Portabello-Tofu Stir-Fry

@RedMountainSpa #recipe

Marinade Ingredients:
2 Portabello Mushrooms, stemmed
1/4 C Firm Tofu
1 T Sesame Oil
1 t Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce
1 t Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 t Minced Ginger Root
pinch Crushed Red Pepper

Stir-Fry Ingredients:
Sesame Oil, enough to coat pan
1 T Minced Ginger Root
1 t Minced Garlic
1 T Broccoli Florets
1 T Sliced Water Chestnuts
4 ears Baby Corn
1 T Bamboo Shoots
1 T Red Bell Pepper, sliced or julienned
1 t Carrot, julienned
to taste Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce
2 T Bean Sprouts

Directions for Marinating the Portabellos & Tofu

• Combine sesame oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, fresh ginger and crushed red pepper to make a marinade for portabellos and tofu.


• Marinate mushrooms and tofu separately for about 15 minutes, then drain excess marinade.

Stir-Frying & Seasoning the Vegetables:

• Pre-heat wok or sauté pan; add enough sesame oil to coat.


• When oil begins to smoke, sauté fresh ginger until it begins to brown; add garlic and continue to sauté until garlic just begins to brown.


• Add all veggies (except for bean sprouts) and sauté until broccoli begins to soften, then add tofu and mushrooms.


• Season with lite soy sauce or Bragg's Liquid Aminos. (If you want more ginger flavor, the taste can be adjusted by adding more sautéed fresh ginger or ground dry ginger).


• Add bean sprouts just before removing from heat so they stay nice and crisp.


• Plate and serve.

Between "No Longer" & "Not Yet"

@RedMountainSpa
By Life Coach Cindy Clemens

Recently I listened to a CD of Joan Borysenko’s in which she was describing being “between no longer and not yet” to describe how it feels when we leave behind what is not working in our lives and are waiting for a new path or goal to materialize. This really resonated with me. I have been there, and I know it can be a challenging, frustrating and even dark time. Although we may be tempted to turn around and go back to "no longer," that is not really even an option. If we try and go back, it will feel as if we are putting on clothes that no longer fit. The poor fit will be an obvious and constant reminder that we need to move forward. The challenge is to accept our time in the space between "no longer" and "not yet" and allow the next chapter of life to unfold. Here is what I have learned about making it through these life layovers.

First, it does help to acknowledge that you are in this space – one foot out of your old life and not clear about how the new life will look and feel. Just being able to say – “I am between no longer and not yet” reminds you that you are progressing toward a destination. You’ve had the courage to identify what needs to change and are committed to creating a life that better serves you. It also allows you to voice what you are experiencing and share it with others. You will be surprised how much other people will understand and have their own stories about this unsettling but critical time in life. Knowing you are not alone and hearing how this phase is a normal part of the growth process allows you to relax, take a deep breath, and know this too shall pass.

Second, keep a record of your “ah-ha” moments that led you to decide you needed to make a change and explore new life options. You can do this in a journal, notebook or computer file. Review these memories when you are feeling weak, confused and tempted to go back to no longer. They will speak to your heart and reconnect you with your wise, inner voice.

Finally, try and remember to enjoy all aspects of the journey, even the times that feel unsettling. When I was first building my coaching practice, I had quite a bit of free time. Friends would call for an impromptu hike or to play golf and I had the time and could say yes. My judgment committee tried to tell me I did not deserve to play if my business was not yet fully developed. I remember telling myself to stop listening to that nonsense, that there would come a time when my work would be plenty full and I would long for time to be able to play with my friends. I reminded myself to enjoy this early phase of building my business. Now that I am quite a bit busier and often have to decline my friends’ invitations, I chuckle and am glad I did enjoy those times when I could say yes to them. Every phase of life can be savored if we learn to trust that we are exactly where we are supposed to be. And, sometimes we are supposed to be between "no longer" and "not yet!"

