How is boutique fitness and ‘luxury wellness’ different?
“Are you staying healthy and happy?” Living in Los Angeles, I am faced with the question of how to measure my health several times a day. A couple next door, a clerk at a juice bar, and even the owner of a local supermarket and regular laundry. Is it because everyone is positive and relaxed thanks to the sunny weather all year round? Whether I’m genuinely curious about my well-being or not, a special interest in ‘Wellness’ is revealed among the questions asked like a greeting.
The word ‘wellness’, which has spread like a fad around the world for half a century, has come and gone countless times, was born as a combination of the words well-being, happiness, and fitness. At first glance, it may seem like a new word, but wellness has been listed in the Oxford Dictionary since the 1650s as the opposite of Illness, and it was only actively used in the 2000s, 350 years later. “The ideal state in which physical, mental, and social health are in harmony”. Dictionary definition of wellness. A multifaceted lifestyle that not only focuses on eating healthy food and taking care of the body, but also becoming an independent object, eating and consuming wisely, playing and sleeping smartly, and leading a pleasant community life. This conscious evolution is accompanied by an understanding of ‘how to make’ rather than just ‘what’.
“To climb the wellness journey, the three elements of a clear sense of purpose, sincerity, and sufficient time must be perfectly and balanced in many ways. It’s hard to do alone. So I called myself a guide.” Liana Levi, founder of Forma Pilates, a go-to celebrity, from Hailey Bieber to Kendall Jenner, Kaia Gerber, Cara Delevingne and Ariana Grande, speaks confidently.
“Three years ago, when the pandemic hit, I bought the Reformer to try out as much exercise as I could at home. I’ve been practicing Pilates for 13 years, but it’s the first time I’ve brought it into my house. I called my close friends for Pilates coaching, sharing a healthy diet, and discussing good nutritional supplements, but somehow it spread by word of mouth. I think the wonderful women needed a comfortable healing space.” Soon after, she set about converting part of her lovely mother’s pool house in a secluded West Hollywood residential neighborhood into a private Pilates studio. Thus, Forma Wellness Club, a boutique fitness that manages wellness in one space, was born.
Kendall Jenner, one of Liana’s outstanding schoolboys, recently shared her wellness diary through her Instagram account. She left a small tip: “Keep a journal to manage your anxiety, meditate by tapping a singing ball to calm your brain waves, or listen to your inner voice to clear your mind.” Also thanks to Liana’s advice. “We want to provide you with information and know-how about all the health conditions that surround us, not just our workout plans, but also our food menu choices, how to deal with the mind and soul, and even tips on our relationships.” Even a Pilates teacher who gives advice on the biggest challenge in life, human relationships!
It is said that it is much more important than the value of wealth, but health can be taken care of wisely if you have money. Customers visiting the Forma Wellness Club are willing to pay much more than the group classes at other Pilates studios for a very understated personal service. Including concierge (valet parking service for security and parking, new sportswear shopping service, beverage service with vegan protein shake and organic cold brew coffee to increase exercise efficiency, etc.) 1:1 private class is $500 per hour , small group classes of two to four students cost more than $100 per person per hour.
At this point, you too will be persuaded. ‘How different is it? Shall I go too?’ Unfortunately, this is not a fitness club that anyone can enter. You can barely take the first class only with the recommendation of two existing members. Even if you have bullets for full preparation, you can’t load them at will. “It’s small, but I’m proud of the 360-degree program with eight great instructors. My goal is to create a space for only a few elites, rather than increasing the size of the business.” As is the case with private membership gatherings in luxury wellness therapy markets like Soho Club, boutique fitness now serves as both a wellness space and a social hub for social status.
The biggest advantage of boutique fitness that I clearly feel is that I can communicate closely with like-minded people about wellness. “I haven’t met anyone who thinks that exercising is terrible. Every customer entering the studio is always in a good mood and walks out. In the process of sweating, I find limits and work hard to help me repeat the challenge. It’s rewarding to share joyful energy.” Roydian Chan, who is responsible for the wellness of professional athletes, fashion models and famous entrepreneurs, continued with a smile.
At Rhoydian’s boutique fitness, which calls themselves ‘wellness partner and fitness trainer’, they check the fine movements to see if they are using their muscles properly, what to eat in the morning, where to buy fresh produce, what concerns they have, and where to travel. You can experience the service and special treatment that completely cares about whether you should go or not. “The great thing about boutique fitness is that it can be ‘customized’. It features a focus on the lifestyle of customers, including nutrition advice and recovery curriculum. We work with a licensed dietitian to develop a personalized nutrition plan and provide meal preparation services. With my strong network of physical therapists and therapists, I help clients achieve the goals they set for themselves.”
Rhoidian says that experiencing various sports and showing energy is the shortcut to a positive and happy life. His passion for fitness led him to earn a degree in kinesiology 10 years ago, and personally study the science of fitness, experimenting with how movement affects health and well-being. “The most detrimental to our bodies is an extreme diet or an extremely restrictive lifestyle. It is important to adapt it to each person’s body and daily life. Our bodies tell different stories, just as we have different lifestyles, innate DNA, hormonal cycles, sleep patterns, and whether we drink or smoke.”
You and my body don’t lie. No pain no gain. Ironically, the other side of the current wellness industry is that it is obsessed with shortcuts. “Programs that guarantee fast results are rampant. Exercises that focus on quantity rather than quality always produce the same results. It’s easy to get hurt or run out of stamina quickly, and you can get off track and miss your target right in front of you.” He rebuked clearly. “Significant relationships with exercise, nutrition, and sleep. Wellness can be summarized in four ways. I teach habits and methods of perfecting little by little in this area. I want to spread the message that counting calories isn’t everything. It’s important to consciously think about what foods to eat, and to have a leisurely time to recover after strenuous exercise. For a happy and healthy wellness journey, sometimes a delicious dinner with friends or a trip with family is the best medicine.”