Tag: fitness

Stretch Your Way to a Happier You

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There’s one thing missing from your self-care routine – a good stretch!

A surprising fact about stretching is that it can improve your mood and mental health.

How? By triggering the release of endorphins, those natural “feel-good” chemicals, which help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. This is an important part of self-care because chronic stress can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. 

Benefits You Can’t Miss

It’s the one thing that we never seem to have time for (that extra 10-15 minutes before and after a workout), but with so many great wellness benefits, we should never skip the stretch. Stretching improves flexibility, increases blood flow to muscles, and can expand your range of motion. Regular stretching can also reduce muscle stiffness and soreness, and prevent injury.

From Stress to Stretch

Consistency is the key. Add stretching to your regular self care routine to help reduce stress and improve overall performance. Women should try to stretch at least two to three times a week, but daily stretching is ideal. Each stretching session should focus on all major muscle groups. Hold each stretch for about 15-30 seconds and repeat 2-4 times. 

Conveniently Healthy 

The good news is that it’s easier than ever to add a few good stretches to your self care routine. Popular spots like Stretch Lab, Stretch Zone, and Stretch*d have locations in Georgia, New York, and California. You can purchase drop in classes or invest in your health with a membership. Try one or try them all. 

What’s most important is that you stay So Health and Well!

Need more tips on stretching? Check out these sites:

Self Magazine

Women’s Health Magazine

Spice Up Your Workout with the Megaformer

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This summer has been filled with lots of new and exciting health, wellness, and beauty related adventures. I’ve tried new makeup, added a few more weights to my fitness routine, and tried out a few new fitness classes to spice up my life. Over the past year I’ve worked out at a gym and taken a few dance and weight training classes to stay motivated. I started to feel a little stagnant and wanted to give myself a little boost in enthusiasm.

Then along came the Class Pass. This site has to be the most incredible thing a fitness person could ask for. You subscribe to a monthly package with points that allows you to try out different gyms and fitness classes. You can try as many new trendy classes as you want. There are tons of options. You can never get bored! From hot yoga and spinning to boot camp and boxing, you have a plethora of health and wellness fixings within a mileage radius at the touch of a button. You can learn more about that here.

The first-class thing that I tried was the Lagree Fitness Method. Quinlan of POPSUGAR says, “Lagree Fitness studios have infiltrated New York and Los Angeles and are now making their way to the rest of the country.” The Megaformer was created by Sebastien Lagree.  It is a machine that allows you to tone your muscles and strengthen your body.  I did myself the honor of not googling or researching anything and just jumping right in. I had no idea what to expect and I was alright with that.

I went to an hour-long class at PACE in Atlanta and was pleasantly surprised.  The Megaformer reminded of the table from the chiropractor’s office and quite honestly, I felt realigned after I left. During the class, the instructor guides you through various slow movements that sculpt you from head to toe. It is not easy, but it does let you work muscle groups that may be harder to get to with other methods.

This is definitely something that I’d like to add to my regiment. I was so excited to find a workout that helped me to build up my core! I’m not the most flexible person in the world but felt a bit nimbler. I’ve even heard that megastars like Meghan Markle are really into this workout.  

Next, I’ll be trying Zumba and Barry’s Boot Camp.