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Health and Wellness

Must-Try Group Fitness Classes in Charleston

Reach your fitness-related New Year’s resolutions quickly with these must-try fitness classes. You might be surprised just how much you enjoy some of these popular workouts.

CorePower Yoga

Nama-slay your next yoga class at CorePower Yoga. Offering a wide variety of classes that range in difficulty and style, CorePower can help you relax and unwind or meet your strength training goals. They are located in Mount Pleasant on Shoremeade Rd. but also have a variety of “On Demand” yoga classes available for members. 

F45 Training

If Mark Whalberg does it, it must be good. F45 is a 45 minute functional workout that incorporates circuit and HIIT style workouts to help you break a sweat. You can choose to come to a cardio, resistance or hybrid class – either way you’re guaranteed to leave class with your heart pumping. 

GRIT BOX

With locations in both downtown Charleston and West Ashley, you can find a GRIT BOX close to you. This 45 minute kickboxing class will have you coming back for more, which is easy to do considering your first week of classes are free. No experience is necessary – just the drive to “ignite your inner warrior.”

HYLO Fitness

Once you experience HYLO Fitness, you’ll understand why they have won Best Fitness Studio for the past three straight years. The studio offers different classes that fall into the category of HI or LO. HI classes incorporate HIIT training aimed to burn fat and sculpt the body. LO classes are designed to balance your mind and muscles through more yoga-centered movement.

Pure Barre

Pure Barre’s low impact, high intensity workout is a favorite amongst many. Their workout encompasses small movements that effectively target your muscles and deliver a burn like no other. Pure Barre has three locations across Charleston – downtown, West Ashley and Mount Pleasant – and your first foundational class is free so, be sure to check it out. 

Health and Wellness

MUSC Chosen for Phase III of Vaccine Trials

As the race to find a cure for Coronavirus continues, MUSC Health joins researches through a vaccine trial. Because one of MUSC’s potential vaccines has shown promising signs fighting the virus, they were selected as part of a Phase III trial. 

In order for a vaccine to become safe and ready for mass manufacturing, it must first go through the three phases. Beginning with one, this phase is administered on small groups and geared toward the safety of the patients. They then collect data on the response to the vaccine. Phase two is typically administered on hundreds of people while fine-tuning the specific amount of regimen necessary. Phase three involves thousands of people while focusing on how it reacts to an entire population. Once all three have been successfully completed, the vaccine is on its way to becoming FDA approved. 

At MUSC, emergency medicine physician Gary Headden, M.D., states that “the science behind [the vaccine] looks good, so I’d say I’m optimistic.”

In order to attract interested participants, MUSC is planning a webpage launch that will officially open the trial to new applicants. They’re seeking several hundred. Some patients within the trial will receive a placebo while others will receive the vaccine. Patients will remain overseen for a grand total of two years. 

Health and Wellness

Charleston-Area Hospitals Launch New “Masks Saves Lives” Campaign

As a means of preventing the spread of Coronavirus throughout SC, five hospitals have come together to launch a new campaign. Titled “Masks Save Lives,” they’re pushing for Charlestonians to adhere to the statewide mask ordnance. 

The five hospitals that make up the movement are Trident Health System, East Cooper Medical Center, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, the Medical University of South Carolina, and Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. Each plays a critical role in enforcing cloth face coverings be worn. 

“You wear a mask to protect others, and they wear masks to protect you,” Jeff Taylor, CEO of Trident’s Summerville Medical Center, stated in a press release.

Wearing a mask has become a polarized issue in recent weeks. Some community members believe wearing a mask limits their freedoms, while others find it necessary for the greater good. Regardless of your stance on the issue, case numbers in SC continue to climb. The grand total now reaches 78,607, while the fatality rate reaches 1,385. Charleston County surges ahead for the most amount of positive tests reported. 

The new campaign will be featured on 32 billboards as well as television advertisements. It acts as a reminder to stay masked in public. You can expect to start seeing the “Masks Save Lives” movement roll out in the next few weeks.

Health and Wellness

Mount Pleasant Company Starts Vaccine Trials

The search for a Coronavirus vaccine has been well underway since the start of the pandemic. However, major strides are being made in the right direction. Mount Pleasant’s Coastal Carolina Research Center is beginning to test a COVID-19 vaccination. While things are still in the trial stages, this is huge progress in aiding those affected by the virus. 

“We’re looking for men and women 18 and older who are at risk of getting COVID,” announced principal investigator Dr. Cynthia Strout. “Now if you’ve had the diagnosis of COVID, then you cannot participate. There’s a few medical conditions or medications that might exclude you from the study, if you have autoimmune disease or are on medicine that affects the immune system.”

The team dedicated to finding a vaccine has been performing clinical research in order to better understand the virus. Those opting to participate will receive $100 per visit and $30 for tasks that can be performed at home.