Brûlé Banana Split

@RedMountainSpa #recipe

Banana Split Ingredients:
½ Banana
1 t Brown Sugar
1 T Fresh Berries
1 T Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
1 T Fruit Sorbet
1 T Chocolate Sauce
1 T Agave Caramel Sauce
1 T Raspberry-Pomegranate Coulis (recipe below)

Raspberry-Pomegranate Coulis Ingredients:
6 T Raspberries, frozen
1 T Pomegranate Juice
1 T Fructose

Banana Split Directions:

• Peel and quarter banana lengthwise; coat with brown sugar and caramelize with a torch.


• Put two banana quarters in bowl; top with 1 TABLESPOON each vanilla bean ice cream and fruit sorbet.


• Sprinkle with fresh berries, drizzle with agave caramel, raspberry-pomegranate and chocolate sauces.

Raspberry-Pomegranate Coulis Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a small sauce pot.


• Simmer over low medium heat until all the raspberries are broken down.


• Puree and strain.

Detox the Red Mountain Way

@RedMountainSpa
By Dr. Brad Crump, Health Services Manager

There is a dramatic and powerful connection between your mind and body, and between your body and your mind. For this reason, I feel it is important to discuss the benefits of a proper detoxification program as a way to improve not just our physical health but also our emotional wellness.

The role of detoxification in reducing stress and other emotional issues is most effective if we understand the basics of detoxification, which is the process of eliminating foreign substances found in the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink. Without a properly functioning detoxification system (mainly the liver and intestinal track), these unwanted substances (ex. heavy metals) remain “stored” in our tissues such as our body fat and even our brains.

The storage of toxins can often result in many symptoms of emotional distress that according to leading physicians such as Dr. Mark Hyman are classified as “Broken Brains” when in reality they are symptoms of a “Broken Body.” These signs and symptoms are seen as depression, anxiety, stress, mood swings and memory issues, learning disabilities and Autism and ADHD in children.

A healthy detoxification program includes the following for at least thirty days:

• Eliminate refined and processed foods such as packaged foods and foods high in sugar.


• Remove from the diet foods considered inflammatory and allergenic such as gluten containing grains i.e. wheat, barley and rye.


• Eat anti-oxidant rich foods such as colorful fruits and vegetable.


• Eliminate dairy.


• Eat only small, cold water fish like salmon and sardines and avoid tuna and swordfish and other large fish due to their heavy metal levels.


• Supplement with high grade multi-vitamin.


• Consider supplementing with a medical food designed for supporting detoxification.

Fire Grilled Free Range Chicken with Wilcox Peach Relish

@RedMountainSpa #recipe

Ingredients:
4-4 oz. Boneless, skinless chicken breast (preferably organic, free-range)
1 C Achiote orange marinade (see recipe)
4 T Diced fresh peach
4 t Diced red pepper
4 t Red minced onion
1 t Fresh cilantro or basil, rinsed and chopped
1/2 t Raspberry vinegar

Achiote Orange Marinade
1 T Achiote (annato) paste
1/2 C + 2 T Orange juice
3 T Fresh lime juice
2 T Olive oil

Directions:

• Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl.


• Add chicken and marinate in refrigerator for 1 hour.


• In a small bowl, combine peaches, red peppers, cilantro, red onions and raspberry vinegar; refrigerate until needed.


• Pre-heat grill, drain excess marinade from chicken and grill until done.


• Set aside to rest.


• Pre-heat saute' pan, spray lightly with cooking spray or olive oil and when the pan just begins to smoke, saute the peach relish for approximately 1 minute.


• Serve chicken with relish spooned on top.

Yield: 4 servings (about 4 2/3 oz.each)

Heart Healthy Recipe - Bran Muffins

@RedMountainSpa #recipe

Ingredients:
6 tsp. Fructose
7 tsp. Brown Sugar, unpacked
1 3/4 Tbsp. Canola Oil
1 tsp. Honey
3 Tbsp. Applesauce, unsweetened
1 1/2 oz. Raisins
2 1/2 Tbsp. Whole Eggs
4 1/2 fl. oz. Wheat Bran
3 1/2 Tbsp. Fat-free Buttermilk
4 1/2 Tbsp. Bread Flour
1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt
1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. Baking Powder

Directions:

• Cream together Fructose, Brown Sugar and Canola Oil. Make sure there are no sugar lumps.


