Holistic Healing For The Holidays

Yes, it's that time of year when shoppers are rushing through Maplewood Village and sprinting along Springfield Avenue in search of that last-minute holiday gift. If you have someone on your "to-buy" list who is into health and fitness, then look no further. Here is a round up of local gifts that will have your receipt "om"-ing in no time. Namaste!

Shakti Yoga & Living Arts on Springfield Avenue is an ideal place for one-stop shopping. The studio offers everything from yoga classes to traditional massages to Reiki. Merchandise, including yoga gear and jewelry, is sold at the studio. Shakti has a wide variety of yoga classes for moms and moms-to-be and they are offering many wellness packages for new moms and moms-to-be, including a 10-Class Card for $275 (good for 1 year and can be applied to Baby&Me or other yoga classes), pre- or postnatal massage, and a 90-minute Childbirth Consultation in which you consult with a certified labor support doula can get referrals to an obstetrician or midwife, pediatrician and lactation consultants..

Not shopping for anyone pregnant? No worries. Shakti also has a number of other Holiday gift packages, such as a 1-1/2 hour Thai Massage with a Shakti 5-class card for $180, or a 1 hour Aromatherapy Massage with a Shakti 5-class card for $160. Check the website for additional packages.

The owners of the recently opened Baker Street Yoga are also spreading good cheer in Maplewood Village by offering one free class with one $20 drop-in class for the month of December only. They also sell gift certificates and yoga merchandise, including YogiToes Mats, which are the perfect present for those practicing Hot Yoga. Drop by or contact hello@bakerstreetyoga.com.

The Fitness Loft, an intimate Pilates studio that has been part of Maplewood for nearly nine years, is also offering holiday specials. A $40 gift certificate provides two free sessions. The first session incudes an evaluation with an introduction to the Pilates equipment. The second session includes working on the Pilates equipment at the recipient's level. The offer extends to April 15, 2010. You can reach the Fitness Loft at meridith125@comcast.net.

Risa Olinksky, a founder of the Health & Wellness Professional Network, Director of Lifestyle and Wellness at the JCC and a personal trainer with more than 25 years of experience, has a limited-time special offering on her pedometer program, Count On Yourself.  You can join for $85 (usually $125) or with a friend for $150 (usually $200) and you will get a top-rated Omron pedometer and a two-hour, in-person motivational and educational program. The program also includes a one hour follow up phone session, unlimited email coaching and additional discounts on future workshops. 

Now get shopping!