Fitness
10 Things I Wish I Could Say to My Favorite Fitness Instructors
Share
It’s been just over three weeks since I was last in a gym. Three long weeks of wondering if my skipping a rep of push-ups was visible on camera, not jumping to avoid annoying my downstairs neighbor, and using a four-pound jug of salsa as a dumbbell. Basically, I miss seeing my favorite instructors in person.
If I could hang out with them right now, here are ten things I would tell them:
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I actually miss Burpees.
Being a good apartment neighbor means I’m only doing low-impact workouts. I take back (almost) of my complaints about Burpees, jumping jacks, and other jumping-based movements.
1
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I actually miss Burpees.
Being a good apartment neighbor means I’m only doing low-impact workouts. I take back (almost) of my complaints about Burpees, jumping jacks, and other jumping-based movements.
I sleep better with you in my life.
I was a loyal 6 AM workout aficionado, I’ve had to change my sleep patterns without your classes—and I can tell. It’s harder to get out of bed in the morning, and on the days that I don’t work out, it’s hard for me to fall asleep. I’m already looking forward to switching back to my regular routine when the time comes.
2
I sleep better with you in my life.
I was a loyal 6 AM workout aficionado, I’ve had to change my sleep patterns without your classes—and I can tell. It’s harder to get out of bed in the morning, and on the days that I don’t work out, it’s hard for me to fall asleep. I’m already looking forward to switching back to my regular routine when the time comes.
I’m amazed at your creativity.
Every day it seems like you have a new idea. Sometimes I don’t like them, because they are really hard. (Paper plates as makeshift floor sliders? Come on!) Regardless of how I feel after each workout, I am constantly impressed by your ingenuity when it comes to teaching without equipment.
3
I’m amazed at your creativity.
Every day it seems like you have a new idea. Sometimes I don’t like them, because they are really hard. (Paper plates as makeshift floor sliders? Come on!) Regardless of how I feel after each workout, I am constantly impressed by your ingenuity when it comes to teaching without equipment.
You help me remember what day it is.
My days are blurring together—and I don’t call them by their names anymore. Its either leg day, arm day, core day, or rest day. Honestly, I was probably already doing this, but it’s become abundantly clear that I tell time based on your classes.
4
You help me remember what day it is.
My days are blurring together—and I don’t call them by their names anymore. Its either leg day, arm day, core day, or rest day. Honestly, I was probably already doing this, but it’s become abundantly clear that I tell time based on your classes.
I’m only able to get through this because of you.
I don’t mean this in just the emotional sense, though that’s true, too. To my favorite yoga and Pilates instructors: I’m only able to physically survive the questionable ergonomics of my home office because you’ve taught me proper posture and how to breathe to release tension.
5
I’m only able to get through this because of you.
I don’t mean this in just the emotional sense, though that’s true, too. To my favorite yoga and Pilates instructors: I’m only able to physically survive the questionable ergonomics of my home office because you’ve taught me proper posture and how to breathe to release tension.
I wear studio swag when I feel lonely.
While I’m basically living in yoga pants 24/7, I still am trying to look professional for my video meetings. But there are days when things feel really hard, and on those days, I pull out gear from your studios and wear it under my sweaters and jackets. It’s a little bit of secret confidence.
6
I wear studio swag when I feel lonely.
While I’m basically living in yoga pants 24/7, I still am trying to look professional for my video meetings. But there are days when things feel really hard, and on those days, I pull out gear from your studios and wear it under my sweaters and jackets. It’s a little bit of secret confidence.
I miss the community you created.
I started my day with the same crew, and I miss my workout BFFs. While some of us have traded reps for red wine, I miss seeing the faces of my friends on the regular.
7
I miss the community you created.
I started my day with the same crew, and I miss my workout BFFs. While some of us have traded reps for red wine, I miss seeing the faces of my friends on the regular.
I can’t wait to see you again.
I’m not sure when it will be, but I dream about it. Seriously: I’ve had dreams about getting after it in the studio again. I’m looking forward to the endorphin high, the high-fives, and being extremely sore after it’s all done.
8
I can’t wait to see you again.
I’m not sure when it will be, but I dream about it. Seriously: I’ve had dreams about getting after it in the studio again. I’m looking forward to the endorphin high, the high-fives, and being extremely sore after it’s all done.
I don’t want to live in a world without you.
In the last few weeks, it’s been pretty easy to imagine a world without you in it—and I don’t want to experience that. I know times are tough right now, but you will get through this—look at all of the things I’d tell you if I saw you in person right now. You’ve changed my life, and for that...
