Category

Fitness

Category

It can often be hard to find the time for exploration and adventure when working full-time. Paid time off can only go so far, and many times the only alternative is to take unpaid leave or quit your job entirely if you want to travel for weeks or months. However, there is a better alternative available for people who want to earn while they travel. Becoming a travelling personal trainer can be an excellent way to make money, see the world and help others along the way.

There are many ways you could incorporate travel into your work as a personal trainer. The first thing you’ll need to do is gain suitable international qualifications for your work so that you can provide your services wherever it is you want to travel. A personal trainer leads by example, so you’ll need to be in great physical condition. There are so many benefits to becoming a travelling personal trainer, and it is the perfect career for anyone who wants to feed their wanderlust.

Travel With Your Clients

Travelling with clients can be one of the most exciting ways to see the world, though you will have little to no control over where your destination is. Many high-end clients want to ensure their training program stays consistent while they travel, which is why they may consider hiring you to come on work or leisure trips with them. You’ll need to cultivate the right kind of clients to access travel this way or offer your services exclusively as a travelling personal trainer.

Gain Internationally Recognised Qualifications

Before you break out your suitcase and start sending out CVs, it is vital to ensure you have the right qualifications to practice as a personal trainer overseas. While many countries don’t have specific requirements for personal trainers, it can still be beneficial to gain a qualification that is internationally recognised. This will ensure that you provide a service that is high quality and will make you appealing to clients, gyms and other fitness facilities. Take a look at some of the excellent, internationally recognised qualifications from Study Active for more information on the benefits.

Look Into Resort Roles

Many international resorts hire workers from destinations that are popular with their guests. This can be a great way to travel cheaply, as such roles often come with room and board, meaning all your earnings can be used to fund your adventures. Competition for these roles can be fierce, so you’ll need to prove your skills to a high degree with excellent qualifications and plenty of glowing recommendations.

Hone Your Language Skills

If you’ve always wanted to become better at a second language, then travelling as a personal trainer and immersing yourself in the language can be the best way to do so. You’ll need a base level of understanding to be able to communicate with your clients, but the more you practice, the better your language skills will become. It is best to take a foundational course in the language you’ll be working in before you begin so that you can ensure your clients will understand your instructions.

Final Thoughts

There aren’t a lot of jobs as well suited to international travel as personal training. There are many routes you could take, which is part of what makes the career so beneficial for travel lovers. The main challenge you might face is a language barrier, as you will need to be able to converse well enough with your clients so that they understand the training program you’re putting in place. Even if you only speak your native tongue, there are ways you could still travel and work, whether by signing on with a resort catering to people who speak English or by travelling with a particular client whenever they go abroad.Why Personal Training Could Be The Perfect Active Career For People Who Love Travel

It can often be hard to find the time for exploration and adventure when working full-time. Paid time off can only go so far, and many times the only alternative is to take unpaid leave or quit your job entirely if you want to travel for weeks or months. However, there is a better alternative available for people who want to earn while they travel. Becoming a travelling personal trainer can be an excellent way to make money, see the world and help others along the way.

There are many ways you could incorporate travel into your work as a personal trainer. The first thing you’ll need to do is gain suitable international qualifications for your work so that you can provide your services wherever it is you want to travel. A personal trainer leads by example, so you’ll need to be in great physical condition. There are so many benefits to becoming a travelling personal trainer, and it is the perfect career for anyone who wants to feed their wanderlust.

Travel With Your Clients

Travelling with clients can be one of the most exciting ways to see the world, though you will have little to no control over where your destination is. Many high-end clients want to ensure their training program stays consistent while they travel, which is why they may consider hiring you to come on work or leisure trips with them. You’ll need to cultivate the right kind of clients to access travel this way or offer your services exclusively as a travelling personal trainer.

Gain Internationally Recognised Qualifications

Before you break out your suitcase and start sending out CVs, it is vital to ensure you have the right qualifications to practice as a personal trainer overseas. While many countries don’t have specific requirements for personal trainers, it can still be beneficial to gain a qualification that is internationally recognised. This will ensure that you provide a service that is high quality and will make you appealing to clients, gyms and other fitness facilities. Take a look at some of the excellent, internationally recognised qualifications from Study Active for more information on the benefits.

