3citydaily.com

Category: Health, Wellness & Beauty

  • Reforme Pilates Gdańsk: The Workout Without the Posing

    Reforme Pilates Gdańsk: The Workout Without the Posing

    Pilates without the posing and pretence.

    Ola and Adam reckon they’ve cracked it. We step inside Reforme Studio to talk about burning muscles, beautiful spaces and why people keep coming back for more.

    Why Open A Pilates Studio In Gdansk?

    We loved Amsterdam’s mix of fitness, design and community. Back in Gdańsk, we wanted to create that same atmosphere, with quality in every detail.

    MORE THAN JUST A GYM?

    People arrive alone and leave with friends. Some even meet for coffee or breakfast afterwards. That’s what makes us proudest.

    REFORME IN THREE WORDS?

    Community. Quality. Soul. And maybe free parking!

    Why The Boutique-Hotel Look?

    Because atmosphere matters. Lighting, music, scent and warmth make people want to stay, not just train.

    BIGGEST PILATES MYTH?

    That you need to be fit or flexible to start. You don’t. That’s why we offer different levels.

    WHAT SURPRISES BEGINNERS?

    How challenging it is! Even gym regulars discover muscles they didn’t know existed.

    Has Instagram Changed Pilates?

    It’s made Pilates fashionable, but the benefits are real. You don’t need perfect hair or matching outfits. Just show up.

    Finally, What Would You Say To someone who is thinking of trying Pilates but still needs convincing?

    Just try one class. No fitness, flexibility or experience needed. Start where you are — and you might discover why Pilates is so addictive!

    You don’t have to arrive flexible, fashionable or fearless. Apparently, arriving is the hard part.

  • FitYard Gdańsk: No Mirrors, No Egos, No Fitness Bullshit

    FitYard Gdańsk: No Mirrors, No Egos, No Fitness Bullshit

    No mirrors. No egos. No fitness bullshit. We caught up with Paweł Pędrakowski and Michał Andryszczyk, the guys behind Gdańsk’s FitYard, to talk Olympic pressure, gym anxiety, Instagram fakery and why getting healthy beats looking good naked.

    PAWEŁ, YOU WEREN’T EXACTLY BORN IN A GYM. WERE YOU?

    Not even close. I worked in a shipyard and later as a glazier. I weighed 130 kilos, ate badly and avoided exercise. Fitness was the last thing I imagined doing. FitYard completely changed my life. It’s more than a gym or a business — it’s been part of my own transformation, and I want it to be a place where other people can find their own way, whatever their starting point may be.

    WHAT MAKES FITYARD DIFFERENT FROM THE BIG CHAINS?

    We’re not interested in being the biggest. People know each other here. You recognise familiar faces, chat between sets and gradually become part of the community. It’s a smaller, more personal space where people feel comfortable. They come back because they enjoy it, not because they have to.

    HAS THE FITNESS INDUSTRY BECOME BETTER AT SELLING INSECURITY THAN HEALTH?

    To some extent, absolutely. You’re told you’re not lean enough, not muscular enough, then sold the solution. I’d rather see someone at 50 feeling healthy and energetic than someone with a perfect body training out of self-hatred. Fitness should be about adding something to your life, not convincing you that you’re not good enough as you are.

    IMAGINE SOMEONE WALKS IN AT 50 AND IS TERRIFIED. WHAT HAPPENS?

    I’ve seen it many times. From the moment they walk through the door, we make them feel welcome. Nobody is going to judge them here. They don’t have to be the strongest or most experienced. Everyone starts somewhere, and we all support each other. Once they realise how friendly and relaxed the atmosphere is, they usually come back — and many are still training with us today.

    MICHAŁ, YOU’VE WORKED WITH OLYMPIC ATHLETES. BIGGEST LESSON?

    Consistency beats motivation. Champions do the basics exceptionally well, day after day. But knowing when to rest is just as important. Training is like driving — sometimes you accelerate, sometimes you brake. The point is reaching your destination. At the Olympic qualification in Debrecen, four years of preparation came down to one shot.

    HOW MUCH OF INSTAGRAM FITNESS IS BULLSHIT?

    People confuse appearance with fitness. Lighting, posing, editing and sometimes performance-enhancing drugs create unrealistic expectations. Real progress takes months or years. Looking incredible doesn’t automatically mean you’re healthy or athletic.

    WHAT CAN PEOPLE ACTUALLY DO AT FITYARD?

