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!

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. 

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!

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.

Join us in celebrating National Fitness Month with our weekly blogs focused on all things fitness! Discover the wilder side of fitness trends! From animal yoga to competitive walking, aerial yoga to parkour, and even retro rollerskating, break out of your fitness routine and dive into the exciting world of unconventional workouts. Shake up your exercise regimen this National Fitness Month and find your new favorite way to stay active. Ready to embrace the adventure? Explore our Western’s unique fitness classes and personal training options today.

Join us in celebrating National Fitness Month with our weekly blogs focused on building a fitness community! Discover the science-backed benefits of exercising with friends, find your fitness squad at Western, and learn 6 ways to connect with like-minded individuals. From group fitness classes to social events, we've got you covered in fostering positive connections for a healthier, happier you. Let's crush those fitness goals together!

Learn how to listen to your body's signals and avoid overtraining with our comprehensive guide. Discover the signs that indicate it's time for a break, along with practical strategies to prevent overtraining and prioritize recovery. From incorporating active recovery days to seeking support from professionals, Western is here to help you achieve your fitness goals safely and sustainably.

Discover simple ways to stay active throughout your day, even when the gym seems out of reach. From morning stretches to lunchtime walks, desk exercises to evening family bike rides, this guide offers practical tips to keep moving without breaking a sweat. Plus, find out how Western can help you prioritize fitness with group fitness programs, buddy support, machine mastery classes, and personalized training plans. Start investing in your health today!

Prepare for success in the Cellcom Marathon on May 19th with our top 8 tips for marathon training! From training tips and nutrition advice to mental preparation strategies, discover how to optimize your performance and conquer your next race. Plus, learn how Western's personal training and recovery services can support your journey to the finish line.

It’s FebROWary at Western and we can’t wait to show you why we love rowing! Discover the incredible benefits of this full-body workout, from engaging 86% of your muscles to its low-impact nature. Learn why rowing is efficient, safe for all fitness levels, and a perfect mental break. Join our FebROWary challenge, where Western members can win exciting prizes by logging the most meters. Find out how rowing builds a community, fosters mindfulness, and get ready to row with us this FebROWary for a chance to win a grand prize of $250 and more!

Explore 10 fresh wellness and fitness resolutions that go beyond weight loss. Learn how to cultivate a positive body image, heal your relationship with food, inject play into your fitness routine, and discover unique ways to prioritize your wellbeing. From skill-based goals to embracing innovative therapies, Western's Renew wellness space, and actionable tips for better sleep and cooking, this blog is your guide to a holistic and fulfilling approach to health in 2024. Break free from conventional resolutions and embark on a journey to a healthier, happier you with Western's expert guidance and resources.

Stay fit and festive this holiday season with our top tips! Embrace indulgence, prioritize wellbeing, set realistic goals, plan strategically, practice mindful eating, and enjoy outdoor activities. Discover a holistic approach to maintaining your fitness journey amid the holiday hustle. Let’s sleigh the season together!