One of the many benefits of living in a booming area experiencing constant growth is the excitement that comes from discovering new businesses. We have new entrepreneurs hanging their shingles, other businesses expanding, and clients connecting to their perfect fit everyday.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve been privileged to share several articles detailing my favorite businesses in categories from massage and med spas to meditation and movement. Fortunately, those articles are never complete. Here are some businesses new (and new to me) that have definitely been added to my BEST-OF lists.
You can find my past coverage here.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Aesthetic Coterie
From the moment I walked into the stunning studio of Aesthetic Coterie, nestled in the historic Steam Plant building in the heart of downtown Spokane, I felt spoiled. Sophia, the owner, is so welcoming. I immediately felt like we had been friends for years.
I had the pleasure of experiencing the all-encompassing, full-body pampering that is THE ESSENTIAL. After three hours of body work, I left feeling like a happy, relaxed noodle. The treatment began with a full-body dry brush, followed by a body polish. I got to choose the scent and chose one that smelled like a caramel latte that sent me straight to Indaba for an afternoon decaf.
After Sophia removed the delicious body polish with steamy hot towels, she performed a full Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage. After the massage, I spent a lovely 20 minutes in the infrared sauna before finishing up the treatment with a body mask and facial.
Sophia’s desire to make her clients feel valued and relaxed shines through every part of the experience. From the beautiful space, to the Fiji water and complimentary sauna, Sophia goes above and beyond. I highly recommend you treat yourself and your loved ones to one of her luxurious services.
Here’s a little from my chat with Sophia Smith, owner of Aesthetic Coterie.
Tell me about yourself and your background. What drew you to the world of lymphatic drainage massage?
During my studies at Aveda Institute, I studied holistic health and that is where I first encountered lymphatic drainage. Right before I graduated from Aveda, I donated a kidney and the surgery was done laparoscopically, so I was incredibly bloated post surgery and in pain. Doing manual lymphatic drainage on myself was a big help (I do not recommend people do MLD post surgery unless they are trained) though.
What method of lymphatic drainage do you practice?
Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage.
Who is lymphatic drainage for?
Lymphatic drainage is for everyone, with the exception of those with contraindications such as, acute inflammation, malignant tumors, thrombosis, major heart problems, and the first three months of pregnancy.
Who is your typical client?
Women in their 20s through 50s.
What sets you apart from other lymphatic drainage practitioners?
Because of the nature of our practice, I am more interested in the ethical use of our skill as a community than what sets me apart from the others in it. We are working with an extremely important series of channels within the body, and continuously improving our knowledge, and supporting one another to give people the best possible outcomes should be our main focus.
What do you wish folks knew about you?
I truly enjoy helping people feel relaxed. I personally struggle with depression and anxiety so I really wanted to curate a space for my clients to feel safe, relaxed (beyond my treatments and into the environment that I have fostered by playing bird calls in the background to activate the parasympathetic nervous system), and confident in my knowledge of treatments that I provide them. I hope people see me as a woman who believes deeply and passionately in our bodies’ ability to heal. Someone who desires to advocate for others health, energy, and long term well being. Someone they can trust, and someone who will educate them to support their self care.
What do you wish folks knew about lymphatic drainage?
Lymphatic drainage is incredibly beneficial to your body’s overall health. There are so many health benefits from improved immune system, to clearing brain fog, and increase in energy. Brazilian LDM is more than people looking to have sculpted bodies, while it is a plus, the benefits go so much deeper. When lymph flows, everything flows!
Besides regular visits to you, how can we care for our lymphatic systems?
Regular manual lymphatic drainage massage is beneficial in between visits, staying well hydrated, sauna use, rebounding, keep your body moving (working out or going for a walk), legs up against a wall for 20 minutes a day (love doing this after leg workouts, a long day on my feet or flying), deep breathing is great (yoga or pilates are great for this!), and lastly, facial cupping, gua sha, and scalp massages are excellent for your cranial lymphatic drainage (helps hair growth).
Belladona’s Massage
Belladona’s Massage is synonymous in Spokane with excellence and luxury. As the preeminent mobile massage provider in the Spokane area, Galina Korovnik and her team are already making consistent body work more accessible. Her warmth and passion for her work are infectious, and she has the kind of energy we all want in a friend. She holds herself and Marina, the other massage therapist on the Belladona’s Massage team, to incredibly high standards without ever coming off as pretentious or tightly-wound. It’s no wonder she’s consistently booked out for months and has expanded beyond a sole proprietorship. (Side note: I highly recommend you book directly with Galina or Marina. They’re worth the wait!)
