At this point, most of us know that exercise is about so much more than just keeping our bodies in shape. If you’ve ever left the gym feeling happier than when you arrived, noticed better quality of sleep on the days you exercise, or felt a little sharper back at the office after a lunch break workout, then you’ve experienced some of those mental benefits. In fact, decades of research across the globe have shown that exercise has a profound effect on the brain.

By now, all of us have heard about Pilates (and if you haven’t, where were you in the mid-2000s!?).

At its core (get it?), Pilates is a holistic workout that emphasizes stability, strength, flexibility, and mindful breathing. Its main focus is to help you improve flexibility, build strength, and enhance overall body control and endurance.

While traditional Pilates often involves the use of equipment like the reformer—a machine with a sliding platform, springs, straps, and pulleys—there’s a simpler way to experience these benefits.

Which brings us to Pilates Human Reformer!

The birds are chirping, the sun is shining (well, sometimes), and the snow piles are finally melting—spring is officially making its way to Wisconsin! While we love seeing you crush it in class, dominate on the courts, and lift heavy in the Strength Studio, we also know that after a long winter, there’s nothing better than getting outside for some fresh air and much-needed Vitamin D. So, as the temperatures rise and the sun sticks around a little longer, here are some fun, fresh ways to get moving outside this spring!

February is American Heart Month, which is the perfect time to remind ourselves of how important heart health is! Your heart works hard for you. Every second of every day, it keeps you moving, lifting, playing, and living. But did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women? In fact, about 1 in every 5 deaths in the United States is caused by heart disease! 

Luckily, heart disease is largely preventable with the right habits. Exercise, nutrition, stress management, and recovery all play a huge role in keeping your heart strong, and you can start building heart-healthy habits into your lifestyle no matter where you are in your health and fitness journey. 

Whether you’re a cardio junkie, a healthy food nut, or just a reformed couch potato looking to improve your health, there are tons of ways to work towards a healthier heart.

February is the month of love, and while chocolates and roses are great, the best way to show your love might just be by sweating it out at the gym side by side. Working out with your partner isn’t just a great way to spend time together—it can actually make you both happier and healthier. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that couples who exercise together are more successful in reaching their health goals. Even better? They experience improved moods during their workouts, feel happier throughout the day, and report higher levels of relationship satisfaction. (That’s right—doing burpees together might actually bring you closer. Who knew?)

Discover how personal training can help you crush your fitness goals with tailored workouts, expert guidance, and surprising perks you might not expect. Find your perfect fitness partner today!

This New Year, let’s ditch the pressure of perfection and embrace a gentler approach to wellness. In this blog, we explore the power of setting intentions over making resolutions. Learn how focusing on your mindset, progress, and well-being (instead of strict goals) can help you build a healthier, more fulfilling year. Whether you’re looking to explore new fitness classes, prioritize self-care, or cultivate a deeper sense of community, Western is here to support you every step of the way. Embrace growth in 2025—the whole, messy, and beautiful journey!

Welcome to our "Staff Spotlight" series! In this collection of ongoing posts on The Western Blog, we shine a light on the incredible individuals who make Western special! From passionate trainers & instructors to knowledgeable nutritionists and tennis pros, and many other dedicated staff members, we'll introduce you to the talented team behind the scenes. Learn about their expertise and background, plus some fun facts!

The holidays are here and let’s face it—your fitness routine is competing with sugar cookies, Hallmark movies on the couch, and last-minute shopping (which might count as cardio).

That’s why we’re helping you add a little festive flair to your workouts this week! Ready to sleigh? Keep reading to get ten workout ideas that’ll have you sweating, lifting, and getting into the holiday spirit!

Happy holidays from Western! We know this season can be one of extremes. Joy, magic, memories and busyness and stress. Any disruption to our routines, even the fun holiday kind, can throw us off our games, so we asked Western team members to share their best tips and wise words for surviving and thriving during the holiday season. 

Welcome to our "Staff Spotlight" series! In this collection of ongoing posts on The Western Blog, we shine a light on the incredible individuals who make Western special! From passionate trainers & instructors to knowledgeable nutritionists and tennis pros, and many other dedicated staff members, we'll introduce you to the talented team behind the scenes. Learn about their expertise and background, plus some fun facts!

Discover the power of grounding and PEMF therapy for better health and wellness. Learn how grounding can boost mood, reduce pain, improve sleep, and support recovery. Dive into the science behind PEMF therapy and explore easy ways to get grounded—whether at Renew’s wellness center or from the comfort of home.

Explore the perfect activities for your zodiac sign at Western! In this fun romp through the cosmos, you’ll discover how each astrological sign can find their ideal path to wellness. Let the stars guide you in maximizing your experience at Western!

Welcome to our "Staff Spotlight" series! In this collection of ongoing posts on The Western Blog, we shine a light on the incredible individuals who make Western special! From passionate trainers & instructors to knowledgeable nutritionists and tennis pros, and many other dedicated staff members, we'll introduce you to the talented team behind the scenes. Learn about their expertise and background, plus some fun facts!

Discover how workplace wellness programs can benefit your business! In this blog, we explore how investing in employee well-being boosts productivity, lowers turnover, and improves your bottom line. Learn about the key components of an effective wellness program and how Western’s customizable solutions can help you build a healthier, more engaged workforce.

Welcome to our "Staff Spotlight" series! In this collection of ongoing posts on The Western Blog, we shine a light on the incredible individuals who make Western special! From passionate trainers & instructors to knowledgeable nutritionists and tennis pros, and many other dedicated staff members, we'll introduce you to the talented team behind the scenes. Learn about their expertise and background, plus some fun facts!

Welcome to our "Staff Spotlight" series! In this collection of ongoing posts on The Western Blog, we shine a light on the incredible individuals who make Western special! From passionate trainers & instructors to knowledgeable nutritionists and tennis pros, and many other dedicated staff members, we'll introduce you to the talented team behind the scenes. Learn about their expertise and background, plus some fun facts!

Yeah, those glamor muscles look amazing in the mirror, but do they really matter if you can't bend down to tie your shoes? In this blog, you'll learn how focusing on functional movements when you exercise can improve the tasks of day-to-day life and prevent injuries, especially as you age. Explore how personal training, group classes, and gym workouts at Western can help you build strength and stability for a healthier, more active lifestyle.

September is right around the corner, and it's the perfect time to build or rebuild a fitness routine. In this blog, we’ll explore why September is the ideal time to embrace new fitness goals. Discover how you can make the most of the seasonal transition and set yourself up for a successful fitness journey. Whether you’re a new member or already part of the Western community, we have special offers to help you get started.

Welcome to our "Staff Spotlight" series! In this collection of ongoing posts on The Western Blog, we shine a light on the incredible individuals who make Western special! This week we’re doing something a little different and featuring former Western barre instructor Lisa Pritzl! Though Lisa no longer teaches Barre at Western, we wanted to shine a light on the 5-year anniversary of her Empowered by Movement dance program, which she teaches at Western every Tuesday afternoon.