by Annette @ Wellness WA | Nov 24, 2025 | Exercise
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If you and your partner have been talking about “getting back into the gym” for months (or, let’s be honest, years), you’re not alone. Life gets busy, motivation fades, and somehow Netflix and Uber Eats end up becoming your primary shared hobbies.
But what if you could reignite both your fitness and your relationship? Interest piqued? That’s where training at a strength gym like Fitstop comes in.
Designed around functional, science-backed training, Fitstop is built for people who want results without the burnout and it’s proving to be the perfect environment for couples who want to reconnect through movement (as I’ve recently found out!). Their sessions are structured around team-based workouts that blend strength, endurance, and conditioning, making it easy to show up, work hard, and have fun doing it together.
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Turns out, there’s real science behind why couples who work out together tend to be happier and more connected. After just a few sessions of myself and my partner training together, I felt like we had a sense of accomplishment over this shared challenge. Exercise releases endorphins (those feel-good chemicals that boost mood and reduce stress), while shared physical challenges increase levels of oxytocin, the “bonding hormone” linked to trust and closeness.
According to research from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, partners who engage in physically stimulating activities together report feeling more satisfied in their relationships. It’s not just the endorphins, it’s the shared experience of pushing limits, encouraging each other, and celebrating small wins side by side.
In other words, when you’re gasping for air between rounds of sled pushes or cheering your partner through their last few squats, you’re building that “us” storyline.
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Beyond the banter, you’ll also rediscover what makes you a great team, trust, accountability, and a shared sense of accomplishment.
And because the sessions are designed around consistency and progression, it’s easier to stay committed together! Think of it as couple’s therapy? Just cheaper, sweatier, and (possibly) more effective. Even if you collapse on the couch afterwards, it will become your ritual that you have managed to earn together.
So, if your relationship has been in a bit of a routine rut—or you’ve both been putting off getting back into the gym, let Fitstop be your comeback story. Because nothing says “we’re in this together” quite like shared suffering.
Article by Chloe Mort. We hope it inspires you and your partner to explore your own version of moving, growing, and reconnecting together! Sessions provided by Fitstop for review.
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Nov 19, 2025 | Interviews
First up, briefly tell us a bit about yourself and what you do!
I’m Jo Finkelstein, founder of ExPRO Fitness Festival, Western Australia’s leading celebration of fitness, wellness, and performance. My background is in health, events and brand partnerships and ExPRO was born from a simple idea to bring people together through movement. We’ve built an event that unites industry professionals, trainers, and everyday people in a festival atmosphere that’s designed to be fun and inspiring.
What time do you go to bed & wake up most days / how many hours of sleep do you aim for?
Sleep is my number one non-negotiable. I’m usually in bed by 10 pm and up by 6 am, I aim for 8 hours minimum. The quality of my day always reflects the quality of my sleep. At the moment with festival prep it’s been a little hard to keep this schedule but I know how important it is!
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What’s your morning routine to set you up for a great day?
My mornings are my anchor. I start with a big glass of water with electrolytes (faves are FIXX Nutrition & Hydralyte Sport), then move straight into movement. Pilates at FORM Society, a coastal walk or strength training. After that, it’s a coffee (long black) – I make a mean cuppa at home with LOOT Coffee Beans, but if I’m out I love Blacklist in Subi, Local & Aesthetic in Mount Lawley, or Offshoot Coffee in the CBD.
I then dive into checking emails (unless it’s mid November and I’m in the middle of running Australia’s leading fitness festival!).
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Do you have an evening wind-down ritual?
Absolutely. I like to dim the lights, and sip a chamomile tea or magnesium tonic. I take JSHealth Advanced Magnesium+ or Naked Harvest Moon Mylk, depending on the week. If I want a ready-to-drink tonic, The Beauty Chef Sleep Ritual is my go-to.
I’ll usually do a 5-minute breathwork session, I stick to 10–12 minute flows on Spotify – slow, guided nervous system resets with a mix of box breathing and humming breath. I also use Open (the app) for a quick down-regulating session and I always read something that’s not work-related before bed.
