Be Well

I see RW and KT, two neighbours in their 70s, walking every day. It must take a huge amount of physical and mental effort on their part. They both have osteoporosis and are so stooped that they walk with their eyes looking straight to the ground. Its pretty devastating. They could easily live another 10 or 15 years like this. To be honest, I’m personally terrified of such a future.  But they are not alone. In Australia, we are facing a bone health crisis. Over 6 million of us have poor bone health and, if you’re over 45, you’re officially in the crosshairs.  So here is the no-holds-barred truth about what’s happening to your frame and how to fix it before the cracks start showing. The Triple Threat: Osteo-What? Most people conflate or confuse these three, but they are very different beasts. Osteopenia –  Your bone density is lower than it should be. It doesn’t hurt, but the foundations are thinning. Osteoporosis – Your bones are now porous and fragile. A simple trip or even a heavy sneeze could cause a fracture. Osteoarthritis – This is an active disease process causing cartilage, or ‘shock absorbers’, to break down, leading to that bone-on-bone grinding and inflammation. ​All three conditions are on an upward trajectory in Australia In 2023, 6.2 million Australians aged 50 and older (67% of that age group) had poor bone health, in the form of osteoporosis and osteopenia. This was a 34% increase over the last decade, and is projected to reach 7.7 million by 2033.  Men are the fastest growing group aged 50 – 69 years. Around 2.1 million people (8.3%) were living with osteoarthritis in 2022,  a number expected to reach 3.1 million by 2040. Why Is this happening to Us? It’s not just bad luck. Australia’s prevalence is skyrocketing because: The Big FadePost-45, oestrogen and testosterone—the hormones that guard your bones—start to dip. Without them, your body breaks down bone faster than it builds it. The Comfort TrapWe sit too much. Your bones are smart; if you don’t put weight on them, they decide they don’t need to be dense, and they start to shed bone mass. The Gravity GapIf you aren’t lifting heavy things, your bones aren’t receiving the “stay strong” signal. Essentially, modern life is engineering the strength right out of us, unless we actively intervene and take action. The Be Well Battle Plan We can’t stop the clock, but we can absolutely refuse to crumble. If you want to keep your world big, your spine straight, and your passport stamped, you need to take action. It really is as simple as that.   1. Eat Like a Structural Engineer Your bones need raw materials. Calcium is Non-Negotiable: You need 1,300mg a day. That’s 3–4 serves of dairy, sardines, or fortified alternatives. Note: Get it from food, not pills. Supplements can spike your levels too fast and miss the mark; food delivers it exactly how your bones like it. Vitamin D is the Site Manager: You can eat all the calcium in the world, but without Vitamin D, it won’t get delivered to the bones. Get your levels checked; most Melburnians are deficient by July. 2. Lift Heavy Sh*t Walking is great for your heart, but it’s meh for your bones. To build density, you need Progressive Resistance Training. You need to lift, push, and pull weights that actually feel heavy. This creates the “micro-stress” that forces your bones to harden. 3. Respect the Inflammation If you have Osteoarthritis, stop powering through the pain with Ibuprofen. Lose that spare tyre: Every 1kg you lose takes 4kg of pressure off your knees. Join the Resistance Your skeleton is alive, adaptable, and capable of getting stronger at any age. Our HUR equipment is engineered for safe gains, as each exercise is isolated. But the next step, the gold standard, is to master compound movements using free weights. It is crucial to understand that strength is a skill. That’s exactly why we’ve launched our Bone Vitality Program. Our physios will teach you how to lift, tailoring the load and the technique to your specific frame. To ensure the Program is right for you, it begins with your Bone Vitality Assessment. See more information below and our website.  Bookings are open now for our small group Bone Strength classes. Tell everyone!  Tell your partner, friends, and colleagues. This is one health story that needs to be shared. Not later. Not next year. Now. Your body will thank you for it, and you will thank your body. See you at Be Well again soon.  Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousIssue #151 I stopped asking ‘how’ and started asking ‘why Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

