Category Archives: FIT + WELL

The Groomed LA Holiday Gift Guide Part 2: Wellness, Beauty, and Balance

December 12, 2024

The holidays are here, and it’s time to treat your loved ones (and yourself) to gifts that inspire wellness, relaxation, and a touch of luxury.  Welcome to Part 2 of our round up fabulous finds to help you curate the perfect gift list. Whether you’re shopping for fitness enthusiasts, self-care devotees, or anyone in between, these picks have you covered.

Omorpho Weighted Vest

Transform workouts with the chic Omorpho weighted vest. Designed to make every movement more effective, this sleek vest uses evenly distributed micro-loads to boost calorie burn and muscle activation, making fitness functional and fashionable.
Shop now: 15% off with code GROOMEDLA15

Thesis Nootropics

Unlock next-level focus and mental clarity with Thesis Nootropics. These cognitive-enhancing supplements are tailored to support energy, creativity, and productivity—a game-changer for anyone juggling a packed schedule.
Shop now: 15% off with code GroomedLA15

Nutr Machine

The NUTR Machine is the ultimate gift for health enthusiasts and sustainability lovers, offering a quick and eco-friendly way to make fresh, homemade plant-based milk at the touch of a button. Sleek, compact, and easy to use, it’s perfect for elevating any kitchen.
Shop Now (15 % off with code GROOMEDLA)

Grounding Well Grounding Sheets

Sleep grounded—literally. These grounding sheets connect you to the Earth’s energy, promoting better sleep, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall well-being. It’s a gift of rest and renewal.
Shop now: GROOMEDLA10 for 10% off

Vanity Planet Face Steamer

Elevate at-home skincare with this luxe facial steamer. It opens pores, hydrates skin, and preps for maximum product absorption. Perfect for a spa-like experience in the comfort of home.
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Personal Fav Lube

This clean, body-safe lubricant makes a cheeky yet essential gift for partners—or as a stocking stuffer that’s guaranteed to spark conversation. Long-lasting, silky, and designed for ultimate comfort.
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BUOY Hydration Drops

LOVE these Unflavored Liquid Electrolytes | Hydration Drops. Ionic ocean electrolytes + 87 trace minerals turns any drink into a hydrating beverage. No sugar, sweeteners, flavors. Energy, Gut Health, Brain Function, Skin – Delivered in 3x more bioavailable form factor. I drop into EVERY BEVVIE!
Shop now: 20% off with this link

14th Night Hair Elixir

A multi-purpose, luxurious hair treatment that instantly hydrates your hair, restoring its natural strength and shine. The smell is NEXT LEVEL! Features nature’s most prized beauty ingredients – Rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants, leaving hair shiny with a radiant glow. This luxurious hair treatment instantly hydrates your hair, restoring its natural strength and smoothness with a silky finish. Over time, hair becomes stronger, healthier, and more manageable.
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Ravanat Perfume

For the fragrance lover, Ravanat’s intoxicating scent blends depth and sophistication with a hint of mystery. It’s the kind of perfume that turns heads and makes memories.
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GoWheel (12-inch)

Take yoga and stretching to new heights with the GoFit GoWheel. This sturdy yoga wheel provides enhanced stability for backbends, forearm stands, and deep stretches. It’s a gift of flexibility and relaxation, wrapped into one.
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OOMA Mushrooms

Support whole-body wellness with OOMA Mushrooms. These functional mushroom blends are crafted to target stress, immunity, focus, and overall vitality. Perfect for anyone looking to optimize health with nature’s most powerful adaptogens.
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Micropause Wellness Gummies

For the midlife woman ready to thrive, Micropause wellness gummies offer daily support for the unique challenges of perimenopause and beyond. With targeted formulas for stress, sleep, and overall balance, it’s a sweet way to prioritize health.
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My V Shot Experience at R3 Anti Aging in Beverly Hills

October 13, 2024

In my quest to optimize and bio-hack sexual wellness—especially for midlife women—I’ve explored a lot of treatments and therapies. But nothing has intrigued me as much as the V Shot, a treatment designed to rejuvenate vaginal and clitoral function using platelet-rich plasma (PRP). So, when I heard that R3 Anti Aging in Beverly Hills offered this cutting-edge procedure, I decided it was time to give it a try. Spoiler alert: it was painless, quick, and I’m already thrilled with the results.

