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Snowmass Wellness Experience Featuring

Thursday, July 31st, 2008

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THE SNOWMASS WELLNESS EXPERIENCE FEATURES TOP ORGANIC GARDENERS, YOGA GURUS, ORGANIC PRODUCE, AND MORE.

Tickets now on sale for this hands-on festival celebrating its 5th anniversary

Snowmass Village, CO (July 31, 2008) –The Snowmass Wellness Experience (Aug. 15-17), which was written up last year in the New York Times, celebrates its fifth anniversary and the art of healthy living from the earth up with a hands-on festival that keeps participants engaged, learning, and sampling all weekend long.

Encompassing all the elements of a balanced lifestyle, this unique wellness event offers the chance to hear nationally-respected experts and participate in enriching workshops, cooking demonstrations, al fresco yoga and pilates classes, nature walks and more.

Tickets are now on sale at www.snowmasswellness.com. For the complete schedule, ticket prices, lodging specials, and presenter information, visit the website or call 1-800-SNOWMASS.

Top Reasons to Put Wellness on Your Calendar:

Hands on: It’s a Different Type of Wellness Festival. Many wellness festivals involve sitting in lecture halls listening to speakers—that’s not our idea of Wellness! Wellness starts from the earth up, and attendees can get their hands dirty in this novel approach. Fitness classes, cooking demonstrations and tastings, how-to workshops, a green expo, nature hikes, a spirits tasting, comedy, an on-site spa, and more mean attendees aren’t merely observers– they’re participants.

Learn how to grow your own food. As fuel and food prices continue to rise, more people are interested in growing their own food. From never-evers to seasoned gardeners, the Snowmass Wellness Experience provides access to top experts who share how to grow and cook your own food and eat nutritionally and sustainably. In their ONLY Colorado appearance, internationally respected organic farmers Eliot Coleman and Barbara Damrosch of the Four Seasons Farm in Maine have over sixty years of combined experience with organic farming and will explore everything from the seduction of a kitchen garden to the how-tos of sustainable organic gardening.

It’s an Edible Extravaganza. From chocolate and yoga classes to an organic spirits tasting to cooking demos and a wellness expo with plenty of free goodies, Snowmass Wellness Experience participants won’t go home hungry. They’ll also learn how to design and incorporate edible plants into residential landscapes from Jerome Osentowski, one of the foremost permaculture practitioners in the United States who will share insights into agroforestry and other new methods of organic farming and landscaping.

Check out this Whole Food philosophy: We’re not talking a grocery store, but rather education about the entire food cycle. With the motto of Wellness From the Earth Up, The Snowmass Wellness Experience offers the chance to learn about healthy eating from a myriad of angles: growing to cooking to preserving to nutrition to incorporating food into your fitness routine.

Foster healthy eating habits. As diabetes and obesity continue to be two of the nation’s top health concerns, this festival teaches the tools needed for healthy eating. Mariana Bozesan, author of Diet for a New Life, shares her highly respected integral 8-step approach to life that also reveals the weight loss secrets of centenarians and successful dieters. Other wellness workshops include how to harvest and preserve an organic garden, how to create healthy snacks for people on the go, and how to read nutritional labels.

Focus on the moment. In his only Colorado appearance this summer, nationally respected and popular Yahoo Mind-Body Expert David Romanelli leads Yoga and Chocolate, Yoga and Wine, and Living in the Moment workshops. Romanelli is the co-founder of At One Yoga which has gained national renown by fusing Western culture’s fashion, music and technology with Eastern culture’s sacred rituals and ancient tradition. He now teaches at Exhale in California and tours the world with his Yoga and Chocolate class, designed with Vosges Haut-Chocolat founder Katrina Markoff. Diverse additional yoga and pilates workshops are available through the Shakti Foundation and the Aspen Club & Spa, including yoga guru Simon Park’s popular Thai Massage class.

