Health Fitness & Beauty

#TransformationTuesday spotlight on @CB_BrierCreek Premium #IndoorCycling in #Raleigh #CycleBar

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Looking to transform your body into a healthier you and have fun while doing it? Well CycleBar Brier Creek is just the place! I had a chance to check out a few of their spin classes at their premium indoor cycling studio located in the Brier Creek Shopping Center (next to AppleBee’s) and let me tell you it’s like a party on a bike with all the benefits of an awesome workout.

When I started going to CycleBar late November, everyone had the same question: Is it crazy intense ? My reply: it is intense but you would be crazy to not challenge yourself! That’s what a great cardio fitness workout does. Working out shouldn’t be something you dread – it should calm your mind, elevate your mood and revive your senses. That is what they do at CycleBar with fitness classes that feel part sanctuary, part concert.

With spinning, the instructors known as the CycleStars, guide you and suggest how intense you can go. However, you go at your own pace and adjust to what you feel comfortable with. No need to feel intimidated..it’s just you and your bike. The atmosphere is so fun, they want you to enjoy it so you will come back and rock the ride each and every time.  Coming to CycleBar Brier Creek has helped me stay on track with my fitness goals! 
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Here is some background on CycleBar Brier Creek: 

  • It’s fairly new..just opened April 2016. The bikes are state of the art!
  • All ages and skill levels are welcomed.Owner, Christie Meyers and her team of CycleStars go out of their way to provide great customer service. It’s quite the family atmosphere!
  • This premium indoor cycling studio offers a one time 30 min Free Intro session, 50-minute rides and 75-minute rides. They offer special deals and packages at affordable prices.
  • Amenities provided such as locker room and toiletries for riders to use,free shoes, complimentary water bottle and snacks. 
  • This is not your average spin class – they offer different kinds of themed rides such as our Hip Hop/Rap ride, Wine Down Wednesdays, Throwback Thursdays, Happy Hour on Fridays and Sunday Brunch..complete with Mimosas!


CycleBar is expanding throughout the Triangle and getting a new studio in Cary, NC. The Alston location will be giving away free rides and has some fun Grand Opening things planned. Be sure to sign up here to stay in the know! Follow @CB_ BrierCreek on Twitter/Instagram, hashtag #cyclebarbriercreek to see what the CB Nation is up to and stay informed at CycleBar.com ! 


Although Brier Creek is not that close to me, I like the convenient schedule they offer every day of the week and that there are no memberships…you just pay as you go. Now that you know what to expect, why not sign up HERE for a First time ride free 30 min session or use promo code “FreeRide” and get one 50 min complimentary ride. Be sure to stop by their CB boutique where they have plenty of Cycle Bar fitness apparel for you to rock your ride in style! 

PS ~You still have until the end of today, midnight EST to enter my giveaway for a 3 ride pass to take 3 free spin classes at Cycle Bar Brier Creek ! 

Dont’t wait…Get your resolutions and transformations started now. Good luck! 

Have you ever been to a spin/indoor cycling class ? Share your experience and Comment below if you would like to MEET ME at THE BAR..Cycle Bar that is! 

Win 3 Ride Pass to #SpinClass @CB_BrierCreek #GivingTuesday #SobeSavvyGiveaway 

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This #GivingTuesday, SobeSavvy.com is kicking off the giving season by giving away a free 3 ride pass to spin class at Cycle Bar Brier Creek. Tis’ the season to give back and get back to a healthier you!

I have been able to go check out CycleBar for myself and can’t wait to give my full review soon but before I do, I am hosting this giveaway for 1 lucky reader to win a 3 ride pass to attend any of their classes! That’s three spin classes to burn off that Thanksgiving feast and get you into gear for the New Year.

Here’s what you can expect at CycleBar Brier Creek:

  •       CycleBar is a low-impact and high-intensity exercise method, offering an intoxicating sense of community in state-of-the-art studios with concierge-level service, premium amenities and pay-per-class options.
  • ·         The dynamic cycling classes offer a multi-sensory workout in a concert-like atmosphere, where experienced instructors take participants through a 50-minute high-energy ride.

  • ·        The studio features tiers for the bikes plus LED lighting, wide-screen graphics and state-of-the-art audio with a DJ booth.

  • ·         CycleBar classes are invigorating and fun, with themed rides for charity fundraising, Throwback Thursdays, Happy Hour on Fridays, artist-specific playlists and more.

  • ·         After a class, riders cool down with complimentary fresh fruit, water, and if its Sunday, free mimosas after the Brunch themed ride!

