Photo by Gray Box Studios

This year, we’re giving our Best of the West winners the red carpet treatment: The readers have spoken, the critics have made their picks and several local celebrities have added their two cents. Here are our picks for the best Boulder County has to offer.

The envelope please…

Day Spa

Sunflower Spa : East County

Luxury and Longmont may not be two words you immediately think of together, but when you step into Sunflower Spa, you might change your mind. Luxurious without being pretentious with experienced staff to guide you to your best self ever.

Essentiels : Boulder

Cozy and friendly, this spa is a Boulder favorite for their outstanding staff, signature facials and deluxe mani-pedis. Step into the oasis and let everything go for a total relaxation experience.

Facial

Sunflower Spa : East County

Sunflower Spa’s motto is “everyone blooms,” and their facials will help your skin feel as delicate and fresh as a flower. Get a complimentary consultation and create a plan of action that will leave you feeling younger and fresher than
ever before.

Tapestry Salon & Day Spa : Boulder

Feel like a princess with a Tapestry facial customized to your skin’s unique needs and an atmosphere in which you can’t help but relax. Ask for Sally and go for a purifying facial or the deluxe Classic Epicuren Facial to show your fresh face to the world.

Salon/Barber

Salon Cosabella : East County

Salon Cosabella has a recently remodeled and expanded Arista location, but its mission to inspire clients is the same. Let them help you find your inspiration.

Tapestry Salon & Day Spa : Boulder

Sometimes, we don’t actually know what we want when we sit down in that swivel chair. That’s why the stylists at Tapestry are experts in hair analysis, treatments and the latest styles. So relax. Let the professionals handle it.

Massage

Massage Envy : East County

It’s smart to take care of your body through regular massage, but it can be challenging to shell out $100 or more for every session. But when you can get a professional massage in a clean, inviting environment for less than half that price? Now that’s smart.

Tapestry Salon & Day Spa : Boulder

Tapestry’s massage menu ranges from customized therapeutic massage to aromatherapy, hot rock and raindrop therapy massage. They even offer prenatal massage for those tired, achy mamas-to-be.

Manicure/Pedicure

Sunflower Spa : East County

A bright, sunny room with unique, comfortable, Asian-esque benches and some of the finest nail technicians in the county pretty much ensure your little piggies will wiggle with joy after a visit to Sunflower Spa.

Ten20 : Boulder

Comfy armchairs, chocolate and Diet Coke on demand and a big screen TV showing the latest chick flick or reality TV sensation—what could make this more perfect? How about an expert mani-pedi while you de-stress?
Ahhh…Heaven.

Aesthetic Treatment

Aesthetic Solutions : East County

Dr. Steve Zakany takes his field extremely seriously, offering solutions for everyone from injectables to laser treatments, medically supervised spa services and age-management medicine, including bio-identical hormones and HCG diet and weight loss programs.

Marianna’s L’Esthetique Medi Spa : Boulder

In addition to traditional spa services, Marianna’s L’Esthetique Medi Spa offers minimally invasive treatments including injectables and intense pulse light therapy. Go in for any of their treatments and come out looking years younger.

Yoga Studio

Soul Tree Studio : East County

Soul Tree strives to help you achieve balance through movement, which could mean one of many different disciplines of yoga, Pilates, African dance, hip-hop, Nia and much more. The studio also offers an array of special events from meditation retreats to massage classes.

Core Power : Boulder

Get ready to sweat. This popular chain is best known for its hot yoga classes, meant to help detoxify the mind and the body. But they also offer classes including power yoga and yoga sculpt if sweating with a room full of strangers isn’t your idea of relaxing.

Pilates Studio

Flatirons Pilates : East County

Flatirons Pilates offers private Pilates instruction as well as group classes, including ribbons and hoops, belly dance and Zumba all with great energy, talented instructors and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Boulder Bodyworks : Boulder

Boulder Bodyworks offers a complete approach to fitness, holistic healing and rehabilitation through its complimentary practices of Pilates, yoga, massage and physical therapy. Come here to find wellness for your whole body.

Chiropractor

Eric Graves : East County

Dr. Graves isn’t just a back cracker. His office specializes in integrative wellness through a variety of techniques including chiropractic work, soft tissue work and rehabilitative exercise.