Get well through laughter. Comedy can be used as a healing art, and Steve Bhaerman, has audiences laughing until the sacred cows come home while sharing insight on how to make positive changes in life. Bhaerman, who performs as Swami Beyondananda, the “Cosmic Comic,” is an internationally known author, humorist, and workshop leader and offers a comedy show and workshops at this event.

Bring it all home. How can you eat locally and sustainably at Colorado’s altitude? The Snowmass Wellness Experience brings together a talented regional roster of chefs, nutritionists, gardeners, and experts so participants can begin making connections to local sources of food, spirits, and inspiration.

Relax and Retreat. Everyone is entitled to a little R&R. Yoga classes, nature hikes, morning meditations, and a spa pavilion all offer opportunities to relax in Snowmass. Each day pass comes with one complimentary mini-spa treatment through Aspen Club & Spa, and participants are welcome to sign up for more as space allows.

Costly?  Well, no. Wellness shouldn’t come at a price that’s painful to your mind, body, or spirit. The Snowmass Wellness Experience is substantially more affordable than other wellness festivals. An all-inclusive weekend pass is only $175, while day passes, keynote speech passes and fitness/expo passes start as low as $30, allowing attendees the flexibility to see it all or just a little. For every yoga pass sold, the Shatki foundation donates $2.50 to a local nonprofit. Volunteers are needed! Earn your ticket for free! Call Anita Manchester at 923-5678 or e-mail at mtnfun@comcast.net

Lodging Specials:

Just for the Girls: August 14-18, 2008 For the ultimate girlfriends’ mountain getaway, Snowmass Village, Colorado, offers adventure, relaxation, and pure rejuvenation August 14-18, 2008. Timberline Condominium rates start as low as $52/person (double occupancy) for a deluxe studio within walking distance to all activities and includes free airport transfer and on-site yoga classes. Stay at the Timberline and additionally receive $15 off your weekend pass to the 5th annual Snowmass Wellness Experience (August 16-17). Finish off the vacation by signing up with the award-winning Snowmass Club for a special rate of two spa services for $185. To book, visit www.snowmassvillage.com

Massage in the Mountains Package. Relax and rejuvenate in the mountains with this special Snowmass package. Stay at the Silvertree Hotel and choose a spa treatment ranging from a standard massage to a Jet Lag massage to reflexology or an 85-minute couple’s massage. Rates start at $326/person based on a 2 night stay and a spa service per person per day. Package is per person based on double occupancy, not including tax. To book, visit www.snowmassvillage.com

Consider bringing your group, family reunion, or meeting to Snowmass Village. For more information on vacations, meetings, and lodging specials, visit the official Snowmass Village website at www.snowmassvillage.com or call 1.800.SNOWMASS. For media information, contact Allison Johnson at 970.309.5485 or visit www.snowmasspress.com.

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Posted in Aspen Colorado, Aspen Members, Aspen Schedule, Aspen Yoga, Corporate Retreats | No Comments »

Top Ten Valentine’s Places for Romance

Wednesday, February 6th, 2008

LOS ANGELES, Feb 05, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Adventuregirl.com’s Stefanie Michaels releases her 2008 list of Valentine’s Day Top Ten Global Places for Romance.

Michaels’ top 10 picks include:

The Kahala Resort – Honolulu’s social address for glamorous events. This exclusive retreat sits on its own private beach, just minutes from Waikiki. Let romance blossom with the Kahala Love Song package complete with dinner at world-famous Hoku’s restaurant.

Michaels applauds the Valen-time to go green at the new “Eco-Glam” Hyatt Key West Resort & Marina, with The Relaxation Package. The Jala Spa will make a $5 donation when guests book the Signature “Jalaja” treatment. Proceeds benefit the Reef Relief Organization.

Romance with a “touch” of adventure at Falaza – a luxury tented safari lodge in South Africa, located 3 hours north of Durban and neighboring the St. Lucia World Heritage Site, offering the Total Relaxation & Renewal Spa Experience in the middle of the African Bush.

