yoga Archives - JTB Wellness

August 7, 2025

How I Experienced Samadhi While Rucking 130 Miles

Reflections on pain, presence, and the YES that carried me forward.

Earlier this summer, I completed the hardest physical challenge of my life — a 130-mile, 4-day endurance ruck known simply as “The Finishers Challenge.” Twenty-nine of us stepped off together, each carrying 15% of our body weight in our packs. Ten of us finished.

I was one of them.

And somehow, in the middle of all the blistering pain and mental chaos, I found peace. I experienced samadhi — the kind of integration that yoga has been pointing me toward for decades. Samadhi is the ultimate state of presence in the yogic path — where the mind quiets, the ego dissolves, and you become one with the moment itself. It’s not about floating away or reaching some far-off enlightenment. It’s about arriving fully. Right here. Right now. As the Yoga Sutras say, “When the mind becomes still, the seer rests in their true nature.” (Sutra 1.3)
But I didn’t find it in a cave, on a mountaintop, or in a quiet studio…
I found it after 100+ miles, with wet socks, an aching knee, a sandbag on my back, and a heart cracked wide open.

Day One: The Invitation

We arrived at Why Me — a nonprofit serving families navigating pediatric cancer — at 4:30 am. The energy was electric. We were each called individually to step off into the unknown. No one knew the course. We were given a postcard with a QR code revealing our 28.8-mile route, and our first introduction to the child whose journey we would follow throughout the challenge.

The miles passed with the help of a good friend and deep conversation. We talked about grief, business transitions, relationships that were loving but unsustainable, solo parenting, financial strain, and all the quiet ways we carry pain. We laughed. We climbed. We supported one another. We showed up fully.

At mile 20, we were handed a sandbag equal to 10% of our body weight and told to hike up Mount Wachusett — no putting it down. It symbolized the beginning of chemo treatment. Before this challenge, we read about this child’s first day in the hospital. I could not back down knowing what she went through.

The last few miles were train tracks. Unstable, unforgiving, impossible to find a rhythm. That night we camped in wind and noise and cold. I slept 3 hours. And somehow, that was enough.

Day Two: The Discomfort

We started the day by dumping out our entire packs and repacking on command. The route? 30.5 miles.

About six miles in, we hit our first challenge station: fully submerge in river water with shoes and clothes on, then keep walking. It was meant to simulate the discomfort and unpredictability of treatment. We weren’t allowed to change until we were out of view. I walked, chafing and soaked, alone for much of the day.

At mile 24, a decision: continue the route (with only 2 hours to finish) or wait 30 minutes for an unknown — possibly shorter — course. I chose to wait. My new route was only slightly shorter and a (mostly) gradual uphill the entire time.

I arrived at the finish at 5:20 pm in a daze. My feet were raw. My mind was numb. But my spirit? Alive.

Day Three: The Surrender

This was the make-or-break day. We were woken up at 2:30 am. Step-off had to happen by 3:30 or you were disqualified. The route? Forty-five miles. We had until midnight.

Around mile 5, another water crossing. I was wet, cold, covered in bugs, and alone for most of the remaining 40 miles. Midday, I hit my wall. I hadn’t eaten enough, hadn’t hydrated enough, and was spiraling mentally. I dropped my pack, sat on the side of the trail, and asked myself:

Can I take one more step?

That question saved me. It brought me back into the now.

From that moment on, I wasn’t walking as Jess anymore. I was walking as something bigger. I accessed every tool I’ve ever taught or learned:

Breath of Fire when I needed power.
Sitali Breath when I needed to cool down.
Ujjayi Breath when I needed to regulate.
Barre-trained joint strength.
Foot awareness from barefoot workouts.
Kundalini kriyas that taught me how to keep going when I wanted to stop.

Every step became a silent mantra:
YES.
Yes to pain.
Yes to presence.
Yes to purpose.
Yes to not knowing.
Yes to THIS moment.
This was samadhi. Not escape, but union — body, breath, heart, and spirit. I arrived at the finish at 9:20 pm, changed forever.

Day Four: The Gift

I woke up unsure if I could move. My knee was screaming, but my spirit said try. I taped it up, grabbed borrowed trekking poles, and stepped off for the final 25 miles.

This day was quieter, more internal. I ran into friends on the trail and smiled at each aid station like I’d just been handed a love letter. With every step, I knew:
I’m going to finish.

