Spring into 2020 with all the latest lifestyle trends
Meet Michael D’s Yogi and more who’ll be bringing wellness to you at Thrive Festival 2020 in The Convention Centre Dublin
If it’s good enough for President Higgins then it’s definitely good for us all. Michael Ryan is one of the best yoga teachers in the country and regularly fills his Dublin studios thanks to his international accreditations. Having studied with some of the world’s leading yogis, Michael’s classes have been described as ‘a slow flowing journey into a place of greater ease and presence’ and what better way to get your health in check than with this popular form of exercise. Michael is just one of 21 yoga masters who will be helping visitors find their zen at Thrive Festival 2020 at
The Convention Centre Dublin which takes place from Saturday, February 29 until Sunday, March 1. This is the second year the event will return to its home in The Convention Centre Dublin and visitors can expect a plethora of activities in the fitness, lifestyle and wellness realm. With over 20 stages over the two-day festival, there is truly something for everyone – no matter what your interests.
BOUTIQUE STUDIOS
Boutique fitness studios are popping up more and more in the capital and Thrive Festival is getting ahead of the curve to bring some of the hottest and trendiest studios from London and beyond to the festival. If you fancy ‘a party on a bike’ experience then Boom Cycle could be for you – its founders say ‘it is as much about fun and connecting with those around you as it is about the workout’. Their tagline means there’s low-lights, loud music and high-fives to back that up. Alongside this will be KOBOX Boxing Club. Labelled as ‘London’s original HIIT boxing class’, they debuted exclusively on Irish soil at Thrive Festival 2019 and now they are back for 2020 with their founder – Irishman Shane Collins. Shane has led the way with the studio’s unique ‘Fight Club Meets Nightclub’ class experience which teaches the fundamentals of boxing alongside a host of heart-pounding exercises. It’s your chance to try out this trendy workout that is loved by a plethora of high-profile celebrities – its fans include models Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Jourdan Dunn and director Guy Ritchie. Speaking about bringing KOBOX exclusively to Thrive Festival, founder Shane Collins says: ‘I’m incredibly excited to take KOBOX home, and to a venue that is so close to my heart. We may have made our mark in the fitness world in London but the concept and the idea was born in Dublin.’
UN1T is another popular and ever-expanding London studio that will be showcasing at Thrive. Founded by Dubliner Rob Smyth, this workout is one where you can ‘burn 1,000 calories in one session’! Rob founded the training and conditioning studio based around the mantra ‘we train as one’ and this former rugby professional promises to motivate participants by having them work as a team to complete sessions, pushing members of every level outside their comfort zone. This concept of working as a UN1T is incorporated into the trio of cardio, strength, and mobilityfocused classes on offer.
THE BEST OF IRISH WELLNESS & LIFESTYLE BRANDS
Thrive isn’t just for those who are looking for the next hottest workout – there is an entire shopping village at the visitor’s disposal over the two-day event. Why not take time for a bit of indulgence and enjoy browsing the handpicked brands? Homegrown brands such as Skingredients, Peachy Lean leggings, Ambr eyewear, Cali Cali foods, Cloud Picker Coffee, Clean Cut Meals, Trendy & Bendy are just some of the names popping up, so it’s your chance to grab a new skincare product, a new pair of gym-ready leggings, some tasty sauces or a meal subscription service to kickstart your healthy journey. The festival is proud to support Irish artisan brands with inspiring stories behind them.
Take Revive Active founded by Dáithi O’Connor. The Galway man started the company in 2011 and worked hard to find a niche in the disparate, Berocca-driven market for soluble vitamin supplements. The company was initially driven by word of mouth by getting stocked in Galway stores, but their big break came when they got their foot in the door of Lloyds Pharmacies. Lloyds’ MD at the time saw the product in
one of their
Limerick stores and decided to stock it in more than 100 pharmacies across the country, giving Revive a strong foothold in Dublin and the attention of all the bigger chains.
SunDrift are another Irish brand with a mission. Founded by Fiona Parfey, their mission is to deliver top-class sustainable backpacks designed to fit female curves. As an avid globe-trotter, Fiona became frustrated with the lack of backpacks on the market for women during her five-month solo trip through Asia. While island-hopping through the crystal clear waters of the Philippines, Fiona pondered why backpacks are all so dull, boring and masculine. A few weeks later, she was in a female dorm in Sri Lanka listening to others venting on the exact same issue and decided she would solve the problem. Fiona began designing a backpack that would fit the female body comfortably, that was lightweight and durable, that would stand the test of time with high quality materials. Her little idea had began to sprout arms and legs, and for the first time on a backpacking adventure she was excited to get home to start something new.
TALKS FROM THE PROS
Thrive will also be welcoming some of the top wellness speakers in the industry. From gut experts The Gut Stuff to skin guru Jennifer Rock of The Skin Nerd there is plenty at the event for you to learn to improve your wellness. GPs-cum-influencers Dr Doireann O’Leary and Dr Ciara Kelly will be on hand to chat about what ‘being healthy’ means in 2020.
Dr Doireann advocates a holistic approach to health and wellbeing and explains how our physical and mental wellbeing are closely linked, interconnected and indeed dependent on one another.
Dr Ciara specialises in public health medicine in Ireland and on her platform @theirishbalance she has a no-nonsense myth-busting approach to health. There’ll be plenty more including topics such as sleep, intuitive eating, stress busting and living sustainably.
HEALTHY FOODIE HAVEN
Among all the rest of the activity at Thrive will be a food demo stage, a nutrition talks stage and super healthy restaurants where people can pop by for tasty treats. It’s your chance to learn from the likes of Daniel Davey, Sinéad Delahunty, Holly White, Conor Spacey and others on how you can live and eat better. Establishments like Lolly & Cooks, Olea and Shoots & Roots will be serving up their healthy takes on food as they fuel Thrive attendees over the weekend. From scrumptious hot pots to vegan nachos and artisan flatbreads there is something to satisfy every taste bud. Thrive Festival – Ireland’s most dynamic fitness, lifestyle and wellness event returns to The Convention Centre Dublin from Saturday, February 29 until Sunday, March 1. Workout at top fitness classes, listen to inspirational speakers and learn to cook for a happier, healthier you. The perfect way to kick off a healthy new year with 250 experiences all under one roof. Book tickets from just €25 at www.thrivefestival.ie