Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on September 3, 2012
♥
There’s most certainly a right and wrong way to go about Bikram Yoga. I learnt this the hard way. My first session I turned up in my standard gym gear = long yoga pants, a t-shirt and a leotard thing (so I can bend this way and that and not have my belly fall out), and realised my mistake as soon as I entered the studio. The vast majority of the 30-ish attendees were wearing what I first thought were bikinis, but turned out to be Bikram-intended gym gear. These people had the right idea. Before I’d even started, I had condensation dripping from my eyelashes.
♥
And there’s definitely a learning curve. The three sessions I went to followed a pattern – I would arrive, enter the room and be freshly shocked at HOW warm Bikram yoga is (40 C), lie down on my mat and start to feel like I was adjusting and this might be okay – then the instructor would enter and we’d start moving. I lasted 40 minutes in my first session, overdressed and not hydrated enough, and drove home bewildered and drenched.
♥
My second attempt was far better. I wore as little as I was able and attended an evening class, meaning I had a whole afternoon to get hydrated enough in preparation, which made a big difference. I left the room twice to pace around in the air conditioning before heading back in, but I still stayed until the end of the 90 minute session. I considered this progress, and decided to give it a third shot to see if I could top that effort.
Third session was exhilarating. I didn’t leave the room, though I did sit sweating on my mat to recover every once and a while. But I still stayed for 90 minutes and emerged sweaty and victorious at the end, feeling like I’d proved to myself that I could adjust to what felt like an insurmountably difficult physical challenge.
♥
And the end result is fantastic. Once you’ve rehydrated (and I deeply recommend the Chi Coconut Water available at the front desk) you feel godlike. You’re energised, ultra limber and have all those good aches that tell you you’ve done well.
My particular Bikram was at the newly opened Bikram Yoga Victoria Park – and I had three different instructors over that session. The circuit of poses was identical each day, which was a small mercy since there was a collective boneless relief when we moved to the second half of the session (the stuff on the floor). Our instructors all wore headsets and talked continuously through the 90 minute class. Granted, they weren’t doing the full exercise that we were, but they were still demonstrating, wandering between people and fixing postures. It struck me as incredibly exhausting. There must have been some serious tolerance build up in that.
♥
Ultimately I had a really positive experience – I feel like I was worked hard and got results, and the staff were professional and friendly. I’m even considering some of those Bikram bikini things. I’m a sucker for nice new gym gear.
♥ There are even showers you can use before/after class!
Bikram Yoga Victoria Park has a rather awesome beginner’s deal that I’d recommend: Ten days of unlimited Bikram for $20!
I spread my three sessions over five days, and the amount of improvement I felt just in those three sessions drives home for me that it really is something that needs to be done in bursts, multiple sessions in close proximity. Karen, the vibrant and ultra-fit Studio Director confirmed as much by very gently suggesting I come back for the third class, and I’m glad I did. (She also clarified for me that I was not, in fact, drowning in my own sweat, but in an ungodly amount of condensation. This is very reassuring). Can I also suggest that you remove all makeup before heading in there? I finished a session looking like I’d emerged from a screening of The Notebook.
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on August 30, 2012
♥
The power of positive thinking has resurged in recent times thanks to ethically dubious sources such as Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret, as well as a far more pleasant upsurge in wellness exercise programs like Yoga and Tai Chi. Anyone who has participated in something as common as a Yoga program can attest to the focus on wellbeing and inward calm – processes like breathing exercises, guided meditations and the setting of intentions are all wound up in the Yoga experience, and I think we can all agree that the feeling of a decent Yoga class is one of the more dizzily euphoric – perhaps topped by tripping and falling into Jeremy Renner’s lap. Maybe.
One of the more pleasantly materialistic side effects of this popularity is the product focus – beautiful LuluLemon exercise gear, indestructible branded yoga mats, even homewares with definite Eastern slants have flourished, and one of the more beautiful and enjoyable sides of this is jewellery – Yoga/Wellbeing specific jewellery, created with precious stones and with the intent to focus and improve the outlook of the wearer.
