by Mollie Millington | Feb 25, 2020 | class review, relax
Some people exercise to relax, others bake, and a new option now is to float. Floatworks is a new studio in London with two locations (Vauxhall and Angel) where you can go to float, relax in silence in a lounge and enjoy a cup of tea. My mom had actually told me about floating before I had heard of it in London. There is a place in my hometown where her friends have already tried it. I was excited to be invited for a complimentary float at Floatworks Angel when they opened in July 2019.
What is floating? Clients spend 60 minutes submerged in salty water (each pod has half a tonne of Epsom salt) with no lights or sound. Epson salt reportedly helps with muscle soreness, reduces swelling and pain, and promotes sleep. The first 10 minutes offers relaxing music to help you settle in, and then the music comes back on five minutes before the float ends. Without any sensory input, you can completely switch off and relax, even enter a bit of a trance. The high level of salt allows you to float effortlessly and the water temperature is meant to be the same as your skin, which means you can’t tell where your skin meets the water.
The facilities at the Angel studio are fantastic. There are lockers to secure your belongings, a room to style your hair and apply makeup, a quiet lounge for relaxing before or after your float and another area to enjoy a complimentary cup of herbal tea. You can arrive early to start to unwind or stay a bit after your float to maintain that zen feeling. Much like a massage, I suggest leaving a few hours free after your float to chillax.
Each pod room has hooks and a shower for you to use, along with towels, earplugs, organic shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. The Hair and Mirrors room has Parlux hairdryers, GHD hair straighteners, organic body moisturiser, cotton buds, and vaseline. You can float naked, which is what I did, or bring your swimsuit. I found it a little chilly and the staff put a note in my record to warm the water another 0.5 degrees C to make me more comfortable. The rain showers were incredible and I had plenty of time after my float to shower and dress.
As you can imagine, I found it extremely hard to switch off for my first float. I was rinsing off in the shower when the music started. So I hopped in the pod and tried to keep my face dry (as the salty water can sting your eyes). I can confirm you definitely float around inside the pod (I gently bumped into the wall a few times). When the lights turned on at the end of my 60 minutes, I was sure the music didn’t turn on as a warning that my time was almost up. The staff member at the desk said I had zoned out so much that I didn’t hear the music, which happens often. I am impressed that I was able to tune everything out and actually relax. Working full-time, training for marathons, and blogging on top, doesn’t leave me much time to do absolutely nothing. Usually, there is multi-tasking happening, or I am thinking about how I can multi-task later. It felt good not to think for a short period of time.
I have another float booked in soon and cannot wait. Now that I know what to expect, I think I will be able to settle in and enjoy the float sooner. Are you curious and want to give it a try? Use the code FLOATMOLLIE for a 20% discount off your first single float experience. Here are all the FAQs in case you still have questions. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think.
Thanks to Floatworks for the complimentary experience. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Feb 6, 2020 | class review, Uncategorized, yoga
Instagram has a knack of knowing which adverts will interest me. Most of my feed is about exercise and fitness, as well as dogs. They got their algorithm right when Pawside Yoga popped into my feed. Yoga in a room full of puppies? I was sold, even with a price tag of £30. It would be a birthday treat so I booked it for a few days after my birthday. Get ready for lots of puppies and selfies!
When I arrived 15 minutes before the class was due to start, I was asked to wait outside as the yoga mats and puppies had not yet arrived. Two minutes after the class was supposed to start, the mats arrived and we were allowed in. No names were checked or release forms signed. We started five minutes late and were told the yoga portion of the class was actually only 20 minutes long because in the last puppy yoga class, everyone was screaming and laughing making the class not relaxing for people or dogs. I was immediately disappointed as I was planning on the yoga class being part of my marathon training recovery day. Pawside Yoga said they “decided it’s best to not have them around from the beginning as they get tired quickly and need rest, also it could potentially be a serious hazard for puppies if they got squashed by anyone during the session or a customer to slip on any accidents from the puppies, it would have also disrupted the class if we were cleaning accidents up.”
The yoga was very basic, making the class suitable for all levels. A few downward dogs, child poses, and low lunges were followed by a happy baby and savasana. The instructor kept things light, making little jokes as music played in the background but the studio lights were left on. She made a couple jokes about people not knowing left and right however, she did not mirror her movements to the class (use left arm when she tells class to use right). As a group ex instructor, I know this can confuse people.
