Bodhi And Ride

As a bit of a fitness fiend and wellness advocate, I’m always looking for new trends in terms of classes, restaurants, challenges and adventures to dip my toe into. From bikram to biking, running to rock climbing, I’m the first to say (nay, shout) yes to anything that can test my physical and mental limits. So when a workmate said ‘you’ll love this new fitness studio!’ I didn’t hesitate to get involved.

Welcome to Bodhi and Ride, Melbourne’s first premium wellness studio, designed to offer a total mind and body experience with the offering of cycle, yoga and meditation. Standing on a Port Melbourne corner street, I’m drawn to the space by a bike plonked in the middle of the pathway.  I’m visiting on a steaming hot February evening to put my paces through one of the beat based ride classes in the Spin Chamber; a 45 minute session that promises to integrate my whole body with a DJ sampled playlist and incorporated handweights.

I meet with owner and creator, Michaela Felner, who has delivered Bodhi and Ride as an outlet for her passion for fitness, and hopes the studio will be a destination for likeminded people to integrate their enthusiasm for exercise, wellness, relaxation and community, all in one beautifully designed space.

‘We’ve created the perfect environment to help people develop a strong body, sharp mind and discover new levels of health and vitality with a range of wellness and fitness classes and times to meet busy schedules. There may be times you are feeling stressed and tight, leaning towards a restorative workout like a hot flow yoga class. Other times you might want the intense cardio and strength training in our spin chamber or perhaps escape from everyday stresses through some guided meditation.’

Through my paces, I am most certainly put. The delightful instructor, who is bursting with personality and energy, guides us through the personalised setup process and gets us amped up for the experience ahead. We’re thrown straight in, with an active warm up and a very quick shift to vigorous leg turns and stands. We’re surrounded by blasting music, which is integrated to the lighting system; as the tunes go down, so do the lights. As we push through more powerful songs, we’re immersed in flashing lights, creating an all-encompassing event where your heart thumping through your face wouldn’t feel out of turn.

If you visit and feel more like stretching your limbs than strengthening your cardio, Bodhi and Ride offer a variety of styles of yoga. Run out of the Yoga Loft, you can choose between Hot Flow, Yin, Slow Flow or the signature Bodhi Flow, which will integrate a strong, dynamic vinyasa practice with an engaging light and sound experience. For those looking to truly unwind, the Unplug Pod will take you through a guided meditation session to break you away from your daily pace.

Bodhi have developed a very strong sense of community, strongly advocating their suppliers and vendors as part of the family. Award winning Melbourne architecture firm Hachem are responsible for the light, modern interior, featuring IFR heating, high quality sound systems and fully equipped washroom spaces, stocked with high end grooming and skincare products. They have also collaborated with local superfood sensational Lains & Co to create a Refuel Station, so attendees can grab a wholesome treat on their way out of the studio. Pre-order is available.

You can step in for an introductory trial at $20 for three classes, or simply drop by and pay $27 for a yoga or cycle class, $20 for a guided meditation session. For a more in depth and ongoing experience, there are monthly unlimited or foundation memberships which offer unlimited access to all classes, all week.

Bodhi and Ride
416 – 418 Bay Street, Port Melbourne
bodhiandride.com.au