At 3:20 pm, I crossed the final line. My son Nolan was waiting for me. I learned that the child whose journey we had been following was now cancer-free. I wept.

What Got Me Through:

A lifelong yoga practice
Weekly barre classes (barefoot, of course)
My morning sadhana, where I’ve made peace with my shadows
Deep breathwork, joint strength, and mindfulness
Facing hard things in my life with an open heart
The willingness to say YES
Remembering my spirit guides are always with me

What Comes Next

This experience cracked something open in me. And in September, I’ll be sharing everything I used to get through the ruck in a new coaching program that combines yoga, mindset, strength, breathwork, and embodiment.

You won’t need to walk 130 miles.
But if you’ve got something hard to face — change, grief, transition, uncertainty — I want to walk beside you.

More details soon…

And if you’re curious, stay tuned. I’ll be sharing more articles about the breathwork techniques that carried me, why I trained the way I did, and how you can walk with me through this story — to feel the weight, the emotional toll, and the complete mindf*ck of this experience.

Until then, take a deep breath.

And say YES to whatever step is in front of you today.

xo,
Jess

October 3, 2024

Balancing Vata in the Fall: Ayurvedic Tips for Staying Grounded and Warm

As the crispness of fall settles in and the leaves begin to turn, we enter a season marked by cooler temperatures, increased winds, and a general shift toward dryness. In Ayurveda, this seasonal change is characterized by the dominance of Vata dosha, which is associated with air and space. While this energy brings creativity, movement, and lightness, it can also lead to feelings of anxiety, dryness, restlessness, and a sense of being ungrounded.

But don’t worry! With a few mindful adjustments, you can harness the beauty of Vata season while staying grounded, warm, and balanced. Let’s explore some simple yet effective Ayurvedic tips to help you stay centered during this time of transition.

Understanding Vata Dosha

Vata dosha governs all movement in the body, from the beating of your heart to the flow of breath and thoughts. Its qualities are cold, light, dry, and mobile—much like the fall season itself. When Vata is in balance, you’ll feel energetic, creative, and flexible. However, when out of balance, Vata can manifest as:

Dry skin or hair
Insomnia
Anxiety or nervousness
Bloating and digestive issues
Feeling scattered or overwhelmed

To stay balanced in the fall, it’s important to counter Vata’s cold and dry qualities with warmth, nourishment, and stability.

Top Ayurvedic Tips for Balancing Vata in the Fall

1. Favor Warm, Cooked Foods

One of the easiest ways to balance Vata is through diet. Focus on foods that are warming, grounding, and easy to digest. In Ayurveda, foods are considered medicine, and the right choices can help calm Vata’s erratic nature.

Eat warm, cooked meals: Soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and porridges are ideal.
Favor sweet, sour, and salty tastes: These tastes help ground and hydrate the body. Think sweet potatoes, apples, and warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cumin.
Avoid cold, raw, and dry foods: Salads, raw vegetables, and dry snacks like crackers can aggravate Vata and leave you feeling ungrounded.

2. Embrace Warming Spices

Spices are essential in an Ayurvedic kitchen, especially in the fall. They not only add flavor but also help stimulate digestion and circulation, two key elements for balancing Vata.

Add warming spices to your meals: Use cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and cardamom liberally in your cooking. These spices help warm the body from within and aid digestion.
Sip herbal teas: Ginger or chai tea with a pinch of cinnamon can be a comforting way to stay warm throughout the day.

3. Prioritize Routine and Stability

Vata’s mobile and fluctuating energy can leave you feeling scattered, so it’s essential to create a sense of routine and stability in your daily life. A consistent schedule for eating, sleeping, and exercising will help ground you.

Establish a calming morning routine: Wake up at the same time each day, do some gentle stretching or yoga, and enjoy a nourishing breakfast.
Stick to regular meal times: Avoid skipping meals or eating at irregular hours, as this can aggravate Vata’s light and airy nature.
Prioritize sleep: Aim to get to bed by 10 PM to ensure deep, restful sleep, which is especially important during Vata season.

4. Incorporate Grounding Practices

During Vata season, it’s helpful to engage in practices that bring a sense of grounding and calm to both your body and mind.

Practice gentle, grounding yoga: Focus on slower, more restorative yoga poses like forward folds, Child’s Pose, and Tree Pose. These poses help you connect with the earth and balance your energy.
Meditate regularly: Even 10 minutes a day of mindfulness or deep breathing can help calm Vata’s nervous energy.
Try Abhyanga (self-oil massage): Massaging warm sesame or almond oil into your skin before showering is a deeply grounding practice. It nourishes dry skin and soothes Vata’s restlessness.