♥
Ananda Designs is the brainchild of the charming and lovely Christina Zipperlen, dividing her time between Bali and Perth while designing and overseeing the creation of her pieces. She collected stones as a child, and inherited two special pieces from her mother, inspiring her further studies into semi-precious stones and their meanings. The fruits of her labor are stunning, handcrafted pieces with stones relating to their unique functions – to restore wellbeing, to detoxify and cleanse, and to balance.
“My daily yoga practice has become a very special time in my day, allowing me to deeply connect with myself and just be, and leaving me with such a beautiful feeling of inner peace. My wish is to spread this feeling to everyone who wears my jewellery.” – Christina
♥ The gorgeous Christina
And Yoga laces the whole way through the collections: Yoga-centric terminology like “Shanti” and “Santosa” reappeared through the product listings, and as an additional dose of sweetness, all the rings bear the word “love” engraved into the inside band. It’s a gorgeous touch and bears testament to the level of detail and work that goes into each piece. Additionally there are detailed listings of the chakras and their aligning stones, to help a buyer more specifically target their custom made piece.
♥
Of particular interest (personally) are the Malas – a long chain of stone beads that accompany a traditional priest or monk in prayer, in much the same way as rosary beads are used. There are a pre-determined number of stones for the short and long lengths, and the effect is truly gorgeous. Definitely at the top of my shopping list.
♥
The pieces are created in Indonesia and Bali, 10% of each sale going to the Sacred Childhoods Foundation, an organisation preventing child trafficking and prostitution. Similarly the stones are sourced from ethically viable sources, and it’s rather nice to have such good intentions surrounding a piece of jewellery. It also helps that they’re beautiful.
♥
Ananda Designs has a brand spanking new website, and a corresponding Facebook page. I think my yoga practice would benefit from a Mala. Yep, definitely.
Have you heard of yoga inspired jewellery before? Keen to incorporate some into your routine? Leave a comment below!
Article by Suzanne from Don’t They Know Who I Am?
A few weeks ago I got to spend some time at what I'm not afraid to say is the most elegantly decorated spa I've ever had the pleasure of being pampered in. And Vanity Box Skin Couture in Perth (the intersection of East Perth, Highgate & Maylands) isn't just a pretty face, though their exquisite decor is the initial drawcard, it's the warm welcome, ambiance and list of 'little extras' about a mile long that really impress. This is definitely your go-to if all out luxury and service is on the cards.
♥
My purpose for visiting Vanity Box was to spend an hour and a half with the gorgeous and delightfully friendly owner, Suzey, to road-test one of her 'bespoke' treatments. Basically this means that you book in for a certain amount of time, and in consultation with Suzey decide on the day what you most feel like having done. Genius! It makes sense to be guided by what your skin and body need at the time, and I've never come across a service like this before, so I was very excited to see what she would suggest for me.
The room I was in, stunning right?!
My afternoon of delights starts with some candle warmed berry tea, while the strains of classical music wash over me and the relaxation process begins…
♥
For someone so petite Suzey has strong hands, which are capable of tailoring the massage treatments to your liking, from tender butterfly kisses, all the way up to strong deep tissue work. My massage was a mixture of both, the preceding deep tissue working out all of my computer slouching sins, while the follow up gentle massage sent me to the brink of sleep. The classical music played during the second half of the massage transported me to a perfectly choreographed ballet, where her hands were the world renowned dancers, and my back the stage.
The Priori Natureceuticals Coffeeberry Relaxing Yoga Treatment (75 mins) is said to be an intensely relaxing anti-ageing treatment that reduces tension and stress levels as well as brightening the skin. This is where the little extras really kicked in.
♥ My face was massaged extensively during the facial, which was a very enjoyable experience and is meant to help with relieving stress.
♥ I was brought a much appreciated hot water bottle (with plush covering) and a warmed eye bag as it was chilly that day, both of which I loved.
♥ While the face mask was setting I received the longest and most glorious arm massage ever. Divine.
