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FOR THE HEALTH OF IT It’s that time of year to focus on wellbeing
Revival is Cardiff’s fi rst fl oatation centre
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SURE AS HEALTH
January is the time to be kind to yourself. Whether you’re craving a luxurious massage, spa treatment or fancy a jumping on the fi tness bandwagon, these are the local places that will pick you up and get you feeling revitalised ready to start 2021...
By Lisa Evans
REVIVAL
Meanwhile House, Cardiff Daniel Streeter, owner Tell us about Revival… It’s the city’s first and only floatation centre, based just around the corner from Cardiff Central Station. I first tried floating in 2017 and I was very keen to bring the experience to Cardiff.
What exactly does floating involve? Otherwise known as R.E.S.T (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique), it offers immense potential for personal growth and healing. It’s a healthy and natural way of achieving a deep physical and mental state of relaxation. Think of floating as a way of hitting pause on the hectic world around you. By giving yourself a break from the endless input of sensory experiences, your mind has a chance to recharge, rest and emerge with a renewed perspective and energy.
Tell us about the tank… It contains 10 inches of super high-density salt water (400kg of high-quality Epsom Plas Pilates is a safe way to gain strength and tone the body salt is added) which is heated to the same temperature as your skin. This allows you to float effortlessly on the surface and achieve a state of deep relaxation. The high amount of magnesium sulfate in the water deeply relaxes musclesand offers many health benefits. www.revivalfloatationcentre.co.uk “Just you, a quiet room, and no disruptions”
EMOTIONAL FITNESS
Based in Cardiff Layla Fear, managing director Tell us about the business in a nutshell… health training to your organisation. We also offer the internationally We are a training company that delivers emotional, financial and mental recognised Mental Health and Suicide First Aid qualifications.Our vision is to live in a world where mental and physical health are equally as important and supported.
Emotional Fitness’s vision is to live in a world where mental and physical health are equally as important Why would you recommend it? It gives you the confidence to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health, as well as the skills and knowledge to effectively engage appropriate help; it promotes awareness of mental health and helps to reduce stigma; it provides financial wellbeing education; and it helps you take better care of your own wellbeingand resilience.
Top tip for the new year? Personal wellbeing and self-care need to be high on everyone’s agenda, especially in those cold, dark months at the start of the year. Stay connected with family, friends, work colleagues and the community – connection with others plays a huge part in our wellbeing. Also, get more sleep, stay hydrated, make healthy food choices at least 80 per cent of the time, and be sure to have some “you time”. www.emotionalfitness.training
MET ACTIVE
Cardiff Metropolitan University James Mayley, fitness instructor Tell us about Met Active… It’s the health and wellbeing department at Cardiff Met. We offer gym facilities, exercise classes, educational workshops and activities aimed at promoting mental and physical wellbeing. Since March 2020, we have broadened our offering to include virtual classes to offer our members greater flexibility in these ever-changing times.
When starting a new fitness regime, what small changes can people make so that the transition to a healthier lifestyle is bearable? Always to pick an activity you enjoy. Fun is essential when looking to start a healthier lifestyle and bringing about a long-term change. There is no point aiming to spend an hour on the treadmill three times a week if you hate running, such a change is unlikely to last very long. The best training programme in the world is pointless if you don’t actually do it. Also, set yourself an achievable target – say exercising twice a week – which will give you a sustainable platform to build from. Look to make changes or adaptations every four to six weeks and track your progress along the way. You’ll be amazed how far you’ve come in that time. www.cardiffmet.ac.uk
KINETIC STRENGTH PERSONAL TRAINING
Across Cardiff James Martin, owner Tell us about your business… I offer one-to-one PT sessions online and outdoors across Cardiff and I teach classes at SOS Athletic Excellence on Lamby Way.
Can you give us your top fitness tips for the year ahead? As we enter 2021, take back control of your health and fitness; increase your daily activity – even if that’s simply going out for a walk to boost your step count – regain dietary control, especially after the indulgences of the festive period, and create a new fitness routine that can be sustainable and adaptable, whatever the circumstance. I’ve seen a surge in people asking for online and outdoor training as gyms are vulnerable to last-minute closures and lockdown measures; that way, they can still progress and retain that all-important routine while hitting fitness goals. @kinetic.strength
PLAS PILATES
Morgan Arcade Sasha Cadell, studio director Why would you recommend Pilates, instead of, say, a gym? It’s a very safe way to gain strength, tone the body and become more flexible. Pilates teachers help their clients to breathe more effectively, and
Clear out the blues and recharge at Voco St David’s spa AND RELAX A spa break couldn’t come soon enough in our opinion. Here are a handful we love:
The Laguna Spa Offering a range of treatments – from seaweed wraps to mud massages – that will help you feel relaxed and fully pampered. Greyfriars Road, Cardiff; www.lagunahealthandspa.com The Marine Spa You can start at the gym for an invigorating swim or a yoga class, then walk through the water corridor to stand beneath swan-neck fountains, relax on a bubbling water bed or sit in the hot tub, opt for a treatment, or a sauna, or the deep relaxation lounge. Voco St David’s Cardiff, Havannah Street; www.stdavids.vocohotels.com/spa Vale Spa After being pampered, take a soak in the whirlpool bath, unwind in the sauna and steam rooms, or plunge into the 20-metre pool. Hensol Park, Vale of Glamorgan; www.valeresort.com
use the body’s deeper, smaller muscles to developed a balanced, strong body from within. Physiotherapists and osteopaths often refer patients to Pilates to help rehabilitate common problems like lower back and shoulder pain.
Who is it specifically good for? Everyone can benefit, whether you’ve just had a baby, want to improve your posture, or are planning to run a marathon. Lots of clients want to strengthen their core, walk taller and feel more at ease in their bodies. It also helps with balance and co-ordination, making everyday activities from walking a dog to carrying the shopping more comfortable on the body.
Who should avoid it? Honestly, no one! Pilates can help and be enjoyed by everyone from teens to retirees. www.plaspilates.com
RHIAN PITT HOLISTIC MASSAGE
Neptune Court Rhian Pitt, owner Tell us about your offering… I’m a massage therapist specialising in holistic massage, pregnancy massage, baby massage and Indian head massage. I also run small wellbeing workshops which are ideal for hen dos, workplace wellness activities, NCT groups and more; topics include DIY cosmetics, massage and meditation.
Your recommended treatment for the new year? Just a simple massage – back to basics, nothing fancy. Just you, a quiet room, and no disruptions from your phone, laptop, children, boss or cat. I think last year really did highlighthow important basic touch is for our physical and mental health. n www.rpholisticmassage.com
