Fitness & Wellness Blog

Meditation can be referred to as an active effort to train your mind to focus and let go of certain thoughts and stresses. Engaging in meditation can boost your awareness of your surroundings, strengthen your inner voice, and reduce stress. At Exhale, we believe in building and maintaining a strong sense of wellbeing from the inside out. In order to achieve what we want to in both our fitness goals and in all other walks of life, it is important experience that inner balance and concentrated self-awareness. We understand that it can be a challenge to disconnect from the world outside the studio. In order to clearly focus on your

Life is inevitable, but stress is not. The way that we react to difficult situations becomes the moment where we can choose whether or not to allow stress to surface. To help you strengthen your resistance to stressful thoughts and feelings, we’ve developed a defense plan that works like a charm.   Move it Whether you’re sweating it out or stretching it out, physical movement is a great way to channel whatever energy you’d normally put towards stress, into something productive and healthy. Release your tension and try some Power Yoga for a dynamic and positive sweat session or Chill Yoga to wind down and mentally disconnect. Stressed for time? HIIT 30 is a half hour of non-stop

By: Dr. Robert MacDonald, National Director of Healing 1. SIMPLE MEDITATIONUse this quick mindfulness technique to help focus (or refocus), and notice how your energy shifts towards empowered positivity. Take ten seconds to close your eyes. Inhale and exhale. Visualize a color (or a mantra of your choice) – picture it in your mind’s eye. Let it fill you. Then open your eyes. 2.  AFTER-WORK RESET: Perfect for your after-work commute, this super-simple meditation helps you reset from the work day. Take a moment to gather yourself and become present (breathing, noticing your body). Now, taking a slow mindful breath in, imagine all of the challenges and stressors of the day. Now slowly exhaling, let

We’ve all heard it a million times: getting enough sleep helps you lose weight, manage stress, and combats the big bad guys like heart disease and depression. But it’s not always easy to get some solid shut-eye — that’s why we’re hoping this bedtime meditation from our resident mindfulness expert, Robert MacDonald, will do the trick.https://player.vimeo.com/video/193549204 Sleep Meditation by Robert MacDonald copyright © Exhale Enterprises 2016 All Licensing for added footage and music under Creative Commons.Running Waters by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: Http://audionautix.com | Lengthened from original duration.Timescapes 001 - Sky, Sunsets, Storm, Moon - free Creative Commons time-lapse and slow raw footage.  CC by Debate FilmsBeachfront

I’m the first to admit that, in many ways, I was in pretty bad shape. And I mean more than the 35 pounds I’d gained. Despite the assurances of my A-list book agent, my latest book proposal hadn’t sold (I’d had 8 previously published), and a relationship with a business partner went deeply south. More than that, over 18 months I waded through a sea of loss and death, all involving those closest to me in one way or another: -My next door neighbor (who had become an unexpected mother-figure) -My best friend from Yale’s partner (I got the call in the middle of the night -My post-college best friend’s

Everyone wants to feel refreshed and fab on a daily basis. A good night sleep (at least 8 hours) recharges and refuels you so you wake up with a strong body, sharp mind and slay-the-day attitude. Read below for 5 benefits of getting a good night’s sleep, and our 5 tips to help you get there!         5 BENEFITS OF BETTER SLEEP   You’ll keep the pounds off Hitting the hay early keeps you from hitting the fridge late for an unnecessary midnight snack. You’ll be sharper at work Extra sleep improves memory and will help you stay sharp as a tack so you can spend more time being a rock star and

As you walk into the Recovery 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

by Edward Vilga   There’s an ancient parable about blind men encountering an elephant for the first time. Each feels a different part of the animal––tusk, side, legs, tail, etc.––and each has a completely different take on what he’s experienced.   Depending on one’s version of the story, they either come to blows or remain baffled, each person convinced they’ve tasted the absolute truth, yet each confined to his limited experience.   The same can be said about experiencing yoga for the first time — you may have heard a lot about its benefits — ranging from increased flexibility to sweaty calorie burning and strength building, to deepened serenity — but you aren’t quite sure where to begin.   In

Everything you want to know about Exhale's Floating Meditation, straight from the creator, Elisabeth Halfpapp. Plus, a special Meditation Month offer at 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 at Miraval 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

Your day-to-day choices can make a strong impact on your overall wellbeing. From the time we wake up in the morning to the time we go to bed at night, our days are filled with choices and opportunity for positivity. By following these simple steps, you can make a big difference in your life and continue to better your wellbeing!       Be thankful Create a positive mindset for yourself that will set the tone for gratitude, motivation and overall wellbeing. In your free time, jot a few things down that you are grateful for in your life.   Eat breakfast Each day is a fresh start! So, kick off that