5. Layer Up to Stay Warm

Vata is cold by nature, so staying physically warm is key to keeping it balanced.

Dress in layers: As fall weather fluctuates, layering your clothing allows you to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.
Keep your feet warm: Vata tends to collect in the lower body, so make sure your feet stay cozy with warm socks or slippers, especially in the mornings and evenings.

6. Hydrate and Moisturize

Vata’s dry quality can lead to dehydration, dry skin, and brittle hair. Combat this by staying hydrated and moisturizing regularly.

Drink warm or room temperature water: Ice-cold beverages can aggravate Vata, so stick to warm or room temperature drinks to support digestion and hydration.
Moisturize your skin: Use nourishing oils or rich lotions to keep your skin hydrated. Sesame oil is especially grounding and warming for Vata.

Balancing Vata in the fall is all about creating warmth, stability, and nourishment in your daily life. By incorporating these Ayurvedic practices—eating warming foods, sticking to a routine, staying grounded, and layering up for warmth—you’ll be able to navigate the cooler months with ease and vitality.

Remember, Ayurveda is about balance and harmony with nature. As you align yourself with the rhythms of the season, you’ll not only keep Vata in check but also experience a greater sense of peace, warmth, and well-being throughout the fall. Have recipes, routines, or additional tips to share with your fellow JTB community members? Start the conversation in the JTB Facebook group or connect with friends after class.

September 30, 2024

JTB’s Holistic Approach to Balance and Wellness through Ayurveda

At JTB, we believe that wellness is a journey—a balance of mind, body, and spirit. We’re committed to providing more than just a place for exercise or massage – we strive to be a sanctuary for total well-being. Starting in October, we’re introducing monthly themes that reflect the seasons and are inspired by Ayurveda, an ancient practice that’s been intertwined with yoga for thousands of years. By incorporating Ayurveda’s wisdom into our offerings, we aim to help our community align body and mind with the natural rhythms of nature. Whether through yoga, mindfulness, or nutritional guidance, we invite you to explore how Ayurveda can bring balance and harmony to your daily life.

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda, often referred to as “the science of life,” is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. The word itself is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Ayur,” meaning life, and “Veda,” meaning knowledge or science. Ayurveda is more than just a system of medicine; it is a way of life that emphasizes the balance between the body, mind, and spirit.

The core philosophy of Ayurveda is that each person is unique and should be treated as such. It focuses on understanding the individual constitution (Prakriti), which is determined by the balance of three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas are biological energies that govern our physical and mental processes, and each person has a unique combination of these three that shapes their nature, health, and behavior.

The Connection Between Ayurveda and Yoga

Yoga and Ayurveda are sister sciences, both born from the same Vedic traditions. While yoga harmonizes the body and mind through postures, breath, and meditation, Ayurveda offers guidance for maintaining that harmony through diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies.

Even if you’re not deeply invested in Ayurveda, it can still be meaningful to your life. Its principles—like living in tune with the seasons and balancing different aspects of yourself—are easy to incorporate and can subtly enhance your well-being. Together, yoga and Ayurveda create a holistic path to feeling your best, physically and mentally.

October Focus: Vata

As we move into October, the shift in seasons brings with it a change in the energies around us. According to Ayurveda, each season is associated with specific elements, and autumn is dominated by the air element, or “Vata” dosha. This month at JTB, we will focus on connecting with the qualities of the air element—lightness, movement, and change—and how these influence our bodies, minds, and overall well-being.

The air element, with its cool, dry, and mobile nature, can bring about a sense of creativity and expansiveness. However, if not balanced, it can also lead to feelings of restlessness, anxiety, and instability. That’s why it’s crucial to align our practices with the season to maintain harmony and health.

Throughout October, we’ll explore ways to ground and nourish ourselves as the air element takes center stage. From yoga practices that emphasize grounding postures and breathwork, to lifestyle and dietary tips that counterbalance the lightness of Vata, we’ll guide you in adapting to the seasonal changes with intention and awareness.

Join us at JTB this month as we delve into the wisdom of Ayurveda and learn how to embrace the air element, finding stability and peace within the natural rhythms of the season. Together, we’ll connect with the energy of autumn and harness its power to support our journey toward balance and well-being, both on and off the mat.

