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Treat Your Skin with Compassion

As women, makeup is a staple for most of us (albeit decreased in usage since quarantine for
myself). I honestly don’t feel prepared for the day without at least a layer of mascara…somehow it really does
help me look more awake!

Over the years, my preference (and application, HA!) of makeup has advanced with the times. I remember wearing
blue eyeshadow and a THICC face of foundation in high school. Matching the color to my actual skin tone was a
practice I had never heard of, according to all the photos under my bed. I also definitely wasn’t concerned with
the ethics of the beauty companies I bought/wore. As women, makeup is a staple for most of us (albeit decreased
in usage since quarantine for myself). I honestly don’t feel prepared for the day without at least a layer of
mascara…somehow it really does help me look more awake!

Over the years, my preference (and application, HA!) of makeup has advanced with the times. I remember wearing
blue eyeshadow and a THICC face of foundation in high school. Matching the color to my actual skin tone was a
practice I had never heard of, according to all the photos under my bed. I also definitely wasn’t concerned with
the ethics of the beauty companies I bought/wore.

Thankfully, much of that is changed. I have been educated (and educated myself) on animal testing, chemical
ingredients and the harmful impacts on our environment that many major beauty companies impart. I now only shop
from companies I know are 100% cruelty-free and organic. I want to feel good about my purchases, and in part
have that goodness replicated on my skin.

My hope is that this blog opens your eyes up to some new opportunities for makeup/skin care and provides
resources for you to do your own research! I ask that you start here, and check out if your current products are
on this cruelty-free beauty guide.

Cruelty-Free

It’s incredible, that in this day and age, there is still animal testing going on, especially with so many
alternatives that aren’t harmful to innocents, and are financially accessible. Did you know the EU has banned
all animal testing?

There are two major alternatives to animal testing:

In-vitro, meaning “in glass”. This is a test done outside of a living organism. For the makeup industry, this
involves cell lines and reconstructed models of the skin and cornea.[1]
There are also cultured cell tissues as well as computer models that can be used to replace animal testing
practices.

It’s incredibly important to understand what to look for. Here are the big 3 logo’s you’ll see regarding
cruelty-free makeup:

Money Talks

Some brands are known to strategically word their statements claiming they don’t partake in animal testing, but
they may circumvent that by contracting other parties to do it on their behalf. It’s very challenging to know
who is truly cruelty free, so it’s important to do your research, find credible sources and understand what the
logos mean.[2]

Once you feel confident in the brands of your choice, use your spending power to create change. Every time you
buy something, you’re sending the message that you want more of that thing. The same is true of the opposite.[3]

This is one of the reasons to choose organic and vegan makeup as well as cruelty-free. That way you can be
confident in the quality and morality of the ingredients being put in your makeup.

Organic, Vegan, Clean

Sadly, there is no legal definition of requirement to label a product as natural, organic or vegan. The only
legal requirement is to list ingredients. According to the FDA website, they do not require cosmetic products
and ingredients, except for color additives, to be approved by FDA before they go on the market.[4]

That’s why it’s so important to do your due diligence prior to purchase. Again, look for logos that are vetted
and honest. Also, check out the Think Dirty App. It scans your cosmetic ingredients and gives you the lowdown on
what exactly is inside. It also grades ingredients on a ‘Dirty Metre’, too.

Go Synthetic

Many of us apply our makeup with brushes that are real animal hair. Make the switch to synthetic brushes,
especially because their bristles naturally gravitate toward each other, allowing for more precise, smooth and
streak-free application.

At the end of the day, we are all responsible for our choices. We practice compassion daily to those we come in
contact with. Take a small step forward to pass that compassion off to your skin!

[1] https://www.bioalternatives.com/en/how-is-in-vitro-testing-done/

[2] https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/g28916053/cruelty-free-makeup-brands/

[3] https://evxocosmetics.com/pages/why-choose-cruelty-free-cosmetics

[4] https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-industry-cosmetics/small-businesses-homemade-cosmetics-fact-sheet#1

Recent Blogs

7 Day Reset

We’ve incorporated inspiration and motivation to help you rock all 7 days. In the next 7 days you will make shifts in your mind and body that will boost your metabolism, improve sleep and increase energy.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

This is a self paced reset, so you can start when you are ready but we recommend to continue with the reset each day once you begin to see the maximum results.

All it takes is 7 DAYS. What are you waiting for?

Kaia Tri is a ten-week triathlon training program with workouts three times a week, which is an optional extra during our spring and summer CORE sessions. We swim, bike, and run, with some cross-training classes too. By being able to set a personal pace, our triathlon training program is suited to beginners tackling their first race and intermediate athletes looking to improve their finish time.

Our mock triathlons run several times to familiarize women with the course route. We finish the season with a Triathlon Training Camp which includes paddle boarding and power workouts. The next day is our exhilarating and fun Triathlon race day for all Kaia Tri women to enjoy working out in a beautiful location. Friends are welcome too!

SANDBAG

Kaia Sandbag combines traditional fitness with unconventional training methods. With sandbags, the weight shifts and moves in an unpredictable fashion. This piece of equipment is integrated into our conditioning & strength building workouts to simultaneously develop strength, power, endurance, mobility, and balance – with an additional emphasis on developing overall core strength and stability.

New to sandbag training? No problem! Beginners are always welcome.