Michaels loves the Cotton Tree Lodge – Belize’s newest eco-lodge, which is dedicating Valentine’s week to chocolate. Learn how to make chocolate from descendents of the indigenous Maya who still produce chocolate using traditional techniques.

Cotswold House, in Chipping Camden, England, presents a two-night stay in their luxe Montrose Suite, featuring huge limestone baths (big enough for two), a dinner at Hicks’ Brasserie, Valentine’s dinner in the elegant Juliana’s Restaurant and more love goodies upon arrival.

Warm hearts with the Powder Love Couple Package at Aspen, Colorado’s brand new Sky Hotel, which offers an in-room movie, two “high altitude” massages at the Aspen Club and Spa, and a Kama Sutra weekend couples kit, including the original oils of love – sweet almond oil, spearmint pleasure balm, and sweet honeysuckle honey dust.

Amore in the heart of Florence, Italy’s most romantic of hotels, Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy, with Romantic Renaissance – a 2-night package includes Champagne breakfast in bed, Italian chocolates, and to stir up more heat, “Passion” cocktails por due, at their L’Incontro Bar.

Red Hearts at Cambridge Beach in Bermuda, devoting all of February to romance and relationships – this all-inclusive, upscale resort boasts the Exclusive, Sensory Stimulating, Romance Package, including sunset sails, love seminars and workshops.

The Villagio Inn and Spa in Napa Valley is great for canoodling, notes Michaels, especially with the Couples Comfort Zone Escape. Guestrooms boast wood-burning fireplaces and oversized sunken bathtubs.

Rounding out Michaels’ top 10 is Sanctuary Villas and Apartments – offering a four-night package at the most romantic city on the planet, Paris. The St. Valentine’s Champagne package offers four nights at Boissy d’Anglas – an ultra-exclusive apartment situated in the 8th arrondissement, with private chauffeur and tour to Champagne de Telmont at Epernay in the Champagne region, complete with candlelit champagne cellar dinner.

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Posted in Aspen Colorado, Health Spa Retreat | No Comments »

Aspen Gay Ski Week

Thursday, January 3rd, 2008

Welcome Gay Ski Week 2008 Participants!

Monday is “Aspen Club Day” and we have discounts and special offers for you all week long. Show your Ski Week ID to check in and book all services. “We have everything you need for everything you do!”

Discounts and Specials good all week.

Spa/Salon Discounts :

Book your appointments:

  • · 7 days in advance and receive 20% off all services
  • · 3 days in advance and receive 15% off all services
  • · 1 day in advance and receive 10% off all services

Book your appointment at the ‘Ski Week’ Aspen Club hospitality kiosk and receive 10% off all services

Membership/Massage Package:

Day Pass for VIP’s

50 minute massage and 3 (out of 5) day membership package $199.00 – must book at ‘Ski Week’ Aspen Club hospitality kiosk.

Aspen Club Boutique:

20% off everything!

Fitness

Choose a scheduled Group Fitness Class and receive full access to the Aspen Club facility after!

Monday- Pilates Mat 5:30pm

Tuesday- Body Pump 5:30pm

Wednesday- Deep Stretch Yoga 6:30pm

Thursday- Lunch Time Yoga at noon

Friday- noon spin class

10% off all PERSONAL TRAINING appointments!

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GENERAL INFORMATION

The Aspen Club’s majestic setting attracts those in need of fitness, adventure and of course, pampering. We invite the outdoors in with skylights, expansive windows and Colorado’s natural elements throughout 77,000 square feet of open space and relaxing getaways.

The Aspen Club is a private membership club and offers highly advanced fitness equipment, the world-renown SpaAspen™ and the internationally recognized Sports Medicine Institute, a healing center that combines time-honored knowledge with contemporary medicine.

970.925.8900
1450 Ute Avenue
Aspen, Colorado 81611

www.aspenclub.com

The Aspen Club & Spa is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

HOURS OF OPERATION: SPA HOURS:

Monday- Friday 6 a.m.- 9 p.m. Monday- Friday 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 7 a.m.- 8 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.

