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. Take a heated class to reconnect with your body.
With less blood to pump to your muscles, your body will increase your heart rate (i.e., pump blood faster) to meet your muscular demands when exercising in the heat, explains Orlando Laitano, Ph.D., an exercise physiologist. “One way to gauge exercise intensity is via heart rate,” says Laitano. “So if you're exercising in the heat, you need a lower external load of exercise to achieve the same internal load of physiological strain.” Treat your body to a heated low-impact class, such as yoga or barre, to not only feel more connected to your body, but also promote flexibility and improve bone mass. BOOK NOW
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.
In August, Equinox teamed up with Aescape — a lifestyle robotics company founded in 2017 — as its launch partner. The idea: to provide Club members with a customizable, efficient massage that’s powered by robotics and informed by human touch (Aescape works with licensed massage therapists to create every stroke). In layman’s terms, Aescape provides you with a personalized session that swaps out a human massage therapist for a table that’s equipped with two robotic arms for double the bodywork in half the time. READ MORE
6. Give into your chocolate cravings.
‘Tis the season for indulging in chocolate. Looking for inspiration? Treat your skin health and taste buds to a nourishing and decadent post-workout beverage, like the Collagen Mocha Latte at Earthbar, available at select Equinox locations.
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