Blog - Freeze & Float Spa

Float Tanks For Fibromyalgia and Pain Relief

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 22:52:00 GMT

Float Tanks For Fibromyalgia Can Help Relieve Pain And Stress

Fibromyalgia is a pain condition that affects between 2 and 10% of the population in the U.S. It generally affects more women than men at a ratio of 9:1. One way to treat not only the fibromyalgia pain, but also the stress and anxiety that may accompany it is trying float tanks for fibromyalgia.

How do float tanks for fibromyalgia work?

Flotation REST (reduced environmental stimuli therapy) was developed in the 1950s by John C. Lilly, M.D. It uses a water-filled tank that is approximately the size of a bed and heated to skin temperature. The water is saturated with Epsom salts so that the patient can float without any effort.

Patients remove their clothes, enter the tank, turn off the lights, and relax. The idea is that this sensation of zero stimuli will help a person focus inward, eliminating distractions and calming the mind and body.

The Fibromyalgia Floatation Project (FFP) believes that spending an hour in a float tank will help sufferers reduce pain significantly. The project selected fibromyalgia as the condition for their case studies because the symptoms of fibromyalgia match the potential benefits of REST.

Benefits of float tanks for fibromyalgia

The benefits of float tanks for fibromyalgia have been studied for several decades. They have been shown to include the following.

Relief of stress

Thomas H. Fine, an associate professor in the department of psychiatry of the Medical College of Ohio and Roderick A. Borrie, a clinical psychologist at South Oaks Hospital in Amityville, New York, co-authored a seminal article examining the clinical effects of REST on the stress response.

They identified blood pressure, cortisol production, and muscle activity as key indicators of stress in the body. Their findings indicated that cortisol production decreased during floatation REST sessions and that:

“[There exists] the possibility of a resetting of the regulatory mechanism of cortisol across sessions. Furthermore, cortisol, which has received more attention than the other hormones [in its role as an indicator of stress], and blood pressure, have been shown to maintain the REST effect after cessation of repeated REST sessions (Turner & Fine, 1983). This phenomenon suggests that the REST effect may be more than a simple, immediately reversible response.”

Alleviation of depression and anxiety

Float tanks for fibromyalgia have been shown to alleviate depression and anxiety with the mood elevation effects of deep relaxation. Fine and Borrie found that the effects were most pronounced when flotation REST was utilized in conjunction with other forms of counseling.

They caution, however, that severely depressed patients may need close monitoring due to the sometimes obsessive nature of thinking that can occur in the flotation tank.

Promotion of better, more restful sleep

Relaxation alone equals better, more restful sleep, and the deep relaxation of float tanks for fibromyalgia can help. Many fibromyalgia patients also suffer from restless leg syndrome, so getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult.

Since fatigue can exacerbate symptoms of fibromyalgia, the sleep-promoting deep relaxation can be a vital benefit of flotation REST.

Pain relief

Perhaps one of the most important benefits of float tanks for fibromyalgia is relief from pain. Fine and Borrie noted that:

“Flotation REST can have an important role at several stages of the pain management process. By reducing both muscle tension and pain in a relatively short time and without effort on the part of the patient, flotation provides a dramatic demonstration of the benefits of relaxation. Relief is immediate and, although temporary, offers promise of further relief from REST and other relaxation-based strategies.”

Many patients who have dealt with fibromyalgia for a long period of time give up hope for new treatments. When they realize that float tanks can help manage pain, their mental outlook may change and they may be more confident in their treatment plan.

Relief of muscle tightness

The stiffness and muscle tightness of fibromyalgia can be addressed by float tanks. A small 2012 study found that pain due to tightness of muscles was decreased significantly after just three sessions in the float tanks.

The pain-relieving effects lasted for a significant period after the treatment, which also helped to alleviate mood and make the study participants more hopeful. This increased optimism translates into better opportunities for successful treatment all around.

Corrects magnesium deficiency

Magnesium is essential to over 300 functions in the body, but people in the U.S. are chronically lacking in this important mineral. Transdermal supplementation of magnesium is the most effective delivery system. Fibromyalgia sufferers may have a magnesium deficiency that actually causes or contributes to their pain.

The magnesium solution in fibromyalgia float tanks can be absorbed through the skin. This helps to alleviate that deficiency without taking additional supplements. This can be a benefit to patients who have difficulty taking pills or who simply don’t want to take anything else.

Performance improvements

While not directly related to fibromyalgia, float tanks can also have some performance benefits.

