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STAY HEALTHY
Front Range Exceptional Equestrians
WHY HORSES?
Horses provide many benefits to their human companions.
For the disabled, the natural gait of the horse stimulates human walking and cam
be a valuable tool for improving muscle strength, posture, balance,
coordination, flexibility, range of motion, and body awareness and more. Speech,
socialization, and self-esteem are enhanced as riders participate in group
classes with peers and volunteers. They work to achieve individualized goals.
Riding a horse at a therapeutic riding center allows a person with special needs
to walk -- those 4 horse legs carry the rider where they want to go. Riders
discover that horses are gentle and accepting animals that do not see
disabilities. From the back of a horse, a rider can smile, laugh, imagine, and
dream!
Will YOU Join us in that DREAM?
Front Range Exceptional Equestrians
P O Box 272452
Fort Collins, CO 80527
970-225-2906
submitted by:
Donna W Gustafson
Volunteer and Donor
Front Range Exceptional Equestrians
Loveland yoga studio now
offers massage, reflexology, aesthetics
Loveland, Colorado – Yoga by Merlin, northern Colorado's premier yoga studio,
has added spa services, including two massage therapists, a reflexologist and
two aestheticians. The facility, located at 217 12th Street Southwest in
Loveland, provides these new services in addition to a full slate of yoga
instruction, meditation session, dance classes, reiki treatments and cooking
classes.
Massage services are provided by Emily Kala'i and Rebecca McClanahan.
Reflexology treatments are provided by Georgia Norman. Facials, body scrubs and
waxing services are provided by aestheticians Amy Schuck and Stephanie Mesa.
Each therapeutic treatment is designed to both pamper and heal, and clients
enjoy herbal tea and an herbal foot bath, where hands and feet are soaked in
strong herbal infusions and decoctions, with every spa service.
Massage options include: A Hot Stone Massage, featuring a combination of warm
oil and heated, river-smoothed stones deftly applied to ease away tension – a
wonderful stress reducer. Therapeutic, deep tissue or Swedish massage are also
available – a personalized massage involving the manipulation of soft tissue
structure of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, stress and tension. Package
prices provide discounts for the purchase of three one-hour massage sessions.
Aesthetic services include: A Deep Cleansing Facial, with steam, enzyme therapy,
deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation, and a customized masque. The Anti-Aging
Facial and eye treatment begins with cleansing, toning and exfoliation followed
by an anti-oxidant rejuvenation mask and steam. A customized hydrating formula
of concentrated vitamins is then applied to reduce the appearance of aging. A
Glycolic Peel softens and exfoliates the skin and stimulates collagen production
to improve the appearance of aged and/or damaged skin, and includes a 30-minute
massage. Le Petite Facial is great for a lunch hour escape or for people on the
go, designed to relax and rejuvenate your skin.
Available body scrubs include: The Salt Glow, which gently buffs and exfoliates
with a combination of warmed oil, Dead Sea salts and essential botanicals to
smooth and invigorate. The Slimming Treatment includes algae extract to help
detoxify the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. A light veggie salad
and Penta water included.
Complete waxing services for all areas of the body are also available, along
with eyebrow tinting.
Reflexology sessions feature a warm oil massage to feet and knees designed to
reconnect, release and restore with a choice of hot stones, liniments, essential
oils, or salt scrubs.
The current yoga instructional staff includes owner Merlin, along with Breanna
Bain, Alita Gatzke, Mary Kay Koldeway and Julie Norris. Other classes and
services offered by Yoga by Merlin Studio and Spa include Hatha Yoga; Kundalini;
Yoga for Athletes; Yoga for Children; Expressive Dance; Meditation; Hip Hop;
Kirtan Chanting; Reiki Treatments; Personal Wellness Coaching; and Healthy
Cooking and Wellness Classes.
Cooking classes offered include Mastering Eating for Your Optimal Body; Five
Principles of Eating; Carry a Good Food Bag; Daily Eating Formula; Weekly
Cleanse; and Empowerment Techniques.
About Yoga by Merlin
Yoga by Merlin opened in early 2002, as an outlet for demand for classes in
Loveland was revealed as people were searching for connection, change and
meaning in a post-9/11 world. The studio currently offers more than 20 classes a
week taught by five instructors in a variety of disciplines, for all levels of
students. The studio moved into its new space in December 2004.
About Merlin Perkins
Inspired by her own healing journey Merlin Perkins, owner of Yoga by Merlin,
became a Certified Yoga Instructor and Wellness Coach, as well as a Certified
Reiki I & II practitioner. Following a career as the first female state trooper
in Colorado, Merlin worked for ten years as a corporate professional in the
healthcare industry in Loveland and Boulder, where she was introduced to Swami
Shambavananda and began the Yoga Teacher Training Program. Merlin, an avid
cyclist, has worked with Olympic athletes and offers a yoga class for athletes
designed to enhance competitive performance, and is an avid supporter of the
Community Classic Bike Tour.