• To this mixture, add in Honey, Applesauce, Raisins and Eggs. Mix well.


• Add Wheat Bran, mixing well.


• Add Flour, Salt, Baking Powder, Baking Soda and Buttermilk. Mix well.


• Using a 1 oz. scoop, fill muffin pans and bake at 350 degrees for 15-17 minutes or until the muffins are fully baked.

Sunsoul Advanced Sun Protection, Sun Make-Up & After Sun Collection

@RedMountainspa
By Myrna Beardshear
Director of Spa & Wellness

This collection of retail products feature formulations exclusive to [comfort zone] and include some of the most innovative ingredients to boost sunscreen performance and add powerful anti-aging benefits. These include:

ARGAN OIL: Revered by Berber woman as the “Oil of Beauty”, Argan oil contains essential fatty acids and natural vitamin E to nourish and protect the skin against the damaging action of free radicals. The leaves of the Argan tree contain polyphenols that provide anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits

PHYTONYL: A polysaccharide that ‘quenches’ or absorbs the suns energy to prevent photo-aging and to protect the skin’s immune system. This ingredient also diminishes wrinkles during sun exposure.

NARCISSUS BULB EXTRACT: Used in the after sun products, this ingredient prolongs cellular maturation, extending the biological lifespan of the skin cell, notably improving skin elasticity and tone, and greatly diminishing wrinkle depth.

Each purchase of [comfort zone] sun soul products benefits the Arganine project, a women's project for the collection and commercialization of Argan oil a key ingredient in all sun soul products from the forests of morocco .

Argan oil is traditionally used by Berber women as an ancient beauty secret because of its high quantities of essential fatty acids, such as omega 3.
Because of socio-economic changes in morocco, and soil erosion, the Argan forests are at risk.

[comfort zone] has partnered with the Arganine project to protect these forests each year 10 argan trees are planted for each woman working in the project.

Protect Your Skin in the Winter

By Myrna Beardshear
@RedMountainSpa
Director of Spa & Wellness

Wind, cold and indoor heating during the winter can leave skin feeling parched, tight, dry and flaky. Allowing skin to become severely dry means it is less effective at providing a barrier against infection and can split and bleed, creating a greater chance for an infection.

Dry, itchy skin can be prevented with a few simple changes to a skin care routine.

Long, hot showers may make you feel warmer, but as soon as you step out of the water, your skin begins to lose moisture because hot water removes natural oil from the skin, leaving it dry and itchy. Bathe or shower in lukewarm (not hot) water and limit showers to five to ten minutes.

Within three minutes of stepping out of the shower or bath apply a cream, ointment or lotion to your damp skin. This helps to trap water in the upper skin layers and decreases dryness and itching. If you don’t want your skin to feel oily or greasy use a cream or lotion with a light texture.

Exfoliate two or three times a week to remove dry, flaky skin from the surface and allow moisturizer to penetrate better.

The most potent moisturizing treatments contain one or more of the following: botanical oils; antioxidant vitamins A,C, and E; seaweed or algae; and oxygen which helps carry nourishing agents to the skin. Vitamin-rich serums are especially effective for dry, mature facial skin. Their small molecular structure helps them penetrate the skin.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors switch to a thicker more occlusive moisturizer to prove extra protection from wind and cold. Snow can reflect more than 80 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, so be sure to always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and reapply every two hours for maximum benefit. Don’t forget to protect your lips with a lip balm of at least an SPF 15 to prevent chapped lips.

After washing hands always put on hand cream to seal-in moisture.

Remember to drink enough water during the winter months. Like the earth, our bodies are comprised of 70% water. Just as preserving our world’s bodies of water is vital to the planet’s equilibrium, maintaining ideal hydration levels in the human body is one of the simplest ways to balance the entire organism, including the skin.

Here are two home care remedies for extremely dry skin:
Gentle yogurt and aloe cleanser:
2 T fresh plain yogurt
2 T aloe gel

Warm you hands under running water and then gently massage the mixture onto the skin. Remove with a clean washcloth and pat dry.