While we lay in savasana, the seven puppies were brought into the studio, allowing us 20 minutes to coo over them. The Pawside Yoga team of five kept an eye on the pups and were quick to pick up any ‘accidents’ and replace used puppy pads asap. We were not given any instructions on how to/not to handle the dogs, which I thought was a bit strange. Most people were fairly passive and let the dogs come within arm’s reach before scooping them up. There wasn’t any water out for the puppies either and some were panting by the end of the 20 minutes. When I asked Pawside Yoga about this, they said “there is always water available for the puppies too as they can get hot running around. The owner is always on site and makes sure the puppies are safe and well cared for.” I was in a far corner so may have missed the water bowl if it was near the studio door.
The provided yoga mats were inexpensive but once the puppies entered, I found out why. They pee and poo wherever they want! The puppies loved playing with the strange puppies that appeared in the mirrors; chewing on socks, straps, and plants; fighting over toys; posing for selfies. The puppies did lots of exploring and everyone was able to fawn over whichever was was nearby at the time. I did ask Pawside Yoga which regulations they need to follow to ensure care of the animals but they did not address this in their email reply. They did clarify that they only work with licenced breeders.
As attendees for the next class started to queue outside about 10 minutes before their class, we were told we needed to pack up. The puppies were wrangled and placed into a temporary pen for a break from people. They were still fairly playful with each other but I imagine they soon fell asleep from all of the excitement.
Pawside Yoga asked for my feedback the following day via Instagram and were open to what I had to say. I tend to take things literally and was disappointed that there wasn’t 45 minutes of yoga. Also, the location was near Clapham Junction, which meant it took me 80 minutes to get home, compounded my disappointment. Perhaps if it was more central, I wouldn’t have minded so much. Pawside Yoga is working with additional studios in London soon, such as Frame, so keep an eye out for a session near you.
Studies have shown that petting a dog can reduce blood pressure and owning a dog can have other benefits (increased physical fitness and overall general satisfaction. It isn’t possible for everyone, especially those who live in a city or work full-time. If you want to attend puppy yoga, be open to the fact that yoga might not be the primary focus. If you want to spend more time with dogs, please consider volunteering for the Cinnamon Trust, who arrange dog walkers for elder or disabled people.
Everyone in the class was smiling ear to ear when playing with the puppies and left with a spring in their step. Let me know if you decide to go and what you think.
by Mollie Millington | Jan 28, 2020 | class review, yoga
Growing up with four proper seasons, I must say I really miss having a proper winter. I find London has two season- cold and raining and warm and raining. I try to find snowy mountains at least once a year. We are very fortunate to have friends who own a chalet in Verbier, Switzerland which makes it much easier some years. Last year, I tried skiing in Italy for the first time and loved it. While I won’t be able to ski until after the Tokyo Marathon (not long now!), the apres ski culture is still something I enjoy when I can.
When my friend, Alison, told me about yoga for skiers in Central London, I was quite keen to join in. For only £10 and not too early on a Friday morning, I signed up immediately. Savage Garden Rooftop bar, which is near Tower Bridge station, has kitted out their space with cosy wooden panelling, red tablecloths and ski-themed decor. Yeh Yoga instructor, Emily, was bright-eyed and bushy tailed as I arrived a little bit early for my class. Alison and I were long overdue for a catch up and with early work meetings, 7am was the only time we were free to chat. We go way back to when I lead the Boutique Sport run club in Piccadilly Circus. Over the years, we have stayed in touch, primarily through Facebook, cheering on our fitness pursuits. She loves skiing too but we have yet to go on a holiday together. She has been going to Yoga for Skiers every Friday morning and I see why she enjoys it.
A small class of about eight people had both Emily and an assistant to keep an eye on our form as we woke up with the sunrise over London. The view from Savage Garden overlooked the cityscape. It was dark when the class started and slowly the light started to brighten. But it was overcast, so no glorious sunrise could be seen. We started off with moves that warmed up our bodies and got them ready for exercises that strengthen our bodies to hit the slopes. Most of it, I was not very good at but I can see how weekly sessions would prepare me for the slopes. There was lots of stability and some crazy ‘ninja’ moves that are supposed to help you stand up if you fall. I was absolutely rubbish at these! Laughter was welcomed as most of us struggled to succeed at these movements and were falling all over the place.
The other reason I was excited about this class was that I could wear all of my nerdy kit themed kit and not look out of place, or so I thought. My Terez leggings has photos of ski slopes and I wore my Hey Holla ‘Apres Ski’ sweatshirt too. While Emily was amused, no one else seemed to notice. Oh well.
