When I think about who I am as a person, it is surely not a bandwagon jumper. However, I found myself in this particular position today. Having sworn off hot yoga over 5 years ago, I decided to try it again. I mean, hey, the only thing I love about the class is finishing... ok, well, maybe the thought of ridding my body of toxins.
Jumping in again recently, I tried classes at my local Denver studio. Hmmm... still no love, yet an intense desire to get rid of every last toxin! I found myself absolutely drenched in sweat, slipping something fierce. Looking around the class, at the seasoned participants, I noticed something placed over people's yoga mats and I too had to try it!!!!
Alas, yogitoes skidless mats!!! A sweat absorbing, gripping and hygienic layer to keep your downward dog strong!!! Making a visual assessment of the class, well over ½ the yogis had one, and yes, I joined in... I jumped the bandwagon! Now there is something everyone needs to know about people in Colorado, they are surely the most fit people I have ever seen! IN THE WORLD!!! They know a thing or two about their equipment and take physical activity seriously. -If you don't believe me, and you happen to be visiting Colorado, head over to Red Rocks Amphitheater and watch people bounding up and down the stairs! Heck, to go to a simple concert your VO2 max (also known as your peak oxygen uptake level) has to be close to elite status. I digress...
Anyway, if you practice any kind of hot yoga, run to the nearest store and get yourself a Yogitoes Skidless mat! Available in a spectrum of colors, coinciding with the chakras, plus a few more. Not only do they help you prevent slipping, Yogitoes proves to be a very altruistic company helping make the world at large a better place. You will be happy you helped contribute!!!
Global Spa Economy Estimated at $255 Billion a Year, According to First-Ever Study Unveiled at 2008 Global Spa Summit
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 22, 2008
The global spa economy is estimated to be over $250 billion, according to a major report unveiled this week at the 2008 Global Spa Summit in New York.
Prepared by SRI International on behalf of The Global Spa Summit, the first-ever Global Spa Economy Report represents the most comprehensive effort yet to quantify the rapidly expanding global spa industry. More than 220 industry leaders from around the world attended this year's summit, which was highlighted by keynote speeches from hotelier Ian Schrager and Dr. Richard Carmona, 17th Surgeon General of the United States and Vice Chairman of Canyon Ranch.
The report's estimate, which looked at the year 2007, includes $60.3 billion in core spa industry revenues, such as spa facilities, capital investments, education, consulting, media, associations, and events, and $194 billion in spa-related hospitality, tourism, and real estate.
When broader spa-related industries such as beauty, nutrition, and fitness were factored into the equation, last year's global health and wellness market exceeded $1 trillion, according to the report. The one-year snapshot makes the spa sector one of the first industries to organize at a global level and analyze its own worldwide impact.
The report also found that 1.2 million workers were employed in more than 71,600 spas worldwide in 2007. During the same period, capital investment in spas approached $13 billion, with continued expansion on the horizon.
"The spa industry is growing at a breakneck pace, but its diversity and scope have always made it difficult to quantify its size and financial strength, as well as to harness the full power of its collaborative voice," said SpaFinder CEO Pete Ellis, who also serves as the chairman of the board for the Global Spa Summit. "For the first time ever, this report shows decision-makers from investors to policymakers to the industry's own leaders just how big the industry is, and how integral it is to the global economy."
In a breakdown of spa revenues by nation, the United States emerges on top, with earnings of more than $12 billion, followed by Japan ($5.7 billion) and Germany ($3.8 billion). The list continues with France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and China.
The report's findings derive from interviews with over 50 high-level industry executives; 1,000 responses to a global survey of industry sources; and data collected from more than 210 countries - ten times more than in previous spa industry reviews. The study defined spas as establishments that promote wellness through the provision of therapeutic and other professional services aimed at renewing body, mind, and spirit.
The study was conducted by SRI International, a worldwide independent research firm originally founded as the Stanford Research Institute.
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