Look Into Resort Roles

Many international resorts hire workers from destinations that are popular with their guests. This can be a great way to travel cheaply, as such roles often come with room and board, meaning all your earnings can be used to fund your adventures. Competition for these roles can be fierce, so you’ll need to prove your skills to a high degree with excellent qualifications and plenty of glowing recommendations.

Hone Your Language Skills

If you’ve always wanted to become better at a second language, then travelling as a personal trainer and immersing yourself in the language can be the best way to do so. You’ll need a base level of understanding to be able to communicate with your clients, but the more you practice, the better your language skills will become. It is best to take a foundational course in the language you’ll be working in before you begin so that you can ensure your clients will understand your instructions.

Final Thoughts

There aren’t a lot of jobs as well suited to international travel as personal training. There are many routes you could take, which is part of what makes the career so beneficial for travel lovers. The main challenge you might face is a language barrier, as you will need to be able to converse well enough with your clients so that they understand the training program you’re putting in place. Even if you only speak your native tongue, there are ways you could still travel and work, whether by signing on with a resort catering to people who speak English or by travelling with a particular client whenever they go abroad.

Summer is the perfect season for increased time spent on two wheels. Whether you’re taking leisurely rides with friends or pushing yourself to the limits, there’s a place for both types of rides in your cycling routine. However, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, it’s important to take proper precautions and make the most of your time on two wheels.

From staying hydrated to choosing the right time of day to ride, there are many tips to help you have a safe and fun cycling experience during the summer months. So get ready to hit the open road and enjoy the scenic routes this season!

Preparation

Before embarking on a long-distance ride, it’s important to simulate different stages of the journey to determine your needs. Get acclimated to the weather conditions by gradually increasing the duration of your rides during the hot parts of the day. Take your time, and don’t push yourself too hard too quickly. Additionally, it’s essential to get used to consuming water and food in small, frequent amounts. This will help ensure your body stays hydrated and nourished throughout the ride.

Stay Hydrated While Cycling Outdoors

Cycling under the hot sun can lead to heavy sweating, making it essential to stay hydrated. To avoid dehydration, it’s important to carry water with you and regularly drink to replenish lost fluids. During your rides, consider bringing energy bars or high-carbohydrate snacks like bananas or meat loaves to keep your energy levels up. Above all, don’t forget to drink plenty of water, as it’s crucial for maintaining optimal hydration. Trust us; you’ll need it!

Take Precautions to Guard your Skin and Eyes

Cycling exposes you to the elements, so protecting your skin and eyes is important. Consider using sunscreen or arm sleeves to guard your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Wearing appropriate cycling clothing and apparel can also help protect your skin from the sun. Opt for clothes made from breathable, lightweight materials designed specifically for cycling.

In addition to skin protection, it’s equally important to protect your eyes. While cycling, you are exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can damage the cornea. Therefore, investing in a sturdy pair of sunglasses is important to guard your eyes. A good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes and improve your visibility and overall cycling experience.

Cycle at Cooler Times

To avoid the scorching heat during your cycling trip, aim to ride during the cooler hours of the day. During the summer, there is ample daylight, so you can choose to ride either early or later in the evening. This will allow you to enjoy warm weather while avoiding intense heat hazards. If you’re cycling in the evening, have lights to ensure your safety when the sun sets. Night riding can also be a fun experience with proper lighting equipment.

Opt for Group Cycling

Riding with a group can offer a wider range of fitness capabilities and improve your cycling skills and bike handling. According to Cane, group rides are a great way to level the playing field regarding training. He notes that even if he’s the weakest rider in a group, drafting within the group and reducing his time at the front allows him to keep pace with the other riders.

Group cycling also has the added benefit of increased endurance. A study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine showed that women who exercised with a virtual or real-life cycling partner pedaled for longer than those who exercised alone. This highlights the positive impact of having a group to ride with.

In conclusion, summer is the perfect season for cycling enthusiasts to hit the road and enjoy the warm weather. Whether you prefer leisurely rides or structured training rides, there are several tips you can follow to make your experience as enjoyable and safe as possible. From staying hydrated and protecting your skin and eyes to riding in the early morning or late evening, these tips will help you have a great time while staying healthy. Additionally, cycling in a group can help you improve your skills, increase endurance and add a social aspect to your rides. Following these tips and preparing beforehand can make the most out of your summer cycling experiences.