RESERVATIONS:

All reservationists are required to ask for the following information when making an appointment:

1. Names of each guest booking – MUST identify “GSW” at time of booking for discount

2. Cell phone of client

3. Credit card to hold all reservations

4. Please notify all clients of our 24-hour cancellation policy. There will be no charge to cancel or reschedule a service if cancelled more than 24- hours prior to the appointment.

Gratuities are not included in the price of services. An 18% gratuity will automatically be applied to all services not checked out.

TRANSPORTATION:

Complimentary transportation is available for door-to-door service in Aspen. Call 925.8900 for a pick up.

GARNISH CAFÉ:

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Enjoy breakfast and lunch at the Garnish Café! Open 7 a.m. -2 p.m. Monday-Friday.

BOUTIQUE: Come in to the Aspen Club & Spa boutique and experience Aspen’s best kept secret.

FITNESS

The pulse of The Aspen Club & Spa is undoubtedly the Health & Fitness center, where members and guests not only exercise their bodies, but also expand their minds and rejuvenate their spirit through fitness training, mind/body classes and an array of other progressive offerings.

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The fitness team is certified and credentialed from the most prestigious programs.

SCHEDULES:

We offer as many as 50 classes per week. Ski conditioning, BodyPump®, BodyFlow®, Hatha Yoga and spin classes are just some of classes offered. For a full schedule of our GROUP FITNESS, MIND & BODY and TENNIS SCHEDULES, please check out website at www.aspenclub.com and click on “Fitness Schedule” under Aspen Club & Spa.

PERSONAL TRAINING:
The personal trainers are experienced and certified fitness professionals who design programs for each individual’s needs. The fitness facilities at The Aspen Club & Spa feature over one hundred strength training machines and cardio equipment, as well as abundant free weights and strengthening tools.

PILATES:

The beautifully situated Pilates studio features an extensive array of equipment including a trapeze table, wall unit reformer, Wunda chairs and several reformer units as well as large skylights with views of Aspen Mountain. We are the only fully Pilates Method Alliance certified studio in Aspen. The “Pilates Reformer” studio, offers group classes daily.

YOGA:

Allow our advanced yoga instructors to assist you in deepening your yoga experience. Yoga is, at its depth, intensely personal. Together we will find a practice that fits your purpose. We offer group classes as well as private sessions.

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SpaAspen™

Boasting the largest spa in Colorado, the beautiful SpaAspen™ offers a wide assortment of luxury spa services, signature body treatments and spa packages to fulfill your needs. No matter what you are looking for, SpaAspen™ is sure to please. Groups are welcome and customized spa packages are available.

Access to the club is FREE with any spa treatment!

SPA MENU HIGHLIGHTS:

· Thai Massage- Massage performed on a mat incorporating limbering passive stretching. Wear loose clothing.

· Ashiatsu massage- Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy is a barefoot massage technique using deep compression effleurage gliding over the body, providing deep relaxation and stimulation of the lymphatic system of the body.

· Anti-Aging facial- Lifts and firms the skin. Helps to alleviate fine lines and wrinkles. Uses a cinnamon exfoliant mask which heats up on the skin to open capillaries. Immediate results are seen. Also evens the skin tone.

· Warm Stone Facial -Our most relaxing and rejuvenating facial. Your skin is gently cleansed and exfoliated. A green tea infused collagen mask calms, nurtures, and hydrates. Warm stones melt away stress in the face, neck and shoulders while crystals balance your chakras. A hand and foot massage followed by warm mitts and booties round out this blissful treatment.

· Alpine Rejuvenator- a SpaAspen™ signature treatment. Three part treatment: exfoliation, mask/wrap, pine oil application.

· Bindi- Based on an ancient Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy. Includes an herbal body mask, dry brush detoxification, warm aromatic oil massage, mini-facial and finishes with a moist heat wrap. The ultimate experience calms the mind and rejuvenates the body.

