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!

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. 

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!

Explore the world of energy work at Renew. Discover how these ancient practices can enhance your well-being, reduce stress, and promote overall health. Learn about the benefits, what to expect in a session, and how energy work can be a valuable part of your wellness journey.

Discover the unexpected health benefits of saunas and steam rooms beyond just relaxation. Learn how these heat therapies improve detoxification, circulation, muscle relaxation, skin health, and mental wellness. Whether you're a seasoned sweat enthusiast or new to the heat, explore five ways saunas and steam rooms can enhance your fitness and wellness routine. Then head over to Western for your next steam room or sauna sesh!

Explore advanced meditation techniques beyond mindfulness. Discover the benefits and practices of SKY meditation, mantra meditation, walking meditation, and chakra meditation. Find the right style for your personal growth and learn when to choose guided versus unguided sessions. Dive deeper into your meditation journey with us!

May is National Women’s Health Month, so we’re rounding out our final blog of the month with some health and nutrition tips and facts specific to women’s hormone health. Western’s Registered Dietitian Callie and hormone-specialized personal trainer Ally collaborated to bring you the best tips and recipes for managing healthy hormone levels. Keep reading to learn more the different hormones you should know about and how they affect you in different stages of life.

The truth is, if you want to get the most out of your workouts, recovery is a must and even leads to faster progress. Think of your body like a sports car. Would you drive it hard every single day without ever stopping for maintenance or refueling? Probably not. Your body needs the same level of care and attention. While pushing your limits in the gym is great for your mind and body, it’s equally as important to make time to repair and rejuvenate.

Learn the art of meditation and find tranquility amidst life's whirlwind with these beginner-friendly meditation techniques in the first of our meditation series of blogs. Explore mindfulness, body scan, and loving-kindness meditations, and join our Breathwork & Meditation Workshop for guided sessions. Start your journey to inner peace today!

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!

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!

Explore holistic well-being at RENEW at Western. From cutting-edge cryotherapy to innovative light and vibration therapies, discover a range of science-based treatments tailored to nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Dive into the latest wellness services, including relaxation and compression therapy, grounding therapy, and Live O2 Contrast Adaptive Therapy. Elevate your health and embrace optimal wellness with our carefully curated services, designed to invigorate, rejuvenate, and inspire.