Now, let’s dive into what makes the V Shot so innovative. The treatment involves drawing a small sample of your blood, isolating the PRP in a centrifuge, and then injecting it into targeted areas of the vagina and clitoris. PRP is packed with growth factors, which work to stimulate tissue regeneration, increase blood flow, and regenerate nerves. Essentially, the V Shot leverages your body’s own healing abilities to improve sensitivity, arousal, and pleasure. It’s non-surgical, minimally invasive, and has no downtime—yes, you read that right!

When I arrived at R3 Anti-Aging, I was greeted by a serene, modern clinic, and my doctor, Dr. Sabrina Solt, —a fantastic and empathetic professional—walked me through every step. After applying a numbing cream to ensure maximum comfort, they drew a small sample of my blood. That was the most “invasive” part of the whole thing. From there, the blood was spun in a centrifuge to extract the PRP, which was then injected with a fine needle into the key areas. The entire process took less than 30 minutes, and aside from a slight pressure sensation, it was completely painless. I was able to walk out of the clinic and get right back to my day.

So, why opt for the V Shot? For me, it wasn’t just about enhancing pleasure—though that’s a major bonus—but also addressing issues that many women face in midlife. The V Shot can help with low libido, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, and even urinary incontinence. It also offers benefits for those dealing with vaginal atrophy or a loss of tightness. While I’m lucky enough not to have experienced all of these issues, I’ve had clients and friends who have, and they rave about the improvement in their quality of life after the V Shot.

Here are of the questions that I had for Dr. Solt!

Is there pain or discomfort after, once numbing wears off?

There should be no lingering pain or discomfort after the procedure, except a possible feeling of fullness.

How long does it last?

In general, the results are a person gets are usually theirs to keep long term! Of course we have our natural state of aging and degeneration, so some people might benefit from repeating the procedure every 1-3 years.

When can patients experience noticeable changes – and what can they expect?

One healing cycle takes approximately 6-12 weeks, but many patients report a change within the first 30 days. Usually these changes represent improvement in the areas of sensitivity and orgasm intensity.

How often should patients do this?

One treatment is where we like to start, and the discussion of whether or not to add additional ones should be between you and your doctor based on your results and goals.

Who is not a good candidate?

Examples of people who are not good candidates include but are not limited to: Smokers, people with a BMI of over 30, people on certain medications like NSAIDs or opiates, women with active vaginal or vulvar lesions (such as in lichen sclerosus or certain STIs), pregnant women, or those with stage 3 or greater uterine prolapse.

The science behind it is fascinating. Studies show that PRP injections can significantly enhance female sexual function, with improvements in desire, arousal, orgasm, and overall satisfaction. The treatment works by encouraging the growth of new tissue and blood vessels in the treated areas, and the effects continue to build over the next few months. While some women report immediate changes, for most—including me—the full benefits take time to unfold. That’s exciting because it means things will only get better from here.

The post-procedure recovery was almost non-existent. The clinic advises patients to abstain from intercourse for three days afterward, but I can tell you it’s totally optional. I didn’t abstain and felt completely comfortable resuming normal activities. Minor side effects like slight swelling or tenderness can occur, but they typically subside within a day or two.

As someone who writes frequently about sexual health and wellness, especially for midlife women, I think the V Shot is a groundbreaking tool. It’s more than just a quick fix—it’s a way to reclaim your sexual health, connect with your body, and enhance pleasure naturally. This procedure isn’t about treating dysfunction alone, it’s about optimizing sexual wellness, boosting confidence, and owning your pleasure in a way that feels empowering. For women navigating midlife changes, that sense of control over one’s body is invaluable.

