Category: FITNESS

THE HOUSE OF DHARMA !

I love discovering new fitness brands, especially when their ethos totally strikes a chord with my own. This post sheds light on the enchanting bohemian collections of House of Dharma, a brand of earthy-toned beautifully-designed resort & activewear founded by two sisters (and best friends), Kayleigh and Carrie Curneen. Their operation is based partly in Bali and partly in Ibiza (where I first met Kayleigh years ago), and the clothes have a unique aesthetic which I’ve not encountered elsewhere; it’s a blend of free-spirited ancient silhouettes/shapes, impossibly soft and relaxed floaty materials, tribal patterns and themes, gorgeous natural tones, and ethically sustainable local production values. The result is glamorous, feminine, chic, and effortlessly inspirational! I met up with the founders in London’s Primrose Hill for a full interview on all things Dharma. Click MORE to see the pictures we shot, along with reading their responses!

FITNESS ON TOAST: What drew you to want to start your own clothing brand, and what did you think was missing out there in the market?
KAYLEIGH & CARRIE: We’re best friends and sisters, and share a love for travel and exploring new cultures. We decided we would like to leave London and spend more time in two of our favourite places; Ibiza and Bali. We considered the lifestyle we wanted to live and decided that creating House of Dharma (Dharma meaning purpose, the ‘right’ life choice) was a perfect way to explore our bohemian spirits further whilst tapping into our creative sides. We’ve a love for all things bohemian and a love for different cultures and styles, so creating a clothing and lifestyle label made perfect sense to us. It happened organically as an extension of ourselves and what we love!

F.O.T: Can you characterise the unique aesthetic of your clothes, according to your own vision?
K&C: The label is an extension of our lifestyle – people named us the sun gypsies in jest, as we love to follow the sun! Our clothing and designs are based on this. We take inspiration from all cultures and the label was born out of our passion to travel and explore.

F.O.T: Where do you take inspiration from when designing your pieces?
K&C: Our past travel experiences, latest explorations, new cultures, bohemian lifestyle… We’re very much an Ibiza brand, as we’ve been going there since we were very young. We live there and take a lot of inspiration from the raw nature of the island. The colours we use are very earthy and natural, and the styles are a reflection of mother nature, tribal cultures and bohemian influences.

F.O.T: I love the way your brand is so ethical; can you tell us more about that?
K&C: Ethical production is key to the ethos of our entire brand. We employ local families in Bali, working in the ‘cottage industry’ side of fashion (i.e. small, sustainable family businesses as opposed to large factories and power houses). Some of our ‘factories’ are small Balinese family homes where we sit on the floor and drink tea with the workers while they show us their progress. We believe it’s integral to maintain local customs and traditional methods in order to maintain good, strong and long standing relationships with our workers and to work in a way that is fair to them and us. All our products are hand made. We use natural dyes and fabrics wherever possible. All our packaging is recycled, from our business cards to our shopping bags and wooden swing tags.

F.O.T: What are the logistical and technical difficulties / achievements involved in your design that people don’t see?
K&C: There can be a lot of production issues working in fashion – it’s important to ensure you have a good team around you to deal with this. Quality control must be constantly monitored to ensure high standards are kept. It’s also very taxing living and working in extremely humid 40-degree heat. Being northern-European, this takes some getting used to but while exhausting at times the sunshine and the warm weather make us much happier people! There is also a lot more to do than simply design. We manage our own business relationships, source stockists and do PR, advertising and accounting (etc.) completely in-house. We are a small start-up and believe it’s important to be involved in all aspects of the business ourselves. Achievement-wise, it’s great fun working with your own family, and also much easier when you know someone so well to cut to the chase. Because we have a similar style, we find working together and creating designs together happens rather organically and we feel that these achievements happen very naturally!

F.O.T: What’s your favourite fitness class?
K&C: Yoga without a doubt. We try and practice at least 4 times a week but sometimes its hard to fit it all in. We always feel energised yet relaxed after practice. The benefits are amazing, other than the obvious muscle toning, yoga helps with massaging organs, flushing out toxins, flexibility and joint lubrication in a way other workouts don’t. It’s also a great form of meditation, and very calming.

F.O.T: Do you have a go to healthy snack/meal?
CARRIE: Because I have a bit of a sweet tooth I like to make “Bliss Balls” which are great for energy and sugar craving and taste just delicious. The ingredients are all healthy and they are super easy to make. You just blend up ground nuts of your choice, coconut oil, dates, raw cocao powder or chips, maca powder, roll into balls and dust with coconut shavings! YUMMY! Also, living part of the year in Asia we also have access to fresh young coconuts. Coconuts are just magic! They are a wonder food. The benefits are just unbelievable. They stabilise blood sugar, heal and hydrate. Also, avocado – on ANYTHING!

F.O.T: Have you discovered any healthy exciting dishes in Bali?
K&C: The Balinese style of cooking can actually be fairly healthy. They use a lot of fresh ingredients; chopped coconut, garlic and chilli, using an incredible variety of fresh vegetables and spices blended with meat or fish. Gado Gado is a favourite dish, which you can pick up at a local street stall or warung (local eating place). It’s a raw salad, served with cooked tofu and a ground roasted peanut sauce; delicious!

