Robin Diamond

While I have relied on my trusty yet late-edition Apple Watch to track my fitness progress for years, I had the opportunity to take my somewhat outdated device to new heights with the AURA Strap 2. The Strap 2 is a tracker band that allows you to measure body composition and hydration virtually on the go. It is like a smart scale for your wrist and let’s just say, my watch just upgraded.

To get started, you simply swap out your current Apple Watch band with the AURA Strap 2, which features a stretchable sport loop band, available in a number of different colors including new deep navy blue, gray, crimson red, and black. It comes with multiple wrist sizes which is nice for you to customize the fit. Next, you need to download the AURA Plus app. An added perk, AURA Strap 2 users receive a free, six-month trial of AURA Plus, which enhances the app’s functionality, making it a one-stop solution to track and achieve your fitness goals. They even have workout content on the app. 

It took me a few tries to get the first reading, call it user error, but once I did, it quickly revealed my body fat, muscle, and water balance measurement on my watch and the app.  AURA Strap 2 is the only wearable device for Apple Watch that does this thanks to its bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), which also measures how a person’s body changes as a result of exercise. 

If you’re into tracking your fitness progress and goals and like a deeper analysis of your stats, the AURA Strap 2 could be your new right-hand man (or left – whichever wrist you wear your watch). 

The AURA Strap 2 ($149) in coal black, NEW navy blue, NEW summer gray, and NEW crimson red are available on auradevices.io. The coal black is also available on Amazon.

Frosted Lucky Charms may be magically delicious, but this colorful cereal along with some other childhood favorites are laden with sugar and hard to pronounce ingredients that might make you think twice about putting them in your body. In honor of National Cereal Day, we found four sugary cereal alternatives that pack a protein punch, have a good crunch and are the perfect way to start your day. Or hey, end your day, if you’re a cereal for dinner type of person. 

1. Magic Spoon

Magic Spoon cereals are low-carb, high in protein, and made with zero sugar. Don’t let that deter you, they are perfectly sweetened with a blend of monk fruit, stevia, and allulose in its offerings. Magic Spoon has plenty of flavors to choose from including Peanut Butter, Blueberry, Cocoa, Fruity, Frosted, Cinnamon, and more.  $39 for 4-Pack, magicspoon.com, @magicspoon

2. Incredi-Bowl

Incredi-Bowl is available in three make-you-want-to-get-out-of-bed flavors including Chocolate Crunch, Frosted Flakes and Honey Nut Hoops. These low sugar, Keto-friendly, grain and gluten-free cereals are high in protein to keep you full and fueled throughout your morning. $40 for 4-Pack, incredibowlcereal.com, @incredibowlfoods

3. Three Wishes

Three Wishes is made from chickpeas and delivers 3g of fiber and 8g of protein per serving to help avoid that mid-morning crash that happens if you were to eat high sugar, high carb, low protein options. You won't find wheat, corn, rice, dairy, oats, soy or peanuts in the ingredient list, but you will find a ton of taste in their flavors, which include Cinnamon, Honey, Unsweetened, Cocoa, Fruity and Frosted. In honor of National Cereal Day the brand is offering 20% off on their website. $9.99 per box, threewishes.com, @threewishes

4. Catalina Crunch

‍Catalina Crunch, a brand that we personally keep stocked at all times, has released a limited edition-flavor,  Triple Berry Blast Cereal, a  blend of strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry that tastes like a berry pie. Gluten and grain-free, vegan, low sugar, non-GMO, keto-friendly, and high protein, Catalina Crunch delivers satisfying cereals (and snacks) without sacrificing nutrition.  $39 for 4-Pack, catalinacrunch.com, @catalinacrunch

March is sleep awareness month and if you’re struggling to get some Z’s, then keep reading. We tapped Dr. Elizabeth Trattner, Doctor of Chinese and Integrative Medicine and Founder of Helia House, a non-toxic healing oasis located in North Miami, for her best tips to help you snooze. Keep reading for five products to help ensure a solid night of shut eye.

Dr. Trattner suggests: 

• Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night, ideally 9-10 hours. Try and go to bed around the same time each night, optimally getting into bed by 10 pm. The sleep between 10 pm and 12 am is some of the most restorative.
• No TV, bright lights, tablets, or cell phones before bedtime or during sleep. They emit blue light which stimulates the brain and suppresses the sleep hormone melatonin, as well as keeps you up and delays and changes sleep onset times. 
• Ban bedtime snacks and keep a regular 12-hour fasting window.  Meaning, if you finish dinner at 8:30 pm, you shouldn't eat breakfast until after 8.30 am the next day. In medicine, both Eastern and Western, it is good to give yourself 3 hours after eating a meal before going to bed. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, food retention is one of the reasons for insomnia. 
• Establish a relaxing nighttime routine that promotes ritual and self-care including a warm bath, aromatherapy, or a nighttime foot rub. These all stimulate the production of oxytocin, a hormone that helps us relax and lowers cortisol, the fight or flight stress hormone.

Beyond Dr. Tratttner’s tips, we found these five products for a good night's sleep. 

1. EightSleep Pod Pro Mattress

If you suffer from sticker shock at the price of a new mattress, try and reframe your thinking as it’s the best investment you can make in yourself and your home. We’re loving EightSleep Pod Pro Mattress, which features a five-layer premium foam mattress that is 12 inches deep for the ideal support in all the right places, along with ambient sensors that measure room temperature and humidity allowing the Pod Pro to automatically maintain your ideal thermal environment. Plus for those that share your bed, no more fighting over the temperature as you can set each side of the bed to anywhere between 55°F - 110°F, controlled by the Eight Sleep app. There are other cool features like chest-level vibration and gradual temperature change to help wake you up in the morning, along with health tracking. $2,845, payment plans available, eightsleep.com, @eightsleep

2. PeachSkinSheets‍

Nothing in our book feels better than crawling into a bed with soft, cool sheets. PeachSkinSheets feature a unique moisture-wicking, temperature controlled fabric, designed to ensure hot sleepers stay cool and cold sleepers stay cozy. The 1500-thread count level is ultra soft and features a velvety brushed PeachSkin finish on each side, along with deep pockets that stay put on the bed. We went with classic white, but they are available in 24 different colors. Starting at $75, peachskinsheets.com, @peachskinsheets

3. Blackberry Rose Sleep Formula

We are no stranger to CBD, but these gumdrops from Molly J. feature a 50mg of the CBD/CBN blend, coupled with 5 mg of melatonin per gumdrop to help relax you into sleep and keep you in a deep one.  Made by hand in small batches with natural fruit flavors and hemp-derived Broad Spectrum CBD that is organically grown in the U.S., and are gluten-free with zero THC. $70 for 9 pack box, mollyj.life , @molly.j.life

4. Dream The Night Away Lotion

This self-care and wellness brand owned and led by expert and entrepreneur, Stephanie Morimoto and Chief Brand officer and tennis star Venus Williams, is on a mission to democratize wellness, making it accessible for those who don’t have lofty budgets or leisure time. We not only love their mission, but their Dream the Night Away lotion with Melatonin and Magnesium. Scented with lemongrass essential oil, this smooth, moisturizing shea butter lotion will ease you right to sleep. Story has it, Venus used the lotion during the product photoshoot and 30 minutes later had to fight to keep her eyes open. Take it from Venus, and use it right before bed. $19.99, ​​asutra.com, @asutra.life

5. myAir Sleepy Gray+ Bar ‍

This yummy bar includes superfood ingredients like dates, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, cashew nuts and terpenes (plant molecules) widely used to improve sleep quality such as hops. We’re obsessed with these bar’s natural formulas and functional ingredients that are customized to suit your stress levels. Since stress affects everyone differently, be sure to take their online assessment to find out which bars you need based on how stress manifests in your body. $2.99 per bar, myair.ai, @myairsmartfood

“Don’t cha wanna dance? Say you wanna dance. Don’t cha wanna dance? DANCE!” For dance fitness lovers, DanceBody, a dance-inspired fitness company, is hosting their first ever retreat in Miami Beach February 3-6, 2022 at the Sagamore Hotel.

