Out & About July 2017

17 / 60

17
develops cakes using vegetables, including
aubergine and spinach.
I opted for the chocolate torte with aubergine,
which was absolutely delicious and surprisingly
indulgent, given the fact it was technically one
of my five-a-day.
After a chilled hour-and-a-half, I thought I’d
better do something and went over to observe
a class called Methodology X.
As it is a class run solely for women, I was
unable to take part, but I did observe.
Methodology X is a high-intensity workout
created by world-renowned personal trainer
Dan Roberts.
It combines circuits with yoga and has been
used by supermodels and Hollywood stars who
want to tone up and shape up.
The class is only available in the US,
Manchester, London – and now Newbury.
It has quickly become one of Soulstice’s most
popular classes and there is already a waiting list.
Another new experience was awaiting me,
however, as Sandra had signed me up for a
Hatha Yoga class.
The word “hatha” can be translated two ways:
as “willful” or “forceful,” or the yoga of activity,
and as “sun” (ha) and “moon” (tha), the yoga
of balance.
Hatha practices are designed to align and calm
your body, mind and spirit in preparation for
meditation.
I felt self-conscious, but I needn’t have worried.
Ria Ingleby, who took the class, instantly made
me feel at ease and, fortunately for me, there
were two other men there – one of whom had
only tried yoga once before.
Ria is the founder and coach of ‘nourish a
better you’, which endeavours to inspire,
empower and support men and women to
nourish the best version of themselves.
We started with deep-breathing exercises and
Ria explained how we should be kind and look
after ourselves.
Then it was on to the poses. Before the class
I would have thought a ‘baby cobra’ was a half
pint of beer and a ‘sun salutation’ a greeting to
the fireball in the sky.
I found some of the poses a bit difficult,
especially ‘the swan’ I found a bit difficult,
and after an hour-and-a-half I was tired, but
strangely refreshed.
We finished by closing our eyes and breathing
deeply again before Sandra made us a
‘greener colada’ – a smoothie containing kale,
banana and coconut water.
I left Soulstice feeling refreshed, energised and
happy.
“You’ll sleep well tonight,” said Sandra as I
walked out of the door. She wasn’t wrong.
The Old Court House, Newbury Town Hall
Tel: (01635) 47246
Mob: 07880 787 873
Dan Cooper relaxes in the secret café
Gillian Durrant visits
Soulstice Wellbeing