August 23, 2021

Yoga is for Everybody…

Yoga is for everybody.

Every gender.

Every race.

Every color, creed, belief, and background.

When yoga is practiced in a loving, accepting space, it promotes a sense of well-being.

Side effects of beginning a yoga practice can include a desire to take better care of one’s self and explore the ethics and traditions behind this ancient practice. Simple, constructive things like being kinder to your neighbor, asking bigger questions in your spiritual practice, and caring for your body, the divine vessel you live life in.

If you can breathe, you can do yoga.

If you can show up on your mat, you are doing yoga.

If you want to take up space, there is a space for you.

If you wish to speak, there are people who wish to listen.

We can all agree that health, vitality and a sense of belonging are universal principles.

It is my belief that something so universally needed should not be separated by class, income level, and belief system – but was designed to be enjoyed, appreciated and shared by all.

If you believe that caring for yourself, spreading joy and feeling pleasure in your body is truly for EVERYBODY – then what you can do to make the world a better, healthier place is by living this value.

It’s true!

If you wish for more people to value health and practicing yoga, you must be an example to someone else.

A friend for someone in need who is going through turbulence.

A friendly face in a fitness class when someone is trying it out for the first time.

An inspiration to someone who wishes for your strength and flexibility someday.

If you believe in yoga’s magic…do more yoga!

At JTB, we have something for everybody. Every level, every need, every time.

We know the human body is dynamic and seasons change and bring different needs.

That is why we have the variety in our service menu that you might not see elsewhere.

JTB was created with YOU in mind.

Therefore, this blog post is dedicated to you, our clients at JTB who show up for themselves – the ones who understand we do not do yoga simply for ourselves, but for our communities.

For the person next to us in class.

To share energy with our instructors and staff.

To center ourselves to be better friends, partners, parents, and citizens.

We hope you enjoy taking up space and shining your light….as much as we enjoy having you!

October 3, 2019

Get to Know Your Chakras at JTB

Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye, Crown.

Maybe you’ve heard of the seven chakras, but have you ever related your fitness and wellness routine to the seven chakras?

Maybe you’ve heard mentions of them in yoga. Maybe you’ve heard it in acupuncture, in a crystal shop, or randomly through the grapevine. Maybe you’ve heard of chakras via massage or reiki, as practitioners focus on the prime meridian points to clear stagnant energy that builds up… Maybe you’re a metaphysical expert, or maybe you’ve never heard of them at all!

At JTB Wellness, we are totally friendly with spirituality and believe there is so much more than meets the eye.

We acknowledge that not everyone comes to the studio for the spirituality, and that’s okay, too!

Just know that if you are ever looking for a little more, we hold space for you too. 😉

I acknowledge that there are many other interpretations out there – and we always encourage you to find your own meaning behind the metaphysical! (Beyond what the eye can see and a doctor can examine.)

Without further ado, let’s get into it!

Root Chakra: Located at the base of the spine and associated with the color red. The root chakra is the connection to all security. Everything to do with being grounded, connected and safe. This chakra is related to anything having to do with career, finances, home, food, feeling safe and your childhood. (Your roots, per se.) Feeling grounded to the earth, protected, connected to reality. Hatha Yoga is a good practice for a slow, meditative movement that can focus on grounding down after a long day where you feel all over the place. The vibration of this slow, intentional, effective practice is said to increase the vibration of the root chakra! Taking a HIIT class can also do wonders for the root chakra- connecting with primal energy and explosive movements creates balance from the ground up, physically and energetically.

Sacral Chakra: Located below the navel, the sacral chakra is associated with the color orange, creativity, sexual energy. An open sacral chakra allows in pleasure, abundance and well being. It has been said that the sacral chakra can only flourish when the root chakra is stable. In other words, we are not in a headspace to express our creativity if we do not feel safe and secure. Buti Yoga, Yoga Belly Dance Fusion, and any other practice that gets your hips moving & your creativity sparked will help balance the sacral chakra!

Solar Plexus Chakra: Located in the upper abdomen area, the yellow-glowing solar plexus is your confidence and self-esteem. Some also say that the solar plexus is the control center for self-fulfillment. People with a strong, balanced solar plexus chakra do not need external validation and are fueled by their inner knowing. Your connection to your center can be found in your next Vinyasa class. In this class, we focus inward and notice the internal dialogue. There is an emphasis on being present in your body and your breath, with no need to look beyond your own experience in the practice for any sort of validation.

