January 9, 2013
URBAN YOGA SPA

OFFERING HOT YOGA AND SPA SERVICES, THIS “HOT SPOT” IS A WINTER MUST
Caitlin Murphy  01.09.2013   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

ABOUT

Seattle isn’t exactly know for it’s warm sunny weather, and when the winter months roll in, it’s rain rain rain. That’s why paying a visit to Urban Yoga Spa in January and February is almost essential for your sanity . The Hot Yoga room is a welcome respit from the dreary outdoors…the room in hot, like a vacation in Tahiti hot. And how great it this, not only does the location offer Hot Yoga classes, you can also enjoy massages, manicures and pedicures, acupuncture, eyelash extensions and waxing. 

 AMBIENCE

You can’t miss this literal hot spot, as it resides on the corner of 4th and Stewart just blocks from Seattle’s downtown shopping core. The windows are large and reveal open, contemporary interiors done in serene whites, smooth reflective surfaces and geometric pops of black. This location is very zen, but it’s not your earthy kind of yoga studio. When you visit Urban Yoga Spa you know you’re downtown and it’s much more spa like..polished, sophisticated and very chic. 

EXPERIENCE

Several friends of mine swear by Urban Yoga Spa, and since they sports some of the most impossibly tight triceps and flat abs, I knew I had to give it a try. The yoga room is very large with  white walls, mirrors lining the front and sides and very tall ceilings. Cathy is one of the most popular instructors, so my friends suggested I visit her class first, and as luck would have it, it chose an special Madonna themed session. (In my opinion, when the opportunity arises to listen to Madonna music for and hour, one does not turn it down!) The air was thick with humidity and the wall of heat hit me as I walked in the room…it was just what I needed. We flowed through several yoga sequences and when the intensity and heat where too much, I just laid down and enjoyed the warmth. The workout was INTENSE, and I may or may not have checked my watch several times to see if was going to make it. Afterward, however, I have never, and I mean never, felt better. There was a sense of calm and zen that I have never felt before or since, and I have to say, I crave that feeling. Plus I long for the hot room when that cold Seattle wind starts to blow.

If you want to check out the spa, just head upstairs.  You’re greeted with an immaculate white sanctuary bathed in natural light from the large windows overlooking the bustling streets below. You’ll find nail stations and massage rooms, it’s the ideal place to pamper your body inside and out. 

WALLET WATCH

Single yoga classes are $20, there is a new member speical which offers unlimited classes for a month for $99. You can find prices for spa treatments HERE.

IN CROWD

These are your sophisticated yogis, so you’ll see lots of Lululemon outfits and stylish Nordstrom gals. There are plenty of guys as well and the atmosphere is wonderfully inclusive so you have every size, shape and age in each class.

NEED TO KNOW

Urban Yoga Spa

4th Avenue & Stewart Street 

1900 4th Avenue

Seattle, WA

206.420.0222

Image credit: Urban Yoga Spa

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Filed under: eyelash extensions seattle seattle salon seattle spa wellness yoga 
December 14, 2012
YOGAWORKS: ZEN OUT AT ONE OF THEIR LA LOCATIONS

Christina Marrale
  12.14.2012   |   CHRISTINA MARRALE    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

ABOUT

Yogaworks has a long standing reputation in Los Angeles as one of the best places to practice, offering an array of different classes, of all levels and a variety of different price points. With over 10 locations in the Southern California region (not including Orange County) the zen chain continues to expand, as one of the sunshine states most popular yoga studios!

AMBIENCE

Studios are clean, well kept, bright and friendly. Expect a good crowd upon arrival, as the classes are quiet popular and well informed teachers.

EXPERIENCE

If your new to the studio, Yogaworks recommends it’s best to begin with Beginner or Level 1 classes so members build a strong foundation for a life long, successful practice.  This beginners level is designed to accomodate students of all fitness levels, people with existing injuries, people who have taken a few yoga classes and people who have never set foot on a yoga mat.  At the end of the Fundamentals of Yoga Class you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect when you go to class and how to choose the right class. From there, Yoga Advisors can help you create a personal schedule and advance to the more skilled level classes if you desire. Yoga not your thing? The studios also provide Pilates, Bar classes and Dance, which are all wonderful full body workouts!

IN CROWD

All of the locations are constantly buzzing with plenty of friendly folk and even a few famous faces ( Colin Farrel & Olivia Munn to name a few).

WALLET WATCH

Class prices can range with a variety of different membership packages to choose from. The most popular? “The Regional” offering unlimited yoga at any Yogaworks studio in your area, perfect for those traveling frequently or on the move.

