The Weekly Well List

Monday Musings: What’s Trending in Health, Wellness, Beauty & Culture This Week (May 12th, 2025)

New week, new discoveries, and I’m all about the unexpected things that lead to meaningful shifts. Whether it’s switching up my daily commute or diving into the latest wellness trend, these little changes have been quietly making a big difference.

I’m here to share what’s been working for me lately—how I’ve been accidentally getting into the best shape of my life, embracing the early-morning grind (in all its glory), and keeping it real with the wellness world. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s dive in.

🚲 My Accidental Best Bod EVER: Commuter Biking

I’m not saying I’ve cracked the code to getting in shape without even trying… but I am saying I’ve accidentally developed the best legs I’ve ever had, simply by commuting on a bike. No spin classes. No weighted Bulgarian split squats. Just me and the Lime bike, casually gliding through the city, with, might I add, added electricity making things even easier!

And it’s not just my legs. My stomach is flatter, my body feels leaner, and somehow I’m seeing results I never saw during my gym girl era. But how?

Three words: Zone 2 cardio.

The sweet spot of cardiovascular movement that’s low-intensity, sustainable, and weirdly transformative. It’s the kind of activity that doesn’t leave you drenched, starving, or puffy. Just light movement that fits into your actual day. No mental prep. No outfit change. No playlist required, my thoughts keep me company.

I’m not biking for fitness. I’m biking because I need to get places. But somewhere between Point A and Point B, my body got the memo—and now I’m coasting into summer with the strongest, most toned legs I’ve ever seen on this body.

Consider this your sign to start commuting like your thighs depend on it.

☀️ 5AM CLUB (Reluctantly... But Romantically)

I didn’t mean to join the 5am club. I just said yes to too many classes and now, suddenly, I’m that person whose alarm goes off when it’s still technically night.

But here’s the thing—I kind of love it?

These 5am clubbers may have cracked the code, however. That sunshine directly into my eyelids this morning as I biked to the studio gave me a sense of optimism—like a full-body reset before the city even wakes up.

I was cycling through Brixton, half-asleep, half-glowing, fully romanticising the place. Am I delirious? Or… is my brain actually happy?

There’s something about that early morning light. The quiet streets. The slow rise of the city. Maybe they were onto something.

Sure, I'll likely need to go to bed by 9:30pm latest, but, I am really not mad at that. For those few golden hours, I feel like I’ve cracked the code. Morning movement, sunshine to the face, and a smug little sense of being ahead of the world.

Unintentionally enlightened? Maybe.

🥸 Not All Pilates Is Created Equal

New studios are popping up everywhere trying to jump on the Pilates hype—but not all of them are offering the real deal

One in particular, Be Strong, is expanding fast, branding itself as a Pilates studio. But the workouts? They feel more like a high-energy HIIT class with a Mega-reformer thrown in. Think jump squats, rowing machines, and loud music. Sure, that might be great for some people—but let’s be honest, it’s not Pilates.

Don't get me wrong that have my interest for sure but for me, real Pilates has been the perfect form of movement. It’s intentional, it’s controlled, it connects you to your body in a way that doesn’t leave you burnt out or buzzing on cortisol.

I’m not a purist, but there comes a point where it feels like studios are just using the word “Pilates” as a buzzword to get people through the door. It’s fine to experiment. It’s fine to mix things up. But let’s keep calling things what they are—and stop repackaging everything just to fit the trend.

🧬 Aging Again, a Weekly Obsession: NAD+ and Skin Longevity

I’ve long been intrigued by NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)—that miracle molecule that’s been making waves in the wellness and beauty worlds. Celebrities from the likes of Jennifer Aniston to Reese Witherspoon swear by it for its anti-aging effects, and it’s easy to see why.

NAD+ is essential for cellular health, involved in energy production, DNA repair, and metabolism, making it a key player in fighting the effects of aging.

The concept behind it? By boosting NAD+ levels, you’re essentially helping your body slow down the process of aging on a cellular level, increasing resilience and rejuvenation. This is why it’s being incorporated into everything from beauty supplements to advanced skincare products. The benefits? Think glowing, youthful skin, better energy, and an overall feeling of vitality. Who doesn’t want that?

While I’ve never taken the plunge into adding NAD+ to my regimen, the more I learn about its potential, the more tempted I am to try it. The idea that it could give my body a bit of a “reset” and help my skin recover its natural bounce is definitely enticing, especially as I move into my later 20s and notice those tiny changes in my skin I didn’t expect.

Final Thoughts:

Sometimes the most effective shifts in our routines aren’t the ones we plan for. I never imagined that a simple commuting bike ride would lead to toned legs and better overall fitness, or that waking up at 5am could spark an unexpected sense of optimism.

It’s easy to get caught up in the noise of fitness trends and wellness promises, but at the end of the day, it’s about finding what works for you and makes you feel good—without the pressure. Whether it’s riding your bike, joining an early-morning class, or even considering new anti-aging trends like NAD+, it’s all part of the journey to a more intentional, fulfilled life.

So, what’s your next move?

Until next Monday,

Stay well, stay you,

The Well Woman Project