Another way to look at it is by seeing the solar plexus as your energy center, the one that sets the tone for how you walk into a room. In your next Butts + Guts class, focus on your center and visualize a strong yellow light coming from your belly button, expanding to your whole body and to the rest of the room. Not only does this encourage mindfulness in a class that can be challenging – but it can increase your energy and vitality!

Heart Chakra: Located at the center of the chest and glowing the color green, the heart chakra represents exactly what it sounds like… Love, joy and inner peace! To soothe, balance, and restore your heart chakra, book a loving massage for yourself, or a couple’s massage for you and your heart-throb!

Throat Chakra: This light-blue hued chakra is located in the throat, and associated with your voice and truth. A closed throat chakra can look like shyness, not speaking up – or even lying, talking over others or not being a strong communicator. Fortunately, a favorite at JTB Yoga is Buti Yoga, which can be very good for the throat chakra! In Buti Yoga, we like to get loud and proud; students are encouraged to sigh, laugh, and let out any stagnant energy through their voice. It’s not uncommon to hear laughter and cheerful hollering during a challenging Buti Yoga class, that’s what the practice was designed for!

Third Eye Chakra: The third eye chakra is located on your forehead, directly above and between the eyebrows. The color is indigo and this energy center is associated with the intuition and deeper knowing. At JTB, our Vinyasa flows connect to the third eye by connecting movement with breath. The balancing postures and back bending poses are also excellent for concentration, strengthening the inner focus deeper knowing.

We also offer Craniosacral Therapy, a deep and subtle practice which includes therapeutic touches on the head and low back, clearing any energetic blocks that prevent your third eye from being open and active.

Last, but not least! The Crown Chakra: Color indigo, located at the top of the head and associated with your higher being and connection to the spiritual realm. If you believe in a higher power, know we are all united somehow and there are forces out there greater than you – congratulations, you have an open crown chakra! 🙂 You are at an elevated consciousness and are hungry for more knowledge on how to expand it. Fortunately for you, on Friday, October 4th at 7:15 pm, we will be hosting our first Yoga Nidra – a practice in completely relaxing the body to be able to connect with the divine.

So there you have it! We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again; there’s something for EVERYBODY (and every Chakra) at JTB!

Which chakra resonates most with you? Which service or class will you try next? 🙂

September 15, 2019

New Students! Here’s Everything You Need to Know…

Have you been thinking about trying one of our classes? Did you notice something on our Instagram that lit you up but also seems a little foreign to you? Maybe you’re not sure which class to try first, or even what you need to bring or wear to our classes?

I want to answer all your questions about how to get started at JTB! Remember, it’s our mission to help you find a way to move your body that you LOVE- a workout that feels good for your body and mind. Something that feeds your soul.

What am I expected to know?

All you need to know is that this is something you want to try! We encourage you to ask questions for everything else. Do I wear sneakers or is this class barefoot? Are there any prerequisites for this class? And (a big one) if I’m working with an injury, how do I modify for this class? These questions will all vary from class to class, so we encourage you to read the class descriptions on our App or Mindbody site, send us a message, and come 5-10 minutes early to your first class to chat with the instructor and have all your questions answered before the class starts.

What class do I start with?

We love to see people trying new things, even (especially) when it’s outside their comfort zone. Are you an avid runner that has always wanted to try cardio dance? Do it! Love HIIT classes but considering barre to help stabilize your hip and ankle joints so you can go harder? Give it a try! Do you find comfort in a Gentle Hatha Yoga class but are secretly dying to try Buti? Join us!

Beginners are welcome in all our classes, but sometimes things move faster than you might be comfortable with. If you’re just starting out, set some goals for yourself and figure out where you’d like to focus first. If it’s yoga, a great place to start would be our Easy Like Sunday Morning, on Sundays at 9 am, Yin Yoga on Mondays at 7:00 p.m., or Gentle Hatha Yoga, Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. For barre, jump right in on Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. or Thursdays at 6 p.m., or schedule a private tutorial to get a more comprehensive overview of the form and stances before taking a group class. HIIT classes like HIIT Bootcamp, Butts + Guts, and Strength often seem the most intimidating but are actually the easiest to scale and review modifications.

What do I wear?

