The Suspense Is Healing Me!

In one of my previous posts I mentioned that I have recently joined up at Inspire pilates, yoga and fitness studio.  If you follow me on Instagram (@victoriasole) then you would have seen that almost every Wednesday I post a new photo of me being either a vampire, bat or scorpion.  

But how am I being a bat, you might ask? Well, one of the classes available at Inspire is Suspension Yoga (by the way, if you're hoping to try it out, I suggest booking ahead as the classes have limited space!).  For a few weeks, my pal Milli and I had been trying to take part, but a combination of 6:30am start and booking far enough ahead meant that it took us a while to get round to it! When we finally did, we were hooked! 

The Vampire

As the description notes, Suspension turns 'everything you know about yoga upside down'. During the hour long class (we actually always run over because it is so fun and we get carried away) we stretch and contort our bodies with the aid of a fabric swing, to further elongate and relax our muscles.  Don't think it's an easy class though, it also improves your strength and balance, and during flow sequences I generally work up a fair sweat! After our second class, Milli and I woke up with extremely sore shoulders and biceps!   

The Scorpion

This 'anti-gravity' class is definitely on my to-do list. I'm not the most flexible person (a year back I could barely touch my toes) but Suspension is for bodies of all abilities and everything can be modified to your limitations.  Inversion Therapy (as the instructor describes it) aids in improving blood flow and circulation, flexibility and joint mobility, as well as giving you the energy boost to set you up for your day ahead! I have also found that it certainly "gets things moving" in terms of the digestive system, which is always a bonus! 

TBH, not sure what this one is called, just looked cool.

Check out Suspension at Inspire, the bonus is all first classes are free! And they have a great, affordable introductory package as well.  I'm sure you'll be hooked soon enough!

V x 

Treats from Sophie...

So this is technically my first 'Restaurant Review' post (I do hope to do a few more of these....food fanatic emerging). I first discovered Sophie's back in 2013, tempted by the promise of delicious, healthy food. I was definitely not disappointed then, and on my more recent visits, they seem to have further expanded their menu and selection. 

A couple of weekends ago I was on The Palm at Riva Beach Club in a last ditch attempt to obtain a tan before the close of summer.  Sophie's cafe is conveniently located within the same building, and so obviously I was going to pop by and grab a tasty treat to complete my Friday Fun.  

If you haven't been to Sophie's yet, it's a little oasis tucked away. At the counter there is a huge display of tantalisingly fresh, natural salads and 'restaurant-grown' wheatgrass ready to be pulverised into a shot for you.  I've previously had breakfast there and delighted in a granola and yogurt bowl, with an organic, freshly squeezed carrot, orange and ginger juice. 

Any way, this particular visit I had something sweeter in mind, and when I approached the large wooden table that displayed around 10 different pastries, cakes, tarts and snack bars, I actually had no idea what I wanted.  Thanks to some help from the staff and (who I think was) one of the owners, I got it down to two options, and then thought 'Hell it's Friday' so got both. 

  

 The first was a pumpkin and chocolate loaf cake.  I was informed it was vegan, gluten and lactose free, but contained some brown sugar. I was also advised to warm it up before tucking in. Oh. My. Word. I have never tasted any cake so moist.  There was even a crunchy crust. I highly recommend getting your paws on this before they change their menu and you can't taste the glory. I'm actually planning on recreating this somehow, will keep you posted on that. 

The second was a pumpkin and coconut tart because basically I will eat anything with coconut in it (I'm thinking because it's coming into Autumn, not that Dubai really has Autumn, they are putting a few pumpkin items on their menu).  This tart was gluten, lactose and sugar free but it was DEEELISH. It was so creamy and the crust was light and flaky. Another highly recommended, especially if you're looking for a slightly healthier option. I was told it was made with mostly coconut milk and pumpkin puree, so basically you could eat it for breakfast! 

Next time I visit Sophie's I'll make sure its for lunch, those salads looked too good to be true! And then I'll leave some room for that pumpkin and chocolate loaf because it's too good to only be eaten once in a lifetime. 

V x  

Fitness Fashion.

Lately I've been noticing just how on trend my fellow yoga-lovers are.  Week in and week out these women (and men!) rock up in the latest gym wear, without looking like you've thrown a highlighter all over them.  So chic and effortless, even when covered in sweat.  It seems that the yoga/pilates community opt for layers, simplicity and ease of movement when picking an outfit to stretch and contort one's body in.  Slightly more stylish that the shorts and baggy t-shirts I was once used to exercising in.  

I took to Pinterest to broaden my horizons with 'fitness fashion' and have confirmed my entire Christmas list...either that or could I please have a sponsorship Nike? 

Follow my Pinterest Board for more fitspo.  Just to get to even more motivated to sweat it out today, I've included some Victoria Secret models. Actually, I'll take Karlie Kloss' bod over a Nike sponsorship any day...

Sleek, long lasting workout gear is worth the investment, but it's wise to choose designs in more basic colours such as black, cream and grey, with a touch of muted tones such as dusty pink or pale aqua.  Longevity of function and style are essential, and comfort is of utmost importance when deciding on items to buy. I'm personally a fan of anything higher waisted to avoid embarrassing 'crack slips' in compromising poses; as well as sports bras that are easy to pull on and off (support is not as high on my priority list, although I've a Victoria Secret sports bra that keeps everything 'jiggle free').  Of course, every now and again I chose to go a little wild and buy leggins with bright prints or bright orange netball shoes (a statement piece if you like), because if you can't wear pink, gold and purple pinstripes with orange trainers when you're exercising, when can you?

V x