I don’t want to be skinny. But I don’t want to be fat either. I just want to be HEALTHY without a label on it. Healthy being whatever it feels like to ME. It’s not about what anyone else thinks. You know your body better than anyone else does but sometimes you just need a gentle reminder to pay attention to what it’s telling you.
It’s really about the power of making small changes every day and that’s exactly what Gaiam believes. Pronounced “guy-um”, their name is a fusion of the words “Gaia” (Mother Earth) and “I am”. Just like within your body, everything is connected.
“What starts from within can make a world of difference. Wherever you are on your journey toward a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, Gaiam is dedicated to providing positive solutions that connect, renew and inspire. We invite you to live consciously, in harmony with the environment, the planet and the people who share our home.”
Here are 3 of my favourite products from Gaiam that will help you make those small changes on your awesome personal journey to health:
Balance Ball Chair
Why not give your core a workout and alleviate pressure on your spine all while sitting at your desk or in your home? Ideal for people between 5-feet and 5-feet-11, the unique design offers the same benefits as a balance ball but as a chair! As the ball is removable, you can also take a break from your work to get that body moving.
Designed by leading health and fitness experts, the Gaiam Balance Ball chair helps to relieve pain and promote proper spinal alignment, posture, a healthier back, and overall well-being. This is a great option for someone who has just had abdominal surgery, like a c-section!
Restore by Gaiam Hot and Cold Therapy Kit
It’s important to get that body moving but just as important to allow time for recovery. This all-in-one kit comes with two therapy balls – one smooth and one textured which can be thrown into either the freezer for cold therapy or into warm water for heat. As they’re filled with a unique compound which enables them to safely retain either heat or cold, this one easy-to-use tool offers a variety of highly effective pain relief applications.
These little gems can be used as a customized therapy to increase circulation, relieve tension or even massage stiff muscles. Roll them on your bod wherever you feel like you need some serious relief.
Restore by Gaiam 12” Textured Foam Roller
Need an even deeper massage? Get your roll on! If you’ve never tried a foam roller, you have NO idea how good it feels. We hold a lot of tension in our muscles due to stress and repeated movements. The smaller size of this roller allows you to relieve those sore muscles by working smaller regions or isolating specific muscle groups in your arms, legs, shoulders and back. The textured bumpy surface is by far my favourite part!
In honour of Gaiam Canada, I’m giving you a mental exercise to do every day for a whole week. Let’s call it “Gaiam Mantra Week”. You pick whichever week you would like to partake in this activity. But if you decide to commit, do it for the whole week straight!
What is a mantra anyways?
“A mantra is nothing more than a collection of words strung together to create a positive effect. In Sanskrit, ‘man’ means ‘mind’ and ‘tra’ means ‘freeing.’ So a mantra is a phrase that is designed to free the mind. Mantras accomplish this objective in a very powerful way.” – From the book, “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.”
Here’s how it works. I will give you a mantra for each day of the week. It’s up to you how you use this daily mantra but it MUST be used in some way. You are to embrace it fully, say it out loud at yourself in the mirror in the morning, whisper it to a loved one, write it down – whatever floats your boat. Just make sure that it sticks and allows for the self-love to flow. This week will change you if you let it, I promise.
Day 1: Today is my opportunity to start fresh.
Day 2: I am true to myself without worrying about what others might think.
Day 3: I choose courage.
Day 4: No dream is too big for me. I have the drive and the courage to make it happen.
Day 5: I dare to DO what I have never done before.
Day 6: Happiness is within me.
Day 7: I am not afraid to let go of what no longer serves me.
One of Wellness Sisters, Sandra Chabot, made a big difference late last year by handing out these inspiring messages at a charitable event. I wanted to share her personal mantras with you for this life-changing week. So, as much as I would love to take credit for these beautiful words, they’re not mine.
Health comes from working on the inside and out. Take the time to make small changes because one day you’ll realize that they can actually have a big impact. Mind, body, soul – Everything is connected.
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Photos: Gaiam Canada & FASHIONIGHTS
HUGE thanks to Barre3 for the amazing fitness class and for allowing us use their beautiful space to take these photos.