In general, you want to wear clothing that will not restrict your movement. Think stretchy pants or shorts, and a form fitting t-shirt, tank, or sports bra. Loose clothing will bunch up and get in your way most of the time. All yoga classes (including Buti) are done barefoot. Barre classes are done with bare feet or sticky socks (I prefer barefoot). Any classes that use heavier weights or involve mainly cardio- all of our HIIT formats and 305 Fitness- will require sneakers. You’ll want to bring your workout shoes with you and change into them once you’re inside the studio.

What do I bring?

If you have a mat that you love, bring it! If you don’t, we have studio mats available on a first come, first serve basis. (There are usually enough for everyone!) If you’re an avid yogi and have your own blanket, bolster, blocks, or belt you are welcome to bring those as well. We have everything on hand that you need to participate in any of our classes. All you really need is the appropriate clothing and/or footwear, and an open mind.

How much does it cost?

Here’s a breakdown of the cost for classes at JTB.

New students– $20 for your first week of unlimited classes. This option can only be purchased at or before your first visit. Starting with your first class, you are welcome to try any and all of our classes for the next 7 consecutive days!

Drop in– $15

5 class pass– $75

Memberships

If you are taking 3 or more classes per month, the most cost-effective way to pay for classes is with our Unlimited Membership. The cost is a recurring auto-payment of $118 per month, with a 6-month commitment. There is a $100 fee to cancel the membership before 6 months is up. It will also auto renew, so if you want to opt out you can just let us know once your commitment is over.

Want to join us virtually? We also have an unlimited virtual membership for $59 per month autopay, with no commitment. This includes all virtual class options and unlimited access to our Video on Demand catalog.

Ready to get started?

I hope this helps you feel more confident and excited to visit us and join in on some of our classes. If you have more questions that aren’t covered here, or just want to schedule a time to come in and tour our facility before your first class, don’t hesitate to send us a message or call 508-341-4913. We are here to help!

I can’t wait to meet you.

Xo,

Jess

September 11, 2019

What Kind of Yoga is YOUR Kind of Yoga?

Let me explain…

Yoga was made for the soul.

Yoga was made for the spirit.

Yoga was divinely designed to get energy in the body moving around, then open and clear the chakras, and close them back up again so that we may come back to love from an elevated vibration.

Yoga was made for fun, for fitness, for movement.

Yoga was made for YOU.

Don’t believe me?

Notice how diverse, beautiful and ever-evolving the practice of yoga is.

Take Hatha Yoga, for example, an ancient practice that is designed to deepen relaxation and hold the body still to deepen flexibility within grounded, static poses. It is a very calming class to take to wind down at the end of the day.

On the other hand, we also have Vinyasa Yoga. This class tends to a little more fast-paced – as every moment is synced with breath – to achieve greater balance, endurance and strength. This style of yoga invigorates the spirits and creates heat in the body for tapas, or purifying, detoxing practice.

Think of this practice like dancing, flowing and connecting to deeper consciousness… and getting a great healthy sweat.

Power Yoga, like Vinyasa, is moved to the rhythm of your own breath – sequenced with your own intuition. Classes may include more dog cycles or Suryanamaskaras to create more heat, engage more muscles in the body, burn out the shoulders and biceps for a more challenging, detoxing practice. Power Yoga classes also may be heated.

Buti Yoga is a very dynamic form of yoga. It blends yoga, plyometrics, and dance. This is to transform the student from the inside out. Each class is sequenced intuitively and no two classes are ever the same. Classes involve primal movement to connect to our human roots and deep core toning to deepen your stability. Movement is done with creative sequencing to eclectic music designed to get the student out of their heads and into their bodies.

Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep, is a branch of yoga where we find complete relaxation and stillness in order to connect with our pure selves- a place of calm and connection. This type of yoga requires no physical exertion whatsoever. In yoga nidra you are guided by the voice of the speaker into relaxation of all of the koshas- starting with our physical body and drawing us in to pure Atman- joy and authenticity.

The styles of yoga – from traditional to beer yoga or goat yoga, are designed to get new people to try it and have fun outdoors – vary and will continue to vary as the practice and the population evolves.

What’s YOUR favorite kind of yoga?

August 28, 2019

Can You do Only One Type of Workout?

It is a very beautiful thing to have found your favorite fitness class…

The one.

You might be in love with your favorite barre class and maybe a little too intimidated to try something else…

You may have Suryanamaskar A and B totally down and cling the comfort of that yoga class…

You may even feel like you’ve found what many refer to as their soulmate workout, like Buti Yoga, and be totally in love.

“It has everything – I’m good!