♥ Choc Top heaven, found here.
Describe a typical day of eating and nourishment for you.
I keep it simple and balanced.
♥ Breakfast: Protein smoothie with banana, almond butter, and collagen.
♥ Lunch: Usually a nourish bowl with protein, brown rice, and greens.
♥ Dinner: Something wholesome like grilled protein or tofu with veggies and tahini.
And yes, I fully believe in dessert! If I can squeeze in a choc top at the rooftop movies at The Rendezvous in Scarborough, I’m in heaven.
Do you take any supplements or vitamins?
Yes, I’m a big believer in daily maintenance.
♥ Magnesium L-threonate for recovery and sleep.
♥ Collagen peptides in my morning smoothie.
What are your top 3 wellness non-negotiables?
♥ Move daily. It doesn’t have to be high-intensity, just consistent.
♥ Community. Surround yourself with people who make you feel alive.
♥ Boundaries. Wellness isn’t only physical, it’s protecting your time and energy.
What’s your fitness routine / favourite way to get sweaty and where do you like to go?
I mix it up — strength training 3x a week, Pilates 2x, and a long beach walk or coastal run on weekends. I’m currently loving Loyly Recovery, FORM Society, and The BOD by Sophie Guidolin workouts for structure when I’m travelling.
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What’s the one wellness treatment you can’t live without?
Infrared sauna and cold plunge at Melt Saunas — it’s my reset button. I come out clearer, calmer, and ready to take on anything.
What beauty treatment / wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet?
A silent retreat — I’m fascinated by stillness, but I’m not sure how I’d go being quiet for more than a day!
You’ve got a big event in a month’s time. What’s your plan of attack?
I tighten up my sleep, reduce caffeine, and focus on recovery — daily movement, sauna sessions, and hydrating like it’s my job. Food-wise, it’s clean and colourful, and I cut back on wine for that final week (most of the time).
If you could have the ultimate day of wellness in Perth, what would it involve?
A sunrise walk at Cottesloe, Pilates at FORM Society, coffee and smoothie at Local & Aesthetic, and a long lunch at Intuition Wine & Kitchen, then a sunset sauna and plunge at Melt with friends.
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What’s your dream wellness vacay and what 5 things are you packing?
Bali — but the wellness kind. Uluwatu, sound baths, reformer Pilates and ocean swims.
Packing list:
♥ AirPods (for playlists and meditations)
♥ Linen sets (Assembly Label, Venroy, Zulu & Zephyr, and E Nolan if I’m feeling fancy.)
♥ Electrolyte sachets
♥ A good book
♥ SPF 50+ (non-negotiable)
Do you have any top-secret tips to keep looking and feeling great?
♥ Move your body every day — consistency beats intensity.
♥ Find joy in the small rituals.
♥ And drink your water before your coffee!
Thank you so much, Jo, for sharing your beautiful routine with us! The Expro Fitness Festival is on this weekend, from 21-22 November 2025 – grab some tickets and head on down to Scarborough to catch all the action!
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Nov 13, 2025 | Interviews
First up, briefly tell us a bit about yourself and what you do!
My name is Sophie and I’m a mum from Byron Bay as well as the owner of Seed and Sprout, an ethically sourced, plastic-free homewares store, and more recently a TikTok sensation for my tiny house and natural pool that I built during the Covid lockdowns.
What time do you go-to bed & wake up most days / how many hours of sleep do you aim for?
I’m usually asleep by 9:30pm and up again at 6:15am so 8-ish.
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What’s your morning routine to set you up for a great day?
It’s very important to me to immediately intake protein into my body, so I use the WelleCo Hydro Protein Elixir in Blackcurrant & Pomegranate to get my first 15g or so, and then eat breakfast when I feel naturally hungry. I’m a big fan of Mel Robbins’ theory that women are not small men and that it’s important to stop our cortisol spike in the morning by creating safety in the body by consuming protein first thing. Men are used to going out to hunt on an empty stomach, but our bodies need protein to feel safe and stress free.
