Advantage of having your VP a leading Pilates expert and trainer? We get to post her amazing tips and tricks right here on the Hi-Spa Blog. Keep reading for new Hi-Spa Vice President Monique Jutila’s own Pilates for Runners mini regimen!
ARE YOU TRAINING FOR A RUNNING EVENT OR DO YOU RUN TO STAY FIT AND ACTIVE?
From competitive athletes to the occasional jogger, Pilates can help give that competitive edge, reduce the risk of injury and leave you feeling strong, tall, fit and fabulous!
Pilates is a series of mind-body exercises that uses dynamic movements to stretch, strengthen and balance the entire body, proving it to be an excellent choice for core conditioning for any athlete.
Like Pilates, running uses your body as an interconnected machine, with every muscle group working together. Injuries occur when a particular muscle group is weak or is not in sync with the others, causing the rest of the machine to make compensations elsewhere. It takes more than strong legs and lungs to be a good runner. Having a strong center is essential for balance, flexibility, breathing and endurance.
At Fluid Motion Maui, we have several Mat-based and Equipment-based classes that are great for improving your posture, balance and symmetry to help you become a better runner and stay injury free. better runner and stay injury free.
HERE ARE 5 GREAT MAT EXERCISES FOR RUNNERS:
Obliques (bicycle): Strengthens abdominals and hip flexors.
Shoulder bridge: Strengthens and gluts, hamstrings and challenges stability of the pelvis. Unilateral leg lifts challenge muscular strength, endurance and pelvic/torso stability.
Breast Stroke: Strengthen posterior muscles as the chest and anterior shoulder are stretched.
Spine Twist Seated: Strengthens obliques and improves spinal rotation.
Leg Pull Front (plank with calf stretch): Strengthens entire body and stretches calf muscle.
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Maui’s scenery is incomparable. The power of the combined elements—the water, the wind, and the land—come together to form an awe-inspiring, surreal experience of total unity. This connection we feel when surrounded by Hawaii’s nature, that energy and power, is called Mana. Mana, in Hawaiian belief, is the source of all power that exists in all the universe; all parts of nature, from humankind down to the tiniest plant and stone, has a spirit that can be connected to, and this spirit is our Mana.
When done properly, one’s Mana, and the Mana of another object, can even be harnessed and applied for all sorts of benefits. Since ancient times, civilizations have learned to utilize the Mana of crystals and gemstones to release mental, physical, and spiritual blockages throughout the body. Since Western medicine, such practices started to lose credibility, but now there is the growing realization that its possible for both traditional and Western practitioners to work together to improve well-being. In Hawaii, traditional healers are already a trusted source of health information, and still use stones to this day for healing treatments. Lava rocks are a big part of Hawaiian culture, and are used not only in lomi-lomi massage, but also for healing practices. The rocks can be heated and wrapped in ti leaves, then either placed on the body for sore spot treatment, tapped together to create vibrations, or used for exfoliation.
On Maui’s West side in the lava pools, are the unique green sparkling stones also used in Hawaiian energy work, known as Olivine crystals. These glittering green beauties are embedded into the porous lava rock of the pools, and also coat the surface of Big Island’s Green Sand Beach. These tiny gems are known as the happy tears of the fire goddess Pele, and people like to bathe in the infused ocean water with these exotic lava gems for their health and wellness properties.
To take it up a notch, there’s the incredible story of an ancient Lemurian civilization, believed to have sunk beneath the Pacific Ocean millennia past, and the volcanoes of Hawaii and other Polynesian Islands are really the tips of the ancient Lemurian Mountains, which are filled with the energy of the Lemurian seed crystals, aka quartz. Any way you look at it, the Hawaiian Islands are brimming with natural energy.
In stores all over Maui, you can find an incredible array of chakra balancing pendulums, heart-stones, stone massage tools, crystal infusions, along with tumbled, cut and polished crystals. Things like crystals, gold, and precious stones are no longer used just for jewelry. Hawaiian Spas are incorporating 24-karat gold, crushed pearls, rocks, and semi-precious stones into their treatments, utilizing the Mana and restorative energy properties of each. You can find a facial using diamonds and crushed pearls, massages with semi-precious gemstones, essential oils infused with local olivine stones, or a quartz crystal chakra balancing bodywork.
