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Fitness Friday: Stretch Lab puts a premium on staying limber


RAMPING UP YOUR MARATHON PREPARATION

It’s about more than just the running. Those preparing for the Chicago Marathon should be focusing on nutrition and recovery as they increase their mileage, and stretching is an important part of that. Soma Program Director Mike Hovi spoke with NBC Chicago about some of the best training tips for runners.


PREPARING RUNNERS FOR THE CHICAGO MARATHON

The Chicago Marathon is just a few months away, and our team is preparing to help those who are participating on race day. Soma Program Director Mike Hovi talked with ABC 7 Chicago about the best ways runners can prepare for the marathon.


REPRESENTING VETERANS AND OFFERING MASSAGE

Stephen Kelly is a military veteran who was drawn to massage and The Soma Institute because he wanted to help other veterans. One way Stephen is fulfilling his desire to help is by volunteering as a clinical massage therapist at the National Veterans Golden Age Games. He also competes as an athlete and was chosen to carry the Illinois state flag during the opening ceremonies. He talked with ABC7 Chicago about the honor.


HEALTH AND WELLNESS DURING TROUBLING TIMES

The devastating situation playing out in Ukraine is an example of the negative stories and heartbreaking images we can be exposed to every day on social media and television. They can often leave us feeling sad, hopeless and overwhelmed. In this WGN interview, our Health and Wellness Coaching Instructor, Niashani Washington, shares some advice on how to take care of your health and wellness while also staying informed.


SOMA SPEAKS TO CONGRESS

The demand for job-specific training is growing, and many people are turning to vocational schools like Soma for their education. Our Founder and CEO, Joan Hannant, spoke to a congressional committee about the advantages of vocational schools and the importance of proposed legislation to govern them. In this FOX 32 interview, Joan talks about her time in front of Congress and why The Soma Institute is a great option for many students.


HEALTH AND WELLNESS IN THE NEW YEAR

Talk of New Year’s resolutions is unavoidable each January. But, why make grand proclamations for huge changes one month a year when you can take a healthier and more sustainable approach all year? Our Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate Instructor Niashani Washington talked with WGN-TV about a fresh perspective on resolutions and why it’s a good idea to start with small, smart, attainable goals.


VETERANS FIND A HOME AT SOMA

Kyle James is one of many veterans drawn to Soma’s Clinical Massage Therapy Diploma Program. On Veterans Day, he and graduate Stephen Kelly talked with NBC Chicago about why a massage education is a natural fit for veterans and how the Soma community is such a welcoming place.


SOMA AT THE CHICAGO MARATHON

Soma students, graduates and instructors were back at the Chicago Marathon as the only group of clinical massage therapists assisting runners. It was an amazing day and an incredible experience for our team. Before the race, our Program Director, Mike Hovi, was on Fox 32 Chicago talking about the valuable service our team provides to the runners.


HELPING RUNNERS AT THE CHICAGO MARATHON

The Chicago Marathon is back, and that’s great news for both runners and our team of volunteer massage therapists who are excited to once again help runners through the grueling day. Our Program Director, Mike Hovi, has been helping out at the race for 29 years, and he talked with WBBM Newsradio about how helpful massage is before, during and after the event.


BACK-TO-SCHOOL HEALTH AND WELLNESS TIPS

Getting out the door on time for school can be a challenge for many families, especially at the beginning of the school year. Our Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate Program Instructor Monique Costello was on FOX 32 News offering some helpful tips for parents to set themselves and their kids up for great days. She also shared an easy egg muffin cup recipe you can prepare ahead of time to get everyone off on the right foot with a quick, healthy breakfast. Click here to see that recipe, and watch the interview below.


WOMEN IN WELLNESS: THE SOMA INSTITUTE CEO HIGHLIGHTED

The health and wellness industry is growing rapidly. There is a new emphasis on self-care and the important steps we can all take to be our best selves. Clinical massage therapy and health and wellness coaching are critical parts of that journey for a growing number of people. With that in mind, Authority Magazine is highlighting Women in Wellness. Our Founder and CEO, Joan Hannant, answered questions about her passion for educating the next generation of health and wellness professionals and offered a few tips from our instructors that will help support a journey to well-being. Click below to read her interview.


