Introducing Phil Cui

To kick things off, we have Phil Cui; the powerhouse behind Icemunity and Yeah Bowl, and an advocate for simple ways to optimise the mind, body and soul that can be incorporated into daily rituals. 

Alongside the communities he’s built, Phil shares his tips to increasing flexibility and mobility, as well as achieving holistic wellness through small daily practices that create big results. 

We chatted to Phil about how he balances a multi-faceted life…

How did your journey into health and wellness begin?

I’ve always been active and sporty - beach volleyball & basketball was what I spent my spare time doing. Then it moved into lifting weights, and just staying physically fit. 

It kicked off over a decade ago, but I’d say it really took off in my late 20s. That’s when I made the decision to cut out alcohol which was a game-changer. Getting rid of alcohol was like flipping a switch. I started to see everything clearer - my training, my diet, my overall lifestyle. It wasn’t just about being fit anymore; it was about being truly healthy, both mentally and physically. I began to dive deep into understanding nutrition, the importance of holistic health & recovery.

It’s not just about the weights or the kilometres; it’s about what you’re putting into your body, how you’re treating your mind, and how you’re balancing your life.

It’s been a journey of constant learning and evolution. And that’s the key to health & wellness - never stop learning, never stop improving. 

You run an epic ice bath community - can you tell us how this started and what makes it special?

Icemunity started on the tail end of covid when myself and a mate challenged ourselves to do an ice bath first thing in the morning, three times a week. 

This turned into a group of 8-10 friends on a Saturday morning watching the sunrise, basking in the sun, cheering each other on in the ice bath. I saw how motivated, connected, happy and invigorated everyone felt after each plunge and thought to myself that more people need to experience this.

So I decided to share the space & environment with the wider community through IG, and we’re now 3 years deep, running regular monthly sessions, collaborating with brands, changing the corporate wellness scene & making cold plunging more accessible and social.

What is one piece of advice that you would give anyone wanting to be more flexible?

I was never flexible… I was pretty stiff from all the heavy weight lifting and zero stretching. I wish I had documented my journey in the earlier days. 

But my best advice for you would be to start! Address the area that needs attention and start small, start with 7mins > 10mins > 20mins. I recommend just starting with 4-6 different moves, rinse and repeat them every other day (not everyday!) Treat it like strength training, stay consistent and I guarantee you will feel younger. 

Where does Daeli fit into your daily ritual?

Daeli fits into my mornings and afternoons, and sometimes even evenings when I sauna. But definitely in the AM before I have my coffee I’ll have a salted pineapple Daeli. And always during my workout. 

What is one non-negotiable daily ritual?

For me it will have to be a movement practice. The gym, working on my mobility and flexibility, hitting a run in the sun, working on my callisthenics skills. 

What is one thing you do to transform your day?

Walking! It’s honestly a game changer. 

It’s a form of active meditation that boosts creativity, reduces stress, and increases overall well-being. Plus, it’s a great way to break up your day, especially if you’re working on something intense.

I find it’s during these walks that I often have my best ideas or breakthroughs - the act of walking itself is grounding, connecting you to the present moment and the environment around you. It’s a perfect way to reset your mental state.

You can find Phil and more info on Icemunity and Yeah Bowl on IG @phlcui, or visit https://beacons.ai/phlcui for Phil’s 1:1 callisthenics coaching