We also do an assortment of waxing. Please see our brochure for a complete listing of spa services, including prices.

SALON:

At our full service salon, we offer everything from hair services to spa pedicures to acrylic nails. See brochure for prices.

TEETH WHITENING:

The Aspen Club and Spa is now offering cosmetic teeth whitening. The Beyond® WhiteSpa system can restore your natural white smile, removing years of stains. The painless procedure lasts one hour.

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Posted in Aspen Colorado, aspen, class, fitness, gay, gym, massage, personal trainer, pilates, salon, ski, spa, week, yoga | No Comments »

Holiday Health Tips

Wednesday, December 26th, 2007

Drink plenty of water.   water-bottle.jpg

Water is a natural detoxifer. It helps counteract the dehydrating effects of travel or drinking alcoholic beverages and it amy also help satiate your appetite since thirst is often mistaken for hunger.

Avoid taking seconds. eating-food.jpg

Fill your plate once with the food you enjoy the most and then Stop! Eat slowly and enjoy the unique flavor of the holiday foods.

Bring a vegetable tray to parties.    vegetable-tray.jpg

Use unusual festive vegetables like red, green, yellow and organge peppers, asparagus, snow peas and mushrooms along with the traditional favorites like carrots, celery, radishes etc. Then be your biggest fan and eat more of them than any of the high calorie snacks like chips and dips, cheese and crackers, pate’s desserts, cookies and candies. Use non fat yogurt in place of sour cream or salad dressing for a lighter dip.

Have just a few bites of your favorite dish or dessert. A small amount can be just as satisfying when you taste it mindfully.

Poistion yourself away from the food.

When you are at a party so you are not constantly tempted. Calories add up quickly. If you have a tendency to stand by the food table and just snack, you could find yourself eating 1,500 to 2,000 extra calories without realizing it and that won’t include the drinks or the full course meal to follow.

Bring a festive fruit basket.   fruit-basket.jpg

to parties or to work for everyone as an alternative to sweets and candy treats. If you feel obligated to try a friend’s homemade specialty, take a small bite of the treat and savor it. No need to eat the entire thing.

Try one day of fasting or detox per week.

during the Holidays to give your body a rest from food. Vegetable and fruit detox progrmas work the best.

Take time for yourself.   relaxing-out-doors.jpg

Although spending time with friends and family is essential, it’s also important to set aside some time every day for yourself to relax. Try practicing deep breathing (Chi Gong) exercises when you feel stressed out.

Don’t set unrealistic goals.   goal-setting.jpg

Aim to exercise 30 minutes a day instead of an hour. Enlist a friend to exercise with you. Walking and talking with a friend can be a great way to burn extra calories and reduce your stress level.

Use alcohol and caffeine in moderation.   pop.jpg

These substances will only create anxiety in the long run by adding to your feelings of stress and by depleting your nutrient base. Try drinking hot herbal teas instead of coffee and keep the number of alcoholic drinks to a minimum.

If you your stress level is high, supplement with extra B vitamins.

These nutrients help support the adrenal glands and reduce the effects of stress. B-vitamins convert food to energy and aid in relaxation. They can used in addition to your regular vitamin-mineral supplement during stressful times.

Listen to relaxing music.   classical-music.jpg

Studies prove that music can sooth the nerve4s and restore energy levels in the body. Try classical music to restore and relax your nervous system.

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Posted in Aspen Colorado, Aspen Members, Health and Fitness, chi gong exercises, deep breathing, detox, holiday foods, unrealistic goals, water water | No Comments »

Stressed Out?

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007
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Moss Greene

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Stress Management Tips, Causes and Relief
Stressed out? If so, you’re not alone. Stress is the most common cause of illness and disease in our society, underlying anywhere from 75 to 90% of all doctors’ visits.

But stress management involves making changes. Are you up for that?

Whether you change your lifestyle, habits, thoughts, feelings, circumstances or reactions to circumstances, in order to reduce stress you must make changes.