Galina will soon add Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage to her in-home offerings! Having had countless lymphatic drainage massages (both Vodder and Brazilian), I thought I knew what to expect when I arranged a massage with Galina recently. I was so wrong. Her style (part from her instructor Josie Rushing and part due to her personal style) differs from any massage I’ve ever had. I noticed immediate results. Before the massage was over, my legs felt lighter, and my body felt less tight. I attribute this to the time she takes loosening the fascia before starting the manual lymphatic drainage.
If you’re seeking aesthetic results to complement your healthy lifestyle and aim to look SNATCHED for an event, this is the massage for you! She even takes a second pass over the abdomen at the end to sculpt the abdominals and waist.
Here is some insight from my time chatting with Galina Korovnic, owner of Belladona’s Massage.
Tell me about yourself and your background. What drew you to the world of lymphatic drainage massage?
I started working as a chiropractic assistant at the age of 17 and knew that going forward into my career, I wanted to help people with their body pain. I’ve been a bodyworker for the past 17 years and been a licensed massage therapist for 13 years. I specialize in customized deep tissue work while incorporating muscle scraping and cupping into my sessions. I have always loved anatomy and the muscular system but because our bodies are so complex, I wanted to learn more of our bodies’ systems in depth and that’s where I was drawn into lymphatic drainage work. My next plan of action is to learn all I can about myofascial work!
What method of lymphatic drainage do you practice?
I am trained in the Brazilian Body and Face Lymphatic Drainage method by Josie Rushing.
Who is lymphatic drainage for?
The Brazilian method can benefit anyone who is struggling with fluid retention, bloating, puffiness, detoxification, poor circulation, anyone needing to balance their nervous system, or anyone who is looking to contour the body.
Who is your typical client?
My typical client is someone who travels a lot and has excess fluid retention, someone who is getting married and looking to debloat and help aid in detoxification before their big day. It’s someone who is attending an event and wants their body contoured.
What sets you apart from other lymphatic drainage practitioners?
My Brazilian lymphatic drainage process is very thorough and targets not only the lymphatic system but also the fascia, nervous system, and circulatory system.
What do you wish folks knew about you?
Even though massage is a career for me, it is also my passion and something I enjoy doing while building relationships with my clients and being a part of their self-care.
What do you wish folks knew about lymphatic drainage?
I wish people knew how important it is to have a healthy and balanced lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage is so important because our bodies contain about 50% more lymphatic fluid than our blood. Our circulatory system has its own pump which helps aid with the blood flow but our lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump so we have to make sure if we notice our lymphatic system struggling that we start working on our end to help improve our system.
Besides regular visits to you, how can we care for our lymphatic systems?
Some of the best ways to help care for our lymphatic system is drinking lots of water to help boost the lymphatic system function and help improve more waste from the body. Engaging in any physical activities can help move the lymphatic fluid along with eating vegetables and fruits. Incorporating dry brushing into your everyday routine can help and also placing your legs on the wall before bed can help with the flow of your lymphatic system.
Skin & Tonic
To quote my favorite antihero, the facials at Skin & Tonic are LEGEN-wait-for-it-DARY… LEGENDARY. I first heard a friend describe her experience about 6 years ago, and as a broke fitness instructor, the thought of having the time and energy to worry about gentle, organic skincare seemed altogether out of reach. I filed the information away, and Stephanie Price lived as a legend in my mind.
Fast forward to 2024: I finally stepped foot into Price’s beautiful, plant-filled space. Let me tell you, after 6 years of building up anticipation, she did not disappoint. The air in her space felt intoxicating, and the service is less a facial and more a fully transformative experience. She uses the best, cleanest products available and tailors the facial to your unique needs and goals. I was so relaxed that I dozed off for a portion of the experience, and I left absolutely glowing, despite having walked in feeling embarrassed about my hormonal acne and dry skin.
Lymphatic drainage for the face has benefits far beyond the cosmetic. If you experience skin issues, autoimmune issues, depression, anxiety or simply want to spoil yourself, I highly recommend you see Stephanie Price, owner of Skin and Tonic.