♥ Post-facial I was offered a light mineral makeup application, I gratefully accepted as my skin has been playing up lately and the thought of going bare-faced was a little scary on that day 😉
The second room at Vanity Box – so pretty, this one's my fave!
With my bespoke treatments complete, relaxed muscles and brighter complexion in tow, I couldn't help but think that Vanity Box has completely hit the nail on the head in terms of combining stunning surroundings, wonderful service and a sense of being welcome in those who visit.
This gorgeous spa is the definition of opulence – without the attitude.
Vanity Box Skin Couture
Dilhorn Manor
178 Claisebrook Road
Perth Western Australia 6000
Hola! So, how ’bout this weather we’ve been having? I’m a big rain fan – so long as I’m warmly tucked up inside, complete with dressing gown, socks and a cup ‘o herbal tea. Venturing out into it is another story.
These past few weeks I’ve been flu-stricken and in the final two weeks of my Public Relations course, as well as having taken on an internship at an agency 2 days a week. Needless to say things have been HECTIC and I haven’t been able to update as much as I’d like. That doesn’t mean we’ve been laying dormant though, we have SO many exciting things in the works… so as always, stay tuned, and check out the wonderful bits and pieces that have been rocking my little wellness world this week! Xo
♥ Purple Kale
Pictured above is the cruciferous vegetable of my eye this week, the delightful purple kale. When I spied this beauty at The Boatshed Market in Cottesloe on the weekend, I could not contain my excitement! Granted, the whole trip to Boatshed was exciting as I’d never been there before and it is just AMAZINGLY well stocked with fresh produce. Pricier than your average store, but I feel like it’s worth it.
This violet vegetable has been on many adventures this week, being mixed into a smoothie one day, gently steamed the next and is about to be made into some delicious kale chips! A+++. Love me some alterna-kale.
My new favourite. So many vegan, vegetarian and raw options at CNR that your mind just might explode! The vegan breakfast (above) is in-cred-ible, and it’s available til 3pm all week. Including Sundays. I will be doing a proper review of it shortly, but it is definitely one of my new faves to head to when I have some extra pennies in my pockets. The vegan brekky is $18, so not the cheapest morning eats in town, however it is insanely delicious and filling, features macadamia & pepper nut cheese, house made beans, toasted ciabatta, pan fried mushrooms and tomatoes, caramelised onions AND potato chippy things.
♥
They also do a killer green smoothie, breakfast of vegan champions! Check them out.
♥
♥ Stuart Watkins’ Bali Yoga Retreat
If you’re looking for an incredibly inspiring yoga filled getaway, then look no further. Join Stuart Watkins for 7 days and 6 nights on the north-east coast of Bali at Villa-Boreh with daily yoga, sun drenched relaxation and an array of soul nurturing activities including jungle treks, secret waterfall visits, hot springs and dolphin hangouts! Vegetarian and vegan meals will nourish your body, yoga will nourish your spirit. Find our more details here!
What’s inspiring you this week? Please feel free to share with me and spread the crush-love!
Good Friday in Kings Park, amongst the picnicing families and children hyped up on chocolate, was the location for the first of two Flow Yoga events hosted by Stuart Watkins – yogi extraordinaire – to raise money for the charity Africare.
♥
About 50 people turned up to support the cause by taking part in THREE HOURS (!!!!) of yoga, meditation, dancing and heart-opening.
♥
♥
The array of delicious and nourishing treats available on the day was fantastic. Organic juices from Found, vegan raw food bites from Raw Rev, Goji berries & cacao nibs from Loving Earth, water from Antipodes and an amazing raw cheesecake from The Raw Kitchen to finish things up!! Not to mention some home made coconut bliss balls.
♥ RAW MAPLE, CINNAMON AND APPLE CHEESCAKE! ♥
Here is a video from the day that’s just surfaced too! Brings back nice memories 🙂
The event was beautiful, some Wellness WA readers and writers came down and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I highly recommend everyone attend the second one, details can be found here!
Posted in Exercise, Reviews, South of River | 
9 Comments »