F.O.T: What’s your fitness ethos?
K&C: Moderation for sure! We both organically have very active lifestyles so we’re actually quite fit without having to over-think things too much. We’re always on our feet and dashing about the place. Since being in Bali we’ve also taken up surfing as a hobby; getting beaten up by waves is actually oddly rewarding a great form of exercise ! Catching some sunrise surf can really energise you and set you up positively for the day ahead. We also love walking / hiking, diving, yoga and dancing until the early hours; you don’t even notice you’re exercising when it’s fun. Food wise, again moderation is key. We’re lucky that we love healthy foods and tend to make delicious yummy and nutritious smoothies most mornings with whatever we can find to throw in the blender. We also strongly believe that if you want a naughty cake or some ice cream, don’t deny yourself, eat the delicious food. Enjoy! and don’t beat yourself up about it afterwards. Balance, balance, balance!

F.O.T: I love travelling and frequently feature active travel on the blog. You obviously also love travelling… what does it represent to you?
K&C: Travel has always been important to us. It opens the eyes, helps you discover who you really are, as you’re exposed to new challenges and adventures on the open road. Situations you otherwise may never discover, meet people you may never get the chance to meet… Discover colourful cultures, new traditions and of course, sample delicious and exciting foreign foods.

F.O.T: Fave adventure destination?
K&C: Oooh there are so many! We love to be adventurous and go off the beaten track whenever possible. We recently took a trip travelling through Central America which was certainly full of adventure. We went backpacking and took night buses from country to country. Highlights were hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, through the majestic Lost Cities hidden in the dense Amazonian jungle in Peru. Immersing in the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, hiking, snorkelling, camping, kayaking, diving and cycling. Taking the terrifying “Death Road” mountain bike tour in La Paz Bolivia with sheer drops, which has been dubbed the most dangerous road in the world!

F.O.T: The place you love to visit again and again?
K&C: Ibiza, it’s our second home and we spend at least 4 months a year on the island, having been visiting annually since we were children. Its free-spirited, bohemian-chic vibe has been a huge influence on the House of Dharma label. We love how varied the tiny sun kissed island can be; from yoga, meditation and chilling in the rural north with its pine clad treetops, secret beaches and secluded coves, to the all night raving, bustling old-town and chic, bohemian beach clubs in the south.

F.O.T: Unforgettable destination?
K&C: This is a tough one as there are so many unforgettable destinations where the memories will live on forever! A few that really stick out are Palawan – an island in the Philippines. It truly was unspoiled paradise with stretches of tropical beach without another soul around. Also, safari in Kenya with the family was magical!

You can buy Kayleigh & Carrie’s beautiful creations on their website HERE, with free worldwide shipping! Plus, 20% of profits go to charity.

OLYMPIC PARK RUN WITH BPAY !

I’m super excited to announce that I’ve partnered with bPay to help promote a fitness-friendly way of paying for sustenance whilst you’re training! To demonstrate what I mean, I went for a little run around the stunning London 2012 Olympic Park, fed and watered myself along the way – but purposely left my wallet and cards at home! I wanted to be involved in this project because I think it solves a genuine problem I’ve encountered in the pursuit of a healthy, active lifestyle; minimising clutter when I’m training – I simply wore my bPay wristband and hit the road! Click MORE to get my photos from the campus, discover my picturesque [if slightly overcast] running route, and see what I got up to before and after ? !

I was at the Olympic Park for a training session with some Olympic athletes in the London Aquatics Centre, which is now a leisure centre and fully open to the public. There’s the epic 50-meter 8-lane pool, and a 25-metre diving pool with multiple platforms, along with a world-class gym on-premise too! The broader Olympic Park has way more to offer than I’d imagined, and is well worth a visit if you’ve not been since it entered life in “public service”. But aside from the Aquatics Centre (where you can learn to swim, dive, play water polo etc – n.b. my bPay band isn’t waterproof, just splash proof!), you can also cycle in the Velodrome, play a spot of tennis or handball, practice fencing, badminton, train in the myriad gyms – and much more…

After my swim session, I went for a 2 mile run to explore the beautiful surrounding parkland grounds – you can click HERE to access my route. My start point was the Velodrome (pictured below), which is the iconic, award-winning 6,000-seat venue of the UK’s overwhelming performance which resulted in 7 gold medals in 2012! These days it’s open for schools, clubs and community groups. There’s also the option to ‘pay and ride’ for visitors. Using my bPay wristband, I grabbed a water, fuelled up with a banana, whilst watching people hypnotically cycle round, then set off on my run!

I worked my way around and then stopped off at the UK’s tallest sculpture, the ArcelorMittal Orbit. At the top you can grab a bite to eat and adore the breathtaking views. However since it was overcast I admired the building from below and jogged on by! Next door you’ll find the huge Olympic Stadium, where those spectacular 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies were held. It’s now the home for West Ham United FC and is the National Competition Centre for athletics in the UK, as well as a major venue for many other sporting events. It’s open to the public all year round for visits!

A lot of the fields surrounding the park are planted with wildflowers and you’ll find lots of exotic wildlife – well, exotic for the UK at least! It’s the perfect spot for a little picnic, or indeed an outdoor workout!

You can jog along the canal (or jump on one of the boats) for a tour along the water. You’ll pass the International Quarter, the Copper Box Arena, timber Lodge Arena and then stop off and like me, be a tourist and pretend you’re an athlete whilst striking a pose next to the Olympic rings.