Follow with this healing mask:
Combine one tablespoon of honey and one teaspoon of wheat germ oil with a beaten egg yolk. Whip the mixture into two tablespoons of powdered milk or one tablespoon of fresh, whole milk. Apply to clean skin and leave on for 20 minutes. Remove gently with tepid water.

Fragrance & Travel

By Myrna Beardshear
@RedMountainSpa
Director of Spa & Wellness

Jet lag and other problems encountered while traveling and changing time zones can leave you feeling bad for days and missing out on enjoying your precious vacation days. Some of the problems that traveling can present are sleeping difficulties, being alert and focused in meetings and digestive problems. Nasal congestion and headaches are also common for travelers.

An aromatherapy treatment is known to help with these problems. A genuine aromatherapy treatment consisting of pressure point massage working over the autonomic nervous system helps to regulate the body systems and having an aromatherapy treatment before and after a trip is a great way to help your body adjust.

There are several aromatherapy treatments that you can do at home or in the comfort of your hotel room.

To help you sleep: Relax in a warm bath after adding a few drops of vetivert and chamomile essential oils. Soak and inhale the aroma.

Circulation and swollen ankles: Remember to drink lots of water on your flight, walk whenever possible, avoid caffeine and alcohol and exercise your feet and ankles while you are sitting. When you reach your destination blend some essential oils of citrus with juniper oil (a good diuretic) into a vegetable oil. Massage your feet and legs and lie down with your feet raised.

Headaches: Traveling with a small bottle of lavender essential oil is a wonderful way to treat headaches. I always travel with a small washcloth and when I have a headache a soak it in cold water and sprinkle a few drops of Lavender on it. Place on the forehead or the back of the neck and relax.

Nasal Congestion: Sprinkle a few drops of Eucalyptus oil on a tissue and inhale. The bonus is that Eucalyptus is an antibacterial agent and using it will probably help to fight off some of those awful bugs present in recirculated airplane air.

When you need to wake up and focus try a shower or bath with essential oils of rosemary before going to your meeting.

De-Frizz your Hair

@RedMountainSpa

Does the dry, winter air make your hair a frizzy mess? The natural recipe below from Healing Lifestyles is sure to give you beautiful locks.

Ingredients
• 1 ripe banana, peeled
• 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
• 1/2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Directions

• Mash banana very well with a fork or spoon. Add sunflower oil and lime juice. Mix until well-blended.


• Thirty minutes before your shower, massage the mixture into dry hair and scalp and comb through to distribute it evenly.


• After a half hour, shampoo out the mixture using a mild shampoo, rinse thoroughly, then enjoy your hair's healthy sheen.

Heart Healthy Recipe - Turkey Sage Sausage Patties

Ingredients:
2 lbs. Turkey, ground
1/4 lb. Onion, chopped
2 tsp. Sage, ground
Pinch Salt
Pinch Pepper

Directions:

• Mix all ingredients.


• Divide into 1 1/3 oz portions. (The patties will cook down to 1 oz. each.)


• Shape into patties.


• Cook on the grill or in a non-stick skillet.

[comfort zone] at Red Mountain

@RedMountainSpa
By Myrna Beardshear
Director of Spa & Wellness

After almost two years of a long extensive search of nearly global proportions, Red Mountain Spa appointed [comfort zone] of Parma, Italy as the core product and treatment line at Red Mountain. The introduction of the line was made in conjunction with the opening of the chic, new Sagestone Spa in January 2006.

The [comfort zone] philosophy is congruent with that of Red Mountain Spa - to provide the spa guest with the utmost in sensorial and ritual services that deliver a visible and lasting result on the skin and body. The inspiration for [comfort zone] services and products are the health, wellness, and beauty rituals that are practiced in the diverse cultures of the world, and the products contain results oriented ingredients gleaned from years of time honored use, such as Polynesian tiare flower, pearl powder, arctic berry and the Resurrection Plant found in the Arizona desert.