In my 20s, 30s and even 40s, health was often about the ‘How’ – how to run faster, how to look a certain way, how to grab some personal space or how to fit a workout into a chaotic schedule of motherhood, family and work.  But as I stepped into my 50s and 60s, the conversation shifted. Suddenly, it was not just about the how; it was about the ‘Why’. I see it every day at Be Well. The members who thrive have anchored their health to a purpose that goes deeper than a New Year’s resolution or a quick fix. Why your ‘Why’ matters for your health and longevity The window for radical life extension is still wide open in our 40s and 50s! According to Stanford Medicine (2026), we lose about 10% of muscle strength each decade after 50. Their latest research into gerozymes – enzymes that regulate muscle aging- suggests that while science is catching up, the best ‘medicine’ remains consistent, purposeful movement to protect your metabolic independence. Meta-analysis of 2 million people published by UNSW Sydney in 2025, demonstrated that managing five key health markers (blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, smoking status, and blood sugar) by age 50 adds an average of 14.5 years of life for women and 11.8 years for men.  Precision, not pressure We are moving away from one-size-fits-all fitness. Now, it’s about intelligence over intensity. Why now? Because we finally have the tools to personalize health without the burnout. No more stressful biohacking, chasing complex metrics, high-tech tracking and self ‘surveillance’. The new field of Neurowellness shifts the goal from peak performance to listening to our bodies and nervous system regulation, rather than hitting data points alone. Purpose is a biological shield A landmark 2025 study from UC Davis found that individuals with a strong sense of purpose have a 28% lower risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia. Purpose acts as a buffer, helping the brain stay resilient even against genetic risks. A study led by Dr. Aliza Wingo followed 13,000 adults over 15 years. They found that those with a high sense of purpose (their ‘Why’) had a 28% lower risk of developing cognitive impairment. Crucially, the research showed that purpose actually builds cognitive reserve, allowing the brain to remain resilient even in the presence of genetic markers for Alzheimer’s. Community is the new super nutrient UNSW Sydney also released another breakthrough study last year showing that strong social bonds slow aging at a cellular level. Loneliness isn’t just a feeling; in 2026, it’s recognised as a primary driver of biological aging and is as hard on the heart as smoking.  Choosing a place like Be Well in Hawthorn isn’t just about the equipment; it’s about having a restorative sanctuary, about being known and supported by a team, your neighbours and friends. Places like Be Well are no longer just gyms; they are hubs for nervous system safety. Being part of a genuine community provides the social super nutrient that a solo home workout simply cannot replicate. How to Find Your ‘Why’ If ‘getting fit’ feels too vague, try these strategies to narrow your focus 1. The ‘5 Whys’ technique Ask yourself a health goal, then ask ‘Why?’ five times to get to the root.  Goal: I want to improve my mobility.  * Why? To reduce back pain.  * Why? To stay active on weekends.  * Why? To go hiking with my kids.  * Why? To be the fun grandparent who isn’t stuck on the sidelines.  * The Real Why>: Legacy and connection. 2. Prioritise the micro Science shows that small, consistent movements, what researchers call ‘habit friction reduction’, are more effective than occasional hour long grinds. Find a ‘Why’ that makes a 10 minute walk at lunchtime feel like a treat, not a chore. In 2026, I have turned all my Friday meetings into phone calls so I can walk and talk. It all adds up! 3. Come to a Tomorrow Party, held regularly at Be Well, where you can explore your Why and Purpose in a supportive community (next one coming up on Thursday 19 February!) Your Next Step Whether it’s staying sharp for your career, being present for your family or simply feeling at home in your body again, there has never been a better time to start or just keep going.  Your ‘Why’ is the engine; we are your fuel.  See you again at Be Well soon! Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousIssue #150  Beyond Willpower: How to stay motivated for life Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