Whether you’re all about the hotel gym life, love seeking out a local studio or prefer to combine your workout and sightseeing with a run around town, we’ve got you covered with #TeamCoco’s top activewear picks this month.

Leggings and a sports bra are our go-to gym gear when working out in the heat. Make things even hotter with this sexy, strappy sports bra designed to make you look, and feel, great.

Feel Fit, Invigorate Strappy Bra, £39

We can’t get enough of Lorna Jane’s new Psychedelic 70s collection – from the Retro Check Ribbed Sports Bra (£47) in the main image to these cute 16cm bike shorts perfect for exploring the sights.

Lorna Jane, Retro Check Ribbed Bike Short, £50

Exploring a new destination on foot is one of our favourite things to do and you can’t go far wrong with a pair of FitFlops on your feet. Ergonomically designed to support your speed-walking, casual running, gym workout or even just your sightseeing.

FitFlop, Vitamin FF Knit Sports Trainers, £95

Offering great support while looking stylish is what every girl needs in a sports bra. We can’t get enough of the colours in this one by The Upside – perfect for pairing with any outfit.

The Upside, Kyra Dance Stretch Woven Sports Bra, £69

Nothing screams holiday quite like a pair of flowery shorts and we can’t get enough of the dreamy Hawaiian vives these ones are giving us from Lorna Jane. Plus, they’re in the sale, so it would be rude not to really!

Lorna Jane, Hibiscus Hi-Fold No Ride Bike Short, £20

Bikers understand that if they want to enjoy riding their bikes, they must observe several safety protocols. They know that if they go on bike rides with their friends, they must follow existing traffic rules and use dedicated bike lanes. They know they must check their bikes beforehand to ensure everything works properly.

However, biking accidents are also rising because some drivers refuse to share the road with responsible riders. Several factors that lead to mishaps must be considered, including weather and road conditions, inability to share the road, and a lack of knowledge when it comes to bicycle safety. Some mishaps could be due to a misunderstanding on the road involving automobiles or other cyclists, and some could also be due to rough road conditions. If you’re a biker who’s been involved in a cycle accident today which resulted in personal injury, you may want to pursue legal action, especially if it involved another party. You can claim various compensation depending on the severity of the injury, especially if you have a strong case. Work with experienced solicitors who work on a no-win, no-fee guarantee and can provide you with the best legal advice.

Here are some safety tips for bikers :

Always wear a helmet

Most crippling bike accidents result in injury because riders don’t wear appropriate helmets. While helmets will only offer a small level of protection, they can be enough to save lives. So, you cannot underestimate the importance of wearing helmets whether you’re going for a short or long ride.

Wear reflective clothing

Another safety tip for bikers is to wear reflective clothing, especially if they’re going on a nighttime ride. Ensure that other road users will see you from afar so they can adjust their speed and share the road properly. It would also help if you installed blinking lights on your bike and helmet for better visibility.

Ride with a buddy

If you’re going on a bike ride, it’s better to take a buddy with you. He can keep you company during the ride and can also provide needed motivation when you encounter challenging stretches during your ride. Moreover, he can help fix your bike when it breaks down and keep you safe.

Protect yourself from the elements

Before riding out, ensure you know the weather forecast for the next few hours. If you’re lucky enough to pedal on a sunny day, ensure that you wear comfortable, sweat-wicking clothes. It would be better to wear arm sleeves to protect from sunburn. Don’t forget to put sunblock on your neck, nose, and other exposed body parts. Also, lug around a raincoat just in case it rains during your ride. Lastly, don’t forget a first aid kit.

Don’t forget your tools

Among the essential things a biker must have are basic repair tools and an air pump. You can find bike bags which you can attach to the frame to store such necessities.

Conclusion

Riding a bike is an enjoyable pastime. However, bikers must not only share the road with other drivers but also ensure that they’re safe whenever they ride out.