Do you have an evening wind-down ritual?
I make a cup of Organic India Tulsi Peppermint Tea and at the moment during winter I fill my hot water bottle and leave it in the bed so when I jump into bed, it feels all warm and cozy. I take my vitamins, critically my magnesium, and then usually 15 minutes of reading a book before lights out.
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Describe a typical day of eating and nourishment for you.
Morning protein drink – I’m really digging the protein waters at the moment like the one from WelleCo. Then two slices of dark rye, toasted with the Bay Smokehouse Smoked Fish Rillettes. Maybe a pickle or a slice of avocado or some fresh tomato.
Lunch is mainly an endeavour to intake the correct amount of protein, fibre and healthy fats but it’s something that changes all the time. Same with dinner. I try to prepare meals ahead of time in the Seed & Sprout glass Meal Prep Containers and Silicon Freezer Trays to save time and reduce food waste.
For snacks, I eat a lot of cottage cheese. A lot of berries. A lot of Greek yoghurt. My favourite junk food alternative at the moment is salt and vinegar fava beans.
And I make Ninja Creami every night. Our family favourite is fresh strawberry, Greek yoghurt and a couple of tablespoons of monk fruit sweetener. Water and teas as drinks or the occasional kombucha.
Tell us about your daily beauty routine! What are your non-negotiables for looking and feeling your best?
I use the Seed & Sprout face cleansing bar as well as the serum and moisturiser which unfortunately have been discontinued so I’m using the remaining supply as we speak! I also make a face oil from castor oil, rosehip and frankincense.
Do you take any supplements, vitamins or special wellness elixirs? If so, we’d love to know!
I take curcumin to reduce the inflammation in my body, preferably the Ethical Nutrients brand, as well as magnesium and ashwagandha for improved mood and sleep. I also take CBD oil for stress reduction.
What are your top 3 wellness non-negotiables?
Lifting weights or physical activity. Sunlight. Protein.
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Your absolute favourite healthy cafe in Byron Bay is?
Combi in Byron.
Best place to get a green juice or smoothie in your city?
Heaps Good in Mullumbimby.
Favourite farmers market or healthy place to shop for healthy groceries and goodies.
The Source Bulk Foods and literally any farmers market around. But also growing our own.
What’s your fitness routine / favourite way to get sweaty and where do you like to go?
I go to Transform Active in Mullumbimby and lift weights. I don’t really get that sweaty though. I sweat in our near infrared sauna.
If you could only wear one brand of activewear for the rest of your life it would be…
I’m yet to be converted to any activewear brand. I’m currently looking for a brand that creates comfortable activewear in natural fibres. I’d actually love recommendations from your readers!
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What’s the one beauty or wellness treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
I’m a sucker for a good head massage. Plus it’s the tension in your head that creates wrinkles right? My favourite place to go is House of Shemana.
What beauty treatment/wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t got around to yet?
I want to try Pilates, but I’m scared.
Are you into any woo-woo wellness trends?
Grounding and avoiding EMF’s.
You’ve got a big event in 7 days time that you need to look incredible for. What’s your plan of attack to help you look & feel your absolute best?
I think the most important thing is to have good hair. Hair makes an outfit. So I guess just doing heatless curls the night before or getting a good blowout!
If you could have the ultimate day of wellness and happiness what would it involve and where would you go?
I’d actually just go out to our farm and get some sunshine, bare feet on the grass, time in the sauna, and then jump into the natural bio pool! It’s like our own wellness retreat where you don’t have to wear any clothes!
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What’s your dream wellness vacay and what 5 things are you DEFINITELY packing?
Tropical island, all organic fresh meals and juices, being on the water. I’d bring Magnesium. Sarong. Seed & Sprout shampoo and conditioner bars. Skincare. And a good book. I’m currently reading Invisible Women by Caroline Criado-Perez.
And lastly… do you have any top secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
Consistency in your skincare routine. Doing your colour analysis and dressing in your palette. Dressing in natural fibres. Eating a healthy and balanced diet. Spending time outdoors in nature.