Researchers Oshin Vartanian of the University of Toronto and Peter Suedfeld of the University of British Columbia found that musicians who floated in the tank for one hour per week for four weeks showed better technical ability at the end of the research. The researchers compared two-minute recordings before and after from the study participants and the control group. They found “a significant difference between the treatment and comparison groups on technical ability, but not on any other dimension.”

When float tanks are combined with positive imagery, athletic performance also improved without any other adjustments to amount or duration of practice. Simply floating in the tank and allowing the body and mind to fully relax seems to be what athletes need to recharge and regroup.

Float tank testimonials from fibromyalgia patients

The Fibromyalgia Flotation Project was designed for patients and interested medical professionals to test the efficacy of flotation REST treatments for fibromyalgia specifically. Two patients in particular are highlighted on their website.

Tina suffered from pain and bruising as a lasting reminder of a car accident in 1998 but couldn’t figure out why she was still in so much pain. Doctors attempted to control her pain with prescription opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with disastrous results. After nearly overdosing, she finally tried flotation REST while visiting friends.

Tina describes her first experience in the tank like this:

“[It was] like stepping into a warmth that was hard to describe. I felt held, secure, safe, enveloped and surrounded by this wonderful water that was so good to feel against my painful body. I had immediate pain relief and no breakthrough pain for 17 hours after my first float.”

After seven floats, Tina puts her pain level at just 10% of what it used to be.

Float tanks improve overall quality of life

Brigitta’s fibromyalgia was not traced to any one particular incident, but the pain and dizziness made it difficult for her to really function effectively. She was unable to take pain medications because of their side effects, so she utilized acupuncture, warm baths, and exercise.

She was recruited by the Fibromyalgia Flotation Project at 70 years old and had this to say about the results:

“Flotation has made my life considerably better. I feel that it’s easier for me to take each day as it comes, which means that life gets easier. I feel much more positive and happy, and many of my friends confirm that.”

References:

The Fibromyalgia Flotation Project

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How I Fell Asleep In A Sensory Deprivation Tank

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 04:19:00 GMT

how I fell asleep in a sensory deprivation tank

Written by: Kelsey Marie on August 31, 2019

Full disclosure: prior to my first “float session,” I spent 45 minutes sweating out heavy metals and non-mindful thoughts in an infrared LED sauna at Freeze and Float Spa , a boutique wellness spa in downtown Chicago. By the end of my sweat session, I was already pleasantly relaxed and and well on my way to rejuvenation. Part of me just wanted to go home and melt into my 5-inch-thick, memory foam mattress topper and silk pillow case (don’t hate me). The other part prided myself on trying the latest holistic health trends (see also: cryotherapy, liver detoxes, IV vitamin drips, lymphatic drainage massages) before they floated off into relative oblivion, and tonight was the night I was scheduled to check the sensory-deprivation-float-tank-experience off my list.

The basic idea of floating in a sensory deprivation or isolation tank is simple: minimizing or completely removing the sensory input to the brain creates a deep state of mental tranquility and physical relaxation.

Floating provides an easier-to-access gateway to our deepest meditative state because it decreases our sensory input more than any other environment: sight is diminished by the darkness; weight is eliminated by the buoyancy of the salt-infused water; noise is reduced by the use of earplugs and a soundproof chamber; and smell is removed due to the enclosed and controlled nature of the space. By removing external stimuli related to gravity, light, sound, and touch, the autonomic nervous system resets, the body self-regulates, and the mind drops into its natural, stress-free state of being.

Like most first-time floaters, I was excited at the prospect of experiencing a potentially zero-gravity-like affect, but nervous about being enclosed in a small, dark space filled with water. I quickly learned that while some float sessions do occur in futuristic-looking tanks, (unfortunately portrayed as coffin-like pods on The Simpsons episode “ Make Room for Lisa ,”) float sessions at Freeze and Float Spa occur in a serene chamber that felt more like a bathtub in a small closet.

Now, let me address the underlying source of apprehension about floating —it’s not claustrophobia or drowning — it’s lack of control. I’m here to tell you that no matter the style of the tank, you are always in control of the float session. You can enter and exit the tank at your leisure. You can leave the door completely closed or partially open. You can keep the lights on, off, or dimmed. In other words —a “correct” float session is the set-up that makes you feel most comfortable.