Stress Management Tips

Focus on making changes in the following areas:

Attitude: The same stressful circumstances affect people differently because of attitude. A more positive attitude can greatly reduce the amount of stress you feel.

Nutrition: A deficient diet weakens your immune system and brain function, causing you to be more susceptible to disease, depression and poor decisions.

Exercise: Lack of physical activity is stressful. Exercise produces endorphins contributing to less depression and an overall feeling of wellbeing.

Support: Most people need someone they can rely on during hard times. An absence of support makes stressful situations much more difficult.

Relaxation: Interesting projects, hobbies or other means of fun, rest and relaxation are good outlets for stress and can help in handling stressful situations.

Your willingness to make the necessary above changes will determine your success in reducing stress – no matter what the circumstances.

Causes of Stress

The main stress causes from outside circumstances are:

  1. Death of spouse, child or other loved one
  2. Health crisis – illness or injury
  3. Divorce, marital problems or separation
  4. Jail term or accusation of criminal activity
  5. Money problems – lack or debt
  6. Marriage or marital reconciliation
  7. Fired from job or retirement
  8. Victim of crime or self-abuse
  9. Pregnancy and birth of new baby
  10. Physical changes – puberty or menopause
  11. Moving to new home or location
  12. Hostile home or work environment
  13. Increase in responsibility – independence or new job

However, poor diet, lack of exercise, and persistent negative thinking are the most common ongoing daily causes of stress.

Stress Relief Tips

Here are actions you can take to gain more self-control over stress:

  • Be grateful for the good things in your life.
  • Refocus thinking to a more positive point of view.
  • Start a program of daily physical activity.
  • Take a break, slow down and have more fun.
  • Eliminate junk food and eat a healthier diet.
  • Reach out, get support and interact socially.
  • Use meditation, yoga or other relaxation techniques.
  • Make time for personal interests and hobbies.
  • Get plenty of rest, relaxation and sleep.
  • Let it go. What difference will it make 10 years from now?

You can also set more reasonable goals, stop over-committing, give up perfectionism and minimize or even eliminate many unnecessary sources of stress.

Stress Management Bottom Line

If you follow these stress management tips and guidelines, stress can become an insignificant part of your life. As the Serenity Prayer recommends, change the things you can change, accept those you cannot change and learn to tell the difference.

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Colorado Day Spa

Monday, June 4th, 2007

Whatever your pleasure … whether you need a healing touch or just want to unwind, SpaAspen™ offers an endless menu of services to suit you. Surpass all of your spa experiences with an invigorating body treatment… Try the Alpine Rejuvenator, our most requested signature treatment, delivering you to sheer bliss and relaxation.

We are happy to create a spa day just for you or your group that will leave you feeling better than ever! Are you a first time spa-goer? Let our Reservations staff help design the perfect day for you. To reserve your appointment call us at 970.925.8900.

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Aspen Ashiastu Massages

Monday, May 28th, 2007

Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy at the Aspen Club and Spa                

     Looking for a nice deep tissue massage?  Well, look no further.  The Aspen Club and Spa has just the ticket, Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy®.  A barefoot massage technique using deep compression effleurage gliding over the body, providing deep relaxation and stimulation of  the lymphatic system of the body.         

     Founder Ruthie Hardee describes the technique as an ancient form of body work using the feet to bring about a structural change to chronic soft tissue damage, while providing complete relaxation to the client.  Clients can experience improved posture, movement and bodily functions; pain relief; and state of well-being. 

        Due to her own chronic back pain from scoliosis in addition to providing long hours of deep tissue massage to others, Hardee developed a solution to an occupation hazard many body workers face – physical pain and overuse injuries. Alleviating the pain of others often creates pain for the therapist and forces many out of the business they love because their bodies can’t sustain the daily rigors.  This massage technique helps relieve both the therapist and the client.         

Aspen Club and Spa is excited to offer the Aspen Valley this treatment by two of our very own therapists who were trained and certified by the founder herself.

