With studios in Notting Hill and Soho, SoulCycle is our go-to workout for therapy on a bike. One of our favourite instructors is Lauren Naomi. London born and raised, she brings an infectious smile and magnetic energy to every class. The girl with the big hair, big energy, and even bigger smiles is a professional singer, dancer, and actress who will immerse you in good-time vibes, with a sprinkle of sass along the way. Expect a playlist that spans everything from Old School Drake to Wannabe by the Spice Girls. For the DOSE ‘My Wellness Routine’ series, we ask Lauren Naomi to walk us through a typical wellness routine…
Lauren Naomi – How did you get into fitness?
I originally started out as a performer. I went to the Urdang academy, a vocational university, to study musical theatre and graduated in 2018 with the hope to one day perform on the West End. Although being active wasn’t a priority back then, it still was a part of my life through university dance classes and acting workshops. After completing a tour of Hairspray around the UK and a performance just off the West End, I couldn’t ignore the toxicity of the performing industry, and my confidence kept getting knocked down with rejections from roles.
Deep down I knew I needed to do something else, and at the time I had started going to spin classes which I really enjoyed with my love of music. At this point I was solely obsessed with the prospect of teaching spin, addicted to the buzz from the gym class environment. I was inspired to complete a level 2 fitness instructor course and a spin qualification, and soon landed my first job at Core Collective in Kensington. Within 6 months Soul cycle had come to London and I took the amazing opportunity to work for them. I then went to New York to train with Soul Cycle for two months, and the rest is history!
What does a typical day of wellness look like for you?
I always prioritise eating well, staying hydrated and exercising. I love to spin, and I’ve also just recently signed up to an online strength workout plan. But I also believe it’s important to do things away from physical activity. I’ve started a gratitude journal which I try to write in every morning to start the day off positively. It’s amazing how something as small as a single affirmation can make such a significant effect in switching your mindset. It’s so vital to be present and to not worry about the future.
Describe your ultimate pre-workout routine in order to power up?
Get into your workout clothes, hydrate, put on a banging playlist, and get it done, no fuss! Good music is essential; I’m loving old school songs at the moment such as Groove is in the heart by Deelite. I am also loving spraying my HIIT ME UP Mood Mist to help get me in the zone before class. Essential oils have such a powerful effect on the mood. I think we’ll be using them more in the studio in the future.
What inspired you to start ‘Lauren’s vibe tribe?’ How can we join in?
When I returned back from my trip to Australia at the start of the first lockdown, I was thinking of ways to keep my community engaged. I started out with a live Instagram video class called Arms, Arse and Abs and built up a following from there. Lockdown has definitely created a demand for it. I have since created an IG page solely dedicated to Lauren’s Vibe Tribe, and I’m currently doing a six-week bootcamp meeting Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays over Zoom. It’s really nice to be able to see everyone working out together virtually as a community, despite not being in person. If anyone wants to join our strong group of women who have a good time working out with minimal equipment, go check out my Instagram page!
Favourite workout for an endorphin rush?
Spin – it’s what I know and love. There’s nothing better than when you find an instructor that plays your sort of music.
What advice would you give your younger self?
My mantra is that comparison is the thief of joy. There’s so much going on out there, even with other instructors. Everyone is doing their own thing but it’s important to stay in your own lane. You’re going to attract the people that authentically want to work out with you so don’t compare yourself to others, and don’t get caught up in the numbers. You have to be your authentic self – your vibe will attract your tribe. Let it be natural, let it be genuine, and it should flourish from there. Just try your best, that’s all you can do.
Tell us about your recent book club…
Lockdown has given me the opportunity to take the time to read, something which I originally never had time to do. I decided to start a book club with a friend of mine who is also a spin instructor from Jersey, New York. At first, we used to chat about the book over a glass of wine or a cup of coffee. Now we’ve come up with the idea to add a workout in afterwards so we can stimulate both our bodies and minds. We’ve had such great feedback so far, and are now into our third season. Look out for the next one in April!
Lauren Naomi: How do you practice self-care?
Taking time for me. When my mind is racing, I have 101 things to do and I feel overwhelmed, I’ll just read a book. Reading gives me the opportunity to be in someone else’s head for a while and forget my own worries. It’s the small things in life that give me the most pleasure such as taking the time to sit in bed with a coffee on a morning and appreciating the present moment. I’m also prone to hair and face masks.
How do you recharge after a workout?
I eat a gigantic bowl of food. I can’t get enough of carbs! Everything is about balance, if you’ve done a workout, go and eat something good and treat yourself! It’s not all about what you look like. What you feel like is so much more important.
Which foods bring you joy?
I love fresh strawberries, honeydew melon and Ferrero Rocher.
What does healthy hedonism mean to you?
Chatting to my friends as much as I can. At the moment we are so isolated, it’s comforting to know that there are other people out there experiencing the exact same feelings. It’s so important to always check in with your friends and make sure that they are healthy and well. I also find getting outside even when it’s not sunny is an essential -we all need a dose of fresh air.
What’s your go to mood booster when you’re feeling low?
Uplifting music definitely boosts my mood when I’m feeling down. However sometimes when I’m feeling low, I just allow myself to feel that way. Sometimes you just have to sit with the feeling, own it and do what you need to do. Usually if I’m feeling low it’s because I have a headache due to not drinking enough water. Hydration is key!
Tell us about some wellness products you can’t live without?
Vitamin D, and anything that can make me glow. I’m currently obsessed with the Malin and Goetz meadow foam oil. Every time I get out of the shower or bath, I apply it religiously all over my face and body to wake up feeling smooth like a baby.
If you could pack a bag and hop on a plane tomorrow, where would you travel?
Miami. I love the buzz of the city and the vibrant social atmosphere. Especially with the situation at the moment in lockdown, we are so isolated, it would be such a welcomed experience. In an ideal world I’d be at a hip bar in Miami chatting with my girlfriends, drinking a few glasses of wine, whilst watching the gorgeous sunset.
Lauren Naomi: Define your very own personalised D O S E
My dopamine hit is from drinking beverages I enjoy. When the sun is out, I love a refreshing elderflower press. I get my dose of oxytocin from the support of my friends and family. It’s especially important to remain connected during these isolated times. I find my source of serotonin is through reading as that’s my type of meditation. Finally, spinning provides me with my all-important endorphins.
Liked this interview with London Soul Cycle Instructor Lauren Naomi? Read more interviews here.
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Born and bred in Yorkshire, English Literature student Helena divides her time between the dance floors of her university town of Exeter and her Northern home. And also a fitness and wellness author at WYD. She likes her steak as rare as a Sunday morning gym session and woe betide anyone who tries talking to her before she’s had an oat milk cortado upon waking.
- Helena Holdsworthhttps://whateveryourdose.com/author/helena-holdsworth/
- Helena Holdsworthhttps://whateveryourdose.com/author/helena-holdsworth/
- Helena Holdsworthhttps://whateveryourdose.com/author/helena-holdsworth/
- Helena Holdsworthhttps://whateveryourdose.com/author/helena-holdsworth/