10 WAYS TO STAY MOTIVATED DURING YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY
You are your own best motivator. This means that you are the only one that can truly keep yourself driven, inspired, and on track! No matter what your goal is, you have the power to guide yourself along your journey towards total wellbeing, as long as you keep yourself motivated. Here are some effective and fun ways to do that. Set a goal Set a course for yourself and establish what it is you want to accomplish. Having a goal in mind will keep you focused on whatever it is you are aiming for. Keep an extra set of workout clothes at work or in your car Always give yourself the option to fit in a workout session. You never know when motivation will hit! Get some cute new workout clothes The confidence that a great outfit gives you can fuel your fitness motivation and give you that extra incentive to gear up
FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE
Father’s Day is right around the corner, and the highly varied interests of fathers, husbands, brothers and friends can seem like a vast unknown when it comes to looking for a gift. Rather than the go-to patterned tie to add to his hefty collection, we’ve curated a collection of gifts that will really leave an impression!
HEALTHY HABITS FOR THE FAMILY
Working together as a family to take on healthier habits is a great way to set everyone on the right track towards an active and lively lifestyle! Not only is it fun and easy to take on healthy habits as a team, but it creates a sense of purposeful teamwork that brings everyone together. Here are some ways you can be that driving force for your squad! Set a good example Lead by example and make it all about the positivity! Whether you’re speaking about your body, food or health in general, make a conscious effort to keep the comments constructive and positive. No negativity necessary! Limit screen time We all need our TV breaks, but make an effort not to let it bleed into the day for too long. By putting a time limit on TV and encouraging other relaxing activities such as reading and face-to-face conversations, you’ll improve sleep, increase focus, and better the overall wellbeing of the entire family. Drink lots of water Keep the water flowing!
HEALTHY AND BEAUTIFUL EYES FOR FALL
As we all know, the eyes reveal it all – the good, the bad and the tired. As the seasonal transition begins, it is important to take proper care of yourself as a whole and extra good care of your most prized assets. We’ve asked our expert estheticians/ lash and brow specialists how to take proper care of our eyes and how to give them an extra pop this season! According to Mar McCown, Exhale’s Skin + Brow Specialist… EmerginC Eyelight Cream is a great product to use for Fall since the summer sun can damage the skin (especially under the eye because the skin is thinner). Ideal for all skin types and filled with antioxidants and vitamins, this product aids to brighten, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and de-puff the skin. We recommend using this product year round, but especially in the fall after that summer sun has dulled and pigmented the skin. Aloe Vera helps to soothe the skin, while the AHA (lactic acid) helps to reverse the signs of aging. Stop into the boutique after your sweat session or zen session, and browse our revitalizing eye care products! A lash lift is a great option for those who are too sensitive to get extensions and want a natural lift for their lashes. Lash lift is a perm for your lashes without harmful chemicals, leaving the lashes elegantly lifted while accentuating the eyes. You see results instantly after the service, leaving your lashes feeling lifted and your eyes looking more youthful. The results last up to two months and there is no need for eye lash curlers or mascara. This is a great option for those who want more of a low maintenance make up routine. Fall is also a great time to go a little darker for the tints (brow and lash) which naturally lifts and opens the eye area! According to Angela Marinescu, Exhale’s “Queen of Brows”… I do believe that brows should always be a statement accessory for your face! Brow shape and fullness can completely change the appearance of your facial structure and your overall look. When your brows are fuller, you’re able to wear less makeup, especially when we add a natural-looking tint that will give color and fullness to eyebrows. Full brows can also make your features appear more lifted and youthful! So this season, play up your brows and make a statement. And remember, strong brow says something powerful about a woman : invincible, accomplished, successful , confident, fabulous! Call your nearest Exhale Location to get beautiful eyes for fall!
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!
FEEL CONFIDENT IN YOUR SUIT
As summer continues to blossom, we continue to combat feelings of doubt and stress when it comes to unnecessary “summer body” pressure. This mindset can easily take away from the experiences that you should be enjoying and the confidence within you. When it comes to feeling confident in a swimsuit, we like to focus on developing feel-good prep and self-love practices that will help us to embrace what we already possess, while polishing up our internal glow. Here are some ways to give your confidence a skyrocketing boost before hitting the beach in your suit.