So, would I do it again? Absolutely. The V Shot has already started to make me feel more attuned to my body, and I’m excited to see how the benefits continue to evolve over the next few months. The idea of having more intense orgasms, heightened sensitivity, and improved arousal on the horizon is thrilling. Plus, knowing that it’s a natural, PRP-based procedure makes it even better.

For those curious about taking the leap into the world of sexual wellness optimization, I highly recommend exploring the V Shot. It’s a simple, safe, and effective way to embrace a healthier, more connected version of yourself. And if you’re in the Beverly Hills area, R3 Anti-Aging is hands-down the place to go.

Here’s to a future of more fulfilling, empowered sexual wellness. Ladies, it’s time to own it.

 

R3 Anti Aging

9301 Wilshire Boulevard
Penthouse
Beverly Hills, California 90210

Rediscovering Sleep: A Journey with Helight’s Red Light Sleep Therapy™

July 17, 2024

Ah, sleep – that elusive, delicate dance of rest we crave but so often miss out on, especially during midlife. Enter Helight Sleep: your new bedside bestie, scientifically engineered to transform your nights into a symphony of serene slumber. Let’s dive into this marvel and see why it’s capturing the hearts (and sleep cycles) of many.

USE CODE: GROOMEDLA10 for 10% off yours now through July 31,2024

The Magic of Red Light: What’s the Buzz?

Helight Sleep isn’t just another gadget; it’s a revolution in sleep therapy. With its patented protocol, this little device emits pure red light at 630 nanometers – a wavelength that speaks directly to your body’s natural rhythm. Inspired by NASA (yes, you read that right), this award-winning technology is here to take your sleep game to the next level.

How It Works: From Turning On to Deep Slumber

TURN ON

Simply turn on Helight Sleep before you get cozy in bed. It kicks off with 14 minutes of pure red light, gradually fading out to signal your body that it’s time to wind down. The best part? It’s completely automatic – no fumbling with settings when you’re already half-asleep.

RELAX

Close your eyes and let the magic happen. The red light penetrates through your eyelids, activating photosensitive cells that help your body relax. It’s like a gentle lullaby for your brain, coaxing it into a state of calm and tranquility.

SLEEP

This is where the real magic happens. Helight Sleep’s signals promote deeper, more restful sleep, ensuring you wake up refreshed and rejuvenated. The device turns off completely after 28 minutes, leaving you in undisturbed slumber.

The Midlife Miracle: Tackling Perimenopause and Sleep Issues

Let’s get real – midlife comes with its own set of challenges, and sleep can often take a hit, especially during perimenopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, and those random 3 AM wake-up calls can leave us feeling less than fabulous. Helight Sleep offers a natural, non-invasive solution to help combat these disruptions. Imagine drifting off effortlessly, night after night, and waking up feeling like you’ve just had the best sleep of your life. Pure bliss!

Why Helight Sleep is a Game-Changer

  • Trusted by Pros: From sleep doctors to pro athletes, Helight Sleep has a loyal following who swear by its benefits.
  • NASA-Inspired: If it’s good enough for astronauts, it’s good enough for us! The technology is based on scientific research that’s out of this world.
  • Portable & Travel-Friendly: Whether you’re at home or on the go, Helight Sleep is compact and easy to carry, ensuring you never miss a good night’s sleep.
  • No Subscription Needed: It’s a one-time investment in your well-being, with no recurring costs or apps to manage.
  • Satisfaction Guaranteed: With a 60-night money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free and see the results for yourself.

The Verdict: A Must-Have for Every Nightstand

Priced at $139, Helight Sleep is a small price to pay for the gift of great sleep. With a 4.8/5 rating, it’s clear that users are loving the transformation it brings to their nightly routines. And with a two-year manufacturer warranty, you can rest easy knowing it’s a quality investment.

Ready to Transform Your Nights?