At the end of my swim-and-jog I was ravished and needed a healthy refuel. Luckily, Westfield Stratford is just across the way from the Aquatic Centre, so after finishing my run, I stopped in for a gorgeous tuna steak with quinoa and  potato and green tea.

I’ve found that the bPay products remove the traditional bulky constraints of a wallet (& bag in which to carry it), replacing it with a pretty innovative and convenient cash solution. When I run, I often won’t have space in my compression pants for even a credit card; I might only have my phone with me, or it could be just my keys in my hand, not even a phone! The idea behind bPay is that you’ve always got a contactless way of paying for anything costing £20 and under – that emergency bottle of water, a banana for energy, a post-workout meal or juice etc. You simply set it up online, fund your bPay device (sticker / key fob / wristband) with an amount from your usual bank card (anyone with a UK-registered Visa or MasterCard can use them), set it to auto top-up if you want, and you’re good to pay wherever there’s a contactless symbol – without lugging your wallet around! You can pick yours up from Runner’s Need, HERE!

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This is a sponsored piece of content, and a paid collaboration with bPay.

MEN’S + WOMEN’S HEALTH FEATURES!

A super quick post to say how thrilled I am to have featured in two of my ultimate ‘wellness bibles’ this month – Women’s and Men’s Health. I’m a massive fan of both magazines, and routinely flick through them to access fresh inspiration, so it’s an absolute dream to be a part of them! In Men’s Health I’m wearing a gorgeous blue and white striped ‘Leda body suit‘ by Lucas Hugh (the founder of which I interviewed HERE) paired with some white high wedged Converse trainers. In the Women’s Health shoot I went all autumnal, with an asymmetric top from NikeLab, Casablanca Active capris from We Are Handsome, and a mean pair of Y3 shoes! The magazines are out now, so feel free to pick up a copy and let me know what you think

MONREAL IN EZE

A quick little post featuring the new ‘Queens Collection‘ from one of my all time favourite Fitness Fashion houses, Monreal London. I live in fitness clothes (mostly because it’s my daily ‘uniform’ to train clients), and as such, I’m always on the lookout for revolutionary design which straddles fitness and fashion. In this latest collection from Monreal, I’ve noticed a serious advancement from tennis-wear to genuine crossover attire; pieces that are smart enough to wear for anything short of a wedding, yet still casual enough to train in, thanks to a neat, purposefully minimal aesthetic. I shot this look on my recent active escape to France, in the grounds of Chateau De La Chèvre D’Or, as well as a couple of shots in my studio.

The collection, as the name may suggest, is inspired by Queens – not as you Brits may think the epic Queens Club in Barons Court, London, which hosts the annual pre-Wimbledon grass championship (as per my recent visit). Instead, designer Stefani Grosse (who I interviewed recently HERE) draws upon the creative energy from the Manhattan neighbourhood of TriBeCa, so called for being an acronym of TRIangle BElow CAnal (Street), and one of my absolute favourite parts of that magical island. The reference to triangular geometry is clearly perceptible in the graphic lines of these leggings, and not by accident!

The palate of the broader TriBeCa collection (of which Queens forms a ‘capsule-esque’ part) is unlike the colours you might have come to expect from Tennis styling; of course there’s white, but it’s punctuated by more bold, brightly blocked colours, mirroring the punchy colouring of a Roy Lichtenstein pop art masterpiece. The result is something that’s clearly meant for purposes other than just a court, which is what appeals to me, as 99% of the time, I’m not on court!

Key highlights of the collection for me, are contrasting insert panels on the tees, heat transfer detailing, beautiful pop-art prints by Malika LeFavre, preppy cable-knit detailing, some ultra-versatile zip-up jackets which are a bit of a mainstay in my wardrobe, and of course the development on their signature sporty dress worn by the likes of Victoria Beckham and Pippa Middleton. All underpinned by beautiful quality of production, and aspirational subtle gold and silver details here and there.

I’ve been wearing the gorgeous signature jacket with a pair of white skinny jeans all summer, but it’s versatile enough to go with most training clothes! I think this sort of development is great news for those of us who’d like to see activewear look more chic than merely a pair of thoughtless black leggings, and the fashion world is clearly responding to our demands – long may it continue!

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I WAS WEARING:

Jacket: Signature Jacket – Monreal Queens Collection
Top: Racerback Top similar product here – Monreal Queens Collection
Leggings: Booty Boost Leggings – Blue – Monreal Queens Collection

BLOGGING 101 ???

Since I started blogging, I’ve repeatedly been questioned about how it all comes together to form a blog post. One of the most regular emails that lands in the Fitness On Toast inbox is from people who are setting off on their own exciting blog journeys, and are seeking ‘tips & tricks’. I can’t answer all of those, so this post is supposed to tackle exactly that; It’s 2.5 years worth of blogging experience distilled into a behind-the-scenes slither of insight, packaged as a ‘top-7’ post!

Blogging isn’t all creamy lattes and pastel macaroons (yum!); far from it! You’re basically a mini media empire, condensed into one small body. Running a blog will practically expose you to some awesome skills; photography, videography, graphic design, copywriting, creative thinking, brand development, corporate communication, trend analysis, administration, accountancy etc. It can be overwhelming, but here are my top 7 observations about how to approach the discipline!