NEED TO KNOW

Interested in 2 weeks of unlimited yoga for $30? Try out the studio in the neighborhood of your choice all while grabbing a great deal! Visit Yogaworks website to claim offer (available to new clients only).

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Filed under: colin farrel los angeles olivia munn workout yoga yogaworks 
September 21, 2012
RISING LOTUS YOGA, A STUDIO CITY STAPLE

Christina Marrale
  09.21.2012   |   CHRISTINA MARRALE    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

ABOUT

Calm, serene and centered right in the middle of the San Fernando Valley, Rising Lotus is certainly rising in popularity. With friendly teachers, a beautiful studio, full range of classes and more! With several awards to boot (Best of Ventura 2011, Best Yoga Studio, Winner 2009 City Search “Best Yoga Studio in LA”, 2007 Fox Hotlist “Best Yoga Studio in LA” to name a few) ,it’s clear to see why out of several studios in the valley, this is one of the best. 

AMBIENCE

A warm and welcoming studio with a charming neighborhood feel, you’ll be right at home at Rising Lotus. 

EXPERIENCE

After hearing about the studio for several months now, I finally decided to check out a class. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a lovely staff, who showed me the ropes and what I needed to do in order to have a calm and peaceful session (aka, hide my cell in other room, remove shoes and get the proper yoga materials!). The class was a basic “Rising Lotus Flow” which is described as Lotus’s signature service. Poses are linked with the breath in these Vinyasa flow classes as dynamic and creative sequences are designed to create focus, wake the inner body and still the mind. Advanced poses may be given in these classes and modifications for the less experienced student. There may be music, chanting, Pranayama and Meditation. 

Six months of asana practice is preferred, which I did not have, but was able to keep up with in class. 

IN CROWD

The chill studio draws a crowd of local Valley fans in addition to a few young celebs! 

WALLET WATCH

One class is priced at $18, packages are offering ranging from $96- $700 and are perfectly suited for any type of lifestyle, check out a full list of descriptions on their website.

NEED TO KNOW

New to yoga? Here’s a few helpful hints straight from Rising Lotus’s website for newbies: 

  • Let your teacher know of any injuries or concerns you have at the beginning of class
  • We practice yoga in bare feet, leave your shoes in the front office
  • Please print your name legibly on our sign in sheet in time you come in.
  • Turn off all cell phones and leave your bags in the cubbies or front office to free your mind!
  • If you arrive late to class please wait until beginning meditation is over to enter.
  • Shh… savasana. It’s the most important part of the practice, yoga works on the nervous system and we need time to rest and integrate it. Don’t skip it!
  • Please refrain from wearing perfume, some students and teachers are sensitive to fragrance.
  • If you need to leave early please inform the teacher at the beginning of class and practice your own savasana before you exit.
  • And most important of all, have fun! Move at your own level, it is a non-competitive practice, If you allow yourself to build your strength and flexibility slowly it will serve you for the rest of your life!

Rising Lotus is located at:  13557 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA. 91423. Phone: (818) 990-0282

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Filed under: rising lotus san fernando valley workout yoga 
September 19, 2012
ATHLETA OPENS AT UNIVERSITY VILLAGE

Caitlin Murphy
  09.19.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

Workout Clothes You’ll Actually Want To Be Seen In

ABOUT

Just because you’re working out doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fashion for function… and with clothes from Athleta now you don’t have to.  With everything from active wear to jackets and dresses to sweaters to shoes you can sweat it out and look uber-cute while staying uber-comfortable. Athleta is a little more “fashion” than Lululemon and holds to the same principle of creating stylish sportswear.

AMBIENCE

University Village is one of my favorite places in Seattle. It’s a beautiful outdoor mall with lots of lovely landscaping, charming  outdoor dining and seating areas and tons of fabulous shops. Althleta has moved in to University Village right next door to the H&M, and they have created an outdoor and activewear wonderland. Gap Inc owns the sportswear company and this is the first location in the northwest. 

EXPERIENCE

The store is really beautiful and reminds me of a more rustic Lululemon. There are weathered wood accents, plank wood floors and burnished metal light fixtures. You’ll find performance tops, shorts and jackets perfect for running and yoga near the front of the store. All the sportswear features really pretty feminine details and patterns plus, they have lots of great colors to choose from. You can also choose from an array of yoga pants, bathing suits and underwear.

The back of the store houses the”Adventure Travel” line which includes really cute tissue tees for layering,  pants, knit dresses, cashmere sweaters, down jackets and clothes that look more Nordstroms than the gym. This stuff is perfect for active Seattle women (and especially busy Moms) who need functional clothing but still want to look stylish. I love the infinity and  lightweight printed scarves.

The new Athleta store is also offering complimentary classes like crossfit, yoga and running clubs!

