Make the most of your winter with actionable tips.
1. Support your recovery in the sauna.
Using a sauna after physical activity (like skiing) for 15 minutes three times a week has been shown to improve blood pressure more than exercise alone. “There’s research on the positive impacts of saunas activating heat shock proteins,” says James Gu, Senior Director of Spa at Equinox. Research shows that heat shock proteins play a role in everything from moderating muscle atrophy and immune function to regulating stress response and enhancing longevity. READ MORE.
2. Heat up your yoga practice.
Heated yoga classes do more than shake off the chill. You might find yourself getting deeper into those shapes, finding greater ranges of motion, and settling into the positions without as much strain. Practicing yoga in a hot space has a cardiorespiratory effect, too, adding further physical and mental challenges on top of already-difficult power and sculpt classes. READ MORE.
3. Head to hot springs.
For centuries, hot springs have provided rest, rejuvenation, and social connections to cultures around the world. More recently, studies have found real health benefits of soaking in waters naturally heated by the Earth’s interior, including reduced pain and blood pressure, increased blood circulation, and improved mental health. Beyond the physical benefits, hot springs provide a unique cultural and historical experience for those seeking travel centered around wellness. READ MORE.
4. Say yes to red light therapy.
The benefits of LED light therapy were first clinically studied by NASA to treat skin wounds on astronauts. Since then, more recent studies have shown red LED light can stimulate collagen production for healthier-looking skin, reduce inflammation, and address fine lines and wrinkles. Want to give it a try? Experience the benefits with a LightStim session, now available at select Equinox locations. BOOK NOW.
5. Try the world’s most advanced massage.
After a long weekend on the slopes, restore mind and body with a high-tech Aescape massage at The Spa at Equinox. The experience is customizable and efficient, powered by robotics and informed by human touch (Aescape works with licensed massage therapists to create every stroke). You'll receive double the body work in half the time. Bonus: The two robotic massage arms are heated. READ MORE.
6. Reboot your brain.
Treat yourself to a meditation that feels like pressing the “restart” button on your computer. Headstrong: Reset — a new guided, neurology-grounded meditation class now available in select Clubs and in the EQX+ app — takes you on a journey exploring various types of brain waves. Specifically, you'll experience the theta state, the state of meditation that encourages regeneration and creativity. READ MORE.
7. Spend more time outside.
Nature can lift your mood and clear your head. A study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that witnessing beautiful, fleeting natural events like sunrises, sunsets, and rainbows offers more than momentary enjoyment. “Our research indicates that getting up a bit earlier for sunrise or timing a walk to catch sunset could be well worth the effort,” said study leader Alex Smalley, a PhD fellow at the University of Exeter. “The ‘wow’ factor associated with these encounters might unlock small but significant bumps in feelings of beauty and awe, which could in turn have positive impacts for mental well-being.” READ MORE.