ATHLEISURE LIST | BLISS SPA

Bliss Spa launched in NYC with its first location in 1996 and revolutionized the industry by taking a completely different approach to spas and skincare. In addition to NYC, their locations include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas, Ft. Lauderdale, Hoboken, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Scottsdale, and Miami. There are also spas in Barcelona, Doha, Hong Kong, St Petersburg, and London.

There are signature treatments that guests enjoy the Triple Oxygen Facial at Bliss Spa bliss’ classic (and most popular) all-around complexion reviver! This facial starts with a skin-type-specific peel then follows with a pre-extraction oxygen wrap, the necessary extractions, application of a Triple Oxygen cream and mask, an energizing, hydrating enzyme pack and a vitaminized oxygen spray. It's like a breath of fresh air for your face, literally. Molly Sims credits Triple Oxygen facials for her perfect skin, saying the treatment is ‘pure heaven’.

Their Oxygen Blast™ Facial At Bliss Spa Includes a quick fruit acid wash, massage with micellated vitamins, a hydrating hot-towel and enzyme pack, and a five minute oxygen spray in a customized activating solution. Great post-flight, pre-date, mid-life... The mind-unwinding full-body massages both begin with a sole-soothing warm wax foot wrap, followed by a ridiculously relaxing rubdown designed to loosen you up and target your most troubled muscles.

From monthly treatments to exclusive perks, Bliss’ new membership program is fully-loaded with beauty benefits, including: One 60-minute facial or massage each month (your choice),
10% off all additional services, 20% off bliss, elemis and remede products and 2 guest passes per year for services at membership rate.

Spa amenities vary per location, but trademark bliss touches include a cleverly compiled menu of super effective services, a retail store, sauna, showers complete with bliss products, rhythm
and blues tunes, legendary brownie buffet, and fun/upbeat tone.

can enjoy their products by shopping online. Their body butter is used in every bliss spa massage. Bliss' poetic waxing kit is a take home kit that is easy to use and of course, their best
seller is the triple oxygen instant energizing mask replaces the oxygen that pollution pulls from the skin.

Bliss strives to celebrate the uniqueness of each location and seeks to become a true part of the community.

BLISS SPA
Check Bliss' site for locations.

Read more from the July issue and to see Athleisure List Bliss Spa in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | SUNDAYS NAIL STUDIO

Getting your nails done is like a sanctuary and a place where you can simply zone out and get back to a balanced sense of self. Recently, we went to Sundays Nail Studio that took this mantra to the next level.

Upon entering this Madison Square area studio, you realize that there are a number of neutral palettes which presents a sense of calm, there are books that allow you to have moments of introspection and the way that things are seamlessly moved is not distracting as you enjoy your treatment. 

You can enjoy having a glass of wine, water, tea or a pressed juice whether you're having a manicure or a pedicure. We enjoyed being able to have headsets provided to us as we enjoyed moments of meditation via Inscape (they're in bite-sized sessions which you can find whatever suits you) as well as having a selection of polishes to choose from their own line! It is worth noting that their in house line (same name) is 10-Free, nontoxic natural nail care products. Their commitment to the health and safety of their employees and customers is an essential compoenent of what makes this salon so great.

The entire studio is known as a place where after your treatment, you can continue to relax downstairs or upstairs to reflect or continue your meditation. Other interesting items worth noting is that you can enjoy a massage.

The ethos of Sundays is based in wellness, confidence and simplicity. This extends to events that take place at the salon which includes a book club, trunk shows and more. It's a place that really fosters and empowers those that come from a body, mind and soul perspective. Make sure you keep an eye on their website for upcoming events as well as additional packages that are offered as we think it's a great place to enjoy with groups as well as to pop in during your lunch break or any "me moments" that you're looking to take for yourself.