I haven’t been back but I think this class is perfect for everyone and a great deal at £10 (plus Eventbrite fees). I might even try to go to Savage Garden in the evening for the mulled wine and shot skis at some point.
by Mollie Millington | Feb 5, 2018 | class review, giveaway, spinning
My fitness career started as a Spinning® instructor. The training made me what I call a purist- I don’t lift weights, clap my hands or do press ups during my classes. Unfortunately for me, in the last few years the London fitness trend has seen a big demand for the ‘all-body’ indoor cycling classes (if this format gets you to go to class- go for it!). I struggled to find studios that shared my philosophy on cycling style. My favorite studio was Cyclebeat near Moorgate but that was recently bought out by Boom Cycle. When I heard about a free class is Islington, I was intrigued. What sold me was that my friend, Lucy from Paddle Pedal Pace, said the Keiser instructor was great. She and I have the same thoughts on how an indoor cycling class should be instructed.
Body Junkies is a new studio that opening up in Islington last year. It was founded by friends, Jason and Stephen. They have boxing, Zumba®, yoga, high intensity interval training (HIIT), total conditioning, mommy/baby classes and more. They have their own app for booking too which makes it easy to schedule your workout on the go. The studio is one open room but very versatile as the boxing equipment hangs from the ceiling on custom tracks. They means the bags can be moved out of the way when not in use. There are two showers, a toilet, and cubbies for storing your kit.
The location is less than a five minute walk from Holloway Station on Holloway Road, near the Emirates Stadium and London Metropolitan University. When I arrived, I was greeted by the owners. The brand new Keiser bikes were set up in a semi circle around the instructor’s bike. The visiting instructor was Darren Teagles, who captivated us for 45 minutes using only two positions on the bike. The music was banging and the light were kept low (which I prefer because then no one can see my red face). The ambience allowed me to forget about work and simply focus on getting a fantastic workout.
These new bikes allowed us to sync to the TV screens, showing us (and the instructor) our RPMS and power rating. Each had a digital display that allowed you to see this info on your bike, alongside a gear resistance rating. Darren also created teams during class, where we had to push ourselves to win. The computer program splits up the class evenly, so one team doesn’t have an advantage. The energy in the studio was great! Most of the class were Body Junkies members, with a few journalists and bloggers. The studio team were very friendly and we got to try their smoothies after class. I was so impressed that the class was held captive with only two simple moves and a profile that built on the previous section. Most people have short attention spans and look bored in my class if we are sitting on the bike, even on a seated uphill climb (hopefully it isn’t my teaching style).
We are talking about me teaching a one-off spin class, so if you think you would be interested, please let me know with a comment below. Regardless, I think you should visit the studio! Enter my giveaway below to win two Body Junkie sweat towels, a steel water bottle, branded canvas bag, and a free class of your choice.
 |
| Win this plus a free class! |
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks to Body Junkies for inviting me along to the complimentary class. All views and opinions are my own.
by thinkmarsh | Feb 5, 2018 | class review, giveaway, spinning
My fitness career started as a Spinning® instructor. The training made me what I call a purist- I don’t lift weights, clap my hands or do press ups during my classes. Unfortunately for me, in the last few years the London fitness trend has seen a big demand for the ‘all-body’ indoor cycling classes (if this format gets you to go to class- go for it!). I struggled to find studios that shared my philosophy on cycling style. My favorite studio was Cyclebeat near Moorgate but that was recently bought out by Boom Cycle. When I heard about a free class is Islington, I was intrigued. What sold me was that my friend, Lucy from Paddle Pedal Pace, said the Keiser instructor was great. She and I have the same thoughts on how an indoor cycling class should be instructed.
Body Junkies is a new studio that opening up in Islington last year. It was founded by friends, Jason and Stephen. They have boxing, Zumba®, yoga, high intensity interval training (HIIT), total conditioning, mommy/baby classes and more. They have their own app for booking too which makes it easy to schedule your workout on the go. The studio is one open room but very versatile as the boxing equipment hangs from the ceiling on custom tracks. They means the bags can be moved out of the way when not in use. There are two showers, a toilet, and cubbies for storing your kit.
The location is less than a five minute walk from Holloway Station on Holloway Road, near the Emirates Stadium and London Metropolitan University. When I arrived, I was greeted by the owners. The brand new Keiser bikes were set up in a semi circle around the instructor’s bike. The visiting instructor was Darren Teagles, who captivated us for 45 minutes using only two positions on the bike. The music was banging and the light were kept low (which I prefer because then no one can see my red face). The ambience allowed me to forget about work and simply focus on getting a fantastic workout.
These new bikes allowed us to sync to the TV screens, showing us (and the instructor) our RPMS and power rating. Each had a digital display that allowed you to see this info on your bike, alongside a gear resistance rating. Darren also created teams during class, where we had to push ourselves to win. The computer program splits up the class evenly, so one team doesn’t have an advantage. The energy in the studio was great! Most of the class were Body Junkies members, with a few journalists and bloggers. The studio team were very friendly and we got to try their smoothies after class. I was so impressed that the class was held captive with only two simple moves and a profile that built on the previous section. Most people have short attention spans and look bored in my class if we are sitting on the bike, even on a seated uphill climb (hopefully it isn’t my teaching style).