Together with the purest natural ingredients [comfort zone] has utilized years of extensive scientific research and uses the latest technology to delivery the amazing results of these products. It’s this blending of the best of nature and the best technology that have made [comfort zone] a force to be contended with in the industry.

An exceptional team of trainers from [comfort zone], headed by Michelle Roche, spent almost four weeks on property conducting extensive training and certification in the [comfort zone] treatments. Their dedication to excellence and to providing their clients with everything they need to extend the quality services to guests or clients, gave us the opportunity to have our own outstanding team the methods needed to deliver to our guests an even higher level of care than ever before. Ongoing service and training have surpassed anything that I have experienced.

On a personal level it has been gratifying for me to find products that provide me with my comfort zone. In the years of researching products I used myself as a guinea pig and subjected myself to everything from ineffective, feel-good products to clinical products. My skin didn’t know what had happened to it! Finding [comfort zone] was a bonanza for me. I saw an immediate improvement in the tone and texture of my skin, both on my face and my body. In addition, I found the joy of using the ambiance enriching products such as the Tranquility collection. A fragrance made from the purest essential oils that has become our signature in Sagestone Spa. From the beautiful Tranquility welcome done with all of our treatments to the fragrance in our spa, dispersed through our diffusers filled with this luxury oil. Buying the Tranquility candles and tinies has enabled me to take this experience home – what a wonderful way to take your work home.

Just when I thought that I had found my very favorite facial treatment – our Resurrection Facial that uses the Hydramemory products based on miraculous hydrating Resurrection plants from the desert , I experienced the Alphatherapy Anti-Aging facial. A treatment containing fruit acids that revitalized and hydrated my skin. I was astounded to see the instant improvement in the texture of my skin and that it had plumped the lines and left a beautiful glow to my skin. I was able to go out immediately as my face showed no signs of redness or irritation.

As I have what is referred to as mature (ouch!) skin, I have found that using the Action Sublime Serum and Cream daily has kept my skin looking fresh and hydrated and has helped to reduce the appearance of the fine wrinkles and “expression” lines on my face. This top–of- the line anti-aging product has amazed my team of estheticians with its efficacy and it’s uniquely relaxing and rejuvenating properties.

After my Glorious Skin Facial I use the Chrono Reverser Gel home treatment for 21 days and make this a part of my quarterly treatment schedule.

My favorite body treatment is the Soaring Spirit Body Wrap - a full body anti-aging and firming experience. The d-age body cream contains Kamani oil from a sacred Asian tree, known for its powerful skin healing properties. Concentrated serums and the luxurious d-age cream in this wrap treatment leave the skin is reborn! Each day, as I step out of the shower or tub I have to have my d-age daily dose. I have seen a marked improvement in the tone and elasticity of my skin. If I was asked which one product I would take with me if I was left on a desert island – it would be d-age.

Our Aromasoul treatments are signature [comfort zone ] treatments and my favorite the Arabian Aromasoul Massage, a remarkable massage ritual based on Arabian healing modalities is my favorite way to relax and leave the stress of daily life behind. This treatment is profoundly calming and grounding, leaving you with renewed vitality and energy. I love being able to relax at home with the fragrance of the Aromasoul oils and a cup of Aromasoul Arabian tea. It’s one of the many luxurious moments that this line has brought into my life.

It would difficult for me to choose my favorite products but the [comfort zone] renight recovery night cream has to be one of them. I love it’s soothing and relaxing aroma almost as much as it’s skin firming and renewing effects. Using the Renight recover Complex, as a booster, about once a week is like giving my skin a vitamin shot.

Being a dedicated user of the eye care products I am most impressed with the newly formulated Lifting Eye Patches. A ten minute home treatment that totally smoothed the lines around my eyes and made me looked relaxed and rested.

The [comfort zone ] collection includes products for all skin types and conditions, including dry, oily, acne, sensitive, hyper-pigmented, aging, and combination skin, as well as products for body, hands and feet, and ambience items such as candles, music, and environmental aromatics.

I leave you with the [comfort zone ] mantra: Treasure every moment, every day.

