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LAGREE AT THE BOUTIQUE GYM: TRAINING WITH THE MEGAFORMER IN SMALL CLASSES AT SHAPESTY

LAGREE AT THE BOUTIQUE GYM: TRAINING WITH THE MEGAFORMER IN SMALL CLASSES AT SHAPESTY

Looking for a new challenge in your everyday life? Then Shapesty is the place for you. This newly opened boutique fitness studio is bringing the Lagree full-body workout trend, developed in Los Angeles, to Berlin-Mitte. You’ll be training on the so-called Megaformer machines. Megaformer? Sounds like a motto that could define 2024, doesn’t it? Megaformers are machines about the same size as a treadmill but much more versatile. Whether standing, kneeling, lying on your stomach, or on your back, the variety of exercises on these machines, consisting of two static platforms and the sled in the middle, is almost limitless. In addition to the core theme of “resistance”—working your muscles against steel springs—the focus is also on balance, requiring a strong core. Say hello to your abdominal muscles. Unlike other fitness classes, the exercise sequence at Lagree is not fixed but as varied as your muscle groups—whose existence you’ll be aware of once again after the workout.

So, at Shapesty, it means one machine, thousands of exercises, and in small groups. In each session of “high intensity and low impact training,” there are a maximum of eleven other people, ensuring personal support from the international team. All sessions are held in English, adding a bit of a Hollywood feel. If you incorporate the training regularly into your everyday life, you should see and feel the results. Now, you just have to decide whether you’re more of a package or subscription type, or whether you want to take it all in your stride first by trying out the New Client Special. And for that Hollywood feeling, private lessons are, of course, also available.

Text: Maria Mayer / Photos: Leon Hahn

Shapesty, Aaron-Bernstein-Platz 3, 10117 Berlin–Mitte; map
Mon–Fri 7h30–21h15, Sat & Sun 10h30–17h15

@shapesty.berlin

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SOUL COLLECTIVE — YOGA RETREATS, SOUND HEALING & CACAO CEREMONIES

SOUL COLLECTIVE — YOGA RETREATS, SOUND HEALING & CACAO CEREMONIES

If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to do something good for your mind and body, then meditation and yoga might be the right thing for you. Soul Collective offers both and wants to help you integrate mindfulness practices into your daily life. Soul Collective was founded in 2019 by Marianne and Natalie – together they have created a community in Berlin that wants to focus more on our well-being. They offer weekly event recommendations from yoga and meditation to sound healing, breathing exercises and much more. If you want to dive even deeper, you will also find recommendations for yoga teacher training, Reiki courses, sound healing certifications and yoga retreats throughout Europe offered by teachers from Berlin. You can also currently find a selection of retreats curated by Soul Collective on their website – how about a four-day winter yoga retreat in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, for example? Sauna, lovely chats by the fire and walks included! Or the Unplug Retreat in a farmhouse in Portugal with an outdoor pool, unique architecture and white sandy beaches right on your doorstep?

But if you want to take it slow first, you can start with the classes in Berlin, as there are plenty on offer here too. And with their weekly newsletter Soul Sessions, you will be informed about upcoming events and retreats and can also listen to interviews on the topic of mindfulness. So, whether it’s a multi-day retreat or short sessions in Berlin, Soul Collective helps you to take more time for your body and mind by doing the research for you. And who knows, maybe you’ll be sitting on the Atlantic coast of Portugal at the end of May, relaxing by the pool with your book and realize that New Year’s resolutions can also be turned into reality.

Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Casa Da Volta, Elena Bunk, Laura Sequoia from the Soneiro 100hr Meditation Training

Soul Collective

@soulcollective.berlin

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GUTSHAUS FRIEDENFELDE: A HOLIDAY HOUSE ENSEMBLE FOR TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND YOUR NEXT CELEBRATION

GUTSHAUS FRIEDENFELDE: A HOLIDAY HOUSE ENSEMBLE FOR TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND YOUR NEXT CELEBRATION

The possibilities for stylish accommodation in Uckermark have increased: with Gutshaus Friedenfelde, a new holiday destination has just opened. Not far from Gerswalde, in the tiny village of Friedenfelde, Annedore Streyl, and Thomas Rieger have lovingly renovated an 18th-century manor house under monument protection. What has emerged is a refuge that combines authentic elements with an individual color scheme, vintage furniture, and modern art. Strolling through the stylish estate is a feast for the eyes – up to the roof. There are two spacious rooms with ensuite bathrooms and private kitchenettes on the top floor. On the middle floor are two apartments with multiple rooms, each with its own color nuance and character. From small and cozy with single beds to generously sized with direct access to the living bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs. On the ground floor, a perfectly equipped kitchen is next to the spacious dining room, designed for feasting. Before or after, the fireplace room and library invite you to relax. For those in the mood for movement, stepping through the French doors into the garden allows you to enjoy the expansive view.