Here’s what she had to say about her practice.
Tell me about yourself and your background. What drew you to the world of lymphatic drainage massage?
I’ve been a licensed esthetician for 18 years. For 12 of those years, I practiced traditional esthetics. After years of working in a traditional spa setting, I felt there had to be a better way to treat our skin. We cannot continuously create an injury to the skin, forcing it to behave the way we would like, and expect it to continue to respond in the long-term.
In 2019, I went to Dallas, TX for a facial reflexology class. While there, I received a career altering facial by a Laurel Whole Plant Organic esthetician. That experience, along with the Dien Chan facial reflexology class, was the beginning of my deep dive into the holistic esthetic world.
Over the next several years I dove deep into educating myself on other holistic modalities, becoming certified in Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Gua Sha, Thai Poultice facial massage, and Connective Tissue Manipulation.
What method of lymphatic drainage do you practice?
I’m certified in Advanced Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage for the face and neck.
Who is lymphatic drainage for?
Lymphatic drainage is for just about everyone. The benefits of true lymphatic work are endless! I was inspired to become Vodder certified because treating acne has always been a favorite service of mine, and doing so from a holistic realm looks a little different.
Aside from treating acne, Vodder is great for helping with all of the typical reasons one might seek out an esthetician; firming skin, reducing puffiness, addressing dark circles, helping with moisture retention and reducing pigmentation.
While a client may initially come in for the physical benefits Vodder MLD offers, they quickly come to understand that what is taking place is in a much deeper space. Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage is incredible for people who struggle with depression, insomnia, anxiety, who live with autoimmune disorders, and/or chronic pain. Lymphatic drainage is also used for detoxification, supporting our immune system and promoting relaxation. Moving lymphatic stagnation is incredibly powerful for our mind, body and spirit.
Who is your typical client?
I don’t believe anything I do is typical and that is reflected in my clientele. The ages I see range between 17-82 and everyone I see comes in for different reasons. Some have skincare goals they are working toward. Others have an abundance of stress in their lives and come to decompress. Some come in very specifically for lymphatic drainage. The space and treatments I have curated are for anyone who would like to be cared for and supported, while also receiving sustainable results.
What sets you apart from other lymphatic drainage practitioners?
Everything. While Vodder MLD is specific and meticulous in the technique itself, each of us as practitioners makes it our own. Our touch, our rhythm, our intuition, our intention – when you come into Skin & Tonic, you are receiving a treatment that you haven’t had before, regardless of how many other Vodder practitioners you’ve seen.
What do you wish folks knew about you?
I’m constantly learning and evolving. What got me started on this lymphatic journey is a deep knowing that there has to be a better way to take care of myself and others, and I’ve learned over the years, there is. I do things differently in all aspects of my life, professionally and personally. I’ve learned some things work and some don’t, but that’s the best way to learn; try, fail, then try again. Do it over, and over, and over again. Fail until you find the path that works for you. Make it your own. Stay true to yourself. It took me a long time to find my flow in the esthetic world, but once I dove into lymphatic work, it felt like a coming home of sorts.
What do you wish folks knew about lymphatic drainage?
Our lymphatic system is reflective of our overall health. Most people have no idea how important lymphatic health is, or how to properly support their lymphatic system, but over the last year I’ve seen it gain traction and that is hugely positive. The thing is, our lymphatic health shouldn’t be looked at as a trend. Supporting our lymphatic system should be a daily way of life, just like taking care of our mental and physical health is. In other countries, manual lymphatic drainage is widely recognized, respected, and used, but sadly in America, that hasn’t been the case. It’s incredible to see lymphatic health being talked about in so many spaces and my hope is to continue being a part of that growing awareness.
Besides regular visits to you, how can we care for our lymphatic systems?
There are so many great ways to support your lymphatic system at home! Jumping on a rebounder is one of my favorite ways in the colder months, and then switching to swimming during our warmer months. Gentle movement is great for lymphatic health: walking, restorative yoga, deep belly breathing. There’s lymphatic massage you can do on yourself daily. I sell a lymphatic facial and body brush that is very user friendly! Honey tapping, gua sha, and jade rollers are another great way to get lymph moving. The Laurel Whole Plant Organic line I work with also has some lymphatic stimulating products that are beautiful to use at home. When incorporating lymphatic work at home, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s gentle movement and/or pressure.
