Cultivate joy through yoga (Credit: Pat Law/Getty Images)

09/01/2025

Looking to turbo-charge your wellbeing and fitness for the year ahead? We chatted to wellness expert Emily Clark about the latest ways to elevate your mind, body and soul.

From restorative mind-body classes to harnessing the power of adaptogens and eco-therapy, there’s a lot happening in the world of wellness in 2025, explains Emily Clark, Wellbeing Director at Antidote LDN, the team behind the wellness management of our residents’ facilities at South Quay Plaza and King’s Road Park. 

Antidote curates each site with London’s best instructors, practitioners and brands offering a thoughtfully balanced schedule and personalised one-to-one services.

When it comes to the hottest wellness trends for 2025, Emily says there’s a firm focus on finding the joy. “There will be more emphasis on somatic workouts and getting out of your head and getting into your body.” Somatic movement is tuning into how your whole body feels and connecting deeply with physical feelings. 

“Mind-body workouts such as yoga, Pilates and dance fit are brilliant ways to release control, reduce tension and invite in happiness,” says Emily.

“Your joy could be learning something new, like how to do squats or lift, because it’s going to make you feel strong, independent and fearless, or it could be heading for a restorative yoga class after a busy day to come out feeling renewed.” 

There’s also the idea that “wellness doesn’t just have to be a workout. It could be having a Swedish massage at South Quay Plaza in Canary Wharf. It could be learning to do a breathwork practice and reconnecting with yourself.” 

Embrace Longevity for Lasting Wellness

One of the biggest shifts Emily has seen in wellness is prioritising longevity. “It’s an understanding that fitness, diet and mental health are all interconnected. Wellness has evolved from being purely fitness-focused to encompassing the mind, body and soul. It’s not just about cardiovascular workouts or high-intensity training, but also nurturing mental wellbeing.

“People are increasingly aware of how stress impacts the body and how wellness practices like restorative Pilates and flow meditation, available at South Quay Plaza, can reduce stress and manage it so you can live a happier life,” says Emily.

Sort Your Sleep Health

There is a growing interest in how to protect sleep hygiene, especially as people now spend so much time on their screens. Learning how to relax and switch off in the evening is key. “If you’re really struggling with sleep, Antidote offers a one-to-one service, where you can do an 8pm personal yoga class and then we lead you through a breathwork practice before you go to bed,” says Emily.

Regular morning and early afternoon exposure to natural light also helps to maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle. At King’s Road Park, the wellness area includes a vitality pool, sauna and steam room, and a unique skylight which floods natural daylight over the 25-metre pool. While the Bamboo Sanctuary at South Quay Plaza has three outdoor hot tubs for residents to relax in, along with a steam room, sauna, yoga spaces and loungers. 

At Royal Arsenal Riverside in Woolwich, residents benefit from an on-site 20-metre pool, sauna, steam room and gym. The Yoga Space London, an independent studio open to the public, is based within the development, and runs yoga and Pilates classes, as well as evening sound bath events, which can lead to better sleep.

Build Your Fitness Community

“Your community is your support network,” says Emily, “plenty of people move in from overseas or as a single occupancy and we want them to feel like it’s their home. 

“At South Quay Plaza, a high intensity workout like body bootcamp can be done with friends for added support. The group classes offer that ability to find a community. You can go to vinyasa [yoga] on a Tuesday and aqua Zumba on a Friday, then have a coffee on the rooftop together afterwards or chill out in the spa.” 

For those working towards a shared fitness goal such as a marathon or triathlon, Emily says, “residents can train and build a routine together, like booking a small group training session to improve their cardiovascular fitness. Or attending a yin yoga class to improve mobility and aid recovery.”

Harness the Power of Adaptogens

For 2025, Emily predicts it’s all about the adaptogens – natural (plant or mushroom) substances that can help the body regulate stress and restore balance. “Reishi mushrooms and lion’s mane are gaining popularity. For example, London Nootropics blend mushrooms with coffee to provide the benefits of a delicious coffee without the jitters. There are different mushrooms for different things, like focus or Zen,” she says. 

Another rising trend is collagen. “Collagen is vital for skin elasticity, and as we age, our collagen production decreases, so supplementation helps. It’s also beneficial for muscles, bone density, and overall joint health.” Emily adds a scoop of Ancient + Brave’s True Collagen Powder to her coffee daily.

Embrace the Benefits of Eco-therapy

“Eco-therapy is reconnecting to nature and bringing that into your wellbeing,” explains Emily “with a definite push towards understanding that being outside in nature and integrating it into your wellness routine has a positive impact on mental health. 

“At South Quay Plaza and going into summer at King’s Road Park, we offer outdoor yoga to connect with the elements, the planting and the sky above, to take your mind away to a different place and reconnect with the Earth,” adds Emily. 

Antidote also hold nature-based creative workshops, from kokedama (Japanese plant sculpture) to mindful floristry, which are all sustainable. 

There’s also a buzz about natural pure oils like rosehip and jojoba packed with antioxidants. And Antidote use eco-friendly products, like B-Corp certified, vegan and cruelty-free Facetheory and Bouclé for essential oils. 

With state-of-the-art fitness centres and pools, wellness studios and landscaped grounds for residents at our developments, there’s plenty of opportunities to kick-start your wellness goals. Search for your dream home 

Antidote’s classes are included in the residents’ service charge. Massages and one-to one services including personal training are extra. If you’re interested in finding out more about Antidote’s services, get in touch with the team at info@antidote.london