The AO finals weekend heralds the last days of the summer holidays here in Melbourne. Last week I wrote about not sweating (pun intended!) physical losses will enjoying the holidays⸺your muscle memory is still going strong! The same goes with why you committed yourself to being healthy, strong and well in the first place. Despite the millions of self help books and podcasts on willpower and motivation, I have personally found that I only need to ask myself one simple question: Am I worth the care and attention I give to my health and wellbeing each day? My answer is a resounding “Yes!” Not only is my health and wellness an enduring gift to myself, it is the most significant gift I can give my children and grandchildren. The ideas below are ways to ensure we don’t fall off the inevitable cliff of motivation and stay on track. But finding your Why is the most motivational thing we can do. The 6-Week Cliff Did you know that 73% of people abandon their fitness goals before the 6-week mark? Behavioural data shows the ‘motivation cliff’ usually hits around day 42, when initial excitement fades and routines start to feel like chores. How to avoid falling off the cliff?  Its not about willpower. Rather, it’s about aligning your mind with your body. Reducing the friction between out intention and behaviours. About reaching the state of effortless action. When moving, working out, eating properly, sleeping well, nourishing our relationships⸺all the elements of Health&Wellbeing⸺flow easily and naturally. Exercise relieves stress Recent 2026 Gallup data reveals a powerful difference gender difference: women who move daily are 20% less likely to report high stress.   Hot Tip: On your busiest days, don’t see a Pilates workout, a yoga class, a 30 minute walk, as ‘time you can’t afford’. Moving is your most effective tool for achieving mental clarity and emotional resilience. Engaged minds are growing minds A 2024 report in the German Journal of Sports Medicine found that motor-cognitive challenges are superior for brain engagement compared to repetitive tasks.   Hot Tip: Do a yoga or Pilates class. Stand on one leg while washing the dishes. Add skips to your walk. Identity is Power As James Clear documents in Atomic Habits, the deepest change is identity-based.  When you adopt an identity, habits that support that identity  follow naturally.   Hot Tip: Own your ‘health identity’ itle! Tell friends, “I’m an  athlete”. ‘I am a health-fanatic.’  “I’m a Be Weller”. Tracking for accountablity A 2025 University of Bath study found that combining step tracking with a daily mindfulness program led to an average increase of 373 minutes of activity per week. Connect external data to internal rewards.  Hot Tip: Celebrate micro-victories. When you’ve completed a class, a walk, completed 5 ‘sit-on-ground; stand-ups’, declare victory before moving on. Feel the endorphin-hit. Are you ready to beat the 6-Week Cliff? What is one small identity shift you’ll make this week?  Here’s to staying younger, healthier and happier! Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousGood news: Your hard work hasn’t evaporated Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

Whenever I come back home from a holiday I tend to procrastinate about returning to my old routines. I guess I just want to hold onto that feeling of freedom and relaxation as long as possible. I’m sure I’m  not alone in this! As you start back on your daily and weekly routines,  you might find yourself asking questions like:How much of my hard-won gains leading up to the holidays have a lost?Wonderful to hang out with family & friends, eating and drinking, chilling with a book, watching the tennis, but how far have I gone backwards? The short answer? A lot less than your guilty conscience might be telling you. I’ve done a bit of digging into the science of “detraining,” and the news is surprisingly good. While you might feel a bit sluggish during that first session back, that sensation is mostly just the ‘rust’ of inactivity. Raw strength and muscle mass are resilient, sticking around for anywhere from two to four weeks without any stimulation. Your cardio endurance (or “engine”) will likely have dipped —our blood volume drops quicker than our strength—but it bounces back remarkably fast once you start moving again. So, if you feeling a bit flat and rusty, your body just needs to wake up. Your hard work hasn’t evaporated. In fact, that break might have been exactly what your body needed to fully recover and recharge. So whether you’ve been at the beach, visiting family or were just taking a break from your daily self-care routine, here are four proven ‘Wake Up’ strategies that I personally use to get back on track. 1. Send Yourself an Identity Signal In habit research, missing one day is just a blip. Missing a few in a row? That is the start of a new habit of not exercising.Your goal right now isn’t a personal best; it’s to remind your mind who you are: “I am a Be Weller. I am a person who takes good care of my miraculous body.