For best results, make Helight Sleep a part of your nightly ritual. While some might feel the benefits within a few nights, others may take up to 21 days to fully adapt. But one thing’s for sure – once you experience the deep, restful sleep it provides, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

So, here’s to better sleep and brighter mornings! Sweet dreams await with Helight Sleep. 🌙✨

 

VeRelief: Your Key to Calming the Nervous System and Managing Stress

July 2, 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become all too common, negatively impacting our sleep, performance, and overall health. Traditional methods to calm the nervous system often require significant time and effort for minimal effect. Enter VeRelief, (and use code: GROOMEDLA for 15% off!) a breakthrough device designed to quickly and effectively calm the nervous system by directly stimulating the auricular vagus nerve.

Understanding the Importance of a Healthy Nervous System

A balanced nervous system is the cornerstone of good mental and physical health. Elevated nervous system activity can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, poor sleep, reduced performance, and accelerated aging. VeRelief simplifies the process of maintaining a healthy nervous system, making it easier than ever to manage stress and enhance overall well-being.

Achieve Flow State and Enhance Performance

Top performers across various fields strive to improve their skills incrementally, often aiming for just 1% improvement each day. However, as one becomes more skilled, achieving these small gains becomes increasingly difficult, particularly when it comes to improving “feel”—an essential but abstract performance metric associated with spending more time in a flow state.

VeRelief has shown remarkable results in this area. In a study involving high-performance athletes, a single 10-minute session with VeRelief led to a significant 9% increase in feel, compared to no change in the placebo group. This makes VeRelief an indispensable tool for anyone looking to manage their nerves, spend more time in flow, and boost their performance.

Accelerate Stress Recovery and Improve Sleep

The “fight or flight” response is a natural reaction to stress, but when it becomes chronic, it can make it challenging to calm down and fall asleep. VeRelief has been clinically proven to reduce state-anxiety and promote relaxation after just 10 minutes of use. This effect has been observed in both healthy individuals and those with clinical anxiety, providing a powerful, drug-free way to recover from stress and fall asleep faster.

Using VeRelief for 10 minutes after stressful events or at the end of each day can significantly improve your ability to relax and sleep. The device comes with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, ensuring that you’ll feel more relaxed and sleep better, or you can return it for a full refund.

Heart Rate Variability and the Parasympathetic Nervous System

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a key indicator of nervous system health, specifically the balance between the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) systems. Low HRV indicates higher sympathetic activity, which is useful in dangerous situations but detrimental when trying to relax.

VeRelief stands out as the first and only device capable of boosting low parasympathetic activity in just 60 seconds. By increasing HRV, VeRelief helps you recover from stress on command, facilitating a quicker return to a calm state.

Gentle Nerve Stimulation for Daily Calm and Better Sleep

VeRelief uses gentle nerve stimulation to disrupt the “fight or flight” signals, leading to an immediate sense of calm and relaxation. This makes it faster than meditation and safer than medications. The standard protocol involves a 10-minute session right before bed to improve sleep or as needed throughout the day to maintain calm.

For those needing a quicker solution, VeRelief’s breath-synchronization feature amplifies the calming effects, reducing treatment times to as little as two minutes. Most users find that a single session helps maintain calm and focus for hours.

Clinically Proven and Doctor-Recommended

VeRelief has undergone rigorous testing, including three IRB-approved and placebo-controlled studies, complying with FDA regulations. These studies have confirmed its safety and effectiveness in reducing state-anxiety and improving sleep in healthy individuals.

The Vagus Nerve and Its Function The vagus nerve, often called the “wandering nerve,” is one of the most complex nerves in the body, originating in the brainstem and extending through the neck, chest, and abdomen. It plays a crucial role in the parasympathetic nervous system, regulating essential functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and reflex actions. Maintaining a healthy vagus nerve is vital for overall homeostasis and health.