Kaylynne Wilbur of Massage Therapy
Because Kaylynne Wilbur Massage Therapy is located inside Cor Regenerate, clients benefit from the incredible resources the facility offers. For example, before or after your massage with Wilbur, you can enjoy a complimentary session on one of the Bemer chairs. She recommended that I take advantage of this benefit before my massage, as it makes the lymphatic drainage more effective. I eagerly obliged.
Wilbur’s strong commitment to excellence, to overall wellness, and to providing an exceptional experience is undeniable. Perhaps it is this commitment to excellence in wellness in her own life that caused my mouth to drop open when she told me she had been in the industry for 10 years. She doesn’t look like she is old enough to have done anything for a decade, but her confidence and thorough knowledge of the lymphatic system suggested otherwise.
I have spent almost 2 years focusing on my lymphatic health and trying, as a lay person, to learn as much as I can about how it works. Never has the lymphatic system been broken down so thoroughly and simply as Wilbur did during my session. She made it clear that she doesn’t normally spew facts throughout what is supposed to be a luxury experience, but I insisted that she allow me to pick her brain and soak up as much as I could during our time together.
I started my time with Wilbur feeling bloated, inflamed, and fatigued due to a flare-up of some ongoing gut issues. I left my time with her feeling relaxed, lighter, and better than I’d felt in weeks. I cannot recommend a Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage with Kaylynne Wilbur enough!
Here is some insight from our time together.
Tell me about yourself and your background. What drew you to the world of lymphatic drainage massage?
I have been a licensed massage therapist since 2014, driven by a lifelong attraction for holistic approaches. Providing massage therapy has always been my passion, filling me with purpose as I strive to help others feel their best.
My journey into exploring the lymphatic system started when my aunt battled lymphoma. I see the lymphatic system as the foundation to a healthy immune system, as it is our first line of defense. I firmly believe that by addressing health at its root and resolving underlying issues, we can preempt and halt the progression of numerous diseases, minimizing reliance on pharmaceutical interventions. Cultivating a healthy lymphatic system serves as the crucial first step.
What method of lymphatic drainage do you practice?
I practice the “Detox by Rebecca” method of Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage.
Who is lymphatic drainage for?
Lymphatic drainage is honestly for anyone who has a pulse. The lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump system, therefore it can easily be overwhelmed and congested. Everyone can benefit from this work.
Who is your typical client?
My ideal client is someone who is willing to invest time into their body and overall well being. I can only do so much in the 90 minutes that someone is on my table so ideally I expect my clients to keep up on their self care practices. This way we are working together as a team to optimize their health.
What sets you apart from other lymphatic drainage practitioners?
I believe that being a licensed massage therapist sets me apart from the other lymphatic drainage therapists in my area. I have been studying and working with bodies for a decade. My touch is finessed.
What do you wish folks knew about you?
I want people to know that I live and breathe wellness. I am passionate about living a healthy lifestyle but even more passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others find their way to a healthy lifestyle.
What do you wish folks knew about lymphatic drainage?
I wish more people understood the importance of a healthy lymphatic system. This technique has become popular for its remarkable visual results, but it is so much more than that. The health benefits that occur inside the body are priceless.
Besides regular visits to you, how can we care for our lymphatic systems?
I provide my clients with at home care to keep their lymphatic systems working well. You will have to book a session with me to find out what those are, but I will say, putting your feet up for 5 minutes every night can help dramatically!
(Editor’s note: You can browse Bailey’s in-depth past coverage on lymphatic drainage massage here.)
Innovative Healthcare Services
CDA Wellness
Alex Vestman, owner of CDA Wellness, is revolutionizing wellness and making it more convenient, accessible, and affordable for folks in Coeur d’Alene. As a nurse practitioner, Vestman is incredibly knowledgeable and qualified to create a custom IV for her clients to meet their goals, whether they be healing, peak performance, aiming for longevity, or nursing a hangover–all while in the comfort of their homes!
I recently received the NAD+ IV, lauded by many as liquid gold and credited with anti-aging, metabolism boosting, and inflammation reduction properties. Alex expertly started my IV (and I should know because I am a frequent flier when it comes to IVs and blood draws) and asked me about my lifestyle, goals, and how I’d been feeling that week. With this new information, she suggested some additions for immunity, and I gladly agreed. She then chatted with me to distract me from the dizziness and nausea that can come with getting this type of IV. I loved getting to know her, picking her brain, and learning about her approach to wellness.
