As a traveller it can be difficult to maintain your usual exercise routine or find a drop in session at a gym without having to buy a membership. Especially in Tokyo, even going outside for a run can be intimidating with the mass crowds of people swarming the streets let alone the worries about getting lost in the city. Or perhaps you are with children and concerned about leaving them somewhere while you exercise.
Nohara by Mizuno is the solution to these concerns as it offers a convenient space equipped to meet the needs of each individual, whether you are a beginner or star athlete. Composed of four different areas, a studio, run and fitness station, café and kitchen, and a shop, the Nohara presents a fun and healthy style of living.
At 8:00 in the morning, I joined the yoga class located in the studio next to the dining area. With large windows, the room invites a warm morning glow as I stretch my body into different poses with the guidance of the teacher. Unlike the conventional concept of sport, yoga and pilates is a fun introduction to fitness and offered as a form of exercise that focuses on disciplining the body, mind and soul to replenish inner and outer beauty. Call to reserve for a personal or group lesson (up to six people), and look out for the special events they have planned!
With Yoyogi Park close by, I decided to go for a quick run after yoga. It's easy to forget you’re in central Tokyo as you run further into the park surrounded by tall trees and vast greenery. Although it gets quite busy on the weekend, the further you go from the main entrance, there are plenty of areas to enjoy a quiet run, away from the main paved path. Nohara also offers running clinics for those interested in getting back to running in hopes of joining competitions or completing marathons. Experts will coach you on the fundamentals of running from aspects such as stretching, forms of running and do’s and don’ts. Shoe rental is included in the lesson fee so turn up with comfortable running gear and start preparing for that marathon!
Feeling refreshed from the run, I returned to the Nohara and went to the locker rooms to get changed. The facilities are in pristine condition with clean showers and spacious changing area with basic amenities such as hair dryers and skin care products. It is an easy-going atmosphere to relax and prepare and end your day of exercise. For runners it is a convenient space to lock up your belongings go for a run, come back and shower. With shoe lockers that can be rented monthly, you will no longer have to worry about carrying your gear! From one-time users to long-term members, these facilities are suited for all! Participants of yoga and other studio activities are also welcome to use the locker rooms free of charge. For one time use it costs 756yen (tax incl.), and 540yen for members (5,400yen for one year membership fee). Open at 7am for users who would like to go run before work, and closing at 10pm.
Soon enough, my stomach was growling as I headed towards the café for a well-deserved lunch. With a wide variety of light and filling meals from your favourite acai breakfast bowl to quinoa salad, there is plenty to choose from. Comprised of healthy selections, the food is perfect for recharging before and after exercise. A chic and brightly lit space with large windows looking out to the fashionable streets of Omotesando, feel free to drop by for a delicious smoothie or sandwich on a regular outing. The cafe is open from 11am to 9pm.
While you wait for your meal to be prepared, why not stop by the shop to check out some of the newest models of fitness gear. Mizuno invests in new technology from inner and outer sport and casual wear, and presents a variety of merchandise focused on current trends. An expert can advise you on what shoes to buy for different purposes and further analyse your foot structure and pressure points by scanning your feet with Foot Navi to find the best fitting shoes. With a men’s casual wear section by Highland Park, Mizuno is tailored for both exercise and everyday clothing. The shop is open from 11am to 8pm.
If you still have not found the best way to exercise, why not begin with Nohara? Utilising the facilities at Nohara can save you a lot of time and trouble and could be the possible motivation for a new healthy lifestyle!
