By Minnie Feather, Associate Creative Producer + Community Lead

I have tried many many wellness supplement brands. Powders, capsules, you name it. Most of them end up at the back of my cupboard after a week, so when IMBIBE sent me their Recover Rest, Miracle Collagen and Beauty Renewal, I wasn’t expecting to be using their products consistently 12 weeks later!

Let’s start with the Recover Rest, because this was my favourite. I’m a terrible sleeper, the lying-awake-at-1am kind. Since making this part of my evening wind-down, I’m falling asleep so much faster and actually waking up feeling more refreshed than ever. I didn’t think a hot chocolate could do that. And it really does taste like a hot chocolate, which is half the reason I’ve stuck with it.

The Miracle Collagen is super easy to add to anything. It’s pure collagen peptides with no fillers, and it’s completely tasteless, so I just stir it into tea or even water and forget it’s there. No clumps, no weird aftertaste, nothing. IMBIBE says you’ll see results somewhere between 4 and 16 weeks, and I definitely started to see an improvement in my skin and hair at roughly week 6.

Lastly, I tried their best seller Beauty Renewal. It’s a probiotic drink with eight strains, plus coconut water and antioxidant-rich botanicals like pomegranate and elderberry. It’s all about your gut, with the idea that a happier gut shows up in your skin too. It tastes great, it’s 99% sugar-free, and I feel brighter in my face and also again better sleep because I’m looking after my gut!

Would I recommend IMBIBE? Absolutely. All three taste good, they’re easy to take, and they’ve become part of my routine, which after years of half-used tubs is a game changer. But if you only try one and your sleep is a mess like mine was, get the Recover Rest.

You can check out the full range at IMBIBE!

The post How IMBIBE’s Recover Rest Fixed My Insomnia appeared first on Balance The Grind.

Balance the Grind was invited to FS8 Shellharbour to experience the brand’s signature approach to movement, with a special class led by FS8 Global Ambassador Cristina Chan. Fresh from celebrating its 100th studio opening — and with its first-ever Hamptons pop-up bringing the Australian-born concept to one of the world’s most iconic summer destinations — we went along to find out what’s behind FS8’s growing global following.

There’s no shortage of ways to work out right now. Reformer Pilates continues to dominate the studio fitness space, strength training has become an increasingly important part of our wellness routines, and mobility and recovery are finally getting the attention they deserve.

FS8’s answer is refreshingly simple: why choose just one?

We recently visited FS8 Shellharbour to experience the workout for ourselves, joining a special session led by FS8 Global Ambassador Cristina Chan.

So, what exactly is FS8?

Born in Australia, FS8 takes elements of Pilates, yoga-inspired movement and strength-based toning and brings them together in one low-impact workout.

It’s a formula that appears to be resonating well beyond its home market. In just five years, FS8 has grown from a single Australian studio to more than 100 studios across 18 countries, recently celebrating the significant milestone of its 100th studio opening.

The brand is also popping up in some unexpected places. This northern summer, FS8 has opened its first-ever Hamptons pop-up studio, taking the workout to the popular New York summer destination and giving both locals and visitors the opportunity to experience the concept outside a traditional permanent studio setting.

Behind that growth is a relatively simple philosophy: build a body that doesn’t just perform well in the studio but moves better in everyday life.

As Jo Gomez, Director of Athletics, Pilates for FIT House — the company behind F45 Training, FS8 and VAURA — explains, FS8 was created to offer a more holistic approach to strength of both mind and body.

Its signature 3-in-1 format combines reformer and mat Pilates to build core strength and alignment, yoga-inspired movement to support mobility, flexibility and mindfulness, and resistance-based toning to develop functional strength.

The result is a workout designed to deliver the benefits of several different training modalities without having to schedule separate Pilates, strength and mobility sessions throughout the week.

The verdict

What we liked most about FS8 was that it didn’t feel as though it was trying to be Pilates, yoga, or traditional strength training.

It borrows intelligently from all three.

You leave feeling as though you’ve worked — particularly through the core and stabilising muscles — but also more mobile and connected to your body than you might after a conventional gym session.

For people trying to balance strength, flexibility, mobility and mindfulness within an already busy week, the 3-in-1 proposition makes a lot of sense.