It’s the time of year when personal wellbeing can take a back seat which can end up making us feel sluggish and not so great. If you’re looking for a quick way to boost blood circulation, aid digestion and increase energy levels then these bite-sized workouts could be just what you need this festive season. ‘Fitness snacking’ is a method of working out that can be structured into quick rounds just once or twice a day, making them perfect to squeeze into a packed holiday schedule.

Fitness Professional Haylene Ryan-Causer, founder of the Energy Studio at Volonté in London shares some of her top snackable sessions!

Beat the bloating bubbles with this CHAMPAGNE  workout:
Feel fabulous and burn up to 80 calories in just ten minutes

X 2 rounds
Running on the spot
Air Squats
Running on the spot
Glute Bridges
Running on the spot
Mountain Climbers

Be Mindful with this MULLED WINE  workout:
Burn up to 210 Calories in just 20 minutes

Go outside and find some stairs (approximately 20)
X5 runs up and walk down followed by 10 Squats – X3 rounds

On just one step
X20 Up and Downs on each side, 20 Calf raises on the floor – X3 rounds

The Energy Boosting Eggnog  Workout:
Fire through over 340 Calories in 30 minutes

X2-3 rounds – followed by a 10 minute fast walk or jog
X5 Burpees
X10 Jump Squats
X15 Push ups
X20 Sumo Squats
X25 Jumping Jacks
X30 Crunches
X25 Jumping Jacks
X20 Sumo Squats
X15 Press Ups
X10 Jump Squats
X5 Burpees

Do These Digestion Friendly Workouts:
Many factors contribute to poor digestion, especially a sedentary lifestyle. Your gut and brain are connected through neurotransmitters. High intensity training and exercising with weights increase the amount of nerve inputs to the muscles and therefore increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter.’ – Haylene Ryan-Causer, founder of the Energy Studio at Volonté

Here is a short daily workout to aid with digestion:
X20 High Knees
X5 Plank to Crouch
X5 Half Burpees
X10 Deep Squat Jumps
X20 Plank Jacks
X20 Alternating crunches
X10 Windscreen Wipers

Strength training moves to try:
Squats
Deadlifts Lunges
Horizontal push
Horizontal Pull
Vertical push
Vertical Pull

Volonté’s Energy Studio has been created from Haylene’s belief that the future of fitness studios revolves around building community-led spaces that draw on deeper human connections. With a vision to create a nourishing social environment to restore, energise and connect, each fluid and restorative workout utilises functional equipment. This includes barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells and bands combined with bikes and rowing machines to offer highly rewarding, purpose-led fitness experiences with tailored workouts and mentorship.

With a collective spotlight on nutrition and wellbeing, the studio and café is intrinsically linked, uniting as one with a feel-good menu that supports an effective, full-body workout. Volonté, translating into the French feminine noun for ‘willpower’ – is the realisation of Haylene and her business partner Vidushi Binani, who she has personally trained since the age of 12. It is this personal relationship, combined with their contrasting expertise and ethnicities that inspired the female-duo to create a forward-thinking, inclusive wellbeing space.

Volonté, 299-301 Brompton Rd, London SW3 2DY

www.cafevolonte.co.uk

@volonte_energy

Monday to Saturday: 7am – 7pm

Sunday: 9am-6pm

Wimbledon 2023 promises to be bigger and better after the pandemic lull. The tournament did not happen in 2020, while 2021 saw smaller crowds due to the restrictions. Things were better in 2022, but the public ballot was missing. It is back this year, so the crowds will likely push hard to get in. With the competition it entails, getting in is probably a remote possibility. While the option of queuing up is always there, you can rely on debenture tickets to make the trip a breeze. The alternative costs more, but it is worth spending on. Let us give you some valid reasons to consider buying Wimbledon debenture tickets in 2023.

Get the best views from the right seats

You can see your favorite tennis stars in action at Wimbledon because top players give their best at the world’s greatest tournament. But everything boils down to getting the right seats on the crowded courts. However, you cannot rely on the queue tickets to get them. Debenture tickets are your best bet to reach the show courts and get the seats you want, as they reserve rows A-N. Besides providing a great view of all the action, these seats promise a lot more. You can get a glimpse of the royals and celebrities who are there to cheer their favorites.

