EXHALE’S FLOATING MEDITATION WITH RESTORATIVE POSES…EQUALS TOTAL TRANSFORMATION
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 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 feel calm, recharged, and a better sense of overall wellbeing. And as a special for National Meditation Month, we’re offering our Chicago Guests 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 the changing of seasons we consciously and intentionally align with that energy. Here is how we can experience that in a simple and repeatable way.
WHY SKINCARE SHOULD BE ONE OF YOUR PRIORITIES THIS YEAR
Did you know that the skin is the human body’s largest organ? It works hard day in and day out to protect your body from harmful elements in your surroundings, like germs and toxic substances, the cold and sun rays, and more. You may not care too much about it, but take a quick look at your face or body, and you’ll realize how much you pay attention to your skin. It’s high time that you give your skin the proper attention and love it needs. Help your skin do its job more effectively and efficiently for longer by developing a skincare routine. Here are a few reasons why you should make “skincare” at the top of your must-prioritize list this year. Our skin sheds itself Sure, your skin may look its best today, but since it loses roughly 30,000 dead skin cells every minute, your healthy skin today may turn dull by tomorrow. Getting a regular facial , or a body scrub around twice or once a month (depends on how often your skin needs it), can help rid face of dead skin. If you opt to exfoliate at home, you can use a mild facial scrub or chemical exfoliant at least twice (for oily/combination skin; once for sensitive skin) a week. This is a relaxing way to get your skin to its tip-top shape. Look your best Having clear and healthy skin can help boost your self-confidence. This is true especially for people who have acne-prone skin. The face is the part of your body that people see first when they meet you, and who doesn’t want to put your best face forward when seeing others? A well-established skincare routine can help you achieve a flawless and radiant skin of your dreams. After all, when you look good, you feel good. Beautiful skin is a lifelong commitment Getting gorgeous skin doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a lot of effort, resources, discipline, and time. Also, you shouldn’t stop when you start seeing results from your skincare routine, you need to continue doing it. If you want to have healthy skin by age 50, you need to start now, and the choices you make today will turn that into reality. Prevention is cure A good skincare routine and habits can help keep breakouts at bay and protect your skin from the harsh sun and pollution. It can also help prevent potential skin issues in the future, like closed comedones, dry patches, and liver spots. Having an effective skincare routine can cut your visits to a dermatologist. It can also save you money by avoiding skin problems that can be costly. Take appropriate measures now before your skin gets skin discoloration or acne scars. A skincare routine is the start of other healthy routines A good and positive skincare practice is a step into the door of carrying out bigger self-care routines, like doing hair and scalp treatments, exfoliating and moisturizing your body, observing a healthy diet, exercising, getting enough sleep, developing a reading routine, and trying out things that you love to do. Either of these can start small, and some you might even begin doing unconsciously. Skincare is self-care Whether it’s a stressful day at work or a long road trip, something as simple as doing a skincare routine can help you de-stress. It’s just you and the mirror, alone in your bathroom or some space quiet. There’s something meditative about taking that 10 minutes just to sit and massage your face with products. In a way, it makes things more manageable. Are you finally convinced that you have to make time for skincare? Start a healthier skincare routine on your road to a younger-looking skin journey now and feel wonderful (inside and out) for years to come! You may consult with your dermatologist to help you create a suitable skincare routine for your skin type and to address your skin problems. AUTHOR BIO Julia is a beauty and lifestyle writer. She’s a contributor for VMV Hypoallergenics blog. She likes reading skin care tips, travelling with her friends and exploring new places.
Pick a suit that makes YOU feel comfortable. There are no rules or restrictions that should limit you to a certain kind of swimsuit. Pick a cut and color that speaks to you and makes you feel amazing.
Exfoliate and polish up your skin with a detoxifying Glow Body scrub. Glow get em’!
The suit is the main event, but the cover up is the opening act. Make it a cute one!
Get your sweat on in the studio. Being active releases endorphins and leaves you feeling positive and strong.
Block out negative noise. Don’t allow yourself to become affected by unnecessary and unwelcome pressures from society, the media, or yourself. You create your own standards, so stick to them!
Fit in an Exhale on Demand session before hitting the beach to center your mind and body while granting you a glistening (sweaty) glow.
Set the tone with a tinted moisturizer that will give you that natural beachy glow before even hitting the sand!
Exhale Barre: A workout for all levels and needs
An Exhale Barre class is a workout that will challenge you on many levels: strength, flexibility, endurance, and stamina. What makes this workout unique is that the exercises can be modified and tailored to your individual needs (prenatal + postnatal, men, teens, athletes, injuries, limitations — you name it!). Our program is built to make the workout work for you! New to Barre? Your teacher will ask a few simple questions before class in order to better understand your limitations, potential modifications, needs and goals. That way your teacher can give you personalized barre challenges that work for you. If a position or move is problematic, our teachers are trained to provide appropriate modifications that will keep your body challenged and moving while maintaining a safe workout. Once class begins our teachers are trained to use proper and succinct set up cues to put you in position that build and progress — becoming more
