The Urban List - Meet the Health Nut: Erin O’Hara

Over the past few years, Auckland’s health and wellness scene has taken off and we are loving it! From the juice cleanse companies to the healthy cafes, from the wellness warriors to the hip yoga studios sprouting up all over town, Auckland has got it going on. To gain an insight into all this health magic, we’re chatting to Auckland’s healthiest cool cats who will share their tips, tricks and a whole lot of inspo to help you live your healthiest life ever. Yesss!

This week we chatted to Erin O’Hara, who is best known for bringing Kundalini Yoga to New Zealand, she recently set up a new upmarket health and wellness centre, Golden Yogi, in Takapuna.

Erin talks to The Urban List about starting her own business, her daily routine (alert: it starts EARLY) and where to get a healthy treat in Auckland.

WHAT SPURRED YOU ON TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

Opening a wellness centre was a dream of mine from when I was a teenager. I got very sick when I was 17-years-old and this sparked the vision of creating Golden Yogi. I had a Golden Yogi vision board for about 3 years before opening the studio that I used to look at daily, visualise, and dream about manifesting. The studio is actually even better than the vision board!

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN FIT AND HEALTHY?

I was always a fit and healthy child, and it was not until I was 17 years old that I struggled with my health. It started with Glandular Fever and then I got severe complications including left foot drop, severe headaches, and chronic fatigue. I spent a few years rebuilding my health, and then flipped my life completely around to racing on the Professional Triathlon Circuit in my mid- twenties for a few years. Since recovering from sickness my life has been all about life balance, combining yoga and meditation, and a healthy amount of physical exercise to stay fit.

WHAT’S A REGULAR DAY LOOK LIKE?

I am a super early bird. I get up at 4am for my personal yoga and meditation practice. Then I spend the day teaching, seeing patients in our Natural Medicine clinic, and doing some paper work in between. I usually love to head out in the middle of the day for a long break to enjoy the beach, fresh air, long lunch, or go to the gym. The evenings are usually spent teaching yoga or meditation classes.

BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?

It is so great to do a job that I absolutely love. I never feel like I go to work. The best part is being able to inspire people to live healthier lives and find happiness from within. Watching people’s lives change and transform is truly inspiring!

FAVOURITE FORM OF EXERCISE?

I have always loved exercise and keeping my body fit and healthy.  Yoga is my daily ritual every morning for balancing the mind and body. I also like to push myself physically with a few cardio sessions a week of boxing, rowing, TRX, running, cycling, and long beach walks. 

BEST PLACE TO GET A HEALTHY TREAT IN AUCKLAND?

My favourite local place for a healthy treat is Mimosa in Takapuna; they have delicious raw macaroons. If I’m in the City then I love to go to The Raw Kitchen for some healthy raw treats—the Raw Ginger Slice is amazing!

WHAT’S NEXT ON THE HORIZON FOR YOU?

I would love to create a yoga, meditation, and wellness app to share and inspire people all around the world to find life balance, health, and inner happiness.  People are quite often too busy and stressed. I am a big believer that the simplest changes can have a huge impact on your life whether it is adding a five-minute daily meditation practice or making a few small nutrition changes to get more nutrients in daily.

FAVOURITE DRINK?

Green juices and green smoothies are my favourites. Delicious and packed fill of nutrients.

BEST PLACE FOR A COFFEE?

I don’t drink coffee otherwise I would be bouncing off the walls.  I love spicy chai with fresh ginger juice and almond milk from Kombi Coffee in Takapuna.

FAVOURITE BREAKFAST?

Little Bird cereal with fruit and almond milk, green smoothies, breakfast salads, or Gluten Free grainy toast with hummus, avocado and tomato.

DINNER MENU?

Usually I do a mid afternoon main meal with lots of vegetables, and then just have a light supper in the evenings after teaching yoga of fruit, smoothie, soup, or salad.   

FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP?

I live in my active wear most of the time at studio, so I love shopping Lululemon.

Get more details about Golden Yogi, including opening hours, here.