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SUNDAYS NAIL STUDIO

51 E 25th St NY, NY 10010

Read more from the May Issue and read Athleisure List | Sundays Nail Studio in mag

WHEN ANXIETY RISES

We loved chatting with Dr Sanam Hafeez last month in our issue as she shared tips on how to identify that you are dating a narcissist. With such great advice, we wanted to ask her about anxiety as we notice that in a lot of conversations people tend to use this word a lot when they are talking about upcoming work, making various decisions about their lives and more. We chatted to find out what anxiety is and what we mean when we say that we have it as opposed to those who have been diagnosed with an Anxiety Disorder.
 
ATHLEISURE MAG: What is anxiety?

DR. SANAM HAFEEZ: When most people say they are having or feeling anxiety they typically mean they feel out of control, pensive or worried about something in their lives. It can be an event, their career, a date, their wedding day, an important interview. Typically they deal with it, prepare and push through the situation with heightened focus. 

For those who have an Anxiety Disorder, anxiety takes a debilitating turn. 

AM: What are the symptoms of an anxiety attack and/or how do you know when one is coming on? n their mind, it's really all about them. 

DR. SH: Everyone is different. Some may feel migraines, nausea, trembling, shortness of breath, heart pounding, jittery and physically on edge.

AM: Does anxiety manifest differently in Type A vs Type B personalities? 

DR. SH: 'Type A' personalities are known to be very responsible go-getters. They focus on the end result while Type B people focus on the here and now. Type A's are typically competitive and often take on more stress in their quest to accomplish more and more. They boss around the Type B's and then the type B's have anxiety about not measuring up. Type A's and Type B's both worry about what people think of them, and have creative visual minds so they often envision worst case scenarios in a vivid manner. Type B personalities are more collaborative. These are people who don't rush to take the lead. However, some may feel anxious that they are putting their fate in someone else's hands. They also get stressed out when Type A's are behaving more aggressively and competitively. In the end both personality types can have varying levels of anxiety. Anxiety disorders can happen to anyone. 

AM: How can we overcome these feelings and what techniques can be used to maintain calm?

DR. SH: Knowing the signs of panic, what triggers you and how it presents itself in your body is important in overcoming anxiety. When you can identify what your fears are you can begin to conquer them. 

1. Deep breathing and mindfulness.

2. Focus in the moment by engaging the senses. Look at 3 things in the room (table, chair, shelf). Listen to a sound (a bird, a car, the ambient noise). Roll your tongue over your teeth. Touch something near you feel the texture. Smell something, the paper on the desk, your skin. This little exercise gets your mind off whatever thoughts are causing the anxiety and onto the present. 

3. Clear clutter! Your physical space reflects your mind. Clearing clutter will give you something to focus on and the tidy space establishes order over chaos.

4. Workout! Fitness activities that require repetitive motion such as running, walking on a treadmill, bicycling, are great because they require consistent coordination and focus. When you are focused intently on something it's difficult to simultaneously feel anxious.

5. Massage and acupuncture.

ABOUT THE DOCTOR:

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. 
 
Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.

Connect with Dr Sanam Hafeez PsyD via twitter @comprehendMind

MAINTAIN CALM AND TAKE A RIDE

RIESE + MULLER Charger GX

JUNK FOOD Tanktop

DSTLD Premium Denim Jeans

COP COPINE Runny

Read more from the April issue and read When Anxiety Rises in mag.

THE ATHLEISURE LIST; NYC/HAMPTONS/CT/TURKS + CAICOS - ERIKA BLOOM PILATES

Erika Bloom Pilates offers personalized holistic fitness programs. They believe that fitness and movement are part of a fit, balanced lifestyle. The exercise programs are designed to make members strong and lean, and focuses equally on creating healthy, functional plans that fit into their routine and are sustainable for the long term. The end result is a body that’s free of aches and pains and that feels more graceful and toned.

This is possible by focusing on extensive training and education programs by their staff. Instructors hold advanced certifications in Pilates but also study yoga, Feldenkrais, Barteneiff, Alexander, Klein, and more. They work closely with their top practitioners in acupuncture, holistic health counseling, massage, structural integration, and more, so that a client’s care is fully coordinated. All of this is offered in serene, luxurious environments that are truly full body wellness destinations. The Erika Bloom Method combines the 100 years of wisdom from classical Pilates with modern anatomy research and exercise science.