How can you join the study? Start by filling out their inquiry form on the Coastal Carolina Research website.

Featured

Charleston Medical Spa

Trick Or Treat Yourself This Spooky Season By Visiting A Charleston Medical Spa

Living in a beautiful city near the beach creates a certain pressure to always look your best. And, while looks aren’t everything, treating yourself to a Medical Spa treatment can not only improve your general health but can also give you a boost of confidence! Here’s how you can take advantage of one of the numerous Medical Spas located in Charleston. Trust us – your body will thank you for it.

Find The Right Medical Spa

You may be asking yourself, “What’s the difference between a Day Spa and a Medical Spa?” Unlike a Day Spa, a Medical Spa is affiliated with a medically licensed provider, which allows for increased access to the latest, state-of-the-art devices and medical-grade skincare products. Choosing a Medical Spa that is reputable and has extensive experience in the field is key to ensuring you get your money’s worth. A superior Medical Spa will listen to your concerns, create a customized plan and track your progress to ensure you receive the results you’re looking for.

Our favorite is to visit is Dermatology and Laser Center of Charleston, located righout outside of Charleston in West Ashley. Their reputation for housing one of the best Medical Spas in the Lowcountry, in addition to their extensive qualifications in body sculpting procedures like CoolSculpting® are just two of the main reasons we make regular visits.

Determine Which Treatment Is Right For You

Most Medical Spas offer a wide variety of treatments and procedures. Depending on what your goal is – fat reduction, skin tightening, hair removal, skin brightening, etc. – there’s bound to be a procedure that meets your needs. Laser treatments are some of the most popular procedures on the market at the moment. Known for their ability to reduce fat and sculpt the body, CoolSculpting® and EMSCULPT are popular options for anyone wanting to lose a little extra fat or take their workout to the next level. Other popular procedures include Botox, Microneedling and HydraFacials. Working with your respective Medical Spa to create your customized plan will identify the best treatments for you and your budget.

Bask In The Results

Depending on the treatment, some people can see results from their procedure in as little as a few days or up to a few months. For procedures like Botox or Microneedling, results can be seen within a week from your treatment. However, for fat reduction treatments like CoolSculpting®, it can take up to three months to see the extent of your results. Regardless, the results will be evident with any procedure you choose.

Treat yourself to a Medical Spa procedure and see how you can take yourself to the next level!

Featured

The Best Running Trails in the Lowcountry

Charleston is nationally recognized for its beauty, food scene and museums, but there are plenty of other activities for people who are looking to do something different. Check out these running trails for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Sawmill Branch Multi-Use Trail (Summerville)

Following along the Sawmill Branch Canal, the Sawmill Branch Trail is a flat, 10-foot wide, out and back trail that is perfect for runners and bikers alike. You can find the starting point at Gahagan Road or the parking area on Luden Drive. Most road crossings on this trail go under the road, but make sure to be mindful of the wildlife which includes deer and even alligators that can occupy the canal.

Distance: 6.5 miles
Type: Out and back
Cost: Free

James Island County Park Trail (James Island)

A vast network of trails weaves in and out of the James Island County Park featuring a variety of wildlife including ducks, heron, turtles and snakes. The trails are accessible from the many parking areas located throughout the park. Located off of Riverland Drive in James Island, these trails are just a short drive from Downtown or for residents all over the Lowcountry.

Distance: 5 miles
Type: Network
Cost: $2 per person

Wannamaker North Trail (Goose Creek)

Designed for mountain bikers in mind, but open to hikers, walkers and runners, the Wannamaker North Trail is full of elevation changes and tight turns, perfect for anyone looking for some hilly training. The trail is lined with oaks and beech trees, creating a nature-filled experience and escape from the city. The trailhead is located off of Westview Rd. in Goose Creek with parking available.

Distance: 13 miles
Type: Network
Cost: $1 per person

Hampton Park (Downtown)

Located Downtown, on the northern end of the Peninsula, Hampton Park features picturesque tranquility while still being located in downtown Charleston. With an outside loop that is nearly a mile, runners can take laps around the park or go inside where there are trails winding in and around the park grounds. With entrances on President St, Ashley Ave, Cleveland St, Elmwood Ave, Jenkins Ave and 10th Ave, Hampton Park is highly accessible for anyone looking to drive to the park or add some extra miles to their downtown run.

Distance: 1 mile
Type: Loop
Cost: Free

Health and Wellness

Downtown Charleston’s Top Yoga Studios

Featured Image: Charleston City Paper

A full-body workout that helps with strength, flexibility and mental health is hard to come by. But yoga has been, and continues to be, a fitness outlet that provides all three. So it’s no surprise that in the past few years, studio after studio seems to be popping up in Charleston. Take a peek below at five of our favorite local yoga studios all located downtown, and get ready to book your next class!

