Here is my 7th article on this topic, which has now become a regular feature focused on fitness, well-being, and body maintenance. It’s true that this is a subject I find important in my everyday life and one I want to share with you.
Here is my new little selection of tips for fitness, sports, and wellness in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, but that’s not all…
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Armelle from the blog Mocassin serre-tête for this lovely photo of me, taken during a wonderful yoga session on the beach, during my short weekend in La Baule.
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Table of Contents
Adityam, yoga, massages, and wellness getaways
Committed to a path of spiritual and personal development, Alexandra Grayo (masseuse) and Stéphane Colliège (yoga teacher and herbalist) had the idea of combining their talents to create Adityam.
Adityam offers the chance to discover the benefits of yoga, body treatments, and a balanced vegetarian diet in 3 different ways:
- In Paris, where Stéphane hosts dynamic yoga classes (Vinyasa Yoga) for all levels, which I was able to test at the Espace Sattva in the 9th arrondissement, and where Alexandra provides customized massages that are relaxing, toning, or energizing depending on your current needs.
- In companies, during seminars and events.
- During “turnkey” retreats in France or abroad.
Practical Information:
- Group Vinyasa Yoga class for all levels, Thursday evening from 7 PM to 8 PM / price €19 per session, €12 for a trial class / 5-class card for €80
- Thai oil or traditional massages at home / 60 minutes from €80, 75 minutes from €95, 90 minutes from €110
ADITYAM - Yoga & Massages_
I tested Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a discipline of Japanese origin that consists of a sequence of deep, rhythmic pressures, exerted mainly by the practitioner’s thumbs. This sequence follows the energy flows that run through the body (the same meridians that are targeted in acupuncture, if you are familiar with it).
The goal of Shiatsu is to promote well-being and a better physiological and mental balance. Ultimately, it is very close to the philosophy of yoga, in the way I personally practice it.
Some sessions can have a relaxing aim where the body releases tension, while other sessions may focus more on energizing the body.
It was Denis, a certified practitioner in traditional and therapeutic Shiatsu from the School of Therapeutic Shiatsu, and in reflexology from the School of Spas and Institutes, who allowed me to experience my first Shiatsu session. Unfortunately, he currently only works in hospitals and clinics, so it is unlikely you will be able to benefit from his practice, but there are many other practitioners of this discipline in France.
My opinion: Shiatsu is a good solution to find answers to the imbalances, fatigue, and disconnection induced by city life, whether it’s the frantic race against time, long working hours, pollution, excesses, or simply temporary stress.
Denis Juillière
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Therapeutic Hypnosis
When Céline suggested I discover therapeutic hypnosis through a test session, it was mostly my curiosity that pushed me to do it, rather than the need to solve a specific problem at the start.
However, by starting the session and talking with Céline, a specific subject and a precise problem immediately surfaced, without even having thought about it consciously before the session. I naturally oriented myself towards what was weighing on me, to lighten my mind of overly heavy daily tensions.
In the end, I mostly had a simple question that we all ask ourselves (I imagine) when we have never experienced this: “what is the state of hypnosis?”. I think I expected something particularly spectacular, whereas I realized that it is a state I had already experienced hundreds of times.
When I practice yoga and I am in a phase of meditation or relaxation, I am in a state of hypnosis in a way; when I watch a movie in the cinema and I am absorbed in the story, I am in a state of hypnosis; same when I read a book or a comic. Ultimately, this state is not a state of unconsciousness but a state of deep consciousness, or mindfulness as it is called in yoga.
I therefore found it to be an interesting and enriching experience regarding the knowledge of how my own mind works in the end. However, to solve a specific problem, I think it is necessary to have several sessions to really see the effectiveness of the method.
The tip: -€10 on the 1st session for my readers (by saying you come on my behalf).
Céline Spreux 13 rue de trévise 75009 Paris celine.spreux@hypnotrip.fr Tel: 07 60 06 81 47 appointments Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 PM to 8 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM Price: €90
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Tryndo
Tryndo
offers a new way to train and practice sports in Paris, through a pass allowing you to do sports all over Paris in an unlimited way and without commitment in various gyms, for €99 per month (or €49 for 4 classes per month)!
The site gathers numerous Parisian studios where you can practice disciplines as diverse as Yoga, Cross-Fit, Pilates, Boxing, Aquabiking, or even Salsa!
Once registered on the Tryndo site, you have unlimited access to all classes available in the studios featured in the offer. During one month (the pass, without commitment, renews monthly), you can test all the activities you want (with a maximum of 3 classes in the same studio).
For my part, it was the opportunity to test the Hot Flow Yoga (cousin of Bikram) at the Bikram Rive Gauche studio. It was a very intense practice and not one I would do regularly, but it was the opportunity to test this discipline precisely.
For a little game, I am practicing in this photo… Will you find me? Yes, I am inventing the game “Where is Melle Bon Plan?”
The tip: with the promo code MELLEBONPLAN you get -€20 on the unlimited Pass and -€10 on the 4 classes/month pass, for the first two months.
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Everyday emotional harmony with Bach Flowers
The idea behind Bach Flowers is to create a combination of several flowers to manage stress and anxiety (a recurring concern of mine, as you will have understood), according to one’s worries.
There are now several brands around this name, but the original brand, the one that is the heir to Dr. Edward Bach‘s work, is Fleurs de Bach® Original.
A product to test: Rescue sweets to regain balance and a certain serenity.
The Famadem laboratory, originating from the first homeopathic pharmacy created in 1860, which worked with Dr. Edward Bach, has been distributing the 38 Original Bach Flowers prepared in compliance with the originally developed manufacturing rules for over 90 years.