The method was founded by Erika Bloom, who is still at the helm of all five studios. She was a professional dancer who first discovered and began practicing Pilates to aid her dance training and deal with dance related injuries. She fell in love with Pilates and immersed herself in studying many forms of movement, exercise, and wellness. She is extensively trained in anatomy and exercise protocols. Her many certifications include 650+ hour Pilates, yoga therapy, stand up paddle board, prenatal Pilates, and postnatal Yoga. She has additionally trained in diastasis rehab, gait correction, postural correction, Pilates for tennis, Pilates for golf, scoliosis, osteoporosis, back pain therapy, chronic pain therapy, fascia massage, Zero Balancing, joint replacement protocols, and more.

Erika Bloom's 5 studios are located in:  the Upper East Side in New York City, two in the Hamptons: one in East Hampton and one in Watermill that just opened this Memorial Day, Greenwich, CT, and one at Amanyara Resort in Turks and Caicos. The aim is to open where our clients need them and to expand purposefully to keep the focus on highly trained staff in beautiful spaces. 

Erika Bloom creates a toxin free, natural environment in all studios and their offerings
that adhere to the philosophy. Their bathrooms have hand soap and candles by Red Flower. In addition, they provide filtered water in glass Soma’s (sustainable, plant-based filters). The boutique at Erika Bloom sells a carefully curated selection of organic and natural beauty products including Tata Harper, Josh Rosenbrook, Bottega Organica, and more. While in studio, guests can purchase organic blends by Lulitonix and eco-friendly Pilates props.

Guests can purchase their internal eponymous label of organic cotton T's coupled with a perfect selection of luxury fitness clothing by brands like Alo Yoga, LNA, and Morrow.

The Erika Bloom Method offers private or duet sessions. In-studio sessions are done on the full Pilates apparatus including the reformer, cadillac, chair, and barrel. These machines provide resistance for challenge and assistance for perfect form so each session is maximized. The Erika Bloom Method combines lengthening and strengthening with specific biomechanically sound exercises that target the entire body with focus on the intrinsic musculature. It is perfectly designed to create long, lean, functional bodies. Within each session, highly trained instructors pinpoint imbalances to choose the most effective exercises and create programs specific to each person so that everyone can achieve healthy, long, lean, graceful bodies. 

In addition to the signature Erika Bloom Method sessions, acupuncture, holistic health counseling, craniosacral therapy, structural integration, massage, yoga, and meditation are offered. Practitioners are trained to tailor programs for prenatal, postpartum, diastasis recti, scoliosis, osteoporosis, joint replacement protocols, back pain, sports injuries, and more.

Read more from the July Issue

HARD ROCK HOTEL RIVIERA MAYA MEXICO

As someone who is constantly on the go, you know that it is essential to check in with yourself in the way that suits you best. Earlier this year, our co-founders were invited to the Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya in Mexico. The primary purpose was to enjoy and share the Rock Spa which includes a phenomenal treatment that combines a deep tissue massage, music, and vibrations on the massage table. While there, they were also treated to staying on the adult side of the property know as Heaven as well as enjoying a phenomenal suite. At the time, our Style Director covered this trip for a Time Inc publication as well as another story that she ran in DJ Mag (as she is the Fashion Editor of the top EDM global publication).

It's being shared here today as we all love a #TBT and why not at a place that mixes the need to have a good time through music and partying, great food as well as proper relaxation. While on this trip, a number of pictures were shared through our Style Director's Instagram.