  • ·         Riders can also easily track performance data via CycleStats and download music used in the class session. 

    To learn more about CycleBar in Brier Creek, visit briercreek.cyclebar.com 

         See below to enter today for this awesome giveaway! Winner will be chosen at random on 12/6/16 ..Good Luck!

    ENTER HERE

    #WellnessWednesday Skincare Review @LOrealParisUSA #PureClayMask #gotitfree

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    It’s that time of year again..time to prep your skin for Winter and I have just tried a series of masks that I definitely will be adding to my skin care regimen:  L’Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Masks. I got the opportunity to try the products for free thru BzzAgent.com and enjoyed the masks so much that I wanted to let my beauties know ! 

    At the beginning of the year, I shared how I did a detox to tranform my skin from within. In case you missed it, you can read about it here. I ended the article sharing a DIY mask recipe I loved for my eczema flareups. I discovered I needed masks that could mutitask and treat other skin issues like dryness & dullness while not irritating my skin. The NEW L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Masks are made with three mineral clays to absorb impurities and oils, and include specific ingredients to care for each area of your face or skin type. If you need to reduce shine and mattify your skin, then Eucalyptus treatment mask would be your choice. For a mask that can refine pores and smooth imperfections , try the treatment with the Red Algae mask enhanced with natural volcanic particles. Or recover from all the holiday indulging while detoxifying with some help from the Charcoal treatment mask. For a retail price of $12.99, a little goes a long way. 

    I hosted a #WellnessWednesday morning gathering with a couple of friends where we enjoyed Coffee, Conversation and Clay! When it was time to let our masks set we meditated on our yoga mats and let the benefits soak in. I shared that mult-masking while multi-tasking is a L’Oreal Paris beauty trend and encouraged them to apply whatever mask to whatever area needing detoxing,mattifying and exfoliating. In just ten minutes, we had glowing skin. Here are some pics from my at home event:

    This Wellness Wednesday treat yourself to a mask that can multitask and get your skin prepared now for the winter  …your skin will thank you for it. Now get glowing!

    Enter #NationalYogaMonth #SobeSavvyGiveaway & win a 3 pack of @exhalespa classes in ATL or MIA!

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    September is National Yoga Month, designed to educate about the health benefits of yoga and inspire a healthy lifestyle. I love to practice yoga because it’s not just a physical exercise program but a mental one as well. I always feel relaxed and recharged after yoga.

    In honor of National Yoga Month, Exhale Spa has partnered with SobeSavvy.com for a giveaway! Whether you’re new to yoga or not, you have a chance to win 3 fitness classes for you and a guest at Exhale spa in either Atlanta, or Miami ! 

    That’s right..you and a guest get a chance experience Exhale Spa’s athletic and mindful yoga class. As I have shared before, Exhale is the leading lifestyle brand in spa and wellness and known for their custom-created classes geared towards reviving and restoring the mind and body.

    If you’re looking to incorporate fitness in your life and embark upon a more healthy lifestyle..yoga at Exhale is for you! I decided to practice yoga because it was something that I could consistently do and it embraces all levels of fitness, and ages. Not only is Exhale a fitness studio but also offers a myriad of spa treatments. Treat yourself and book an appointment today! 
    Contest begins Sept 2 and ends Sept 9, 2016. A winner will be selected at random. Enter here a Rafflecopter giveaway<

    Good luck …and Namaste !

    Savvy tip: Exhale Spa does provide yoga mats when taking a class but when you want to continue your practice at home, get some of these yoga accessories at a great price! https://www.amazon.com/yoga/b?ie=UTF8&node=3422251  

    #WellnessWednesday & #BirthdayDeals @ExhaleSpa #MidtownAtl #ManiPedi Bar ! 

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    August is a busy month for us here at SobeSavvy.com..not only is #outandaboutAva turning 5, but I am celebrating my birthday today! Birthdays are a special time of year to celebrate and I like to celebrate myself by doing something for my health. Getting pampered is the ideal birthday gift for me. So to get the party started , I scheduled a Luxe Spa manicure and pedicure at Exhale Spa in Midtown Atlanta.

    Located at 1065 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA inside the Loews Hotel, this location is the only one in Atlanta that has a mani-pedi bar! I arrived early to make sure to relax in the zen lounge (they have warm neck pillows and tea available to help you restore*detox*revive.) 