And with FS8 now surpassing 100 studios globally, expanding across 18 countries and experimenting with destination concepts such as its first Hamptons pop-up, this Australian-born fitness brand clearly has ambitions well beyond the reformer studio.

Our biggest takeaway? Low impact doesn’t have to mean low intensity — and building strength doesn’t always require moving faster or lifting heavier.

Sometimes, it’s simply about learning to move better.

The post We Tried FS8: Inside the 3-in-1 Workout Blending Pilates, Yoga and Strength appeared first on Balance The Grind.

Thanks to the rise of hybrid work, modern professionals have become a generation that is mentally running marathons every day while physically standing completely still. Spending eight to ten hours hunched over a laptop quietly rewrites movement habits and daily energy levels.

Finding realistic ways to balance the physical toll of a busy career means looking beyond standard gym workouts. A close look at a one-on-one session with mobility specialist Ariel Comeau (founder of RMS Movement) at One Playground reveals a refreshing approach to how corporate workers can reclaim their physical health.

The Problem

An alarming pattern is emerging among corporate workers right now. People are constantly dealing with the exact same complaints: chronic lower back pain and severe afternoon fatigue.

The core issue is that traditional fitness isn’t fixing the damage done by a sedentary workday. Prolonged sitting actively slows down circulation, which dulls focus and makes decision-making harder.

This is why the focus of Ariel’s work is treated as a critical performance tool for anyone who does heavy mental work for a living. It is the missing link between physical health and mental sharpness.

Inside the Session

A one-on-one session with Ariel is built around a tailored mix of flexibility and deep strength work, but the real value is in the assessment and education. Instead of running through a generic list of exercises, she assesses your specific joints and individual mobility restrictions tailoring the entire session to exactly what your body needs.

By demonstrating how targeted movements can unlock that trapped tension, the session connects the dots between how the body moves and how the brain functions.

To read more about this specific training philosophy and how it applies to corporate professionals, take a look at the RMS Movement Lander.

Ariel has put together a quick but highly effective daily routine designed to slide easily into a busy workday.

To give the body some afternoon energy, have a look at Ariel’s Daily Mobility Routine here.

The post Inside a One-on-One Mobility Session at One Playground appeared first on Balance The Grind.

I’m usually skeptical when a drink claims to be “just like the original,” especially when it’s sugar-free. More often than not, the aftertaste gives it away, or the sweetness feels artificial. But I’ve been genuinely surprised by Red Bull Zero. It’s a quiet upgrade that doesn’t try to reinvent anything, just takes what people already love and makes it a little lighter.

First off, the taste really is close to the original. Not 100% identical, but surprisingly close. It keeps that slightly sharp, almost citrusy Red Bull flavour profile without veering into the overly sweet or syrupy territory that a lot of zero-sugar drinks fall into. You get the same familiar energy drink vibe, the tang, the bite, just without the sugar crash.

The sweeteners they’ve used, including monk fruit extract, work well here. There’s none of that metallic aftertaste you sometimes get with sugar substitutes. And the mouthfeel holds up too: not watery, not flat, just clean and crisp. I had it straight from the can and then poured over ice on another day, and both held up well.

What’s nice is that it doesn’t scream “diet” or “sugar-free.” It just tastes like a slightly cleaner version of something you already know. And if you’re someone who likes the idea of Red Bull but avoids it because of the sugar, this is honestly a solid option.

It’s hard to tell how it stacks up next to Red Bull Sugarfree unless you try them side by side, but I’d say Red Bull Zero feels a little smoother and more balanced. Less sharpness in the sweetener, maybe. I could see myself choosing this over the regular one without feeling like I’m compromising.

Overall, this is a smart addition to the lineup. No hype needed, just a genuinely good, sugar-free energy drink that tastes like the real thing. Worth trying if you’re already a Red Bull fan, and especially if you’re looking to cut back on sugar without losing that familiar hit.

The post Red Bull Zero appeared first on Balance The Grind.

To set the scene: I work in a full-time, target-driven role, double as an Uber driver for my two kids, and take on all the housework, cleaning, and cooking—so I’m usually last on my own list. And truthfully, I don’t mind. I love my family, I love my work, and I love our home.

