the whole body spa : ideas for a healthy lifestyle

Things you should never throw in your trash

thewholebodyspa — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:07:36 +0000

Cfl bulbs, motor oil, thermometers/thermostats, sharps/syringes, batteries. Check with your board of health, local recycling center or local hardware store to see if they collect them or where you can properly dispose of these toxic items. for more information see http://westford.patch.com/articles/5-things-that-should-never-go-in-your-trash

2011 Best Sunscreens List is now available

thewholebodyspa — Wed, 25 May 2011 19:31:33 +0000

EWG’s has published a list of what they feel are the top-rated sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB-sunburn) protection with fewer hazardous chemicals that penetrate the skin. A wider selection of UVA-blocking chemicals are awaiting FDA approval In the meantime, all top-rated products contain either zinc or titanium minerals to help cut UVA exposures for sunscreen users.

The dirty dozen

thewholebodyspa — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 20:50:15 +0000

The growing consensus among scientists is that small doses of
pesticides and other chemicals can cause lasting damage to human
health, especially during fetal development and early childhood.
Scientists now know enough about the long-term consequences of
ingesting these powerful chemicals to advise that we minimize our
consumption of pesticides. for a list of the dirty dozen see FoodNews.org

Skin Cancer Screenings More Important Than Ever

thewholebodyspa — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 19:14:00 +0000

Now there are twice as many reasons people should visit a dermatologist for yearly skin cancer exams. According to a recent study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, people with a history of nonmelanoma lesions face twice the risk of developing other cancers. see link below for complete article

http://www.skininc.com/treatments/medicalspa/94918744.html?page=1

A banana a day may also keep the doctor away!

thewholebodyspa — Fri, 07 May 2010 20:01:27 +0000

Great natural packaging, high in vitamin B6, potasium, low in salt, gives you energy to sustain your workout, low calorie, contains tryptophan which the body converts to seratonin, which helps to relax and improve your moods. check out this link for more detailed info and references: http://thetaoofgoodhealth.com/6-awesome-health-benefits-of-bananas-9/

Reducing your stress through meditation can be easier when attending a class

thewholebodyspa — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:03:16 +0000

If you need to reduce the stress in your life check out a meditation class. you can usually find them at yoga studios, temples, hospitals, schools, etc. Here is one in Westford, MA Wednesday nights 7pm meditation class at Buddhist Meditation Center, Wat Buddhahavana, Milot Rd, Westford

Eating out healthier made easier by Moe’s Southwestern Grille Nutrition Calculator and Junior size items

thewholebodyspa — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 13:56:20 +0000

this nutrtion calculator is great, and interesting to see what happens when you add or delete something to your buritto ie: sour cream, lettuce, cheese. great way to plan for better eating. Way to go Moe’s Southwestern Grille

http://www.moes.com/Food.php?ii=1

Reduce the load on your heart by keeping your blood pressure in check

thewholebodyspa — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:16:27 +0000

High Blood pressure is one of the factors which influence your cardiovascular health. Unfortunately, most people do not realize that having high blood pressure and not treating it is very bad for your heart. Ideal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg.

Why High Blood Pressure Matters?

High blood pressure is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can injure or kill you. It’s sometimes called “the silent killer” because it has no symptoms.

http://www.heart.org/MyLifeCheck

Do you know that stress can raise blood pressure and increase the buildup of plaque in arteries. That is why it is very important to reduce the tension of daily life. You can reduce your stress levels by regular physical activity, mediation, and other relaxation exercises. Simply taking a few deep breaths can help put your mind at ease. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, simply sit in a serene environment and concentrate on your breathing. If you have trouble doing this on your own, try a yoga or meditation class.

Take a few deep breaths concentrating on the intake and release of air. This is one of the most common relaxation exercises. So if you suffer from stress , remember to relive excess tension whenever necessary.