    Nail Tech, Cassandra has been with Exhale for 5 years and was very good at what she does. After selecting my nail polish (a vegan polish called Pink Perfection) and choosing my scrub from a choice of 4 fragrances, I was escorted to the pedicure area. It’s in a very comfortable setting complete with a flat screen tv and leather massage chairs. Besides the quality products used what makes this a luxe experience is the hot stone massage on my legs and feet! It was unlike any mani-pedi experience I’ve ever had. 

    Savvy Tip: Exhale has a very special birthday offer during your birthday month. You can enjoy 50% of a 60 minute spa therapy and 20% off your next purchase at their wellbeing boutique. Use Promo code: bday 50 and book your appointment here !

    When considering a gift to yourself or someone else,  give the gift of wellness from Exhale! They offer a unique balance of fitness classes and spa therapies – unlike any other gym or spa I’ve been to! They offer a wide variety of spa therapies — from customizable facials and relaxing massages to healing acupuncture and so much more — they truly offer everything you could need for a restorative and rejuvenating day at the spa. Their huge variety of fitness classes — with everything from barre to cardio to yoga — all emphasize the core, transforming your body and balancing your mind. Think of it as your one-stop fitness shop. I shared at the beginning of the year, why I love to come to Exhale. Read more here .

    Overall, Exhale just makes me feel amazing, and I think you’ll love it too! Hannah Beth Millman , Manager of Guest Experience and her staff really go out of their way to make you feel special not just on your birthday but everyday! Check them out here: http://mbsy.co/fHpq6 and get ready to have a wonderful wellness experience unlike any other. 

    End results: My nails were polished to “pink perfection” and I love them ! 

    My Fit+ Fitness Festival Recap @harboreast #fitplus #harboreast #zumba #baltimore

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    On Saturday, June 25th, 2016, Baltimoreans were invited to Get Out. Work Out. At the 4th Annual Fit+ Outdoor Fitness Festival.

    FIT+ is a free festival that brings your workout to the streets of Harbor East. What better way to start a morning than with free fitness instruction from lululemon athletica, Maryland Athletic Club and Under Armour Brand House! 

    So I registered via eventbrite and joined my sister and friend last Saturday for a day of fitness and fun . Each session showcased a unique fitness offering – from yoga to boot camp and beyond – perfectly timed so guests can sample multiple disciplines. We all discovered our favorite way to sweat! Take a look at the variety of classes offered :

    Schedule:

    9AM-9:30AM – THE MAC RUN GROUP

    FIT+ kicks off with a run along our beautiful waterfront. Tom Casper and Stephen Penwell from The MAC’s Run Group will be leading an easy 30-minute run to warm everyone up! 

    9:40AM-10:10AM – MAC ATTACK

    Focus on boot camp-style drills and strength challenges with one of MAC’s top personal trainers, Wayne McFadden. This high-energy session has been a FIT+ favorite year after year!

    10:20AM-10:50AM – VINYASA FLOW WITH LULULEMON ATHLETICA

    Inspired vinyasa yoga with lululemon athletica – If you’re looking to add a little spice to your typical vinyasa flow, this 30 minute mindful vinyasa yoga practice with Ciara Desmond will leave you feeling strong and open for the summer! Please note this class is BYOM – bring your own mat.  

    11:00AM-11:30AM – THE MAC HOSTS ZUMBA

    Enjoy this Latin-inspired dance and exercise class that fuses fitness and dance into a fun and exhilarating workout with The MAC’s Tisha Guthrie.

    11:40AM-12:10PM – LULULEMON ATHLETICA HOSTS BOOT CAMP

    November Project may just be the most social workout you’ve ever experienced. This 30 minute workout combines cardio and body weight exercises with a good amount of what we call “that Recess vibe” (remember when you were 12 and class let out for recess…yeah, that feeling). At November Project we’re all about using community to help us push our limits and having as much fun as possible while doing it. We promise, the workout won’t be easy but you’re going to feel great about it when you’re done. It’s not a boot camp, it’s November Project.

    12:20PM-12:50PM – “I WILL” BOXING WITH UNDER ARMOUR BRAND HOUSE

    Have fun learning boxing basics with Team USA boxer and 2015 National Champion Franchon Crews. Use your will & skill while bobbing & weaving with an awesome “old school” classic boxing workout.

    This was not your average health expo, FIT+ took our exercise routine to the next level with a DJ, health food & drinks from Whole Foods Harbor East, a photo booth, giveaways, and so much more! Proudly supporting the American Heart Association. 

    Check out some of my photos from this year’s FIT+ Festival! 

