True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are united. – Alexander von HumboldtAccording to NewsReleaseWire.com, 97 percent of New Year’s resolutions aren’t kept, and at No. 1 is weight loss and physical fitness, followed by the resolve to increase personal enjoyment and reduce stress.The good news for Falcon residents who have resolved to exercise and lose weight: There are now two additional resources to help with those resolutions. On Oct. 31, Snap Fitness 24-7 opened its doors, and Oasis – a Salon and Day Spa has remodeled to expand its focus on mind and body.Denis Morgan, owner of Snap Fitness, said he knows it’s difficult for people to commit to a regular exercise program because of hectic schedules and time constraints. Snap Fitness offers flexibility. “We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” Morgan said. With Snap Fitness, one cannot use the excuse that the gym is closed. Snap Fitness gives its members a card key that allows round-the-clock access. “It’s very secure. We have video surveillance inside the gym as well as our parking lot,” Morgan said.He said people give up on fitness goals for two reasons: They don’t see results and the gym is dirty. Snap Fitness has a unique program that offers every new member two free services. The first is a free fitness orientation where members learn how to use the state-of-the-art Cybex exercise equipment, and they also receive a personal workout card with the correct settings for the equipment, based on their needs.The second free service is a fitness assessment. Staff member ACE (American Council on Exercise) certified personal trainer Angie Ranno records the members’ medical history, tests their strength and flexibility and measures body fat and weight. Ranno then meets with the member on a quarterly basis for the first year to assess and refine member goals. To address cleanliness, the staff cleans the equipment several times a day, and each member is required to use disinfectant wipes immediately after they use the equipment.The first of the New Year will bring several changes to Snap Fitness. Each member will get their own Web page where they can create a workout program and track their progress. An online fitness evaluation also will be available. Upon completion of a 45-minute questionnaire, a printable report is created that tells the member specifically what fitness areas they need to focus on.These two services are free with membership.For an additional fee, a nutrition module can be added, which includes a menu and grocery shopping list based on dietary needs. Another optional service is a personal phone coach – a certified trainer will assess and evaluate fitness goals and guide the individual.If that’s not enough, Snap Fitness offers fitness challenges. “Our goal for 2008 is to keep members motivated,” Morgan said. In that spirit, he has ordered two new fitness stationary bikes that allow individuals to compete against others through video races or to compete against their own times. “These bikes are pure fun,” Morgan said. “They are basically video games that get you in to shape.”Mental fitness is another goal often cited by those who make New Year’s resolutions. One way to help achieve it in Falcon is to visit the Oasis Salon & Day Spa where salon services include hairstyling and color, manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, makeup artistry, aromatherapy and therapeutic sea clay massages, hot stone, neck/back and full body massages and permanent cosmetics. Joan Sell purchased the salon in January 2007 and began the makeover from a hair salon to a full-service day spa. The salon makeover included themed massage, esthetics and pedicure rooms.Every area of the salon conveys a relaxing atmosphere that mirrors the four seasons, from the Aspens hand painted on the walls of the pedicure room to the Florida beach scenes in the restrooms. “Oasis Spa is designed to provide stress relieving therapies and allow our clients to reach the ultimate levels of relaxation,” Sell said. “We address basic wellness needs and nurture you from the inside out.”To ensure the salon goals are met, Sell only hires licensed professionals with several years experience in their specialties. “These ladies are all phenomenal professionals who are experts in their fields,” Sell said. The staff is made up of six hair stylists (including one who is a specialist in hair extensions), four nail technicians (one who specializes in airbrushing), two massage therapists, an esthetician and a certified permanent cosmetic technician. “I can’t really think of any day spa service we don’t offer, and every professional staff member’s goal is to make our client’s life a little bit happier,” Sell said.She said she feels her salon and day spa is a cut above others for several reasons, but the most important to her is the continuing education her staff receives. “Things change quickly, and I want us to be at the forefront of the industry,” Sell said. “Everyone here wants to offer our clientele the very best in products and services. We also offer salon and spa services designed exclusively for men.”Other options include the bridal registry and spa shower. A bride-to-be can register with the salon for services for herself and her wedding party. Oasis Spa supplies the “registered at” cards for the shower invitations, and guests may choose to purchase spa services for the wedding party. Gift certificates and spa packages also are available.Falcon offers a myriad of choices for keeping those resolutions. No excuses.
