WELLNESS FOR REBELS: CONOR RUA OF SAOLFUL

This Saturday, On Top at The StandardX becomes something else entirely.

Not a party. Not quite a workout either. Think rooftop recovery for the chaotic middle — out late, up early.

Saolful, the Melbourne-born platform creating counterculture-led classes for real, messy lives, is bringing After A Big Night Out to the rooftop on February 28. Slow yoga rolls into mat Pilates, followed by cocktails overlooking the same city you danced in hours before.

Ahead of the session, we sat down with Connor Rua — Saolful’s founder and resident rule-breaker — to talk balance (or why it’s misunderstood), clubbing as cardio, and why wellness works better when it’s social.

What even is Saolful, – your version?

We’re an online platform dropping counterculture themed fitness classes, recipes, and rituals for real, messy lives. But simply? It’s wellness for rebels.

You talk about the “chaotic middle.” What lives there?

Majority of people. It’s the space between wanting a six pack & spiritual awakening and not fully committing to either. It’s late nights and early meetings. It’s trying to drops the kids off and joining a zoom call. It’s clubbing on Friday and stretching on Sunday. It’s being ambitious but exhausted. Disciplined but indulgent. The chaotic middle is the people who don’t want to optimise their entire existence they just want to feel good in it. Just real life.

Is Balance overrated?

Overrated? No. Misunderstood? Completely!
Personally I feel that balance has never been more misunderstood than now. It’s been hijacked by the optimisation culture of beige data, strict routines, longevity podcasts and living in the safe lane. Balance for us is about blending discipline with indulgence, going clubbing, watching the sunrise and then the same day going for a 2km swim or even do one of our 10min horizontal flow yoga on the sofa.

Why rooftop watch parties and shared experiences rather than traditional classes?

I love traditional classes but being a creative director it’s hard not to look at how things can be reconstructed to become more relatable, engaging, disruptive & elevated. We want wellness so entertaining, you forget it’s on a screen and fitness classes that feels more like beers with mates than workouts. Watch parties is just our take on how we recreate the physical experience but also still have something for those suffering with FOMO or just life shit preventing them from coming.

If Recovery had an anthem what would it be?

give me a reason – bad tuner . Turn it up!

Why should wellness be social?

Because Wellness isn’t measured in reps, percentages or clicks. It’s measured in moments, the small, human ones that remind you you’re still moving and sometimes that does include a double scoop from Messina.

What energy does a space bring to recovery?

A space dictates energy and your energy shapes the recovery. Being able to host the session at the On Top rooftop bar makes you feel limitless. Seeing the cityscape, the sky makes your body feel bigger. I guess recovery isn’t just one thing. It shifts depending on where you are. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s collective. But the right space reminds you that you can reset anywhere.

What’s one wellness habit you refuse to follow?

Red light LED masks. Could be tempted at Halloween though.

What made Saolful feel aligned with The StandardX?

The StandardX has built a welcoming space that allows creative expression and comfort. Naturally there is a real cultural synergy in Saolful’s ‘no rules’ approach to wellness. For us anything goes if it works for you, there is no judgement.

What Does “feeling good” look like in 2026?

In 2026, feeling good looks less like perfection and more like permission. Permission to rest. To indulge. To not optimise everything. Maybe it’s vaping in a yoga class or maybe cooking the crispy fried rice when getting home at 2am. I don’t care what it is as long as it’s yours.