Category Archives: FIT + WELL

Figlia, The Female-Founded, Non-Alcoholic Aperitivo You Need Now

February 2, 2022

Figlia, a female-founded, non-alcoholic aperitivo brand made with the sober community at the forefront. 

Figlia was founded by 25-year-old Lily Geiger in honor of her father who she lost to alcoholism at age 20. This experience led Geiger to explore society’s relationship with alcohol, identify many of the factors that hinder recovery, and engage in open conversations surrounding alcohol consumption. 

Figlia launched in April of 2021 with Bottle 001.,Fiore, a delightful but sophisticated aromatic non-alcoholic aperitivo with notes of Rose, Bitter Orange, and Clove. Envision tasting the lushness of Italian gardens combined with the energy of sidewalk dinners in New York City.

Both gluten-free and vegan, Figlia, is made out of all-natural ingredients and utilizes a hand-capped method and intensive hot-fill process to ensure a clean, preservative-free product. 

Unlike other non-alcoholic spirits currently on the market, Figlia does not mimic the alcohol taste and has taken many steps to ensure it is not triggering for those suffering from alcohol or substance addiction. Additionally, Geiger conducted extensive research to ensure there would be no effect on serotonin levels, allowing those on antidepressants to enjoy. 

Beyond the physical Figlia product, Geiger is on a mission to create an accessible community where sober, sober-curious, or those just looking to try something new can feel included, share experiences, find joy and create meaningful connections and moments. To bring this mission to the larger community, Figlia gives a percentage of its proceeds to Partnership to End Addiction, a non-profit that focuses on providing support for individuals and families impacted by addiction. 

Find your bottle here or purchase Figlia in one of the 100+ locations nationwide.

FOURTH ANNUAL GRIFFITH PARK RUN, HALF MARATHON AND 5K TAKES PLACE ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13 WITH PROCEEDS BENEFITING LOS ANGELES PARKS FOUNDATION

January 25, 2022

The fourth annual Run GPR 2022 Griffith Park Half Marathon and 5K is confirmed for Sunday, February 13, 2022 (Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027). Registration is now open. Over 600 runners, walkers and hikers are expected to cover the major trek through Griffith Park trails. Proceeds from Run GPR benefit the Los Angeles Parks Foundation, the exclusive beneficiary, with all proceeds aiding the 450 City parks.

Participants will get to race through the iconic Griffith Park, one of the largest municipal parks with urban wilderness areas in the United States, featuring over 4,210 acres of both natural chaparral-covered terrain and landscaped parkland and picnic areas. Due to the pandemic Run GPR did not take place in 2021 and 2020 but the event has brought over 1700 participants in its last installment in 2019.

During the half marathon, participants will start at the north-end of the pony ride trail adjacent to the ranger station. They will follow the major trail around the gold course, then head towards the pony ride; cross over Crystal Springs Road and access the trail going into the Merry Go Round, then toward famous Travel Town. Finally, participants will pass by the Los Angeles Zoo and the Autry Museum of the American West, then head towards the finish near pony ride area. Runners and walkers will have access to Pocari Sweat electrolytes, water, and restrooms. Run GPR is open to all levels of ability.

The 5K course will be a flat and fast route. Families are welcome to participate, and strollers may be used. Pets must be on a leash and start with their owners at the back of the line with the strollers and parents.

Registration prices range from $50 to $95 and there is even a virtual run option. The event will also feature an expo with music, local vendors and fun for the whole family! All registrants receive a commemorative die cast finish medal and t-shirt.

This is the first year Run GPR will be awarding over $5,000 in total prize money for Elite Athlete registrations, sponsored by the Organizing Partner, Aztlan Athletics.  All Elite Athletes competing for prize money must be registered prior to the day of the event and cleared by the event director. To receive award money, winners must provide a completed W-9 form.

The Los Angeles Parks Foundation’s mission is to enhance, expand, preserve, and promote public recreation, parks, and open space for the diverse people of Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.laparksfoundation.org

To register, visit: http://www.rungpr.com/Main/

The Deep Therapeutic Sport’s Massage Your Body Is Crying For

December 25, 2021

It’s that time of the year when you’ve given and given and GIVEN and now it’s full-on what about me mode. Maybe it’s just a quiet cry it in the middle of the night but it’s a “no, seriously, what the fuck about me?!”

Nothing says hell yasss me time, like some therapeutic bodywork. Massage is always my go-to self-care treat. I was excited to check out this guy Terry’s work. This is not a soft and fuzzy warm and cozy deal. This is, you got to his raw and NYC cool little private training gym, hop on his table (wear something warm and cozy it can be chilly) and he gets to work on you. No frills, just deep work.

Of course, he can also come to you. I chose to try the gym/studio because I live a few blocks away and wanted to check it out.

So, the work is VERY GOOD. Deep and sportsy – made me feel like a real athlete. He worked deep into my scapula and aching shoulder in a way I so deeply needed. I was fully dressed – in my sweats – this is not an under the towel type of thing – and he worked one body part at a time – a combo of many disciplines, strokes and styles. It was just right and exactly what my body needed. I’m excited to go back and just fully relax and focus now that I know more about Terry and his work (I am always a little in editor mode on my first try, asking questions and forgetting to focus on how things FEEL sometimes.) Even so, this work felt great.

MORE ABOUT TERRY

Fitness specialist Terry Smith is the owner of Tsmithfitness & Massage. A multifaceted fitness company that has been helping clients obtain their fitness goals for over 15 years. Terry provides high-end health and fitness services for dedicated, goal-oriented individuals. Terry holds certifications in strength training with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). In addition, he is a licensed massage therapist with the California Massage Council and is certified in Pilates and CPR.

