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PILATES WITH NEUKÖLLN VIBES — AUTHENTIC BODY CONTROL FOR PRECISION MOVEMENTS AND FUN INSTRUCTION

PILATES WITH NEUKÖLLN VIBES — AUTHENTIC BODY CONTROL FOR PRECISION MOVEMENTS AND FUN INSTRUCTION

It was the funky logo of Authentic Body Control that drew me in. “I need that!”, I thought, though I had to google what it actually meant. The studio’s inconspicuous facade on Rollbergstraße offered no more clues as to what to expect. But soon enough, I was hooked. With a hip vibe that takes its cue from the logo, Authentic Body Control is part Pilates studio, part club/gym/children’s playground. I say playground because some of the Pilates equipment reminds me of the things I once played with in a sandbox. Like the “snail” (my word, not theirs) which is, I am told, used to strengthen the core. The most well-known Pilates equipment is the “Cadillac” and “Reformer”, which you may know from pictures (or workouts) as couch-like structures featuring loops and resistance elements. Their purpose is to train the musculoskeletal system precisely. Of course a little guidance on the machines is required at first, but it soon becomes easy. It is easier and more precise, in fact, than performing the exercises on the mat. And that’s what Pilates is all about: Precision. Precision and repetition.

I’m guided by Sara, who explains the movements simply and patiently. She offers private lessons and classes for three on the equipment as well as mat-based Pilates in another studio in Kreuzberg. Both can be combined by booking various packages, and the two practices reinforce each other: lessons on the equipment help you perform the exercises better on the mat. Sara also learned acupuncture back home in the USA, which in my case came in useful when identifying my weak points. The class begins with glitter sequins and ends with the “ELDOA” method, a series of minimal movements invented by a French osteopath to create space between the vertebrae. The movements can be difficult to grasp, but are useful in helping with back pain. The exacting precision of Authentic Body Control is lightened by Sara’s very relaxed manner. Maybe it’s her tie-dye shirt, the cups of tea or the glitter slippers you’re given at the beginning of the session? Whatever the secret, it all adds up to good vibes that make me want to come back. That, and getting authentic control over my body, one precision movement at a time…

Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Robyn Steffen

Authentic Body Control, Rollbergstr.24, 12053 Berlin–Neukölln; map

@authenticbodycontrol

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A SPRING OUTING TO BARNIM IN BRANDENBURG — HIKE AND PICNIC AT THE BIESENTHALER BECKEN

A SPRING OUTING TO BARNIM IN BRANDENBURG — HIKE AND PICNIC AT THE BIESENTHALER BECKEN

It’s official: spring is here. As the sun gets stronger and the days longer, you might be feeling your sense of adventure growing and the need to get out and experience the change of seasons. And as nice as a busy Berlin canal might be, it’s not quite the same as a hiking trip to Brandenburg. The best rural routes offer varied landscapes of lakes, meadows and fields (not least because the forests have yet to turn green). This outing takes you to the Barnim nature reserve – or Biesentahler Becken to be precise – which until 100 years ago was used for peat extraction. Today, large areas of peatland are being reclaimed through “rewetting projects” in order to tackle the shortage of groundwater in Brandenburg. Biodiversity benefits from these efforts – as do hikers looking for a green oasis.

We start in Rüdnitz, about an hour northeast of Berlin and easy to reach by regional train and bus. A few minutes walk from there, we arrive at the Langerönner Mühle, an old mill that has been taken over by nature. Meadows, puddles and bogs abound, and if you’re attentive you’ll discover a beaver dwelling or two. Very lucky walkers might even see a kingfisher. When you reach the shore of Hellsee, we recommend a picnic on the sunny shore (bring a blanket to avoid getting wet clothes). If the spring weather is conducive, you can even take a first dip in the lake. Hellsee is connected with Wandlitzsee and Liepnitzsee, and is clear and clean. Now it’s time for trees as you return to Rüdnitz through idyllic, rolling woodland. There is no question that Berlin has a lot to offer, but the close proximity of Brandenburg with its lakes, forests, nature reserves and quaint villages is a real gift. So go escape the hustle and bustle of the big city – and if you still miss the buzz of the Landwehrkanal, you can still spend the evening with a pizza and Aperol on its banks. You’ve got to make the most of those long days, after all… 

Text & Photos: Laura Iriondo

You can view the route online here.

@fortuna.forest

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THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED HOLIDAY APARTMENTS A STONE’S THROW FROM THE LAKE — SOMMERFRISCHE UCKERMARK

THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED HOLIDAY APARTMENTS A STONE’S THROW FROM THE LAKE — SOMMERFRISCHE UCKERMARK

Three women, one vision and crystal-clear water. That is the trinity that makes the Sommerfrische Uckermark holiday apartments so special. Good friends Olga, Nicole and Gitti came up with the idea of acquiring a place in the country where they could unwind and invite their friends. After a long search, they found a small farmhouse that had been built in the early 1900s and subsequently extended. It wasn’t much of a looker, but it had lots of potential. Well located in the small village of Warnitz and linked by public transport, the house backs onto the Oberuckersee lake. The trio turned it into three separate “zones”: a building with self-contained flats, a holiday house and a small studio. The whole project took them two years and lots of effort, inspiration and vintage furniture finds. Now the three pals each have their own apartment complete with living and sleeping areas, kitchens and bathrooms. The garden at the front and the conservatory at the back are shared, letting them hang out among the plants in wicker chairs and hammocks. The property is big enough to invite the extended family or have a yoga session with friends – and that’s where you come in, because the apartments can be rented.