Buy with a few clicks

Although being at Wimbledon is a dream come true for a tennis fan, the road to get there is long and daunting. You may not be lucky enough to get a ballot ticket, and the famous queue can keep you waiting for hours. Unfortunately, you may still not get a turn after the longest wait. But debentures are the easiest way to Buy tickets to Wimbledon 2023, as you can pick them with a few clicks. You only need to find a reputable website to buy them online from your home. So you are sure about getting a seat on reaching the event, no matter how crowded the venue and the courts are.

Enjoy extra benefits and perks

With Wimbledon debentures, you get much more than the best seats and the sheer convenience of booking online. The extra benefits come in many other forms. You get exclusive access to premium bars, lounges, and restaurants at the venue. Moreover, you need not stress about parking at Wimbledon because debentures let you leave your car in a designated area. You can enter the grounds from Gate number 4 on Church Road, which means there is no need to jostle through the crowds and queues. Debenture tickets actually make you feel like royalty with all the special treatment they offer.

Nothing gets better than buying Wimbledon debentures, even if they require you to shell out a significant sum. You feel special with these tickets because they set you up for more perks than you imagine. The experience is worth paying for, so you must consider it to make the 2023 event memorable. You can make the most of the trip and get value for your money!

Hypervolt Go 2, £199

The Hypervolt Go 2 is TSA approved, super lightweight and portable to provide relief on the go. Melt away tension from long hours of travelling with Hyperice’s patented QuietGlide technology, meaning you can use without disturbing fellow travellers as it is virtually silent.

Origami pond gym towel, 55 EUR

Not only is this practical towel functional, it’s pretty damn cute, too. It’s name comes from the unique way it folds as it’s scrunched together, providing more space in your bag for other things. It also features a special knitting technique developed in-house and sports a funky design.

Bottlesoc bottle sleeves, £12.99

Never get your complimentary bottle of hotel water mixed up with anyone else’s again. Designed to fit most 500ml bottles, the fully adjustable strap allows you to carry your bottle of water over your shoulder – perfect for those mountain hikes.

BOBO1325 exercise mat, £65

If you prefer to workout in your hotel room or just don’t want to do your downward dog on a communal gym mat, then look no further. These eco-friendly non-slip exercise mats are the perfect accessory. Light weight make them ideal for traveling and the black strap makes it perfect for carrying around town.

Blendjet 2 portable blender, £85.95

The ultimate travel companion, the sleek size makes it ideal for packing away in your suitcase to make your favourite protein shakes wherever you are in the world. It’s powerful, self-cleaning and all you need is a USB lead to power it.

Cuckooland bGem wireless earphones, £89

Forget taking bulky headphones with you when travelling, these wireless earphone fit perfectly into your pocket and are just as powerful. They feature bluetooth and allow calls straight to your ear controlled via buttons on the earphones. 4 hours of playback time.

ESPA fitness bath and body oil, £36

This invigorating bath and body oil will help to soothe and revive body and mind after a full on workout at the gym. Help those tired legs after a day of hiking when you pour this into a warm bath. With eucalyptus, clove bud and sweet almond your skin will be left feeling soft and supple. Plus with its 100ml bottle it’s ideal for carry on luggage.

Peloton Guide, £275

This fitness based webcam is the perfect companion for those always on the road looking for a studio worthy workout. Just connect it to your hotel TV and it will display all the classes available on the Peleton app, with a focus on strength training, for you to follow along to.

LIT Axis – Smart Resistance Bands, £164.15

Lightweight and compact, these resistance bands are perfect for a full-body workout, and you can do them anytime and anywhere without a gym. This band can give resistance up to 200LBS, which is excellent for strength training, Pilates, cardio and recovery.

If you’ve lost your mojo for working out and need some fitness inspo, check out our round-up of the London studios guaranteed to level up your exercise regime.

Exhale Pilates

Exhale Pilates’ founder Gaby Noble is an advocate for the true classical methodology, specifically called Contrology, Pilates, in its most authentic form. Uniting fitness and health with recovery, Gaby and her equally passionate team – all who have completed over 600 hours teacher training, are on a mission to educate and inspire people to help them realise their personal abilities through the original works of Joseph Pilates.Each intimate private session or mindfully taught class at their two north London locations focuses on the body, mind and spirit.