“  The Fix. Simply lower the bar. Aim for a 10-minute stretch, a brisk walk rather than a stroll, perhaps just 5 squats. Moving your body re-installs that ‘athlete’ identity while being gentle enough to wake up your system without causing injury. 2. Aim for Effortless Action The biggest barrier to returning isn’t your muscles; it is the mental weight of facing a grueling 50-minute session. The very idea creates resistance and friction. The mind starts doing what it does best—trying to negotiate: ‘Not today,’ ‘Too soon,’ ‘I’m not ready.’  The Fix: Adopt the 5-minute rule. Commit to just 5 minutes of movement. This forces you to put on your gear and get out the door, perhaps just for a walk, or better yet, to show up at your Be Well class. Give yourself full, guilt-free permission to stop after 5 minutes. You did what you committed to! Most likely, once you break through that initial resistance, effortless action kicks in and you’ll naturally keep going, this time for 10 minutes, and so on until it is time to stop gracefully. This soft start reinforces your self-care identity and restores its habits, while you blow off the holiday rust. 3. Hydrate to Reactivate Coming back from holiday usually involves a mountain of laundry, organising the year and a full inbox creating decision fatigue.  The Fix: For your first three days back, eliminate all choices. Lay your gym clothes out the night before. Pre-book your Be Well classes. Don’t decide to train; just follow the plan you set when you were thinking clearly.   4. Reconnect Recent data on accountability shows that returning to a social environment is 3x times more effective than training alone after a break.  The Fix: Book your first week of sessions before you even get home. Text your Be Well buddies and encourage them to join you. That shared social commitment overrides post-holiday lethargy every time. It is much harder to hit the snooze button when you know a friend is waiting! Finally, aim for Presence, not Performance In your first week back, your metric for success is showing up. Don’t worry about your weights, your pace or your heart rate. Re-establish the rhythm first; the results will follow. See you all at Be Well again soon for a fabulous 2026! Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousIssue No.148: The 1-hour breakfast trick that burns visceral fat Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

January is my detox month each year. No alcohol, no carbs. I know! People say I’m crazy but I have been caught too many times by the December / January holiday over-indulgence and I just hate starting the year feeling like a blob – so detox it is! Bigger picture though, my annual detox is part of my research and learning about the modern science of nutrition and how very specifically what, how and when we eat can help or hinder our bodies strength, repair and regeneration. Over summer I have been reading and listening to Eat to Beat Disease: Optimising Your Health by Dr. William Li, one of the most influential voices in modern nutrition and a world renowned physician and scientist. Dr Li’s groundbreaking work focuses on how we can use food as medicine to support our body’s five key defense systems. Dr. Li argues that health isn’t just the absence of disease; it’s an active state supported by five biological systems. When we eat the right foods, we literally fire up these Five Defense Systems: Angiogenesis: Keeps blood vessels in balance, preventing tumours from being ‘fed’. Regeneration: Triggers stem cells to repair and renew tissues. The Microbiome: Supports the trillions of ‘good’ bacteria that manage immunity and mood. DNA Protection: Repairs damage caused by environmental toxins and aging. Immunity: Strengthens the cells that identify and destroy threats. Timing is Everything One of the key takeaways from Dr. Li’s work for me was that our metabolism is governed by circadian rhythms, internal clocks that dictate when we store energy and when we burn it. He is a proponent of giving your body a rest through Intermittent Fasting (IF) or time-restricted eating: ​The Over-Night Fast: Dr. Li suggests that the most natural time to fast is while we sleep. By extending the window between your last meal of the day and your first meal the next morning (e.g., a 14:10 or 16:8 split), you allow your insulin levels to drop. Burning ‘Harmful’ Fat: During fasting periods, the body switches from burning glucose to burning stored fat, specifically harmful visceral fat. This process also triggers autophagy, a cellular ‘spring cleaning’ where the body clears out damaged components. ​Circadian Rhythms: Dr. Li advises eating in alignment with your biological clock. Eating late at night can disrupt metabolism and negatively impact the gut microbiome. Dr Li’s advice for a daily routine is as follows: Breakfast: extend the burn Dr. Li views breakfast literally: ‘breaking your fast’. While you sleep, your insulin levels drop, shifting your body from fuel storage to fuel-burning mode. The Strategy: Don’t rush to eat the second you wake up. Delaying breakfast by just one hour can significantly extend your body’s natural fat-burning window, allowing you to burn more stored visceral fat before your first meal triggers insulin again.  