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Many athletes and professionals do not realize that the true way to gain strength is through a balance of training and relaxation. There are plenty of people that forget the latter step in this balancing act; however, the place that has it right and practices it on a daily basis is Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.
This property, found on the WestCoast of the lush Hawaiian island of Oahu has meshed a traditional renaissanceof wellness and healing for top athletes and those who are just wanting to befit while on vacation.
They got it right.
Aulani has beautifully craftednatural and peaceful ways to maintain a fitness regimen through a range ofprograms such as: Ocean Fitness, Sunrise Yoga, Ocean Yoga, SeasideStretch, Cardio Rush, Yoga Burn and various other centralizing and core focusedactivities.
“Ikaika,” meaning “strength” in theHawaiian language has shown great presence during my time at Aulani. The mainreason being is that I needed a great deal of strength during my session ofOcean Fitness. This specific program blended a full-body workout whilestabilizing the core, or “piko,” on a paddle board in the middle of the gorgeousKo Olina lagoonlocated in the back of the Aulani property.
There was a building technique usedas the routine started with a wide squat, then went straight into pushups; keepin mind, you are trying not to fall into the welcoming Pacific Ocean duringthis.
After returning to your feet fromthe push up position, the next step was to squat and jump into a surfing poseon each side of your body, then back down to a core workout on your hands andfeet.
As the 30-minute session continues,the intensity keeps building and it gets more strenuous; however, you findyourself more motivated and determined rather than frustrated because of theambiance surrounding you. The scenery and tranquility that you are encapsulatedby keep you calm and help you strive to better yourself, which is crucial forathletes of any caliber. Most of the time, sporting competitions and trainingcan be more of a mental state than the physical components.
“Our Ocean Yoga and Seaside Stretchare some of the calming factors in our classes,” said Chasen Hasen, AulaniFitness Instructor. “Just being outside too puts people in that mindset andlet’s them appreciate where they’re at.”
Ocean Fitness was led by one of theonly four certified trainers at the resort. Ironically enough, his name wasIkaika, which again, translates to “strength.”
Not kidding.
As a part of variouspackages in the wellness and fitness programs at Aulani, followingyour workout you can proceed to the luxurious spa to rejuvenate your body. Itmay sound strange to some athletes but this is vital to help grow and becomebetter.
Not only does the fitness programthat you just finished focus on core building but so does the spa treatmentwhen you enter into Laniwai, or whentranslated meaning “Freshwater Heaven.” To remain aligned with the theme ofwater, serenity and tradition, the 18,000 sq. ft. Laniwai focuses on themajestic nature of water followed by a soothing rainbow effect.
These purposeful designimplementations created by the Disney Imagineers allow you to replenish mentalstamina as you traverse through illuminated walkways to find peace at the “piko”of the venue. After the culturally-submerged journey, you are then provided theopportunity to oxygenate muscles in the hydrotherapy garden. Thisarea, secluded from the rest of the Disney resort, contains various relaxation silosthat focus on body-specific needs. Some of which include a hot tub followed bya quick dip in the cold plunge to stimulate the muscles for blood flow to detoxyour body. This area also contains a warming sauna and cleansing steam room torelease toxins and impurities that may have built up during competition,training or regular everyday tasks.
After lounging in the FreshwaterHeaven, you then float to the massage rooms. A signature 50-minute treatmentthat the therapists use is a native-Hawaiian practice called Lomilomi,which has been passed down through the culture’s ancestry. This method ofmassage therapy assesses guests from head to toe, and locates where healing ofthe body needs to take place.
During the session, hot stones areused to loosen the muscle for deep healing, as well as wave-like movement fromthe therapist to ease tension from post-exercise, competition or training. Thisresembles a rhythmic and oceanic motion, accompanied by traditional Hawaiianmusic softly serenading you in the background.
“Spa treatment is not about fixingwhat is wrong but incorporating wellness into everyday life,” said Lucia Amasio,Aulani Spa Director. “It’s about making it a part of your journey.”
Along with incorporating wellnessinto your journey, Aulani has an incredible cuisine thatis fit for any particular dietary plan. If you are training for an upcomingmarathon, surf competition, ski race or whatever the occasion, the resort hasthe essential culinary creations for you.
Each morning, you can wake up to thefreshest acai bowl from the ‘AMA’AMA restaurant, with an oceanfront view. This allows you to startthe morning rejuvenated and feel at peace to mentally and physically take onthe day.
Seriously though, there is plentyof joy that comes with this fresh meal and breathtaking view.
The resort also offers lean options,including poultry, fish, lean beef and various fruits and vegetables that willserve your needs. There is also room to indulge and partake in the occasionalfeasting; including at the KAWA’A Luau.
During this evening festivity,guests gather around to eat, drink and witness the storytelling of Hawaiiantraditions and spiritual upbringings. Before and during the Luau, there isopportunity to practice various techniques that are present in the island’sculture such as ukulele playing, making historic food sustenance that can stillbe found in modern meals and many more.
Not only can you learn from this,you will also be entertained. This is another effort at replenishing your bodyto be ready to tackle the next feat in your wellness journey.
There are many people that sayafter winning major competitions that they are “going to Disney World,” butnext time you are celebrating or just need to escape to help yourself grow,take a trip to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.
To learn more about Aulani, visit their website at www.disneyaulani.com.
Follow Shaun Melady on Instagram at @ShaunMelady.