Golborne Road, though initially tricky to find… is a treasure-filled street, with characterful cafes, quirky fashionable shops and a rowdy market scene. I was delighted to be visiting Golborne Place, a little venue which describes itself as an ‘urban escape’ providing classes and treatments to inspire body and mind, encouraging a happier and healthier lifestyle for all.
Director Monica Zamora opened Golborne Place as a centre for healing and relaxing. She is a former principal dancer with the Birmingham Royal Ballet but retired when she broke her foot. It was a devastating injury but Monica discovered Gyrotonic, a holistic form of exercise that enhances health and fitness. Golborne Place offers one-on-one Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis classes and lessons.
There are also a wide variety of therapists available offering specialist techniques to ensure you receive a treatment that will improve your health and fitness. I received a heavenly holistic massage with Amy Moffat. After a full tour of the building I went through to the small treatment room upstairs. Amy chatted to me briefly about my needs and strains understanding how she could remedy my aches and pains.
I felt completely relaxed almost immediately when lying down on the massage bed and soon fell into a light doze. Amy released tension in my upper back systematically kneading the knots and balancing the body. Amy’s massaging aims to help all of the body systems to work at their optimum level, giving particular attention to areas that show physical and emotional strain. After the hour I felt totally peaceful but re-energised.
Golborne Place is a calming sanctuary away from the hubbub and chatter of the Portobello excitement. I’m hoping to return soon to try out a ballet class, though I am tempted by everything they offer!