Lunch: the metabolic peak Your metabolism is generally most efficient in the middle of the day. The Strategy: Dr. Li highlights research showing that eating a bioactive food (like a tomato rich in lycopene) roughly one hour before lunch can prime your metabolism. Making lunch a substantial, nutrient-dense meal helps maintain steady energy levels and prevents the mid-afternoon slump.  Dinner: The eat ‘early and light’ rule Eating late at night is one of the biggest disruptors of metabolic health. When we eat close to bedtime, the body is forced to focus on digestion rather than the deep cellular repair and fat-burning that should happen during sleep. The Strategy: Aim to finish dinner by 7:00 PM (or at least 3 hours before bed). This ensures your insulin levels have time to subside, allowing for better sleep quality and a seamless transition back into fat-burning mode overnight. So what am I doing in 2026? Firstly, I am doubling down on what Dr. Li’s, appropriately for this month in Melbourne , calls the grand slam foods: Green Tea: Boosts metabolism and DNA repair (you’ll notice a lot of green tea at Be Well!) Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High in polyphenols for heart health. Broccoli: Contains sulforaphane, a powerful anti-cancer compound. Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants that fuel stem cells. Fatty Fish: Provides Omega-3s to reduce inflammation. Secondly, I am finding it really hard to get the right amount of protein into my diet for my age and weight so I have added protein powder to my longevity supplement stack each day. ​Thirdly, I am inspired by Dr. Li’s research published in 2021 that regeneration is possible at any age, our stem cells (the regeneration system) can be reactivated even in your 70s or 80s through specific ‘bioactive’ foods like dark chocolate or squid ink, meaning it is never too late to reverse damage and do repair work. Here’s to eating for health, happiness and longevity! Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousIssue No.147: Staying in the Liminal Zone Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

I hope everyone has had a restful, rejuvenating break over the last few weeks with family and friends. We received a very special gift on Christmas Eve – Maximilian – a joyful addition to our growing tribe of grandchildren! I love January is the liminal zone we move through, as we transition from the old year to the new. It’s the perfect time for reflection, contemplation, looking forward. I was reading a piece in the New York Times on reflective questions and decided to adapt some of them for us!  So here are seven Be Well questions to ponder this week 1. When did I feel the most joyful and carefree in my body?  Reflect on moments last year when movement felt like a reward you earned. Maybe you: climbed stairs easily, lifted groceries or children effortlessly, slept better, were lighter and more agile, played your favourite sport with more skill! The Be Well Goal: Celebrate those achievements. And when these moments arise this year, take a moment to Declare Victory, before moving on. 2. What does Living Younger look like for me this year?  Longevity isn’t just about adding years to your life (lifespan), but life to your years (healthspan). Living younger is having more energy and vitality. Its carrying groceries without wincing, keeping pace on the hiking trail, staying mentally sharp, being fit-for-life. Feeling – and being – the best version of yourself, now. The Be Well Goal: Ask: What do I want my body to do this year? Not someday – this year. Then set up the resistence & cardio & flexibility workout schedule that will change your body. Get expert advice by booking a session with Nat or Pat in the Be Well app.   3. What gave me energy, and what drained it?  Audit your lifestyle. Did your morning routine at Be Well set you up for success, or did staying up late scrolling on your phone leave you depleted? The Be Well Goal: Adjust your Work-out vs Wind-down balance to ensure you are gaining net energy every week. 4. What is one Ancient Wisdom habit I want to master?  