The Joint : Boulder

The Joint specializes in affordable chiropractic care with no expensive x-rays, no appointments and no hidden fees. It’s kinda like the Starbucks of chiropractic…except you feel adjusted when you leave.

Trainer

Angie Schumacher, Fit Chick Express : East County

Personal training by chicks, for chicks, might take the initial hesitation and embarrassment out of starting and sticking with an exercise program. Angie offers a free consultation, a two-week free trial and a 100 percent money back guarantee—which should eliminate any excuses you still had hanging around.

David Clair : Boulder

David Clair’s Fitness for Living Boot Camps offer a positive boot camp experience without all the yelling and demeaning nicknames. Classes take place outside when the Colorado weather is fine, which could help motivate even the most dedicated couch potato.

Golf Course

Indian Peaks Golf Course

With freshly mowed, green fairways and a good water-to-bunker ratio that is sure to keep a scratch golfer on his or her toes, Indian Peaks Golf Course is one of the top public courses in Colorado. Enjoy a round of 18 for a good price, no matter how large you’re party is.

Gym

Lakeshore Athletic Club : East County

Rule No. 1 to working out at Lakeshore: Pace yourself. It’s a ginormous facility with a ton of activities, workout opportunities and fitness options. Classes, multiple pools, a water park, a climbing wall, basketball courts, every class you can think of, a spa and a café/bar. We’re exhausted just thinking about it…now, a nap!

Flatiron Athletic Club : Boulder

For years, Flatiron Athletic Club has been the go-to gym for Boulderites, which is saying something. The city and its athletes, er, residents are the fittest in the country, and that means Flatirons could be single-handedly responsible for Boulder’s healthy reputation. Or, maybe it’s just an awesome gym. Either way, keep up the good work!

Rec Center

Lafayette Recreation Center : East County

By taking your family to this energized pocket tucked away in Lafayette, you’ll get the full adventure that fits everyone’s needs. From sports teams for all ages to kid hangout spots, such as the newly opened skate park, this dynamic scene is sure to quench your active thirst.

East Boulder Recreation Center : Boulder

Whether you’re looking for intense cardio before that 2 o’clock business meeting or a creative outlet to celebrate you’re daughter’s single-digit birthday, there’s plenty of activities to kick around at this rec center. Dressed to impress, this center offers affordable prices and hours built around your convenience.

Ski

Copper Mountain

If you’re traveling with the family, or just want a getaway, there’s plenty of snow to carve and savory foods that cling to your taste buds at this resort. Year-round camps and events will be bolded in your calendar this year as fresh powder and thrilling escapades leave you breathless.

Martial Arts

International Martial Arts : East County

By training at an IMA facility, you can gain the strength to battle off the bullies, or even take the high road with your newfound self-worth. With Shotokan Karate under your black belt, you’ll never be afraid to take a bull by its horns.

Boulder Quest Center : Boulder

Got a stalker that you want gone or just want to brush up on your ninja skills? Then look no further: This martial arts center can help you adapt to the ways of To-Shin Do and get those awesome black belt skills you always wanted in high school.

Visit Gray Box Studios.

The post Best of the West: Readers’ Choice Health & Beauty appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Day Spa (E. County)
Sunflower Day Spa, Longmont
You can’t help but relax in Sunflower’s sunny atmosphere. Their professionals help you achieve outstanding skin care and total relaxation. Really, we just need three words: pamper, pamper, pamper.

Day Spa (Boulder)
Essentiels Spa
Clients rave about the Essentiels therapists and technicians, who provide warm, quality service. A locker room, sauna, steam room and lounge complete the experience.

Salon (E. County)
Salon Cosabella, Broomfield
Friendly service in a chic location. The ladies here pride themselves on expert service and a great environment. It’s the place you go when you need a new hue or a few inches taken off.

Salon (Boulder)
Fix Hair Salon
Need a new outlook on life? You might need a
new hair color. Let the specialists at Fix lead you
to the color bar and make you feel like a whole
new person.

Massage (E. County)
Sunflower Day Spa, Longmont
The therapists at Sunflower are amazingly receptive, responsive and professional. Enjoy the ultimate relaxation at their hands.