1. EXPRESS THE PASSION!

I only ever write on topics I’m truly passionate about; something on which I have a genuine and differentiated view. I think it’s important to be yourself, use your own voice when writing, because occasionally we encounter a blog where everything feels a bit ‘forced’, and there’s a distinct impression that what’s being written isn’t genuine. At that point, the fight is lost, and readers very quickly lose interest. Yes, much has been said before in the history of existence, but your own unique view, couched in your own authentic style of expression, can meaningfully advance the debate!

2. PICTURES – A THOUSAND WORDS!

In 99.9% of my blog posts, I use my own imagery, and indeed across Instagram / Twitter too. My photographer and I each use a Canon EOS 5D Mark III camera, usually equipped with a 50mm f 1.2 lens, which gives a fantastically versatile user experience, and a super high-quality result, every time. The reason I go to some lengths over the photographic component (often doubling the amount of time it takes to put a post together) is because I think that original imagery can really transform and lift the written content I’ve taken time to craft; it gives the opportunity to develop and create a unique ‘look and feel’ that represents your own blog, and complements your message. That aesthetic is hopefully identifiable for the reader, and it’s part of who I am!

3. WORKSPACE IS EVERYTHING!

My blogging space is super important to me – it’s the one you see in the images throughout this post! I think that your ‘office’ has a huge, unconscious impact on the content you produce; if you’re surrounded by disorderly clutter, your posts may inadvertently feel the same! I use a dedicated room that’s got whitewashed walls, high ceilings, is bathed in plenty of natural light, has a huge whiteboard to help me manage workflow and ideas, has the right photographic and computer equipment to enable me to create the necessary content when I need it (which is really important, as you’re never waiting on someone else to deliver something that way!) – plus it has a good sound system which is crucial to while away long stints of writing! I discuss my blogging workspace in more detail HERE.

4. LASER FOCUS!

Having a clear direction with your blog is super important, in my view. Even if it’s a ‘lifestyle blog’, which encompasses pretty much everything in the world, your reader should feel as though it’s your voice and indenting it as your style. Is it aspirational/inspirational/bohemian/vintage, and so forth. Not everyone will like it, but those who do will keep checking back in, as they might somehow relate to your content!

5. WRITE LIKE A PRO

Whilst I’m not the grammar police and admittedly make mistakes left write & scenter (lol? no) – repeated, sloppy spelling mistakes are a turn-off. Even though it’s just me working on my content, I like to go over it time and again to ensure it can stand up to a robust challenge! It means that people should be happy to take your work seriously, to consider it professional, and it stops anything coming between your message and the reader’s unbiased consideration! THIS is a great free service which should act as a watchful eye over everything you scribble!

6. ENGAGE & NETWORK!

Whether you’re left with 1 or 50 comments, try to reply and engage, because someone has taken the time not only to read the post, but was also moved enough by it to make a comment (unless it’s a bot, but you can spot them pretty quickly!). Similarly, it’s great to know those who are doing the same thing as you! I don’t think of my fellow bloggers as competition – the internet’s big enough for everyone, and all opinions can add value! I’m happy to share content, encourage and support other bloggers. Everyone has his/her unique style, and sharing opportunities means sharing readers and a chance to grow and engage the readership more!

7. HONE YOUR SOCIAL SKILLS

There are so many social media platforms these days – to stay on top of them all is a full time job in itself. Having said that, I think it’s totally worth dedicating some regular time towards a few specific channels to start (as many as you can manage to do well), as it will help to broaden the reach of your message so that more people feel inclined to get involved! I joined Instagram fairly late but now find I love it – it’s intimidating at the start, but you soon lose that once you get into it! Your blog is all about sharing a message; to go so far as to write the blog, but then not to share it properly is like wrapping up presents and then never giving them to anyone…

Good luck with your own blog journey!! x

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THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY SIMPLY BUSINESS

ADIDAS CINEMA !

A couple of weeks ago, I woke super early one morning, excited to make my way to one of my favourite London parks Hampstead Heath, to shoot a short video with my friends at Adidas. The aim was to help showcase some of their latest vibrant eyewear. As I stepped out of my uber however, the skies properly opened up; it rained biblically for most of the morning, which made for a seriously dramatic skyscape, but tough work! Hampstead Heath is, amongst other things, known for it’s rolling and forest-like terrain, the gorgeous ‘Kenwood House’, and of course some epic views presiding above London – all that yielded some fantastic location material! Whilst it’s a pretty short video, it took a while to capture and I was running up and down Parliament Hill countless times, as well as slaloming in-and-out of the trees for a good half a day! Awesome fun, and decent exercise too, so a massive thanks to team Adidas for letting me be a part of this – I hope you like it!

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I WAS WEARING: 

Sunglasses: Adidas WildCharge in Maroon & Red
Trainers: Adidas Ultra Boost in Black
Pants: Adidas Women’s Running SN 3/4 G TIGHT

 

WELLNESS ESCAPE TO SWEDEN!