Modern tech is great, but ancient knowledge systems such as Ayervedic, Bhuddhism, and Doaism have so much to teach us. Habits like Yoga Nidra, breathwork, or consistent meditation are the foundations of a calm nervous system. The Be Well Goal: Choose one quiet practice you will follow this year to create mind and body balance and ensure you are gaining more energy every week. 6. Who in this community can I connect with or support?  Social Fitness is a primary theme for 2026. Belonging is a health requirement, not an optional extra. The Be Well Goal: Commit to one Social Fitness act, whether it’s an 8 minute chat over tea in the Well or attending a Be Well workshop to strengthen your sense of community. 7. What fear or habit am I ready to leave in 2025?  At this time of year, many of us create high-level ‘to-do-lists’. Its just as important to create ‘not-to-do’ lists. To both add and subtract. The Be Well Goal: Your 2026 roadmap is about who you are becoming, not who you used to be. Write down a list of fears you release, or habits you have left behind, to set start the year with a clean slate. Hot Tip   Writing your answers down using pen and paper (remember those?) increases the likelihood of following through by over 40%! Here’s to a living younger, longer, happier & healthier and a wonderful 2026!  Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousIssue No.147: Staying in the Liminal Zone Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

Stress is a reality of modern life. But here’s the good news: managing stress well through evidence-based tools is also a reality. The key lies not in eliminating the causes of stress, which is impossible, but in learning how to regulate the nervous system so the body and mind can return to balance quickly and effectively.   Among the most powerful- and often overlooked – tools for this is your breath.   Elite athletes, health professionals, peak performers, and wellbeing specialists have long highlighted how breathing patterns influence how we think, feel, sleep, move, and recover. James Nestor, author of the bestselling book Breath, calls it “the missing pillar of health,” showing how optimal breathing can reduce anxiety, improve cardiovascular function, sharpen focus, and enhance resilience. Better breathing leads to a better life- yet most of us move through the day barely aware of how we breathe. It’s like sitting on a treasure chest but never opening it!   This is where the Art of Living comes in. For over 40 years, the organisation has explored one central idea: how to harness the incredible power of the breath to bring health to the body and peace to the mind. Its flagship technique- Sudarshan Kriya™️ (SKY Breath Meditation)- uses specific breathing cycles to release stress at its root. Backed by more than 100 independent studies, SKY delivers measurable improvements in wellbeing, including a 60% drop in cortisol in 3 months, a 25% boost in social connection, a 34% reduction in depression, a 23% reduction in anxiety in 6 weeks, and a 31% reduction in insomnia.   If improving mental wellbeing, building resilience or feeling more vibrant is part of your 2026 intentions, here’s good news: SKY breath meditation is now offered at Be Well through the Art of Living Happiness Program, led by trainers with over 40 years of collective teaching experience. And what’s even better- after learning the program, you’re welcome to join free weekly 1.5-hour follow-up classes to keep your journey strong. Below are some early 2026 programs: •⁠  ⁠30 Jan- 1 Feb: https://www.artofliving.org/au-en/i_2066 •⁠  ⁠27 Feb- 1 March: https://www.artofliving.org/au-en/i_2067   “Health is having a disease-free body; a quiver-free breath; a stress-free mind; an inhibition-free intellect; an obsession-free memory; an ego that includes all, and a soul free from sorrow.” Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of The Art of Living Happy New Year! Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousIssue No.145: Looking back and looking forward; PS: We”ve made you a video! Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