We are talking about me teaching a one-off spin class, so if you think you would be interested, please let me know with a comment below. Regardless, I think you should visit the studio! Enter my giveaway below to win two Body Junkie sweat towels, a steel water bottle, branded canvas bag, and a free class of your choice.
|
| Win this plus a free class! |
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks to Body Junkies for inviting me along to the complimentary class. All views and opinions are my own.
by thinkmarsh | Oct 20, 2017 | class review, cycling, dancing, exercise, fitness, travel, water sports
When travelling, I love to use my free time to prioritise fitness and try new things. I spent a lot of time researching different fitness trends in Chicago that were not commonly seen in the United Kingdom. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to try them all. Here is what I suggest you do next time you visit The Windy City.
AIR® class in River North
This studio offers beginner/foundation to advanced aerial exercise classes, such as Flow and Core. The fabric, called a hammock, hangs from the ceiling and can be twisted together for additional strength or extended to fully suspend your entire body. Don’t worry, it really is strong enough to support you while laying horizontal a few feet off of the ground. Alexis taught my class and was very good at explaining which ways we were to flip our bodies up and around in the fabric. The two other women in the class had been to the studio before and were much more confident with their ability, while I had never done anything like this. (I did a cocoon class at Gymbox once but that was just for relaxation). Within the first few minutes of class, I was already hanging upside-down during the warm up. It was such a strange sensation to feel the pressure of the hammock on my lower back as the blood started to rush to my head. It took me some time to learn to trust the hammock and relax into each movement. Alexis, a former dancer, taught us a few separate sequences to build a one minute routine, which we tried at the end of our 50 minute class (click here to watch a video of Alexis demonstrating). Unfortunately, my lack of upper body strength hindered my ability to do several of the moves. I was sweating profusely throughout the class, had to take a few breaks, and definitely felt the session in my arms the next day. Classes can hold up to 22 people at the River North location. The studio has recently launched Floor Lab too, which is a barre-inspired workout session that covers plyometrics, planks, and push ups.
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| My most advanced move |
AquaMermaid
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| Lovely mermaids before we plunged in the pool |
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| Learning to float |
What woman didn’t dream of being a mermaid when she was a little girl (or even now)? Splash was one of my favourite movies growing up. I used to swim like Madison in all my friends’ pools. When I saw I could do this as an adult with a real tail, I knew I had to try it. AquaMermaid Chicago offers classes on Sunday mornings at UIC Sports and Fitness Center. The classes can also be arranged for birthday or bachelorette parties. I roped two of my good friends, Lisa and Pattie, to try it out with me at the Hilton Chicago pool. All I can say is that I was smiling from ear to ear from the moment the tails were pulled out of the bag. Our swim instructor, Cora, was very friendly and patient as she taught us how to float with the tails on, swim from one end of the pool to the other, and how to do a somersault. She also tried to teach us how to do a dolphin circle (not sure if that is exactly what is was called. We had to do a backwards somersault while keeping our legs straight) towards the end of our session. But by this point, we were getting tired and water kept going up our noses. A few moves were challenging for us to do because we only had one lane of the lap pool available to move about. We made it work though, as you can see from the photos. We all got a few foot cramps from the monofin so make sure you eat a banana earlier in the day and take the time to warm up before the class. Overall, this was an absolute blast!
Explore the 606
Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to The 606 but I absolutely love the idea of it. It is an abandoned railway line that now provide 2.7 miles of trails for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Along the way there are art installations and green space. You can have a look at all the maps here.
Divvy, Chicago’s version of Boris Bikes
OK, yes you can rent bikes in London, but I didn’t realize Chicago offered this too until my last few days. I would have much rather ridden a bike around town that taking the subway. You can see things from a pace riding through neighbourhoods rather than from the train line. Prices start at about $10/day (or $99 for the year), where a one way ticket on the L train is $2.25 and a one day L pass is $10. In Oak Park, the suburb where I was staying, I saw several commuting cyclist and numerous cycle lanes. The only downside to the bike rentals is there isn’t a helmet included, but you could probably rent one of those too from a local bike shop. If you are confident on a bike and up for exploration, I highly recommend trying these out.
There were many more things I wanted to try, like a kayak architecture tour and indoor surfing class, but I just ran out of time. If you have a suggestion on other active travel for Chicago, please leave a comment below.
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