DIY Yoga Pilates Mat Cleaner used at the whole body fitness spa

thewholebodyspa — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 14:11:39 +0000

Due to several requests here is the recipe for the mat cleaner I use at the spa

Mat Cleaner: 32 oz filtered water, 5-8 drops organic vodka (preservative) then add the following essential oils: lavender 3-5 drops, Eucalyptus 3-5 drops, Tea Tree 5-8 drops, Lemon grass 5-8 drops, peppermint 5-8 drops

shake then put in smaller spray bottles and spray on your mat and either let air dry or wipe with cloth

Pilates focuses on core of health

thewholebodyspa — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 19:25:35 +0000

By Marie Donovan / CNC Correspondent

Wednesday, January 22, 2003 reprinted from the Westford Eagle

WESTFORD – The key to fitness and total body health really begins at your “core,” according to personal trainer Cheryl Turgeon

The Westford resident has worked in numerous genres of the fitness industry, but has determined that that core – what she describes as the hips, back and abdominal muscles – is best whipped in to shape by an 80-plus year old form of exercise called pilates.

“A lot of people skip their back and that’s why they have back problems,” Turgeon said.

Turgeon opened The Whole Body Studio, Westford’s first pilates center, last week. She said she hopes to draw in new clients to work out at the Century Plaza studio, to join those she has already been working with as corporate clients over the past few years.

Much like yoga, pilates is intended to be practiced in a tranquil environment. Turgeon’s newly-carpeted studio is adorned with potted plants and wall hangings intended to enhance the Zen-like mood she wants to create there. Turgeon said she intends to play relaxation, yoga and massage music during the 55-minute classes.

“People find that they’re totally relaxed, but at the same time energized,” Turgeon said.

Pilates classes involve a mix of stretching and strengthening exercises, intended to help participants develop long and lean muscles, rather than the bulky type often attained through weight training, Turgeon said

“That’s because of the stretching while we do the toning,” she said.

Chiropractors often recommend pilates to their clients because it helps to stretch and strengthen the back simultaneously, protecting it against many common injuries, Turgeon said.

“Pilates is good for people with scoliosis because it helps you get the balance of the muscles,” she said.

Unlike yoga, pilates involves constant movement, rather than a series of long-held poses. So it is ideal for people who are a little too antsy to do yoga. For beginners, Turgeon conducts classes that use only a few props; namely a yoga mat, arc barrels, large beach ball, smaller plastic stability balls which clients with poor posture can hold to strengthen their necks, stability chairs and some contoured foam rollers she has clients hold to work particular muscles.

For more advanced pilates practitioners, she has purchased four large workout machines that are housed toward one end of the studio.

In addition to holding a grand opening ceremony last Thursday, Turgeon conducted free trial classes for prospective clients at an open house Saturday and Sunday. She recommends clients attend three classes per week, but said some only make it to one or two. Pilates does not involve much of a cardiovascular component, so Turgeon said she recommends that clients power walk, jog, bicycle, swim, cross-country ski or snow shoe a few days a week also.

Turgeon, grew up in Westford and recently moved back here with her spouse, David Evans, and her dogs and cats.

“I really love the town; that’s why I really wanted to make sure I opened my business in the town,” she said.

Clients can sign up for an entire eight-week session, or they are able to just pay by the class if they prefer, Turgeon said. She said Pilates is good for anyone over the age of nine, including senior citizens, because it involves less impact type exercises than step classes like kickboxing, aerobics and Tae Bo do.

“It’s great for older people; easy on the joints,” she said.

Turgeon was certified as a pilates instructor through the Physical Mind Institute, based in New York and New Mexico. She has also completed the Stott Intensive Reformer Training Program for Pilates instructors in Beverly.

Literature describing Turgeon’s course offerings is available at the studio, located at 270 Littleton Rd., Suite 31 or at 978-496-9033 or www.thewholebodyspa.com. In addition to Turgeon, there are three other Pilates instructors at the studio and classes take place Monday through Saturday, in the mornings, afternoons and evenings.