Jen Hill

I have a friend, who tried yoga—once. He didn’t like it. With terms that have been simplified from the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit and linked to English animal words like downward-facing dog or cat-cow, to sessions of prolonged controlled breathing through alternating nostrils or bending like Elastigirl, it’s easy to poke fun. Yoga is a very complex subject and its practice goes several degrees beyond a mere 24-fitness class.

Take it Full Circle 

Little Yogi Playtime

Full Circle Yoga, 1719 Main St., SLC, 385-528-2950.

“Your friendly, affordable neighborhood studio” co-owners, Steve Jones and Jennifer Rohn of Full Circle Yoga get it too. Gaining insights from other studio spaces and listening to what people were looking for, Steve explains, “We have no interest in getting rid of the spirituality but there are aspects of yoga culture that can be off-putting to certain populations. Our intent is to consider those sensitivities and then work within the remaining framework of yoga to help people access their benefits.”

As a studio space, they go to great lengths to ensure a safe space. What does that mean? Full Circle Yoga is set up with a student’s bill of rights, to fully disclose their intention that all should feel supported, safe and yes, loved. From Nidra to Vinyasa, Full Circle offers a variety of yoga classes including a once a month Sound Immersion class, and being curious, I recently joined one.

Prior to class, our instructor, Jenn Roney lit several candles around the large and dimly lit room. Once everyone was settled, she went on to explain that during class we were welcome to make a cup of tea, get water or take a bathroom break. She also called out that all doors were secure to inhibit disruptions and windows were also safe from incoming eyes. And, from a newbie’s perspective, her words put my mind at ease.

Take a Sound Bath 

“When we give ourselves the chance to let go of all our tension, the body’s natural capacity to heal itself can begin to work.” -Nhat Hanh

West Wind Sound Sessions: Tarek Weber, 262-496-9659

In the back of the room, Tarek Weber of West Wind Sound Sessions set up on the floor a plethora of different sound-immersion instruments, such as the didgeridoo, hand pan, crystal bowls, rain sticks, drums, tablas, gong and more. Tarek is a musician but views his work as therapeutic, sighting several scientific studies on his website.

The class went as follows: Jenn led us through a series of simple and slow yoga postures and stretches for sixty-minutes, giving permission to participate or opt-out as needed all while Tarek performed. The last 30-minutes were spent in savasana or “corpse pose” while Tarek continued his sound “play” (as he explains how it feels like to him). The combination of both yoga and music brought together something truly wonderful, and without question, I can’t do justice. The surround sound bath experience was mind-blowingly beautiful.

When it comes to things like this, many may question its worth and wonder, “Who in the world does this type of thing?” And while talking to Tarek and asking questions about the various instruments and more about his work, he shared a simple but meaningful response, “Sometimes you can’t explain why something works, but you’re happy, so that says it best.”

And after my sound immersion experience, I can’t explain it either, but things just went really well for me. Running into old friends, great day at work, overall just felt super positive. So I agree with Tarek, even with sound therapy being backed by science, the explanation doesn’t really have to matter, the happiness factor does.

To read more of our first-person experiences around SLC, go here.

Your flight attendant doesn’t say, “Place the oxygen mask on the stranger next to you first,” for a very life-sustaining reason. And, honestly being the season of mid-December, with the shortest, darkest and coldest days, it’s easy to feel bummed out. To preempt the conditions associated with “SAD” or seasonal affective disorder, I’ve attempted a few things to keep my chin up with self-care. For instance, with the shorter days, I started taking vitamin D capsules (you know, the sunshine happy vitamin), and, that’s been helping some. At home, I unwind by watching episodes of the holiday episodes of Nailed It! and Bob’s Burgers, frequently cuddle my cat and eat dark chocolate. Also helpful.

But I also need to share a secret. A trip to a local spa for a facial or full body massage is probably my favorite feel-better indulgence. And, with some experience, I can state that not all spa experiences are created equal. My recent trip to spaDAY 9th + 9th was a winner on all counts, with a great facial treatment that left my skin glowing (and got the compliments to prove it).

Got a big event? This is a must-do.

With the lift and glow that immediately follows, a facial from spaDAY would be a pretty great boost before a big event, wedding or photoshoot.

spaDAY 9th & 9th (and) spaDAY downtown: spaDAYretreat.com

Before we got started, esthetician Kassi explained that spaDAY’s “Glow & Go Instant Lift Facial” is perfect for all skin types (and, mine is a bit on the sensitive side). At their spa, they use Dermalogica and Phytomer, both reputable active professional skincare lines, along with a deep oil cleansing, exfoliation and ultrasonic extraction. Expect some extras, like getting zapped by their microcurrent device (to firm and tone) and LED light therapy to soothe and reduce any inflammation.

