the ever-enthusiastic CEO of Muse Pilates, puts it, “We want people to feel welcome no matter their fitness level, body shape, or experience with Pilates. If you can juggle your to-do list, you can do Pilates with us.” The Muse experience is all about balance—embracing wellness with a touch of cheeky indulgence (yes, they even believe in the occasional pinot!). Classes are boutique-style, with a maximum of 12 participants, allowing for personalised attention that ensures you get the most out of every session. With experienced instructors who are as passionate about your well-being as they are about Pilates, you’re in for a treat both physically and mentally. Ford continues, “We believe in health, joy, and the occasional pinot. Life is about balance, and at Muse, we encourage our clients… Read More

The Yard Gym: supporting top fitness trends in Sydney

Nestled in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, The Yard Gym isn’t your average fitness haunt; it’s the brainchild of the dynamic duo, Tiarne and Daniel Bova, who decided to turn the gym world on its head back in 2020. Picture this: a gym that doesn’t just focus on lifting weights and counting reps but offers an entire experience, beautifully wrapped in Tiarne’s impeccable sense of style and Dan’s fitness expertise. It’s like stepping into your dream home gym, only better, because there’s a recovery room and top-of-the-line weights room thrown in for good measure. Dan isn’t a newbie on the fitness block. After spending eight years in the trenches of the fitness industry and successfully running three F45 studios, he realised there was something missing—a place that felt like more than just a gym. So, what do you do when you can’t find it? You build it in your own backyard. The result? The Yard Gym, a place where fitness dreams are sculpted right alongside those biceps. Now, let’s not forget about Tiarne, who’s got ten years in the fashion scene under her belt and has been a stylist for Cosmopolitan Magazine. With an eye for design that could rival the best, she’s been the creative force behind the gym’s aesthetics and marketing strategy, turning The Yard into not just a place to get fit, but a place to be seen while doing it. But what really sets The Yard Gym apart is their commitment to community-driven fitness. It’s not just about breaking a sweat here; it’s… Read More

New wellness centre launches in Melbourne, EQ

In the heart of Melbourne’s bustling urban jungle, where the daily grind can often feel like a relentless treadmill, an oasis of tranquility has emerged. Introducing EQ – the first-of-its-kind bathing and meditation experience designed to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate. And no, it’s not just a glorified spa day; it’s a sanctuary for those of us slogging through deadlines and endless Zoom calls, yearning for a little slice of serenity. Melbourne’s wellness market is part of a dynamic and evolving industry, with a focus on personalized, technology-driven, and holistic wellness solutions. And the people behind EQ knew this. Key trends in the space are aroun personalised diets, the water revolution, biohacking for longevity, gut health, and new commercial wellness offerings. These trends reflect a shift towards more personalised and holistic approaches to wellness. But EQ isn’t just another wellness fad; it’s the brainchild of Mia Basic, who traded her high-stakes litigation career for the even higher stakes of motherhood and self-discovery. Picture this: one day you’re crushing it in the courtroom, and the next, you’re knee-deep in nappies and sleep deprivation. Mia’s quest for balance and a healthy mind was the catalyst that led her to co-found EQ alongside Nicolas Crema and Andrew Barbone. “I had been working in a fast-paced industry for years and had neglected my health – which was exacerbated further after I gave birth to my daughter. I lacked tools to fight stress and to provide relief from the sleep deprivation and I found myself reactive, and illiterate about where I… Read More

If you’re doing City2Surf you need to know this

If you’re doing the run to end all runs in Sydney this year, then listen up. The Pullman will host a pre-race Energy Zone event ahead of the City2Surf on 11 August. This event offers racegoers a prime opportunity to warm up for the world’s largest fun run and potentially win a staycation at the luxurious 5-star hotel, complete with breakfast and parking. Conveniently located outside Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, facing the scenic Hyde Park and close to the race’s starting point, the Energy Zone will be the ultimate spot for runners to prepare for the event. The Energy Zone will feature: Moreover, Peloton will provide City2Surf packs, including water bottles, socks, and other pre-race goodies, to guests staying at the hotel before the race. To access the Energy Zone on race day, participants simply need to follow @pullmansydneyhydepark on Instagram and show their follow status to the staff. The Energy Zone event will take place from 7am to 11am on August 11, 2024, at Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, located at 36 College Street, Sydney. Don’t miss this chance to gear up for the City2Surf and potentially win an unforgettable staycation at this premier hotel. Good luck. For more info on the City2Surf check online and got o the Pullman here