For more information, visit
www.yogabymerlin.com, call (970) 227-4227 or email
yogabymerlin@qwest.net.
Merlin Perkins
Yoga by Merlin
(970) 227-4227
YogaByMerlin@qwest.net
###
 Healthful Tidbits – by
Robin Phelps
Living naturally in the fast-paced, over-processed world is easier than you
think - if you take one step at a time. There are many ways to do this, from
using non-toxic cleaning products to finding a natural relaxation technique.
Treating ailments at the core of the issue with nutritional therapy instead of
using “band-aids” to cover up symptoms otherwise known as drugs is also an
important step in healthy living.
Stress is something that each of us encounters on a regular basis, and it is
magnified by the fact that it is the hardest thing for your body to cope with.
Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to help you relax and an easy way to pamper
yourself. Although many are unaware of it, Aromatherapy is a true science. It is
the physiological and psychological responses of the body to the absorption (via
the skin, digestion or lungs) of essential oils and the use of pure essential
oils for supporting the healing of the body and the mind. There are many
different ways in which essential oils can be used; bath salts, spritzers,
massage oil, diffusers, and cleaning to name a few. In my opinion, Lavender oil
is a true must have for moms. Historically, True Lavender Fine oil is helpful
with easing stress, anxiety, headaches, sleeplessness, insect bites, pimples,
sun burns and so much more. Peppermint is a popular and refreshing oil.
Traditionally it is used for mental clarity, headaches, gastrointestinal
distress, pain relief and as a decongestant. An easy way to pamper yourself
while getting rejuvenated is to make a refreshing foot gel that feels fantastic,
especially on hot days. Take 1 dollop of Aloe Vera gel, in your hand mix in 1
drop of peppermint oil and rub on feet. This only takes a minute to do, but has
lasting results! Essential oils can also be used to easily create relaxing and
detoxifying bath salts. Use 1/3 to ˝ cup of Epsom salt, add approximately 10-15
drops of your favorite essential oils, shake well and you have an aromatic bath
waiting to take you away!
Robin Phelps is a Master Herbalist,
Certified Aromatherapist and Healing Touch Practioner, she also specializes in
Nutritional Therapy, Muscle Testing and Iridology. Robin uses these tools to
help individuals with various ailments, as well as teaching proactive and
preventative lifestyles to promote healthy living. You may contact her at
970-310-6998 or robin@myherblady.com.
http://www.myherblady.com
 Healthy
Inspirations –the Whole Woman’s Way to Be Healthy and Stay Healthy
In our fast paced, often crazed world we often forget the most important
equation in living—caring for ourselves. Our physical body is a wonderful
machine, equipped to provide us with many years of enjoyment and get us through
most anything, yet it must be maintained and properly cared for. At Healthy
Inspirations-a women’s only health club facility— we offer the extra added
components that make caring for yourself the most enjoyable, successful
experience you have ever had. We cater to the whole woman and the results are
truly amazing!
Whether your goal is weight loss, maintenance, the acquisition of healthy
habits, participating in fun exercise classes, building strength, and a
beautifully toned body, relaxation, spa treatments, or a supportive environment,
you will find it all and more at Healthy Inspirations of Fort Collins.
Founded on the commitment and premise of providing our community with healthy,
sound, lasting, lifestyle options the program encompasses simple philosophies
that provide the assistance women are looking for in leading healthier, happier
lives.
The Healthy Inspirations Nutrition Program
Our weight loss program combines three key components to provide you with proven
success at a rate of 2-3 pounds of weight loss per week. The first component is
an individualized eating program that will meet your lifestyle. This plan
utilizes grocery store food, as well as restaurant and fast food options. Along
with the easy to follow nutrition plan is the added support of one on one
coaching sessions –three times per week with one of our lifestyle consultants.
Our staff is comprised of women who have knowledge and compassion in the field
of healthy living and are dedicated to seeing our clients succeed.
The second component is exercise. Successful weight loss, maintenance and
healthy living are dependent upon an active lifestyle. A simple beginner
friendly 29 minute circuit makes it easy to exercise and provides you with all
the benefits of toning and firming, losing inches and increasing energy and
stamina.
Our center offers yoga, pilates, and circuit classes (utilizing fit balls, hoola
hoops, etc.), all tailored to the needs of our special women clients!
The third component—so often overlooked—is relaxation. Stress directly affects,
not only our eating choices, but our whole outlook on life. De-stress daily, or
weekly and see your goals and achievements in every area of your life become
reality. Weekly relaxation treatments in a Shiatsu massage chair provides a
soothing, stress releasing indulgence to help us live each day a little better.