For more information and to book visit Exhale Pilates

Sweat Society

Brand new luxe fitness space, Sweat Society in Surbiton Surrey, is just 18 minutes from Waterloo. This chic space has a cool LED lit gym and offers a range of fitness solutions from personal training to strength classes, hybrid to spin, there’s something to suit everyone.

Volonte

Described as Chelsea’s new destination for inclusive wellbeing, Volonté offers the ultimate 360 fitness experience, sessions guide individuals to optimum vitality under the expertise of founder, Haylene and her team of instructors. They do this by energising the body with aerobic workouts, building strength and skill with purposeful, movements to restore the breath, and calmly renew the mind.

With a collective spotlight on nutrition and wellbeing, the studio has a café jam packed with a feel-good menu ideal to refuel post-workout.

Rumble

Dalton based fitness and wellness studio, Rumble, is now in three new London locations including Primrose, Fitzrovia and Shoreditch.Their popular Rumble Circuit will mix up your workout for overall body strength and fitness. From spinning to sparring and deadlifts to detoxes, combining the latest cutting-edge training with the most advanced technology – all under one roof for the ultimate fitness experience.

Vita

Vita is a boutique fitness studio situated across six floors in the super stylish Sloane Square, Chelsea. Customised ‘fusion workouts’ combine Pilates, yoga and barre techniques giving you the perfect mix of core-strengthening, muscle-lengthening and body-sculpting workouts. Vita is the fitness destination you’ll want to hang out at all day. As well as the studios, the fourth floor houses chic changing rooms, and a treatment room dedicated to physiotherapy, osteopathy, sport massage and nutrition to complete the holistic 360-degrees wellness offer. In addition, the ground floor features a health café serving up delicious breakfast bowls and supercharged salads. Book your class at Vita Boutique Fitness

Bermondsey Boxing Club

Bermondsey Boxing Club is the third venue to open in London under Manya Klempner – former blue-chip female banking executive. The boutique club is home to an impressive custom-built 18ft boxing ring and welcomes all skill levels. Take part in some solo-sparring or join one of their weekly group classes like BOX!BOX!BOX!, Fighting Fit, Boxing Medley, Boxing Tactics, and Circuit Blast. They have all the trappings of a boutique fitness studio, with the same grit and character you’d find in your local amateur club.

The Concept

Brought to you by OMNI Wellness Group, a trio of expert individuals that have created a space which encompasses all areas of health and wellness. The key pillars to OMNI Wellness are:

  • Regular movement
  • Fuelling the body through the right nutrition
  • Allowing the body time to rest and recharge

It is these fundamentals on which their retreats are formed, making holistic health and wellbeing a part of your everyday reality.

The Coaches

Aimee Victoria Long is a celebrity PT with a focus on Pilates and Barre. Expect to be put through your paces with intense workouts that focus on your primary and smaller muscle groups designed to redefine your body.

Lucy Raetz-O’Connell is a registered nutritionist and PT with a focus on Pilates, functional training and mobility. She believes in the importance of fuelling the body through the principles of healthy eating, alongside regular and consistent movement.

Josh Davies is a PT with a focus on strength and conditioning. As an ex-professional rugby player, he continues to apply his in-depth knowledge to his coaching philosophy. Josh seeks to help people improve their longevity to lead happier and healthier lives. 

The Location

OMNI Wellness Retreats are held in the most idyllic of locations from Jamaica to Kenya, but Team Coco were invited to try out their luxury retreat in the charming Cotswolds.

Held in the stunning surroundings of The Lakes by YOO in the heart of the Cotswolds, this UK retreat has you feeling as though you’ve boarded a plane to somewhere sublime.

The 850-acre sustainable estate is a mere 90 minutes from London and features vast lakes of crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, bewitching woodland, a farm for rescued animals and endless rewilding areas. In the style of ‘Swallows and Amazons’ it really is the ultimate natural playground.

There’s the choice to stay in the magnificent Manor House where lakeside luxury meets countryside chic and is brimming with swoon-worthy interiors. For those who prefer to have a place to themselves, book into one of the private lakeside cabins for the ultimate Cotswolds escape.

The Workouts

Each day includes two fitness classes, as well as the option to take advantage of personalised PT sessions with any of the coaches and a range of activities throughout The Lakes.

