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 he Big Chill,
Dueling Blenders and Hip, Hop Hula. No, they're not crazy dance moves.
These are just a few of the sessions teens recently took part in during
a successful, week long pilot program at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort
and Spa. The Ihilani Teens Club, which was designed to educate
pre-teens and teens on health and wellness in a fun and social
atmosphere, is where the action is at resort.
The
JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa teamed up with Colorado-based SpaKid
International to create this unique program and customize it for the
resort's younger guests. The Ihilani Teens Club, offered to "tweens"
and teens 11-18 years of age, included sessions such as Dueling
Blenders, which showed the young adults how to create delicious
smoothies for meals, snacks, desserts and as an energy boost. The Big
Chill Workshop, which focused on teenage stress; and Zen Run &
Morning Meditation, which taught participants how to bring body, mind
and spirit into balance for peak performance level.
"We noticed that there is a real need for a program like this," said Janette Goodman, resident manager of the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa. "Recent
statistics show that there is an overwhelming number of overweight
children in our nation, and we need to instill in them the necessary
skills and beliefs to lead a healthy lifestyle with health-conscious
choices."
Nutrition
and health issues aside, the teenagers who participated in the Ihilani
Teens Club also had fun and appreciated having a program dedicated just
to them.
"Too often, you see programs for younger children and nothing for teens," said 18-year-old Alexander Baltazar Cuizon, who participated in Yo
Baby! Yoga, Big Chill Workshop, Big Phat Lunch — where teens joined
Executive Chef, Randal Ishizu, in preparing tasty and healthy lunches —
Zen Run & Morning Meditation and Hip, Hop Hula.
"It's
nice to give teens something to do and the lessons you learn in this
program are things you can take with you through life," Baltazar Cuizon said. "I
didn't realize how big of a deal stress can be on your life, but when
you identify it and resolve it, your quality of life is so much better."
"There's a lot of variety for boys and girls in this program; it's not just a girl thing," added 18-year-old Michelle Crush. "And it's surprising they offer yoga, stress relief, skin care and stuff like that that teens need."
"Any hotel can just provide recreation," said Heather Lee, president of SpaKid International. "This program is giving them concrete skills to healthy living."
"Seven
million children in America report that stress is a major concern in
their lives, and the National Institute of Mental Health reports that
anxiety is the leading mental health problem of children
 between
the ages of 9 and 17. You just can't ignore statistics like that. With
the Teen Club programs, we are taking a first step to addressing these
issues," Lee added.
According to Lee, the teens seemed to enjoy the sessions tremendously and were receptive to the lessons.
"I think they really enjoyed cooking with the chef because it was hands-on and they were learning to cook healthy," Lee said. "They
were eager to learn more about nutrition. So many kids don't have
breakfast to start the day and Dueling Blenders showed them that they
can prepare something nutritious and easy."
Baltazar Cuizon agreed: "I thought it was interesting to see how easy it is to eat healthy and how tasty it can be."
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Ihilani Teens Club Program
 n addition to daytime sessions, the Ihilani Teens Club offers evening activities that
included games, movies, Xtreme Golf, barbecues and a talk with a
professional surfer. Below are descriptions of some of their programs:
Introduction to Athlete Massage
In
this Intro to Massage class, teens learn how massage helps their
muscles and body while getting a chance to experience some seated
massage and learn a few basic massage techniques.
Dueling Blenders
Making groovy smoothies. Ladies and gentlemen, start your blenders!
Dueling Blenders is an hour of frenzied, fruity fun. Teens learn how to
create totally delicious smoothies that they can down as meals, snacks,
desserts and even to increase their athletic performance.
Spa "Field Trip" and "Skin Fitness" Workshop
There
is a whole aisle in the drug store filled with lotions and potions that
are supposed to make a teen's life, and skin, better, but they don't
always work. The Ihilani Spa's professional skin care expert gives the
real scoop on how to care for teens' skin and put their best faces
forward. Workshop also includes information about protecting skin in
the sun, preventing and treating acne and understanding the pros and
cons of over-the-counter and professional products.
Horoscope Hope or Horror-scope
In
this fun and philosophical workshop, we check out the world of
metaphysics and play around with techniques to build our own intuition
so that we can predict our own futures.
Zen Run & Morning Meditation
During
this "Zen Run" session, teens learn how to bring body, mind and spirit
into balance to perform at their peak level while "in the zone."
Hip, Hop Hula Lesson
Teens learn to shake it like a pro.
Teen Programs at the Ihilani Spa
n addition to the activities outlined above about the Ihilani Teens Club, the Ihilani Spa offers the following year-round teen programs:
Teen Facial
A
facial designed by the Ihilani Spa's aestheticians to meet the needs of
young adult skin. A mild exfoliation and deep cleansing of the pores
compliment this facial. This facial is available to guests 13 years of
age and older. (Must be 16 to use the spa's relaxation lounges.)
Manicure
Guests 10 to 16 years of age are invited to check out the Ihilani Spa salon's wild new colors, designs and decals.
Pedicure
It's the ultimate experience for men and women of all ages!
Teen Yoga
This
class will introduce various postures to participants while increasing
flexibility and strength. An outdoor setting on the Lagoon Lawn
provides fresh air, spaciousness and breathtaking scenery for a great
workout. This 60-minute class is offered every Tuesday at 3 p.m. Guests
meet at the hotel pool stand.
Fitness Equipment and Weight Training Orientation
Young
hotel guests 11-13 years old, accompanied by an adult, learn how to use
the cardiovascular and strength training equipment for a well-rounded
workout. Orientation also includes tour of the fitness facility, rules,
regulations and safety techniques. On completion of orientation,
participants are allowed to use the fitness facility, with an
accompanying adult, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., seven days
a week. Usage of the lap pool is excluded.
Power Walk
Be
the first one up and breathe in the morning air on the resort's Power
Walk. It's a great experience to overcome jetlag and connect with
Hawaii's time zone. This complimentary activity includes a walk along
the four lagoons for a total of 2.3 miles.
Aqua Jog
Feel
the rush of exercise while using water resistance to build
cardiovascular and muscle strength. Complimentary activity for hotel
guests. Must be 14 years or older.
Junior Tennis Clinic
Practice and improve your tennis strokes and footwork on the court.
Snuba
Located
at Lagoon 3 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m., 12 p.m.
and 2 p.m. Includes a 45 minute, to one hour, underwater tour. Must be
8 years of age or older.
For more information, please call the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa at 808.679.0079 or toll-free in the United States and Canada at 1.800.626.4446.
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