Spa Blog

Dance the pounds away with one of the hottest and fastest growing fitness classes in the nation. Zumba uses latin influenced moves and music to create a fun aerobic dance atmosphere. Its easy to learn and great for most fitness levels. Currently we are offering Zumba classes every tuesday at 5:30p.m. To check out more info click  Zumba.

There are only a few people in your live that inspire you and not in a direct mentor type way but in an admortion type of way. For some people its an athlete like Lance Armstrong coming back from cancer or a musicians work, or could even be your neighbor. These few people in your live can give you purpose, direction, and a strong sense of self. For me client, friend, teacher, and Solage Member Tom Abbey is one of those people that inspires others. Here is a small list of reasons why

1. This guy workouts 6-7 days a week, he does resistance training, runs, spins, and swims almost everyday. The workouts he is doing isn’t that senior citizen pace most people are use to seeing. I’m talking about running 6.5 mph on the treadmill, swimming a mile a day type of intensity, these are things I (a personal trainer) struggle with and he is almost three times my age. This inspires me and demonstrates that you can feel youthful even after retirement if you put in the effort.
2. He is a cool 69 years young. He isn’t stuck on “back in my day” type of thought he loves history but evolves with the times. Sometimes I feel most people of his age have a problem doing that. This is a guy no matter what your age you could chill, have a beer with, and end up with a memorable experience.
3. He retired on Friday, June 4, 2010 after 44 years!! of teaching at the Junior High  in Calistoga. Need I say more. 44 years!!!

After 44 years in the classroom Tom will have a little bit more time on his hands and he has stepped up to become our unofficial Solage Ambassador. As an unofficial Solage Ambassador I believe he is a walking billboard of what Solage is about engaging, inspiring and indulging in your best life. So raise your glasses and tip your hat to those that inspire you……….Cheers!

This picture is going on his Solage Ambassador Card.

Wow! memorial day weekend is here at a Solage. The weather is great, the people are lively, and I’m busy getting people into summer shape. Memorial Day seems to be America’s unofficial start of summer. For our members and hotel guest we have several activities I want you be on the look out for. First and one of my favorite is Summertime S’mores ummmmm………. this happens once a month during the summer months from 8-9:30 pm. There is nice fire pit setup next to Solbar and you roast your marshmallows and make your own s’mores under the stars.

Stargazing is other great hit we are doing once a month over the summer and fall. Two Astronomers with great telescopes  teach you more about the stars then Ryan Seacrest. We also provide hot cocca for the cool cali nights.

We have a cool yoga and meditiaion workshop this summer with our superb Yoga and Pilates Instructor Julie Klutinoty. Kids yoga and swim lessons are also in the mix this summer so make sure you check our schedules to find out more details. Summer Activities Schedule 2010

Also I forgot that the main pool is enough in itself to make a great summer…….Cheers

Susan Hoff is one of my most dedicated clients and she talks  about her journey training with me for the last year and half……..

My husband, Duane, and I have been training with Donavan Almond since August 2008. He has been an inspiration to us, our workouts & our diets.

I started out like all new clients do, learning the ins & outs of nutrition, which exercises work what muscles, & how to cope when you are so sore, you aren’t sure you can even get up the next morning. I was in decent shape at 22% body fat, but was hoping to slim down and stop the jiggles we all acquire around 40.

Donavan helped me to set achievable goals, so I was able to see and feel my progress each month. It became so exciting to work with an expert that could tailor a workout to my goals that every six weeks I’d set new goals. First it was get rid of the “arm jiggles”, then it was to hit my desired weight, then look good for our son’s graduation party, then achieve a pull-up goal of 4, 8, then 10, etc. He has helped me work through my connective tissue disorder, illnesses, plateaus, aches & even travel needs. Donavan even looks up the hotels I stay at across the world to make sure I have the proper workout routines for the equipment at hand. I have learned so much from him and continue to every session. He is wise beyond his years. He has always made me feel good about my progress – even the stubborn areas that just are taking longer to hone.

Many of my friends think I’m a bit obsessed with the gym. I workout 5 days a week & have yet to become burnt out or bored with the journey. Due largely in part to the changing workouts Donavan designs for me. Some days it’s yoga, some days it’s kettlebells, some days it’s lifting heavy & working to beat my best. I look forward to my workouts. I view them as a treat to be able to invest time in myself at the gym. Now at a body fat composition of less than 12%, this June I am competing in a figure competition in Miami. (Bodybuilding without the “man muscles”.) In my forties, I feel better than I have in years & am in the best shape of my life (or so my husband tells me).

Donavan Almond, Solage’s Master Trainer – my trainer -  is a true professional. He’s gracious, funny, inspiring, motivating & competitive. All of these qualities keep him on top of his craft, and buoy Solage as one of the finest places to workout in the valley. He & his wife Jacqi are a talented couple my husband & I feel privileged to call friends. If you haven’t yet tried a personal training session with Donavan – you are missing out. Treat yourself!

Cheers!

Susan Hoff