    *no more free socks or swag bag but we scored free selfies sticks courtesy of Harbor East !

    *w/MAC Zumba Instructor, Tisha Guthrie

    #WellnessWednesday spotlight on @MassageLiving ! #massage #ashiastsu in #Cary #NC @townofcary

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    I am a stay at home mom of a 4..soon to be 5 year old, and while sahm life often has me focused on her needs, I must never forget to take care of me. Mothers ..women..everyone should make time for “me time” with a massage because it addresses so many issues that any ‘body’ could benefit from.
    I was referred to Dre Vasquez of Massage & Healthy Living and was excited to book an appointment ASAP!

    Dre greeted me with a friendly smile and offered me some water or tea. I love tea and was immediately impressed by the variety of herbal teas offered. 
    I filled out the paperwork required in the comfortable sitting area and noticed how feng shui the decor was. The massage studio is inside WellPath Acupuncture & Healing Arts and Dre shared that the bamboo artwork behind the front desk was recently added by Renee who is the Director.

    I was then escorted to the very clean and serene treatment room where Dre and I discussed what I had hoped to get out of today’s maasage . My answer is always the same. What do all moms want, say it with me “RELAXTION” ! He explained he will be using coconut oil and would recommened I try Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy. I learned that Massage & Healthy Living is the only place in Cary, NC to offer this therapy and wanted to experience something new to help me reach my optimal health and wellness goals.
    Let me just say my  experience with Ashiatsu was AMAZING!

    Per my friend Google, here is a good explanation of What Ashiatsu is: Positioned above the client and balancing on parallel bars attached to the ceiling, the therapist uses their feet instead of their hands to combat deep tension. Therapists are quick to point out that they’re not stepping on people so much as using the bars overhead to vary the amount of pressure and weight they’re putting on a client’s body. It almost looks like they’re dancing (while working out their biceps).

    I’ll be honest when I saw the bar overhead and he explained that he would be using his feet which provides a deep tissue massage I thought what is this 50 Shades of Massage ?! LOL But after talking with him I trusted that he was very knowledgeable and attentive. I learned that he taught yoga for years and just felt comfortable that this massage would be therapy not just for my body but mind. He also used his hands during my massage and offers Swedish, Sports, Pre-Natal, Deep Tissue and More!

    I would recommend making a sixty minute session for yourself and/or loved one who needs a thorough massage to eliminate  any “knots” or “kinks” you may not even know you had!  I am giving this place a 5 star *****review because it pleased all 5 of my senses:  sight (clean and serene decor), smell (aromas-I loved the blends of oils used such as eucalyptus/frankincense), touch (great pressure and healing), sound (music/no outside disturbances ), taste (refreshing beverages available, assorted tea/water). I now see why since 2001, Massage & Healthy Living is the go-to therapeutic massage studio for the Triangle, NC!

    Follow Massage & Healthy Living: 

    Instagram @massageandhealthyliving

    Twitter @massageliving

    Facebook.com/lmbtnc

    Savvy Deal Alert: Book Now because everyone gets 30% Off the 1st 60 minute massage! Valued at $70 for only $49.00!
    Celebrate #wellnesswednesday by making an appointment today!

    #TransformationTuesday, On #EarthDay Transform your Mind and Treat yourself to a Facial @ExhaleSpa

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    Earth Day 2016 happens this Friday April 22. It is a world wide movement to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Just as the earth needs protection from the environment so does your skin!

