I went to a 7am rave with a DJ and glow sticks in a health food shop

Wales Online

2 days ago

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This wasn't like any rave I've been to before. For a start I set my alarm was set for 5.30am to head down to the Holland and Barrett experience store in central Cardiff.
The health food store is hosting Sunrise Sessions, which claim to energise you with a morning rave, a session of pilates and a nutritious breakfast. The sessions are taking place across the UK and Ireland with hundreds of people getting involved. I headed down to the session held at the Queen Street store to find out what a wellness rave is really like.
Whilst only 45 minutes before my usual wake up call, it felt a lot earlier, but luckily the sun was up which made it easier to get up and going. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here
As I strolled through Cardiff city centre, the morning was quiet and I realised how rare it is to say that I walked past a castle on my way to Pilates first thing in the morning.
Then I was quickly brought back to reality when a man walked by me muttering unwelcome comments and further along the street another man was threatening a shop worker.
However, as I arrived to Holland and Barrett calm was restored and I was met by a DJ playing uplifting songs to rouse everyone awake and ready for the day.
The music left me feeling energised and bringing the feel good vibes with dance and pop songs.
My protein, the supplement brand, had a station where they handed out clear whey protein shakes in lemon and lime and orange and mango. I chose the latter which was tangy and refreshing without the earthy aftertaste I often get with most protein powders.
A dance floor positioned in front of the DJ booth had a sparkly sequin wall, funky glasses and glow sticks to get everyone in the raving spirit.
Everyone was encouraged to take to the dance floor for an early morning boogie which of course I joined it and surprisingly it wasn't the time of day that put me off but the fact I was in my gym gear.
After my protein shake and a protein bar from the snack bowls available, I was ready for the standing Pilates session with instructor Sadie.
Surprisingly, whilst there were 15 people attending we all fit into the wellness studio at the back of the Cardiff store where yoga and Pilates classes are held regularly.
I have attended one of Sadie's yoga classes previously when the store first opened so I was happy she was leading the class this time as I know she is full of energy.
This was my first ever standing Pilates class and I thought 'how hard can it be?' How wrong I was.
I found the class challenging, with my quads feeling the burn during the lunge variations and my shoulders aching as we drew circles with our arms.
There were some balance focused exercises that had me wobbling slightly.
Half an hour of standing Pilates was enough for me and it felt refreshing to start my morning with movement - which is the premise of the Sunrise Sessions.
The sessions are designed to "support mind, body and rest, so people are energised and feel ready to seize the day".
One qualm I did have was that although the event was called Sunrise Sessions, we were inside and the sun had risen before the session started at 7.20am.
After our Pilates class it was back out to the store where the DJ continued playing upbeat tunes and we were treated to a nutritional breakfast buffet with healthy foods, drinks and teas.
With a choice of either Greek yoghurt or vegan coconut yoghurt, an array of toppings including seeds, granola, fruits, spreads and honeys were laid out for us to choose from.
As someone who is a fitness and wellness enthusiast, I enjoyed being in a room with like-minded people with a focus on health and wellness.
I left feeling ready to take on the day and the early morning wake up call was worth it as my mind and body felt relaxed.
Tickets for the Sunrise Sessions cost £10 and attendees left with a goodie bag stocked with Holland and Barrett treats worth of £200.
At the moment, it is uncertain when the Sunrise Sessions will return to the Cardiff store but I'd definitely be up for it again, to start my day feeling uplifted and energised.