Western News & Wellness Tips
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The Strange Science of Crying
Why do we cry, and why do some people tear up more easily than others? Renew Director Ana Kat explores the science behind our tears, how crying connects our minds and bodies, and why sound, movement, and even a good cry can affect how we feel.
Your Body Likes to Know What Happens Next: Why We Feel Life Changes in Our Bodies
We all know that changes in our lives, whether big or small, affect us emotionally, but we rarely talk about how they affect us physically, too. In this guest blog from Renew Director Ana Kat, Ana offers insights on the connection our emotions have with our body and what our bodies need when we experience changes in our lives.
Do You Actually Need to Sweat to Detox?
In this guest blog, Ana explores the truth behind sweating and detoxification, what heat-based therapies can and can’t do for your body, and how to separate wellness facts from marketing hype.
What Does Inflammation Actually Feel Like?
In this guest blog, Ana Kat explores what inflammation can feel like, why it isn't always a bad thing, and how taking a whole-person approach can help you figure out what your body needs.
Heat or Cold? How Do You Know What Your Body Needs?
In this guest blog, Ana takes a closer look at two of the most popular recovery tools around: heat and cold. Cold plunges, saunas, hot yoga, cryotherapy, infrared heat—with all these wellness tools available, it can be hard to know which therapies are right for you.
Red Light Is Having a Moment. But What Are You Actually Getting?
Red light therapy is everywhere, but what are you actually getting? Explore the science behind red and near-infrared light, infrared heat, treatment dose, and the potential benefits of red light therapy with Ana Kat of Renew in Green Bay.
Structural Integration & Your Yoga Practice
If you’ve been practicing yoga for a while, you might have landed on this question at some point: Why do some people continue progressing in their practice, while others struggle with the same tight shoulders, stiff hips, neck tension, or low back discomfort year after year? The reason often has less to do with muscles and more to do with long-standing patterns within the connective tissue system. Marie Thiebaud, Certified Advanced Practitioner of Structural Integration & Massage, breaks down how Structural Integration can improve your yoga practice.
Perimenopause & Menopause: A New Chapter for Your Health
Perimenopause and menopause don’t have to feel overwhelming. Learn how to support your body with smart nutrition and fitness strategies, plus expert insights to help you feel strong, energized, and confident in this new phase of life.
Massage & Percussion Therapy for Athletes: Recovery Tips for Staying in the Game
Athletes of all kinds need smart recovery to stay strong, mobile, and injury-free. Learn how massage therapy and percussion therapy can ease soreness, boost performance, and support long-term training. See how Western Racquet & Fitness Club in Green Bay helps athletes recover with built-in massage, Hyperice tools, cryotherapy, and more.
Beat the Heat, Boost Recovery: The Power of Cryotherapy
Feeling the heat? Cool off with cryotherapy at Western Racquet! This quick, ultra-cold treatment can help reduce pain, speed up recovery, boost your mood, and leave you feeling totally refreshed. Whether you’re sore, stressed, or just curious—this is your sign to give it a try.
Demystifying Nutrition Labels
Dietary fiber? Total sugars? Added sugars? Reading a nutrition label can feel like you’re decoding a secret message. Between flashy buzzwords like “low fat,” “natural,” or “clean,” and contradictory advice from every corner of the internet, it’s tough to tell what’s actually good for you.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Everyone’s body and dietary needs are different. But if you want to get a better idea of what’s in your food, the nutrition label is a great place to start.
Fire and Ice: Unlock the Power of Cryotherapy and Red Light Therapy at Renew at Western Racquet
Have you heard about the wellness trend known as “fire and ice”? This dynamic duo—cryotherapy and red light therapy—is making waves for its ability to accelerate recovery, ease pain, and boost overall well-being. And while athletes may have embraced it first, people from all walks of life are now discovering its wide range of benefits, from improving sleep and managing stress to enhancing mood and promoting healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
So how does it work and why is everyone talking about it? Here’s everything you need to know about this powerful combination and how you can experience it for yourself at the Renew.
Breathwork: The Simple Secret to Feeling Better
You know that feeling when you finally remember to breathe deeply during a stressful moment? Turns out, that’s not just a lucky coincidence. Breathwork—the act of consciously breathing—can actually do so much more than just keep us alive. It’s a game-changer for your health, your mood, and your overall sense of well-being.
Keep reading to learn more about Ana's journey with breathwork and what to expect at a Breathwork class at Western!
The Brain-Boosting Benefits of Exercise
At this point, most of us know that exercise is about so much more than just keeping our bodies in shape. If you’ve ever left the gym feeling happier than when you arrived, noticed better quality of sleep on the days you exercise, or felt a little sharper back at the office after a lunch break workout, then you’ve experienced some of those mental benefits. In fact, decades of research across the globe have shown that exercise has a profound effect on the brain.
A Heart-Healthy You: Tips, Classes, and Services to Boost Your Heart Health for American Hearth Month
February is American Heart Month, which is the perfect time to remind ourselves of how important heart health is! Your heart works hard for you. Every second of every day, it keeps you moving, lifting, playing, and living. But did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women? In fact, about 1 in every 5 deaths in the United States is caused by heart disease!
Getting Grounded with PEMF Therapy
Discover the power of grounding and PEMF therapy for better health and wellness. Learn how grounding can boost mood, reduce pain, improve sleep, and support recovery. Dive into the science behind PEMF therapy and explore easy ways to get grounded—whether at Renew’s wellness center or from the comfort of home.
Energy Work FAQs: Reiki, Breathwork, and Energetic Healing
Explore the world of energy work at Renew. Discover how these ancient practices can enhance your well-being, reduce stress, and promote overall health. Learn about the benefits, what to expect in a session, and how energy work can be a valuable part of your wellness journey.
Not Just for Relaxation: 5 Ways the Sauna & Steam Room Are Great for Your Health
Discover the unexpected health benefits of saunas and steam rooms beyond just relaxation. Learn how these heat therapies improve detoxification, circulation, muscle relaxation, skin health, and mental wellness. Whether you're a seasoned sweat enthusiast or new to the heat, explore five ways saunas and steam rooms can enhance your fitness and wellness routine. Then head over to Western for your next steam room or sauna sesh!
Exploring Meditation: Beyond Mindfulness
Explore advanced meditation techniques beyond mindfulness. Discover the benefits and practices of SKY meditation, mantra meditation, walking meditation, and chakra meditation. Find the right style for your personal growth and learn when to choose guided versus unguided sessions. Dive deeper into your meditation journey with us!
Exploring Meditation: Beginning
Learn the art of meditation and find tranquility amidst life's whirlwind with these beginner-friendly meditation techniques in the first of our meditation series of blogs. Explore mindfulness, body scan, and loving-kindness meditations, and join our Breathwork & Meditation Workshop for guided sessions. Start your journey to inner peace today!