The four-day retreat kicks off on Thursday, February 3 with a Welcome Workout and Sunset Sips. This will be a 45-minute Sculpt and Stretch with DanceBody Founders Katia Pryce and Courtnay Mariani followed by light hors devours and libations. 

The days that follow (full schedule can be found here) entail lots of movement, connection and fun. We caught up with DanceBody Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Katia Pryce about the upcoming retreat and here’s what she shared.‍

What are you most looking forward to about the #DBRetreatMiami? 

The ability to be together! One of the most important aspects of DanceBody is being able to be in the same place, move in the same way, and feed off that addictive good energy. It’s truly uplifting - also doing that under the Miami sun after a very cloudy and cold northeast winter doesn’t hurt either! DanceBody is really meant to be done as a group, and I know some of the amazing clients we have coming will make our first-ever retreat a huge success.‍

What can those attending expect? 

In short: fitness, community, and FUN. We will host our DanceBody workouts outdoors each day, including stretch, dance cardio, and sculpt classes. We have festive evenings planned, wellness activations, lots of surprise goodies, and a pretty awesome swag bag. My co-founder Courtnay and I will be there for the entire 3-day event, leading the charge…and when we are involved, it’s always a good time. Also, our good friend Maddie Gentile, founder of Manual Movement, will be joining us on site to do bodywork for all our retreat attendees by appointment only. It’s the perfect time to take a wellness weekend during the doldrums of winter. We are even going to Kiki on The River one night.‍

This the first ever retreat, how did Miami get so lucky? 

DanceBody classes have been a huge hit in Miami since 2016, and last winter especially we did a 3-month long pop-up. This year, we knew we needed to up the ante, so a retreat was certainly in order. All our clients (especially the ones coming from NYC) are thrilled to get some sun! But this retreat isn’t just for those flying in - many of our local Miami DanceBody Babes will be joining us too. Courtnay and I are so excited to be back on the beach, it’s like our home away from home!

For us locals looking to get in on the fun, you can purchase Solo Retreat tickets without having to book a hotel, which includes:

• Six classes with DanceBody co-founders
• Two dinners with open bar
• Welcome reception with hors d'oeuvres and open bar
• Intimate talkback with DanceBody co-founders
• Wellness event with freebies and giveaways
• DanceBody beach SWAG, and healthy juices and snacks

Most events will take place at the Sagamore South Beach Hotel. For all the DanceBody Retreat details click here. And if you can’t make it but want to check out a DanceBody class, shimmy your way into a pop up at Dance House in Coral Gables or Green Monkey in Sunset Harbor. If it’s your first time booking a DanceBody Miami class use code STAYFIT305 and the class will be $20.

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Holiday season is in full swing. First came Thanksgiving, then Art Week (which here in Miami is like a holiday), then Hanukkah, and Christmas and other celebrations are on the horizon. As the year wraps up and things seem to be in full throttle (including Omicron), it’s easy to get stressed out more than usual. Here are three self-care practices that can help you preserve our sanity this holiday season. 

1. Resting Bliss Face

Stepping foot into Habits Skin Lab is instantly calming. This charming, boutique skin studio offers a number of holistic skin services (they also just opened a nail salon next door, but more on that to come). We had the opportunity to try the Detox & Glow Facial and it was just the ticket for our skin as well as our mood. Our esthetician, Andrea, left us with glowing skin, and it was also one of the most relaxing facials (extractions and all). Steam, cleanse, extract, peel, massage with ice globes and we added on LED light therapy to assist with the stress breakouts. We also tried the new facial vibration therapy, which boosts circulation and helps with fine lines and left our face feeling like putty, as in super relaxed. Oh, the playlists created by the Habits Team, are the most Shazam-able we’ve heard. Sadly, for us, they are custom created so we couldn’t just add it to Apple Music or Spotify. Facials start at $95.

Habits Skin Lab 973 SW 8 Street, Miami https://habitskinlab.com @habitskinlab‍

2. Breathe and Let Go ‍

If you’ve ever been totally stressed and stopped to take a few deep breaths, then you know how powerful the breath can be. And for those that need a little extra help with conscious inhaling and exhaling, there is Breathwrk a new wellness app provides instant calm. The app guides users through a variety of powerful science-backed breathing exercises that can help improve sleep, decrease stress and anxiety, improve athletic performance and endurance, and help with energy and focus. Just in time for the holidays, Breathwrk recently launched a new Get Breath. Give Breath., a BOGO gifting program featuring their pro subscription ($38.99 annual membership). When purchasing a pro membership, users will receive an additional, complimentary membership to gift to a friend.

https://www.breathwrk.com @breathwrk‍

3. Sound Sleep‍

The latest from Mr. 305, Pitbull recently teamed up with Columbia Care, one of the largest and most experienced cultivators, manufacturers and providers of cannabis and hemp-derived CBD products in the United States, to launch a line of full spectrum CBD products, N2P, which stands for Negative to Positive (we dare you to read that without hearing Pitbull’s voice in your head).This new line hopes to shed a positive light on CBD’s potential.  We’ve been relying on the new full-spectrum, third-party tested Tropical Gummies to help us ease into a calm, restful sleep, but you can also find, Pina Colada Lip Balm, Relief Salve, and Star Fruit CBD Oil.

‍www.n2pcbd.com, @nrpwellness  

It used to be Black Friday. Then Cyber Monday. And now it’s Cyber Week. Get ready to shop at a serious savings for all your fitness and wellness wishes, wants and needs. Here we compiled some of the best deals we feel you might love. Whether you are gifting yourself or the wellness and fitness junkies on your holiday list, be sure to check these out. 

1. Heat Healer Sauna Blanket‍

We could go on and on for our love for a good sauna session, but we’ll spare you and let you try it for yourself. The Heat Healer Infrared Sauna Blanket heats up to 158 degrees and features 96 smooth Jade and Tourmaline stones that perfectly distribute heat with maximum infrared emissivity and EMF blocking technology. Heat Healer Sauna Blanket is 20% off through Monday, November 29 heathealer.com,  @heathealer

2. Dosha Mat

‍Acupressure Mat helps relieve tension, soreness and pain in the back, head, neck, shoulders, hips, feet, and other parts of the body, and can aid in deep state of relaxation, more restful sleep, reduce stress, eliminate headaches, increase circulation, and many other health benefits. We love that Dosha Mat is 100% eco-friendly, handmade using the highest-quality, hypoallergenic natural linen, and features 4,500 high-quality acupressure points in the shape of honeycombs. Dosha Mat is 20% Black Friday Doshamat.com, @doshamat‍

3. Liteboxer‍

Punch away holiday stress and pounds and get into fighting shape with this at-home boxing platform that combines gaming with fitness like never before. Think Simon Says meets Dance Dance Revolutions meets the most killer playlist that gets your heart pumping and your body sweating. Choose from trainer-led workouts, sparring sessions or Punch Tracks, aka choose your own music from a well-stocked library of popular music. Liteboxer is the only fitness platform where you can choose your own music. Starting Wednesday, November 24 through Monday, November 29, take $750 off any Liteboxer package (regularly priced at $1,495 for the wall mount and $1,695 for the free-standing unit.)  Liteboxer.com, @liteboxer   ‍

4. SoulCycle At-Home Bike

‍Cycling at home just got sweeter as SoulCycle at-home bike is offering $600 off the SoulCycle at-home bike, which brings the bike to $1,900 from $2,500. This also includes free shipping and assembly. Sale runs through Friday, December 24. equinoxplus.com, @eqxplus‍

5. The Ness

‍Jump for joy and your health with this celeb-approved springless trampoline that offers a high-impact, low-intensity workout and endless health benefits including lymphatic drainage, pelvic floor strength and mental, emotional, and physical stamina. Take 20% (*originally $499) and get 3 free months of digital subscription. Or opt for 35% off the first 3 months of The Ness Digital Subscription (originally $39.00/month), which includes over 380 on-demand bounce and sculpt videos, 10 different modalities and seasonal special programs + challenges. Sale applicable only for new subscribers. Use Promo Code: FRIDAY. thenessnyc.com, @thenessnyc‍