So when I got the chance to test the Soul Aesthetix High-Performance Skincare System, my first thought was: Do I really have time for daily and weekly self-care routines?

I’m so glad I said yes. These products are honestly fantastic.

The Sheet Masks are packed with serum and made my skin feel soothed and smooth—I felt instantly refreshed. The morning A.C.E. serum glides on easily, and after 10 days, my complexion looks brighter and more even. The evening cream is lightweight, non-greasy, and perfect for my sensitive skin—no irritation, breakouts, or redness at all.

I’ve been really impressed. These products fit into my routine without fuss, and the results speak for themselves.

Highly recommend it.

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Here at Balance the Grind, we’re big fans of Red Bull, so when the Red Bull Summer Edition Blueberry came out, I had to give it a go.

I’ll be honest—when I’m in a mid-afternoon slump, reaching for this limited edition Blueberry flavor has been a refreshing change. The flavor is light, fruity, and not overly sweet, which makes it an easy go-to when you need that extra boost. It’s still the classic Red Bull energy you’d expect, with 80mg of caffeine, but with a bit of a summery twist.

If you’re a fan of their other flavors or just need something a bit different, it’s worth trying while it’s around. It gives you that familiar lift with a fresh take for the season—perfect for those warmer days when you need to power through!

The post Red Bull Summer Edition: Blueberry appeared first on Balance The Grind.

I’ve been using the Ordo Sonic+ Electric Toothbrush for a little while now, and I’m really impressed. The 40,000 sonic pulses per minute give a noticeably deeper clean, and the four different brushing modes are great for switching things up based on what my teeth need that day.

It’s also sleek and simple—I went with the Charcoal Grey, which looks great on my bathroom counter. For $99.99, it’s a solid option if you’re looking for an electric toothbrush that’s effective without being complicated. Plus, it’s good to know that Ordo is well-established in the UK and has just launched in Australia.

Overall, it’s made my brushing routine feel more thorough and refreshing!

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As someone who spends a lot of time in Zoom meetings and working on video editing projects, the Logitech Zone 305 wireless headset has been a solid addition to my workspace. It offers the kind of practicality and comfort that makes long days feel more manageable without over-promising.

One of the standout features for me is the lightweight design. At just 122 grams, it’s light enough that I can wear it for hours without feeling weighed down, which is great when you’re bouncing between calls and editing sessions. The enlarged ear pads are comfortable enough for all-day use without causing discomfort, but it’s not so luxurious that I forget I’m wearing it.

The wireless range is definitely useful—being able to move around up to 30 metres from my desk without losing connection is helpful, especially when I need to step away during a meeting. The automatic switching between devices, like my laptop and phone, makes things smooth when juggling calls. Plus, the battery life is reliable, with up to 20 hours of listening time, which easily covers a full day’s work and then some. And in case you forget to charge, the quick charge feature is handy, giving an extra hour of talk time from just five minutes of charging.

In terms of sound quality, it performs well. It’s certified for Zoom and other platforms, so I know I can count on it for clear audio during calls. It’s also nice that the Logi Tune app lets me tweak sound settings, though I find the default setup works just fine for my needs most of the time.

Overall, the Zone 305 is a well-rounded headset that gets the job done without being flashy. It’s practical, comfortable, and well-suited for anyone who spends a lot of time on calls or needs a dependable headset for work. 

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I was lucky enough to be introduced to Savvy Drinks through a friend when we were chatting about optimising time, green drinks, coffee, sleep habits, and all those kinds of things. His friend had started this business, was literally living the life in Byron Bay creating this brand, and he said these drinks had helped him—they were all he was using to keep himself sharp. So, after meeting the founder Mark to chat about it, he offered to send the Balance the Grind team some to try out.

These drinks, let me first explain, are called nootropic, meaning they are smart drugs created to improve human thinking, learning, and memory. Savvy has taken this to another level—their drinks are created by nutritionists, they use a lot more ingredients than others (25X more), and they have completed over 500 scientific studies. They claim to energise your mind, uplift your mood, sharpen your focus, and improve your well-being and mental performance. Now, we’ve all heard these things before, but I guess what you want to know is: do they work?