Whilst on a trip back home to Sweden, I spent some time at a truly unique spa hotel. ‘Yasuragi‘ as it’s named in Japanese, is nestled on the outskirts of the beautiful Stockholm archipelago, and is deeply infused with Japanese heritage throughout. The hotel, a former school designed by a Japanese architect, is vast, light, natural and altogether in tune with the verdant forestry surrounding it. Wherever you look there are sweeping, majestic views are over the lush archipelago and a fascinating combination of ‘the modern’ – large concrete slab walls, floor to ceiling windows – and ‘the traditional’ – Japanese tatami mats on the floor and walls and the respectful national ethic. It’s a place to unwind and re-energise amidst the invigorating beauty of Swedish forestry, and from which to return home with renewed physical and mental strength. Click MORE to see my review…

Yasuragi is so unlike anywhere else I’ve been. There’s an immense tranquility which strikes you from the moment you enter the hotel, and are presented with your own Yukata – the cotton robe i’m wearing in the picture below. The gentle feeling of comfortable seclusion prepares your body for ‘recovery mode’ – a mode it doesn’t often enter into when battling city life! I’m going to walk through some of my favourite parts – some for which I have pictures, others for which I don’t, but hope my descriptions will do them justice

1) ROOMS
All rooms are fabulously spacious and decorated in a pared back, Japanese style – and they all have a beautiful view over the Swedish archipelago. My room had a generous balcony which was perfect to watch the sunrise and sunset over a cup of tea. You sleep on futons just like in Japan. Whilst no two rooms are the same, they all take inspiration from the outdoors using natural materials – pine wood and stone. The bathroom has two ablution areas with stools, pails, and a wooden Japanese soaking tubs.

2) POOLS
Upon arrival it’s wonderful to get the full introduction to the bathing ritual. Whilst you’ll find showers and large wooden baths in your rooms and in the shower facilities you’ll also notice the wooden buckets which should be used when cleaning oneself.

3) THE INDOOR POOL
Inside you’ll find a large 25m long cold pool which is perfect for laps. Next to it is a cute teahouse, which is a haven for extra relaxation. Below is me having a little dive…

4) HOT BATHS
The pools or hot springs outside overlooking the archipelago are indeed very hot, especially in the icy winter months, and sit under the birch trees guarding the complex, with a view out to the water. I find the thermal energy works wonders for loosening up muscles, and can often end up like a shrivelled prune, from just enjoying it for so long!

5) JAPANESE GARDEN: 
Being a bit of a nature lover, a wander through the Japanese Gardens was a favourite for me! They’re replete with Swedish cherry trees, Japanese maples, magnolia trees and bamboo, set amongst the dramatic archipelago landscape. The contrast between surrounding movement and calmness within, hiking and resting, nature and garden creates an atmosphere of amazing serenity.

6) SAUNA WITH A VIEW:
This sauna has a tranquil view over the water below and you’ll want to stay here for ages…well perhaps until you’re melting and decide to jump in one of the ice pools with an equally great view!

7) HEALTHY EATING
Wherever you look you find water (there’s a strong emphasis on hydration throughout the hotel), and in the lounge a fresh selection of fruits and teas for the sampling. There’s also a selection of raw healthy foods to purchase at the hotel’s shop.

8) RESTAURANTS:
There are a vast five restaurants – Tatami, Tokyo, Kaiten Zushi, The Sake Bar and Teppanyaki.
I had dinner at Tatami on night where you sit on straw mats (tatami) at ultra-low tables whilst being served in the traditional Japanese manner. I sampled the taster menu which was super fresh, tasty, incredibly light and nutritionally well balanced!

9) BREAKFAST
As with most hotels, you’re offered all the classic crowd-pleasers like toast, jam, eggs of all varieties, juice, muesli and so forth. However, Yasuragi also offers a japanese breakfast; with that in mind, I had Miso soup, with a nori salad and tofu and rice, along with some salmon sashimi, and a bowl of chia coconut and berry gruel (delicious!).

10) ‘COME AS YOU ARE’ ETHOS
Here they encourage you to ‘Come as you are’, and upon arrival you’re given your yukata, the cotton robe, along with a pair of slippers and a swimsuit/trunks. That’s intended to be your clothing during your stay, and you’re totally encouraged to wear it for everything including mealtimes. In a way, you leave your worldly concerns at the door, and embrace a more spartan existence! Here everyone dresses the same… and it’s quite relaxing

11) REVOLUTIONARY MASSAGE OFFERING:
In the shots below, you see me trying the Wellness Air Massage – a world-exclusive new form of massage which sees you suspended and cocooned in a red fabric ‘hammock’, which is fastened to the ceiling by rope. Lying or sitting and often in yoga-inspired poses the masseuse will give you a soothing foot, hand, neck and head massage. Whilst it looks unusual, it is profoundly relaxing, and the effect it has on your muscles is quite remarkable – I’ve not experienced anything so deeply insulating and de-stressing since the womb! It is absolutely worth trying, and will be totally memorable for all the right reasons!

12) CLASSES
There’s an extensive schedule of communal activities, in which every guest is invited to participate. There are guided meditations, yoga classes, gong journeys and more. With no restrictions on undertaking classes, it’s worth trying them all to enjoy the full benefit to your wellbeing!

