No time for a full workout today? No problem. The Zaaz whole body vibration system takes only 10 to 12 minutes, but equals an hour of strength training at the gym. And while it’s not intended to be one’s only form of exercise, what it does offer goes above and beyond doing stretches in your chair. Way above and beyond (literally)—the technology was developed by the Russian space program and has been used by NASA for the last 40 years; it’s embraced by celebrities, professional sports teams and universities; and is an FDA-listed class one medical device and fitness machine, appropriate for home or office. So what exactly does it do? We’re glad you asked.
Whole body vibration (WBV) activates an average of 97 percent of all muscle groups and produces up to 30 involuntary reflexes per second, resulting in the burning of fat and the building of muscle. The vibration is low impact, thus it works for all fitness levels.
Some of the FDA-listed benefits include increased muscle strength, toning and firming, improved flexibility, decreased cellulite visibility, assistance in weight loss, improved mobility, improved coordination and massaged muscles. What’s not to love? Users have also noticed anti-aging benefits, including increased bone density, circulation improvement, relief of back and neck pain, stress relief and more.
The company also offers gym-like studios, where you can get a free demo or purchase a membership to use Zaaz at your convenience. In the North Bay, one is in Tiburon on Tiburon Blvd.; the other is on San Rafael on Fourth St. The studios also offer far infrared saunas, various health and beauty treatments, and nutritional aids and supplements.
NorthBay biz recently got the opportunity to test out Zaaz for an extended period of time—and we’re hooked. It’s an ideal way for you and your employees/coworkers to shake things up for the better.
For those who are just as interested in how a wine was made as in how it tastes, the Wine Institute has released Down to Earth: A Seasonal Tour of Sustainable Winegrowing in California, a beautiful, 256-page book that travels the state, season by season, spotlighting sustainable winery practices. Fifteen case profiles include Gallo Family Vineyards (Healdsburg and Modesto), Sangiacomo Family Vineyards (Sonoma), Etude Wines (Napa), Honig Vineyard & Vinery (Rutherford), J Vineyards & Winery (Healdsburg), Robert Mondavi Winery (Oakville) and Trinchero Family Estates (St. Helena).
From restoration of wetland and riparian areas to solar energy, composting and recycling, shipping and packing efficiencies, cover crops and beneficial insects, birds and predators, these wineries have improved their bottom lines while also lightening their impact on the planet. To further the delight, the book ends with some delectable recipes, also arranged seasonally and offered with varietal pairing suggestions.
Bolstered throughout by George Rose’s sometimes-expansive, sometimes-intimate, always captivating photography, Down to Earth deserves a place on bookshelves and coffee tables, both in homes and wineries.
Hey men, now it’s your turn to go organic with your personal care regimen. San Rafael-based Small World Trading Company’s EveryOne brand offers soap, lotion and deodorant spray just for you (although they smell so good, the women you know might want to use them, too).
You can use the soap to shampoo, shower and shave and the lotion for your hands, face and body. Both come in either cedar and citrus or cucumber and lemon scents. The deodorant spray is blended with pure, organic essentials oils (no patchouli to be found, which we like a lot) and organic alcohol, contains no aluminum salts, propylene gluycol or zinc salts (all of which are bad for you) and comes in lavender, citrus or vetiver.
All EO and EveryOne products are cruelty, paraben, polysorbate, disodium, EDTA, gluten and sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate free. They’re also very affordable and available at Whole Foods, Community Market, Oliver’s and other fine stores throughout the North Bay.
