THE DETOX AND RECOVERY EXPERIENCE AT EXHALE
As you walk into theRecovery class, intensions set and an open mind, you are immediately brought to a level of calm. The class begins with an inward reflection. You are instructed to take inventory of how your body feels. The outside noise is silenced, and little-by-little you awaken the energy from your head to your toes. Throughout the class, the focus shifts from mindful meditation, to active stretching, and restorative foam rolling. Throughout the progression of these healing elements of the class, your body and mind undergo a transformative recovery experience. Muscles are limber and relaxed, the mind is centered and calm, and from the inside out you feel completely restored. Now that the mind and body are set to a state of balance and revitalization, it’s time to apply the elements of recovery to the imperative care of your skin.The Detox Facialoffers a very similar experience of awareness that stems from the inside outward. Beginning with the pre-facial moment you have to yourself in the zen lounge, all tension immediately begins to dissipate. Deep breathing and mindful stillness in advance of your detox prepares you mentally and physically for the restorative therapy. Throughout the 60 minute therapy, your skin undergoes a series of cleanses, 3-layer chemical peel, exfoliation a vitamin C mask, and more. Throughout the facial, you can feel the sensation of toxins leaving the surface of your skin. With a combination of soothing steam, warm compresses, and a soothing environment, you have no choice but to fall into a complete sense of tranquility and wellbeing. Both The Recovery Class and the Detox Facial are brand new offerings at Exhale, and both fully encompass the importance maintaining a routine that not only challenges, but restores and revives your wellbeing from the inside out. Toxins, tension and strain inevitably build up within us over time. Taking the time to clean the slate and refresh your wellbeing is a total must.
SPRING AWAKENING! A SNEAK PEEK INTO OUR NEW SPA THERAPIES FOR APRIL
Spring is all about renewal, revival and re-awakening. Embrace the nature of the season by ascending into April withtwo new refreshing and uplifting spa therapies. Enhance the of your lashes with a rejuvenating Lash Lift
POST WORKOUT SNACKS FOR HEALTHY RECOVERY
You work hard. You pushed yourselfin classfor a power-packed hour. Your muscles are sore, your legs are shaking, and your hunger is raring! After a challenging fitness class, you feel that extra sense of enlivening accomplishment paired with an instinctual hunger to recover. This is a very crucial moment in your fitness journey. In order to maximize the results that you’ve worked so hard for in class, it is important to choose the right food to eat afterwards. Feed that well-earned hunger with foods that will repair your muscles and that will keep your metabolism running at a healthy pace! Our key rules of thumb when it comes to smart post-workout snack choices are water, protein and low amounts of sugar. These fundamental elements are the building blocks of restoring your energy, maintaining
THE BROW QUEENS OF EXHALE
The process of shaping your brows is no longer simply about plucking and waxing with a stencil to fit a one-size-fits-all mold. According to our Exhale Spa brow specialists, brow shaping is an art aimed to frame your face and enhance your natural shape. Ourtop waxersare committed to providing a high quality, and personalized shaping regimen that will keep your brows looking consistently shapely and fabulous. We’re thrilled to share a little bit more about our top brow Queens here atExhale in New York City.
EXHALE’S FLOATING MEDITATION WITH RESTORATIVE POSES…EQUALS TOTAL TRANSFORMATION
Everything you want to know about Exhale’sFloating Meditation, straight from the creator, Elisabeth Halfpapp. Plus, a special Meditation Month offerat the bottom of this post! A weightless surrendering to yourself as you tune out and float effortlessly in a 30-minute guided meditation with your body being held and supported in a silk hammock. The first time I experienced this relaxing, calming effect was atMiraval Arizona(an Exhale’s sister resort) as just the meditative component without the restorative poses. When I developed a similar class for Exhale, I thought the addition of restorative stretches after a breathing meditation in stillness would help the physical body surrender deeper with more relaxed muscles and mind. When the mind is relaxed the body tends to follow,resulting in a deeper stretch. Also with some guided restorative stretches/poses, the transition back to the “real world” was a little easier. Some of the restorative poses inside and out of the silk, while incorporating the silks are: •Savasana•Hip/hamstring stretches•Child’s pose and extended child’s pose variations•Forward folds•Down dog, up dog, and plank variations During the meditation section, gentle rocking is an option, which is enables you to “float” better. Throughout the entire session, breathing is an active focus which helps to detangle the mind. You may start to fall asleep, which is fine, however, we do encourage you stay awake and aware in order to experience the full benefits. You can always sit upright if you tend to fall asleep or feel uncomfortable being cocooned. There is soothing healing music played through your own personal head phones that enables you to also hear the