Massage (Boulder)
St. Julien Hotel & Spa
A beautiful location makes a soothing massage here just that much more enticing. Book a massage…and you may need to book a room for the night because you’ll be so relaxed.

Manicure/Pedicure (E. County)
Sunflower Day Spa, Longmont
Expert technicians and a superbly comfortable, sunny space make a mani/pedi stop at Sunflower a truly indulgent experience.

Manicure/Pedicure (Boulder)
Ten20
Where else can you catch a chick flick while you
get a polish change? At Ten20, they know what
a girl wants.

Aesthetic Treatment Center (E. County)
Aesthetic Solutions Center for Laser and Aesthetic Medicine, Lafayette
With constant changes in technology and technique, it’s easy to get lost in the world of beauty. Aesthetic Solutions can help you find your bearings—with a tender touch and state-of-the-art technology.

Aesthetic Treatment Center (Boulder)
Avanti Skin Center
Whether you’re interested in laser hair removal, skin resurfacing or body sculpting, Avanti Skin Center has dozens of options and their professionals can help you make the right choices for your goals and lifestyle.

Gym (E. County)
Lakeshore Athletic Club, Broomfield
With indoor and outdoor pools, basketball courts, climbing wall, huge, sunlit weight room, spa, deluxe locker rooms and a high-tech cardio center, Lakeshore provides an opportunity to build your muscles while you build your sense of community.

Gym (Boulder)
YMCA
There’s a reason why the YMCA has survived and thrived all these years. On top of the activities, outdoor fun and amenities, there are plenty of ways to get a good work out.

Rec Center (E. County)
Erie Community Center, Erie
Erie’s Community Center has become not just a recreation center—but a flagship for a new kind of town pride. But then again, you can also recreate to your heart’s desire. Pool, climbing wall, spinning classes, and workout equipment are just the beginning.

Rec Center (Boulder)
East Community Center
What makes the East Boulder Community Center the best? Two pools (including a lazy river and 150-foot water slide), weight room, climbing and bouldering walls and child care. Take that, other rec centers!

Martial Arts (E. County)
Vision Quest IBBA, Lafayette
Vision Quest was recognized by Black Belt School International as one of the top 200 U.S. schools, and owner Christopher Spann was awarded teacher of the year by the United Martial Arts Alliance. Awards don’t mean everything, but they do mean a lot.
 
Martial Arts (Boulder)
Trans Martial Arts & Fitness Center
Tran’s is a longtime regional favorite—and their special brand of butt-kicking is taught to young and old, newbie or expert. Go beyond the ordinary with a class in Muay Thai Kick boxing.

Yoga Studio (E. County)
Solar Yoga, Longmont
Hot yoga is, well, hot right now, and Solar Yoga is one of the coolest places around offering this challenging yet relaxing way to sweat it out.
 
Yoga Studio (Boulder)
Core Power Yoga
With five studios in Northern Colorado alone, plus dozens of classes every day in several yoga styles, you’ll likely find something to fit your schedule and style. If not, take up walking.
 
Pilates Studio (E. County)
Happy Cat Pilates, Longmont
Whether you like the dynamics of a group class or the personal attention of one-on-one training, Susie at Happy Cat will have you feeling “as supple as a cat.” Meow!
 
Pilates Studio (Boulder)
Body Dynamics
These legendary health and fitness specialists have been serving Boulder for 20 years not just with Pilates but with complimentary practices including core training, fitball, boot camp, tai-chi and bosu. When the famed athletes of Boulder need to get worked out, they come here.

Chiropractor (E. County)
Dr. Larimore, Longmont
Being in the chiropractic services for 18 years, Dr. Larimore knows his specialty like the joints in the back of his own hand. The man knows his stuff, and by stuff we mean your aching back.

Chiropractor (Boulder)
Café of Life
Get ready to be served a hot steaming cup of wellness when you’re at the Café of Life. Established around the world, they work to spread chiropractics to all types of people—even you.

Personal Training (E. County & Boulder)
Fitness for Living
We have a group of staffers who attend the Fitness for Living boot camps. Not only do they dig the intensity, but they look at a lot better than they used to (thank goodness from the rest of us…we kid).

