Two New Health and Wellness Trends

The only thing I enjoy reviewing more than workout classes is beauty and spa treatments. Similar to workout classes, these treatments have the ability to relax and rejuvenate me in just a few minutes. Since New York City seems to unveil new trends faster than the Kardashians find a new tabloid topic, it can be difficult and downright intimidating to keep up with these fads.

Lucky for you, I tried out two of the hottest trends for you. If you’re a New York City local I highly recommend you add these to your list of things to try and if you’re a tourist, they are each a must if you are a health and beauty maven!

Face Love Fitness

Face Love Fitness– While this chic start-up is currently located in an adorable pop-up shop in the Financial District, the minute you sit down in their relaxing lounge chair, you’ll forget where you are. Face Love Fitness doesn’t offer facials or other treatments. Instead, they have pioneered a 15 and 30 minute workout routine for your FACE. Yup, you read that right. During the 30-minute FaceLove workout, my face was treated to a warm-up, high intensity workout and cooldown in a session that reminded me of a personal training session. Using multiple tools, including Pilates rings, my face was put through different exercises and movements which released tension, promoted oxygen and blood flow and rejuvenated my skin. Similar to a one-on-one personal training session, my instructor, the lovely and flawless founder Rachel, taught me about the importance of each exercise as well as a way to do it at home during the session. After the workout my face looked flawless and as if it was five years younger. My complexion was radiant and bright while my wrinkles were diminished.  The 30-minute workout session is $50 while the 15 minute workout session is $30. For those people who want to do a mid-day session, don’t worry about removing your makeup. Since you won’t sweat, the treatment can be done with or without makeup and they even have a small touch-up area for both your hair and makeup.

Would I pay for this?  While I can’t afford the weekly or bi-weekly workouts, I would definitely book a treatment before a black-tie event or after a stressful week when I can use some relaxation and pampering with a dose of wrinkle release.  

Lift Next Level Floats

Lift Floats – Whether you get your news from Daily Burn or the New York Times, it’s clear that floating or sensory deprivation is a hot fitness and health trend right. For those of you who haven’t heard about it, floating basically is a relaxing bath tub on steroids. For many people, there is nothing more relaxing than a lengthy evening bath complete with soothing music and bath salts. Each pod or tank combines over 1,000 pounds of Epsom salts in the warm water so that you can float effortlessly. While Epsom salts are known to many for their relaxing and holistic benefits, floating has an even more important benefit. It allows you to spend the time exerting zero effort. The team at Lift Floats, down the street from our apartment, welcomed me in for an hour float session so I could personally check out the trend. After a brief introduction to the gorgeous, loft like space, I was escorted to my tank. I chose a tank over a pod since I don’t love small spaces, though I immediately was struck with many questions regarding the tank. Would water fall out when I open the door, how deep was it, would I be able to float? Luckily, I quickly learned that the tank is a glorified bathtub. Only a few feet of water filled the large tank but over 1,000 pounds of salt would ensure that I floated and never touched bottom. The tank featured lights and spa-like music which I personally chose to turn off. I wanted the full experience of floating in total darkness. After a quick shower to rinse off, I put in two ear plugs to ensure that salt water wouldn’t get into my ears. With a large step, I entered the tank as if it was my bath tub at home. I gingerly laid myself into the water, sure that I would immediately sink. Science proved me wrong and I quickly floated to the top, adjusting my arms alongside my body. Similar to savasana, I found that lying with my hands palm down is most comfortable instead of cactus arms or palms up. I calmed my mind in the same way I do after a busy day, by counting backwards. After 200 counts I felt my entire body relax, as if melting into the water. For the next 58 minutes I wavered between sleep and a very relaxed state of awake. I thought about nothing until the lights started to gently brighten, signaling the end of my session.  Similar to the calm and enjoyment that I find from savasana, floating allowed me to fully relax in a way that I have never done while awake. I have never been able to calm my mind enough to find a meditation practice but while floating I was able to zone out for 60 minutes and fully relax. As the staff warned, I emerged from the water as limp and relaxed as a noodle, wanting nothing more than a fluffy robe and glass of tea. Instead, I headed home to cook dinner but found that by 9 pm, just a few hours later, I could barely stay awake.

Would I pay for this? Ideally, I would float once a week on Friday evenings as a way to welcome the weekend. But, similar to many health and wellness treatments, I can’t afford to make a float session a weekly treat. The $99 price tag that accompanies the hour long float session means that this will be a treat, used as a reward after especially tough races or work weeks.

Want more proof before you choose to book these sessions? Check out Theodora and Meaghan’s reviews!

Have you ever floated or had a facial workout? What were your thoughts? 

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A 3-Course Meal for $12.50

Since moving back to NYC, Bo and I have done a better than expected job avoiding the Seamless trap. Seamless is the food delivery service of choice for many New Yorkers, and while convenient, it isn’t exactly cheap nor healthy. Don’t get me wrong, there are, of course, some healthy and inexpensive options on Seamless, but often Bo and I tend to over-order which causes us to waste money on food we don’t need.

So far, it seems like Wednesday nights are when we find ourselves yearning for Seamless or another easy option. Our Wednesday runs tend to be a bit longer which means we don’t get home until 8 pm. We’ve made our way through our weekend produce haul, and we’ve eaten our way through leftovers.

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That’s where the crew at Kitchensurfing, a brand new NYC start-up can come to the rescue! Their goal is to bring healthy, delicious, chef-prepared meals into the comfort of your home. Imagine opening the door to a chef, complete with their ingredients and tools, and then sitting down to dinner just 30 minutes later.

Chef

Last night we had the pleasure of experiencing Kitchensurfing first hand, and it’s safe to say this is a game changer. This service, offered Monday through Friday, is the perfect option when you just haven’t had time to shop for ingredients and don’t have the energy to cook.  For $25 per person, a private chef will prepare, cook and serve you fresh three-course meal and clean up the kitchen in just 30 minutes. Keep in mind that this means that you get to enjoy three courses for $25; a good deal in New York City.

Each day there are four menu options including a gluten free, nut free, vegetarian and healthy options.  They are posted on the website a week in advance so people can choose their favorite dishes before ordering.  Today’s menu options include Cuban-style skirt steak, miso-marinated chicken, salmon en papillote, and handmade pappardelle. Don’t each of those sound delicious? Even better, you can read the user reviews associated with each menu choice to help ensure you choose one that you’ll love!

Kitchen surfing

Last night Bo and I were able to relax on the couch and catch up while our personal chef whipped up dinner in the kitchen. Our menu included lamb meatballs with garlic tzatziki and Mediterranean couscous. It was such a nice change and delight to have someone do everything for us from preparation to cleanup. The aromas coming from the kitchen were a sign that the meal was going to be just as delicious as we’d hoped.


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We couldn’t stop raving about the meal to each other and our friends. Just minutes after finishing our meal we both were texting friends, telling them how wonderful the service was and that they needed to try it one night. This would also be a great option if you wanted to have friends over for a small dinner party but didn’t have time to worry about the details.

Since I consider each of my readers friends, I want you to experience Kitchensurfing for yourself! You can get $25 of your first meal by using the code healthyhappier. This means that you and your friend or significant other can enjoy a three-course meal together for only $25 or $12.50 per person. That’s unheard of in New York City!

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A Great NYC Summer Run

You know those runs that go exactly as planned? Everything clicks and you feel as if you could run forever? Luckily, that is what Bo and I enjoyed yesterday morning.

I don’t think it was a coincidence that we enjoyed a strong, fast run yesterday. Unlike week’s past, we set ourselves up for success.

Friday night we cooked together, whipping up a delicious Frutti di Mare and spent a few hours watching Orange is the New Black and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. We both foam rolled and stretched before going to bed at 10pm. Yes, we went to bed on a Friday night at 10pm and it was glorious.

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Even though our alarm clock went off at 6am, far earlier than either of us would like on a Saturday, we felt rested and refreshed. We sipped on some NUUN, coffee and had a few bites of bread and peanut butter before heading out the door 30 minutes later.

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We chose to run early on Saturday for three reasons: avoid crowds, avoid heat and get it done before we headed out of town for the day.

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We created a great path which allowed us to enjoy both the water views and breeze off the Hudson River as well as NYC’s Summer Streets. On three consecutive Saturdays, August 1st, 8th and 15th, NYC shuts down seven miles of streets so the public and tourists alike may bike, run, walk and play in the streets from 7am until 1pm.

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It is AWESOME and includes five rest stops, outdoor yoga, bike tune-ups, a Vita Coco sponsored slip and slide, as well as music and lots of other great activities.

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Yesterday morning’s run was such a blast. Since we were rested, the miles came far easier than last week’s long run. Our goal was to keep a 9:45-9:50 for the first seven miles and then drop the pace for the final mile. Due to rested legs, proper fueling and perfect weather we were able to finish the 8 miles at an 9:26 pace including the final mile at an 8:02 pace!

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Hope you guys had a great weekend and remember, if your run doesn’t go well take a few minutes to think about how you can make it better next time! Our goal for the next few weeks is to make sure we are well rested for long runs!

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