The owner of Freeze and Float Spa , Karolina Stojanovic , walked me through the basic process of floating: remove clothes and jewelry; wash hair and body; dry face and ears; insert wax earplugs; cover any wounds with vaseline; enter float chamber (in my birthday suit); choose to keep door open a bit or closed; lower body into skin-temperature water; position supportive foam cutouts beneath head and knees; adjust music and lights to preferred setting (I opted for silence and dimmed, star-like lights); try to float for the full 60 minutes; shower to rinse off salt water and pre-enlightenment folly, then perhaps return to life feeling a little calmer, a little more connected to your higher Self.

Early on, even though I knew the epson salt water coupled with the foam cutouts behind my head and knees were enough to keep me floating, my body still wouldn’t relax into their supportive holds. Karolina had told me the first few minutes of my float might entail a tightening in areas of my body that needed the most “unknotting.” This would be an indication these areas (read: neck and shoulders) would initially resist relaxing, but eventually “twitch” or “pop” and release any built-up tension. My neck did indeed crack a few times, but I was still far from a spiritual, let alone intense, relaxed experience. Expectations truly have a way of ruining things.

I tried focusing on my breathing and the twinkling constellations on the chamber ceiling, but neither my conscious mind nor physical body was prepared to release their “unknotted” grasp on control. So I tried a different approach — a relaxation technique I recite to help my yoga students while easing into shavasana, the final resting or “corpse” pose of a practice. Starting at my feet, I politely told my body to please relax its toes and arches; then its ankles; then its calves and shins. Slowly, I worked my way up through my body, breathing deeply into each place of tension. Finally, I asked my body to relax its jaw, eyelids, and forehead (you’d be surprised how often you unknowingly scrunch your forehead muscles).

I couldn’t tell you how long it took for my body to become one with the water or my mind to become one with the present moment, but at some glorious point it happened. I know this because transcendental-like music began playing and jolted me back to reality and out of my semi-sleep, semi-awake state. Next, a soothing voice played over the chamber speakers to inform me that my session was complete.

The next few moments were a dream-like haze. I struggled to sit up in the chamber because my body felt warm and heavy. My eyelids slowly opened and closed as if searching for visual confirmation that this reality was indeed the final phase of tonight’s holistic health experiment.

Was it really over? What time was it? Did I fall asleep?

While showering to rinse the salt water from my body, I pleasantly realized I would’ve enjoyed more time in the chamber. An hour ago, I would’ve told you a 60 minute session was too long, yet, here I was feeling like a newly-enlightened woman who understood why the wisest of floaters prefer 90 minute sessions.

While I like to think floating will be most enjoyable when it unfolds naturally, without thought or direction, I was guilty of expecting my first session to be a completely distraction-free opportunity to meditate — I intended to visualize a future in which I was happy, healthy, and free from the stress of living with a chronic illness. Instead, I found myself falling asleep which was an outcome that brought even greater joy because insomnia has been one of my worst Lyme disease symptoms.

While my deep belly breathing practice allows equal time to breathe in and out (ideally 5-6 breaths per minute), helping to temporarily dissipate stress from my body, I was looking for a restorative experience that would reap in-the-moment-benefits, as well as post-experience relief from my state of chronic stress. The fact that I fell asleep was HUGE. This might not sound shocking coming from someone who requires a daily nap, but the fact that my subconscious mind felt “safe” enough to slip into a snooze fest while floating in a few inches of water was a win that would be written, highlighted, and circled in my gratitude journal.

If someone like me whose body is in a frequent fight or flight response could ease into a truly relaxed state of being during my very first float session, I bet the odds are in your favor to also feel wonderfully calm and centered, both physically and mentally. The more you float, the easier it becomes to turn down or even turn “off” the sensory inputs to our brain that provide content for an endless commentary on everything we should be doing, thinking, and feeling. The more you float, the easier it is to just be.

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Freeze & Float Chicago

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 03:30:00 GMT

Freeze and Float Spa in Downtown Chicago

Come visit our downtown Chicago freeze and float wellness spa. We also provide IV therapy in downtown Chicago along with massages, vitamin shots, cold plunges and more.

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WheelHouse Ep #55 Podcast

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 03:00:00 GMT

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The Benefits of Flotation Therapy

Sat, 18 May 2019 15:11:00 GMT

Some people are startled by the idea of floatation therapy. It originated back in 1954 in a lab that was doing research on sensory deprivation. The whole concept of sensory deprivation is to deprive the body of every single little distraction, including our sense of touch, so that the mind can be completely alone with its thoughts. Seems pretty simple right? Since the 1970’s, it began to grow into a popular avenue of alternative therapy, and a safe place to find solace within a busy life style. Plus, it has also proved to have an abundance of health benefits. But what is it about this form of therapy that can be so alarming for some folks?