While I absolutely loved the facial, my favorite part was somewhat unexpected but equally fabulous. Instead of lying on a spa bed, I was placed in a zero-gravity “massage pod” which finely tunes to your exact body proportions, aiding in releasing tense spots all over, even the soles of your feet. It was like your typical massaging recliner from RC Willey only a whole lot better.

As the spaDAY’s owner Paulina Greaves warned me before my treatment, “Be careful, this facial is addictive.” And I agree. After leaving, with an added bounce to my step and a glowing smile on my face, I couldn’t help but think how this self-care added to my positive vibe. And like in an emergency, by choosing to place the oxygen mask on me first, I became more able to send those good vibes to all the faces I encountered (which were many) that day, and even possibly it rippled it’s way to you.

Wanna find out our top 4 steps to great skin in Utah? Go here.

Cancer. We fight back with research, early detection and treatment. However, dealing with the physical, financial and emotional well-being is also an integral part of coping with the stresses linked to those with cancer, and for those who take care of them, love them and are sometimes left behind.

Namaste, SLC.

A Quality Life Community provides FREE yoga classes to Salt Lake City cancer patients, caregivers, and loved ones.

Give the GIft of Yoga

https://aqualitylife.wixsite.com/aqualitylife/giving-tuesday

“She was determined that she was going to beat it,” explains Bill Held, recalling his wife Bonnie’s response after being diagnosed 11 years ago with inoperable stage four liver cancer. With two children, Christopher (8) and Stephanie (12), Bonnie was given a six-month to one-year prognosis and took the most positive approach she could, embracing all the resources and a variety of treatment options. While receiving chemotherapy, the Held family still took the time for vacations and travel. During the winter months Bonnie, who loved to ski, went against doctor’s orders. As Bill explains, “It was about having a quality of life—to forget for a moment about her illness and have a smile on her face—it was worth it.”

In times like these, we primarily focus on the cancer patient, and we get it, they are battling for their life so it’s all hands on deck. But what we often neglect is the caregiver. And in this story, Bill who was working at the Huntsman Cancer Center noticed that a group was assembling down the hall from his office for yoga classes. After realizing these classes were being offered for cancer patients and their caregivers, Bonnie and Bill started attending together. While Bonnie was only able to attend for a few months it made a huge difference for both of them, and as a couple, brought them closer together. As her health diminished, Bonnie encouraged Bill to continue the practice of yoga, because of how it supported and helped him feel better.

The story for Bonnie ends here. At the age of 49, on October 7, 2009, Bonnie Held died, living a full year beyond the doctor’s original expectations. But her family, especially the children, found support through The Sharing Place, and the positive impact of yoga continued with Bill. With a nudge from Amy Conn, Founder of A Quality of Life Community (QLC), Bill eventually worked toward his teacher certification and now serves as QLC’s Director and as a yoga instructor. QLC offers a variety of free yoga classes (restorative, balance & core) six days a week at several local cancer treatment centers, such as Utah Cancer Specialists, LDS Hospital and Jordan Valley Medical Center. We encourage you to learn more and share with others. Donations, even small ones, will go a long way.

To read more SLmag’s community stories, visit here.

Of late, our office has been nothing but treat-infested. Starting with the SLmag Philly cheesesteak competition (results here), followed by the holiday onslaught of glutton-giving treats that you can’t resist, such as Icelandic chocolate (yes, Caputo’s you’re deliciously evil), caramel-coated popcorn, and most recently, ranking our locally-baked favorite pumpkin pies. Holy mackerel, my jeans are feeling tight and the mother-of-all holiday months, December is still in front of us.

It’s not just the gaining weight thing (although very valid), it’s feeling bloated and sluggish, and wanting to sleep and never wake up. For detoxing or ridding the body of the blahs, there is a list of remedies one could try, like, sipping on a cup of water with lemon juice, or a dilution of apple cider vinegar. How about a nice glass of organic green juice or steeping a teabag of milk thistle? All good things to consider.

“Wrapping” vs. “Rapping”

We love a good homophone, don’t you? If you’re brave enough to try a detox wrap, you may wish to rap a rhyme at a local open mic, like this one at Wise Guys Comedy Club.

While we were writing an article about the Soulstice Day Spa, owner Nicki Luck mentioned a favorite service, their M’Lis Body Contour Wraps, “created from a wellness brand in Utah, beyond the weight loss and detoxifying benefits of the M’Lis full-body contouring wrap, the skin looks so much better and tighter after a session—“It’s an incredible pick-me-up.” While you’re all wrapped tight, she suggests to bring along some headphones, take a nap, or add a rejuvenating spa-facial to go along with it.

