Over the past few years, there has been a major spike in wellness habits. After going through the thick of the pandemic and home and work spaces colliding into one, its natural that people want to find an external source for peace of mind and movement. Types of exercise that entail low impact and low cortisol levels have been the result of that public desire. Florence was not left behind as there are several studios throughout the city specializing in yoga, pilates, meditation, and other forms of movement and mindfulness.
Yoga Garage
Taking a class at Yoga Garage (via dei Conti, 22R) is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself. It’s a genuinely immersive yoga experience that leaves you feeling really glad you came. The candle-lit stone studio makes for the perfect backdrop as each of the instructors take special attention to make sure you’re getting the most out of the class. Yoga Garage holds occasional workshops for particular groups of poses as well as meditative sessions, but their main specialty is vinyasa yoga. It’s an approach that encourages a connection between breath and movement. This promises a robust session that leaves you feeling well worked yet serene. By the end of class you can truly “enjoy the fruits of your practice”.
Serena
V_ROOM Studio
Via Porta Rossa 2: I ring the bell for V_ROOM Studio. Up two narrow, dark flights of steps, a wooden door marks the entrance for an hour of personal wellbeing and relaxation consisting of yoga or Pilates exercises (it depends on the day in question). The space is welcoming; the instructors are patient and well-prepared, and the groups are small, three or four people at the most. Time takes on a new pace, the same as one’s breathing. I’m a little rusty after years of inactivity, but my body is happy to be there and even the tiny pains are signs of life. Filled with light and lined with a gorgeous parquet flooring, which must have seen all sorts of parties down the centuries, the rooms now welcome human bodies that escape their daily routines with stretching and previously unimaginable movement. This is today’s real luxury: exercising surrounded by beauty and history, an additional flourish that is good for both body and mind.
Giovanni
V-Room Studio
V-Room Studio
The Spa
Nestled in nearly ten acres of lush greenery, The Spa at Four Seasons Florence (borgo Pinti 99) never ceases to be the perfect getaway to reset the balance between body, mind and soul. Now spa director Lucia Papalini and her team have introduced the holistic Wellness Garden programme surrounded by nature and the centuries of past manifested by the urban Gherardesca gardens. Upcoming dates include Mina Belperio’s HIIT session + (February 18), Fit Karatè with Andrea Palavisini (March 11), FIT Pilates with Giulia Bambi on April 15 and FIT Yin Yoga Meditation with Silvia Moneti on May 13. All the activities (50 euro) are held in the gardens from 11.15 to 12.15am and end with refreshment and the opportunity to use the enticing pool and sauna.
Helen
The 22
The 22 (via de’ Ginori 22) is a gorgeous members’ club with high ceilings that provides a modern and contemporary approach to wellness. Inspired by the ayurvedic philosophies on health, the movement classes and wellness programmes are directed towards helping members adopt holistic and healthy habits to live a physically, mentally and culturally awakened life. This month will see Canadian rhythmic gymnastics champion Emilie Goldblum introduce her workout method Le Stretch, which focuses on toning, strengthening, lengthening and stretching.
