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Wellness<br />
Images courtesy of The Refinery E9<br />
Roger Love talks to Zoe Bertali of The Refinery E9 about its eclectic<br />
mix of fitness classes and her mission that drives the studio<br />
Tell us about yourself? I was a sales<br />
director for a marketing agency, but I always<br />
knew I wanted to get out of the corporate<br />
environment and away from the 9 to 5. I have<br />
been practising yoga for 18 years and started<br />
teaching it five years ago while still in full-time<br />
employment. I have always been passionate<br />
about the benefits of yoga and a healthy<br />
lifestyle. It's all about balance these days and<br />
making sure we have the tools to cope with<br />
modern life.<br />
It is important to carve the time out for<br />
yourself to declutter the mind and the<br />
body. When opening The Refinery, it was really<br />
important to us to build not just fitness studios<br />
and therapy rooms that would help people get<br />
in the best physical and mental shape, but also<br />
a community of like-minded people.<br />
What classes do you offer? We have more<br />
than 100 classes a week from Dynamic, Power,<br />
Restorative and Yin yoga to Disco Barre and<br />
body conditioning, and cardio and HIIT to<br />
meditation and gong baths. We also have<br />
loads of complementary therapies on offer<br />
- including massage, physiotherapy, reiki,<br />
hypnotherapy and sound healing.<br />
Who are your teachers? We have amazing teachers and staff working with us - all with the same goal - to get<br />
you in your best shape in mind, body and soul. Even Marley the cockapoo makes an appearance occasionally -<br />
he has been known to throw out a Downward Dog or two on cue.<br />
What makes your studio different to others? We had been to lots of places where it was pretty intimidating<br />
entering the space - not sure if you were wearing the right gear or if you were good enough to be in the class.<br />
We want people to feel comfortable and included at any stage of their wellness journey so they stay committed<br />
to it - whether they are just starting out and have never attended a class before, or are experienced and looking<br />
for the best instruction. Life can get so serious, so we want people to have fun and make friends at the same<br />
time as finding a bit of headspace.<br />
Describe your classes in three words: Fierce, fun and fabulous!<br />
What kind of person will like them? Everyone, I hope!<br />
Who would hate them? I would hope no-one.<br />
What makes you most proud of your studio? Our fantastic clients, staff<br />
and teachers.<br />
What's the most memorable moment you've had at The<br />
Refinery E9? Opening the doors and welcoming clients for<br />
the first time - it was magical. We still have loads of them<br />
coming today three years on so we are so grateful and feel<br />
pretty lucky.<br />
THE REFINERY E9<br />
14 Collent St. E9 6SG<br />
info@therefinerye9.com<br />
therefinerye9.com<br />
@therefinerye9<br />
Roger Love Is a personal trainer<br />
based in Netil House E8.<br />
lovelondonfitness.com<br />
LOVEEAST AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2018 33
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