We warmed up for the retreat with a bike tour of The Lakes not long after we arrived. This was the perfect way to get our bodies moving and ready for a fitness retreat while checking out our surroundings.

Aimee kicked things off the next day with an hour-long Barre class, and boy, did we feel the burn!! We all gathered in the living room of The Manor as the sun rose and worked on those smaller muscle groups that don’t usually get activated.

Afterwards, we headed to one of the freshwater lakes for a morning swim and some breathwork with Josh which was the perfect way to cool down (literally!) after feeling the burn of Barre.

In the afternoon we headed out with Amber (one of The Lakes instructors) for a stand-up paddle boarding session on another of the lakes. Whether you’re new to SUP or a seasoned pro, Amber will guide you through a fantastic session that proves to not only be a full body workout, but also a great tonic for the soul.

Before we devoured dinner, Josh took us through a strength and conditioning session in a HIIT style format out on the decked area by the swimming pool. It was a great way to end the day, leaving us feeling strong and reenergised.

The third day began with a Pilates and mobility session led by Lucy. Not only did this help us to loosen off sore muscles from the previous day, but it placed us in the right headspace for another day full of activity.

We met with Amber again, but this time to learn how to rock climb! Learning a new activity is not only great for the body, but it will do wonders for your mindset when you tackle a skill you haven’t tried before.

Each workout that OMNI provide are discussed in detail before in order to be able to tailor it to the group and get the most out of a session. Should you feel like you want to go one step further, all of the coaches are on hand to provide personal training sessions in whatever style of workout you fancy. If you don’t feel like working out that day, that’s fine – the retreat is for you to do as you please.

The Cuisine

As per OMNI’s philosophy, it’s important to fuel the body through correct nutrition, which is why you’ll be fed a rainbow of local produce during your stay.

Before the retreat you’ll be sent an in-depth questionnaire all about your dietary requirements, including specific likes and dislikes meaning they can tailor the foodie fare to you.

During the retreat, expect breakfast feasts, long lunches, and delicious dinners of delectable dishes all carefully prepared by an expert chef and specialist nutritionists.

It’s hard to recall what we had without instantly salivating and wishing desperately to devour it all over again.

Breakfast was a buffet style affair set upon the credenza of options such as fresh tortilla, banana pancakes, bowls of berries and stacks of pastries served with local preserves.

Lunch always included lots of colours in a bounty of salads to keep things light and nutritional ahead of an afternoon of activity.

Dinners were a set three courses including dishes such as delicately made haddock fishcakes, the most delicious aubergine ‘meatballs’ I’ve ever tasted and a dark chocolate mousse so heavenly it could have been sent by the gods.

Expect a cooking class on one of the days where you can then tuck into your culinary creations in a scenic setting by the lakeside.

The Downtime

It’s sometimes the expectation that fitness retreats are going to be jampacked, leaving you very little time to catch your breath. But not this one. As OMNI’s philosophy is all about wellness, the team have made sure that there are multiple opportunities throughout each day for some time to do as you please.

What this looks like is up to you. You could take a dip in the jacuzzi, find a hidden nook to cosy up with a good book, or sink into one of the sofas as you challenge someone to a game of chess. Like us, you may prefer to get to know your fellow retreaters better or take a nap in your beautifully designed bedroom.

If you can’t rest, there’s plenty to explore at The Lakes and multiple ways to do so, whether you go for a ramble, jump on a bike, call for a chauffeured car or even take to the lake in a boat. Guests can visit the on-site spa, have a wiz on the zip line, say hello to the farm animals or sneak over to elsa’s for a cheeky glass of wine. The options are endless.

The Verdict

The retreat left us with one qualm, and that’s that we didn’t get to stay here longer. Really, it’s an ideal amount of time, but as the place is so perfect, and the programme designed so well, we could have quite happily done a week or more here.

As like most people, thanks to the fast-paced, modern age we live in, we entered the retreat feeling frazzled and frantic from our everyday lives, but quickly came to feel recharged and reenergised, leaving with a desire to rethink our normal routines.

We left (albeit resultantly) feeling as though all aspects of ourselves had been well-tended to. The workouts left us feeling stronger, the food made us feel nourished and the natural surroundings had us feeling grounded.

