Cristina Galafate

Updated Tuesday, March 12, 2024-01:38

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The friendly María Velasco (Segovia, April 21, 1988) laughs when asked why she chose sport as a way of life.

"I was pissed off in physical education class," she confesses.

Dedicated to digital consulting, she

took refuge in physical activity

at the age of 30 .

"After a complicated personal situation, a considerable

burnout

and with a new motherhood, I started practicing yoga. As a good Taurus, I became obsessed to such a point that I decided to deepen my practice

by training as an instructor

," she says.

After endless days and prioritizing her professional career over her health, with a child her needs changed.

Dancing had always been his passion

and then he found Barre, a discipline from the United States that combines

yoga, Pilates and ballet

with a good soundtrack.

It especially attracts women.

"In this practice I found my strength, energy and enthusiasm to start a new life project."

Why not reinvent yourself at 30?

"I felt butterflies in my stomach but I jumped into the pool without thinking."

SPORTS EVENTS

Velasco, last Sunday at her event held at Casa de las Alhajas in Madrid, where she brought together around thirty women.

As they say, there will never be the perfect time to start a business.

It is difficult to achieve ideal conditions.

"You just have to trust, throw yourself in and work to get where you want to go," encourages the creator of Vela Wellness, her

healthy company

created with the beginning of her last name.

She looks for

healthy and fun leisure experiences

that combine a delicious breakfast after a workout led by her and where people can socialize.

"The beautiful thing is that they can be integrated into environments, such as that of the manager who does not have a minute for self-care or a group of friends thinking about a

bachelorette party

or who simply want to do an activity together," she explains.

She has already had eight events, the last one at the Casa de las Alhajas in Madrid, where she has brought together dozens of women to practice Barre and have a healthy

brunch

with fruit, yogurt and granola to recover.

Girls can also enjoy similar beauty brands present there.

Velasco is trained in Barre and yoga, after a career dedicated to finance.

At 30 she took refuge in sports to reinvent herself.

"Beyond a

one-hour sports

masterclass , I design

holistic experiences

that combine movement, mind and self-care. A kind of day retreat that helps you disconnect and reconnect with what is really important, you," he explains. .

"My parents planted a seed in me to pursue anything that would make me happy, no matter how impossible it may seem. It's

a beautiful madness

that I hope it grows."

And why Barre?

"It is fashionable but it has been around for a long time and has great benefits, especially postural. It helps to strengthen the muscles with isotonic exercises in the legs, buttocks and abdomen. It also helps to gain flexibility. It releases stress, as they are dynamic classes with music and good vibes and promotes correct posture to relieve and prevent back pain for people who spend many hours sitting, that is, the majority.

THIS IS WHAT THE EXPERIENCES ARE

In addition to the 'masterclass' and breakfast to regain strength, the events have like-minded sponsoring brands on stands.

Always take into account three requirements.

"The space has to be special, that

transmits good vibes

to me ."

Then, he likes to give a narrative to the activities.

"For example, the next one will be the balance, both in the choreography, as well as in the lunch and the brands involved."

Everything with a meaning.

And, thirdly, taking care of the details of the evening, so that it does not leave you indifferent.

"We were looking for a plan and, instead of beer, we opted for sport," say three friends from Fuenlabrada,

mat

in hand, about last Sunday's experience.

"I have focused on girls but I am going to do mixed events and events for them as well.

This thing about taking care of yourself has no gender

. And it is forgotten in the whirlwind of everyday life," admits Velasco.

That is why she always remembers in her experiences that it is important to be grateful and have moments of peace.

"The concept of leisure is changing and more so in the new generations. We are looking more for things to make us feel something new. That is why I want to bring

well-being in the most atypical formats

to integrate it into reality."

The best thing, he reveals, is the looks and smiles he receives.

"When we see those excited eyes in the meditations or those smiles while her favorite songs play, you think this can't stop, and let's go for the next one."

The least good thing is all the production behind it.

"Víctor, my partner, and I got up at five in the morning to set up, after loading the van with bars, mats, material, products for brunch

...

Without a doubt, it is being a test of love for us" , he jokes.

The energy that is created stands out from the created tribe.

"It excites me when they tell me very nice things like that the

events are their self-gift

."