Aqua Workout

By Kim Watters
@RedMountainSpa
Fitness Manager

Upper body Conditioning
(1 minute at 80 percent of your maximum effort)

All upper body exercises should be performed with the shoulders under the water. You may have to hinge forward at the hips to keep the shoulders under and maintain balance. This allows the exercise to be completed using the full range of motion at the joint.

One minute of water strengthening exercise is equal to 12 repetitions of land exercise

Bicep Curls
Start with straight elbows and palms up, bend the elbows with power, using the force of the water for resistance. As you straighten your elbow turn you palms inward (slicing the water).

Tricep Press
Start with elbows bent and palms down, straighten elbows with power. As you bend the elbows slice the water leading with the thumbs.

Lat Push Down
Start with arms out to the side in a letter T shape. Push down through the water with power, lining the wrists, elbows and shoulders up in to vertical lines. As you bring your arms up into a letter T shape, slice the water leading with the thumbs.

Deltoid Lift
Start with the arms in vertical lines palms facing in. Lift the arms up towards the surface with power (pushing the water with the back of the hand). Keep the arms and hands under the water. As you bring your arms back into vertical lines, slice the water, leading with the pinky fingers.

Chest Press
Start with one leg forward in a lunge position, and both arms open in a letter T shape, thumbs up. Push both arms forward until the wrists, elbows and shoulder joints line up. As you bring your arms back into the letter T shape slice the water, leading with the pinky fingers.

Upper Back Press
Start with the other leg forward, both arms in front of you, palms facing in (thumbs up) and the arm joints lined up.

Rotator Cuff Push
Bend both elbows at a 90 degree angle and the palms facing each other. Keep the upper arm bones glued to the rib cage. Rotate inwardly from the elbow and then rotate outwardly from the elbow. Alternate the hand that is on top, use power in both directions.

Here is some additional information to help you maintain, and improve upon your water work outs. It was a pleasure working with you, call me if you have any questions.

www.waterworkout.com is a good place to find equipment, DVD’s, and music.
www.powermusic.com is a good place to find music and DVD’s

Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) is the group that certifies water instructors.

Stevia

@RedMountainSpa
Originally from the tropical forests of South America, Stevia is another natural sweetener that packs a powerful sweet punch without added calories. Good for baking, too.

Healthy Heart Exercise to Re-energize Your Day

@RedMountainSpa
Air box/Arm pumps: Stand up and take a few jabs and punches at the air. Pump both of your arms over your head at the same time and then alternate them as if to punch the ceiling. Keep the arm muscles tight and try to increase the speed of your punches and pumps. 1–3 sets for 30 seconds.

Weight Loss Tip

@RedMountainSpa
Don’t under eat – many weight loss programs cut calories too much.

Have a test done to determine your basal or resting metabolic rate- then make sure that your low calorie diet doesn’t go below this number. This can either be a bioimpedance analysis or a resting energy expenditure test because this is the bare minimum amount that your body needs to support basic functions. If neither of those tests is available to you, search for internet sites that estimate basal metabolic rate according to height, weight, age and gender.

The bioimpedance analysis measures lean body mass and fat mass – a basal metabolic rate is determined by the pounds of metabolically active tissue you have.

A resting energy expenditure test is done to measure the oxygen utilized and carbon dioxide produced during a sample time frame when you are at rest.

Heart Healthy Recipe - Trilogy of Grains

Ingredients:
1 Cup Kamut, dry
1 Cup Quinoa, dry
1 Cup Wheat Berries, dry
Water

Directions:
Note: It is important to cook grains separately, as they have different cooking times.

In a volume of water (or fruit juice) equal to that of the grain, simmer as follows:

• Kamut: Simmer in 4 Cups Water for 1 hour.


• Quinoa: Simmer in 1 2/3 Cups Water for 30 minutes.


• Wheat berries: Simmer in 2 Cups Water for 1 hour.

Mix the cooked grains and serve.

*Other grains may be substituted, but usually need to be cooked separately to maintain integrity of texture.