6. equipt 

‍Arguably the most stylish workout equipment, the popular U bar weight available in 4lb, 8lb, 12lb, and 16lbs, is ergonomically shaped for comfort and utility. Save 20% sitewide Friday, November 26 - Monday, November 29 (no code required) on these functional fitness equipment that can double as home décor. equiptmovement.com @equiptmovement‍

7. AGOGIE Resistance Pants‍

We’re always up for an extra push and AGOGIE Resistance Pants (styles for men and women) have eight resistance bands built in to add constant tension, turning  every movement into a calorie-burning and muscle toning workout. Receive $25 off 1 pair or $30 off 2 pairs each. agogie.com, @agogielife‍

8. IBKÜL

‍Your go-to for functional temperature controlled apparel (think tops that lower your body temp by 5 degrees, and pullovers and vest solutions to keep you warm), for men, women, and girls is offering not to be missed deals. Use Code BLACKFRIDAY15 to get $15 off $150; BLACKFRIDAY25 to get $25 off $250, BLACKFRIDAY35 to get $35 off $350. Valid on Friday, November 26. www.ibkul.com,  @ibkulbrand‍

9. Ivy by BellaBeat

‍Going beyond a smart watch, Ivy is a health and wellness tracker disguised as a stylish bracelet that is engineered specifically for the female body with proprietary app algorithms that monitors biometric data - anatomic, mental and physiological. Tracking everything from resting heart rate, respiratory rate, and cardiac coherence to menstrual cycles, Ivy will be 20% Friday, November 26 - Wednesday, December 1. Receive 2-year subscription with every IVY purchase. Bellabeat.com, @bellabeat ‍

10. NutraMilk‍

Perfect for the chef or the DIYer, NutraMilk is the only patented processor/blender appliance that can produce fresh, ready to drink alternative milks, butters, dips, spreads, smoothies, and other delicious treats in minutes from virtually any nut, seed, grain, legume. Take $100 off plus free shipping for customers based in the continental US. Sale currently running through Monday, November 29. thenutramilk.com, @thenutramilk‍

Wake up and raise your mug as this Wednesday, September 29th is National Coffee Day. In honor of the day dedicated to our very favorite way to start our morning, we’re sharing some of our top picks from cold brew to lattes. 

1. Brooklyn Roasting Company

We first fell in love with Brooklyn Roasting Company when we learned of their peanut butter coffee creations (which, like coffee, we just can’t quit). The company also has sustainable coffee beans in a number of varieties for the ultimate pick me up. Never be without your daily dose when you opt for Brooklyn Roasting Company’s  subscription service. It’s simple. Pick your coffee type; choose how much you want, either two 12oz tins or a 5 pound bag; select your delivery frequency be it weekly, every 2 weeks, or monthly; and choose your grind type, Whole Bean (you grind at home), French Press (Coarse), Pourover (Medium), Espresso (fine) and then eagerly await your delivery, mug in hand. https://brooklynroasting.com, @brooklynroasting‍

2. Bulletproof

‍If you’re following a Keto lifestyle (or even intermittent fasting) chances are you've heard of Bulletproof. Known as the coffee that has butter, ghee or MCT Oil added, drinking a Bulletproof coffee for breakfast, in lieu of carbs or anything else, can help you stay satisfied and energized for hours. The brand has a number of products to power your mornings from Cold Brew Black to two new flavors of their 3x sold out Original Creamer,  French Vanilla and Hazelnut. Bulletproof has been a mainstay in our AMs for a while, not only for the energy boost and mental clarity, but also because they screen their beans for mycotoxins (aka mold) to ensure your cup is as healthy as possible. Don’t miss out on your coffee savings. Until October 1st, all coffee and coffee-related products on Bulletproof.com will be 30% off. No code needed. https://www.bulletproof.com, @bulletproof‍

3. Daysmith

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If you’re looking for a little extra boost, and here we mean vitamins, not an extra dose of caffeine, Daysmith has you covered. These canned coffees come in three flavors, Multi Straight Black Cold Brew, Focus Vanilla Oat Milk Latte, and Immunity Mocha Oat Milk Latte, are 100% plant-powered, infused with vitamins, and are also low in sugars. Depending on which flavor you choose, expect to get the added benefits for Vitamins B, C, D, Zinc, L-Theanine and Omegas with your coffee. https://drinkdaysmith.com,  @drinkdaysmith ‍

4. Lucky Jack‍

Lucky Jack Coffee, a small batch, hand-crafted, independently owned, organic, sustainable coffee company, has four new ready-to-drink oat milk lattes, all of which are certified organic, gluten-free, nut-free, and kosher. Choose from four flavors Caramel, Mocha, Vanilla, and Golden Milk + Turmeric, which are blended with functional ingredients to enhance your day and your body. The oat milk lattes follow the same slow cold-steep brew process as Lucky Jack’s cold brew and coffee concentrates to remove acids and tannins while maximizing taste, so they never taste burned or bitter. https://www.luckyjackcoffee.com, @luckyjackcoffee  ‍

5. Three Commas Colombian Coffee‍

We can’t think of a better way to start the day then with caffeine and inspirational quotes. Enter Three Commas Colombian coffee, founded by entrepreneurs Michael Chaffin and Mark Cuban (yes, the Mark Cuban). The direct trade, organic Colombian coffee, sold in 12 oz bags or 4 reusable K-Cups, each have a motivational quote from Mark Cuban on the bag. And if you need a little more inspiration, just remember the name three commas is because there are three commas in a billion. Sip hard, dream hard.  https://threecommas.com/collections/coffee , @threecommas 

It’s National Yoga Month and whether you’ve taken one yoga class or one hundred you likely have a yoga pose, or asana, that you love practicing (and some probably that make you want to drop down to child’s pose). While your admiration for a certain posture may change over time, it’s often that favorite pose that helps you best find stillness of the mind, grounds you down, and sometimes humbles you. 

We caught up with five of Miami’s top yoga instructors to find out what their favorite yoga pose is and why. Here’s what we learned. 

1. Dan Phalen

"For me yoga has always been a safe space for me to sit with myself. We develop so many patterns over the years and yoga has helped me be aware of the patterns that no longer benefit me. Being aware of them has gifted me the option to change those patterns and elevate myself out of the mud in the same way the lotus flower grows! In today’s society we are encouraged to accumulate and hoard but yoga has taught me that the more I carry the more I own the more I’m chained to that as my identity. For me I had to flip it and start over! That’s where my love for handstands was born. My physical expression of mentally rebelling against my learned habits and identity.”

Follow Dan on Instagram at @handstanddan and find him teaching at Modo Yoga Miami Beach and outdoors by the bay in Edgewater.

2. Jessica Rose Fisher

"I have a couple of favorite yoga poses, but I love adding Patita Tarasana or Shooting Star to my sequencing. It’s a posture that incorporates stretch, strength and balance! As you enter the pose, grounding your palm and lengthening through the crown of your head, peeling your heart open. A beautiful dance. Shooting Star adds a creative element to my flows, with that little boost of energy to endure one of my Power classes!!"

You can flow with Jessica at Anatomy or SOL Yoga. Follow Jessica on Instagram @jessicarosefish.

3. Lizzy Chiappy

"Handstands without a doubt are my favorite pose in yoga to practice. I’ve learned so much through my journey with handstands. Even though I’ve had a handstand for quite some time, there are still many days where it’s a struggle for me to find balance on my hands. I still have to work at them quite a bit and I still have to focus fully. Therefore, even though it’s my favorite pose it still keeps me very humble and reminds me that the work doesn’t stop just because I know how to do a certain pose. On the other hand, when I do find that perfect balance and I’m able to be still, upside down on my hands, it’s when I’m the most connected to my breath and the present moment."

Lizzy is the Co-Founder of Co-founder Casa Vinyasa Yoga Studio and Founder MYP Athletes. Follow Lizzy on Instagram at @lizzycfitness. 