WALLET WATCH 

Athleta sportswear prices are comparable to Lululemon with some items being a little easier on the wallet. Tanks run about $50, yoga pants range from $65-$90 while jackets range from $70 – $130. The clothing price range between $50 and $150.

NEED TO KNOW

Athleta

University Village

2623 NE University Village Lane

Seattle, WA 98105

www.athleta.gap.com

 Image Credit: Athleta Facebook page

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Filed under: fashion gap lululemon running seattle seattle hot new place university village yoga 
April 17, 2012
Look Good While Feeling Good

Fashionable & Functional Workout Gear!

Samantha Wilson  Posted Tuesday, April 17, 2012 by ,

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We work hard to keep our bodies in shape and looking great. Feeling sexy while toning and firming will help give you the confidence and motivation that you need to keep up that routine. Whether in the yoga studio, a spinning class, or hitting the pavement for that five mile run, these pieces will keep you looking good while you burn those calories.

When putting that gear in motion, you want your rear to look good. The Wunder Under pants ($92) from lululemon are the perfect four-way stretch tights to wear during any physical activity from pilates to aerobics. The breathable, moisture wicking fabric keeps you dry so you can work hard without showing it. Running outside and need a place to store your house key? These pants have a hidden pocket in the waistband for a key or credit card. And the best part: the Wunder Under’s are made with a silverescent fabric, which is anti-bacterial and will keep them from smelling, so you can wear them a few times without washing!

It’s important to be comfortable while working out, and whether you’re top heavy or just need a little support, the Stretch Knit Sports Bra ($36) by Gap will keep give you the support you need while hugging your curves. The racerback style won’t dig into your shoulders, and the medium support is perfect whether you are weight training or doing your cardio exercise.

If running is your thing, then you know the importance of shorts that don’t ride up and won’t cause chaffing. With the Run: Speed Short ($54) by lululemon you won’t have to worry about either issue, as these shorts are designed to stay put while maintaining freedom of movement. With the Luxtreme waistband, warm summer days will be no match against excess moisture. You can avoid being drenched in sweat with the Coolmax liner, which is the ultimate in wicking away wetness while feeling soft against your skin.

Add some vibrancy to your workout with a bright GapFit Motion seamless racerback tank ($29.95). The four-way stretch shows off your curves while remaining smooth and comfortable. Don’t worry about sweat messing up your look because this tank has mesh panels to ventilate your sweat-prone areas.

 

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Filed under: gapbody gapfit lululemon pilates running running shorts speed short sports bra yoga 
March 26, 2012
Get Your ‘Bar Method’ Move On

Firm, Tone and Sculpt Your Body the Fun Way

Samantha Wilson  Posted Monday, March 26, 2012 by ,

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ABOUT
We all want a firm, toned body; but between spinning classes, Pilates, yoga, and cardio exercises, it’s hard to know what to pick, and what works. Lotte Berk decided to combine her ballet exercises and rehabilitative therapy to form an exercise routine in 1959 that transformed into the Bar Method in 2001. A fitness routine that combines interval training and dance conditioning, the Bar Method is the workout of choice for celebrities including Drew Barrymore, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Denise Richards.

AMBIENCE
The entrance to Bar Method stands out on bustling Milwaukee Avenue, with its black door and white lettering. Once you step inside, the dark gray walls and minimalist design welcome you to what looks like a combination of a dance studio and aerobics studio. The space is actually quite large, with the entranceway containing a shelving unit for shoes and small items, and a bright white reception desk.

EXPERIENCE
The Bar Method is not like your typical exercise class. In one-hour you combine interval training,isometrics, dance conditioning, and physical therapy for an entire-body, non-impact workout. The routine starts with a warm up, moves into free weight exercises, and then more intense work on the floor and ballet bar to sculpt and tone your legs and abs. This results-driven fitness routine will kick start your weight loss program, slim and lengthen your muscles, and keep that tummy taught.

IN CROWD
Whether you want to lose weight, improve your posture, or get toned abs, the Bar Method is for you.

WALLET WATCH
If you want to try before you commit, Bar Method offers a single class price of $20. There are also packages of 10 or 20 classes, and a 30-day unlimited option ($175). Currently they are offering a new client special: $100 for a 30-day unlimited pass.

NEED TO KNOW
For additional information check them out online at www.barmethod.com. There are three locations in Chicago:

Lakeview location
3144 N. Sheffield Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
(P):             773.935.2150      

Loop location
180 N. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
(P):             312.332.9150      

Wicker Park location
1271 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
(P):             773.384.3150      

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Filed under: bar method bar method chicago exercise routine fitness chicago pilates weight loss yoga 
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