To find out more about Sophie and Seed & Sprout, head to the Seed & Sprout website (and make sure to pick up some gorgeous kitchenware and beauty products while you’re at it!)
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Nov 4, 2025 | Alternative Therapy, At Home, Wellness
In Australia and beyond, there’s a growing movement in home design that goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about creating spaces that nurture our mental and emotional health. This approach, known as “emotional architecture,” integrates elements like circadian lighting, scent diffusion, soundscaping, and sensory materials to promote calm, improve air quality, and foster a sense of safety and comfort within the home.
Australia is increasingly embracing wellness-focused home design. Features once reserved for luxury wellness retreats, such as sensory lighting, soundscaping, aroma systems, and meditation nooks, are becoming more common in Australian homes. These wellness inclusions are no longer considered high-end luxuries, but are becoming more mainstream and affordable .
The demand for wellness-focused homes is also reflected in the real estate market. Homes boasting wellness infrastructure, such as circadian lighting and personal yoga studios, are commanding premiums of 10-25%. This trend is contributing to Australia’s position as one of the top countries in wellness real estate, with nearly a third of the country’s wellness sector growth since 2019 attributed to real estate.
Key Elements of Calming Home Design
Circadian Lighting
Lighting that mimics natural daylight patterns supports our internal body clock, enhancing sleep quality and overall wellbeing. Smart lighting systems can adjust throughout the day to align with our circadian rhythms, promoting alertness during the day and relaxation in the evening.
Brands like Philips Hue and LIFX offer smart lighting solutions that can be programmed to adjust color temperature and brightness throughout the day, supporting natural sleep-wake cycles.
Scent Diffusion
Aroma systems, such as smart diffusers, can create a calming atmosphere by dispersing essential oils known for their soothing properties. Scents like lavender and eucalyptus are commonly used to reduce stress and improve air quality.
Devices such as the Moodo Smart Aroma Diffuser allow users to customize scents and control diffusion through a smartphone app, enhancing the sensory experience in the home.
Soundscaping
Incorporating sound elements into home design can enhance the auditory environment. This might include the use of white noise machines, nature sounds, or acoustic treatments to reduce noise pollution and create a serene atmosphere.
Products like the LectroFan White Noise Machine provide a range of sound options to mask disruptive noises and create a peaceful environment.
Sensory Materials
The use of materials that engage the senses can contribute to a calming environment. Soft blues and greens, natural textures, and biophilic design elements like indoor plants help create spaces that promote relaxation and emotional wellbeing.
Incorporating indoor plants like peace lilies or snake plants, and using natural materials such as bamboo flooring or wool rugs, can enhance the sensory appeal of a space.
Emotional architecture represents a shift towards designing homes that support our mental and emotional health. By integrating elements like circadian lighting, scent diffusion, soundscaping, and sensory materials, we can create living spaces that promote calm, improve air quality, and foster a sense of wellbeing.
As this trend continues to grow, it’s clear that the future of home design is not just about how spaces look, but how they make us feel.
What are your thoughts on Emotional Architecture? Head on over to our Instagram and lets chat!
Be well,
Chloe
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Oct 28, 2025 | Interviews
First up, briefly tell us a bit about yourself and what you do!
I’m a Cambodian-Australian entrepreneur, author, and the founder of Nalia Skin: a skincare brand inspired by Cambodian botanicals and Australian innovation. My wellness and business journey began with a desire to simplify skincare and make feeling good accessible to all, especially women navigating the pressures of modern life.
Outside of beauty, I also speaks publicly about mental health, resilience, and entrepreneurship, having launched the #iamworthy workshop and authored my book Good Girl, a raw and empowering reflection on perfectionism, failure, and healing.
What time do you go-to bed & wake up most days / how many hours of sleep do you aim for?
I spend a lot of time travelling; mostly between Australia and Cambodia, so it’s really important that I try to keep some consistency with my routine.
