Day 289- Vida Organic Facial

Another successful Groupon completed! I received an amazing organic facial from Vida Organic Life Massage. I was a little nervous to receive a facial seeing how the last one that I did about a year ago left my face a little irritated and red. Well, I was definitely pleasantly surprised. The facial involved all organic products that are chemical free from the heart of Brazil. My esthetician was amazing and made the entire hour a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The products that she used were not harsh to my skin in any way, although you could feel the tingling of some of them at work, and many of them smelled incredible. I left with my face glowing and perfectly moisturized for the rest of the day.

I also purchased the massage package through Groupon which I will have the chance to experience this next week.

From my experience with the facial I would recommend Vida Organic Spa to everyone, and plan to come back myself for many more wonderful facials, and hopefully massages as well.

"Vida Organic Life Massage, the official organic eco-friendly spa where you rejuvenate your energies through organic treatments while helping your planet, has a special partnership with Non-Profit Organization, Amazon Drops, to prevent deforestation in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon. Vida has committed to buy the harvested raw materials converted by cold pressed extraction into the wonderful oils, butters, powders concentrates, natural energy drinks, and teas, which are used during all of the treatments provided. By the continuous purchase of these products Vida Organic Life Massage is able to help keep this project alive and you can too as you enjoy one of their beneficial treatments."

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP

Day 256- Kor Pilates

I have completed yet another Groupon, this one was conveniently located right now the street from my house. KOR pilates is a cute little studio located in Huntington Beach that offers both pilates mat classes and pilates apparatus workouts. My groupon was for either 8 mat classes or 4 apparatus circuit workouts. Some how I was able to mix and match, this apparently was not allowed with the groupon, but I slid through the cracks.

The teachers were extremely knowledgeable. They knew exactly how to correct the slight movements that make the workout that much more beneficial. It's funny how you think that you are doing an exercise correctly and then they come around and correct the smallest thing in your posture which makes the exercise so much more difficult.

I really enjoyed the pilates apparatus circuit the most out of all of the classes. The movements were so small, but the result burned, and afterwards I was extremely sore (and still am). The pilates mat prop class was also entertaining and extremely difficult. I never experienced a bad class or a bad teacher at KOR, and don't think that I would have if I continued for longer.

KOR also specializes in pre-natal and post-natal pilates workouts. So for all you mommies to be, I would image that these are worth checking out.

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP

Day 214- Center Yoga Studio

I just finished another Groupon for a month of unlimited yoga classes. This deal was at the Center Yoga Studio in Tustin. The studio was right down the street from my work, so several co-workers registered for this deal as well.

I think that there was a consensus about our feelings regarding this yoga studio. Basically...it was alright.

This has been my first experience with a yoga class that I just didn't care much for. The classes were not structured, leaving gaps in the flow from pose to pose. The final resting pose in each class, savasana, was way to long, and the class setting didn't allow for a sneaky getaway. I think there were a couple of times when I found myself asleep during this time, making for a slightly drowsy drive home.

To their defense, the studio seemed to be fairly new, as did the instructors, so there may be some time for some improvements as the studio becomes more settled. The classes were very empty, which in a way was beneficial for someone like me, in that I received more focused attention and more fine-tuning on my poses.

Overall, for what I paid for with the Groupon, I got. I'm glad I had a chance to experience Yoga Center, as I did learn how to properly do a hurdler pose, but as for further classes, I think I will keep looking for my ideal yoga studio.

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP

Day 143- Yoga Collective, Guest Blogger Dez Arcieri

Over the years I have taken a number of yoga classes. From basic stretching-type yoga to Bikram, I have tried it all. And for the most part, I always felt very indifferent about yoga, and sometimes a little bored, because most of these yoga classes were just basic stretching. When I go to the gym, a yoga class, or some other kind of workout, I want just that, a workout. Most importantly, I want to be challenged and pushed beyond my regular routine, which usually includes the treadmill and light weights.

So, in the past I have generally stayed away from yoga for fear of being bored and not challenged enough. But when I saw a groupon for a month unlimited of yoga classes for just $25, I had to jump on the offer! Even thought I was still skeptical, I tried out my first yoga class at Yoga Collective in Santa Monica, CA., and boy was I relieved! Honestly, more than just relieved, I was challenged, energized and invigorated with the amazing energy of the class and the instructor.

Over the past three weeks, I have taken numerous classes at Yoga Collective with all different kinds of instructors and techniques. Yoga Collective offers classes everyday of the week, all throughout the day, so there really is no problem in finding a class that suits you and your schedule. All of the instructors are very well trained and incredibly helpful. Furthermore, they each bring a personal touch of spirituality and mindfulness to each class, which makes the experience meaningful and fun. For example, in one class I took at Yoga Collective, the instructor played fun Top 40 hits and even encouraged a dance party in the middle of the lesson! In another class we practiced “contact yoga,” where we introduced ourselves to our neighbors and proceeded to hold crazy yoga positions with them, sweaty and all! And in other yoga classes there have been live bands playing throughout!

Yoga Collective emphasizes the importance of community, sharing, and collective energy. Not only do they offer an amazing workout, their classes are fun and they also encourage a deep spiritual awakening. Please check out their website for the schedule, instructors, and events. Also, they are running a summer special for $49/month of unlimited yoga until September 15^th.

Guest Blogger: Dez Arcieri

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan

Day 133- LA Boxing

I just finished my Groupon for a month of unlimited gym access and classes at LA Boxing, and was pleasantly surprised with the experience. I took the group boxing and kickboxing classes, and was able to experience just about each one of their instructors. LA Boxing offers multiple daily group classes, so it was easy to plan my schedule around at least one of them.

The classes consisted of about three rounds of cardio, which included shadow boxing, and exercises such as mountain climbers, burpees, explosive push-ups, and various other moves. Then out came the boxing gloves, where we would spend time on the body bag practicing different combinations. Then lastly we finished the class with an ab routine.

LA Boxing is something that I can see myself continuing in the future, their monthly price is very reasonable, and the friendly and helpful atmosphere makes it a completely enjoyable experience. Each instructor also offers personal training for those that are looking to take the sport to the next level, or that just want to get their butt kicked harder.

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP

Day 108- Groupons- shake up your fitness

Looking to find a new activity or just something to mix up your weekly fitness routine? I have been addicted to a site called Groupon for a little over a year now. There are also similar sites out there, such as Living Social, or Screaming Deals.

Over the last year I have participated in several different styles of yoga classes - heated or not, pilates - with machines and without, boxing classes, spin classes, massages, pole-dancing and training sessions. Every day you get sent a new email with the deal of the day, and you have 24 hours to purchase the deal or not. The size of the deal varies with each Groupon, it could be 85% off for a month of unlimited classes, or smaller discounts, such as 20% off for just 3 classes. These deals provide you with an opportunity to try new classes that you may have always wanted to try or that you have never even heard of before. If you find an activity that you really like many of the facilities will offer you a discounted rate on additional classes or on memberships.

It's a great way to get out of your exercise rut, and get out there and explore new activities you otherwise might have never tried due to the cost. A word from the wise, it's easy to get out of control and purchase too many deals. Make sure to look at the expirations dates for each deal, because many may only be available for a short amount of time. Also, take a look at when the classes are offered so that you can make sure that they fit into your schedule.

Bottom line is have fun, go out and experience something that you have been wanting to try while at the same time getting a great workout!

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP