The newest way to work out apparently involves breathing deeply and learning to listen.
TheWildfire Initiativeis Los Angeles’ hot new workout trend. It’s a wellness group run by four guys (“a quadrumvirate of enthusiastic bros,” according to New York Magazine) who teach people how to train their mind, body, and spirit through hiking, meditation, and heavy breathing. It’s free to attend and takes place in Runyon Canyon.
We spoke to its cofounder, the singer-songwriter Bryan Ellis, and he told us everything you need to know about the fad:
There are four LA guys behind the concept: Bryan Ellis, Crosby Tailor, Netic Rebel, and Abraham Wolke.
http://instagr.am/p/BODBbHPgDR1
From left to right: Netic Rebel, Crosby Tailor, Bryan Ellis, and Abraham Wolke.
These men, who mostly met on Instagram, each have different careers outside The Wildfire Initiative, ranging from acting to modeling. Wolke owns a vegan protein bar company.
This is Bryan Ellis. He's a singer and songwriter. He teaches breath work, meditation, and yoga at The Wildfire Initiative.
http://instagr.am/p/BQWJxMHlVSo
This is Crosby Tailor, known as the "Commander-in-Chef" of the organization. He's a part-time model and actor. He's also the Wildfire Initiative's "diet and nutrition leader" and bakes ketogenic "fat-burning" desserts.
http://instagr.am/p/BUXGN0cBnth
Source: New York Magazine
He's even baked for Gigi Hadid.
http://instagr.am/p/BBQGSv8AB6J
None of the founders has had a formal training in fitness or nutrition. They use Instagram to give followers diet and health tips.
http://instagr.am/p/-h2VUeAB1K
Source: New York Magazine
The class takes place every Sunday, either before or after a hike in Los Angeles' Runyon Canyon. "It is about meditation and self-realization. Everything we do is about hacking the mind, body, and heart so as to dramatically and systematically improve our quality of life," Ellis told Business Insider.
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Each class typically begins with some slow movement exercises and breathing.
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Then there is a guided meditation session followed by a "casual discussion," said Ellis.
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During the workshops, everyone has the chance to try Tailor's fat-burning desserts. These cakes are sugar-, gluten-, and grain-free. Tailor claims that the frosting, made from Blue Majik powder, is packed with antioxidants.
http://instagr.am/p/BUIi3T3hMsO
The founders also occasionally run separate workshops, which guests must pay to attend. In February, they collaborated with fitness brand Bandier to host a two-hour workshop that cost $40.
http://instagr.am/p/BQL88k_g3zu
What's next? The four founders are looking to capitalize on the success of Wildfire. Ellis said they are looking into offering online training with both free and paid content, increasing the amount of paid workshops that they do, and setting up retreats abroad.
http://instagr.am/p/BT481grBX3R