Walking into Exhale Spa in Santa Monica is one of the most relaxing experiences you'll ever have. I walked in and immediately exhaled, true to their name.

To the immediate left there is a retail area with the most lucious, comfortable goodies you'll find in Santa Monica. Limited edition clothing, jewelry, yoga tools and more, it is all here for the picking.

My first experience was their signature Core Fusion class. I was escorted up the most beautiful stairway to their gym area by the receptionist. Light filled every inch of the room as I was introduced to the instructor Elise who greeted me so warmly! Upon warning her that I am, by far, the most inflexible student she'll ever work with I was assured that she has worked with all kinds.

Elise helped me get all the equipment needed for the class: a mat, blocks, and a belt. My one mistake was not bringing a water bottle as I was about to get the workout of a lifetime. We enter another light filled room, this time the classroom. An entire wall devoted to the view of the beach and ocean, I exhaled again as I realized that this was already a positive experience.

With music washing over us, we began the Core Fusion class. Using floor excercises and ballet bars we stretched using yoga and pilates. There were moments when I was almost brought to tears - not by the pain at all, but by the emotional release of this amazing positive class. I was never hindered by my inability to touch my toes! The class ends with a beautiful namaste and the ringing of the bell. Had Elise not been talking to a student I probably would have hugged her.

I ventured back down the stairs with my jelly legs for my next treatment, Body Enlightening. The receptionist brought me into the ladies locker room, where I stashed my things and worked my way to the lounge to wait for my therapist. I passed the sauna, showers, hot, warm and cold jacuzzis to a lounge with wonderful chairs, teas and waters, and reading materials. As soon as I sat down my therapist showed up to begin the treatment. He escorted me into the room where I we begun the therapy.

Beautiful music filled the room as I laid down on a mat on the floor where I was stretched, massaged and even lifted into the air! I could feel my body lengthening and my mind relaxing at the same time. It is almost indescribable how you can completely relax to the assisted stretching, the lifts and more. My body was completely surrendered to the entire treatment. I felt totally energized and calm by the time the treatment was over.

Post-Body Enlightening I took advantage of the baths. The jacuzzi took me into another world of peace as I laid there and let my mind completely go. I slowly moved towards the showers where Exhale's signature shampoo, conditioner and body wash awaited me. The aroma filled the shower as I continued on my complete spiritual high from both treatments.

If you are looking for a relaxing way to get your body tuned and toned, make sure to find an Exhale spa near you and surrender to their treatments. You will thank me for years to come.

For more information, please visit Exhale Spa