Vestman is passionate about bringing cutting-edge wellness services to our community and making them more affordable. I can’t wait for my next IV, but I’d honestly pay just to talk with her.
Here’s is a little from my chat with Alex Vestman, owner of CDA Wellness.
Tell us about CDA Wellness. Would you please describe your mission in one sentence?
CDA Wellness is Coeur d’Alene’s first mobile IV hydration, vitamin infusion, and full service wellness clinic. We are owned and operated by nurse practitioners and registered nurses to provide up to date, safe, and reliable care. Our mission is to provide quality healthcare that is accessible and affordable to everyone.
What is something CDA Wellness does that hasn’t been done before?
We are the first mobile clinic that includes a full range of services that fit individual needs. Because we are operated by licensed, board certified medical providers, that are on site and available to assess patients first hand, we are able to provide a wide range of care with our holistic approach.
Who is CDA Wellness meant for? Who is your typical client?
Because we are affordable and accessible, we are meant for everyone! Our typical client ranges anywhere from 13-80. Anyone who wants to improve their health, feel better in their current status, and prevent illness and disease.
IV vitamin therapy was once reserved for elite athletes and the wealthy, but it is growing in popularity. In your opinion, what are the greatest benefits of IV vitamin therapy?
We are learning more with evidenced based studies and trials that oral supplementation of vitamins and minerals is not as effective as we once thought. The “first pass effect” limits absorption up to as high as 80%! The standard American diet is not efficient in covering this deficit. IV therapy has been proven to increase vitamin absorption and bioavailability, improve cognition, energy, and overall health. It has been show to benefit and increase life longevity and has anti-aging properties. When it comes to vitamin infusions, it has been proven to be an effective way to prevent illness and disease.
What goals does your team have for the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years we plan to expand services. We will be adding a full scope of mental health services and prescribing with our psych-mental health nurse practitioner and women’s health care like pap smears and birth control. While all of these will remain mobile, we also plan to build a brick and mortar location in the future.
Upgrade Labs in Coeur d’Alene
Calling all biohackers, athletes (professional, aspiring, and amateur alike), wellness enthusiasts, and chronic health warriors. Something very special has come to Coeur d’Alene this summer!
Upgrade Labs is a franchise founded by Dave Asprey, the Father of Biohacking, and follows his visionary approach to performance and longevity. When I first learned that this incredible facility would make its home here in Coeur d’Alene, I was thrilled. FINALLY, I thought.
Recently, I sat down with Paul Tinker, owner of Upgrade Labs Coeur d’Alene, and Laurie, the general manager, to learn more and experience a bit of what this phenomenal new facility will offer. I was immediately impressed with both Paul and Laurie’s enthusiasm and expertise and put at ease by this and the fact that both possess the special brand of charisma that emanates easily from one who is physically and mentally WELL.
We started our time together with an InBody Scan to get some baseline measurements and help them design a program just for my body and its unique needs. We reviewed this thoroughly before Laurie zipped me into the BIG SQUEEZE, for a lymphatic drainage massage. I have had my share of lymphatic drainage massages and was skeptical about this high-tech sleeping bag’s abilities, but I am now a believer! The Big Squeeze uses 360-degree compression, starting with a gentle massage and carefully progressing to give me the perfect massage for my body. When Laurie unzipped the suit, I felt lighter and more energized!
I then experienced PEMF (Pulsed Electronic Magnetic Field) therapy, which uses pulsed electromagnetic fields to stimulate the body at a cellular level to support the body’s functions. This results in increased energy, strengthened immunity, greater detoxification, and greater healing.
I got just a taste of the many high-end, cutting-edge technologies that members of Upgrade Labs will have access to. Others include a whole-body cryotherapy chamber, the mother of all red light therapies, a passive aerobic workout that uses adaptive contrast for greater immunity and cardiovascular performance, an AI adaptive bike and resistance training machine, and a vibration plate.
You can book a free demo by clicking on the link in their Instagram bio today!
Paul Tinker, owner of Upgrade Labs, new to Coeur d’Alene, shared more information on these innovative technologies and overall vision for the business. Here’s a little from our conversation.
