Sunday, May 10, 2009
A+E, Food, Life, In this Issue..., Style, Atlanta
Reader's Choice
Sunday Best 2009
Health and Body
BEST HEALTH CLUB FOR WORKING OUT
BEST HEALTH CLUB FOR FLIRTING
L.A. FITNESS
THE LOWDOWN: It only makes sense that the gym—where you spend all that time toning up your body to make yourself more attractive—would also be a prime meeting place, what with all the revealing outfits and all those post-workout endorphins flowing. Our readers certainly think so, having listed the popular L.A. Fitness chain as their favorite spot for both activities.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations. www.lafitness.com.
THE RUNNERS-UP: Unit 2 Fitness (working out); Crunch (flirting)
Bob RossBEST NEW FITNESS TREND
BOOT CAMP
THE LOWDOWN: On any given weekday morning around 6:30 a.m., you can find hundreds of boot campers running through Atlanta’s most popular parks on a trek to become more physically fit. Companies are popping up everywhere, offering a fairly friendly drill-sergeant way of making us get our butts in shape. Our three favorites: Operation Boot Camp, Fitness Battalion and Get in Shape.
THE BASICS: www.operationbootcamp.com. www.fitnessbattalion.com. www.getinshapebootcamp.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Pole-dancing classes
OUR FAVORITE ANSWERS: Dunkin’ Donuts: “see”-food diet
BEST DIET FOR ATLANTANS
FARM TO TABLE
THE LOWDOWN: Finding fresh and organic foods for your healthy diet is a snap in Atlanta, where farmers’ markets and gourmet groceries such as Whole Foods offer the best in local produce. Markets at Piedmont Park, the Cathedral of St. Philip, Sweet Auburn and towns around the Perimeter bring farmers’ goods right to the consumer.
THE RUNNER-UP: Smaller portions
OUR FAVORITE ANSWER: Binge and purge
BEST DAY SPA
NATURAL BODY SPA & SHOPPES
THE LOWDOWN: Pamper yourself to near perfection at the local locations of this day spa, where serious attention has been paid to green principles. Make a day of it with an indulgent massage, a relaxing pedicure and a moisturizing manicure while sipping lemon water and inhaling scents from aromatherapy candles.
THE BASICS: multiple locations; www.naturalbody.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Blue MedSpa
BEST YOGA CLASS
BIKRAM YOGA ATLANTA
THE LOWDOWN: “No whining!” allowed at this serious yoga studio, where sessions last for 90 minutes and students leave toned and relaxed in mind and body.
THE BASICS: 730 Ponce de Leon Place. 404-636-7535. www.bikramyogaatlanta.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Balance Yoga
Courtesy of Spa Sydell
Massage your muscles—and your spirit—at Spa Sydell.BEST PLACE TO GET A MASSAGE
SPA SYDELL
THE LOWDOWN: Hot stone, deep tissue, athletic and reflexology treatments will leave you feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. If you’re a serious massage fan, go for the 90 minutes of hands-on pampering.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations. www.spasydell.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Bliss Spa
BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST
FERNANDO LANDAZABAL
THE LOWDOWN: Even if you think you’ll get tongue-tied saying his last name, all you’ll really be saying is “ahhhhh” when you get a blissage, the signature 75-minute head-to-toe massage at Bliss Spa from Fernando Landazabal. His tension-taming moves are a blend of Eastern and Western techniques. Get loose on a perfectly warmed massage table and just let go.
THE BASICS: 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. in the W Atlanta-Downtown. 1-877-862-5477. www.blissworld.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Pierre at Spa Sydell
BEST JOGGING PATH
PIEDMONT PARK
THE LOWDOWN: The winding paths of the city’s most extensive green space make this the ideal spot for joggers—and rollerbladers, and power-walkers, and dog walkers, and …
THE BASICS: 1071 Piedmont Ave. NE. 404-875-7275. www.piedmontpark.org.
THE RUNNER-UP: Silver Comet Trail
BEST HIKING TRAIL
STONE MOUNTAIN
THE LOWDOWN: This natural granite outcropping on Atlanta’s east side features 15 miles of hiking trails, including a 1.3-mile section that rings the top of the mountain. It’s quite a workout, but once you reach the top, the gorgeous view of Downtown Atlanta is totally worth it.
THE BASICS: 1000 Robert E. Lee Drive, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690.
www.stonemountainpark.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Kennesaw Mountain
Courtesy of the Georgia Department of Economic Development
The Silver Comet TrailBEST BIKE RIDE
SILVER COMET TRAIL
THE LOWDOWN: Take in the view of neighborhoods, lakes, woods, golf courses and train tracks from the seat of your bike. This 61-mile stretch of paved pathway starts in northwest Atlanta and meanders into Polk County.
THE BASICS: www.silvercometga.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Piedmont Park