Aging Well

By Myrna Beardshear
@RedMountainSpa
Director of Spa & Wellness

It is so easy to get caught up in the anti-aging game and lose sight of what is really important. That is, who we are and how the sum of all our experiences has brought us to where we are and what we can be in the future. Newspaper executive, Katharine Graham said, “No one can avoid aging, but aging productively is something else.”

When reflecting on the past it is all too easy to get caught up in remembering misfortunes, mistakes and regrets. It is better to reflect on the lessons learned, the strength gained and the wisdom earned from what has been and live with the serenity of knowing the strength you have gained from the sum of your experiences.

We, in the spa industry, are aware of the importance of the baby boomer generation and the desire that people have to look younger and feel fit and healthy. We research every new product and through the marvels of modern science and technology we are able to offer facials and body treatments that will make us look younger. We study anti-aging nutrition and the importance of being aware the importance what we put into our body. We educate our guests on the importance of regular exercise and how crucial it is to overall health and offer fitness regimes to keep the boomers agile and trim.

At Red Mountain Resort & Spa we go further by offering Life Coaching for those who find themselves at a point in their life where their goals are not as clear and who need a new direction in order to remain vibrant and productive.

Energy Therapy is offered to clear negative emotions on a mental, emotional and physical level in an easy, non-invasive way. It can release stress of any kind whether from years of abuse or daily things that tends to overwhelm our emotional circuitry. By changing energy patterns as well as subconscious beliefs, this helps people heal from past or current traumas without having to re-traumatize them or spend years coming to terms with their painful and challenging past

Meditation workshops help guests understand the benefits of meditation, the process of meditation, types of meditation and how to meditate. Tai Chi shows us how we can move gracefully and slowly with physical and mental strength.

I love the lessons that can be learned from butterflies. The butterfly is symbolic of change and transformation in people’s lives. The butterfly is a reminder to stay present in life, to be in the moment. Many have learned to look for the butterfly in their life, to live life to the fullest, to appreciate each moment and express gratitude freely.

Most butterflies live very short lives, only a week or two, except for the Angel Wing and Monarch live about six months. It is at maturity that the butterfly is the most beautiful. The short life span and beauty of the butterfly is symbolic of early spiritual growth. Lessons of life will be shown during sometimes difficult formative years and come to light as the butterfly spirit begins to fly. They hold the gift of transformation and soul evolution. Butterflies remind us not to take life so seriously. They represent the element of air, quickly changing and ever moving, so gracefully. Butterflies are messengers of the moment. They are especially sensitive to the harmony of earth and we can learn from them to stop disturbing the natural design of life and to flow with events in a gentler, natural way.

When we learn not to have resentments and regrets but rather to rejoice in the life we have had and then to look to the future and resolve to do whatever we can to life a rich life and to make a positive difference in the lives of all that we touch, we will truly have learned to age well.


Ref: The Lessons of the Butterfly
Spahvelous, 2008

Shaving Made Easy

By Myrna Beardshear
@RedMountainSpa
Director of Spa & Wellness

Have a warm shower or bath and allow your skin to soften from the moisture. Shaving dry skin will inevitably result in cuts.

With the exception of the fragrance, all over-the-counter shaving creams are formulated the same. If you want an extra luxurious experience, invest in creams from the Whish collection. Not only to the smell and feel good but they are vitamin fortified and moisturize and condition your skin while you shave. (They sell wonderful ladies shaving brushes with their collection, making your shaving experience fun and luxurious!)

Make sure you are using a good razor with multi blades and that you change cartridges on a regular basis. A dull blade will lead to cuts and nicks.
Exfoliate your skin before shaving. Getting ride of the dead skin before shavings helps to prevent your razor from clogging and you get a closer shave.
Finish with one of the Whish after shave products, especially formulated for women. They take care of preventing those after shave bumps and prevent ingrown hairs.

Salt of the Sea – mimicking the human body

@RedMountainSpa
All of us have our origins in marine species. The first living cells were born in the sea, and we have kept a close relationship with that birthplace: blood plasma and sea water share a very similar composition. The ocean contains all of the elements (104 trace elements, minerals, and vitamins) essential for healthy skin and balance within the body.