HEALTHY EATING HACKS FOR SPRING

Many people look at spring as a time to refresh, and it all starts with the food we eat. Our Health and Wellness Coaching Instructor Monique Costello recommends ignoring the quick-fix promises and thinking about small, sustainable choices you can make to improve your overall health. She shared an easy recipe and some healthy kitchen hacks with WGN-TV.


COUPLES IN A PANDEMIC: PRIORITIZE YOUR PARTNER

Valentine’s Day 2021 did not look like any we’ve had before, but as many couples struggle through the pandemic, it’s a great reminder to take care of your relationships. Soma Instructor Kelly Fowler was on FOX 32 News sharing massage and aromatherapy tips to promote care and relaxation.


PRIORITIZING HEALTH AND WELLNESS OVER THE HOLIDAYS

As COVID-19 cases rise, many people are skipping traditional holiday get-togethers. It can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety and sadness over the loss of a holiday ritual. Robin Ross, a Health and Wellness Coaching instructor at Soma, talked with WBBM Newsradio about the things people can do to help manage those feelings and prioritize health and wellness over the holidays.


MAINTAINING HEALTH AND WELLNESS DURING ELECTION SEASON

Elections are stressful. In 2020, the contentious nature of the race, an ongoing pandemic and social unrest are overwhelming many of us. Health and Wellness Coaching instructor Robin Ross talked to WBBM Newsradio about steps people can take to manage that stress.


IN-PERSON LEARNING HELPS MEET MASSAGE JOB DEMAND

There is a shortage of licensed massage therapists in the field. The Soma Institute is taking safety precautions seriously as they train students to fill those roles. Founder and CEO, Joan Hannant, talked to WBBM Newsradio about what it takes to safely teach massage therapy during COVID-19.


REMOTE LEARNING BRINGS NEW FOCUS TO PARENT WELLNESS

Many parents have serious concerns about balancing work and remote learning during the upcoming school year. Prioritizing their own health and wellness is a great first step. Monique Costello, an instructor in our Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate Program, talked to WBBM Newsradio about ways parents can set themselves up for success.


MASSAGE THERAPISTS IN DEMAND

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, massage providers are opening up across the country, and many are hiring. The Soma Institute’s Founder and CEO, Joan Hannant, and Program Director, Mike Hovi, talked to CBS Chicago about the steps The Soma Institute is taking to safely bring students back to the classroom so graduates can help to fill those job openings.


SHORTER CERTIFICATION AND DEGREE PROGRAMS IN DEMAND

The price of college should not stop anyone from pursuing a passion to help others. The Soma Institute’s Founder and CEO, Joan Hannant, told WBBM Newsradio about the nationwide increased interest in shorter certification programs like our online Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate Program and our Clinical Massage Therapy Diploma Program.


Health and Wellness During Difficult Times

It’s so important to take care of your health and wellness during difficult times. Monique Costello, an instructor in our Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate Program, gives KARE 11 TV some helpful tips about how diet and routine can improve your overall well being.


Massage self-care tips

An uncomfortable work station can leave many of us with a sore neck or back. In this interview, our Program Director Mike Hovi shows the team at WGN News a few simple massage self-care tips to help you manage the pain and discomfort at home. Sometimes, all it takes is a few household items to help.


Helping Women Entrepreneurs Thrive

Soma Institute’s Founder and CEO, Joan Hannant, talks to ABC 7 about her involvement in DePaul’s First-of-its-kind Women in Entrepreneurship Institute. Watch the video to hear her advice for entrepreneurs, how The Soma Institute got its start and Joan’s passion for helping entrepreneurs succeed and find financial freedom.


Succeeding Through Tough Times

Tough economic times create financial hurdles for many people. Soma’s Founder and CEO, Joan Hannant, tells WGN why people look to The Soma Institute for an education during tough times and why clinical massage therapy is an appealing option for those looking for a fresh start and new career.