Looking after yourself in the midst of a hectic lifestyle can be a challenge, especially when you have to find the elusive balance between mind and body.
 
For Diane Donovan, owner of Body Works, finding that balance not only changed her life, but also inspired her to grow Body Works to its current form.
 
Located in Queen’s Court Plaza, Body Works offers yoga and Pilates to help improve the physical condition of clients, while also offering massage to iron out the kinks that still remain.
 
“Our focus all along has been on overall wellness. Over the years we have seen quite an increase in the number of male customers, male clients and male students in the classes as well,” says Diane.
 
She believes there is a growing awareness of overall wellbeing.
 
“We’re seeing that more guys are saying ‘Let me take better care of myself and come in more regularly’,” says Diane.
 
Body Works has expanded over the years as Diane responds to the needs of her customers. The retail section of the store developed when Diane found it difficult to find the books and products she was interested in on Island. This prompted her to add a retail section featuring natural beauty products, candles as well as motivational and how-to books. She even stocks a selection of CDs to help create a relaxing space in the midst of all the madness, turning it into a complete wellness centre.
 
“The greatest thing about slowing down is that it allows us to be faster when we need to be faster and to live the fast life that we are living but in a much healthier way,” says Diane.
 
“We can keep running those yellow lights, but sooner or later we’re going to run a red light and we’re going to crash. So we have to pay attention to those yellow lights and slow down every now and again.”   WH