Also offered at our facility are facials, massages and synergie treatments.
The Added Touch
General Manager, Julia Penland is always looking to provide our clients with new
and interesting ideas and inspirations to assist on the journey of healthy
living.
Some of these offerings include journaling and aromatherapy classes, metabolic
testing and much more. Julia has created a friendly, safe, warm environment in
which women from all walks of life can enter and feel truly cared for and
supported on their quest for health and well being.
Healthy choices, healthy balance and healthy lifestyle are yours for the taking
here at Healthy Inspirations. Come in and visit us soon. We have a free week of
exercising and caring for yourselves waiting for you! Call or stop in to start
enjoying your free week right now!
Healthy Inspirations 1112 Oakridge Drive Suite #106, Fort Collins, 970.229-0530
www.FortCollinsInspirations.com
Written by: Mary D’Agostino, Lifestyle
Consultant at Healthy Inspirations, Journaling Coach
Prenatal massage is not just a luxury
By Julie Weibler
Many people view massage therapy as a luxury—something that you do for a special
treat. However, massage is not just a luxury; it has been shown that massage has
many benefits beyond the “feels good” time spent receiving a massage. These
benefits include stress reduction, relaxation, improved body function, and
reduction of musculoskeletal strain and pain. While these benefits are valuable
for anyone, the benefits of receiving massage throughout pregnancy and during
the postpartum period from a specially-trained massage therapist are
particularly valuable.
Pregnancy is a time of great change for a woman. Not only are there the obvious
physical changes in her body, her emotional state can change several times
throughout a day, her relationships change, and her sense of who she is changes.
The woman may worry about what kind of mother she will be, her baby’s health,
and how her life will change after the baby arrives. All of this can create
mental and physical stress above and beyond what she was experiencing prior to
pregnancy. Furthermore, the shifts in her body structure cause muscle strain and
discomfort resulting in fatigue.
One of the biggest benefits of prenatal massage is that it helps the expectant
mother manage her stress level. While some stress is necessary, chronic stress
can have significant negative impacts for the expectant mother and developing
baby. If not managed, stress in the mother can cause increased maternal heart
rate, blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, and greater likelihood of illness
during the pregnancy. In the developing fetus, maternal stress can lead to lower
fetal heart rate and less oxygenation. Animal studies have suggested that the
effects of maternal stress may be exhibited not only in the newborn period, but
well into the child’s life and may be one of the causes of attention deficit
disorder.
Massage can help the expectant mother to feel more comfortable during the
special time of pregnancy. First of all, it gives her a safe place to vent her
fears, frustrations, and worries. Secondly, a specially-trained massage
therapist knows different techniques to target areas of discomfort such as the
low back and hips to bring some relief as the body structure changes. The
massage therapist addresses the particular issues associated with each
trimester. Also, massage helps with circulation and problems associated with
increased blood volume such as edema. Lastly, as discomfort is reduced and the
body and mind are relaxed, sleep may be improved resulting in less overall
fatigue.
Massage during labor can help the woman relax so that contractions are more
productive as she isn’t tensing as much against them. Relaxation also helps her
to conserve energy for the delivery of the baby. The massage therapist can help
the woman by applying counter pressure, help her try different positions, and
help ease muscle cramps. With a more relaxed labor, there tend to be fewer
interventions or complications.
Following the birth of the baby, the body goes through another transformation.
While the body is returning to its previous form, the mother is also using her
muscles in new and repetitive ways to feed and care for her baby. The muscles of
the arms and upper back become strained with lifting, carrying, and rocking
motions. Massage can help reduce the soreness of overuse and may help reduce the
possibility of developing tendonitis in the elbow, and it can help the abdominal
muscles recover from being stretched during pregnancy. Additionally, massage can
help a mother relax emotionally so that she is better able to handle the
stresses associated with child rearing. Research has also shown that massage can
lessen the baby blues.
Massage from a specially-trained prenatal massage therapist has many health
benefits throughout, and after, pregnancy for both the mother and baby. The
benefits may also extend to those around the woman as she feels better and is
more relaxed. Schedule an appointment with a certified prenatal massage
therapist and experience for yourself that massage is not just a luxury—it is a
worthwhile addition to a wellness program.
Julie Weibler graduated in
1993 from Healing Arts Institute in Fort Collins, Colorado. She received her
pre- and perinatal certification from Carole Osborne-Sheets out of San Diego,
CA. She received her infant massage certification from the International
Association of Infant Massage. She also has a B.S. and M.S. from Colorado State
University where she took several anatomy and physiology courses.
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