I don’t need to try anything else!”

Can you get everything you need from one workout?

The short answer is, no.

Even die-hard fitness adrenaline junkies, who you may find at a Strength, HIIT or Butts + Guts class – will need to mix it up with something more restorative….and keep their bodies guessing in order to grow and breakthrough any plateaus.

Why?

Our bodies crave various movement.

Have you ever taken yoga classes, only to find your body craves strength to feed your beautiful muscles?

Have you ever taken multiple barre classes, and get the urge to just sprint?

If not, that’s totally okay – but it may be time to feed your body different movement styles!

As you increase your body’s intuition, you will start to get a better understanding of what it needs to fit your goals.

In order to strengthen, to relax, to stretch, and to support you in your daily tasks.

Move your body in as many different ways as possible. Become more adaptive to different movement patterns.

Not only does this change the patterning of your brain, (making you smarter, a more creative thinker and adaptable) but it makes daily tasks easier with a multi-faceted fitness toolbox.

Your body is multidimensional, your spirit is multifaceted – like a crystal will many edges and sides, with its own brilliance.

Fortunately for you, JTB Wellness has this all in mind during the careful curation of our schedule.

Be sure to vary up the way you move your body – check our schedule, ask a member of our staff or send us a message if you want to learn more ways you can challenge your body and mind in new ways!

July 26, 2019

Aparigraha, or Non-Attachment, May Be The Missing Edge in Your Health and Life.

“In Hinduism, aparigraha is the virtue of non-possessiveness, non-grasping, or non-greediness.” (wikipedia, 2019)

Non attachment is one of the yamas, or self-regulating behaviors, that is taught in conjunction with yoga.

It is not, nor should it be, exclusive to yoga, and can be applied to our entire lives.

When done properly, our health journeys are not simply for the pursuit of the external results – the six pack, the booty, the bragging rights – but done along with a moral compass as well. How we approach our fitness routines, and what we think about during our workouts, is a catalyst for how we deal with the challenges in our lives.

So what does non-attachment have to do with this, and how can you begin to implement it today?

Simply put, we need to release so that we can make way for who we want to become.

What are you calling in through your fitness journey? What’s your “why”?

What are you currently attaching onto that may not be serving you?

What is on the other side of you releasing this?

In fitness, we frequently focus on the engaging of the core, the effort we’re putting on our muscles, the creation of tone and definition and additions to our daily routine….but the secret sauce of health is in releasing.

What if you took a bootcamp class, or booked one of our massages, and instead asked yourself, “What can I let go of today? What needs to be released before I experience my next big breakthrough?”

Typically, when you ask yourself very good questions like these, you receive very good answers. When you set powerful intentions, the inspiration for your next step arises when we are still and ready to receive.In your next barre class, for example, think of your mentality powering through the class (engaging when it’s time for effort, but softening when it’s time to release) and notice if it causes a ripple effect through your whole life.

How you do one thing is how you do everything. Fitness acts as a catalyst for how we go about our lives. Notice any tension that doesn’t want to let off in a massage. Notice any stickiness in the breath in a yoga class…and then notice if this is similar to the way we go about our challenges in the rest of our days.

Are you holding your breath? Are you struggling to release control?

Ask yourself, how can I release so that I may receive?

Non-attachment does not mean giving up all worldly possessions, becoming emotionally distant and pretending not to want things.

It simply means the beautiful, universal truth that you lack nothing… Abundance is all around you.
So why would you be attached to the outcome?
Trust that your spirit may hold a simultaneous belief that you are whole as you are, and that you get to have more, as opposed to you need more and must control what happens next.
Needing is based in a lack energy and creates attachment and fear- based thoughts… and this hurts our health journey, creating us to run in circles for external validation, as opposed to being in the moment and celebrating our growth.

Here’s a practice in non-attachment that you can try in your next Gentle Yoga class, or right now, if you choose:

Take a big deep breath, inhaling for five seconds; exhale for seven.

Fully breathe out of your lungs, trusting that you can fully exhale your lungs…Naturally, your lungs are capable and instinctively know how to take their next inhale.

Your next breath is right around the corner.

This is non-attachment.

You lack nothing.

Oxygen is all around you and your body naturally welcomes and practices this process.

Even if there was stickiness in your breath or your brain started to chatter – that’s ok.

Because how we do one thing, is how we do everything.

We practice pranayama, or breath control, because it trains our brains to feel peace, trust, control and nonattachment to every little thing.