Common Vagus Nerve Stimulation Tactics There are several methods to stimulate the vagus nerve naturally, each with its benefits and challenges:

  • Meditation: Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. While beneficial, it requires regular practice and patience.
  • Breathwork: Techniques like diaphragmatic and 4-7-8 breathing help regulate heart rate and blood pressure, promoting calm. However, consistency can be a challenge, and incorrect techniques may cause discomfort.
  • Ice Plunge: Cold exposure can enhance vagal tone, improve mood, reduce inflammation, and increase stress resilience. It’s effective but can be uncomfortable or risky for some individuals.
  • Electrical Vagus Nerve Stimulators: These devices offer the fastest and most effective way to stimulate the vagus nerve, delivering the calming effects of meditation or breathwork in just a few minutes.

Auricular vs. Cervical Vagus Nerve Stimulation Understanding the difference between auricular and cervical vagus nerve stimulation is crucial. The auricular vagus nerve, located around the ear, is an afferent nerve that connects to the brain’s emotional regulation centers, making it the safest and most effective branch to target for stress and anxiety relief. In contrast, the cervical branch, found in the neck, has direct connections to the heart, lungs, and gut, requiring more power and potentially causing discomfort. This branch is better suited for chronic nervous system disorders and gut health.

VeRelief: The Most Powerful Auricular VNS on the Market VeRelief takes a unique approach by targeting the auricular branch of the vagus nerve right underneath the ear on the side of the neck. This method activates all auricular nerves simultaneously, leading to faster and more effective calming effects. Unlike traditional ear clip stimulators, VeRelief uses patented dry gel tips that provide a smooth, soothing sensation without the pain or discomfort associated with high current densities. This design allows users to achieve meaningful anxiety relief in as little as 60 seconds.

The Design Background VeRelief was developed over three years by Dr. Nicholas Hool, a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering. Frustrated by the ineffectiveness of traditional calming techniques and the side effects of medications, Dr. Hool created VeRelief to provide a practical, comfortable, and portable solution. The device, smaller than a cell phone, eliminates the need for messy gels and is easy to use anywhere, anytime.

Clinically Proven and Doctor-Recommended VeRelief has undergone rigorous testing, including multiple IRB-approved, placebo-controlled studies, demonstrating its safety and effectiveness in reducing state anxiety. These studies, involving both healthy individuals and those with PTSD or panic disorders, showed that VeRelief offers greater anxiety reduction than benzodiazepines or breathwork in the same amount of time.

The Modes VeRelief features five modes of operation, including auricular vagus nerve stimulation and two slow breathing modes. These modes help maintain a balanced nervous system and are particularly effective for stopping panic attacks. Additionally, VeRelief offers modes for alleviating stress-related headaches and nausea by stimulating the trigeminal nerve in the forehead and the median nerve in the wrist, respectively.

The Gel Tips VeRelief is the only VNS device on the market with dry gel tips, eliminating the need for wet gels and enhancing user comfort. These tips ensure the device is always ready for use, providing quick and effective stress relief on the go. For those with sensitive skin, VeRelief includes low-strength gel tips and hydration solutions to maximize comfort.

The Customer Support Recognizing that VNS technology is new to many, Hoolest offers robust customer support. Their team is available to answer questions and provide personal assistance, sometimes even directly with Dr. Hool. They also provide a video library and extensive resources to help users get the most out of their VeRelief device.

VeRelief is designed for modern high-stress professionals, offering a fast, effective, and portable solution for stress management. Priced at $400, it is more affordable than most clinical-grade VNS devices while maintaining high design and testing standards. VeRelief is not a quick fix but an investment in your future, saving time and improving personal and professional life by effectively managing stress. With a 60-day money-back guarantee, trying VeRelief is risk-free, and you’ll likely feel the benefits from the first use.

The VeRelief Prime, now in its third generation, is the fastest way to rebalance your nervous system, accelerate stress recovery, and enhance sleep in any environment. Pre-order now to experience the benefits of this revolutionary device.