4. Mimi Ghandour

"Warrior 2 or Vīrabhadrāsana is my favorite asana, but it hasn’t always been. When I first started practicing, it used to be unbearable for me to hold this pose. However, once I finally understood that nothing is permanent, I became comfortable in the uncomfortable on my mat and in my life. Now when I hold Warrior 2, I have more space between myself and my urges to get out of the discomfort. I’ve learned to recognize my discomfort, my feelings, feel them, watch them and stay in it until it passes." 

Mimi is the founder of mimiyoga.com where you take live online classes with her and you can also find her teaching at SOL Yoga. Follow Mimi on Instagram at @mimiyoga_official.

5. Megan Elizabeth

"For me I’ve hit the point in my life that the reason I get on my mat again and again every day is not to try to perfect the poses or because I love doing asanas. I do it because of how amazing I feel the rest of my day. So many people hear the word yoga and their mind takes them to an image of some posture, like down dog or a backbend. But the poses are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to practicing yoga. The postures are just one (of many) tools to help you connect with your higher self. We do them to help burn away the stress that comes with life and remember that we’re supposed to feel happy, calm and at peace. All that being said, my favorite pose is definitely Savasana, or corpse pose. It’s traditionally the final posture we take and it prepares us to slide into a state of meditation. Nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment when you just finished a long deep hot intense sweaty practice and you're lying there in stillness, thoughtless, body vibrating as if each cell of my being is smiling. It’s like everything I did up until that point was to arrive there. Everything is perfect. Everything is as it should be. I always tell my students that Savasana is the most advanced pose and it’s true. To lie still, not move your body and most importantly not move your mind. It will heal you and rejuvenate you in more profound ways than any other posture."

Megan is the Co-Founder of Wynwood Yoga where you can find her teaching. Follow Megan on Instagram at @meganelizabethyoga.

At some point, we’re not quite sure when, we ditched body lotion and began moisturizing with body oils. Given our hot and humid climate, one might think that body oils are too heavy for us Floridians, but the truth is, there are so many lightweight and fast-absorbing oils that they are in fact the perfect option to keep skin healthy and hydrated. The trick is to apply right after your shower, giving skin the ultimate glow-up. Here are our top 5 finds!

1. Versed Keep It Supple Body Oil 

First we fell in love with the mess-free, mist-on application of this quick-absorbing formula and then the delicate, floral scent of ylang ylang oil, one of many oils in this affordable body oil. This sustainable and clean brand blends sweet almond, macadamia nut, and coconut oils with nourishing calendula flower extract and vitamin E to keep skin supple. Hence the name. $15,  versedskin.com, @versed 

2. Jordan Samuel Skin Olio Per Il Corpo Body Oil 

Formulated by a former professional ballet dancer, the ingredient list reads more like a salad. Inspired by the Sicilian countryside it includes antioxidant rich, Grapeseed Oil and Tomato Extract along with anti-inflammatory Broccoli Seed Oil, Mango Citrus Fruit Blend, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Olive Leaf Extract among others.  Not only does this soothe our skin, but it has the most intoxicating, sweet-smelling Citrus scent  that does in fact transport you via your senses to Italy. $32, https://jordansamuelskin.com,  @jordansamuelskin 

3. African Botanics Firming Botanical Oil

Hydrate and firm with this 100% cold-pressed oil that combines the firming and restorative benefits of antioxidant rich and nutrient dense Pinotage Grape, Marula, Moringa, Kalahari Melon and Rose extract, which have firming and toning benefits. Ever so slightly scented this is our go to when we need a little extra firmness or spent too much time in the sun 

$130, Africanbotanics.com, @africanbotanics  

4. J.R. Watkins LOVE Body Oil Mist

This oil mist has a powerful blend of natural pink peppercorn and guarana, both of which may boost sexual desire and stimulation which is an added perk. It also hydrates with sunflower seed oil extracts, jojoba seed oil and apricot kernel oil along with summery scents peony and patchouli that left us loving how our skin felt. $15, jrwatkins.com,  @jr_watkins

5. NEOM Perfect Night’s Sleep Body Oil 

Prepare your body and mind for a restful night with this oil that includes a complex blend of 19 essential oils to help you ease into sleep including English lavender, along with sweet basil and jasmine. The nourishing and skin softening blend also includes safflower oil, jojoba oil and rosehip oil to keep skin soft. $40, neomorganics.com, @neomorganics 

We’ve been keeping a secret, but in the interest of sharing is caring, we are going to let you in on it. It’s called Miami Sample, and it’s the best thing that has happened to our wardrobe. Miami Sample is an online sample sale site that offers the most incredible sales on top athletic wear brands, think Heroine Sport, Year of Ours, Beach Riot, Koral, APL sneaker and brace yourself because this Thursday, September 9, they are launching Adam Selman Sport at 12PM. There will be sizes ranging from XXS-XXL along with all types of inventory: bras, leggings, hoodies, crop tops, skirts, etc. and at crazy discounts, of course. 

We’ve been shopping the site since its initial launch and finally caught up with the Founder Bree Feibischoff to get the scoop on Miami Sample. 

Miami Sample is the best kept secret (until now). Tell us a bit about how you got started? 

I moved to Miami From NYC in 2019 and found myself flying back to New York for sample sales on weekends. Sample Sales were a part of my daily schedule in NYC and I just couldn't understand how Miami didn’t have them. My background is advertising- I was a copywriter at an agency in New York. I figured, if I’m here with the NYC work ethic, a background in advertising and a cool idea, why not just go for it? I quit my job and decided to go all in on a concept that to me was a no-brainer. Who doesn’t like discounts?

You launched right when COVID shut things down. Did you have to pivot to online or was that always part of the plan?

Online sample sales were never really a thing! My store opened in March of 2020 and had a 2-hour wait to get into the first weekend we opened. After launching with such great momentum and then being told I had to close my doors two weeks later, I knew I had to pivot and make it work online. COVID created an environment where stores were canceling brands’ orders, and it gave a lot of the companies no choice, but to let us do the sales online. Brands didn’t really want to show sample sale prices online, but we got creative with ways of keeping it “exclusive” to our following.

Tell us how the sales work? VIP vs open to the public? 

We are open to the public for over 90% of our sales, but we do have a VIP program, called VICE, which not only grants our VICE members early access to our sales, but gives exclusive invitations to some of our smaller-inventory, high-demand sales.

In addition to the killer activewear and athleisure brands, you also have insane sales on accessories, home décor and top name designers? How do these collabs come to be? 

On the B2B side most of our sales and connections come from word of mouth. We’ve maintained great relationships with our partner brands which not only allows us to host great sales, but leads to most of our new sales which come from referrals. I am super picky with the brands we work with for being such a young company! I think it’s extremely important to work with brands that appeal to our customers and our own brand! I basically study our followers in my down time. What do they like? Who are they? Where are they from? Do they like trends or classics? Where do they vacation? LOL I want to know everything so that I can work with brands that they genuinely love. I’m obsessed with our insta-fam.

Dream sale?

Easy - Golden Goose. Our favorite types of sales are luxury items that most people don't splurge on, so that we can allow them to purchase at affordable price points without going too over their budget.

Tell us about you, Bree:

I’m a total weirdo. I hate water. I don’t sleep. California rolls only at a sushi restaurant. The epitome of unpopular opinions. I work all day long and love every second of it. I hate people that say “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life” and yet I find myself saying it...all the time. I love to gamble. Let’s play craps!

What’s your favorite way to sweat? 

Any way as long as it’s while working out. And it doesn’t count unless it’s a LOT of sweat. But the second I’m sweating outside of a workout, in hot weather, sauna, meat sweats…. it’s game over. Find me the nearest shower ASAP.

Favorite studio(s)?

Solidcore has changed my body, but Tone House in NYC is where I will always return to if I want to feel humbled.

Favorite instructor’s class? 

Kira Stokes used to have a 90 minute class in NYC on Monday nights that turned into a 2.5 hour class weekly. We were all in it together and the class became a family. I haven’t found that in Miami yet, but you can find me at Solidcore every single day at 8:10 AM. Every instructor is equally successful at torturing me there!

Do you prefer solo workouts or are you more of a sweat-with-a-friend type of active? 

