B E S T O F H E A LT H + B E AU T Y S A N TA B A R B A R A
ESSENTIALS While the physical benefits of STEPHANIE BESLER’s vigorous and dynamic power and Vinyasa flow classe may be readily obvious, the Yasa Yoga owner and instructor would admit it is all for naught if there’s no opportunity to lighten the heart and quiet the mind. Striving to enrich the Santa Barbara community by providing a safe place to explore and experience yoga, she approaches all aspects of her life and practice with a sense of balance, play, and awareness.
MUST DOs Treat yourself to a regular mind-and-body facial at LE REVE ORGANIC DAY SPA , 805-564-2977, le-reve.com. | Invest in a MANDUKA mat ($92, available at Yasa Yoga, 805-8454626, yasayoga.com). | Rely on Lululemon Athletica’s WUNDER
UNDER PANTS (from $82), 805-560-0616, lululemon.com, for comfort and performance. | To indulge without regret, order the yuppie roll at ARIGATO SUSHI , 805-965-6074, arigatosantabarbara .com. | Try a tranquil wellness retreat at the OJAI VALLEY INN &
SPA , 805-697-8780, ojairesort.com.
Centered at Yasa Yoga, Stephanie Besler.
Editor’ s Bla ck Book
Operating under the axiom “Leave no spine behind,”
Monkeytail Intelligent Exercise, 805-845-0000, embraces the no-
tion of body-conscious training. Physical trainer and Monkeytail owner Rita Madlock foregoes exercise trends and avoids the chronic misuse of the body but is equally careful to make physical education fun and hip. With personal training sessions and a variety of specialty classes, or “pods”—with names like TightAss and Pretty Young Thing—Monkeytail offers progressive outlets for clients to experience conscious and informative exercise. Thanks to her personal need to serve others, Madlock is well on her way to inspiring “an informed community and exercise culture” in Santa Barbara.
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TUR N UP THE HEAT Find your drishti at Santa Barbara’s latest yoga hot spot, C orePower Yoga, 805-884-9642, corepoweryoga.com. Combining energy, music, movement, and a sense of community, each class is designed to strengthen and detoxify both mind and body in an encouraging, health-focused environment. From introductory classes (from $20) to challenging Hot Yoga and Yoga Sculpt—a high-energy, calorie inferno that incorporates strength training with the use of free weights— CPY’s unique, heated power yoga is accessible to everyone, whether a novice or a devoted yogi. –M.P.
PHOTOGRAPH: STEPHANIE BESLER, LEELA CYD
Mind over Matter
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