Fitness & Wellness Blog

Have you stuck with your 2017 New Year’s resolutions? It’s okay, we didn’t either — and in fact, neither did the majority of those who set resolutions last winter. While about 45 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions each year, only about 8 percent succeed. [Reuters] New Year’s resolutions are usually a long list of vague, long-term, and high-minded goals. We resolve to omit indulgences, exercise daily, save money, and otherwise achieve perfection in all areas of life. The resolutions we make are usually great long-term goals – but often, they’re unrealistic, numerous, not measurable, and don’t have a specific deadline. Here’s how to set smarter goals in 2018,

Congestion, dark spots, wrinkles and dryness. You might not think of it, but the urban landscape is compounding these skin problems; from heavy traffic toxins to environmental free-radicals running amuck and causing havoc on skin. These pesky environmental aggressors come at us in forms of wind, heat, sun, and air – it’s unavoidable even if you don’t live in the city!   Gases like nitrogen oxide and microscopic particulate matter, which seep through pores, releasing free radicals that destroy the skin’s defensive lipid barrier, poke holes in collagen and suck out moisture. These environmental aggressors contribute to the fine lines, uneven texture and pigmentation we associate with aging. That being

By: Cassie Green, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach + exhale expert It's too hot to cook for most of us, but it's not too hot to chop a few veggies, whip up a little homemade salad dressing, and enjoy a nutrient dense and delicious salad! Feel free to substitute your fave veggies into this recipe. It's very flexible, which is one of my favorite things about it!   Summer Days Entree SaladServes 2 1/2bu kale, chopped and massaged1/2 head green cabbage, chopped1/2c cilantro, chopped1/2 small red onion, diced1/2 red pepper, sliced thinlyHandful of sunflower sprouts (pea shoots would also work well here!)3 small carrots, sliced on the bias1 beet, peeled and sliced

With summer’s end drawing near, be sure to add a little wellbeing to your long weekend with these simple wellbeing practices – even if you only have a few minutes to spare. Sleep well: a few moments of mindfulness before bedtime can make all the difference in the quality of your nightly shut-eye. Tune in to this video from our mindfulness guru and National Director of Healing, Robert, for the best night’s sleep you’ve had all summer long. Work out well: whether you’re near an exhale or away on vacay this weekend, get in a little barre time by streaming your favorite exhale class through Fit. Stream a full hour-long class, or squeeze

This stew is my favorite thing to make around the holidays. It’s equally good as a weekday meal or as a holiday dinner dish. I’ve meal prepped with this recipe and brown-bagged it all week – because it’s protein-packed, possibly even more amazing when reheated, and travels well in a jar – and I’ve also brought this stew to countless Thanksgiving dinners and holiday parties, where it won’t disappoint. Ingredients: 1 large butternut squash, cut into cubes             Short on time? Buy the pre-cut version… we won’t tell. 1 can petite tomatoes (opt for the spicy ones if you want extra heat in your stew!)3 cups chicken broth1 yellow onion3

What to do with all that leftover pumpkin puree? Reset your skin after a big Thanksgiving meal with this easy, homemade Pumpkin Spice Face Mask. Packed with lots of vitamins A and D, pumpkin is great for your skin. It softens and soothes, fights signs of aging, and contains enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids which help to brighten your glow. Plus, we’ve added a pinch of turmeric to the mix — this all-star ingredient is high in antioxidants to slow down cell damage, gently exfoliates your skin, and helps with inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, dry skin, psoriasis and eczema. It helps reduce pigmentation, even out the skin tone, and diminishes

The holidays are upon us, and naturally, this is the time when it’s most tempting to skimp on your workouts, minimize your me-time, and let your wellbeing practices slide to make time for the holiday rush. Despite it being very common, it can be frustrating to see your health deteriorate during a busy holiday season — it’s a time we all want to feel great so we can be our best at family gatherings and holiday parties. Enter: exhale’s wellbeing guide! You don't have to choose between enjoying the holidays and staying healthy. Here’s your exhale-approved plan for how to stay happy and healthy this season!

Ready for a festive holiday season? So are we! Our teams from coast-to-coast weighed in on their favorite holiday traditions. Elisabeth Halfpapp, EVP, Mind Body Programming One of my traditions for the past 20 years is dancing in The Nutcracker as an adult in the party scene with Dances Patrelle. Bravo, Lis! Sarah Walsh, Spa Director at exhale Back Bay When I get home to DC – my family goes to ZooLights every year. It’s my favorite tradition! Molly Colabuono, Spa Director at exhale Chicago Here’s an old tradition of my family growing up, and I now do with my family. We drive around to see the houses all decorated for Christmas! We always try

Push-ups will help strengthen and tone the entire upper body, and also works your stabilizing muscles in your core. It is best to think of this exercise as a moving plank. HOW TO DO IT: Place your hands (with your fingers spread open and facing mostly forward) off the mat a bit wider than your shoulders on the floor.Shift your weight to the front of your thighs with your bent knees slightly wider than your hips and your feet uncrossed and toward your glutes.Assume a horizontal body position with your ears over your shoulders, your chin in, your tailbone dropped, your shoulders over your hips and your fingers spread open.Lower

The new year is fast approaching — yet most of us don’t start thinking about 2019 goals until after Christmas dinner. Our advice? Start now. Sit down and prepare a list of important lifestyle changes you want to make in 2019. Then make a plan to achieve them. Here are the tips and tools we’re using, so you can do the same.Reflect and grow. Before you can set goals for a new year, a little journaling and reflection on the current year goes a long way. Set aside time to reflect on the areas of your life — from relationships, to health, to career, to finances — and notice areas you’re