TRX SUSPENSION 

TRX® Suspension Training® body-weight exercise simultaneously develops strength, power, endurance, mobility, durability, balance, flexibility, and core stability. Whether you’re younger or older, out of shape or a pro athlete, injured or at the top of your game, TRX Suspension Training meets you where you are and takes you where you want to go. TRX Suspension Training leverages gravity and the user’s body weight to enable hundreds of exercises that can be instantly scaled for any user to reach any fitness or training goal. The easily-scalable nature of TRX Suspension Training makes it a practical solution wherever you are on the fitness continuum.

Need a little extra boost to keep your body guessing? Our TRX/Cardio class is an excellent complement to any Kaia FIT session. TRX workouts, which can be used by anyone at any level, builds true functional strength and improves flexibility, balance and core stability all at once. Mixed with cardio, the classes give every member the perfect balance of challenge and success.

*TRX classes not available in all areas. Please contact us your local studio.

CROSS-TRAINING

Our trademark Kaia Cross-Training™ classes are a unique mix of cardio, functional movement, and both weighted and non-weighted exercises.

Cross-Training benefits:

Each day brings a new workout. We have an elite group of advanced coaches who infuse each workout with their own flair and focus, meaning you’re never going to repeat a workout, avoid burn-out, and fitness plateaus.

Keeping the body guessing is key to sculpting lean muscle mass. We also have a 3-part modification foundation: Balance (non-impact); Strength (mid-impact) and Kaia (high impact). Each exercise has its own progression so that everyone can feel successful.

As a part of our program, we also offer nutritional guidance to help you make healthy food choices and keep your fitness on track.

What are you waiting for? Join us today!

BARRE

Our barre-based class is a unique combination of postures inspired by ballet, yoga, Pilates and Kaia. Using the barre as a prop to balance, you’ll complete a series of isometric holds combined with high reps of small range movements to elongate and tone your major muscle groups.

In addition to the barre, classes incorporate pilates balls, yoga blocks, and/or resistance bands for increased endurance, challenge and focus. Following each set of holds, you’ll rest and recovery with a short series of stretches and poses to increase flexibility prior to advancing.
Kaia Barre is a low-impact class that perfectly complements our program offerings. Meet us at the barre and try your first class for free!

Participating locations may vary. See the schedule page for more details.

DANCE 

Our dance fitness class is rooted in traditional dance. We use those foundational moves and offer a class that is easy enough for beginners yet challenging enough for the more seasoned dancer. The simplicity of the routines allows you to keep moving with ease. Although this is a workout, it feels more like a dance party with your girlfriends.

RUNNING 

Improve your speed, skill, endurance, stamina, and strength with our Kaia running program. The program works on developing running skills that can increase speed, endurance, and overall fitness. The program is designed for you to run at your pace and and help you see improvements every step of the way.

The Kaia training is a simple, progressive program designed for women of all ages and all fitness levels. Whether you are a walker, jogger, or runner, you will be able to join this program and move at your own pace. Research has shown that even 20 to 30 minutes of running (two to three times per week) is enough to help you lose or maintain weight and improve many other important health markers, i.e. your cholesterol, blood pressure and insulin response.

Don’t be intimidated by the Kaia Run program name, each class will have walkers, joggers and runners. Keep in mind that the first mile is the hardest mile you will ever run. Once you get off the starting block, things only get easier. All you have to do is be patient and disciplined in your training, and that is where Kaia

POWER YOGA

Kaia Yoga combines mind and body with a power yoga and core-strengthening weekly workout with Pilates-style techniques. We focus on balance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness through stretching, strength training and dynamic movement to improve overall fitness levels.

By creating long, lean muscles, Yoga promotes improved coordination, greater flexibility and a fuller range of motion, with a strong body that’s less prone to injury. Yoga keeps the mind centered and reduces stress through positive thoughts and a sense of mindfulness, which also inspires mental strength and confidence.

Yin Yoga, or restorative yoga, is a quiet contemplative practice. It targets the deepest tissues of the body, our connective tissues – ligaments, joints, bones, and the deep fascia networks of the body. Poses are held for 1 minute or more and transitions between poses are gentle and slow. This class is an excellent compliment to our other classes, provides dedicated stretching, and is known to reduce stress and anxiety.

6-WEEK BRIK BOOTCAMP

Our BRIK Bootcamp sessions are offered three times a year and are designed to help you reach your health and fitness potential, and you’re welcome to start anytime!

Our BRIK Bootcamps are six weeks long and feature classes daily.* This programming fits in seamlessly with our regularly scheduled classes, and it’s as easy as 1-2-3:

  1. Register for BRIK Bootcamp HERE (included for Platinum & Gold Memberships)
  2. Book your classes through our branded app and Show Up
  3. Let our expert coaches do the rest!

These sessions offer great results in weight and body fat loss and an increase in strength and cardiovascular endurance. Our nutritional support will boost energy, help you de-bloat, increase sleep quality, and enhance your overall glow.

BRIK Bootcamp includes:

In between BRIK Bootcamp, we offer a variety of classes to meet you at your level! We also have nutrition and fitness challenges, in addition to fun opportunities to spice up your routine. What are you waiting for? Join us today!

CYCLE

Cardio based, calorie torching workout with certified spin instructors. It’s a party on a bike!

Try a Week Free

WHAT IS KAIA FIT?