    Train independently, work with personal trainers or see our physiotherapists. We’re also introducing small group classes in November. We’re open 6AM–10PM every day, with app-based entry when reception isn’t staffed.

    LAST ONE. WHO’S WORSE AT PRACTISING WHAT YOU PREACH?

    Michał: Paweł spends his days convincing people to train. The one person he struggles to convince is himself! Paweł: Fair enough. But Michał sometimes forgets things, and I take forever making decisions. We’re not perfect. That’s probably why we work well together.

    After talking to Paweł and Michał, it’s refreshing to find two guys who care more about getting people moving than getting them ripped for Instagram. One transformed his own life, the other helped athletes reach the Olympics, and somehow they’ve ended up sharing the same philosophy. No egos, no judgement, no six-pack required. And apparently, even Paweł needs convincing to get his arse to the gym sometimes.

  • Aesthetic Beauty Concept Gdańsk: Less Botox, More Confidence, Zero Bullshit

    Aesthetic Beauty Concept Gdańsk: Less Botox, More Confidence, Zero Bullshit

    Too old. Too tired. Too many wrinkles. Not enough Botox. Apparently, there’s always something wrong with your face these days. But at Gdańsk’s Aesthetic Beauty Concept, they’re not buying it. We met the woman behind the clinic, Gabriela Szynaka who studied psychology, isn’t afraid to turn clients away and reckons the beauty industry needs to stop making women feel like walking renovation projects. We talked Instagram pressure, ageing and why looking in the mirror shouldn’t feel like a bloody performance review.

    YOU STUDIED PSYCHOLOGY. ARE YOU REALLY TREATING MINDS, NOT FACES?

    Often, yes. Women arrive carrying stress, exhaustion and pressure, not just skin concerns. Before asking what treatment they want, we ask what brought them here.

    WHICH BEAUTY STANDARD HAVE YOU STOPPED BELIEVING IN?

    That women must look younger. I want someone to look in the mirror and say, “That’s still me.”

    Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

    HAS THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY BECOME OBSESSED WITH FIXING PEOPLE?

    Absolutely. Too often, women are convinced they’re problems needing solutions. I refuse to build relationships on fear.

    WHAT IF INSTAGRAM DISAPPEARED TOMORROW?

    Women might finally breathe! Popular treatments aren’t necessarily the right treatments.

    WHAT BEST REPRESENTS YOUR CLINIC’S PHILOSOPHY?

    Surprisingly, no treatment at all. It’s the consultation. Understanding comes first, technology second.

    Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

    HAVE YOU EVER REFUSED A CLIENT?

    Many times. Sometimes the most responsible thing you can say is, “Not today.” Trust matters more than sales.

    WHAT ARE WOMEN REALLY ASKING FOR WHEN THEY SAY THEY WANT TO LOOK YOUNGER?

    Usually, they want to look less tired, feel energised and recognise themselves again.

    WHAT HAS THIS BUSINESS TAUGHT YOU ABOUT WOMEN?

    They’re more exhausted by being judged than by ageing. Too old, too young, too natural, not natural enough. The expectations never end.

    Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

    IF BEAUTY HAD NO MIRROR, HOW WOULD WE RECOGNISE IT?

    Through someone’s smile, their calmness and the confidence to stop hiding.

    FINISH THIS SENTENCE: PEOPLE THINK BEAUTY IS… Looking younger. But real beauty is freedom. Freedom from fear, judgement and the belief that you’re never enough.

    Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

    After our chat, one thing was clear: this is a woman who’d rather tell you the truth than sell you a new face. And after all that talk about ageing naturally and ignoring beauty standards, I somehow ended up having a little tweak myself. Purely for journalistic research, obviously. Did I leave looking ten years younger? Probably not. But I did leave wondering why I hadn’t done it sooner.

  • Elegant Barber Gdańsk: Meet Maria, the Woman Behind the Blades

    Elegant Barber Gdańsk: Meet Maria, the Woman Behind the Blades

    Sometimes the best discoveries happen completely by accident. Wandering through Gdańsk’s Old Town, we stumbled upon Elegant and Maria.

    WHO ARE YOU OUTSIDE THE BARBERSHOP?

    A wife, a mum to a little girl, and an ordinary woman with dreams, problems and everyday joys.

    Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

    WHY GDAŃSK?

    Opening a barbershop was my dream. We planned to do it in Ukraine, but war changed everything. We visited my brother Misza in Gdańsk and decided to build our new life here.