I try to be in bed by 11pm, and I’m usually up around 7:00am. This is not the easiest when I fly overnight, and face jetlag – but sleep is so important for your nervous system and overall wellness, so whatever the situation, I try for a minimum of 7-8 hours. I’m also a big believer in naps! It’s definitely not easy when you’re working full-time, or a parent, but when/if you can slip one in during the week/weekend, I find day naps an amazing reset.
Do you have a typical daily routine for your personal wellness?
As mentioned, I travel a lot, so I really focus on water, exercise and face masks!
I aim for 2L water per day, and always move my body in the morning, or evening – depending on my schedule for the day. It doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous, even just walking my dog, or light yoga at MOVE Yoga, but keeping my body active is important for my body, but mostly, my mind.
♥ Dewy Duo
Tell us about your daily beauty routine! What are your non-negotiables for looking and feeling your best?
In the morning I always cleanse, tone, serum, moisturise. No exceptions.
Evenings, of course I repeat the first 3 steps but alternate between moisturing and our Dewy Duo. Clay Mask when my skin feels congested and Sleep In Mask when my skin feels dry. Once a week, I do both, one after the other, as these products were developed to complement each other!
What are your top 3 wellness non-negotiables?
My 3 S’s.
Sleep, skincare, stillness – 10 minutes of quiet, no matter what the day looks like.
♥ Luminous Serum
You’ve got a big event in 7 days time that you need to look incredible for. What’s your plan of attack to help you look & feel your absolute best?
Hydration is key – I’m talking litres of water every day. I’ll start masking every second night with the Dewy Duo (the glow it gives is unreal), and load up on our Serum morning and night. I cut back on sugar and processed foods, get in a hot Pilates or yoga class at MOVE Yoga to sweat it out, and always book a lymphatic drainage massage at Shape House to boost circulation and reduce any puffiness. I’ll also do a Coco and Eve hair mask mid-week, and try to stay out of the sun. It’s all about balance and prep!
♥ Lymphatic Drainage Massage Tools @ Shape House
If you could have the ultimate day of wellness & happiness in Melbourne what would it involve and where would you go?
It would start slow, definitely with a sleep-in and a walk around the Tan with my dog, followed by a good coffee somewhere local (usually Hubert Bistro!). I’d probably book in for a lymphatic drainage massage at Shape House (I’m obsessed), grab a nourishing lunch and then head home for a bit of quiet. A face mask, a herbal tea, a good book or journal session, and early to bed. Nothing fancy, just simple moments that make me feel grounded.
Dream wellness holiday destination and what are you definitely packing?
Well, you can’t travel anywhere without our Dewy Duo. It’s 2 masks in 1 package, so you have a detox mask, a hydrating mask, and then together you have a 2-step facial. I love using the sleeping mask on the plane actually because it’s not messy, nobody can see you really have a mask on, but it soaks in overnight leaving your skin so juicy in the morning!
Dream destination? Hmm, still deciding. Somewhere warm, quiet, and close to the ocean.
What does Wellness mean to you?
Wellness means respecting yourself enough to listen to your needs, emotionally, physically, mentally. It’s not about being perfect or ticking off a 5am routine. It’s about slowing down when you need to, having boundaries, fuelling your body, and taking care of your skin because you want to, not because you’re trying to hide it.
In my book, Good Girl, I talk a lot about unlearning the pressure to be palatable. That’s wellness to me, coming back to your own rhythm, without apology.
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Do you have any self-care mantras you use to keep yourself feeling positive?
Absolutely! Some from my book Good Girl are my go-to’s:
‘Your emotions are not permanent.’
‘Confidence is knowing you are a gift to others.’
‘Your attitude towards life is what makes for a good day.’
‘Hitting rock bottom is good news: there’s nowhere else to go but up.’
And lastly… do you have any top secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
Train yourself to romanticise your life. Keep your lymphatic system moving. Stop talking to yourself like an enemy. Hydrate both with water and with the products you use on your skin.
Thanks for sharing your routine and inspiring message with us, Piyane! You can find out more about what Piyane is upto on her Instagram, and while you’re at it – why not follow Wellness WA over there too?!
Be well,
xoxo
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