Mind & Body Month: Your Guide to a Healthier August at The Olympic
August can feel like the longest stretch of winter — the couch is warm, the mornings are dark, and motivation has a habit of going quiet. This year, we’re doing something about it. Throughout August, The Olympic is running Mind & Body Month: a series of free and low-cost sessions designed to help our community move a little more, breathe a little deeper, and feel a lot better before spring arrives.
Whether you’re a long-time member or someone who’s been meaning to walk through our doors for a while, this month is built for you. There’s no pressure to be an expert, no need for fancy gear, and no cost to try most of what’s on offer. Just turn up, take part, and see how you feel.
What’s on this August
We’ve put together a mix of movement, mindfulness and education sessions across the month — something for every kind of wellbeing goal:
- Pilates with Wendy — Thursday 13 August, 8:00am (Free)
- Yoga Nidra with Vanessa — Saturday 15 August, 11:45am (Free)
- Yoga with Wendy — Tuesday 18 August, 6:00am (Free)
- Protect Your Muscle, Protect Your Independence with Vanessa — Friday 21 August, 1:30pm (Premium)
- Your Midlife Body, Explained with Vanessa — Sunday 23 August, 1:00pm (Premium)
- Introduction to Meditation with Wendy — Tuesday 25 August, 7:30pm (Free)
- Introduction to Meditation with Wendy — Friday 28 August, 1:15pm (Free)
- Breathe & Brrr: Breathwork & Ice Bath Experience with Wendy — Saturday 29 August, 12:00pm (Premium)
Most sessions are completely free for members and non-members alike. Our three premium workshops are just $10 for members and $15 for non-members — great value for the depth of expertise on offer.
A closer look: learning from Vanessa Varela
Two of this month’s standout sessions come from Vanessa Varela of Vitality Movement, who’s joining us to unpack two topics that matter more as we get older but rarely get talked about openly.
Protect Your Muscle, Protect Your Independence looks at why muscle mass is one of the most important — and most overlooked — factors in long-term health, and what you can start doing now to protect it.
Your Midlife Body, Explained is a practical, no-nonsense session on the physical changes that happen through midlife, and how to work with your body rather than against it.
Both sessions are designed to be approachable and genuinely useful, whether you’re new to this stage of life or supporting someone who is.
Why we’re doing this
Wellbeing isn’t just about how often you’re in the gym — it’s about movement, connection, mindset and recovery all working together. Mind & Body Month is our way of putting all four in front of our community in one place, and making it easy to try something new without the commitment of a full class pass or the cost of a private session.
We’ve also left room in the calendar for more — keep an eye out as we confirm additional sessions and guest presenters over the coming weeks.
How to book
All Mind & Body Month sessions can be booked at reception, in person or over the phone. Spaces are limited for our premium workshops, so we’d recommend booking early if Vanessa’s sessions are ones you don’t want to miss.
See the full August schedule and book your spot → Contact reception to book your spot