Urban Yoga

Located on King Street and open seven days a week, Urban Yoga offers a range of classes for all levels. Check out their Candlelight Yin class every Sunday evening for some relaxing flow or their Inferno Hot Pilates class offered a few times a week to really feel the heat.

 

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“Slow down, rest & heal!” . The message my body has been telling me for some time now, and for the first time in a long time – I listened. ? . Waking up a few months ago, on the last morning of my amazing Portugal retreat with @erinharrington1 , my body had raised her volume on this message – heard in the way of debilitating neck pain, making the rest of my trip and travel home quite difficult and keeping me off my mat for some time now. . Since that time, I’ve been upping my self care game, seeking medical care and trying to allow my body to come back to some version of healthy.? . Factor in a move and some west coast travel to celebrate my 40th bday, I’ve been a bit MIA. I’ve truly missed seeing the tribe and practicing next to all my students and fellow teachers, so I’m happy to say I’ll be back in action – on my mat very soon! ?‍♀️ . Lesson learned: our bodies give us signals, but if we don’t listen when they tell us that they are tired or stressed, then the imbalance increases and a stronger message is required, one that is generally expressed by illness and/or pain. The first step to regaining equilibrium involves slowing down, nourishing your body, getting more rest, and seeking treatment if necessary (acupuncture, massage, chiropractic work, etc.). Once we have nurtured ourselves with these things, we can begin to examine our illness for the message. Only you have the knowledge of your thoughts and choices that will allow you to interpret the messages from your body. All it takes is time and attention. Your body has all the answers to restore itself to the best it can be. ??‍♀️ . See you in child’s pose very soon, friends! ❤️XO Meg . . . #yoga #charleston #charlestonyoga #yogacharleston #chsyoga #urbanyogachs #yogateacher #yogaeverydamnday #urbanyoga #urbanyogi #practiceandalliscoming #selfcare #slowdown #listentoyourbody

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Charleston Power Yoga

The instructors at Charleston Power Yoga are here to “share the sweaty, challenging and empowering practice of Baptiste Power Yoga” with anyone who comes into the studio. Recently voted Charleston’s Best Yoga Studio, Charleston Power Yoga is also located on King Street, and is giving new clients the opportunity to book as many classes as they would like for just $29 in their first two weeks.

Mission Yoga

Holding their core beliefs of movement, meditation, inquiry, creativity and community at the heart of everything they do, Mission Yoga studio is located on Spring Street. With classes starting at just $12 for students, it’s no surprise that Mission Yoga is a well-loved Charleston studio.

The Works

You can find The Works on Meeting Street, where they blend vinyasa yoga, meditation, breathwork, plyometrics, core and strength work into their five signature classes. Even as a newer addition to the downtown yoga studios, The Works is already making an impact and garnering a loyal following.

These are just a few of our favorites, so be sure to let us know here if we missed your go-to studio!

Eat & Drink

Have a Plant-Based Diet? Charleston’s Got You Covered.

Featured Image: Gnome Cafe

Gnome Cafe

Gnome exists to show you the power of plant-based food! For both breakfast and lunch, they use high-quality ingredients to serve up bold flavors to satisfy any craving.

Dellz Uptown

A Charleston staple, Dellz Uptown has mastered the art of creating classic, feel-good foods like pizza and nachos that are also friendly to vegetarian and vegan eaters. Their Vegan Jazzy Pizza is a must-have. Be sure to try one of their smoothies for the ultimate experience.

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery

Another great option for those with plant-based diets is The Harbinger. With a kitchen that features locally-sourced, seasonal dishes alongside a bakery with fresh pastries, including gluten-free options!

 

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A well balanced meal if you ask me. ?? ? ?

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Huriyali

Creating food with your health in mind, Huriyali serves up some of the freshest plant-based food in Charleston. From fresh-pressed juice and nut milk to creative deli favorites, you can trust that your health is in good hands when eating at Huriyali!

 

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Cuz who packs a lunch on a Monday?!✨??? #goldenbudhabowlwithcurry

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Tu

Grounded in tradition and culture, Tu delivers delicious dinners from the Indian Subcontinent. Tu takes classic dishes and gives them a unique twist while still paying homage to their origins, a challenging task. The team at Tu works hard to develop relationships with local fishermen and farmers to ensure the quality of their entire menu.

Butcher and Bee

Butcher and Bee started out as a small shop specializing in gourmet sandwiches but has quickly grown into a full menu with a new location serving up a mix of unique and exciting dishes, many of which are vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Using local and sustainable ingredients is a culture and mindset that Butcher and Bee makes a priority.

 

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That moment when you see your dinner approaching the table ?

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