Each of the three flats has its own charm. Their backgrounds in the arts mean Olga, Gitti and Nicole have an eye for unique furniture and vintage finds with backstories. This is reflected in the two-storey holiday home, which sleeps up to four. Whether you spend your stay working at the small desk on the ground floor, cooking with friends in the open-plan kitchen or enjoying the fresh air on the large balcony, this place is built for lingering. For those traveling alone or as a pair, the small studio is perfectly suited. Whichever flat you pick, one thing’s for sure: you won’t have to carry your beach towel or SUP very far, given the proximity of the reed-lined waters of Oberuckersee. I visited this place in all seasons and can confirm that it is charming whatever the weather (think autumn walks in the countryside and winter nights ensconced in front of the fire). That said, this year I want one thing only: to enjoy the summer freshness that only the Uckermark can offer.

Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Kerstin zu Pan

Sommerfrische Uckermark, Lindenallee 52, 17291 Oberuckersee/Warnitz; map

To enquire about staying you can send an email request.

@sommerfrische_uckermark

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A UNESCO SITE IN SOUTH WEST BERLIN — RIVERSIDE WALK ALONG THE HAVEL TO PFAUENINSEL

A UNESCO SITE IN SOUTH WEST BERLIN — RIVERSIDE WALK ALONG THE HAVEL TO PFAUENINSEL

This riverside walk takes you along the banks of the Havel in the south-west of Berlin. The route is lined with historical highlights, palaces and parks which comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s worth visiting whatever the season. The walk starts at Glienicker Brücke, which is easy to reach by S-Bahn and bus. Running along the shore, the route follows the Mauerweg in the direction of the Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island). It takes in the Schloss Glienicke palace with its neoclassical park, views of the picturesque church at Sacrow across the water, and the historic Blockhaus Nikolskoe that offers an opportunity to stop for a bite to eat. You end up at Pfaueninsel, an island with World Heritage status that can be reached by ferry. Once there you can explore the island and its palace, spotting the beautiful peacocks as you go. When you’re ready for a break, head back to the beer garden on the mainland and enjoy the views of the island and river. The second part of the walk continues directly along the shore, taking you through beautiful forests until you reach Wannsee S-Bahn station. An easy route on well-maintained riverside and forest paths, the tour is 10 km long and can be completed comfortably in 2 to 3 hours. Just what sunny Sunday afternoons are made for…

Text & Photos: Nils Weichert

Pfaueninsel, 14109 Berlin–Wannsee; map
You can find the starting point here.

@waldbaden.berlin

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DESERT RETREATS AND KREUZKÖLLN WORKSHOPS — ESCAPE AND LEARN WITH KAILO NATURE THERAPY

DESERT RETREATS AND KREUZKÖLLN WORKSHOPS — ESCAPE AND LEARN WITH KAILO NATURE THERAPY

As much as we love Berlin and the hustle and bustle of the big city, every now and then we need some time out – whether that’s out in the wide world or right here in town. Olivia, founder of Kailo Nature Therapy and certified asystemic nature therapist, offers just that. Her retreats and workshops take place all over. If you’re in the mood for a change of perspective and temperature, then perhaps a little time out between desert and sea in Egypt is in order. Journey to Yourself (15–22.03.2023) is a retreat that will offer you space to connect with your outer nature – your body – as well as your inner nature. Working with fellow attendees but also individually, you will dive into themes that have been present in your life, consciously or unconsciously, for a long time. Besides this, the trip offers the opportunity to simply get away from the stresses of everyday life for a few days. Together you will spend two nights in the desert and four more in a private villa with a pool where you participate in daily sessions from meditation and breathwork to a practice known as Systemic Constellations. Snorkelling in the ocean, dancing in nature and cooking together are also part of the program, as is 1:1 guidance.

If Egypt is too far for you, Olivia also offers online, indoor and outdoor workshops in Berlin. From a Kreuzköllner loft she helps you explore earth, water, air and fire around and within you at the 4 Elements Research Club. Various workshops offer activities around art, music or handicrafts (for example working with clay). No matter how and where, escaping the stress of everyday life in the city for a while and connecting with nature is always a good thing, a view Olivia shares.. Now based in Berlin, she grew up in a small town surrounded by forests, fields and meadows and so understands the positive effect of nature on our wellbeing. Today, Olivia offers a wide range of services around the subject – from events and retreats to 1:1 coaching and team development courses. Whether you see these offerings as a kind of therapy, coaching or spiritual journey is up to you – one thing you won’t find at these retreats is categorization.
Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Alina Asmus

Journey to Yourself retreat in Egypt
15–22.03.2023

4 Elements Research Club workshop
19 & 26.02.2023

@kailonaturetherapy

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