How Does Flotation Therapy Work?

Floatation therapy starts with a tank of water. It’s only a foot deep and is controlled to be the exact temperature of your skin, so the water feels warm but does not heat the body. Also, one tank of water (200 gallons) contains 1,200 lbs. of Epsom salt. While the salt manages to keep you afloat, it also has some fantastic benefits for the skin and body. Of course, it exfoliates your skin, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties, and speeds up the healing of injuries. How can you say no to that?! You lay in the tank for 60 minutes. The water makes you feel weightless, as if you were drifting through space with no gravity. While you have the option to have soft light and meditation music in the tank, the true magic happens with no light or sound, a complete deprivation of the senses. This is usually what some people find to be a bit scary, since our world is built to consume us in distractions and stressors. But, this time in the tank can be absolutely essential to both our physical and mental health, and it allows us to be more intentional about our time, and attention.

The Benefits

So what are the real benefits of flotation therapy? Well, physically, it operates as many other therapy practices do, by allowing the muscles to completely relax. But, it also increases blood flow, which causes the brain to release endorphins, thus improving your overall mood and attitude. As for the mental benefits, it’s hard to know where to begin! One fun fact is that 60 minutes in the tank is equivalent to about 4-8 hours of deep sleep, powering up the body and mind in just one short hour. Also, by depriving the body of all stimulation, the mind is able to slow down, and enter a new meditative ground where it can become completely aware of its own consciousness. This is something that our busy lives do not allow us the time to do, especially in the technological world that we currently live in. However, it is imperative for the mind to be alone with its thoughts in order to do the emotional repair that it requires and deserves. The mind is then able to form a new connection with itself, in turn, allowing you to have more control over your daily mood and decision-making. This leads to reduced stress and anxiety, improved attention to tasks, and overall, a more balanced life.

References

Brooks, K. (2013) The History of Flotation Therapy, 1954 to Today. Retrieved from http://northwestfloatcenter.com/the-history-of-flotation-therapy-from-1954-to-today/

CBS This Morning (2018) How Sensory Deprivation and Floating Impacts the Brain. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCjmRCywkZg&t=316s

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Whatever Floats Your Boat by Dr. Kiarra King

Thu, 18 Apr 2019 20:48:00 GMT

How often do we really, truly detach? I’m talking NO interactions with people, pets, phones, TVs and whatever other devices you can name. What if I told you that you could completely detach from it ALL? How would experiencing compete weightlessness, by floating on ONE THOUSAND pounds of epsom salt dissolved in water, in a private suite sound? Even further, if I told you you could achieve a state of relaxation like no other AND comfort tired, tense and sore muscles would your interest be peaked? If you’re like me you probably are thinking “sign me up”! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I have a special offer, just keep reading until the end!

When I had the opportunity to partner with Freeze and Float Spa I couldn’t wait for my chance at this experience. I told the co-owner Karolina that I literally NEVER detach. I’m always on the go, doctoring, blogging, momming and the list goes on. We all know that living like the energizer bunny can eventually catch up with us, so I try to insert some self care into my routine as often as possible. Now I’m not of the philosophy that self care is this one size fits all monolith. What my self care looks like may be completely different that someone else’s and that’s OK! What’s most important is that we recognize the need to prioritize our mental, physical and emotional well beings over the needs of others; as the old adage says you can’t pour from an empty cup!

I recently had my first Freeze and Float experience! Let me tell you, everything from start to finish was impeccable. The spa, which opened in early March of this year, is located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Upon entering the space, the atmosphere is serene with neutral, modern decor. The spacious location boasts 5 private floatation suites, an infrared sauna, a cryotherapy suite, a private esthetics suite, a tea room and a beauty bar to refresh after your float! Keep reading for a play by play of my experience! My sister Ashieka tagged along, cause you know the more the merrier!