At an early age Terry displayed a passion for sports, in particular boxing and track and field. In 1996 Terry turned his passion into a successful fitness company. He started teaching cardio boxing classes at the Marina Fitness Center one day a week. One day a week quickly turned into two days a week and within 6 months Terry was teaching 6 classes a week. After a year of teaching classes Terry and multiple requests for personal training he decided to become a personal trainer.

Terry wanted to expand upon his knowledge in health and fitness and in 2000 became a certified Pilates instructor. In 2005 Terry attended the Institute of Pyscho-Structure and Balance (IPSB) to become a massage therapist. He spent 2 years learning how the human body works from the inside out, giving him the unique skill set to work with a wide range of clients.

 Clients from all walks of life have sought Terry out for his expertise in health and fitness. Whether your goals are weight loss, getting in shape for a specific sporting event, your wedding day or your pre- and post-natal needs, Terry’s plan will get you there. He will cater a plan to your specific needs. They are designed to target everything you need in a workout.

As a client of Tsmithfitness & Massage not only will you feel good and look good, you will be in the best shape of your life. Terry’s Philosophy is to give everyone the quality of life they deserve!!!

You can connect with Terry here: terencewsmith@gmail.com

And follow his work on Instagram here.

Three Cheers For Lady Patch Founder Cindy Santa Cruz!

December 23, 2021

Cindy Santa Cruz is a single mother, the Founder and CEO of start-up, Lady Patch, and was recently announced as one of the top four finalists of this year’s P&G Ventures Innovation Challenge. P&G Ventures, the early-stage startup studio within Procter & Gamble, recently announced the top four finalists of this year’s Innovation Challenge – an opportunity for startups to present their groundbreaking product ideas to a panel of expert judges.

Lady Patch is the only drug-free feminine patch that prevents bladder leaks and the frequent urge to urinate. Lady Patch was invented by  Santa Cruz’s mother after dealing with bladder leaks during her workouts.

After Santa Cruz’s daughter started kindergarten, she was contemplating going back to work, when she remembered her mother’s invention and decided to try to turn it into something. Thirteen years later, the product is selling on Amazon and is bringing awareness to incontinence and this unique, drug free solution.

Helping women has always been a driving force for Santa Cruz throughout her entrepreneurial journey. Incontinence affects one in three women, especially right after child birth. Santa Cruz knows the negative impact incontinence has, and has seen firsthand how Lady Patch can drastically improve the quality of a woman’s life.

The Innovation challenge will be taking place at CES in January 2022.  Finalists have the chance to win $10,000 and the opportunity to work with P&G Ventures to continue developing their product, part of its mission to discover the next billion-dollar business for parent company Procter & Gamble.

Cindy Santa Cruz shares that the opportunity to pitch during the innovation challenge can help her make an impact, “Being a finalist in this challenge means so much to me. Its overwhelming actually. It’s one step closer to reaching the women that have never heard of our tiny start up, that could probably use our help.”

The finalist pitch event will be held at 9:30am (PT) on Thursday, January 6 at CES in Eureka Park, the space for startup exhibitors.

Entrepreneurs, inventors, and startups in the fast-moving consumer goods space were invited to submit to the Innovation Challenge. Of particular interest were innovations in non-toxic home and garden, active aging, healthy skin, helping parents, go-anywhere clean, daily wellness, and food waste reduction. Submissions for this year’s Innovation Challenge reached record numbers, as did the percentage of submissions with a female founder (60%), and the number of submissions from Black and Latinx founders (30%).

“The P&G Ventures Innovation Challenge provides a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with entrepreneurs and startups who could partner with us to build new brands and businesses that improve consumers’ lives,” said Guy Persaud, President of New Business for Procter & Gamble. “We are inspired by the enthusiastic response to this year’s Challenge. We congratulate our finalists and can’t wait to see them pitch live at CES, the most influential tech event of the year.”

Mytodetox

October 26, 2021

Loved my session at Myodetox, (which has officially opened their second US location in Brentwood. I checked out the gorg WeHo location.

Here’s the deal: Myodetox is a unique physical therapy clinic with an ethos centered in the belief that understanding and optimizing your physical health should be a preventative and integral part of your wellness journey  – not simply a post-injury solution. They are focused on improving the way you move so you can continue to do the things you love.  Whether you are nursing an injury, looking to understand pain and/ or trigger points or are simply looking to take your physical fitness to the next level, among other areas of expertise, Myodetox has you covered.

Dr. Nirja,  PT, DPT, RYT, who treated me is a total bad-ass, I’m talking extremely well versed and trained. Top notch. (Side note, I love her Youtube channel with yummy vegan recipes) We did a posture and alignment check, went through my physical history then she did some amazing hands-on myofascial work. My only complaint was I wanted 6 more hours of THAT part. It felt so inredible – I could have had her work on me for much much longer. She showed me some optimal stretches and that was that! I loved it.

Founded in 2015 in Canada, Myodetox is a boutique clinic with a team of expert therapists that provide hands-on therapy and corrective exercises to help people get out of pain and gain a comprehensive understanding of the way your body works, ultimately helping to optimize your physical health.

Each session includes:

  • Full body assessment designed to determine the root cause of any discomfort.
    Posture and movement assessment including:

    • Myofascial treatment

    • Corrective exercise

    • Full body re-assessment

    • Personalized action plan based on individual goals/ needs

The place is stunning, clean, not too clinical, warm and welcoming, all while feeling private and safe.

WeHo
8354 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Brentwood
11611 San Vicente BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90049

Studio City
12833 Ventura BlvdStudio City, CA 91604