The post Best of the West: Readers’ Choice Health and Beauty appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Did last year’s New Year’s Resolutions end up again on this year’s list?
You’re not alone as this is so common.

The problem is that the best intentioned resolution or intent for change is bound to fail without a well designed goal, action plan and support network.

So what should you do if you really want to lose weight in 2010, and not 2011 or 2012? Read on as with S.M.A.R.T Goals and a few other simple tips you will be able to transform this year’s aspirations into reality.

The key is that each goal and resolution includes the five attributes of the S.M.A.R.T Goals acronym listed below.

S – specific
M – measurable
A – achievable
R – rewarding
T – time-based

As an example, let us use the S.M.A.R.T attributes to transform the typical failure-prone goal of “I want to lose weight” into a much more powerful and motivating gem designed for success.

Specific – How many pounds do you want to lose?

Measurable – Is your goal measurable? Will you know if you are on track or have achieved your goal?

Achievable – Is your goal achievable and realistic? You are much better setting a goal to lose 5 pounds in two months than an unreasonable 30 pounds in a month. Don’t set yourself up for failure from the beginning with a goal that is too lofty. Nothing will boost your confidence and morale more than achieving your goal. Think of each goal as a stepping stone that inspires you to consistently progress to your larger lofty goal.

Rewarding – Absolutely critical! If your goal doesn’t get you excited and jazzed then you need to take a step back and ponder a bit more. Your goal MUST really get you juiced. We also recommend that you decide how you will REWARD yourself when you achieve your goal. Go
on, celebrate with friends or treat yourself to something special; your reward will further motivate you to succeed.

Time-based – When will you achieve this goal? Don’t skip this step; setting a time-limit creates a fixed timetable and a sense of urgency to keep you on track. If your time period is 6 months or longer then set an interim goal with a shorter 2-3 month timeline. Goals that stretch out beyond 6 months are too long to keep you motivated.

Using SMART Goals, “I want to lose weight” becomes the more inspiring and effective “I will lose 5 pounds by Feb 28.”

If losing 5 pounds doesn’t motivate you, but slipping into those jeans that you haven’t been able to wear for two years do, then make that your goal. Remember that goals are individual and must excite you.

Here are two other typical goals that have been transformed using SMART attributes:
“ I want to run faster” becomes “I will run a 45 minute 10k by March 30”
“I want to get in shape” becomes “I will run a 10 minute mile and do 30 pushups by April 1” or
“I will hike up Mount Sanitas in under two hours by May 1”

Inspiration Everywhere you Turn
Here are two other suggestions to tip the scale of success in your favor:
1. Share your Goals with Others. Speak your goals. Share then with everyone you know. The more you hear yourself verbalize your goals the more real they become. In addition, you will be creating a natural support group to help you along the way.

2. Write your Goals Down. Write your goals down and post them in prominent places that you will see them throughout the day: on your bathroom mirror, on your refrigerator, in your car and by your desk. These constant reminders will help inspire you each day.

Tasks & Actions – Making your Goals a Reality
Once you have established your SMART Goal, you need to create a list of action items and tasks to be completed each day or week that will get you closer to achieving your goal. Even the best goal is useless if you don’t have and implement an action plan. Achieving a goal is a series of consistent baby steps that each day brings you closer.

For our example goal of losing weight here are a few sample action items:
• Maintain a daily food journal
• Create a weekly meal plan each Monday
• Shop each Sunday for healthy snacks to have available in the car and at the office
• Exercise 4 times a week

To help guide you with your goal setting and action items we have create a SMART Goals Worksheet and highly recommend that you print out a copy and use the worksheet for each of your goals. The worksheet can be found at http://fitliv.com/Smart_Goals_Worksheet.htm

It is a New Year and an ideal time for a New You! Let your SMART Goals inspire you for an exciting and motivating 2010.

Fitness For Living has been energizing adults with its unique Fitness Boot Camps for seven years. The camps are designed to challenge all fitness levels. The 5-week camaraderie-styled Boot Camps are held both indoors and out year-round in Boulder, Louisville, Lafayette and Longmont. For additional information visit www.fitliv.com or call 303.550.3491.

The post S.M.A.R.T Goals for Weight Loss and Life appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.