They offered a full-body wrap session and, feeling a tad sluggish of late, I said, “Why yes, thank you.” Visiting their Fort Union location, Clarissa, who is also a massage therapist, fully explained the procedure prior to wrapping me up. A pre-measurement was followed by preliminary papaya body exfoliation. The M’Lis body contour wrap is a proprietary blend of niacin (a common form of vitamin B3 used for detoxing) and cinnamon. Once applied the active ingredients slowly absorb into the skin, feeling tingly and warm, and it turned my skin bright red but didn’t hurt like a sunburn. Then using a more industrial type of cellophane, she wrapped sections of my body like a mummy, legs, midsection and arms. For 40 minutes I laid on a spa bed, under a warm blanket, and while bundled, Clarissa kept me company by giving me a wonderfully relaxing foot massage.

Once cut out from my body contouring wrappings, I felt great, somewhat revitalized and— even more exciting—my post measurements showed results. My waist and abs post-wrap were a full half-inch smaller (oh heck yeah!). And for the value, the cost of the body contour wrap at Soulstice Day Spa is about the same as the average body spa treatment or massage—and, that’s a wrap.

To read more of our health and wellness posts, go here.

Randall “Tex” Cobb, was a legendary boxer who was known for having an outstanding chin. That meaning, he could take a ballistic uppercut to the chin and act like you just did him a favor. And even with Cobb’s unbreakable jaw, his lighthearted quote explains what getting hit actually felt like from the “big-time slugger” Earnie Shavers, “[He] could punch you in the neck and break your ankle.”

Friends HUG; boxers CLINCH.

Husband and wife team Dave and Cate Hodgkinson of Legends Boxing in Trolley Square, SLC are hugging for real.

 

Rocky, Raging Bull, Rocky II, Million Dollar Baby, Rocky III, The Good Son, Rocky IV... Okay, I’ll stop, but for the record, there have been eight sequels in the Rocky series, five of which portray the Philadelphian “The Italian Stallion” or Rocky Balboa as played by the actor Sylvester Stallone. Also, it’s likely that you have watched a boxing match on television or during the summer Olympics, with dinging of bells, lots of sweat, split-open brows, puffy faces and generally lots of hugging. To clarify: there is no hugging in boxing. Known as clinching, an opponent’s arms are placed over the other and foreheads are placed against shoulders in a tight hold and leaning in hard.

Entering into my first boxing class at Legends Boxing Gym at Trolley Square, I was a bit apprehensive, the ring, the hanging punching bags, and glancing up at the wall to see a blown-up picture of a super-fit gloved badass going at someone.

But let me assure you, these guys know how to set you up for success. Dressing in comfy fitness clothes and running shoes, Dave Hodgkinson, Manager at Legends got me started by wrapping up my hands, which is done to protect them: from sprains, breaking the skin on knuckles and heaven forbid, breaking small bones. Once wrapped the gloves come on and it’s time for one-on-one. My trainer was Matt Searle, Head Coach—three-time state/three-time regional Golden Gloves Champion—who uses a numbering system to guide you through, works on your stance and eventually, you get to spar with him. A jab, cross, hook and uppercut may look straightforward, it surprised me how hard it was, especially on hits leading with my left or non-dominant side and how awkward they felt. Being as relaxed as possible was Matt’s advice, who continued with visual guidance as well as explaining the reasons why those techniques and placements can benefit you in a fight, giving the most bang for the buck.

Chin down, eyes up.

With loose fists, hold your right hand by your chin, and left hand down in front of your face.

And remember, elbows stay in and keep those gloves up to protect a “knock out” on the chin.

At the start of class, we started jumping rope for three sets of three-minute intervals. Tripping throughout, my rope kept hitting my top of the head ponytail, at one point started to get into a rhythm. While instructor’s Matt (watch below) and Cate makes skipping rope look effortless. Afterward, placing on gloves we proceeded to the big hanging punching bags. Partnering up we were directed on a numbered-sequenced set of punches, like: 1 (left-hand jab), 6 (right uppercut), 3 (left hook), 2 (right jab). These sequences are carried out for the longest three minutes of your life and by the end, your heart is pumping hard while your whole upper body is demanding a break.

My time at Legends was a great combination of mental and physical fun. It is also highly interactive, in which you can encourage and applaud the hard work and efforts of those around you. My next-day soreness is mainly radiating from arms, my upper body and the left (my less dominant) shoulder (no surprise here), but most likely I’ll be coming back for more. Do yourself the favor and wrap up, try on some gloves, and skip with sweaty friends to get in shape and relieve some stress by hitting something.

FUN FACT: The movie Rocky was filmed in the city of Philadelphia, and we recently posted about a taste-off and ranked our staff top picks of Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches (including vegan) from a selection of local eateries. Read all about it, here.

Matt of Legends Boxing, Trolley Square from Salt Lake Magazine on Vimeo.