Even though trace elements are found in the human body, the body does not manufacture these vital nutrients and they must be derived from external sources. Trace minerals occur naturally in the earth’s soils. However, the more our soils are tilled and exposed to weather the more these minerals are leached out.

Sea Salt has been used for hundreds of years to cure all kinds of ailments. Thanks to these advanced procedures of extracting the salt from seawater with through Freeze Drying the valuable minerals are not lost in the process. With this method, Phytomer – the products used at Red Mountain Resort and Spa — have been able to extract the salts from the seawater along the Brittany Coast off France while keeping the structure and composition of the salt intact.

When used as an exfoliant, salts cause the top layer of skin to break up smoothly. The epidermis, is then receptive to the minerals within the salt.

At Sagestone Spa at Red Mountain we also use this very pure salt from Phytomer together with Lavender grown along the coast of Brittany in the form of a bolus. This bolus is heated with steam and it used for a massage, releasing all the minerals from the salt with the pressure by the therapist.

Agave Nectar

This natural sweetener not only tastes great, but provides the sweet taste we crave without the sugar spikes and dips, so our energy levels are more stabilized.

Healthy Heart Exercise to Re-energize Your Day

@RedMountainSpa
Standing push ups: Lean forward onto a sturdy piece of furniture or a wall. Slowly bend your elbows lowering your chest down between your hands and then push up by straightening your elbows. 8–12 repetitions

Heart Healthy Recipe - Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:
1 Cup Quinoa
1 tsp Cumin
2 Cups Water
1 tsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Jalapeno, minced
1/8 Cup Cilantro, minced
2 segments Garlic, minced
1/2 Red Onion, diced small
1/2 Red Bell Pepper, diced small
1 Cup Black Beans
2 Roma Tomatoes, seeded and diced small
1/4 Cup Grilled Yellow Squash
1/4 Cup Grilled Zucchini
1/4 Cup Lime Juice
Salt (to taste)

Directions:

• Place Quinoa, Cumin and Water in sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook about 20 minutes or until water is absorbed.


• Grill Yellow Squash and Zucchini with a light coating of Olive Oil.


• Dice Red Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Squash, Zucchini and Tomatoes. Mince Jalapeno, Garlic and Cilantro. Place all vegetables in a mixing bowl.


• Add Lime Juice and cooked Quinoa. Mix well, add salt to taste and serve.

American Heart Month at Red Mountain Resort & Spa

@RedMountainSpa
By Tracey Welsh
General Manager


Cardiovascular diseases including stroke are our nations #1 killer. This is the reason that since 1963 Congress has required the President to proclaim February “American Heart Month.”

Red Mountain Resort & Spa also honors “American Heart Month” as our mission is to help improve the health and lifestyle of our guests through improved nutrition, fitness and stress reduction. Here are just a few of the offerings that we have in February to keep your heart healthy.

We can always rely on Fitness Manager Kim Watters to help our guests get active by finding a fitness program that they will continue to do when they go home. In February she’s added Spicy Heart Yoga, a combination of belly dance, cardio salsa and yoga cool down. Hyper Heart Training combines cross training moves to cardio for a full body workout. To combat stress, Kim has added Heart Centered Meditation and Heartfelt Gentle Yoga. These fitness classes appear on our weekly schedule and are complimentary to guests on our Signature package.

Encouraging your partner to join you in improving your lifestyle is certain to increase your success. And to help you both, you’ll find many couples specials this month, such as two for one personal training, couples nutrition assessments, and Bio Impedance testing. In February, you will also find our Healthy Heart Package, which includes Metabolic Profile testing, a Heart Rate monitor and Workshop for $169, which can be added to any stay.

I suggest that you visit www.americanheart.org and take the time to go through My Life Check, a quick tool to educate you on your heart health. And if you find you have some areas to work on, at Red Mountain we can help you get on the path to a healthier heart, while hiking our red rocks, eating well, learning to improve your lifestyle and reducing stress.

Source: www.americanheart.org