Maui is a wonderful treasure chest filled with sparkling, healing stones full of Mana, and the real fun is to going out to find them.
In history, spas were an integral part of the Roman, Greek and Egyptian eras. Ancient philosophies preach the importance of cleansing the mind, body and spirit through connecting with Mother Earth and the world’s energy through a multitude of practices, such as “Earthing,” which promotes direct contact with the earth’s electron-rich surface; by grounding the body to the earth’s surface, most commonly done walking barefoot, stabilizes natural electrical rhythms and reduces disease-causing inflammation. The ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks not only practiced Earthing, but also enjoyed hot and cold water treatments, followed by aromatic massages with fragrant oils, and had herbalists and apothecaries. Today, spa-going is not so different from how it was in the olden days; the secret is to focus on being preventative instead of being reactive.
The historic practice of Feng Shui, which originated in the mountains of China over seven thousand years ago, and the Ayurvedic traditional medicine of India, which originated over five thousand years ago, both emphasize reestablishing balance in the body through diet and exercise, and on the health of the mind, body, and spirit. There are still certain regions of the world where large quantities of the population still rely on traditional medicinal practices for most of their primary health needs. Due to these many examples along with overwhelming research, the modern day Spa Industry consistently utilizes not only older methods, but also revised, contemporary versions of the ancestor techniques. Spa trends also continue to utilize eco-friendly ingredients with real benefits, along with genuine ancient practices that leave you more enlightened coming out than when you went in.
The vigor of the Hotel Industry lounges in its ability to stay one step ahead of its patrons by anticipating their needs, and delivering the right amount of a unique environment with relaxation and feel-good benefits. Of all the trends in the Hotel Industry, however, none is more significant than the expansion of the Wellness Movement. The hotel spa and gym facilities have traditionally been considered mere amenities, so the emphasis now is on providing wellness-focused experiences, along with “wellness everywhere” environments for fitness-minded guests. Companies are launching new hotel brands themed entirely around the concept of health and wellness, while other major hotel chains are rebranding their properties to offer similar, health-oriented amenities.
A few of these health services include personalized spa menus, free fitness gear, wake up light therapy, air purification and aromatherapy, vitamin C-infused showers, and wellness videos. The increased emphasis on health and fitness underlines the importance of spas in hotels, and the spa’s value in attracting and serving hotel guests. As a result, corporations are beginning to expand their menu of services. Resorts with spas are starting to make their spa facilities easier for everyone to access, as their accommodations are no longer created for hotel guests only. These vast spa investments cannot rely solely on in-house patronage anymore, and are striving to target the different markets that are available within the area, such as residents, visitors, even guests in neighboring hotels.
Spa resorts offer escapism from our stressful reality, however the key to infuse wellness in our lives is by focusing on creating a “Spa Haven” in our own space, because in reality, a rare few of us have the time and the checkbook to come into the spa regularly. Spa living allows us to bridge the gap between our at-home care and our next spa visit. A few examples of re-creating the ambience that is found at high-end spas in your own home range from investing in color therapy showers, sound remedy programs, and home saunas, to diffusers, candles, and plush robes. Even simply researching wellness recipes and acquiring wholesome ingredients is an excellent start to begin your wellness journey.
The Spa Industry is the Wellness Movement, as it does not only educate and enlighten the consumer, but also carefully cradles the balance between ancient and modern healing therapies. Spas are integrating more ancient and authentic wellness traditions into their operations, including Roman and Turkish baths, Russian and Finnish saunas, and even the ancient Indian medical system of Ayurveda. The focus of the spa industry was about returning back to the basics, which demands simplicity and a chance to relax and let go completely. Spa goers want to choose authentic experiences unique to the spa location, and enjoy customized spa treatments that have been designed to tell a story, while honoring the host culture at the same time. In certain cases this goal creates a challenge for the spa, due to the resorts or hotels residing in remote and exotic places, as these unique locations often do not manufacture bath and body products that follow the expected quality guidelines of a high end spa.
The next best option, when it comes to these difficult situations, is to replicate local treatments with products that use popular local ingredients, but are made in other, more accommodating locations. Using this method, the company in need can guarantee the quality of the products, and still use the indigenous local teachings to create services that are inspired by the host culture. Even with the large volume of facilities incorporating these changes, the antique practices along with new and innovative wellness trends are creating challenges to hotel spas. In order to effectively integrate new practices into their operations, spas face the task of finding authentic certified providers that will exclusively work in their facility, while trying to figure out an acceptable pay structure. In essence, hotel and resort spas, specifically those in remote locations, deal with and handle a multitude of challenges just to achieve a high-end experience for their valuable customers.
