Happy Melon Studios: Mindfulness meets exercise

The benefits of meditation and mindfulness are becoming widely accepted in Western culture. And yet they are still seen by most as separate from our physical fitness.

At Melbourne mind and body studio Happy Melon, mindfulness and exercise come together. Here, the core teaching is “get your mind right and the body will follow.”

We headed over to the Armadale-based yoga, pilates and meditation studio to see how this unique approach works in practice.

What’s on offer

Happy Melon offers a comprehensive program of yoga, group meditation practice, pilates and dynamic exercise classes in a boutique environment. Class sizes are small, so the instructors can give personalised guidance to each and every student.

Who is it for?

Anyone looking to learn how they can incorporate the benefits of meditation – greater calm, clarity and patience – into their physical exercise routine. If 60 minutes of personal mediation sounds a tad daunting, ease into it by starting with a dynamic yoga class to get your mind and body working in sync. The wide range of classes caters to differing needs, experience and fitness levels.

How is it different?

Happy Melon takes a holistic approach to mindfulness. They have succeeded in creating a physical space and a teaching style that demonstrate how our state of mind and physical fitness are inextricably linked.

There is an emphasis on recharging and rejuvenating, rather than exhausting yourself with your workout, and a lot of thought has gone into creating the perfect environment for doing just that.

The highlight

Every aspect of a visit to this studio feels like self-care. The stunning space has been thoughtfully designed to instil a sense of calm and the small touches, like silk covered eye masks for meditation, provide a sense of luxury. It feels as though you’re nurturing yourself by just being there.

The lowlight

If you don’t happen to live near Happy Melon, it might be a while before you see this kind of integrated approach at your local gym. In the meantime you may have to continue trekking to separate locations for your yoga, meditation or pilates lessons and do your best to apply mindfulness principles to your own exercise regime.

Would we go back?

Definitely. The studio’s serene surrounds felt calming the moment we stepped through the door. The welcoming staff clearly practice what they preach – being kind to yourself, and taking care of yourself. This idea is something we can all benefit from.

Learn more about the benefits of integrating mindfulness and meditation into your exercise regime at happymelon.com.au