For those fiercely taking on the next phase of their lives, is the Energy Studio’s new Active Legends Programme. With a belief that as we age there is no need to become weaker, this bespoke new programme at Volonté in Kensington that is tailored exclusively towards those aged 55+ and specifically focuses on heart health, strength and mobility to support a positive lifestyle of active ageing.
A pioneer of how fitness can fully support the body in the process of ageing, the studio’s founder Haylene Ryan Causer has curated this inclusive new offering alongside the studio’s weekly Rehab to Recovery sessions. A hybrid of the studio’s signature U360 class which combines cardio, strength and recovery with aerobic workouts that build strength and skill - this new class follows the same format, carefully scaled to cater for all levels.
A boutique studio which hosts up to six people per session, each Active Legends class will be under the careful eye of the instructor in a small group class environment to ensure a risk to injury is low. In addition to this new class, the Energy Studio also offers the Slo Flo Yoga class which encourages older clients to enjoy the yoga experience with slower transitions that focus on balance, mobility and understanding its benefits. The Rehab to Recovery sessions meanwhile focus on particular areas of weakness and over a series of a month aim to strengthen and restore personal areas of weakness.
Haylene shares some expert commentary on the concept of active ageing:
How can an active lifestyle support with ageing well? We cannot reverse the ageing process, we can however slow it down by making changes to minimise the negative aspects. Keeping fit and internally healthy can offset many of the effects of aging. Regular exercise improves balance, contribute to better cognitive function, improve digestion. It’s also a very important part of managing some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Could you describe the type of fitness programme you’d recommend for those in later life? As individuals age at different rates based on their lifestyles, every workout week should include aerobic exercise, strength training, mobility and flexibility. With the U 360 Active Legends, the workouts include all these elements as well as the addition of the addition of the Slo Flo yoga class and Rehab to Recovery programme.
Would you say reset and recovery is a more so important factor to take into consideration for those in later life? Recovery is very important as we age, it includes, sleep, hydration and good nutrition and not just stretching. Taking days between weight workouts for your muscles to replenish their glycogen stores, is important. Recovery also include walking daily to maintain good blood flow.
How can those in later life find the confidence and motivation to kickstart an active aging routine? Getting started is always difficult as one has to get used to new muscular pains and fatigue which normally lessens after 2 weeks. Don’t do too much too quickly and don’t feel pressured to push beyond your level. Join smaller classes where you’re under the eye of an instructor.
How to best prevent and avoid injury when working out in later life? Focus on movement first and improving balance before you starting with any weights. Understand what your limitations are and improve steadily.
Volonté’s Energy Studio has been created from Haylene’s belief that the future of fitness studios revolve around building community-led spaces that draw on deeper human connections. With a vision to create a nourishing social environment to restore, energise and connect, each fluid and restorative workout utilises functional equipment. This includes barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells and bands combined with bikes and rowing machines to offer highly rewarding, purpose-led fitness experiences with tailored workouts and mentorship. With a collective spotlight on nutrition and wellbeing, the studio and café is intrinsically linked, uniting as one with a feel-good menu that supports an effective, full-body workout. Volonté, translating into the French feminine noun for ‘willpower’ - is the realisation of Haylene and her business partner Vidushi Binani, who she has personally trained since the age of 12. It is this personal relationship, combined with their contrasting expertise and ethnicities that inspired the female-duo to create a forward-thinking, inclusive wellbeing space.
Volonté, 299-301 Brompton Rd, London SW3 2DY cafevolonte.co.uk @volonte_energy