Elevate Your Workouts! Meet Extrech Workout Bands

June 20, 2024

As a fitness trainer and teacher, I’m always on the lookout for tools that can enhance my clients’ workouts and help them achieve their fitness goals efficiently. Recently, I came across the Extrech Workout Bands, (thank you, Instagram!) and after integrating them with my private clients and into my classes at The Micropause Studio, I’m excited to share them with you!

The Extrech Workout Bands solve many of the problems associated with traditional resistance bands. Rubber bands often roll and snap, and fabric bands tend to slide and slip. These issues can lead to discomfort, distractions, and even injuries. The Extrech design addresses these concerns effectively.

Each set includes three bands with varying resistance levels, all made from high-quality, 100% BPA-free silicone. The bands come in a cute silky bag ( dare I say ‘chic’?!) drawstring carrying bag with a little instructional manual with some simple easy to follow basic ideas on how to use them. I love the colors! Not your typical, hideous primary colors but actually gorgeous deep orange/red hues that you don’t need to hide when someone comes over because those other bands are the clashiest ( made that up) tones ever. These are super visually appealing – but also easy to quickly identify the different resistance levels.

One of the standout features of these bands is their durability. Made from high-quality silicone, they feel sturdy and resilient. Unlike traditional rubber or fabric bands, or the super thin ones that NEVER STAY ON (!!!) the silicone material ensures that these bands do not roll, snap, or slip. This is the secret sauce here. This makes them an excellent choice for high-intensity workouts, walking lunges and squats – and of course, floor work.

Extrech Workout Bands come in three distinct resistance levels: Light, Medium, and Heavy. This range caters to all fitness levels and workout intensities. Beginners can start with the lighter bands to build strength and gradually progress to the heavier bands for more challenging exercises. And when they mean heavy – they mean it – the heavy is a BEAST.

The versatility of these bands is truly impressive. They can be used for a variety of exercises, including:

  • Strength Training: Squats, lunges, bicep curls, and shoulder presses.
  • Flexibility and Mobility Work: Assisted stretches and mobility drills.
  • Rehabilitation: Physical therapy exercises to aid in recovery from injuries.
  • Cardio Workouts: Adding resistance to enhance the intensity of cardio routines.

What sets these bands apart is their ability to be seamlessly integrated into almost any workout regimen without slipping and sliding all over the place. Or just falling down or – breaking. Yes, been there, done that.  They’re perfect for home workouts, gym sessions, outdoor activities, you get the point.

Comfort is another area where Extrech Workout Bands excel. The bands are smooth to the touch and do not dig into the skin during use. This makes them comfortable to use for extended periods, even during the most strenuous workouts.

The bands are crafted from high-quality, 100% BPA-free silicone, ensuring they stay in place during workouts and do not require constant adjustment. This feature alone can increase workout efficiency by up to 64%.

Suerpowers:

  • Outer Diameter: The outer diameter of the bands is larger than the inner diameter, preventing the narrowing effect that can cause pinching and bruising.
  • Segmented Design: Multiple segments on the inner surface of the band prevent slipping and rolling.
  • Thermoplastic Rubber and Silicone: These materials are more skin-friendly and environmentally friendly than traditional rubber, reducing health issues and environmental impact. And easy to wipe and clean.

Since introducing these bands into my sessions at The Micropause Studio, I’ve noticed significant improvements in my clients’ workouts. The bands’ stability and durability allow clients to focus on their exercises without constant adjustments, or just giving up because they are too uncomfortable, pinching and falling off when we try to use them. This has been particularly beneficial for clients recovering from injuries, as the bands provide a reliable and safe resistance option and we can focus on training, not dealing with band babysitting.

The Extrech Workout Bands live up to their name by providing a next-level experience in resistance training. They are durable, versatile, and user-friendly, making them a valuable addition to any fitness arsenal. Whether you’re looking to enhance your strength, improve flexibility, or aid in rehabilitation, these bands offer an effective and affordable solution.

If you’re in the market for a reliable and versatile set of resistance bands, use code EMILYWAGNER for 10% for 3 Extrech Workout Bands.