1) CRYOTHERAPY
To begin our experience, it was recommended that we start with the cryotherapy chamber. I know what you’re thinking, how is freezing my tail off supposed to help me relax?! Some of the benefits of cryotherapy include reduced joint pain, better sleep patterns and promotion of weight loss; up to 800 calories in a single session. To read more about benefits of cryotherapy click here. Each session is 3 minutes which is the equivalent of sitting in an ice bath for 1 hour! For those of you who are athletes, I’m sure you can remember many days post practice with extremities submerged in ice baths. While in the chamber gloves and special socks are worn to prevent frostbite. I also wore my swimsuit and handed off my robe just prior to the treatment cycle starting. Y’all, it gets COLD; like Chiberia February 2019 cold but you can do anything for 3 minutes right? I didn’t feel any immediate effects, other than cold lol but here’s to hoping I burned 800 calories!

3) FLOATATION THERAPY
After relaxing in the sauna, I was excited about going to float! I’ve never been to the Dead Sea but would imagine the state of weightlessness achieved, while floating, would be similar. Each floating suite has an ante room that houses an oversized stand up shower, and a stand for toiletries and towels. The spa provides ear plugs designed to keep water out of the ears, towels, head rests that can be used while floating and more. A shower immediately before you float will ensure any body oils are removed, while one immediately after will rinse away all of the salt from your skin and hair. During your float, you can completely customize your experience. You can have meditation music, soothing blue lights, a twinkle ceiling or you can completely deprive all of your senses and be without sound and light. There’s no right or wrong way to float. Also since each session lasts 60 minutes you can do a combination and find what you prefer. You can also try floating in different positions including on your side and stomach.

I know you’re wondering, who, when and why? So, anyone can float, even babies and children with parental supervision of course! Also, pregnant mommas you too can float! You can float as often as once a week to as little as once every few months. In fact, one could float everyday if desired. Floating has so many benefits; just the ability to completely detach from all external stimuli is one. Aside from that, relief from injuries, joint/muscle pain and stress are benefits experienced by some. “This form of relaxation ushers in the half-awake, half-dreaming Theta state, where meditation, healing, rest, creativity and emotional rejuvenation thrive.” Karolina explained that some leave their session with heightened awareness and loads of ideas. Ashieka brainstormed an entire business concept after her float!! I felt super relaxed and noticed smells were more intense. I had already decided I would be incorporating floating into my routine regularly.

4) TEA AND BEAUTY
After all of that R&R there’s nothing like a hot cup of tea. The tea room is relaxing and adjacent to the floatation suites and a meditation space. Dim lighting, a variety of self serve teas and reading material make this space the perfect place to wind down. You can also extend your stay by booking a customized skin treatment, with the on site esthetician, in a private suite.

Sadly, all good things come to an end but Freeze and Float has left no stone unturned! Their beauty bar is just the spot to wrap up your visit. Hair products, blow dryers and skin creams are available for guests.

Needless to say, I’ll be back. I think incorporating this into my routine will force me to detach on a more consistent basis. If you are looking to add to your self care routine, I would highly recommend Freeze and Float. They have some amazing packages for those who desire to integrate floating. Get ready for an experience like no other. I’m already planning my next visit! Also you can use code DRKIARRA for 10% off the services you book! Have you ever done floatation therapy before? Let me know in the comments.

As always, thanks for following and be well!

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Once Upon a Dollhouse – Freeze and Float

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 20:29:00 GMT

Whether spending time with family and friends or buried in work – the constant ebb and flow of life keeps all Dolls busy. Caitlin and Danielle have learned to go with this constant flow, and most recently are learning to float. That’s right… float. Caitlin and Danielle have been curious about the benefits of flotation therapy, so the two frolicked off to Freeze and Float to discover how their offerings can help rebalance your life.

The first rule of kindness is to be kind to yourself. Let’s get real . We all get stressed, we all put pressure on ourselves and we all have others that rely on us. Whether it’s growing a business , starting a new relationship, planning a wedding , moving, starting a family – the only constant in life is change. Throughout all this change we must remain true to ourselves…. and the best way to do that is to MAKE TIME for ourselves.

From the moment we walked into Freeze & Float, we immediately felt like we were transported to a zen paradise. This unique spa was created by wife and husband duo – who have a yin and yang relationship that is close to our hearts! Karolina spent most of her career as a Doctor of Pharmacy and understands the care that people need, while her husband, Mladen, spent most of his career as an athlete who needs the type of care their facility now provides.

Here is the order we experienced it all: Freeze, Infrared Sauna, Float and Facial.