In opposition to the more ancient services, other customers want flexibility to customize their needs at the time of the treatment, and a way to recreate these experiences into their everyday lives. In essence, most people are not willing to give up technology in order to slow down from their hectic lifestyles. The modern day individual would love to have an iPad underneath the face-cradle while getting a massage to watch the latest sports, news, or television shows. Due to these new, contemporary needs, spas are now being influenced to use technology to enhance the spa experience with cutting-edge relaxation appliances. The newest resort spas are featuring amenities such as color therapy tubs and rainbow light rain showers. Color therapy is an area of holistic healing which uses color in an attempt to affect mood, emotions, and even health. These color therapy shower-heads provide illumination via changing lights in the shower-head itself, and the settings go from a gentle, rain-like spray to a vigorous downpour. Customers can actually purchase these shower-heads and transform one’s home shower into a multi-sensory experience.
Spas are not the only organizations to begin using futuristic therapeutic methods. Suppliers of wellness programs have been influenced by the Spa Industry’s drive to achieve ultimate customer wellness satisfaction, and are using the healing power of sound to relieve stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and addiction. These programs utilize audio vibrations embedded into multi-layered sound technology. Sound therapy can also be used to promote weight loss, chronic pain relief, smoking cessation, and mind-body regeneration through meditation. Customers can then purchase the audio programs, which are available as audio- download USB cards or MP3 downloads.
After looking at the growth the Spa Industry has had through the Hotel Industry, and how not only has the Wellness Movement matured through the spa itself but has begun to influence people and other organizations, I believe that resorts and hotels are leading the Wellness Movement because of the understanding that wellness has reached far beyond pampering. Wellness is graceful longevity that can be an attainable goal with many affordable products, classes and wellness options. More and more people are adopting the spa philosophy as a lifestyle, and health and wellness services are readily available to visitors beyond the basic spa services that are expected to be featured in a resort spa. Hotels and resorts are creating educational opportunities, via their specific wellness industry, for visitors interested in learning traditional healing practices by providing a venue where wellness seekers can easily find what they are looking for. With the current wellness craze turning into what is beginning to look like a permanent way of life, spas have become an essential component of the high-end resort hotel experience.
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If essential oils are your jam, every room in your house is scented, and you believe in the real power of aromatherapy, than this workshop is for YOU. Way too much fun, information, and life-changing goodness is waiting for you in the land of healing aromas (aka Kona, Hawaii), so if this is something that spells your fancy, read below on the highlights of this amazing Aromatherapy Boot Camp you didn’t know you needed.
“This four-day, five-night aromatherapy boot camp is designed for professional aromatherapists, aromatherapy students, and aromatherapy enthusiasts!
You’ll receive expert instruction from American College of HealthCare Sciences (ACHS) Founding President and Aromatherapy Registration Council Chairperson Dorene Petersen and ACHS Aromatherapy Program Chair Amanda Lattin.
In this hands-on aromatherapy boot camp, you will:
Catch up on all the latest issues in aromatherapy
Learn the ins and outs of blending essential oils for therapeutic purposes
Discover the keys to conducting effective aromatherapy client sessions
Experience sustainable Sandalwood production and plant a sandalwood tree
Immerse yourself in the rich local culture including attending a traditional luau, enjoying an historical walking tour in downtown Kailua-Kona, and exploring the island’s energy vortexes1
Enjoy 1-year online access to the ACHS essential oil monographs authored by ACHS Founding President Dorene Petersen
Have the opportunity to earn 100 hours of aromatherapy continuing education2
Students can also join participate in optional side trips including a one-day field trip exploring the energy vortexes around Kona, attending a traditional luau, and an historical walking tour (additional fees apply).”
An amazing educational experience, a dive into the land and culture of Kona, and loads of fun with like-minded individuals…what else could you want? Click here to sign up today.
We’re excited to share that UCI Division of Continuing Education hosts webinars for the Spa and Wellness Management Certificate Program that are free and open to the public. In addition to learning about the certificate program, participants will hear from experts in the industry as they address current topics and research.