    CRAZIEST CLIENT CONFESSION?

    What happens in the barber’s chair stays there!

    BIGGEST HAIR CRIME?

    Neglected hair and beards. Sometimes I want to stop strangers and invite them in!

    Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

    BAD HAIRCUT REQUEST?

    I’ll tell the truth and suggest something better.

    CAN A HAIRCUT CHANGE SOMEONE?

    Absolutely. Confidence, mood, even the whole day can change.

    ANYONE YOU’D LOVE TO CUT?

    Someone alive! I’m terrified an elderly client might die in my chair!

    WHAT’S TRENDING?

    The mullet is back!

    WHAT’S THE DAMAGE?

    Hair and beard combo: 130 zł with shaver, 150 zł with straight razor. SPA treatments are available too.

    EVER HAD SOMEONE FALL ASLEEP?

    Yes! It’s the ultimate compliment. They trust me enough to relax.

    Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

    WHY MORE FEMALE BARBERS?

    Because women appreciate well- groomed men!

    FINAL WORD?

    Come support our team. We’re not just cutting hair. We’re giving men a little escape from everyday life.

    Barber and met Maria. Within minutes, her infectious smile, cheeky humour and down-to- earth personality had won us over. Some people just have that something. We liked her so much that featuring her in the launch edition of 3City Daily wasn’t even up for debate. Maria, you’ve made the cut!

  • M15 Sopot: Beachfront Dining and Saunas by the Baltic

    M15 Sopot: Beachfront Dining and Saunas by the Baltic

    It was one of those glorious late-summer afternoons in Sopot when the last thing you wanted to do was sit indoors. Fortunately, at M15, you don’t have to.

    “Here’s where M15 gets interesting.

    As summer disappears and Sopot’s beach crowds head home, M15 doesn’t pack up and disappear with them. The restaurant moves its beachside dining indoors, keeping those beautiful sea views while swapping summer cocktails and lighter dishes for goose, venison and warming winter teas.

    I found myself having lunch with the head chef, literally on the beach, with the Baltic stretching out in front of us. Sunshine, sea air, good conversation and, most importantly, seriously good food. Not a bad afternoon at the office.

    Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

    And then there’s the real winter attraction. Saunas. On the actual beach.

    We got talking about what makes M15 tick. For the chef, the sea isn’t simply a pretty backdrop. It’s part of the restaurant’s identity.

    Not tucked away in some hotel basement. Right there beside the Baltic, where you can sit in the heat watching the waves before stepping outside into the cold sea air.

    Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

    His signature recommendation?

    Cod with wasabi potato purée, paprika sauce and root vegetable granita. There’s also fish soup, Baltic sprats and rather clever cod pierogi with browned butter and chive oil.

    The sauna season begins on 1 October, with sauna-master ceremonies featuring music, aromas and carefully choreographed heat rituals. There are evening sessions and weekend sunrise experiences, which the chef describes as particularly spectacular when the beach is deserted.

    Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

    And if fish isn’t your thing, there’s a 60-day dry-aged steak that the chef speaks about with the sort of affection most people reserve for their children.

    Naturally, I asked about the inevitable Baltic plunge.

    His advice?

    Don’t overthink it. Apparently, the hardest part is taking that first step. For anyone not quite ready to throw themselves into the Baltic, there are also ice barrels waiting.

    And his idea of the perfect M15 winter experience?

    Cod pierogi, hot tea with honey, cinnamon and ginger, a sunset sauna ceremony and a quick dip in the sea.

    Having enjoyed M15 in the summer sunshine, I reckon I owe the place a return visit when the temperature drops.

    Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

    I ended my afternoon at M15 with my feet in the Baltic, a cocktail in hand and absolutely no desire to be anywhere else. Not a bad way to finish a working day. But with those beach saunas calling, I reckon I’ll be back when the temperature drops. Next time, I’ll swap the cocktails for a sauna. The Baltic can do its worst.

  • Baltic Pilates Gdynia: Small Moves, Big Burns & Muscles You Never Knew Existed

    Baltic Pilates Gdynia: Small Moves, Big Burns & Muscles You Never Knew Existed

    Stiff, stressed or feeling your age?

    Meet Anna from Baltic Pilates in Orłowo, where small classes and personal attention help you move better and feel better.

    ANNA, WHAT MADE YOU LEAVE CORPORATE LIFE FOR PILATES?

    After years in project management, I wanted something completely mine. One Pilates training led to another. I started teaching, worked at three studios, then thought, if not now, when?

    Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

    DOES BEING SO CLOSE TO THE BALTIC INFLUENCE YOUR STUDIO?

    Absolutely. Life moves slower by the sea. I wanted the studio to feel the same. Somewhere you can escape the rush outside.

    WHY LIMIT CLASSES TO FOUR PEOPLE?

    Pilates is about connecting mind and body. With four people, everyone gets attention. You’re not lost in a crowd of thirty.

    HAS INSTAGRAM TURNED PILATES INTO EXPENSIVE LEGGINGS AND STUNTS?

    Sometimes! People do ridiculous things on equipment for likes. That’s not Pilates. The real method is about control, not showing off.

    WHAT SURPRISES BEGINNERS MOST?

    Discovering muscles they never knew existed! Or suddenly noticing better posture in the mirror.

    WHAT ABOUT MEN WHO ONLY LIFT WEIGHTS?

    Try Pilates! It improves control and complements weights, running, and sports.

    Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

    WHAT IF I’M TOO OLD, STIFF AND UNFIT?

    Most beginners are in their 40’s! I work with the body in front of me. No crazy exercises, just patience and progress.

    WILL I BE SORE AFTERWARDS?

    Not necessarily. You’ll probably feel taller, lighter and more comfortable in your body.

    WHAT’S YOUR BEST PROOF THAT IT’S NEVER TOO LATE?

    Our oldest client is 83. She started at 81 and wishes she’d discovered Pilates sooner.

    Baltic Pilates proves that strength isn’t always about lifting heavy or pushing harder. Sometimes it’s about slowing down, finding your balance and discovering muscles you never knew existed. And if you can still walk down the stairs afterwards, consider that a bonus.

  • Tak Mi Move : Gdansk’s Yoga Studio by Katarzyna

    Tak Mi Move : Gdansk’s Yoga Studio by Katarzyna

    WE CAUGHT UP WITH KATARZYNA, THE WOMAN BEHIND TAK MI MOVE, TO TALK MOTHERHOOD, MOONLIT YOGA, LIFE’S LITTLE INDULGENCES AND WHY SHE’S NEVER BEEN INTERESTED IN FITNESS PERFECTION.

    BEFORE TAK MI MOVE, WHAT WAS YOUR LIFE LIKE?

    I managed events, travelling between festivals, conferences and TV sets. Becoming a mum changed my priorities.

    WHERE DID THE NAME TAK MI MOVE COME FROM?

    It’s a play on the Polish “tak mi mów.” And movement is key to a longer, healthier life.

    Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

    BIGGEST BULLSHIT IN WELLNESS?

    That you need a certain body to exercise. Bikini body? Just bring a body and a bikini! Wellness is about care, not correction.

    I’M A BEGINNER. WHERE DO I START?

    Try different classes and teachers. Finding the right connection matters more than the perfect workout.

    YOGA ON A CATAMARAN UNDER A FULL MOON. SERIOUSLY?

    Absolutely! Full Moon Flow connects movement with nature. Anyone who’s had full-moon insomnia might understand!

    Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

    YOUR STUDIO FEELS LIKE AN APARTMENT. WHY?

    I wanted comfort, not another crowded gym. Quiet luxury that feels like home.

    YOUR ULTIMATE GUILTY PLEASURE?

    Junk food and lazy days! To switch off, I take my dog for long beach or forest walks.

    BIGGEST TRANSFORMATION THROUGH MOVEMENT?

    We think we’re training our bodies, but we’re really helping our minds. A better butt is just a bonus!

    Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

    YOUR BIGGEST “WHAT HAVE I GOT MYSELF INTO?” MOMENT?

    Photoshoots and social media! I hate the camera, and Instagram algorithms feel nothing like genuine relationships.

    MOST IRRESPONSIBLE THING YOU’VE DONE TO FEEL ALIVE?

    That one’s staying my little secret.

    At Tak Mi Move, movement isn’t about chasing perfection, counting calories or pretending you’ve got your life together. It’s about finding something that makes you feel good, whether that’s Pilates, barre, aerial yoga or simply taking an hour for yourself. Katarzyna has created a space where good energy matters more than perfect poses, and nobody needs to be a fitness fanatic to belong. As for her most irresponsible adventure? She’s keeping that one to herself. And frankly, we respect that.