VUE

Summus is a place where health and wellness are redefined. It is a refreshing space where the proprietors are not business people but rather educators and leaders in the wellness community, on a mission to help visitors reach their highest potential and greatest level of self. Different from other studios that focus on only one or two elements of fitness or wellness, Summus is the complete package. Brittany asserts: "It's totally unconventional. It's legitimately mind and body. It's wellness redefined." When I visited Summus, I had the opportunity to try out some of the treatments and amenities and see for myself why this facility is, in fact, so very unique. My visit began with a one-on-one assessment and train- ing session with Gabriel. His genuine, knowledgeable, and passionate demeanor put me immediately at ease as we worked through the strengths and weaknesses of my body. A beacon of knowledge, Gabriel explained to me, in plain terms, why my body reacts the way that it does and why I experience pain in certain situations. He then guided me through a complete series of exercises and stretches that would optimize my strengths and im- prove upon my weaknesses. I believe that I learned so much from Gabriel because he was the polar opposite of a personal trainer: there was no judgment, no ego, no criticism or prodding–it felt more like we were learning together and working as a team to better my health. To culminate my visit, I made a trip to the float spa. According to Brittany, the float tank, "...is a place to drop into the deeper layers of yourself." is would be where I would rest, rejuvenate, and meditate on all the work I did in my training session. e float session began in a tranquil, earth-toned shower room that smelled subtly of salt water and tea-tree shampoo. Aer a cool show- er, I opened the door to the float room. So blue light reflected off the salt water spa, beckoning me inside. As I lay down in the water to let myself float, I was a bit ap- prehensive. It was dark, and I was simply driing alone in a quiet space. Aer the initial jitters wore off, I began to let go. My physical body was in alignment from my training session with Gabriel, and as I moved around weightlessly in the float tank, my mind soon came into focus as well. True relaxation ensued. I le Summus with a smile on my face, and in a relaxed, meditative state. On the car ride home I knew, instinctively, that I would be back. NOW INSIDE NO. 18 BOUTIQUE! 44 MAPLE ST, SUMMIT, NJ 07901 908.273.2946 WWW.SHOPNO18.COM

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