 Call Spa Reservations at 970-925-8900 to book your Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy today.

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Posted in Health Spa Retreat, Health and Fitness, ashiatsu, aspen massage, aspen spa, day spa, relaxation | No Comments »

“what is Hatha Yoga” by Trishka – certified Iyengar Yoga teacher in Aspen

Saturday, May 26th, 2007
Hatha yoga
Hatha yoga uses the body to access the mind. Our body is our map of our self. It tells our stories. It is practical. Tangible. Here and now. When our body aches or hurts, our entire well being is affected. Likewise, when our body feels good, when everything inside us is functioning and performing as it should be, our energy reflects that good feeling.During a Hatha yoga practice different postures are assumed. These postures allow us to use the body as a vehicle for inner exploration. In this way the practice of asana is really more like praying with the body in order to reach the Divine within. Ones practice can be an offering. A complete surrender. A moving meditation. By constantly moving in to the observer seat, one becomes the watcher, watching the process without judgement. The body is active. The brain is passive. The body does. The mind is.

Hatha yoga is the process of penetrating from the outermost sheath of the body, the skin and the physical body, deep down into the inner most core of the body, the bliss body, the divine body. Then we can pass through the porthole created in our practice, travel along this clear path and move into and out of this space at will.

The literal translation of Hatha is “force”. But this force is not a physical force disrespecting the body, but rather an internal force involving an intense desire to connect to something greater and beyond. It is a force in the sense of inertia, in the sense of determination and discipline, “tapas”.

It is an inner yearning and burning desire to free oneself from suffering and to reach a state of Samadhi, or blissful oneness with the universe and self-realization. This is the goal of yoga, and ultimately our practice will take us to that place of spiritual bliss, down into the inner most core of the Self and then allow us to shine this light back out into the world.

Though “Hatha” appears to be one word, it can in reality be broken down to “ha” meaning effort, activity and “tha” meaning letting go, passivity. So in Hatha yoga we attempt to balance our effort with that of release; balancing pose with repose.

Going further into the depths of the word we find the “ha” as having masculine qualities while the “tha” has feminine qualities. Not only are the qualities of active and receptive balanced but also the masculine and feminine aspects of our being are balanced as well.

Finally, taking the process to a universal level, “ha” becomes the sun and “tha” the moon. The solar heat of our bodies and soul becomes balanced with that of the cool, lunar energies.

Hatha yoga cultivates a conscious awareness and sensitivity that balances out our natural tendencies for these dualistic qualities. We balance ourselves internally and calm the chaos of the conflicting impulses of the mind and thus prepare ourselves for meditation.
how is this done?
During a Hatha yoga practice different postures, known as asana are assumed. Through these poses we awaken the self, the self as the witness, watching the process and begin to understand our selves on a deeper level. We become the watcher watching, non-judging, observing and transcending that which we know of ourselves. At the same time we begin to awaken a deep awareness and intelligence of our bodies. We learn to watch how the skin moves when the arm moves a certain way, how the muscles turn the bones when we lift a knee cap, how the organs are cleansed, replenished with fresh blood when we twist our torso. We revive our cells, our micro-cells, our nerves and begin to create space in our bodies allowing for greater “prana”, breath, energy or life force to move through us. By staying connected to the breath we are invited to stay present and live in the moment.As master yoga teacher B.K.S. Iyengar says:
“Your body exists in the past and your mind exists in the future. In yoga, they come together in the present.”

Not only is the breath constantly observed, but so is the mind and its thoughts. Through observation and perhaps a change in thought, or a letting go of a certain thought pattern, the experience of the pose, and thus the self, may change. Each time we practice we discover anew how different positions alter our experience of life and give us a greater understanding of ourselves.