Stress is a reality of modern life. But here’s the good news: managing stress well through evidence-based tools is also a reality. The key lies not in eliminating the causes of stress, which is impossible, but in learning how to regulate the nervous system so the body and mind can return to balance quickly and effectively.   Among the most powerful- and often overlooked – tools for this is your breath.   Elite athletes, health professionals, peak performers, and wellbeing specialists have long highlighted how breathing patterns influence how we think, feel, sleep, move, and recover. James Nestor, author of the bestselling book Breath, calls it “the missing pillar of health,” showing how optimal breathing can reduce anxiety, improve cardiovascular function, sharpen focus, and enhance resilience. Better breathing leads to a better life- yet most of us move through the day barely aware of how we breathe. It’s like sitting on a treasure chest but never opening it!   This is where the Art of Living comes in. For over 40 years, the organisation has explored one central idea: how to harness the incredible power of the breath to bring health to the body and peace to the mind. Its flagship technique- Sudarshan Kriya™️ (SKY Breath Meditation)- uses specific breathing cycles to release stress at its root. Backed by more than 100 independent studies, SKY delivers measurable improvements in wellbeing, including a 60% drop in cortisol in 3 months, a 25% boost in social connection, a 34% reduction in depression, a 23% reduction in anxiety in 6 weeks, and a 31% reduction in insomnia.   If improving mental wellbeing, building resilience or feeling more vibrant is part of your 2026 intentions, here’s good news: SKY breath meditation is now offered at Be Well through the Art of Living Happiness Program, led by trainers with over 40 years of collective teaching experience. And what’s even better- after learning the program, you’re welcome to join free weekly 1.5-hour follow-up classes to keep your journey strong. Below are some early 2026 programs: •⁠  ⁠30 Jan- 1 Feb: https://www.artofliving.org/au-en/i_2066 •⁠  ⁠27 Feb- 1 March: https://www.artofliving.org/au-en/i_2067   “Health is having a disease-free body; a quiver-free breath; a stress-free mind; an inhibition-free intellect; an obsession-free memory; an ego that includes all, and a soul free from sorrow.” Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of The Art of Living Happy New Year! Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousIssue No.145: Looking back and looking forward; PS: We”ve made you a video! Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

Collectively, we’ve walked to Sydney and back eight times, spent 112 days in the sauna, and reversed years of muscle decline together. But numbers only tell half the story. The real magic of 2025 was in the early morning high-fives, the breakthrough moments in the Pilates or Yoga classes, and the collective energy you brought through our doors 21,612 times. To at least try capture that “feeling” of Be Well, so we’ve put together a special 2025 Wrapped Video just for you. More than just a gym, a movement. This year, we didn’t just train for today; we trained for life. From the launch of the Bone Strong program to welcoming Natalie to our physio team, every hour of the 386 allied health hours served was about one thing: helping you live younger, longer. We are already buzzing for 2026, but as we turn the page, we want to celebrate your wins. Watch the video and drop a comment on YouTube to share: What was your biggest Be Well take away this year?  What is one Health & Wellbeing goal you will have achieved by this time next year?  We’ll be jumping into the comments to cheer you! Congratulations on an extraordinary year. You showed up, you grew stronger, and you helped build this incredible community. Here’s to doing it all over again (and then some) in 2026! See you are Be Well soon Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousIssue No.144: We made you a video Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

Candles have been lit at Be Well every day for the past week since the horrific attack in Bondi on the Jewish community in Australia. We send our heartfelt condolences, love and support to all victims and their families, and to our many staff and Members of the Jewish community who are also part of the Be Well community. Should any Members’ relatives from Sydney be in Melbourne and in need of some self-care, please contact our team to arrange free Recovery sessions for them. Our friends at Art of Living are offering a 7-Day online meditation for community, healing and peace. This daily event runs from 8pm-8.20pm, starting tomorrow, Monday 22 December through to Sunday, 28 December. Everyone is welcome to sign up for one or more of these sessions here. We stand together in solidarity and spread peace and light against hate. Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousIssue No.143:  21,612 visits. One extraordinary year. Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.