Wellness
5 Ways to Help the Men in Your Life Get Into Wellness
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According to research¹ from our MINDBODY UK team, one in three men who join a gym do so to build muscle, but keep coming back for their mental health. The link between exercise and better mental wellness is clear, however, 35%² of men struggling with their mental health admit to waiting two or more years before disclosing a problem to a friend or family member. This suggests many men believe they should manage their emotional wellbeing alone.
Here are five ways you can help the men in your life up their wellness game to benefit their physical and mental health.
Attend a yoga class together.
Yoga is known for its ability to ease stress and promote relaxation. Working on your breathing techniques is an essential part of every yoga practice, helping you stay calm and think clearer in certain situations. There are many different styles of yoga—Hatha, Vinyasa, Bikram, and more—some more strenuous than others. Before heading to class, check out our page on all things yoga for advice on which workout is best to attend with your loved one.
“Yoga found me in my mid-twenties as a form of rehabilitation for back and knee injuries. I had no idea then it would take over my life! For me, movement is vital and so important,” says Stephen Marks, founder of Stephen Marks Yoga.
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Attend a yoga class together.
Yoga is known for its ability to ease stress and promote relaxation. Working on your breathing techniques is an essential part of every yoga practice, helping you stay calm and think clearer in certain situations. There are many different styles of yoga—Hatha, Vinyasa, Bikram, and more—some more strenuous than others. Before heading to class, check out our page on all things yoga for advice on which workout is best to attend with your loved one.
“Yoga found me in my mid-twenties as a form of rehabilitation for back and knee injuries. I had no idea then it would take over my life! For me, movement is vital and so important,” says Stephen Marks, founder of Stephen Marks Yoga.
Head outdoors.
37% of men say their preferred method of exercise is running, and 54% also say they’re more motivated to exercise when they have a ‘buddy’³. Going for a run, jog, or walk outdoors not only helps you stay fit, but it also increases your energy and helps clear your head. So, if you want to help your man get outside and get active, offer to be their buddy! You’ll get to help him out while getting a jog in for yourself—it’s a win-win.
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Head outdoors.
37% of men say their preferred method of exercise is running, and 54% also say they’re more motivated to exercise when they have a ‘buddy’³. Going for a run, jog, or walk outdoors not only helps you stay fit, but it also increases your energy and helps clear your head. So, if you want to help your man get outside and get active, offer to be their buddy! You’ll get to help him out while getting a jog in for yourself—it’s a win-win.
Meditate.
In a Harvard study, researchers found that as little as eight weeks of meditation helped decrease anxiety and improve stress regulation. Working together to learn the basics of meditation will mean dedicating quality time to each other, which can have a positive impact on your relationship. Today, accessing meditation tools has become even easier. Technology like Muse and apps such as Headspace can help guide new users into meditation. You can also look for boutique studios that offer meditation classes on the MINDBODY app!
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Meditate.
In a Harvard study, researchers found that as little as eight weeks of meditation helped decrease anxiety and improve stress regulation. Working together to learn the basics of meditation will mean dedicating quality time to each other, which can have a positive impact on your relationship. Today, accessing meditation tools has become even easier. Technology like Muse and apps such as Headspace can help guide new users into meditation. You can also look for boutique studios that offer meditation classes on the MINDBODY app!
Pick up the weights.
Weight training doesn’t just increase your physical strength, but your mental strength, too. So, why not organize a gym session and focus on your physical and mental strength together? If you’re a beginner, make sure you do your research before reaching for those dumbbells. Try finding exercises you can do with a partner such as squats, lunges, chest presses, and curls. Whatever exercise you choose to do, be sure to push one another, as this will give you both a motivation boost.
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Pick up the weights.
Weight training doesn’t just increase your physical strength, but your mental strength, too. So, why not organize a gym session and focus on your physical and mental strength together? If you’re a beginner, make sure you do your research before reaching for those dumbbells. Try finding exercises you can do with a partner such as squats, lunges, chest presses, and curls. Whatever exercise you choose to do, be sure to push one another, as this will give you both a motivation boost.
Sweat it out in a cycling class.
Although cycling classes take some serious cardio, they offer multiple benefits, especially for your mental wellbeing. Yes, the class will be hard, and you’ll sweat (a lot!), but you’ll leave feeling much happier thanks to the endorphins your body will produce. If either of you is new to cycling, get to the class a little earlier and speak with the instructor to learn everything you need to know before you start.
