What does an unwind session involve?

Unwind offers group classes and 1:1 sessions in the Collective Wellness space in Watterson Towers. Main floor, 1930 Bishop Lane just off 264 & Newburg S.

Unwind sometimes offers community classes. We'll let you know when & where on our Events page.

Bring a mat and your hydration liquid of choice. Similar to a deep tissue massage, we want to help the body move out any yuck that surfaces. Don't have a yoga mat? We have a couple of extras if you forget. 

Blocks are provided and available for sale if you want to continue your Unwind practice on the go.

Wear comfy clothes, ideally without a lot of bulk or big zippers. Your favourite athleisure wear will do nicely or come as you are from work. Melanie has taught in dress pants and a blouse. 

As long as you can lie down comfortably and get back up again, you're good to go.

Unwind grew out of 25 year old modality based in Canada called Block Therapy. Melanie used Block Therapy extensively for her personal healing (multiple concussions and hypermobility), then trained and certified as an instructor. She is one of three Block Therapy instructors in KY.

Unwind works slowly and deeply to melt stuck tissues and fascia using your own body weight and our rounded blocks, adding nervous system calming practices and inviting heart-brain coherence with specific cues. 

People say it's like foam rolling and massage put together. You're doing it to yourself but you're lying down the whole time.

This can be an intense experience, especially at first AND you're in charge of the intensity. You are in control, always.

You'll have more than enough to focus on in class to keep your brain busy. Even though we're lying down most of the time, that's the only passive aspect. We keep your mind focused on the physical sensations and invitation to explore slow movement. 

We don't do a lot of breathing techniques. Slowing down the breath, yes. Focused breathing patterns like the physiological sigh, occasionally. Holding the breath, never.

Passive recovery is usually just rest. Maybe a salt bath, or a sauna but minimal exertion. Unwind does passive recovery a little differently - we're lying down, yes AND we're getting a physical experience to speed healing and settle the nervous system while getting a mental reset.

Our clients tell us a few things are surprising:

• The foam blocks pack a bigger punch than they expected. They say it is like their favourite massage therapist hanging out in one spot for oh-so-good torture with their forearm.
• It gets deeper than a massage and they can relax into it more. This is class is guided but you’re always in control of the placement and pressure during the four minutes we hold each pose.
• It is more relaxing than they expected, especially for how uncomfortable it can be at first. Clients say they feel so calm afterwards.

We've also observed that every participant has their own experience and some people comment on the physical melting, while others share about how calm they feel.

Time and pressure bring a flush of fresh blood and oxygen, speeding healing. We aim for discomfort, never pain.  You’re always in control of the placement and pressure during the four minutes we hold each pose. Your breath and your body let you know when too much is too much. 

Unwind is an on-demand method. It's flexible for your time and adaptable as your health goals or acute needs change.