The Spa on Green Street

Oftentimes when it comes to achieving some desired outcome in our lives, we are forced to break up common routines that we have set up for ourselves in our daily living simply due to the fact that those routines are conspiring to give us the results of who we are today.  If we want something different, if we want to be someone different, then we simply have to do things differently to obtain that desired goal.  Thus, the interplay between our actions and our behaviors becomes an extremely critical component in achieving success. 

In reading through an interesting book on psychology, Control Theory, by renowned psychiatrist Dr. William Glasser, I came across an interesting perspective on the matter of behavior.  He mentions that all behavior is made up of three components: what we do, what we think, and what we feel.  He goes on to say that these elements actually come from inside of us and are not, as most people believe, a response to things and people around us.  Isn’t it true that we tend to justify our actions and behaviors based on what’s happening around us?  Right now I am in the process of studying for the state falconry exam to obtain a license to practice falconry here in Georgia, and for various ‘reasons’, I have stalled on that process – thinking , feeling – that I have been too busy with too many pressing responsibilities at home and at work.  Well the book came to mind, and the resolution came from a simple moment’s reflection on whether or not I had let how I was feeling about my current responsibilities (home and work) take over how I felt about my goal to practice falconry.   

It’s always helpful to have a bit of honest reflection.  If you get off track, do you think and feel that other people or other circumstances are causing you to veer off course, to cause you to behave in a way that isn’t in line with your goals?  That if it wasn’t for that person or that particular situation at work, you’d easily do the right thing, eat the right foods, do your workout?  Well if you’ve seen any of the Austin Power’s movies, think of him simply telling you,

“Oh, behave!” click here

One of the best methods to get our behaviors and our actions to line up constructively is to undergo a simple process of goal setting.  I’d like to share with you a step by step plan that I have found to be helpful in this regard, and this will become more necessary if the end goal requires long-term consistency and effort, such as the noble aspirations of greater health, fitness and improved body composition.  Stay tuned for my next post as I will describe this plan in detail. 

Are there challenges you are going to face in achieving these goals?  You better believe it, so let’s see how best we can encourage positivity in what we think, feel and do!

Just as we open our windows and let the fresh spring air into our homes as we deep clean and reorganize, spring is also an optimal time to do a bit of “spring cleaning” within our bodies.  A seasonal detox can rid our bodies of the accumulation of the toxins we ingest directly and indirectly from various sources such as processed foods and even the air we breathe.  There are many different means by which to assist the body’s natural detoxification processes.  Even a small step can have a large impact on our health and overall vitality.  You may have heard of juice fasts or body cleanse programs, but may not know where to start.

If you would some guidance in the detox process, our Naturopath and Clinical Nutrition Counselor, Ricardo Boye, can determine which detox programs would be best for your unique needs and health concerns.  You may contact the Front Desk to schedule a Wellness Assessment.

Other simple ways to enhance your spring detox:

-Relax in our Private Far Infrared Sauna. “Because infrared penetrates safely and comfortably up to 3 inches inside your body, even your deep tissues and organs are stimulated, meaning you perspire. Hard to reach impurities are eliminated through your skin using lower, comfortable temperatures.” Dr. Toshiko Yamazaki, M.D. owns a clinic in Japan where she has done extensive research on the therapeutic uses of far infrared. In her book, “The Science of Far-Infrared Therapies“, she explains that one of the reasons FIR (Far-Infrared) has beneficial results in a variety of illnesses is the ability of FIR waves to remove toxins, which are often at the core of many health problems.  One session in a far infrared sauna also burns approximately 500 calories!

-Have a massage after your sauna session.  Many people are familiar with the ability of massage therapy to increase circulation, stimulate lymphatic drainage, and alleviate the accumulation of lactic acid within the muscles.  These benefits are further enhanced by having a sauna session prior to your massage.

-If you are considering juicing or a juice fast, we offer “Blender Bottles” which allow you to add protein or vegetable concentrate powders such as our all natural Whey Protein, Metabolic Matrix, or Greening Power powder to juice, water, or milk to mix up a delicious power-packed smoothie in seconds without having to rely on your blender.

