Paula Landron

Whole Body Cryotherapy is a cold air sauna where your body is immersed in temperatures of -220 degrees Fahrenheit. It was originally made to treat patients who suffered pain and inflammation from arthritis. Nowadays, athletes undergo the three-minute process to help speed up recovery and improve athletic performance.We know Cryo sounds a bit intimidating, so before you show your body some nice, tender (cold) love, here are five things to keep in mind before you step in the tank.

1. It’s not that bad. Surprisingly, it is an uncomfortable yet energizing feeling

Before the procedure, you will feel a bit anxious because you’ve never done anything like this before. But think about it, anything that’s worthwhile in life is going to give you anxiety. Better learn how to deal with it now than when you’re about to jump of a plane while skydiving.

2. Don’t let the waiver scare you. Read it, don’t overanalyze it

Gyms have waivers, universities have waivers. Society needs them to keep parties’ accountable for their actions. Read it, sign it and get your Cryo on!

3. Tell them to turn up the music - LOUDER

As minute two approaches, you will feel the need to scream or perhaps sing. Ask them to turn the music up as loud as they can and sing your heart out. This will distract your mind and focus your energy on what you’re saying rather than what you’re feeling.

4. MOVE your body

What better way of complementing your wonderful voice than to dance? It might sound ridiculous now but when I was doing my session at Cryo Miami, what kept me going was singing and dancing “despacito” while naked in a 2x2 cold-air chamber.

5. Breathing is key

As you approach minute three, you’ll realize this is the thousandth time you’ve sang “despacito” and it isn’t doing the best job at keeping you warm. So just take a deep breath - in through your nose and exhale it as aggressively as you can through your mouth.Although it isn’t a piece of cake, the post-Cryo feeling can’t be beat. Your body feels renewed and energized. Oh, and did I mention you burn 300-600 calories a session?

In front of a fierce, smart, and saucy army of women, stands Janet Jones: confident, fearless and ready to put the Vixen’s to work.The Miami native, and mastermind behind the sexiest dance workout in the industry, is a prime example of the great success that can occur when you finally decide to step up to the plate regardless of anyone’s opinion.“Don’t listen to society,” said Jones. “Focus on discovering who you truly are without the noise of who you’re supposed to be.”Vixen Workout, an all women’s dance workout that makes you feel like you are an on-stage performer, was created by Jones in 2012. Since then, it has expanded to make women feel sexy, confident and powerful in New York, the Dominican Republic and LA.But like all the good things in life, this wisdom did not come without a price. At the age of 30, Jones found herself moving back into her mother’s house with a child after being laid off from her previous job.“I was at rock bottom,” explained Jones, who is not one to stay down for long.From this personal struggle, the Vixen Workout was born, along with the greatest lesson of her life, “I’m not afraid to lose it all because I know I’ll start over and kill it again.”Jones is an inspiration for young women and entrepreneurs alike. She is defying the status quo by focusing on her personal development rather than her competitors. The sheer content of the quotes that came from our conversation are proof that she is the epitome of what it means to be a vixen.“Cultivate self-awareness” said Jones. “Because inside you have all the treasures and tools you need to find happiness within yourself and in your career.”To get a taste of what it takes to be a Vixen, make sure to pass by their new studio in Wynwood opening May 1st.For more information visit, www.vixenworkout.com.

The badass in me honors the badass in you. As Hip-Hop and Meditation class concludes, feelings of restoration, euphoria and satisfaction fill my mind. This yoga class has whooped my bad ass.The Buddha Shack is the synergy of opposites: cozy yet minimalistic, stylish yet homey and glamorous yet it doesn’t make you feel out of place in yoga pants and a sport bra.The two Co-Founders, Christina Echavarria and Jenna Guadagni, opened the Shack March 1st and it is already gaining a strong loyal Coconut Grove fan base.

“This space is a gift for the community, where we can all work on becoming better versions of ourselves,” says Echavarria, who is intent on creating a hub where yogis and non-yogis alike can come together, socialize and get their Buddha Burn practice on.“We want people to sit on the couch, have coffee and talk about what they do,” adds Guadagni, whose passion is to configure classes where yogic tradition meets modern-day-needs. “I wanted to create a workout where this is all you have to do," and she does it with ease.2lbs weights, mountain climbers and squat hops combined with meditation and synchronized breathing, creates a yoga class where our cardiovascular, strength and flexibility needs are all met.

Jenna is the yin, as she coordinates the yoga program and creates fat-burning and innovative classes, while Christina is the yang, as she runs the business and retail. These #girlbosses want to help the community find their inner voice, peace of mind and confidence.The Buddha Shack is a unique experience worth trying, if you enjoy being part of a tight-knit community that you connect with on the mat over a Vinyasa, or in the lounge area over a glass of champagne.If you live in the 33133, take advantage of their April special, where certain classes will be free for residents of this area.For more information, visit http://www.buddhashack.co/.