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Fitness Benefits of a Banya

Fitness Benefits of a Banya

Can you recall the feeling of your muscles aching after physical exercise? Whether you are a professional athlete or simply a casual gym-goer, you will have definitely experienced this sensation. While many people believe that this type of pain is completely normal and is caused by overtraining, it is in fact a result of ‘under-recovery’.

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Healthy is the new Happy

Healthy is the new Happy

For many of us, a hard-working week always ends with a relaxing Friday night drink. In fact, from a biological perspective, this is a very reasonable way of winding down; we are usually tired and full of stress, and alcohol helps the blood vessels dilate which in turn makes us more relaxed and happy. However,

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Save Water – Drink Beer!

Save Water – Drink Beer!

It is a well-known fact that beer is a drink that is enjoyed all over the world. Well, Russia is no exception as it is the second most popular alcoholic beverage after vodka. The history of beer in Russia dates back almost 2,000 years to the Ancient Slavs. Surprisingly, in their language, ‘pivo’ (beer) and

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Spring is Coming… with Russian Maslenitsa

Spring is Coming… with Russian Maslenitsa

Between 24th February and 1st March 2020, Russians celebrate Maslenitsa or Pancake Week, a holiday that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Maslenitsa has been observed since the Ancient Slav times when, due to their pagan rituals, it was essential to say ‘goodbye’ to the winter. Initially, it was celebrated at

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Wellness the British way – Review by Travel Weekly

Wellness the British way – Review by Travel Weekly

If you were to find yourself, as I did, prostrate and naked on a bench in an infernal steam sauna, your face mashed into a pile of birch leaves as a hulking Russian banschik beats you with bundles of oak branches, you might question your life choices — which is precisely the point of the

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Kvass: Top Health Benefits of Traditional Russian Drink

Kvass: Top Health Benefits of Traditional Russian Drink

Here at Banya No.1, we offer a wide range of traditional Russian food and drinks. One of the most delicious ways to quench your thirst between detoxifying Parenie sessions is to have a glass of the refreshing and fizzy organic drink called Kvass. What Is Kvass? Kvass is a lightly fermented, non-alcoholic beverage commonly made

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Russian Banyas vs Saunas

Russian Banyas vs Saunas

A traditional Finnish sauna is very similar to a Russian banya. However, there are some extremely significant differences. For example, a Finnish sauna is usually something you can find in any sports club or spa. By contrast, a Russian banya is all about the unique experience, which is why it always stands out on its

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What is Venik?

What is Venik?

Here at Banya No.1 our signature treatment is Parenie – an invigorating thermal treatment using leafy and fragrant bundles of birch, oak and eucalyptus twigs performed in a steam room. In Russia, this bundle is simply called Venik. The treatment we offer is quite intense. And, no, it’s not about the slashing you with Venik,

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What is this felt hat fashion all about?

What is this felt hat fashion all about?

The air in the banya may be up to 70 degrees Celsius, but a felt hat will keep the air around your head at a comfortable temperature. So the felt hat comes to the recue! It keeps the head dry and cool, and – this is for the ladies – it prevents your hair being

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How did the Russian banya arrive in London?

How did the Russian banya arrive in London?

While Banya No.1 opened as recently as 2012, the story of Russian bathhouses in London goes back much further. It all began in Odessa in the 1820s during the Russian Empire. This is when the first anti-Jewish pogroms (targeted anti-Jewish riots) occurred. The reason for these violent attacks was that there had been rumours that

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