How I Got My Groove Back
This morning I popped out of bed at 4:15 a.m., hoping it was almost 5 a.m., when my alarm was set to sound. I couldn't wait to get out of bed.
Vacation? No. Shopping trip? No. This morning I woke up early so I could go to a 6:15 Core Fusion class at Exhale Spa at the Loew's Hotel in Atlanta. This was the first possible class my schedule allowed since my first Core Fusion experience this past Saturday, and I was in withdraw because it had been more than 24 hours.
Withdraw from a fitness class? Yes. Let me explain.
Before Saturday, I was in what I've been calling a "frump slump." I've been snacking on pita and cereal late at night and "evening out" the little bars of dark chocolate in our pantry. Trader Joe's new $9.99 boxed wine has made my now daily red wine habit practically free and effortless. I've been (are you sitting down?) eating handfuls of Chanukah chocolate gelt I had put away for the holiday. The cheap, yucky kind. I know.
It was time for a change. I was feeling sluggish on my daily runs, and even experienced an ankle injury from a stagnant workout regimen. Enter: Anne-Marie Berte, The 100 Women Project's Health & Wellness Ambassador, and Manager of Guest Experiences, Marketing and Sales for Exhale mindbody spa's flagship property. She graciously offered me a complimentary class (along with EVERY member of The 100 Women Project community, a very generous offer - contact her if you're interested).
I have had the pleasure of working out in some amazing facilities. In Philadelphia, I was a member of The Sporting Club at The Bellevue, where I would see Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendel post-workout every weekend. I've been to The Institute for Integrative Nutrition's amazing facility, Blue Spirit, in Nosara, Costa Rica, where I've done yoga in the rainforest amidst morning fog and howler monkeys. And I was blown away when I first walked into Exhale.
I had the privilege of experiencing my first Core Fusion class with Fred DeVito, the co-founder of Exhale Spa's Core Fusion program. Fred's work has inspired thousands of people around the world to take charge of their health. And as luck would have it, guess who I was right next to in class? Anne-Marie, fortunately, who eased any nervousness I felt about experiencing a new class, and Fred. How I felt throughout the class encompasses the spirit of Anne-Marie, Fred, and the entire spa - calm yet energized. I never once felt judged, intimidated...quite the opposite. All of these mornings I have been running by myself and today, I felt supported and encouraged.
I left Saturday with a new kick in my step - my muscles felt amazing. A few minutes in the sauna, co-ed hammam (turkish bath) and use of Exhale's own branded white tea soap and lotion left my skin glowing and my body radiant. For the first time in months, I felt anew.
If you don't have the time or resources with which to take a winter vacation to Costa Rica and do yoga in the jungle, treat yourself to some time at Exhale and get in touch with Anne-Marie for help. She exudes care, compassion and inspiration for those who cross her path. Anne-Marie will welcome you with open arms and motivate you to go further than you ever thought in both mind and body! Exhale is a true transformational urban oasis, and Anne-Marie is the new best friend you need to lift your spirits, re-energize you and whip you into shape for the holidays!
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Comment by Debbie Zimmerman on December 21, 2011 at 12:00pm -
Wow. Looks like I need to go to Exhale the next time I am in Atlanta! So glad to have her as a part of our team!
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