teacher guide you through the meditation while zoning out external noises — a true calming of the senses. Inhale inspiration…Exhale transformation…..equals WELLBEING as we “float’ together! SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:What should I wear?Comfortable workout attire is recommended. Socks are required. Jewelry that will snag the silks should be left at home.What if I’m sensitive to motion?Rocking is optional, but if you’re sensitive to motion we encourage you to opt out.What happens if I fall asleep?Due to the swaddling-like nature of this experience you may fall asleep. However, we encourage you to stay awake in order to experience the full benefits. Sitting in an upright position is an option.Who is this class for?Floating meditation is open to all level; no experience is necessary. Weight limit is 350lbs. So there you have it! No, you don’t need to be an aerial expert. No, you don’t have to be a meditation expect – you just need to give 30 minutes of your time to feelcalm, recharged, and a better sense of overall wellbeing. And as a special for National Meditation Month, we’re offering ourChicagoGuests FREE Floating Meditation Classes, May 13-19, 2019. Call 312.753.6500 to book your free class
SPRINGTIME MINDFUL MOMENT IN HONOR OF NATIONAL MEDITATION MONTH
If you are like most people, by the end of winter, you’re feeling a bit run down. To combat this sluggish feeling, keep in mind that change is right around the corner. All around you, nature is on the verge of transformation. Winter’s slow, dormant energy is transforming into springtime’s lively and energetic riot of life! By cultivating mindfulness around thechanging of seasonswe consciously and intentionally align with that energy. Here is how we can experience that in a simple and repeatable way.
THE ULTIMATE ROASTED HARVEST SALAD FOR FALL
Thechange of seasonscan be a very exciting time in the kitchen! Now is the time to experiment with in-season produce and get creative with flavors and textures. Soups, sautés and salads are all great dish-types to incorporate fall produce into and are often quick and easy to whip up. One of the best ways to bring out those classically delicious fall flavors is by roasting. When you roast fruits or veggies, you enhance its natural flavors while producing a hearty and satisfying texture. To help kick off the new season, we’re sharing one of our favorite roasted vegetable salads that is packed with fall flavors and healthy ingredients. For a balanced meal, prepare alongside a pureed soup, or some fresh grilled chicken! Ingredients2 medium pears sliced and cored 1 butternut squash cut into cubes ½ cup dried cranberries 1/3 cup pecans 1 tablespoon olive oil Teaspoon of Salt 5 cups of mixed greens 4 ounces of goat cheese Dressing of your choice!
KATIE’S EXHALE TRANSFORMATION STORY
When Katie first came to exhale with a 30-day unlimited class package, she was recovering from a life-altering car accident and brain surgery. Here’s her incredible story of building strength and mindfulness at exhale – one class at a time.
First, please indulge me in some brief (kind of) background info. I was hit by a car while crossing the street in July 2016 which left me with a grade 3 concussion and a left hip injury from the impact. The injury restricted my physical activity. About six weeks later, in September, I underwent brain surgery to remove a colloid cyst. My neurosurgeon estimated it had about a 50% chance of killing me (and was originally identified as likely being cancer in January 2016). At 27 years old, this was a lot to handle – physically, emotionally, and mentally.
REASONS WHY MEN SHOULD TAKE BARRE CLASS
By: Fred DeVito, Core Fusion co-founder + the world’s first male barre teacher
Most men are programmed from sports training in high school and college to think that lifting weights and doing cardio is how you stay in shape. But after high school and college, most of us realize that only doing exercises you’re used to can limit your fitness potential – and as the first male barre teacher in the industry, I learned this the hard way.
THE 411 ON FLEX PACKS
For some, having fitness plan in place is a necessary step in actually booking your workouts. But commitment can be scary. That’s why we’re breaking down our newest fitness plan so you can determine if it’s the right pack for you! What is a Flex Pack? A flex pack is a discounted series of 4 or 6 classes that auto-renews monthly so you don’t have think about stocking up when your classes run out. Is a flex pack right for me? If you’re all about the hustle and bustle and you don’t always know what the following month’s schedule holds, then a Flex Pack is for you. You have the choice between taking class 4 or 6 times a month and you can cancel and restart anytime if your schedule changes. I’ve used up my classes this month. How do I add more? You can add additional classes to your Flex Pack at any time, at the same discounted flex pack rate (that’s up to an $8 savings per class*) — so, you always have the option to maximize your flex pack! Simply mention that you want more classes upon check in for your last class. However, if you find yourself adding more than 2 classes a month, then a membership may be a better option for you. Can I use my flex pack for all class types? Yes! With a flex pack, you can choose from any of our fitness classes. Try a little of everything for some well-rounded variety!