    Exhale offers environmentally-friendly facials to help reduce the effects pollution and the sun may have on your skin. Did you know our skin is the perfect target for pollution because it easily absorbs environmental pollutants? We are exposed day after day to all manner of environmental pollutants from smoke to chemicals, so it’s very important to protect it and cleaning and moisturizing your face is one of the best ways to do that.
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    I tried the True Facial as per the website: ” Tried and true! A thorough cleansing and application of a custom enzyme exfoliation perfectly preps the skin for complexion detox. Careful extractions follow — made as painless as possible by our skilled estheticians — and then a soothing mask, selected specifically for your skin type is applied. Your face will feel refreshed and restored, and you’ll feel ready to face the day. It’s “truly” amazing!” Take advantage of their special offer to try a facial plus massage for just $199.00 !
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    My facial experience was beyond amazing thanks to esthetician, Audrey Thorne who works at the Miami/South Beach location. I visited an Exhale in Atlanta,GA earlier this year (read here) as I do enjoy the variety of classes and quality services offered but never had a facial. I thought Audrey provided an in-depth cleaning as well as gave valuable customized information about how to care for my skin. Products recommended for me and available for sale at Exhale were the Warm Honey Cleanser , Pro Heal Serum and SPF 30 .
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    Prior to my facial, I enjoyed a 9am meditation class on the rooftop, also known as the exhale zen terrace, of the oceanfront St. Moritz building of Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Alessandra Cornet, Founder of Hardcore Meditation, guided us thru an analytical meditation 30 minute class to benefit the mind and body! She also provided us with handouts full of information about meditation techniques. Meditation simply involves a process of transforming yourself and your thoughts. The focus of the class is to release tensions and set your intentions, deepen the breath, increase concentration, relax and rejuvenate the soul. Anyone can benefit from meditation because it is an energy-saving practice in which you can take a moment to center yourself while connecting with the universe.
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    I felt totally relaxed after my meditation class and facial at Exhale and recommend anyone visiting or local to visit this spa. If you are in Miami this Friday April 22, set your intentions at this Exhale Earth Day event
    Namaste!
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    This #TransformationTuesday, Buy some fun #fashion #fitness #yoga #leggings by @vrsgymfashion !

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    In February, I joined the #RootYourselfChallenge..an Instagram yoga challenge and I was selected as one of the winners!

    It was an honor to receive a pair of leggings from VRS GYM FASHION and I could not wait to celebrate Transformation Tuesday on this new month of March in my new pair of Kula Leggings!image

    I opened the package and said to myself, “These leggings are everything” . I can’t wait to try them out at my Zumba class tonight. Zumba is one of those classes where fashion and fitness come together. They are a fantastic Brazilian company that specialize in active leggings for yoga, for fitness, for everyday fashion. Made out of Polyamide and Elastane they fit like a glove and move and stretch as my body does. On their website, they say these feel like “second skin”. I soon found that to be the truth.

    These come in various fun styles that will inspire you to feel good about yourself while working out and staying healthy. I love leggings that provide style and comfort so no matter what I am doing, I feel fabulous while doing it!

    They have so many color and pattern styles to make sure every woman can find something they like. What I really love about them that unlike other leggings the wide waistband are designed to wear high, low or even folded over.

    As a practicing Yogi, I also loved to practice my various Yoga moves while wearing these. I finally found active leggings that fit my active lifestyle.

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    This style of yoga-inspired leggings is called Kula leggings. The high quality fabric is soft and the colors are vibrant . They come in a variety of styles and colors, so there is something for everyone.

    * We have something special for our SobeSavvy.Com readers.. from March 1 2016 thru March 31st 2016 use coupon code March2016 and receive 25% off !(including sales)

    Visit their website for products and new arrivals at http://www.vrsgynfashion.comimage

    NAMASTE

    #TransformationTuesday: How to Get Glowing #Skin, #Detox From Within !

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    Change in weather, diet or stress are just 3 of the many things that can wreak havoc on one’s skin. After the new year began, I found that my skin had lost its glow and for a reason why I did not know!

    I began the year with a resolution to reintroduce healthy habits into my lifestyle. I tried a detox body treatment for the first time at Exhale (read about my pamper me session  here ! )  So it was quite a surprise to me when last week, my face became red, flaky and itchy. It was just overall uncomfortable. Was it eczema ? an allergic reaction? psoriasis? seborrheic dermatitis?..I did not know! What I did know was like the picture below.. my skin was SAD 😦

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    I researched the internet and decided I would do a detox for my facial skin. My breakout occurred in my Tzone area (forhead, nose,chin)  and looked at the facial map as a map on where the problem may lie.

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    OK by the looks of it something I ate may be the culprit so let’s do a detox. I decided upon Dr. OZ‘S 3 DAY Detox as it was simple, took little time and prep, cost was minimal, easy to follow and had rave reviews.

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    The shakes were easy to make and I looked forward to the breakfast and dinner one. Lunchtime was most challenging but I knew I was giving my body what it needs via the leafy greens to combat what was going on with my facial skin.

    To understand the importance of detoxing, here are a few graphics that breaks it down as to why everyone should try a detox for the skin.

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    All you need is a weekend and this past 3 day weekend made it possible along with my suppostive husband and my willpower to do what is good for me from the inside out !

    So here is my before, during (where I applied this honey/nutmeg mask that I loved as well)  and after of the past 3 days.

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    I hope I have inspired you to try a detox and encouraged you to love the skin you are in! Remember beauty is skin deep … it starts from within. This Transformation Tuesday treat yourself to a skin detox!

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