Christine Rosen Christine Rosen

The Scale Isn’t Telling you the Whole Story

For some of us, stepping on the bathroom scale first thing in the morning is the default way to check-in with our bodies. We see a number and we immediately decide whether we’re making progress, falling behind or doing something wrong.

But the truth is, how much you weigh is only one small piece of the picture.

A bathroom scale tells you your total body weight, but it can't accurately measure what that weight is made up of. It doesn't distinguish between lean mass and body fat, reveal where fat is distributed, or provide any information about your bone density.

That’s why body composition testing is so valuable.

At NOVA Body Lab, we use clinical grade DEXA scans to give you a more detailed look at your body. A DEXA scan measures body fat, lean mass, visceral fat, and bone density, giving you an accurate full picture of your body that a regular bathroom scale or handheld body composition device just cannot provide with the same level of accuracy and detail.

This is especially important because progress does not always show up as weight loss. You may be gaining muscle and at the same time losing fat, what we call recompositioning or “recomp”. You’re improving your body composition even if the scale barely changes. So you may be building strength, supporting your metabolism and improving your long-term health while the number on the scale stays the same.

The scale just does not give you enough information to understand what is really going on with your body.

Lean mass is one of the most important markers to understand. While many people think of muscle mainly in terms of aesthetics, muscle plays a much bigger role than how “toned” or good we look in a bathing suit. It supports strength, mobility, balance, metabolism and for healthy aging. As we get older, maintaining muscle becomes even more important for staying active, independent and resilient.

Bone density is another important thing. You cannot feel bone loss happening, and you will not see it reflected on the scale. But know your bone density can hep you better understand your long-term health and whether your nutrition, strength training and lifestyle habits are supporting your bones.

When you know your body composition, you can make smarter decisions. You can track whether your workouts are helping you build or maintain muscle, understand how much of weight loss is coming from fat or lean tissue, and and monitor real progress over time.

The bathroom scale may be part of the story, but it isn’t the whole story.

Your progress is more than a number and the better you understand what is actually changing, the better you can support your health, strength and longevity.

If you’re ready to take control and find out what the scale isn’t showing you, book a DEXA Scan at NOVA Body Lab and get a clear picture of you body from the inside out.

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Christine Rosen Christine Rosen

Red Light & Near-Infrared Light Therapy: What It Is, How It Works, and Why You’re Going to Love It 

You’ve probably seen it by now. Someone's face eerily glowing red behind a plastic futuristic looking hockey mask.  Good news, this isn't a modern cult following of horror flicks from the 1980's. The trend of Red Light therapy has reached nightstands in facemask form as a beauty tool. Even better news, there’s real science behind it and our new bed offers more wavelengths and benefits in a 10 minute session than the facemask versions. Plus, it’s not just for your face, but for your entire body, the top of your head to the bottom of your toes receives the benefits. 

What is Red Light and Near-Infrared Light Therapy? 

Red Light Therapy and Near-Infrared Light Therapy are forms of photobiomodulation, which is just a fancy way of saying we use specific wavelengths of light to influence how your cells function. Red light typically falls in the 600 to 700 nanometer range, while near-infrared light goes a bit deeper, usually around 800 to 1000 nanometers. The key difference, red light works more on the surface, think skin and superficial tissues. Near-infrared penetrates deeper, reaching muscles, joints, and even some structures below that. No heat damage, no UV exposure, and no tanning involved. This isn’t a beach substitute. It’s just giving your cells a gentle nudge to do their jobs better.

How Does It Work? 

At the cellular level, this comes down to mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell). When exposed to these light wavelengths, cells increase ATP production, which supports energy, repair, and function. It also improves blood flow, reduces oxidative stress, and helps to regulate inflammation. 

How Often Should You Use It? 

A good starting point is about three sessions per week. More is not always better, as your body still needs time to respond and adapt. But depending on your goals you may be able to use it 5 times a week. 

The Benefits

Skin Health and Appearance:  supports collagen production and improves skin quality. 

Muscle Recovery and Performance:  helps reduce soreness and supports faster recovery. 

Joint Health and Pain Relief:  may reduce stiffness and support joint comfort. 

Sleep and Recovery: can support better sleep and overall recovery. 

Fertility and Sexual Health: emerging research suggests benefits through improved cellular function and blood flow. 

Overall Longevity and Cellular Health: supports mitochondrial health and reduces inflammation. 

What to Expect

Sessions typically last 10 to 15 minutes. You lie down, relax, and let the light do its thing. Consistency matters more than intensity. The bed and light will be warm, but unlike a sauna you’ll be able to go back to work or go out after without needing a shower. 

Who Should Not Use It

If pregnant, photosensitive, or on light-sensitive medications, consult a physician. Also consult your doctor for any existing medical conditions. 

Final Thoughts

This therapy supports your body’s natural processes. It won’t replace exercise, nutrition, or sleep, but it can enhance them. So join us, bring your airpods, find that guided meditation, lie in the warmth, and enjoy the 15 mins just for you and your health!

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Christine Rosen Christine Rosen

Better Together: Healthy Couples Thrive

When people think about health, they often picture a solo journey. Your workouts, your nutrition, your sleep, your stress levels - but research tells a different story. When both partners prioritize their health, the benefits multiply. Not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and even long-term. In fact, science consistently shows that health is contagious in close relationships and couples who invest in their well-being together tend to live healthier, happier lives than those who go it alone.

Health Habits Are Shared For Better or Worse

Whether we mean to or not, we shape each other’s habits. Over time, couples tend to sync up on things like sleep schedules, eating patterns, and how often they move their bodies. Research following partners for years shows that when couples intentionally share routines like walking together, lifting together, cooking at home those behaviors tend to stay. And when those shared habits are healthy, the benefits compound for both people. One good choice nudges the next, and suddenly you’re reinforcing each other in all the right ways.

Shared Health Goals Actually Stick and They’re Way More Enjoyable

It turns out accountability works even better when it’s someone you care about. Behavioral research consistently shows that people are more likely to follow through on health goals when they do it with a partner. Couples who train together, eat with intention, compared to couples who don’t, tend to be more consistent and motivated over the long haul. Add encouragement, shared progress, and a little friendly competition, and healthy habits stop feeling like a checklist and become a lifestyle.

Love Is a Powerful Stress Regulator And Your Heart Knows It

Strong, supportive relationships don’t just feel good, they actually change how your body handles stress. Studies link positive partner interactions with healthier cortisol responses, lower blood pressure, less anxiety, improved sleep and better cardiovascular markers. Physical closeness and emotional safety also trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps calm the nervous system and protect heart and metabolic health. In other words, feeling supported isn’t just emotional, it’s physiological.

Health Is Easier When It’s Backed by Data

At the end of the day, the science is clear, health isn’t just individual, it’s relational. When both partners commit to understanding their bodies, supporting each other’s goals, and building healthy habits together, they create a foundation that strengthens both their relationship and their long-term well-being.

And February is the perfect time to start because understanding your health is powerful and doing it together is even better! Book your metabolic, skeletal, body composition tests tests at NOVA Body Lab and know your metrics today!


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