I’m actually a sweat-with-a-rando type of active. I’m so competitive by nature that I like to keep my friends separate from my workouts LOL. But give me a rando on a treadmill next to me at Barry’s and you better believe we will be racing the entire class. Or at least I’ll secretly be racing them.

Favorite healthy place to grab a bite? 

Pura Vida never fails.

How do you take your coffee? 

Often. Like 3 or 4 times a day. Iced with almond milk, no sugar.

What are three things we will never find you without? 

1. Sweatpants
2. My intern who happens to be a mini goldendoodle
3. GUM. I never am not chewing gum!

Anything else you can share with us? 

If you ever see something when you’re shopping that you don’t want to spend the money on, slide into my DM’s. I’ll get you a sample sale. And if you ever find a great workout class in Miami, let me know, I’ll do it with you! Will never turn down a workout class :)

Be sure to follow Miami Sample on Instagram (@miamisample) as they post teasers, flash deals for followers and to stay tuned for the latest upcoming sales. And subscribe to their list online https://miamisample.com. 

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Summer is in full swing and if you’ve been partaking in too many BBQs or boat days filled with beer, you might want to consider adding some nutritious bites back into your daily routine. Not only will your body delight in nutrient-dense meals, but maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can help fuel your workouts and keep you from crashing. And since we know meal prep doesn't always happen (if ever), here are some local spots to help you stay fit, healthy and full. 

1. Chicken Kitchen 

This is a Miami institution for a reason. Their Chop-Chop®  put healthy bowls on the map and their World Famous Mustard’n Curry® Signature Sauce is legendary. Chicken Kitchen only uses fresh, never frozen, all-natural & locally-sourced food and their chicken is always juicy, tender and white meat chicken breast (which is healthier than dark meat.) We’ve always marveled at the plethora of chicken that they have grilling at one time, not to mention the way in which the staff wields their knife to precisely dice it for the Chop-Chops® , Wrapito® and salads. If you’re looking for a healthy lunch or dinner, or even catering for a party, make sure to add Chicken Kitchen to the top of your list. And lucky for us, they have plans for 18 more stores in the next 18 months. 

Multiple locations, https://www.chickenkitchen.com, @chickenkitchen

2. Miami Squeeze 

Recently opened in Midtown Miami, you can stop in the new location of this North Miami staple for healthy wraps, salads, melts, juices, and smoothies. Try the Falafel Salad, Wrap Me Wrap, and Salmon Platter paired with iconic drinks like the Vitamin C juice, Mango Loco smoothie, and Mint Lemonade. We love the casual vibe along with the refreshing smoothies to help cool off in the summer heat.

Miami Squeeze Midtown, 3252 Midtown Blvd #117, Miami, FL 33137, http://miamisqueeze.com/, @miamisqueeze

3. Carrot Express

Brickell residents get ready - Carrot Express is opening in just a few weeks. Founded in 1993, Mario Laufer saw the lack of nutritious cuisine in Miami Beach and started serving a balance of delicious and healthy fare inside a gas station on Alton Road in South Beach. Nearly 20 years later, Carrot Express now has ten locations in South Florida including Aventura, Coral Gables, Midtown Miami, South Beach, Dadeland Miami, North Beach, Downtown Miami, Miami Shores, Boca Raton and Doral. We have so many favorites (tuna topped sweet potato being one) and are excited to try some of their newest additions, like the Middle Eastern Platter, Salmon Buddha Bowl, and Chicken Goddess Sandwich.

Multiple locations, https://eatcarrotexpress.com, @carrotexpress

4. FlyFuel 

From the creators who started Raw Republic, this Aventura spot offers a menu of ingredient driven bowls, nutritious salads, tropical and coffee based smoothies, and healthier treats for everyone on every diet (vegan, gluten-free, animal-based) at an affordable price. From the PB&A Acai Bowl made with acai, banana and peanut butter topped with granola, cacao nibs and banana to the Curry Bowl that is prepared with roasted chicken, warm quinoa, baby spinach, warm chickpeas, shredded carrots, shredded cabbage, cilantro and curry yogurt sauce, you’ll leave feeling satisfied knowing you’re fueled up on healthy wholesome eats.

FlyFuel, 20804 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, FL 33180, https://eatflyfuel.com, @flyfuel

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When it comes to shopping for dad, let’s leave gifting him ties a thing of the past. Rather, this Father’s Day, help the male role model in your life look and feel his best with these five gifts that will certainly wow. 

1. Liteboxer

Yes, it’s a splurge, but dad deserves to be in frightening shape. Litboxer is not your ordinary punching bag. This freestanding, lightweight device is a first-of-its-kind fitness platform that provides a heart-pounding, full-body and sensory experience, boxing workout. By combining advanced gaming technology, music, and expert training all-in-one platform, dad will be ready to rumble. Liteboxer costs $1,495 and $29 for the subscription service, Liteboxer.com, @liteboxer

2. Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager

We’re pretty sure at some time in your life you’ve been a pain in dad’s neck. But we’ve found the perfect solution for stress related to nagging kids, work, or stress the body endures from a hard workout. For at-home or on-the-go relief this Shiatsu Massager for Neck and Back features 16 massager nodes that will provide instant relief of aches, knots, and muscle tension. With three strength modes and infrared heat, muscle tension will melt away. $46, Amazon.com 

3. Biography

Not all men are great at taking care of their skin, because let’s be honest, skincare can oftentimes be complicated and overwhelming. Enter Biography Few Words Oil. This luxurious face oil that is cruelty-free, paraben-free, free of fillers, mineral oils, preservatives, alcohol and water protects skin from razor burn, moisturizes itchy and dry skin, prevents ingrown hairs, bumps & nicks, and promotes beard growth. $52, Bazaar Project Coconut Grove, biographynyc.com, @dearbiography

4. Revtown

No dad jeans here. Revtown’s premium jeans are designed with the performance and comfort of athletic pants, but with the look and feel of designer jeans and are touted as “the most comfortable jeans on the planet.” Launched by former Under Armour executives, Revtown allows for shopping by fit as well as by using their online  “digital tailor” sizing tool, which offers 96% accuracy. Stylist and sustainable, 100% of all waste is recycled, and their denim is sustainably dyed using shrimp shells, orange peels, and nutshells – saving energy, water, and using fewer chemicals in the process. Jeans start at $79, Revtownusa.com, @revtown 

5. Mizzen+Main

You got him the jeans, now complete the look with Mizzen + Main, shirts designed to be wrinkle resistant, and featuring four-way stretch and moisture wicking fabric that will have dad looking and feeling cool. You can shop their dress shirts, but we suggest the Leeward Vacation Shirt (Classic or Trim fit) available in Blue and Green Palm Print, as it gives off that Miami vibe. $88,  mizzenandmain.com, @mizzenandmain 

Check out these three Miami-based products to help you get your glow on.

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1. Careen

‍We’re suckers for body oils so when we first heard about Careen’s vegan, plant, and sea-based line with no artificial fragrance and no artificial dyes, we had to check it out. We fell instantly in love with both the Renewing and Illuminating Body oils and have an equal affinity for the body scrubs and body soaks. Launched during the pandemic by Kristen Panebianco, Careen is perfect for soothing skin and detoxing sore muscles as the salt-based products combine Dead Sea, Epsom salt, Himalayan salt, and regular sea salt for deep detoxification.  Plus the packing, shipping, and bottling products are recyclable, and some elements, when noted, are compostable. Going the extra step, Careen also recycles all the waste from making the products and has a composting partnership with Compost for Life Miami for the products that use fresh fruit peels. https://www.careen.us, @careen.us 

2. NĀELI

‍This all-natural skincare company caught our attention with its simple yet chic packaging and “free-off” ingredient list -- free of harsh chemicals, paraben-free, MEA/DEA/TEA free, sulfate-free, dye-free, synthetic fragrance-free, phthalate-free, Dimethicone free, Silicone free resulting in us feeling worry-free about what we’re putting on our skin. The brand name NĀELI means “the truth will be revealed,” and they’ve set out to make the collection clean, effective, and affordable. The standout for us is the  4.25% Retinoid Collagen Night Moisturizer ($26) as its lightweight formula smoothes into the skin and delivers a collagen and elastin boost with its retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, and peptides. Plus the lemongrass scent makes the application a spa-like experience. https://naelinaturals.com, @naelinaturals 