Tell us about Upgrade Labs. Would you please describe your mission in one sentence?
We are a human upgrade center, the first of its kind, where we utilize medical-grade technology and AI to transform your health at a cellular level.
What is something Upgrade Labs does that hasn’t been done before?
At Upgrade Labs, we’re all about taking your health to the next level through biohacking. We use the latest technology to focus on three big areas: boosting your performance, speeding up your recovery, and sharpening your cognition. By measuring your unique biomarkers, we craft personalized plans that are tailor-made for your health goals. This way, you know exactly what to do to hit your health goals, without any guesswork. Plus, our sessions are super efficient. you’ll see optimal results with just 60-minute visits, three times a week. It’s all about getting you those amazing results, and working smarter not harder.
Who is Upgrade Labs meant for? Who is your typical client?
Upgrade Labs is for absolutely anyone who’s keen to boost their health with maximum results in minimal time. Whether you’re just starting your health journey and need some guidance, or you’re a health enthusiast aiming to extend your lifespan, we’ve got you covered. Even experienced athletes who are looking for that extra edge find exactly what they need with us. So, if you have health goals and don’t want to spend your whole day chasing them, Upgrade Labs is the perfect fit for you. It’s all about making significant health gains, efficiently and effectively!
Biohacking has become more than a buzzword with more and more people paying attention to longevity and biological age. Tell us about how you help with your clients’ longevity and anti-aging goals.
Biohacking is all about taking control of your body and health, and at Upgrade Labs, we’re right at the forefront when it comes to helping you achieve your longevity and anti-aging goals. The journey starts with a comprehensive cell-health analysis the moment you walk through our doors. This cool tech checks out important stuff like the fat around your organs and how your cells handle nutrients and toxins—key factors for aging well.
But we don’t stop there. Based on your results, we match you with cutting-edge technologies tailored just for you. Our recovery tools are top-of-the-line, designed to rejuvenate you at a cellular level. Plus, our performance gear is super smart, powered by AI to customize your cardio and strength training in ways you’d typically only see in pro sports setups, like an NFL weight room. It’s all about giving you the best tools to look and feel young, longer!
Would you share about your services that help with performance, recovery, and even beauty?
We’re all about maximizing your health (and beauty) with cutting-edge services tailored just for you. Let’s start with performance—as you know, our equipment is driven by AI, which means your cardio and weight lifting routines are 100% customized to your body’s needs. This isn’t just any gym equipment, it’s science-backed to give you a full-body workout in a fraction of the time.
Then there’s recovery, which we take seriously because it’s crucial for rejuvenating your body at a cellular level. Our recovery tech offers a bunch of benefits like boosting your immune system, energizing your cells, detoxing your body, slashing unwanted inflammation, melting fat, and easing pain. It’s really about getting you back to your best, fast.
And beauty? That’s a favorite bonus of our biohacking tools! Our light therapy bed works wonders for your skin, improving elasticity, pigmentation, and boosting collagen by a whopping 211%. It even helps with acne and psoriasis. Plus, there’s the BigSqueeze—think of it as a relaxing massage that also helps zap cellulite and shed water weight.
So, whether you’re looking to boost your performance, speed up your recovery, or even enhance your beauty, we’ve got something special for you at Upgrade Labs.
What goals does your team have for the next 5 years?
Our goal at Upgrade Labs is pretty straightforward—we’re here to revolutionize the health of our community by making elite-level technologies accessible to everyone. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to look and feel their best, and to have the tools they need to reach their health goals. Over the next five years, we’re committed to bringing these advanced technologies to more people across the Inland Northwest and go beyond our flagship location in CDA and open additional studios in Spokane and beyond. It’s all about enhancing wellness across the board and ensuring our community thrives!
(Editor’s note: For more insight into med spas in our area, browse Bailey’s past coverage here.)
Yoga
Yogamore
Yogamore takes hot yoga to the next level. I have been taking classes regularly there, and they’re so good that I don’t think twice about schlepping from Coeur d’Alene to their downtown Spokane studio for a single class. Absolutely absent from the space is any trace of exclusivity or superiority as is so common in the yoga world. The Doberman family and their team are warm and engaging, and each instructor possesses the unique ability to challenge clients while encouraging them to honor their bodies. The diversity of classes is impressive; I personally love the inferno pilates and the yoga/HIIT classes!