The rise of men’s wellness retreats

a man sitting on a log in the woods

Men’s health is in the spotlight with International Men’s Health week taking place from Monday 10 June to Sunday 16 June, and while there’s no doubt we need to prioritise talking about men’s physical and mental health, it can be difficult to know how to take meaningful action to support men’s wellbeing – or where to start. In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, men’s wellness retreats have emerged as essential sanctuaries for holistic well-being. These retreats offer men a unique opportunity to step away from their daily routines and immerse themselves in environments designed to nurture their mental, physical, and emotional health. By providing a supportive space for stress relief, personal growth, and community building, men’s wellness retreats address critical aspects of well-being often overlooked in traditional settings. Many modern wellness retreats now offer IV therapy as part of their comprehensive health programs for men seeking rejuvenation. Recent data from the Australian Institute of Families Studies shows up to 25% of men experience a diagnosed mental health disorder in their lifetime, and 15% experienced a disorder in any 12-month period. Wellness Retreats encourage open discussions about mental health, and promote a balanced, healthy lifestyle. As the importance of self-care becomes increasingly recognised, men’s wellness retreats stand out as vital tools for fostering overall health and resilience, explore personal growth, find purpose and prioritise self-care. Elysia Wellness Retreat nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley offers a raft of escape options, seminars, activities and inspiring guest speakers dedicated to improving everything from anxiety and anger… Read More

Levelling up your run could be as simple as investing in the right tech

A simple scroll of your socials will cast no doubt that running fever is sweeping across the nation. Whether you’re a newbie or an old timer, technology advancements mean we know more about how to get the best out of a run, and how to support post-run too. From gearing up for the race to ensuring proper recovery, Withings offers a range of smart tech designed to support every step of your running journey. Here are some of our top picks from Withings to enhance your training and recovery: ScanWatch 2 ($599 AUD) Don’t be fooled by its sleek appearance; the ScanWatch 2 is a powerhouse hybrid smartwatch perfect for both your daily jog and a day at the office. This next-generation device features a suite of advanced sensors, including 24/7 body temperature tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep and activity tracking, atrial fibrillation detection, and blood oxygen level measurement. These insights help you optimise your training and monitor your recovery post-run. Body Scan ($799 AUD) The Withings Body Scan is a revolutionary connected health station. It provides detailed metrics like segmental body composition, allowing you to measure fat and muscle distribution precisely. This is invaluable for tracking how your body adapts to your training regimen. Additionally, the Body Scan offers comprehensive cardiovascular measurements, including a 6-Lead ECG, Vascular Age, and standing heart rate, making it ideal for runners focused on improving their cardio fitness over time. Sleep Analyser ($199 AUD) Recovery is a critical component of any training program, and the Withings Sleep Analyser ensures… Read More

What to know about the Ballarat Marathon in 2024

Victoria is poised to embrace a thrilling new addition to its sporting calendar, as the inaugural Ballarat Marathon takes center stage in one of the state’s largest regional cities on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th April. This two-day running extravaganza, designed to honor the city’s rich sporting and cultural heritage, invites runners of all ages and experience levels to participate in five exciting events. The festival kicks off on Saturday afternoon with participants taking on the one-mile and 5km distances, traversing through Ballarat’s historic CBD. The action continues on Sunday morning with the 10km run, half marathon, and full marathon, treating runners to scenic views of Victoria Park, the Arch of Victory, and Lake Wendouree. All events will commence and conclude at the iconic Ballarat Town Hall. To ensure a premium running experience, each course has been co-designed by Ballarat local and champion long-distance runner, Steve Moneghetti, alongside the expertise of Dave Cundy, a seasoned road running course designer responsible for the design of the Sydney Olympics marathon. Expressing his excitement, Moneghetti, the race director, remarked, “As a proud local, being part of the very first Ballarat Marathon is an incredible honor. Ballarat has such a rich heritage of distance running, and I am delighted to see a world-class sporting event find a home in our city. I can’t wait to see the streets flooded with participants, supporters, and visitors, soaking up all our beautiful city has to offer.” The brainchild behind this momentous event is local visionary Adam McNicol, whose newfound passion for running… Read More