3. CTRL

‍If you have sensitive skin, finding products that are effective yet non-irritating can sometimes be a challenge. Until now. CTRL created a collection of skincare (and some killer lipglosses) that uses effective and natural ingredients that target sensitive skin without feeling “too clinical” and are also affordable. The Rejuvenation Facial Polish uses amber granules to gently exfoliate skin and the honey and vanilla-infused polish is hydrating and soothing on the skin and the senses. And since there is no avoiding our hot, humid summers, the Paradise Smooth Moisturizing Gel, will be your new BFF. This oil-free formula is extremely lightweight, instantly absorbs, and doesn't leave you feeling greasy. It helps to minimize pores while keeping skin hydrated with botanical antioxidants like Snow Algae, Vitamin A-rich Cloudberry, and Caffeine, which also work to revive dull skin, support collagen and boost skin defenses. https://ctrlcosmetics.com, @ctrlcosmetic

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 9, and if you are stumped on what to get mom, don’t sweat it, we got you covered. From tie-dye essentials and phone chains to a customized bicycle, gift mom with anything from one of these locally-based brands to show her your love and appreciation and possibly win points as the favorite child in the family.

Live & Let Dye

We are addicted to Live & Let Dye and have a wardrobe to prove it. For the active mom, the workout T or workout towel is the perfect addition to step up her gym look. Or opt for a T-shirt or hoodie from their best-selling Spider collection. You can also try punching up her kicks with the brand's tie-dye shoelaces.  All pieces are hand-dyed with love in Miami by founder Andrea Carneiro. letsgetdye.com @letsgetdye 

Monde World 

Monde World’s #CountYourBlessings Phone Chains are a must-have item that mom might not know she needs, but trust us, she does. Created by Aliette Monde an artist, designer, and magic maker, one of our favorites from the collection are the heart chains, which feature 124 heart-shaped beads, in Red or Opaque,  Pink Sparkle, Pink Pearl, White Pearl, or Clear,  (totaling at approximately 22” inches long) that are all charged with crystal-infused holy water enhanced with seasonal flower essences, essential oils, and colognes. These high-vibes chains will allow mom to be hands-free and stylish while manifesting her dreams as #124 is an Angel number that comes as a message that cooperation and hard work are needed for the manifestation of your dreams. You can customize your chain with a saying, name, initials, or whatever your heart desires. etsy.com/alittemonde, @mondeworld_

Mumi Design 

Moms are often on the go which sometimes leaves little time for getting in all the nutrients they need to keep themselves nourished and in optimal health. Mumi Design’s Single Does Kit helps to solve that with their convenient, mess-free solution for taking powder supplements (such as protein, collagen, or pre-workout powders) on the go. Featuring 7 single-dose pouches and a wide mouth funnel for a mess-free transfer, the pouches are safely stored in a zip-up bag that is compact to fit into a purse, gym bag, tote, or glove compartment. Mumidesign.com, @mumidesign

OIYA

Gift mom and feed a child with the OIYA, a line of handmade accessories founded by Miami-based Brazilian model and entrepreneur Priscila Zoullas. OIYA donates a portion of each purchase of their colorful jewelry ranging from bracelets to earrings and necklaces to Share The Meal (an initiative of the United Nations World Food Programme). shopoiya.com, @shop.oiya 

Vivelo Bikes

Handmade in Wynwood, Vivelo’s handcrafted classic city bikes, beach cruisers, and choppers are one of a kind, just like mom. Choose from 16 different frame color options, fork, rims, tires, spokes, light, stem, handlebar, grips, brakes, crank, pedals, chain, chain cover, fenders, saddle, saddle springs, stickers, and seat post in all different colors making it totally customized to mom’s likes. Vivelo.com, @vivelobicycles  

Make Thursday mornings magical and flow with Van Gogh. The Beyond Van Gogh: An Immersive Experience has partnered with yoga, meditation, and mindfulness teacher Tiffany Levy, creator of Tifftopia Wellness (@Tifftopia), to offer an hour-long wellness practice inside the exhibit.

Take in the art and deep breaths every Thursday (through July), from 8:30 am - 9:45 am at the Ice Palace Studios at 1400 N. Miami Avenue. You can salute the sun under Starry Night and 300+ other iconic Vincent Van Gogh masterpieces as they swirl around you on projection-swathed walls wrapped in light and color that swirl, dance, and refocuses into flowers, cafes, and landscapes, completely immersing you inside the world and works of Van Gogh.   

Space is limited to respect COVID protocols, and you’ll need to bring your own mat. Tickets are on sale now on www.VanGoghMiami.com & Ticketmaster.com ($62.99).  

If you’ve sworn off gluten because you have a sensitivity, allergy, or intolerance, or simply want to give your gut a break from wheat, barley, or rye, the most common forms of gluten (which are found in pretty much everything these days), don’t fret. You can still eat out with ease. Here we explore 8 places that you can partake in a full meal as well as satisfy your sweet tooth - all without gluten-containing grains. 

Dora Gluten Free (Coral Gables)

This is the only fully dedicated gluten-free restaurant in Miami. Get a hamburger and fries for a fulfilling meal or opt for some, croquetas (ham and chicken, and vegan). Finish off your meal with desserts including lemon loaves, key lime pie (also available in dairy-free), cinnamon rolls (also available in guava and Nutella), or some brownies and cookies. They now offer shipping on their gluten-free goodies. @doraglutenfree

Carrot Express (multiple locations)

With an extensive menu of good-for-you eats, from smoothies to bowls to platters, Carrot Express has a number of gluten-free options for those avoiding wheat. Be sure to check out the Shaved Kale Brussels Sprout Salad, Pesto Salmon, Mahi Mahi, BBQ Chicken Platter, or Grilled Chicken Platter for lunch or dinner. @carrotexpress

Coyo Taco (multiple locations)

Don’t get sidelined when your crew hits this local taco institution because of your dietary restrictions. Opt for the new “secret menu” option, the Yogi Bowl (available through the end of April). This delight for gluten-free, vegetarians, and vegans alike, consists of layers of mixed greens, quinoa salad, roasted cauliflower and mushrooms, avocado, pickled red onions, jalapeños, citrus slaw, pico de gallo, and toasted pepitas. You can add salsa and proteins if desired. @coyotaco

Thatch (Midtown)

Pop into the market for a smoothie, a grab-and-go bite, or dine-in for lunch or dinner at this plant-based establishment with an extensive gluten-free offering. From salads to bowls, to gluten-free pad Thai and the not-to-be-missed Shattered Potatoes, you will not leave hungry. For brunch seekers, be sure to try the banana almond pancakes. @thatchmiami

And you can satisfy your gluten-free sweet tooth here:

The Chocolate Chip Bakery (Midtown)

This newcomer to Midtown, offers vegan, gluten-, soy-, refined sugar-,GMO-free cookies, brownies and baked goods that will frankly blow your mind. We stopped in to purchase one of everything and we simply couldn’t choose a favorite from the selection cookies, banana bread, and a light and fluffy sweet potato bun. We were already pre-caffeinated when we dropped in, so we passed on the iced latte, but we’ll be back as they looked just as good as the baked goods.  @thechocolatechipbakery

Bunnie Cakes (Doral) 

This cupcake mainstay that just moved their operations to Doral is the OG in vegan and gluten-free cupcake and cakes. You can stop in (or opt for delivery) to choose from a variety of flavors including some cookies and cream, red velvet, funfetti, key lime, dulce no leche, coconut, and more. Bunnie Cakes can also customize your order for cupcakes, cakes, and mini cakes all to be gluten -free. @msbunniecakes

Purely Baked By Sarah (delivery)

If you’re a fan of the Kardashians, you may have seen their obsession with olive oil cakes and cupcakes. Now you can get your very own from this local baker, who sells all organic, dairy-free, gluten-free and parve, cakes in a selection of flavors like original olive oil, chocolate, chocolate chip, guava (with coconut or without), and lemon poppy seed (with lemon glaze on top). Place your order via Instagram DM and choose to pick up your goods at the Fresh Market Parking lot in Aventura or opt for delivery. @purelybakedbysarah

The Oats Guy (delivery)

When we saw The Oats Guy’s stunning creations pop-up on our Instagram, we thought it was another case of ‘looks good, but can’t eat’ situation. Then we learned that these donuts can all be made gluten-free (as well as vegan and sugar-free if you’re so inclined) we dropped a DM and eagerly checked out the weekly menu of these oatmeal rings. We received a quick reply via a very accommodating baker and our donuts were delivered with care. They taste more cake-y than fried donuts (which is fine by us because we actually don’t like fried dough) and each creation looked (and tasted) better than the next. You can tell and taste there is a lot of love that goes into making these by the attention to detail each ring has. @theoatsguy

2020 took a toll on many things including the way in which we moved our bodies. Working from home led to hours of sitting at sometimes unconventional desks (hello, dining room table) and with gyms closed, we had to rely on at-home workouts. Even if we were able to motivate ourselves to move, our bodies bore the brunt and our muscles were left tight and sore.  Stretching is a crucial step in our performance and skipping it can lead to aches and pains and impaired athleticism and even impaired sleep.   