In fitness classes, slower hatha yoga classes and even a deep tissue massage, this non-attachment practice of breathwork is so crucial.

In our Buti Yoga classes, each class is improvised so that students are not attached to routine and always kept guessing. This creates an appreciation and celebration for the moment…and the results you crave always show up when you’ve released the hefty expectations of yourself to perform.

In our nutrition coaching, we work with our students to ease their attachment to diets that do not serve them, and find a wholesome view of fueling their bodies.

At JTB Wellness, we hold space for all sorts of growth.
We don’t want you to just show up and worry about your body – but to celebrate it, honor it, and use is as the precious container for your mind and spirit as well.

We offer all levels classes and we want to challenge you to try something new… and if you find your routine and just love it, maybe consider a new challenge within the same class. We invite you to include aparigraha into your lifestyle, fitness and mindset.

It might just give you that extra edge you’re looking for!

December 26, 2018

New Levels of Membership for the New Year!

Christmas is over. Maybe you’re buzzing a little from the intake of candy, cakes, and cocktails…. you’re cleaning up paper, decompressing from social obligations, and enjoying some downtime as we slip into the cool, dark New England winter. As we regroup over the next week and assess our goals for the new year, you might be thinking about what you can do to feel GOOD in 2019. Feeling good comes in many forms, but I’ve found that adding a little (or a lot) movement into your world, plugging into a community, and treating your body with love and respect can make a huge impact on your everyday life.

I’ve been musing over the huge impact the services we offer at JTB have made in the lives of so many this past year. I feel so proud of the team I have, from the yoga teachers to the group fitness instructors to the massage therapists. I love being able to offer such a diverse class schedule and provide opportunities for people to find a way that they enjoy moving their body and stick with it. I love watching clients come in for a massage treatment and seeing them leave feeling and looking like a new person. I love watching my nutrition clients slay their goals, keeping them accountable, and sticking by them when they struggle. (And we ALL struggle sometimes.) Mostly, I love hearing the clients and members encourage new students when they come in after their first class… I love seeing special friendships develop along with hugs and tears in the reception area every single day… I love being the leader of that something for someone in so many different ways.

In recognizing that we stand out in more than one way, and that rest, recovery, and proper nutrition go hand in hand, I’ve been re-evaluating our membership options. I realize that self-care can get a little pricey, and I’ve been thinking a lot about ways that I can help make all of our transformational services more accessible to more people.

So, here it is… Introducing three new levels of membership for 2019.

Level One Membership– Join our Level One Membership and enjoy unlimited classes for just $99 per month! This was previously labeled, “Platinum Membership,” and while many people were able to sign up during promotions at $99, some of you have been paying $115 per month for unlimited classes. Starting January 1, everyone at this level will pay $99. (This will be automatically adjusted on your account.) This level will cap at 30 members.

Next Level Membership– Take it to the next level with our Next Level Membership with Massage! With this contract, you will receive unlimited classes on the regular weekly schedule and one 60 minute massage per month with Peter or Alison OR weekly remote nutrition coaching for $150 per month. This level will cap at 20 members.

Level Up Membership– Level UP with our Level Up Membership option! With this contract, you will receive unlimited classes on the regular weekly schedule, one 60 minute massage per month with Peter or Alison, and weekly remote nutrition coaching for $200 per month. This level will cap at 10 members.

All members will have access to exclusive, monthly, members only workshops and socials. You will also now be invited to bring one guest per month at no charge.

These memberships will not be available for purchase until January 1! Check your inbox New Year’s Day with a link that will direct you to our Mindbody site where you can choose your best level before they max out.

If membership is not in your budget, I understand. We will continue to offer drop ins at $16 per class, 5 class passes for $75, and 10 class passes for $145. (All passes have a 6 month expiration date.) Starting in January, we will also be offering, “First Friday Free,” pop up classes. These classes will run at 6 p.m. on the first Friday of every month and will be a different class format every time. Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for event updates and be sure to register as soon as we announce them as they are sure to fill up quickly!

Finally, any new students who want to check out our classes for the first time during the month of January will be able to purchase $30 for 30 days UNLIMITED classes. This option will be available for purchase January 1 through the 31st, it can only be purchased at your first ever class here, and it expires 30 days from the date of your first class. In February, we will go back to our everyday new student special of $10 for 10 days unlimited.

Cheers to the best year yet. <3

All my love,