The stunning facilities are the cherry on top of the impressive classes and welcoming staff. Each studio space has a Himalayan salt wall, and there is an infrared sauna and a cold plunge available for use either before or after class. Needless to say, I highly recommend that you make Yogamore a regular part of your weekly routine.
Here’s a little insight from my time chatting with Anita Doberman, owner of Yogamore studios.
Can you tell me a bit about the variety of classes Yogamore offers?
We love all movement! Our foundation is yoga but we offer a variety of fitness modalities based in mind body connection and functional movement that help us live more fully in our bodies. We have hot yoga and non heated yoga classes, these include Bikram’s Hot Series, Power, Slower Yoga Flows, Yoga Sculpt, Restorative and Yin classes. We offer strength classes daily including, Hiit Yoga, Cardio Sculpt, functional movements, weights and bands, Inferno Hot Pilates, Mat Pilates and Hot Barre.
We have lunch express classes that are only 30 minutes long and clients can get in a quick workout and take advantage of our saunas and cold plunge to receive the benefits of contrast therapy – moving from one to the other. We are also offering primal movement and cardio kickboxing beginning this summer. We have mindfulness meditation, breath sessions and workshops.
Beginning in June, clients will be able to attend live classes and to participate via zoom if they are traveling or cannot get away. We facility corporate and group wellness events and we tailor them to each specific company culture and needs so that everyone feels included! We have our first Yogamore retreat coming up in September and our Yogamore retreat to Italy in spring 2025!
What is your most popular class?
It’s tough to pick one! I would say all of our heated classes are popular.
What sets your facility apart?
At Yogamore we take the art of hospitality very seriously. Being born and raised in Rome Italy, we welcome our guests with warmth and respect. So I would say we put an Italian twist on everything we do.
There’s a lot of great yoga and movement in the PNW. Our goal was to create a studio-community, a place that’s welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. Our focus is mindful and hopefully fun movement. We don’t delve into a specific spiritual tradition. We do not engage in politics. We focus on getting together and helping each other out on our journeys to wellness. We are a community that includes all point of views and abilities. We welcome beginners, but also offer classes that challenge long time practitioners, all led by outstanding instructors.
Yogamore would not exist without our outstanding team. We employ a collaborative approach and first invest in our instructors. They have complete autonomy in their classes, in the choice of music, style and approach to teaching. We are firm believers in letting people soar through pursuing an sharing their passions. We don’t like to micromanage. When someone joins our team we offer them continuing education trainings and workshops they can choose. We provide monthly events and retreats for our staff because we value their time and presence.
For the physical space, our studios are unique. We built beautiful Himalayan salt walls and went for clean, modern aesthetic, with room for socializing before and after class. We have a juice bar (coming this summer). We have saunas and cold plunge right here in the studio.We chose a downtown Spokane location for our yoga studio because we hope to contribute to the revitalization and continued improvement of this area, which is the engine that keeps our city going. We want to be part of the solution not from a distance but as part of the community itself – boots on the ground.
What drives you and the Yogamore team?
I’ve been instructing yoga for 20 years, and many of our instructors have also been doing this most of their adult life. So it’s a passion that’s much more than a business for all of us – we love helping people feel happier and healthier! And when our team loves what they do, that joy makes a big difference for our clients. I (Anita) am first and foremost a student, and a fiery Italian woman who loves to encourage others achieve their goals and aspirations. I am also so excited every time I step onto my mat to take a class or to teach because there is always something new to learn and to discover about mine and others’ bodies, minds and spirit.
What is your favorite way to foster mindfulness and get in touch with your body, mind, and spirit daily?
For me personally it starts with meditation and breath work followed by my own practice, Bikram’ series. This helps me to get in touch with my body, mind and spirit so that I can be present for our ten children, for our business and for our team and clients. I know that I often fall short but I go back to taking it one breath, one movement one emotion and experience at a time. We also use a lot of irony and humor to deal with “life!”
How does Yogamore facilitate mindfulness and connection to one’s body, mind, and spirit for those it serves?