Nelsons, another English brand of the Famadem laboratory, offers a range of 4 natural creams adapted to all needs: treating bumps and bruises, muscle tension, redness, heavy legs, dry skin, insect bites, …
- Arnica cream, the daredevil, for bruises and edema
- Arnica gel, the sporty one, for muscle tension, tired legs, …
- Calendula cream, the gentle one, for dry, fragile skin, for irritations, …
- Tea Tree cream, the purifying one, for skin imperfections, redness, insect bites, …
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Pharma Nord Nutritional Supplements
Pharma Nord
is a company offering high-end nutritional supplements supported by scientific studies in this field (e.g., the Q-SYMBIO study, the KISEL study, two of the largest studies conducted on coenzyme Q10).
Coenzyme Q10 is close to a vitamin and is essential for cellular energy metabolism. The one present in Pharma Nord products is 100% natural and identical to the one produced in the liver (the raw material comes from cultured yeast).
- My test of the Zymbion Q10 Gingival Paste (€13.96)
This blue, peppermint-flavored paste is made for problems with gingivitis and bleeding gums (problems I know only too well, unfortunately; I think I must be my dentist’s best client, seeing her so often…). It helps to regain a healthy oral microflora, reduce the presence of bacteria causing cavities, and the risk of gum bleeding.
It must be applied directly to the gum, either by means of a toothbrush (after brushing normally) or directly with the finger, using circular movements, to massage the gums. And you should not rinse after application. It leaves a fresh taste in the mouth but not unpleasant.
For my part, I’ve got into the habit of doing it in the evening before going to bed, but I don’t recommend this practice if you intend to kiss your boyfriend (or girlfriend) when going to bed… Blue gums aren’t exactly glamorous…
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The Run & Cheese Notebook
This gourmet notebook aims to reconcile foodies and sports enthusiasts by offering a 4-week program to get back in shape and learn to make light recipes based on cheese.
Well, as for me, I will admit that I don’t run (except, of course, to catch the bus, not to be late for an appointment, or just because I hate wasting time), but I eat a lot of cheese… That’s a good start, right?…
On the program: get into running at your own pace with increasing running sessions, beauty and relaxation tips, light recipes based on cheese, sports exercises,…
Little bonus, all the drawings in the notebook were made by Angéline Mélin
The tip: this program is totally free and the notebook is available for free download from July 1st to December 31st, 2016, right here.
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The Quejadore Box
The women’s webzine Quejadore has been offering beauty, wellness, and culture boxes for almost 1 year, each containing 6 items from themes with a Parisian spirit: organic products, cosmetics, accessories, geek gadgets, or decor, cultural assets, surprises, and bonuses.
To fit the theme of this article, I discovered the Tonique Box, to prepare for the coming summer (one day, perhaps in another galaxy…) and to start the summer period (no, but I assure you it exists!) with energy, everyone has their own preferences.
On the program: a Marilou organic shower gel with citrus fruits (value €7.50), an Avril apricot gloss (value €3), a slimming suction cup (you should have seen my face when opening the box, I wondered for several minutes what that thing could be…) modeling and defibrosing (value €21), quite a program, Anémone hair pins (value €5.50), a Skincard sticker to personalize your credit card (value €5) and a small book “abs and glutes” by Marabout (value €5.99), an album by Romain Pinsolle (value €3).
Like all boxes, the problem remains that even if there are some very nice things, there are always others that we will likely never use, but hey, you have to assume that a box is made for making discoveries.
Price: €24.90 (for a real value of €50.99)
The tip: with the promo code Mademoisellebonplan10% you get -10% discount on any type of purchase (the “feet in the water” box and subscriptions) from July 10th until September 1st, 2016.
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A new Decathlon in the 19th
Decathlon has just opened a brand new store in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. This 5th Parisian store (the biggest!) is located on Boulevard Macdonald, in the Rosa Parks district and complex, and therefore offers residents of the north of the capital 4600 m2 dedicated to sports and well-being.
If I tell you about Decathlon, it’s because it’s obviously an essential brand when you want to get equipped without breaking the bank.
I am also taking this opportunity to continue my game “Where is Melle Bon Plan?” to reward those who read this article to the end (bravo!) and to give you a little zoom on my beautiful posture during a Bikram Yoga session. This intense effort was also an opportunity to test the Decathlon cardio sports bra, a perfect element for that practice.
Decathlon Rosa Parks 203 Boulevard Macdonald, 75019 Paris
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PHARMA NORD COMPETITION:
To end this article well, I am offering with Pharma Nord the chance to win 1 box of C. L. A. Slimming Duo (value €19.95), a nutritional supplement as a slimming aid to firm up the body and eliminate excess fat.
To participate, just leave a comment below this article by giving me your health, fitness, and wellness tips or advice.
A random draw among the answers to this question will designate the winner of the prize! Good luck to everyone.
Rules:
– Competition limited to Metropolitan France
– +2 chances if you are a fan of the Pharma Nord France Facebook page; +1 chance if you are a fan of the blog’s Facebook page; +1 chance if you follow the blog’s Twitter page; +1 chance if you follow the blog’s Hellocoton page; +1 chance if you follow the blog’s Instagram page; +1 chance for each share of the article (don’t forget to leave your usernames in your comment if you want to benefit from extra chance(s))
– 1 entry per IP address
– Competition start date Tuesday, July 5th, 2016 – competition deadline Saturday, July 16th, 2016 and result the next day on the blog in an edit of this article.
EDIT of July 19th, 2016:
Following the random draw, I announce that the winner of the prize is Cathy.
Congratulations to you, I will quickly contact you by email so that you can give me your contact details.
Photo credits: Mocassin serre tete and Melle Bon Plan
