This combination of exercise disciplines can give your workout and your wellbeing an extra boost
HAVE YOU TRIED
You’re probably familiar with yoga, Pilates, meditation and stretching; each in their own right, but what if you combined them all together in one class? The Meroula method combines the best bits of all of these practices with the aim of building strength and definition in the body, whilst providing a workout inside and out. “It’s both a ‘work-out’ and a ‘work-in’,” explains ex-professional ballerina Meroula Hondrou, (meroulamethod.com) as it addresses both physical and mental wellbeing. Movement has always been a huge part of Meroula’s world. “I know what feels good on the body and the type of movement that really benefits us,” she says. “I have spent a lot of time perfecting this method because I want my clients and students to get the absolute most out of their workouts. After attending many different style classes around London, I came to realise that there aren’t many workout classes that give you both a challenging workout and a mental release. I found myself leaving yoga classes feeling mentally satisfied but wanting more of a challenge and a deeper burn physically, then I would leave strength and cardio classes burnt out and exhausted for the rest of the day. As humans and especially in this time we live in, we all need a release.”
So what can someone expect from a Meroula method class? If you’re envisaging a gentle, laid-back workout, be prepared to roll up your sleeves. The Meroula method aims to really challenge you to your maximum. “I often say throughout the class ‘we’re here to challenge ourselves and to grow’ and I believe this is how we grow; when we step outside of our comfort zones,” says Meroula. “The class is split into three sections - Flow, Sculpt, Release. We incorporate 1.5kg hand weights and sometimes other props such as a Pilates ball and resistance bands for a little added burn. You’ll sweat and burn in places you didn’t know existed but you’ll leave feeling rewarded and satisfied.”
And the wellbeing benefits are copious, from toning, sculpting and elongating the body in a beautiful way, to developing great flexibility. “You’re also working deep core muscles which helps prevent injury and betters your posture,” Meroula adds. “The mind and body are crazily connected - whatever we store mentally will most likely manifest physically. By really connecting to the movement and your body, you’re subsequently giving your mind the release and attention it needs. A lot of my clients and students