We were lucky enough to get a whole heap of flavours—passion fruit, mixed berry, and lemon lime—and I have to say, I liked them all. They are sugar-free and 100% natural, so there’s no crash, which I can attest to. While it’s impossible to really gauge exactly how much they help, I have to say I found they helped me a lot. No coffee crash, no sugar high, and they taste great—really subtle and without that manufactured taste you get with other energy drinks.

The other thing I want to add is I did not find them addictive. Sometimes with my personality, when I find something I like, I tend to go all in and could potentially have had one every day and finish them quickly. Instead, I only really reached for them when I felt like I needed them, so for me, this is a big thing.

So, no sugar, vegan, keto, kosher, and gluten-free—they really are for everyone. In fact, as my daughter heads toward year 12 next year, I’m going to be stocking up to help her through that in a healthy way. It’s great to see some real high-quality brands coming out of Australia, and with plans to launch a bar (as mentioned to me the other day), things are looking good for Savvy. Everyone could do with some natural sharpness, in my view—give them a go. Worst case, they’re a great-tasting drink that’s all natural. Best case, you’ll find yourself being smarter, more efficient, and slimmer!

The post Savvy Drinks appeared first on Balance The Grind.

So I felt it was time. I was definitely getting bloated. I was not low on energy, not at all, but I did not feel like I was doing enough for my gut health, and the more I read, the more I felt I should.

Green drinks had been around for a while now, so I assumed there was something to them rather than just the wheatgrass fad. Having said that, wheatgrass has been around as a tonic for 5000 years, but they have yet to find any scientific evidence to back up its claims. Regardless, I wanted to try.

I did reach out to Essential Greens to tell them I was planning a review, as well as another famous brand. I heard back from the famous brand the next day, but did not hear back from Essential Greens, so I simply subscribed. My first impression was frustrating. This is an Australian brand, so I assumed it would arrive quickly and I was keen to get going. But it took well over a week to arrive, perhaps two.

I actually lost interest, and my enthusiasm had waned. I still find it bizarre when e-commerce brands not only don’t deliver quickly but also don’t give visibility on when your product will arrive. It is so easy with technology these days. Anyway, it eventually arrived.

I have a pretty set routine already in the morning. I have a large glass of water, a vitamin drink of some sort, and make a high-performance coffee, then feed the dog. I was planning on replacing my vitamin drink with my new Essential Greens experience. Firstly, if you open your pack and cannot find a scoop, there is one in there.

Mine was buried so deep I did not find it until a week later, so I was simply using a spoon. I’m pretty sure my measurement was way too much (also fueled by my enthusiasm, which had come back with force). My first comment is that the colour looks nice.

I am a very visual person, and the smell was what I would expect, so a good start. Also, it mixed really easily with cold water. I did find this a little gloopy the first few times because I was adding too much as I had not yet found my scoop, but once I had my scoop, it mixed very easily.

The taste is so much better than I thought it was going to be, and I drank it quickly and easily, so overall the part I was dreading was a good experience. Well done, Essential Greens, on this, as I know a lot of people turn their noses up at anything green.

They claim it will boost energy, support gut health, and support your overall health with their Melrose Essential Greens Phytostrength. Their blend is packed with the goodness of Greens, Prebiotics, and Phytonutrients to support whole body health, detoxification, gut health, and energy.

My experience has been good. Do I feel better? Yes, I feel I actually do. I had been taking Berocca Performance for the last 6 months, and this definitely gave me a better feeling. My bloating did go down, and I think this was probably the biggest difference I saw. As I mentioned, I have never lacked energy, so it’s hard to comment on that, but I felt healthier.

Now, I can’t tell you how much of the claims are working (other than the bloating), but I feel like it is doing me good, and even if it were simply placebo, there is a lot to be said for that. So if you are considering it, I would definitely recommend it. The price for Essential Greens is great, much cheaper than some other brands.

I have been on this for 2 months now, so if you plan on continuing, price is a factor. I think for anyone who has a set daily routine, this product is a winner. I will be coming off for a few weeks to flush my body and try some of the other brands, so watch out for the next review.

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