We give space so that our clients can discover how to connect with their bodies, mind and spirit. We try to meet everyone where they are each time they walk through our doors and step on our mat. We give space to do anything (within reason) that our clients need. Anyone is welcome to come into a class, lie down on their mat and close their eyes for the duration of the class if that’s what they need. We try to encourage our community when someone wants to push themselves to their max and cheer and support them through a tougher workout. In our meditation and mindfulness classes and sessions we focus on being present and on cultivating attention to what is going on inside and outside. We have private yoga and meditation sessions if people prefer one on one attention.
What advice do you have for those who are new to yoga?
Jump right in! Come on in and experience La Dolce Vita (the sweet life). We are always happy to help and we love seeing new people take their first yoga pilates or strength training class and experience the healing that comes from all this mindful movement. See you on the mat!
(Editor’s note: You can browse through Bailey’s past yoga coverage here.)
Pilates
Dante Pilates
I was blown away by my experience at Dante Pilates. After watching a veritable who’s who of Spokane post raving about both the classes and the space, I went into my first class with high expectations and more than a little intimidation. When I walked into the sexiest studio I’ve ever experienced in real life (It is SO SEXY. Every part of the studio feels intentional, luxurious, and modern), I was not expecting to feel so welcomed and cared for. I went in wondering if I was cool and fit enough for this space and left feeling like those questions were both irrelevant and hilarious. Katrina, the instructor, clearly brought passion and loads of experience to the class. She was extremely attentive, and her clear cues helped me engage my deep core in ways I didn’t know were possible. I cannot wait to return!
Here’s a little from my chat with Lindsay Dahm, owner of Dante Pilates.
Please describe your approach to pilates and fitness in general.
I have been doing pilates for about 10 years, and I have found that it is one of the few workouts that I leave feeling more energized than when I arrived. Since starting pilates, my mindset about fitness has completely changed and shifted to how a workout makes me feel. I feel stronger, more energized & more mobile than ever before. Pilates combined with weight lifting 1-2x a week can be completely transformative. My goal in opening Dante was to create a fun and challenging pilates experience that makes you feel amazing inside and out. We like to laugh through the shakes, grumble a bit, and just have fun!
Who are your classes ideal for?
Pilates is truly amazing for anyone. We offer both group classes and private classes, so regardless of level, we have something for everyone. Each of our classes are designed to lengthen, tone, increase mobility, strengthen your core, provide challenge and leave you feeling energized from head to toe.
What sets your studio apart?
At Dante it’s all about the experience. Every part of our studio was designed with the intention to make you feel your best inside and out. Our studio is a calming and inviting space with dimmed lighting, Flamingo Estate Products, Elwood merch, grippy socks, lockers, and showers. Walking into our space, we want you to feel like it’s an escape. Think elevated vibe without the stuffiness or intimidation. With 6 Reformers, our instructors are able to give all our clients personalized attention. Our talented instructors were carefully selected to give our clients the ultimate pilates experience. Dante means steadfast and enduring, and those words describe what we are about. We are all about taking amazing care of the body you have and creating a body that can endure all phases of life. At Dante, we want to change your mind about pilates.
What do you believe is the greatest benefit of a regular pilates practice?
Increased mobility, overall strength, better core strength, decrease in back pain, and SO MUCH ENERGY! Every time I do pilates I feel more energized and ready to take on what comes next.
Please share one thing you wish the community knew about pilates and one thing you wish the community knew about your studio.
I wish the community knew that pilates is so beneficial for men. My husband, who is a personal trainer and avid weightlifter, started pilates this year and is absolutely blown away by how his back pain has improved with adding pilates into his routine. He is in the process of getting certified so he may start incorporating pilates into his clients weekly workouts.
I think the thing I wish the community knew is how valuable a boutique pilates experience is. Form is everything with pilates, and our studio allows for the attention that is truly needed to safely and correctly practice pilates. Along with that, pilates is truly not scary and we are here to guide you whether you’re seasoned in pilates or brand new!
(Editor’s note: You can browse through Bailey’s past coverage on other pilates services in our area here.)
I hope that you are able to use this article as a resource and try out a few new businesses for massage, healthcare, pilates, yoga, and more!
xoxo your favorite late bloomer
Bailey Bowerman
Bailey is a self-proclaimed recovering attorney and late bloomer. She loves words, rest, and hyping entrepreneurs and creatives. She lives in Idaho with her husband and is decidedly and unapologetically NOT outdoorsy.