9
I don’t want to live in a world without you.
In the last few weeks, it’s been pretty easy to imagine a world without you in it—and I don’t want to experience that. I know times are tough right now, but you will get through this—look at all of the things I’d tell you if I saw you in person right now. You’ve changed my life, and for that...
Thank you.
Above all else, thank you.
If you want a chance to see your favorite fitness instructors—or find your next favorite—book a virtual fitness class on Mindbody!
What would you tell your favorite instructors? Head to our Instagram Stories to share a thank you!
10
Thank you.
Above all else, thank you.
If you want a chance to see your favorite fitness instructors—or find your next favorite—book a virtual fitness class on Mindbody!
What would you tell your favorite instructors? Head to our Instagram Stories to share a thank you!
Beauty
Gratuity Guide: How to Tip a Hair Stylist (and Show You Care)
Share
Tipping. While it can be a taboo topic that no one really wants to talk about publicly, the fact is, it’s a very important one that shouldn’t (and can’t) be avoided. This is all too true, especially now, when it comes to beauty services. Even before, “all of this” happened, there appeared to be some ambiguity about exactly how much to tip, when, what’s a respectable amount, and why. Now that we’ve tried our best at #homebeauty, it’s time to head back to the salons, spas, and other boutique beauty businesses (if you haven’t already). We’re here to guide you through gratuity in the new normal and why tipping a little extra to show your stylists and service providers you care during this tough time is the right thing to do.
To make sure we get you all the right answers, we asked around about it (so you don’t have to). Turns out, our Instagram followers had a lot to say about how to tip your stylists and show them some extra love right now.
Here’s what you think:
You’ve already been tipping more
79% of you said you’ve been tipping more for beauty services recently. We’re all so grateful for our stylists—with split ends, grown-out roots, out-of-control brows, and terrible home-cut bangs to prove it. And now that many of us can return to our salons and spas, we’re appreciating the ones who help us feel beautiful even more right now.
But, how much more?
We got a range of responses to this question. Some said they tip 5% more than they previously did, and many said 25%-35% total! Not only are these stylists actual artists, but they’re providing services we just can’t do ourselves. On top of that, many had to close their doors for several months, many were displaced as their salons shut down for good, and all of them are trying their best to get back to a sense of normalcy and do what they do best—help us look and feel beautiful. So, take this as a guide. Tip what you can but remember how much these wonderful people do for us.
New services are not top priority (yet)
When it comes to trying new services, 69% of you gave it a big fat NO, while 31% remain intrigued. It makes sense that many would stick to their go-tos right now, as salons are just starting to reopen in some areas or may not be open yet at all.
Depending on where you live and your overall health, you might be sticking with the bare minimum for now. But if your city has put in place safe reopening guidelines and measures, and you feel ready to head back out there, you can do so safely at a Mindbody salon. And you may be interested in trying out some new services right now as a way to show your local salons some extra support. If that’s you, browse beauty on the Mindbody app—and filter your categories to find out what’s out there.
Why retail therapy is important
Another way you can support your stylists right now? Shopping. It’s the safest way to show them some love without actually going in for a treatment. Many salons offer pre-payment on the Mindbody app and curbside pickup or a plethora of shipping methods, so you can keep contact to a minimum as much as possible. Plus, they have some pretty great stuff. If you need to invest in a good shampoo—especially because you haven’t gotten your hair done in months—so why not buy it from your stylist? According to our poll, it’s a pretty even split. 55% of you haven’t bought any products yet, while the other 45% have been shopping away. If you’re part of that 55, consider checking out your salon’s product offerings (you might see something you like).
Anything else?
Finally, we asked you all open-endedly how else you’re supporting your stylists right now. We got a lot of great answers. There was a lot of overlap, but we thought you might like to see some of the ones that stood out. So, if we didn’t cover it all so far, we’re about to—because you all are awesome and you did it for us. Here are some of the great ideas you had:
• “Paying in advance!”
• “Being more diligent about scheduling appointments versus letting my hair grow out”
• “Referring friends!”
• “Being flexible” (this is a good one—check out the 5 things your stylist wants you to know before you book)
• “Scheduling my next cut before I leave!”
• “Sharing their photos on Instagram and telling friends!”
So, if you’re a stylist reading this, thank you. We all want to continue showing you support during this time and beyond. And if you’re a regular person like me who really needs her highlights done, just schedule the damn appointment already (if you feel comfortable) or buy some purple shampoo from your favorite salon.
