It’s the first month of a new year and a new decade. All across our city, people are making New Year’s resolutions. Most will revolve around a healthier lifestyle, changing their intake of certain food and alcohol. Many of these will prove unrealistic and some will be very short-lived. After all, with such an irresistible nightlife offering here on the South Coast, why punish yourself by missing out? If there is one positive change or ethos that can be adhered to for now and well into 2020, then surely taking some time out to focus on a new exercise and prudence regime, is it. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about Revitalise, Brighton and Hove’s premier exercise studio.
Just before all of the festive rush kicked in, I was fortunate enough to experience the very best of Revitalise in the form of a Pilates class, a Yoga class and a 90 minute massage. That trio of options sit alongside a plethora of other treatments and classes on the menu over on Western Road. All of these can be utilised under one roof, across two floors on the Brighton and Hove border: 6 types of yoga, 10 types of massage, 8 types of beauty treatments (I didn’t indulge in any of these, but who knows what the future may bring) and if you’re a therapist or instructor of any kind there is the option to hire one of several beautifully kitted out rooms. The people behind Revitalise pride themselves on this freedom of choice; manager Hannah Lee explains, “You can come to us for multiple things, rather than dotting about the city trying to tick all boxes. We offer the very best in beauty, massage and classes, 7 days a week.”
The two classes (Yoga and Pilates) are full, particularly pleasing because both take place on a Friday evening, prime pub time; the only slight disappointment is that on both occasions I’m the only male.The only thing I can conclude from this, rather simplistically, is that all of the men out there who play traditionally male-dominated team sports haven’t yet fully realised the benefits of this world of exercise. As an amateur footballer of some twenty plus years, I can put my (aching) neck on the line and say without a doubt the stretching, holding and flexing on show in both of these classes did wonders for both my hamstrings and general lack of elasticity. Committing to one of the many class bundles Revitalise have to offer will improve this notion tenfold; real change and a drastic impact on your lifestyle can be seen over time through both disciplines. Their strap-line reads RELAX – UNWIND – REVITALISE. A philosophy worth sticking to.
The Yoga offers a chance for mindfulness, the Pilates will test your core strength and there is also scope to switch off from the busy Brighton world here. Sandwiched in between the two hours’ worth of exercise I partook in, came a 90 minute massage. Complete with a 30 minute consultation to begin with, to identify any pain points and on-going niggles. Of course there were quite a few to discuss (we all have them, don’t we?) before the treatment started.
You’ll be in good hands; my therapist was the best I’ve ever had. All of the geriatric moans and groans were homed in on and I came away with some expert advice on how to look after myself. As well as feeling relaxed and springy.
Revitalise is welcoming, accessible and professional. There is also such a wide variety of offerings that I would recommend going as a couple, or with friends. My plus-one for both the classes also pops down for regular pampering. And possibly the best thing about it, once you’ve bounced out of the door onto the high street, you feel like you’ve earned a pint. Or was that just us?
Thank you to Hannah and all of the brilliant therapists and instructors at Revitalise. Start your 2020 in the right way and take advantage of the following: 90 minute massage for the price of 60 minutes for new clients; unlimited monthly Pilates and Yoga for £85, no strings attached; a loyalty card which gives you £20 off every time you spend £200. Revitalise is located at 123a Western Road, BN3 1DB.