Notes to editors:
1. Survey of 1,148 UK men who have been to the gym and/or studio in the last week, undertaken in May 2019 by TLF
2. A survey conducted by YouGov for the Mental Health Foundation (2016)
3. Research of 1,000 UK respondents undertaken by TLF in July 2018 on behalf of MINDBODY
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Sweat it out in a cycling class.
Although cycling classes take some serious cardio, they offer multiple benefits, especially for your mental wellbeing. Yes, the class will be hard, and you’ll sweat (a lot!), but you’ll leave feeling much happier thanks to the endorphins your body will produce. If either of you is new to cycling, get to the class a little earlier and speak with the instructor to learn everything you need to know before you start.
Notes to editors:
1. Survey of 1,148 UK men who have been to the gym and/or studio in the last week, undertaken in May 2019 by TLF
2. A survey conducted by YouGov for the Mental Health Foundation (2016)
3. Research of 1,000 UK respondents undertaken by TLF in July 2018 on behalf of MINDBODY
Beauty
Black-owned Beauty and Wellness Businesses to Know
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February is Black History Month—a celebration of the achievements and contributions of African Americans in society. As the beauty and wellness industry becomes a more welcoming and inclusive space for all, we are taking this opportunity to continue to shine a light on the gap of inclusivity and diversity in our industry, and take action to promote, empower, and honor the Black community that shapes and grows wellness.
While the beauty industry is making improvements—it's important to showcase and support Black businesses and the creatives in this space every day. To honor them, we're shouting out some of our favorite Black-owned beauty and wellness businesses to support.
1. Beauty Bin
Beauty Bin is a full-service day spa and dry bar located in Asheville, NC. With a focus on inclusivity for people of all backgrounds, genders, and races, their MO is to match the outer beauty of every client to their inner beauty. From eyelash extensions and hydrafacials to waxing and massage, Beauty Bin is a one-stop-shop for all the spa services.
2. KIKA Stretch Studio
The KIKA Method® is a gentle assisted stretching process that loosens up tight muscles freeing your body from pain and stress. By practicing this method, clients can experience decreased muscle tension, increased energy, enhanced flexibility, a substantial reduction in stress, improved posture and relaxation, and increased mental clarity. While its headquarters is located in Las Vegas, NV, they have multiple locations sprinkled throughout the US, including Atlanta, New York City, and Dallas—just to name a few.
3. Kimberly Coleman Salon
At Kimberly Coleman Salon, their philosophy begins with promoting healthy tresses, elegant sets, unique accouterments, perfect pampering of hands and feet, and precision cuts. Known for working with models and celebrities, they fully appreciate and celebrate the diversity of their clientele which also includes super moms and warrior dads.
4. Pressed Roots
Pressed Roots was developed with the simple concept in mind—that everyone deserves access to easy, and quality hair care. What started as a single pop-up shop in Boston, grew to a multi-city pop-up tour, and is now slated to be the largest national hair salon franchise specializing in the care and styling of highly textured hair, they launched their first flagship location in Dallas, TX.
5. SW3AT
Jersey City resident, Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez started SW3AT. The company began as a fitness apparel line in 2015 but evolved into a sanctuary catered to health and wellness now known as SW3AT Sauna Studio—the first infrared sauna studio in Jersey City. The healing power of infrared heat therapy is a phenomenal option for holistic health proven to strengthen the immune system and provide relief from joint stiffness and muscle pain. It is also supportive of any fitness program as it aids in weight loss (you can torch up to 900 calories in a 45-minute session) while also detoxifying your body from some of the most harmful toxins.
6. The TEN Nail Bar
Kelli Coleman and Anika Jackson opened The TEN Nail Bar in Detroit to address a void in their city. They saw a need for a quality, modern nail bar that could also serve as a fun social space for Detroit’s residents and professionals. They designed the TEN to provide their clients with a #Perfect10 experience—where you can relax, enjoy music, a drink, your friends, a clean and precise manicure, and a much-needed break from all your hectic days.
7. Bettye O Day Spa
Located in the beautiful downtown Hyde Park Chicago area, Bettye O Day Spa specializes in first-class treatments. They aim to nurture and relax each of their clients with individualized and innovative therapeutic techniques. From body wraps and massages to facials and hydrotherapy, this day spa promises to be a safe place for healing to occur.
Looking for more businesses to support? ClassPass has also created a list of Black-owned business to check out all year-round. While both of these lists are a great start to get you familiar with many of the Black-owned businesses either in your neighborhood or around the globe, we have only scratched the surface. We'd love to keep these lists growing.If you have any businesses you'd like to see on this list, click here to submit a Black-owned business we should be highlighting as well!