13) OVERALL EXPERIENCE:
To extract the optimum value for your body and mind, I think it’s worth staying here for 3 long days. It is the type of place where you’ll benefit from completely immersing yourself in everything they have to offer; all the classes, all the food, all the treatments and facilities. Comparing it to other hotels is inappropriate, as it’s not supposed to be judged on its plush touches – it is totally different from that, and almost shuns such materialistic and classically western elements. To my mind, it offers some of the most spectacular views of nature, and it provides the peaceful relaxation of a secluded retreat. The question is if you’re ready for it, as admittedly coming from frenetic London, something that first struck me was the depth of quiet; no buses, traffic or yelling; you’re very much able to consider your own thoughts without distraction. The after-effect is quite striking though, and a full 24 hours here counts more than double! This wasn’t my first visit, and it certainly won’t be my last…

 

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I WAS WEARING:
Jacket: ‘All over Juicy Sport’ similar HERE
Pants: ‘Graphic Legging‘
Bra, ‘Tropical Punch’, similar HERE

ACTIVE ESCAPE: SANTORINI !

There are those iconic postcard images we’ve all glanced at one time or another, formed of opalescent skies, gentle haze and crystal seas, which are conjured in the mind at the mentioning of ‘paradise’. For me, that place had always been embodied by the Grecian sun-kissed island of Santorini. Crisp white villas topped with royal-blue domes, perched romantically on cliffs, and peering dizzyingly over the azure Aegean Sea hundreds of meters below. The hotel I’ve long lusted after has ever been the hyper-picturesque Katikies in the town of Oia (northern-most Santorini), a snaking labyrinth of immaculate whitewashing, breezy luxury, and care-free bliss. My experience there has revealed a slice of secluded, heavenly perfection, intimately nestled amidst secret white coves, overflowing with charming personality, and totally dedicated to the faultless service of guests. The active traveler is truly spoiled here…

Before the 4-part  Active Escape Review of Katikies, some reflections: when considering the peaceful quiet which pervades this oasis of calm (installed amongst an otherwise bustling and touristy town), its suddenly clear that no children are permitted at the hotel, likely because they wouldn’t survive the sheer stair climbs! There are no rails or safety measures – everywhere you turn, there’s a perilous drop to the plunging sea below! This all instils a permanent sensation that almost verges on vertigo, but the sheer beauty of the place quickly eradicates any fear. You’re living a postcard existence whilst here…

When I travel abroad I’m often guilty of spending too little time at the hotel into which I’m booked; there’s just so much exploring to be done, and I often don’t want to miss out on anything – which can sometimes lead to a hectic, stressful schedule. I awake with the words ‘achieve’ and ‘produce’ etched into my mind. However at Katikies, I wanted nothing more than to laze permanently at the hotel and explore every one of its seemingly infinite terraces! Of particular beauty are the Caldera views in the evening when the sky is painted with soft pastel pinks and blues or fiery oranges and reds changing every night instilled a sense of breathless calm impossible to recreate elsewhere.

SECTION 1) THE FITNESS ACTIVITIES

Walking up and down the hundreds of stairs that form the veins of the hotel is, on its own, a proper leg burner. However, to up the intensity, there are plenty of activities around the island helping you to keep fit or get fitter!

– Gymming: There’s a super comfortable private gym at their sister hotel (Kirini Suites, a mere 5 minute walk away) which is kitted out with beautifully sculpted top-end Technogym weights, cardio equipment and the mirrored Kinesis machine. You’ll find the same facility offers wonderful treatments including assorted massages and treatments at their adjacent A-Spa.

– Stair Climbing! This may sound like a breezy, leisurely activity – trust me it is not!! 350 steep  stone stairs descending to the sea is surprisingly tough on the quads, but then walking back up in midday sun is the real killer! On one particular occasion as I was powering up the last batch of steps, battling fatiguing legs, when suddenly I had to run for cover as a stampede of donkeys came ploughing down the steps as you can see in the images below!

– Hiking / Runs: Setting off from the Hotel in the North, I embarked on the epic hiking trail, trekking south towards Fira. It’s a breathtaking hike with varying views of the volcano, the sea and the Caldera. It took me circa 2 and half hours completely depending on how quickly you walk. It could easily take 4 or 5 hours. Avoid walking midday as it’s just too hot and if you do use sunscreen 50 at least! On your way you’ll view some beautiful grecian churches set on panoramic view. Tip: wear some serious hiking shoes as the terrain is loose and unpredictable. Sunscreen and water are a must!

– Infinity Pool: not content with just one iconic viewpoint, there are actually three infinity pools at the Katikies, each with completely different atmospheres about them. None are for the purposes of ‘swimming lengths’, but are more for ‘wellness’ and relaxation. The one on the highest level is surrounded by a few day beds, and are frequently occupied by guests sipping cocktails. It has more of a party feel to it, reminiscent of Ibizan character. The second pool is super secluded and often I found it to be completely deserted, but no less beautiful! The third pool, the largest of the three and located on the lower-most level (pictured immediately below) was my favourite for reading. I’d jump in the pool and read alongside 4 or 5 other guests who all shared the fabulous idea to read in the cooling pool whilst occasionally looking up from the page and relishing in the Aegean breeze. NB, reception has a huge library of holiday books to borrow!

SECTION 2) THE HOTEL FACILITIES & HIGHLIGHTS

– The Rooms: I had a beautifully appointed room overlooking the Aegean Sea, which all rooms have! Each time someone checks out, a decorator comes along to re-paint the walls and floor with crisp white paint, leaving the rooms in pristine condition all season round. Mine was no exception; a wonderful bed, an extremely generous bathroom, and a private balcony with its own daybed; for those seeking seclusion, it’s perfect!