And that’s the beauty of an OMNI Wellness Retreat – it stays with you far after you’ve left it behind.

Retreat Dates:

Cotswolds, UK 1st-4th November, 2022

Montego Bay, Jamacia 20th-27th April, 2023

Laikipia, Kenya 7th-14th October, 2023

For more information visit omni-wellnessgroup.co.uk or @omniwellness_group on Instagram

The Concept

Known as the world series of fitness racing, HYROX bridges the gap between traditional endurance events and functional fitness, allowing everyday gym goers something to train for. So, whether you’re a CrossFit fanatic, HIIT lover, race runner or general gym lover then HYROX is the event for you.

And with over 40 races to choose from across three continents, it’s ideal for those who love to combine fitness and travel, meaning you can smash a PB while ticking off one of the countries on your bucket list.

Each HYROX race is exactly the same with athletes completing eight 1km runs mixed in with eight functional fitness workouts. During the race, athletes wear a timing chip around their ankle which provides individuals with their finishing time. Not only does this data allow participants to check their time against others competing, but it also breaks down your times for each segment – showing where you excel and maybe need to improve in each part.

You can compete in as many HYROX races as you wish, and at the end of each season HYROX hold the World Championships with 2022 taking place in no other than Las Vegas!

Intrigued? Read on to find out what exactly it entails . . .

The Race

There’s no time limit for competing, but every race follows this same format –

1km Run

1km Ski (on Concept2 SkiErg)

1km Run

50m Sled Push (75kg – 175kg*)

1km Run

50m Sled Pull (50kg – 125kg*)

1km Run

80m Burpee Broad Jump

1km Run

1km Row (on Concept2 Rower)

1km Run

200m Kettle Bells Farmers Carry (16kg – 32kg*)

1km Run

100m Sandbag Lunges (10kg – 30kg*)

1km Run

100 / 75* reps Wall Balls (4kg – 9kg*)

* weights (and reps for wall balls) vary by category

The Categories

There are four different racing categories to choose from

Open – this is the standard race where you will enter as an individual, completing the whole race by yourself.

Pro – this is for people who really want to push themselves as an individual with heavier weights making for a more challenging experience.

Doubles – pair up with your gym bestie and share the work between you. Take on the run together and then share the workload of the exercises.

Relay – race as a group of four in a relay format with each member of the team doing two 1km runs and two of the workouts.

The Places

Just exactly where in the world can you take part in HYROX? The event originated in Germany, but now has races spanning Europe, North America and Asia.

Here’s a list of the upcoming races you can get involved in –

Leipzig – 08/10/22

Birmingham – 15/10/22

Valencia – 15/10/22

Amsterdam – 22/10/22

Berlin – 05/11/22

Chicago – 05/11/22

Essen – 12/11/22

London – 19/11/22

Dallas – 19/11/22

Hamburg – 26/11/22

Madrid – 26/11/22

Frankfurt – 10/12/22

Los Angeles – 10/12/22

Maastricht – 21/01/23

Houston – 21/01/23

Manchester – 28/01/23

Stuttgart – 04/02/23

Glasgow – 11/02/23

Chicago – 11/02/23

Bilbao – 11/02/2023

Vienna – 26/02/23

Munich – 04/03/23

Karlsruhe – 11/03/23

Barcelona – 18/03/23

Stockholm – 25/03/23

Malaga – 15/04/23

Hanover – 06/05/23

Copenhagen – 13/05/23

The Price

This tends to vary depending on where you’re doing an event and what division you’re competing in. For example, to compete as an individual in Manchester in January 2022 it was £85.

The Reward

There are a multitude of benefits to be gained when competing in a HYROX race. Not only will you build strength, power and endurance, but you’ll work hard to complete it in a certain time, giving you a great sense of achievement. The atmosphere at each event is electric and you’ll come away having met a great community of like-minded people. Plus, you’ll feel on top of the world after crossing that finish line.

If you want to take things up a notch and qualify for the World Championships, then you’ll be in the running (literally) for a cut of the £50k prize money!

Personally, we love how the race can be done in so many amazing cities across the world. We’ve already ticked off Manchester and London – where should Team Coco head to next?!

Find out more at hyrox.com.