All the asanas have names that reflect the evolutionary process in life and allow us to feel part of this wholeness. For example the flexibility of a serpent’s spine in cobra pose; or the grace and strength of an eagle in eagle pose; or the playfulness of a dog as he stretches himself in upward and downward facing dog pose. We identify with geometric shapes as in triangle pose; and tools such as the plow pose. We feel the wisdom of sages as in a seated twist pose, and experience our connectedness to nature in poses such as tree pose, and half moon pose, just to name a few.

Regardless of which asana one is practicing, it always has two qualities: alertness without tension, and relaxation without heaviness and dullness. In other words, every pose feels steady and joyful.
who can do it?
Yoga is for anyone and everyone. On the physical and psychological level the body reaps tremendous benefits. Yoga can help to cure ailments, prevent others, and strengthens, purifies and balances the endocrine, nervous and circulatory systems. Regular practice gives one greater endurance, flexibility, and improves posture. The body’s natural weight is maintained and the organs are detoxified.Breathing becomes easier and energy is renewed, while blood pressure returns to normal and stress becomes easier to cope with. Thoughts become more pleasant and negative emotions diminish. In essence we gain vibrant physical and emotional health and we feel calmed, peaceful and connected.

This article is an excerpt taken from “Grapevine, What’s on in and around Lucca

For more information about Trishka go to: www.IyengarYogaAspen.com

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Yin, Slo-flow, Iyengar-style, Restorative Hatha Yoga Classes

Saturday, May 19th, 2007

Anne Byard’s Yoga classes include a balanced blend of Yin (pleasant, passive long-held floor poses to access the binding “yin” connective tissues at the level of the joints), mindful Slow-flow movements to build inner-heat, strength, and fine-tuned alignment, an assortment of Iyengar-style hatha-yoga poses (with and without props, wall support, etc) to build precision and mindfulness, and an ever-changing number of “restorative” (prop-supported deep, passive poses to restore mind-body energy as well as to gently open hips, knees, spine, chest, low back).  Each class features a different routine and has a yogic-theme based on the core principles of Yoga as a means to create inner-joy regardless of life’s circumstances.  Gentle adjustments, pranayama breathing, deep guided relaxation and meditation are included.  Classes are suitable for all levels.

Anne Byard has been teaching yoga for 36 years in Aspen and in Marin County, Ca., and has trained and studied in India and the US since 1968.  Her classes reflect her dedication and devotion to all aspects of Yoga as a way of life as well as a physical art.

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Aspen Personal Training

Monday, May 7th, 2007

The Aspen Club and Spa provides various programs that enable you to get a personal trainer easily. Yes, you will need some personal training to guide you with the life changing process of improving your health.

The personal training programs at a glance
The personal training programs start with an extensive 90-minute consultation where the trainer helps you to locate your personal vision, which includes long and short term goals for wellness. He/she also helps you identify priorities in fitness, health, nutrition, stress and weight.

Your Wellness Goals could be

  • Loss of excess weight

  • Increase mental productivity while working

  • Decrease blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol

  • Reduce stress level through relaxation

  • Feel more youthful

  • Have more physical energy

Depending on your goals and circumstances, you will be provided a personal trainer who personally matches your needs.

What difference can your personal trainer make to your life? Every one of us possesses skills, qualities and abilities that we can use to achieve a better life. For the appropriate motivation, you will need a personal trainer to guide you. A trainer does not do  magic, but what he/she can do is help you to overcome the limitations and situations for the creation of the desired life.

You know you are in need of a personal trainer, when you desire change and want to reach your full potential in order to achieve your healthy life but don’t know where to begin.  The trainer believes in you totally and supports you without condition. The Aspen personal trainer works hand in hand with you to create some realistic action plans. The trainer helps you to recognize your goals for achieving them and insists that you defeat the hindrances in the path to the achievement of your goals. He/she is the one to constantly encourage, challenge and nudge you to act. Remember, if you have an inclination to help yourself, only then will your personal trainer be able to help you experience the life you want. To get education, you need a teacher. Similarly, for owning a better life and healthy well being, you need a personal trainer to offer you personal training.

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