-Our Body Glow treatment not only offers full body exfoliation perfect for sloughing off dull winter skin, but also includes time under a specially designed steam canopy which encourages detoxification with the use of steam infused with organic herbs such as lavender, marshmallow, and chamomile.  You may also add the Steamy Wonderful treatment to any massage or facial for additional detoxification benefits.

-Get Moving!  Exercise increases circulation and lymphatic function.  Spring is the perfect time to get outside and get moving.  You may find you have renewed energy in the spring which makes this season the perfect time to get started on a new fitness program.  Schedule a Complimentary Fitness Consultation with Teryl Worster, our Fitness Director, to determine how to best meet your fitness goals. Enjoy the benefits of Spring and the support from our staff here at The Spa on Green Street.

Gregg Hake, Erich and Teryl Worster and our family of wellness experts, are proud to announce the celebration of “100 Years of Wellness” in Gainesville. The historic Dunlap House, home of The Healing Arts Spa on Green Street and The Body Sanctuary, Inc. is celebrating its 100th birthday this year.

We will be celebrating through the upcoming year with special events and parties to highlight the wellness history here in Gainesville and to bring together other small businesses in Hall County. We look forward to an exciting year ahead and invite everyone to stop in, tour the Spa and enjoy our wall of History. While you are here, pick up our Limited Edition “Legacy Soak” kit that was created in honor of our “100 Years of Wellness” celebration.

We are always looking for new information and history regarding our lovely historic home and invite anyone who would like to tell their story of life in Gainesville over the years to respond to this blog so we may share these stories in our upcoming celebrations!

Thanks to all of you who have become a part of our Wellness Family!

The time has come again for our next Fitness in the Round Group meeting, hosted by Teryl Worster and Ricardo Boye. We had a nice intimate group last month and we had some treats to start off our meeting, Ricardo’s protein shakes and Kale Chips from Jungle Treats. This month we will get the opportunity to enjoy Kristen Boye as she discusses with us the Art of Healthy Cooking and meal planning. Kristen, who for several years worked as a personal chef, will bring some healthy recipes and share with us the benefits of eating organic and cooking healthy on a budget. Please bring some exciting recipes of your own and we will distribute them to the class.

Here are a few topics to be discussed:

• A chef’s guide to the best for you and best tasting healing foods

• Are sugar substitutes really better for you? Find out the REAL story behind sugar and sugar substitutes and how to make the best choices to satisfy your sweet tooth!

• Each participant will take home a comprehensive list of super-simple-spa-recipes for every night of the week!

Feel Free to reply to this post with some of your recipes as well! We would love to see them.

Exercise has not always been a permanent part of my life. In fact, growing up, I was uncoordinated and felt a bit awkward in my own body. I grew very fast so I had a hard time trying to figure out how to move my rapidly growing appendages with grace and ease. I remember like it was yesterday the disappointment on not making the 8th grade softball team. I was very lucky genetically that weight management was not an issue, so the impact of my withdrawal from sports was not immediately visible while I was young. I loved the idea of being active so I studied human anatomy and exercise and became educated in the value of exercise but I did not apply it specifically to my own life.

As I became an adult, I started to deal with the consequences of “lack of purpose driven exercise”. I found myself gaining weight and my family history of high cholesterol was starting to plague me. I was active in spurts and would go through phases where I would commit to a routine and then become disenchanted with the process and quit. How many of you find this to be a similar story? Have you seen results?

The turning point for me was when I hired a personal trainer, someone who understood what I was going through and was willing to tutor me and guide me to put my knowledge into practical application. I invested quite a bit into this person and found myself looking forward to each session rather than dreading them. I found that being accountable was important when my old habits of finding excuses NOT to exercise starting rolling through my head. The changes began first in my thought processes once I met these old behaviors dead on, then with consistency and commitment I started seeing amazing changes in my energy levels and in my body. The rest is history; I fell in love with exercise  and the pleasure of feeling fit and ready to meet each day. I quickly became a Certified Personal Trainer and found myself with a successful business due to the fact that as a mother of three I had worked to overcome many common obstacles that are faced in today’s society.

My passion for exercise has helped many men, women and children over the last 15 years. For all of YOU who are looking to find a starting point, reach out to a professional. Exercise and the value of being fit will be an unattainable goal without consistency and a true commitment to your total wellness. Give us a call for a 20 minute Complimentary Consultation and get started today!