10 STEPS TO CREATE YOUR ZEN LEADING UP TO YOUR WEDDING
In order to look and feel your best while walking down the aisle, it is essential to take the time to keep your stresses low and your spirits high. During the special time leading up to your wedding, you should take the time to take care of yourself rather than over-stressing about the details of the big day. In other words: try to worry less about the seating charts, and more about what’s in your heart. Here are some ways to turn that anticipatory energy inward and invest it where it really counts.
Get moving Getting yourself on a healthy fitness routine is a great way to feel strong and radiant for the big day. It’s also the perfect way to channel your hyped up energy!
Take a breath This is a special time, not a stressful time. Build yourself up to become the most cool, calm and collected bride anyone’s ever seen. Take a yoga class to re-center yourself, or dive into some mindful meditation. It’s all about love, so don’t forget to show yourself some.
Sleep Beauty sleep will bring you that natural, beaming glow that every bride wants. So get yourself to bed early with a cup of tea and a juicy reality show and get those Z’s.
Eat right Clean eating will keep your stomach happy and your skin glowing. Fight off those pre-wedding butterflies with calming foods that will not irritate your stomach.
Show your nails some love You’ll be looking down at your hands a lot (hello bling) so give yourself something beautiful to look at.
Manage your time Don’t let things build up and bite you in the butt. Set aside time each day to take whatever bridal duties you may have, but then set everything aside and allot time for focusing on yourself. Websites like Zola make registry and wedding planning easy! (Pro Tip: Add Exhale to your registry for spa therapies and fitness classes to help get you ready for your big day!)
Love your body The dress is meant to fit your body, not the other way around. So whatever your goals are, don’t let them get the best of you. Toning up before the big day can help you to feel fierce and fit is healthy, but don’t let it stress you out!
Embrace your friends Friendship is a big part of self-care. The people we choose to laugh with can bring a sense of comforting support that will keep you feeling like you.
Know that it’s okay to be selfish Don’t shy away from putting yourself first. Listen to yourself and give yourself whatever you need to feel strong and centered for your day. Get a rejuvenating facial or massage to refresh your skin and your body.
Treat yourself. That’s right, give yourself something special. Treat yourself to a weekend away with your girls, or splurge on that pair of earrings you’ve been eye-ing! That self-fulfillment will give you the confidence and spirit to enjoy your day to its fullest!
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
FIRE UP YOUR SUMMER PREP WITH A FLEXIBLE FITNESS PLAN
You made it. Winter has finally passed (thank you Arya Stark) and you are one step closer to sunny beach days, rooftop happy hours, and sizzling barbecues. Regardless of how you plan to spend your summer, now is the perfect time to step up your game with an active routine so you can feel strong, sexy, and confident for all that lies ahead! Our diverse offering of fitness classes will have you dripping in sweat one day, and restoring your muscles on a mat another day. You’ll lengthen your muscles and tone using your body weight as resistance in one class, and move through hard-hitting prop-based circuits in another. Keeping your classes diverse keeps your metabolism revving and your body feeling strong, but it also releases endorphins that can keep you in a clear and confident mindset. A strong body paired with a strong mindset will set you up for a healthy and fit summer. Keep yourself on a practical workout routine this spring and summer by creating a flexible regimen that works for you (and for your spontaneous summer plans). An Exhale Flex Pack is a great way to put your goals into action while still having the freedom to customize your schedule and keep yourself open to any impromptu summer adventures. Choose to take 4 or 6 classes a month. Every month your pack will auto-renew and you can cancel anytime. (No more having to think about re-upping your class pack or committing to a membership!) To help jumpstart your routine, when you sign up for an Exhale Flex Pack in May, we’ll give you bonus classes free of charge! Yes, we’re serious. Summer can’t come soon enough, but in the meantime let’s take the time to set ourselves on a healthy track that will give us the strength we need to enhance our overall wellbeing for a happy and healthy summer. LET THE SUMMER PREP BEGIN
BREAKING DOWN THE BARRE
arre workouts combine challenging and engaging movements with focused concentration to build strength in both your mind and your body. Barre is a great fit for all fitness levels and is geared towards those looking to work every muscle and leave standing taller and feeling stronger! We are breaking down some of our go-to leg-shaking barre moves while providing some alternative movements for potential sensitivities or injuries. Let’s break it down!