– The A Spa: Located 2 minutes away by car, it’s suitably tranquil, blending Zen minimalism with Aegean colours, and throwing in some natural, plant-based Caribbean products. There are 3 beautiful Spa Suites and a seemingly endless menu of treatments to occupy the holidayer seeking pure ‘wellness’.

SECTION 3) THE FOOD:

– Breakfast: Ah, the breakfasts. Every morning, it threatened to destroy my healthy eating. You wander into the buffet corridor and are greeted by row after row of delicious Grecian cakes and sweets, sat alongside fresh croissants and pastries. The little ice-cream devil permanently installed on my shoulder would say ‘Go on, you’re on holiday, one or two little cakes won’t hurt’, then my healthy fitness guru on the other shoulder would say ‘you don’t need it, look at all the delicious fresh fruits and berries. Why don’t you order a delicious egg white omelette with some organic vegetables?’. I would quickly remove myself from the buffet sit myself down and hear myself order a coffee and omelette, the presentation of which is almost michelin – full in flavour with ornate decorations of peppers, asparagus, spices, and sprinklings of feta cheese. There is in reality a wide array of healthy food, and the chef is on hand to whip up anything more bespoke. Then there’s the view whilst you eat…

– The Restaurants: There are 4 places to eat, with 2 restaurants (Seltz and Mikrasia) and 2 poolside bars. The daytime menu is super varied, and should be able to satisfy any palette. I found there were plenty of delicious salads for me to sample each day, loaded with fresh seafood. When the catch of the day is from 20m to your right (and 300m down), it’s worth ordering! Whilst this institution is part of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ group, the lunchtime value for money is awesome. The below pictured fresh prawn salad comes in at 18 Euros which you’d struggle to find in London, not to mention the view and freshness!

SECTION 4) THE SERVICE & ROUND-UP:

Without doubt, Katikies is a venue for the ultimate in secluded relaxation. The staff ethic is world renowned for being warm, friendly and relaxed – I can absolutely vouch for that, and think it’s a dynamic that emerges from working in paradise. You can’t help but make friends with them all! Little touches and details make it a truly special experience, for example whilst you’re lying in the hot sun you’ll find you glass is silently and mysteriously filled with ice, lemon and lime every so often. That said, you’d expect as much, as there’s no escaping it, the cost for accomodation is monumental. It tops even the loftiest of the French Riviera or Amalfi Coast establishments. It is awesome, and you can most definitely unwind to your maximum here whilst pursuing a life of healthy eating and regular exercise amongst some true natural beauty… but you won’t be doing it because of the overall value for money. It’s an indulgent treat to be savoured, but is also an unforgettably unique experience of Aegean wellness which I’ll keep with me for the rest of my days!

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I WAS WEARING:
Kaftan: ‘Dream Catcher‘ by House of Dharma
Head piece: ‘Flower of Life‘ by House of Dharma
Espadrilles: ‘Origine‘ by Havianas

8 KEY BENEFITS OF HEADSTANDS !

These days, Instagram is awash with mega-flexible Yogis dispatching pin-like headstands in all manners of exquisite locations. On my recent active escape to Ibiza I re-learned this liberating manoeuvre! Of course as a child, it was a daily activity, but as an adult it’s not something I have too much cause to practice often! In the photos below, my friend and yoga legend Mel demonstrates some of her favourite poses and how to do them correctly. I was a little apprehensive at first to enter the headstand pose (a.k.a. Sirsasana), but after reviewing the benefits and under expert guidance I gave it a shot! Click MORE to get the full 8 reasons you might like to try it too (with pro supervision!)…

Sirsasana is a pose which supposedly reverses the flow of gravity, increasing blood flow to the brain, and is thought to promote more effective concentration and mental focus, through seeing the world upside down. Regardless of your belief in this, there are a set of demonstrable benefits to mention:

1) CORE BLIMEY
This little exercise, considered by some king of yoga poses requires some serious core strength to hoist the legs right up. It will target your back, obliques, the rectus abdominals and the transverse abdomens.

2) BALANCING ACT 
Aside from the superficial muscles it’ll switch on the deeper stabilising muscles as well honing in on your balance skills.

3) DEEP BREATHS
I find that one automatically focuses more on the breathing – deep inhalations and exhalations. This upside down pose is said, through encouraging deep breathing, to help with more efficient oxygen-to-blood exchange and stronger  more capacious lungs.

4) STRONG-ARM TACTICS
You instantly feel it in the arms. As with most yoga poses they appear deceptively simple, but holding the pose is often harder and more fatiguing than lifting heavy weights. This pose will tone your arms, forearms as well as shoulders, in order to keep you upright a release some to the pressure off of your head and neck.

5) A MINI FACIAL
This pose is thought to ‘nourish’ the face by increasing the circulation to the skin, and thus stimulating a sequence of blood drain & flow to the face.

6) ANTI GRAVITY!
When sitting or standing, gravity pulls fluids downwards. By performing headstands the idea is to reverse this impact on the circulatory system. This system is made up of the heart, lungs and the entire network of vessels that provide oxygen and expel carbon dioxide and other waste products from the cells. Arteries fan out like a delicate and detailed system of tributaries from your heart, which pumps nice freshly oxygenated blood onward from the lungs.
Veins bring the blood back to the heart and constitute a low pressure network that relies on movement 0f muscles, or indeed gravity, to get the blood flowing. Various valves stop backwash, at regular intervals, and make sure fluids are kept moving onwards as they travel to the heart – that’s a system called ‘venous return’. By turning one’s self upside down through sirsasana it promotes this process of venous return!

7. LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
The lymphatic system is responsible for the removal of waste and toxins from the body. Headstands promote the draining of lymphatic fluid, enabling the whole body to be regularly detoxified. Because it’s a ‘closed pressure system’,  and it has one-way valves to keep fluid moving towards our hearts, if we’re turned upside down, the entire lymphatic system is stimulated – thus theoretically strengthening your immune system.

8) CARDI-OH YES!
The heart works against its usual perception of gravity – by doing the headstand, it reduces some of that strain as de-oxygenated blood flows more easily from the extremities of the heart, which therefore improves cardiovascular function.

Mel dispatches a beautiful variation on the Shirsasana!

HOW TO?
I’d highly recommend seeking the assistance of a professional instructor to help when attempting a headstand as it does put a lot of pressure on your neck, spine and full body, so correct technique is critical. Also I’d certainly start by practicing against a wall for extra support and margin of error.
1. Interlock your fingers and place your forearms on the floor.
2. Place your head inside your interlocked hands
3. From this point walk your feet in as close as possible to your upper body. Your hips are aligned at the top
4. Then slowly lift one leg up keeping it bent (don’t kick up). Make sure to engage your abs and avoid pushing your hips back
5. Then slowly roll your legs upwards, with toes dangling down towards the floor.
6. Finally, straighten the knees and thus point toes up in the air.
7. Getting down is the same in reverse. Pursue the corpse position for a few minutes afterward to redistribute blood properly through the body.

N.B. The Sirasana is contraindicated in the following situations: high blood pressure, heart palpitations, glaucoma, detached retina, conjunctivitis, brain disease, brain injury, menstruation, severe hypotension or hypertension, hiatal hernia, obesity, neck injury, and back injury. Always seek professional instruction before attempting this pose.

BENEFITS OF PULL-UPS !

Pull-ups are one of my all-time favourite exercises! A devastating upper-body compound movement which works a number of larger muscle groups at the same time (back, shoulders, & arms), and personally speaking, gets my heart-rate racing! I like to think it’s the torso-equivalent of squats, which are an epic lower-body compound builder! There are a range of options, from ‘Wide Grip’ for more Lat targeting, ‘Narrow Grip’ for greater bicep bias, negatives, ‘reverse grip’, assisted… They’re all tough to do, but don’t require expensive machinery and could well be the ultimate bodyweight exercise! Click MORE for the ‘How To’…

HOW TO?
Aim to hold the bar with an overhand grip with your arms roughly the distance of your shoulders.

1. Start by hanging from the bar.

2. Then slowly start pulling yourself upwards to the end position which is where your chest almost touches the bar. Your chin is then above the bar itself. Often you’ll hear people say ‘chest up’ or ‘open up your chest’. It’s easy to hunch your shoulders in this position so focus instead on bringing your shoulders down and back, and lead with your chest as you pull yourself up.

3. Also avoid arching or swinging your legs back and forth or side to side. It’s better to perform this exercise slowly and in a controlled manner as opposed to ‘jumping up’ relying on momentum, with technique suffering as a result.

4. Finally, slowly lower yourself to the initial starting position, and repeat to failure.

FORM NOTES: 
– I tend to bend my knees. It’s a personal comfort thing!
– Also try not to relax or wait at the starting position as your muscles will relax and feel like their getting a stretch as opposed to working out! It’s also tiring for the shoulder.
– I love using the straps pictured below as I feel it relieves some of the strain on my grip. My forearms aren’t super strong and they tend to fatigue quite quickly. By using the straps, it gives my arms a bit of a break, so that I can isolate my back and shoulder more.

VARIATIONS ON THE THEME ???

Wide-Grip Pull-ups
Are as the name suggests it’s a wider variation of the original pull ups. These emphasise working out the latissimus dorsi more. The original narrower ones work your biceps primarily.

Close Grip Pull-ups
This variation of pull-ups will emphasizes your lower lats more. Same as above overhand grip, slow and controlled throughout, but with this one your hands are fairly close together.

Starting off…
If you find that you can’t yet pull your own weight, there are a bunch of different options…
– Lat pulldowns are, in a sense the same exercise, but reversed (and you’re seated). Your pulling the weight down towards you and engaging the same muscle groups. It doesn’t have the same ultimately fatiguing impact, but it’s a great start.
– The variations of Pulldowns are similar to the variations of Pull-ups, with grip width and overhand/underhand positioning.

Negatives
Get a box below. Jump up and work on lowering yourself down as slowly as possible! Amazingly fatiguing stuff…

Partner up!!
Best way to learn to swim? Practice swimming! It’s kinda the same here. You can include elastic bands straps etc or you can practice with a partner. Bend your knees and push againt/his her thight as you pull yourself up. Really focus on lowering yourself slowly. You’ll soon find that you can dispatch one unassisted, then 3, then 5, and maybe even 10! (NB My own pull up is still not perfect – I’m working on it!)

Good luck!

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I WAS WEARING:

Jacket: LIGHTWEIGHT PERFORMANCE JACKET – CHARCOAL – by Strider’s Edge
Pants: ENDURANCE TIGHT – BLACK W/ SUNSET ROUGE – by Strider’s Edge
Shoes: ULTRA BOOST – ALL BLACK – by Adidas