The Hard Rock Hotel is an all-inclusive resort that caters to families, singles, couples etc. It is highly suggested that those who have adults in their group should book to stay on the Heaven side as there are no children on this side, you have your own pools, restaurants, etc and if you would like to venture to the other portion of the property, you can do so! Upon arrival, the guide escorted them to golf cards for the Heaven check in (which was a nice way to see the property and to get a bit of a tour with our guide) - and at the check in area, they were able to see who would be performing while there, special events, book additional amenities that were not included in the all-inclusive package etc.

At this resort, all-inclusive means that you have your wet bar in your room with an assortment of non-alcoholic, beers, and well spirits in your room. In this case, both stayed in a suite known as the Deluxe Platinum Sky Terrace that has access to a balcony (which most rooms seemed to have) as well as an entire second floor terrace (perfect for couples, girlfriend getaway trips) above with a jacuzzi. In addition to being able to being able to have room to spread out, it was optimal for spectacular views outside, people watching and complete disconnection.  This also includes meals at the restaurants (as many times as you want whether you have breakfast, lunch, dinner and have snacks by the pool - or decide after dancing that you have t to hit the buffet). It's always a good idea to check about making reservations as many times you do have to let them know in advance for places that may have greater traffic flows and of course, you can go to the bars and pretty much select whatever you wish to drink without additional charges (unless it is a premium beverage). 

Throughout your stay, there are activities during the day and at night that are apart of your package while also having others that you may have to pay an additional amount for in terms of renting gear for certain water activities. Of course, one of the biggest reasons to go to this property is just to veg. One of the things that sticks out is the fact that a number of the places by the pool had chairs that were also in the water which makes for a very peaceful time - easy access to the water, the ability to be that much closer to the swim up bar and more! At this resort, having music constantly pumped into the rocks, paths and more is truly an immersive experience and it always allows you to feel like you're in a state of zen. If you're not looking to be so close to people, there are a number of cabana areas that are tucked away where you can still have the experience without feeling like you're in a large group while only being an eye glance away from one of the attendants who can ensure that you will still have your beverage or lunch!

This trip's focus was about experiencing the very anticipated Rhythm and Motion Synchronicity at the Rock Spa which is a 50 or 80 minute treatment. When entering the zen f this portion of the facility, you are taken into an ornate lounge where you can enjoy the hydrotherapy pools before any of your selected treatments. These 3 pools are meant to bring your body from its current temperature, to a very cold one, to a hot one and then one that is moderate. The attendant walks you through the experience and upon completing these areas you can rest until you are brought into your room or enjoy infused waters and light bites. It's such a contrast the pulse and constant motion of the property outside of the walls. Here you're able to turn inward in anticipation of the treatment.

Once called upon you are led into the room which has your massage table and a dome that is over your head. The treatment is a Swedish massage which really gets into your muscles. There is a soundtrack that is selected (depending on the theme of the property) that will pay during the session. What makes this so amazing is that as the masseuse works on your body, you are stimulated with the scent of the oils, the rhythmic nature of the massage that is set to the beats of the music as well as the table which enhances the beat through your body and the dome ensures that the music stays overhead. The volume, beats etc are perfectly placed that your mind goes on auto-pilot and you are transformed into a different state!

At the end, when you leave your room, you sit at a table to enjoy a specially made beverage which ties in the experience that just took place. Guests of the treatments can go back into the area to enjoy the pools, lounge area etc. Upon leaving - you can literally float back on your walk through the property to your room, the pool etc. The ability to have the mind, body and soul come together in such a perfect way is a feeling that will leave those (whether you're a veteran of massages or a newbie) ready to book this again!

When staying at Hard Rock Hotel, there is a major draw for those that are a fan of music and of course, when you're in the common areas, your room etc there are elements of memorabilia, musical aesthetic and so much more. It's highly encouraged to take some time while waiting for dinner, coming back from one activity to the next to see what is curated from jewelry by Hendrix, Blondie's outfits and so much more!

There are a number of destinations in Hard Rock Hotel's portfolio and although they all focus on music, unwinding, spa treatments and more - each location has something that is unique that ties back into the area! Take some time to check out what city speaks to you and enjoy a vacation on your own terms.