A short walk around the area inspires you to explore the surroundings thoroughly, as Uckermark is known for its fields, clear lakes, and beautiful forests. The latter are perfect for short hikes – especially during the mushroom season. Returning from nature, the fireplace can be lit, or the fire pit in the garden. So, whether it’s winter or summer days, Gutshaus Friedenfelde is a place for relaxation and gathering throughout the year. The latter is also part of the special approach of the house: in the four apartments, a total of 22 people can stay. From friend gatherings to family celebrations: there is room for everyone. For those with more guests or others who want to come in a smaller group, the choice is the Bergbauernhaus, right next door. The modern wooden construction turns the rustic idea into a modern holiday accommodation with an open kitchen and a small oven. And a sauna next door – open to all guests. To complete the ensemble, the small stone Bergbauernhaus is also being renovated and is intended to make the accommodation for the little ones a unique experience in the future. This is certainly exciting for everyone who wants to celebrate an event at Gutshaus Friedenfelde – it’s perfect for that. The “festive hall” in the main house can be used for ceremonies, extra-long tables, or concerts. The latter are also the focus of the Kalit festival, which will be celebrated here next summer. So: space is there! All that’s missing is life, as you and your entourage. Last but not least, for transparency: we were allowed to design the design, content, and website for the house, and in the end, as part of a team trip, we also “inaugurated” the house together. So, we know what we’re talking about – but of course, we are also biased because we hope for ourselves and the creators that this beautiful project will be a success and provide many people with a wonderful break from everyday life. Any plans for 2024?

Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Sophie Doering

Gutshaus Friedenfelde, Friedenfelde 6, 17268 Gerswalde; map

@friedenfelde

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PICK AND CUT YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE AT WERDERANER TANNENHOF NEAR POTSDAM

PICK AND CUT YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE AT WERDERANER TANNENHOF NEAR POTSDAM

Having a Christmas tree for the festive season has always been a tradition at home. Living in a big city like Berlin, getting a tree wasn’t exactly the most common thing to do. So I was more than excited to finally be able to cut my own tree again this winter. At the Werderaner Tannenhof near Potsdam, there are the classic Christmas stalls (I recommend the ones further back in the field), llamas wander around and you can warm yourself up next to the open fire with “obligatory mulled wine” or stick bread… But the main attraction is – obviously – choosing your own Christmas tree. Walking freely through the field, you can choose from thousands of trees until you have picked your favorite one. Then it’s time to pick up the saw and take your own sledge or wheelbarrow (available on site) back to the market, where your tree will get hand-packed. A small recommendation: Don’t start too late, as there will be no light in the field after 16h… Merry Christmas!

Text & Photos: Sven Hausherr

Werderaner Tannenhof, Lehniner Chaussee 19, 14542 Werder (Havel); map

@werderanertannenhof

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KEEPING COOL THROUGH THE WINTER: GO SWIMMING WITH THE ICE DIPPERS

KEEPING COOL THROUGH THE WINTER: GO SWIMMING WITH THE ICE DIPPERS

What do the ancient Germanic tribes, Wimm Hoff aka The Iceman and our iconic German poet Johann Goethe have in common? They were and are all active advocates of ice bathing. And there are some of these enthusiasts in Berlin too: since 2017, a group has been meeting every Saturday (10h) from November through March to bathe together in the cold water. The collective “dip” into the cold water lasts several minutes. This may seem daring or even bizarre to some, but the tradition has a long established history and brings with it an extensive list of benefits. Just like cold showers, bathing in cold water is said to boost our immune system and is good for our skin and connective tissue. D The low temperatures trigger a kind of shock reaction in the body; adrenaline, endorphins and corticoids are released, which, incidentally, also has a positive effect on mood. So, a regular bath during the dark winter months could actually do all Berliners a lot of good… Taking part is easy: the locations are listed on the Ice Dippers website. If you want, you can also join their Telegram group via a link. Participation is free of charge. However, there is a donation jar, the proceeds of which go to Kältehilfe Berlin.

We started our self-experiment last week on the Regatterufer in Altstalau. Our group leader Jakob started by introducing us to the practice of the “Wim Hof” breathing technique. We then undressed straight away and went for a morning cold kick in the eight-degree Spree. Thanks to the breathing technique, the water was cold, but our bodies were relaxed and awake. At the end there was hot tea, a good contrast for those who wanted to stay for a quick chat or feedback. According to Jakob, around 600 people take part in the Saturday Ice Dippings each season. Refreshed, boosted and in a good mood, we then made our way home to the city center and can most definitely recommend this weekend activity.

Text: Laura Iriondo / Photos: Yulia Roth

@icedippers

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