Enter Stretch Zone, an assisted stretching studio dedicated to lengthening your muscles in order to increase your flexibility and range of motion, balance you out, improve your posture, keep you in peak athletic performance, keep injuries at bay, and have you walking taller. And if that isn’t enough, regular stretching can also reduce stress.  

With 20+ locations in South Florida alone, we checked out the Coral Gables location (3138 Ponce de Leon Blvd) for their free assessment, which is offered to all first-time guests. 

Even with yoga 4-5 a week, we were surprised how much we needed this session and learned that Stretch Zone is designed to help functional flexibility. 

Before getting started you’ll discuss with your Stretch Therapist what type of exercise(s) you do, a little about your lifestyle and if there is any area that you’d like to work on. For us, it was our lower back and hamstrings (we may be guilty of not stretching after running).

Next you lie down on a bed (sanitized before and after each client) where all the stretching is done. There is a belt/strap that goes over your waist to hold you in place when things get twisty; all of Stretch Zone’s equipment is patented.  

Your Stretch Therapist will guide you through a series of exercises to get a baseline of how your body moves and how tight you are before creating a program customized for your body and your goals.  

As you work through the stretches, your Stretch Therapist will ask you to share, on a scale of 1-10, how difficult the movement is for you. You hold each stretch for a few seconds and go through each exercise three times, with the goal of going deeper each stretch. During our session, we worked our anterior and posterior chain of muscles as balance is key in stretching… and life.

By the time we were done, our lower back pain was eased, we felt lighter and taller, and became firm believers that regular Stretch Zone sessions are the perfect addition for anyone’s wellness routine. 

While we are firm believers of it’s what's inside that matters, we also feel that there is nothing wrong with enhancing your exterior in whichever way you see fit to make you feel your best. So when we learned that Jill Black, a holistic health practitioner, microcurrent facialist, and energy healer, relocated from New York, we booked an appointment for a microcurrent facialist to see what all the buzz was about. 

Upon meeting Jill in her Wynwood location, which is flood with natural light, we got situated, and then she began to clean our face with micellar water. Then she applied a gel that was a mix of aloe, hyaluronic acid, and peptides, which acts as a conductor for the microcurrent wands. After massaging the gel into our face and chest, Jill explained that she will do three passes with the wands over our face and décolleté, each pass with a stronger pulse of microcurrent that she ensured we wouldn’t even feel. 

Micro-current stimulates your skin to make its own fibroblasts of collagen and elastin, and the small pulses of microcurrents simultaneously exercise the muscles of the face, resulting in a tighter more lifted appearance. It also helps to restore the convexities of the face, counteracting the sagging, drooping muscles, and wrinkles that occur when we age. Basically, it fills out your face in the best possible way. 

If the thoughts of small electrical pulses scare you, don’t fear, you will not feel a thing, other than a soothing wand or gentle massage. The entire experience was super relaxing. If we weren’t so busy chatting Jill’s ear off about our shared passion for holistic lifestyle as well as her other service that intrigues us like muscle testing, we could have fallen asleep. 

When we were finished we were beyond thrilled with the results. Our skin was tight, toned, and lifted and remained in this state for a few days. For the best results, Jill recommends five treatments, one per week, and then once a month for maintenance. Single sessions are $250 and a package of five is $1200. 

A few pointers before you book: drink a lot of water the day before as it helps the conduction of electricity and enhances the treatment by allowing your glow to linger longer. Also, if you’ve recently had Botox or fillers, you need to wait two weeks before you book your appointment. 

To book your appointment, visit jillblackholistic.com, call (347) 552-7328, email jill@jillblackholistic.com or message her on Instagram @jillblack_holistic.

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One can never have too much athletic wear, especially when it’s seamless, sustainably made,  hugs the body in just the right way, and is universally flattering on different body shapes and sizes. That’s why we’re so excited to hear about Phat Buddah’s newest collection, which not only checks all those boxes but is also inspired by Miami. We were lucky enough to catch up with Phat Buddah Founder and recent Miami resident, Alissa Benishai, who gave us some insight into her new collection and her life. 

For those that don’t know Phat Buddha, can you give us a little background on your line of activewear?

Phat Buddha is a globally loved active fashion brand, specializing in seamless and sustainable technology. We created a product that bridges the gap between activewear and everyday fashion. The purpose of developing this brand was to allow myself and others to “get out of our own way.”  

As women, our bodies are ever-changing based on stress, post/pre-pregnancy, sleep, exercising, etc. We created seamless fabrication that molds to the body. Phat Buddha is about feeling good from the inside out, not about conforming into a garment.  NO MATTER HER MOVEMENT, #wemovewithyou.

We read that you did a 3-month Bikram intensive training, do you still practice? 

Yes, I practice every day. Due to the pandemic restrictions, I started self-practice and incorporated some moves after my streaming Tracy Anderson Method.

You’ve done collaborations with some big fitness industry names like Tracy Anderson. Who is another dream collaborator you would love to work with? 

Currently, I am grateful for all my exclusive partnerships because they are in line with Phat Buddha’s mission and have some MAJOR surprises coming up in 2021 extending our range and pushing the athleisure marketplace envelope. I would love to work with Drake. Not only is he reputable, and an inspirational artist, he is a true philanthropist to the Miami community. Expansion and collaboration into Men's wear through OVO would be a dream, and music has always inspired me to move. 

You recently moved to Miami and your newest collection is inspired by the Magic City, tell us more about the vibe of "Back To Basics, Miami Edition”?

My new collection is called “Back to Basics, Miami Edition”. The focus is on real women with real bodies, with an affordable price point. On February 8th, 2021, we launched Back to Basics, Miami Edition. The collection is seamless driven, sustainable, price-conscious, and size-inclusive. The collection features simple silhouettes with a fashion-forward flare that embraces YOUR BODY, YOUR MOVEMENT because #WEMOVEWITHYOU. We are spreading our NYC love to the streets of Miami. As was our philosophy in New York, we have named each garment after a street in Miami. We are very thankful to the Miami community for welcoming us with open arms and look forward to what new adventures tomorrow will bring.

A portion of proceeds from online sales is donated to charity. Can you share which ones and how you chose those?

During the last ten months, while working from my family home in Miami, we were able to touch the lives of those that needed a “feel good” moment, be it in their clothing, workouts, IGTV, REELS, videos, podcasts, etc.

Through my contact with my “Phat Buddha” community, I determined that the two biggest challenges brought about by the Pandemic were mental health and food. It was this realization that stirred me to draft a plan, reaching out to influencers, friends, CEO’s in our community and beyond to repost about Feeding America and supporting the JED Foundation. 

Phat Buddha, as a result, created a movement with the sole purpose of building a brand dedicated to “giving back.” Feeding America because when I walked to the kitchen my father asked me one morning what “kind” of milk I wanted, I had a selection. I had options, thousands of people did not have food. Hundreds of thousands of people were hungry, out of work and schools were closed so lunches were not served to children. The Jed Foundation, because I personally have struggled with mental health challenges that the world was facing at a high rate due to the pandemic.