An upcoming webinar that is now open for registration!
Diagnose Your Spa and Wellness Experience Through 7 Senses
Improve the level of the spa and wellness experience you are providing your guests. This webinar will teach you how to analyze the experience you are offering by applying the seven senses that define the quality and level of your spa. Please join UCI Division of Continuing Education in welcoming Diana F. Mestre from Mestre & Mestre Spa & Wellness Consulting as she presents the sense of arrival, sense of place, sense of flow, sense of awe, sense of departure, sense of connection and sense of identity. A simple tool that will bring a new awareness to create an impeccable, unforgettable and memorable wellness experience. The webinar will also include pre-registration advisement for individuals interested in UCI DCE’s fully online Spa and Wellness Management Certificate Program.
When: March 4, 2019 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PST
To register, please click here. Even if you cannot attend the live session, you will receive a recording of the webinar if you register. We encourage you to spread the word about these webinars to your employees and network.
At Hi-Spa, our goal has always been to unite all the Health & Wellness facilities and businesses in the state of Hawaii under one roof of friendly competition and local support. To build each other up, we need to stand together first and foremost, and slowly but surely we are making our way to that goal.
That’s why when Insider’s Guide To Spa’s came out, it was a beautiful piece to read for us at Hi-Spa. It was exciting to see specifics and favorites based on author’s choice, and it was absolutely wonderful to see our Hawaii spas mentioned together in the same article that outlined how each was beneficial and wonderful in their own way.
If you’re curious and want to see which of Hawaii’s wonderful spas were mentioned, go ahead and give the article a read! It’s all about the little victories, and for Hi-Spa, this article was one of them.
Want to learn how to have a successful retail business on the amazing island of Maui that many call home? Join the group of like-minded individuals and learn all the techniques you’re looking for at the 7th Annual Masters of Retail Success in Maui.
Lead by Lana’i Today’s owner Alberta De Jetley along with three other successful business owners statewide and hosted by Maui Business Brainstormers, MeetUp.com says that this event promises to be a fun and educational platform for “four Maui based businesses to share their unique journey, full of hands-on experiences, on the road that goes to a more stable and sunnier place.” Invaluable information, mouth watering food and a stunning view to boot, this is an opportunity that can’t be missed!
If you live on Maui and find your passions leading you in this direction, don’t miss out! The Masters of Retail Success in Maui Event will be held at the Kahili Golf Course on April 2nd, 2019 starting at 5pm. Go HERE for more information, or HERE to RSVP.
From Hi-Spa, uniting Hawaii’s Health & Wellness Industry under one tropical umbrella.
Meet one of our newest Hi-Spa Members, Heidi Lenz, Hawaii’s Expert Holistic Esthetician.
What is a Holistic Esthetician?
The word holistic comes from the Greek word “holos” meaning “entire” or “all.” Holistic treatment simply means treating the entire person.
A Holistic Esthetician is a skin care specialist who is motivated by the desire to help people, and are dedicated to the common good. Visually oriented, tactile, and sensitive, Holistic Estheticians care about the health and wellbeing of the entire person. They use products and treatments that “do no harm” and encourage the intelligent body to repair itself through treatments designed to stimulate, synchronize and balance one’s system to achieve optimum skin health. It is also safe for pregnant and nursing moms.
What is Skin Health?
Healthy skin is strong, smooth, no breaks in the surface, not red, not scaly, not warm (not hot or red) neither dry or flaky, nor moist and wrinkled. Healthy skin is a mirror of a healthy body.
In terms of skin care products, topical products are characterized by containing almost 100 percent natural ingredients. A Holistic Esthetician is observant about skin conditions, skin biology and knowledgeable about rejuvenating natural treatments within their licensure. They are educated on noninvasive treatments and techniques, designed to lift, tighten and tone naturally. Among those are Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lymphatic Drainage, Reflexology, Facial Sculpting, and Aromatherapy.
Heidi has 35 years of experience in the health field, and can draw upon a well-balanced and full spectrum of modalities that encompass a wide range of natural treatments. She is dedicated to providing her clients with safe, innovative, natural and modern treatments and products, as well as a firm believer in self-care. Sacred Journey Healing Therapies is located at Ka’ala Healing Arts Building on Oahu. Call/text 808 954-1032 for information.