Freeze: The Cryosauna chamber was one of the most interesting experiences we have had to date! After they get the chamber cooled, you step in and remove your robe so you are totally nude with your head peaking out. Whole Body Cryotherapy is the process of using liquid nitrogen to hyper cool the body for 3-minutes in temperatures f -90 Celsius (-130F) to -120 Celsius (-184F). Cryotherapy is known to provides natural healing and wellness, supporting our philosophy of total body-care. Anyone can enjoy this type of treatment from professional athletes to our wellness-conscious Dolls. For the 3 minutes you spin in slow circles and feel the chill!

Infrared Sauna: This looks and feels much like the usual sauna you may have experienced at a spa or gym but is more advanced for detoxing, healing, and relaxation. The heat from infrared saunas uses infrared light to heat the body directly rather than the air-like traditional saunas. Gently increasing your body’s core temperature, the infrared heat penetrates 2-3 inches deep into the body’s tissue. This results in a more detoxifying sweat from the cellular level of the skin where many toxins are housed.

Float: And now for our favorite part! The luxury flotation suites offer an experience unlike any other. The water temperature is matched to skin temperature, helping you lose perception of where your body ends and the water begins. And the 1,000 pounds of Epson Salt water helps you to effortlessly float. It is not a capsule that closes over you but a room that feels like a personal oasis. You have the options to light up the ceiling above you with stars or keep the room dark. You also have the option to listen to spa music or float in silence… You can try both to discover which you prefer. We recommend using a meditation technique or repeating a mantra while you float. The therapy is an 60 minutes long and after 40 minutes -you become weightless in the water and even have moments where you feel like you’re floating in outer space. This form of relaxation ushers in the half-awake, half-dreaming Theta state, where meditation, healing, rest, creativity and emotional rejuvenation thrive.

Skin Care: Facials, peels, waxing and much more…Marina is the skincare expert at the spa and she offers an array of services. She is very knowledgable and we immediately felt at ease in her practice. We experienced the cryofacial and it was just lovely. She knows what she is doing… Use this link for pricing and details.

Treating your body with care will not only boost your self love , it will boost your energy and your mood! For us, that means that we nourish our bodies with organic foods, work out often, get facials , practice yoga , and now.. float! Freeze & Float is located at 371 W. Ontario Street in River North. Call (312) 809-7008 to make your appointment!

Would you try any of these treatments? Tell us in the comments!

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Monday Funday – 26 and Not Counting

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 20:50:00 GMT

Helloooo, Monday! The days getting longer has been giving me new life and the sunshine has been so good for my mood. I’m ready for spring-like weather to stick around though!

I had a really good week/end! I went roller skating with my friends at Off the Street Club for Third Thursdays and loved seeing all their friendly faces. Friday I had a girls’ day with my friend Kaitlyn and took her to her first Ethos class and I swear it was the hardest one I’ve taken to date (will I ever stop saying that?!), but she’s hooked and I’m excited to have another friend to workout with there! After we gathered ourselves, we grabbed a quick breakfast at Beatrix before heading to Freeze & Float in River North. They invited us in to try out their cryotherapy chamber (I’ve done this a handful of times before!) and flotation therapy, the latter of which was wild. I spent an uninterrupted hour in a float tank and checked out from everything. I think I finally got myself into a true meditative state. It wasn’t for long, but my mind felt so at ease. Blank, even, but in a good way? I tried to articulate it on my Instagram stories , but I’m clearly still not there haha. If you’ve been thinking of trying it out for yourself, I would say do it!

We celebrated my friend Stephanie’s birthday on Saturday night and then after a workout on Sunday morning, we had a little Sunday Funday at Happy Camper for Bingo. If you haven’t been before, you must! It’s a $10 donation (which goes to the charity of the week) and the announcer does the MOST during the whole thing. I guess if you’re easily offended, it might not be for you, but I personally think he’s hilarious and makes the whole experience that much more fun.

There’s still room in the free yoga class I’m hosting at Athleta on April 10th! I’m really excited to meet some of you that I’ve been chatting on Instagram with for what feels like forever now. And there are going to be some really great giveaways up for grabs! (Think free eyebrow shaping and facials from Channing’s Studio & Spa and tights from Athetla!)

I hope this round-up of links helps to get you through your Monday!

Song of the week: The Bones by Maren Morris. Turn it up and listen as you browse ???? I’m obsessed with this song from her and can’t stop with RSVP, either! She’s been featured alongside so many of my favorite artist’s songs, but I’ve never listened to her music alone.

LINKS I’VE LOVED LATELY:

Alright, that’s all I’ve got for now! I’ll be sharing in real-time over on Instagram stories this week, so be sure to follow along there.

Photo by Hannah Schweiss Photography

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