Where can StayFit305 readers find PhatBuddha?

@phatbuddhawear,  www.phatbuddhawear.com 

Quick Fire Questions:

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Coffee or tea? 

Coffee Coffee Coffee, Cafe Bustello to be exact, and then Kombucha

Beach or pool? 

Do I have to choose? Beach

South Beach or Brickell? 

Brickell

Bal Harbour or Design District? 

Bal Harbour all the way

Early bird or night owl? 

Trick question, I don’t sleep. Prefer the mornings when everything is quiet and serene. And I get my best work done on Sundays.

Netflix or book? 

Neither (don’t tell my parents) I read news articles and listen to music

Favorite place to sweat in Miami? 

Beach

Favorite place to pamper in Miami? 

The Standard, Gee Beauty and Lymphatic/Fascia services.

Most looking forward to in 2021….

Balance. Investment. Growth. Giving back more to the community

If there was a Peanut Butter Anonymous, we’d be a part of the program. No matter the form -  raw, butter, or even powder -  we don’t discriminate. As far as nutrition goes, peanuts pack quite a punch with approximately 7 grams of protein per ounce, making them a great choice when looking for something to keep you satisfied. And while 14 grams of fat per serving might scare some off, most of the fats in peanuts are good fats and will keep your blood sugars low and keep you from getting hangry. 

All in the name of research we tested a selection of peanut butter products to deliver our top 6 (narrowing it 5 was just too hard!)

1. Brooklyn Roasting

Coffee and peanut butter don't sound like they’d be a good match, but the folks at Brooklyn Roasting dared to combine the two. The result is a delicious peanut butter infused with fresh roasted Turkish ground single-origin coffee. We tried the Ethiopian Natural Peanut Butter and our taste buds freaked out in the best possible way. This creamy spread has a deliciously nutty flavor combined with coffee and you can taste the most delectable hint of blueberry thanks to the Ethiopian natural processed coffee. https://brooklynroasting.com, @brooklynroasting

2. R.E.D.D. Peanut Butter Protein Bar

With a soft, cookie dough-like texture this bar is packed with superfoods, adaptogenic mushrooms, probiotics, and 10g of plant-based protein, and a perfect peanutty flavor. These bars are chock full of peanuts and are gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO and Kosher and  https://www.reddbar.com, @reddbar‍

3. Catalina Crunch Chocolate Peanut Butter Cereal

With zero sugar, non-GMO, grain-free, and 100% vegan, we were shocked by how crunchy, flavorful, and frankly irresistible this cereal is. While we admit we didn’t go for the traditional milk and cereal in a bowl, rather we ate it by the handful or sprinkled on acai bowls, this cereal uses seven plant proteins and fibers that are designed to keep you full longer and promote gut health. And the Catalina Crunch Peanut Butter Cookies, those are a must-try, too! https://us.catalinacrunch.com, @catalinacrunch

4. Quinn Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets

These gluten-free, crunchy peanut butter-filled pretzels have been a go-to snack of ours for some time now. The little pillow-looking pretzels have a crunchy exterior with creamy peanut butter filling inside, and use whole grain sorghum, an ancient whole grain that is naturally gluten-free and better for the environment.  https://www.quinnsnacks.com, @quinnsnacks

5. Organic PBfit Peanut Butter Powder

If you’re like us and have a hard time putting the spoon down and walking away from the jar, then this powder formula gives you goodness without the guilt. With just three ingredients including gently pressed roasted peanuts, coconut palm sugar, and a pinch of salt, it has 87% less fat and ⅓ the calories of traditional peanut butter. Just add water and mix to get a creamy texture that you won’t want to put down. https://pbfit.com, @betterbodyfoods

6. Gr8nola Peanut Butter Granola

When two of our favorite snacks, peanut butter and granola, collide AND give back, we consider that a major win. That’s why we are fans of this woman-owned BIPOC superfood granola brand, who has partnered with Girl Up, a United Nations Foundation initiative uniting girls to change the world. 8% of all Peanut Butter sales will be donated to Girl Up. Five girl leaders were chosen to work alongside gr8nola’s founder Erica Liu Williams to bring this flavor to market - from ideation to launch. Through this partnership, Gr8nola strives to inspire young women to achieve gr8ness by giving these girls real-world entrepreneurial experience, while supporting Girl Up's mission to achieve gender equality worldwide. https://www.gr8nola.com, @gr8nola

Relax your mind and soothe your body after a tough workout at one of these eight places around South Florida.

Body Project Movement

When the lactic acid builds up in your muscles, you not only get sore, but you also retain water. Alexander Erickson’s Miracle Touch Massage combines Lymphatic Drainage massage techniques with modeling massage to reshape the body flushing out excess water and toxins, smooths the skin, and leaves you looking lean. Alex’s magic hands and technique provide immediate slimming without surgery. 

• Location: South Beach or services provided in-home

Body Roll Studio

Looking to roll away stress, cellulite, muscle aches and move your lymphatic system, but not into a hands-on massage? Then this studio is for you. With machines that consist of rollers on a rotating drum that make a predetermined number of revolutions per minute, you just sit and let the machines do the work. ​It’s the ultimate hand-free foam rolling experience. 

• Location: South Beach
  

Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

The only resort in South Florida fully dedicated to wellness, Carillon is a mecca for recovery and relaxation. Their state of the art spa now also offers touchless-spa treatments including the Prism Light Pod, a full-body deep red light therapy pod that helps accelerate healing and recovery by 4 to 10 times faster than your body’s restoration process

• Location: Mid-Beach 
  

Dr. Elizabeth Trattner

A visit to South Florida’s most sought-after acupuncturist can help reset your body and mind. Dr. Trattner, who has worked with Miami Dolphins players as well as helped Shannon Briggs become a heavyweight champion, can treat a myriad of ailments and health issues, and help athletes reduce inflammation, tissue repair, increase range of motion, as well as improve circulation, and relax muscles through acupuncture. Red light therapy is also used in conjunction with needles when needed. A Doctor of Chinese and Integrative Medicine, if there is something else that’s not aligning in your body, Dr. Trattner can help identify and treat it. 

• Location: North Miami
  

Athletix Rehab & Recovery

Whether you're a professional athlete or weekend warrior, when your body takes a beating Athletix Rehab & Recovery will help get you back in working order. With a wide range of services including physical therapy, stretching, Graston Technique, Voodoo Floss Bands, Kinesio Taping, and more, everything you need to feel your best is under one roof. 

• Locations: Coral Gables, Davie, Deerfield
  

Miami Sports Chiropractic & Yoga Center

Being in pain is never fun, so if you find ache and pains in your back, neck, or body, a trip to Dr. Sandra Doman can set you straight. Dr. Doman is a chiropractor and registered yoga teacher who has created a way of eliminating orthopedic pain without drugs and surgery through an integrated approach that uses different types of manipulation and often utilizes “non-cracking” methods along with yoga as a form of therapy to help musculoskeletal injuries. Some of her services include chiropractic spinal manipulation, Physical therapy modalities, Active Release Techniques® (ART, 2013-2014), Yoga for injury prevention and athletic performance, Massage Therapy & Trigger Point, and Sport-specific Exercise.

• Location: Aventura 
  

Nuvo You

If you’re looking for a boost this Medical Spa IV hydration therapy 

center is your one-stop for recovery, wellness, and weight loss. Choose from the Pre/Post-Workout Rebuild, an infusion of essential vitamins, Zinc, Magnesium, and L-Carnitine, which helps to repair muscle, rehydrate, and keep metabolism healthy, or get a LipoLean injection, a combination of B-Complex Vitamins, MIC, and L-Carnitine to boost metabolism and trim extra weight. 

• Location: Mid Beach
  

Reset Cryotherapy

If you’re looking to have tighter skin, less pain, increased energy and metabolism, and a glowing complexion, a trip to Reset is in order. From ice baths and cryotherapy to infrared sauna and Boa compression therapy, you’ll walk out feeling, well, reset. 

• Location: South Beach