Wellness: What does it mean to you?
While the term itself is oversaturated, the exploration of how we define ‘being well’ for ourselves is more important than ever. It’s personal, but it doesn’t need to be preachy or complicated. Health and wellness can be nurtured in any aspect of our lives, from the physical to the mental, emotional, spiritual and financial. Any of these pillars, when examined and cared for, can contribute to a richer and more enjoyable existence.
In this series, we share the stories, challenges and discoveries of a diverse range of people who each have a unique perspective on health and wellbeing, and how these pillars manifest in their lives.
“Wellness is about taking ownership of my physical and mental health. Perfection is not the aim as that’s unrealistic but keeping a balance and sense of overall wellbeing is the desired goal. In turn, I am then able to inspire, motivate and empower my community.”
In an all-too sedentary modern world, Elliot de Lautour has made it his business to stay active — and help other people do the same.
The founder of Fitness All Together, a movement community centred on outdoor exercise classes, Elliot has created an atmosphere that is beloved by many Aucklanders for the sense of community it offers, along with a very effective full-body conditioning workout.
“We try our best to foster and facilitate an inclusive and welcoming environment for all walks of life,” he explains. “It’s pretty special seeing the amount of people that we connect and the continuous support they give each other on their fitness journey.”
Having become interested in health and wellness in his final years of high school, Elliot studied exercise science and went on to work in athlete development. These days, for him wellness means having a strong physical foundation to support all other aspects of health.
“Wellness for me is about taking ownership of my physical and mental health,” he says. “Perfection is not the aim as that’s unrealistic but keeping a balance and sense of overall wellbeing is the desired goal. In turn, I am then able to inspire, motivate and empower my community”.
“Be experimental and cast your web wide to gain as much information about your body as possible.”
Elliot’s own personal health journey has not been without its challenges. A degenerative disc in his lower back has led to severe and daily back pain for as long as he can remember. Having avoided surgery, he’s learnt as much as he can to help manage the pain and maintain his active lifestyle. He also has arthritis (inflammation of the joints), which is particularly bad in his right knee.
HANA Founder Sara Higgins reached out to Elliot after learning of his ongoing pain. She suggested that he trial two light beds per week, along with infrared saunas, for a month.
While these challenges are a work in progress, Elliot said results were instantly felt for his aches and pains. “I’m waking up with less stiffness in my affected knee most mornings,” he says, “which is really exciting.”
There have been many clinical studies showing the effectiveness of red light therapy on inflammation in the body — including arthritis — with virtually no reported side effects.
Hana’s MitoGen whole body light pod combines 660nm red and 850 nm near infrared wavelengths to penetrate through the skin, producing a chemical reaction in the mitochondria of the cells to boost energy production and regeneration.
While arthritis is a chronic condition, Elliot says he’s delighted there has been some noticeable progress in his knee’s pain and mobility from the red light therapy pod.
He continues: “Infrared saunas have also always helped with my inflammation, and relaxing the muscles that overcompensate for my joints, so I always try to sneak in a couple each week.”
Feeling relaxed in the Hana space, he reports feeling rejuvenated, revitalised and nourished after each session, taking a much-needed moment of quiet for himself away from his hectic schedule. He’ll definitely be continuing use of the red light therapy pod, he says, given the progress he’s seen so far.
Additionally to the infrared and red light therapy treatments, Elliot seeks out stillness and gentle movement to counteract high intensity work-outs — trying to meditate every other day. He also loves mobility work like stretching and yoga, and encourages everyone to add these to their routine for the longevity of their bodies.
A key lesson Elliot has learnt throughout his health journey is that data and knowledge are crucial. “Be experimental and cast your web wide to gain as much information about your body as possible, so you can lead a healthier lifestyle. Be curious, and know that it takes time and effort to find what works for you personally.”