Ryan Shulman, Foster Supply Hospitality director of spa and fitness for Hemlock Neversink (NY) and Hemlock Spa at Kenoza Hall (Kenoza Lake, NY), develops wellness programming that embraces the healing natural elements of the Catskills. His passion for wellness began nearly 20 years ago while studying hospitality at UCF, when he took a job at the Canyon Ranch day spa. Since then, his life has been dedicated to facilitating healing. Ryan had the opportunity to work in the treatment room as a massage practitioner at the Nob Hill Spa in San Francisco before transitioning into leadership with Four Seasons. His last stop was in Santa Fe at Bishop’s Lodge, an Auberge resort, before he felt called to bring his experience back to the east coast. Here, he shares how he stays fit and more.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is taking time to focus inward. That can be going on a hike, diving into a breathwork session, or spending time with loved ones. Wellness is unique to everyone, but the core of it remains to me as the focus on being present in the moment and taking time to let yourself heal. When I’m participating in our group wellness sessions at Hemlock Neversink, the group dynamic brings exponential power to the wellness journey. There is something about participating in wellness sessions with a group of people working towards similar goals that enhances every part of my wellness journey.
What are your favorite things to do to maintain your personal wellbeing?
I like to stick to the classics. Exercise, meditation, and regular spa treatments keep me centered. Regular massage, my favorite being the Hemlock Signature, helps keep a nurtured body and soul. Taking an hour each month to take care of yourself is essential. When I get back on a massage table after taking a longer than usual break, I just smile and say to myself, “Why did it take me so long to get back on this table?”
Is there a specific fitness activity that you love and why?
Hiking is by far my favorite fitness activity. The more than six miles of hiking trails on property at Hemlock Neversink gives me the space to adventure into the wilderness and take in the fresh air. Connecting to nature and breaking a sweat while deer are frolicking beside me keeps me invigorated. Hiking is a form of moving meditation. Sometimes it can be difficult for me to clear my head while sitting with my legs crossed attempting to meditate. It’s almost a guarantee that when I step into the forest, I can move through the trails with a clear head and whatever intrusive thoughts I have, they all seem to fade away like the morning mist as the sun rises.
What is your favorite healthy beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and do you have any insider tips for preparing it?
I’ve always been a big tea drinker. The antioxidants in green tea or all of the endless potentials of herbal blends can soothe, energize, and heal any sort of ailments. Sitting in our relaxation room looking out into the forest with a cup of tea is the absolute best.
What is the best piece of wellness advice you have ever received and from whom?
Go without judgement of yourself and everyone around you. I grew up taking yoga classes with my mom where she imparted this wisdom. She was my inspiration and continues to be. This aligns with our non-prescriptive approach to wellness at Hemlock. Wellness means something different to everyone and when we accept ourselves and others around us, we can start to truly experience wellness in the way that serves us best.
What do you think is the most exciting wellness innovation you have recently discovered?
While it is newer to me, in the grand scheme of things it is as old as it gets. Breathwork used with Sound healing has been a powerful and therapeutic discovery, and I am happy to see it gaining popularity all around the world and right here at Hemlock Neversink. Our Reset weekends feature a blend of these experiences and I’m so happy to see our guests have been resonating with Sound and Breath the way I have. Our resort guests and locals keep coming back and telling us how profound their time in these sessions have been.
What do you think is the most overused word or words in wellness?
Bespoke. All wellness experiences in most cases should be catered to the individual without any advanced prescription. Catch words come and go all the time, this one is starting to fade, or so I hope. Every wellness journey at Hemlock is focused on allowing space for our guests to dive into whatever wellness means to them.
What is your go-to for de-stressing?
Music. Music brings me out of my head and into a new space. Music is one of the most powerful de-stressing tools and is easy to tap into. On our Revive weekends, we embrace the upbeat dance tunes and childhood favorites as we take a Dance Hike through the forest. I challenge anyone to come back from our Dance Hike and still have any stress to worry about.
What aspect of your wellbeing do you struggle with the most, or would most like to improve?
Transitions in life are difficult to navigate. My life has led me to travel to many new places where I’ve had to start over. Resetting and keeping wellness routines in a new space with new surroundings is a journey every time, and it can be exhausting. Having a space like Hemlock to call home has made my recent transition feel fluid, as I feel like I’ve been welcomed into a new family that embraces who I am and the vision we share for wellness.
What brings you joy?
Everything! When we learn to find joy in every little part of life, we start to truly feel gratitude in a powerful way. Even when I walk away from a frustrating encounter, I find I can look back and smile at the opportunity it gives me to grow. With the right attitude, a smile from a stranger or a walk through our apple orchard can bring me as much joy as a home cooked meal with mom.
