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09 September 2008

Ten Things Not To Do At The Spa

*Don't arrive for a 2 p.m. spa appointment at 2 p.m. Arrive at least 20 minutes early to check in, change and relax, or earlier if you want to enjoy the steambath and sauna.

* Don't spend your spa treatment talking about your problems at work, with your husband, your kids. You're just stressing yourself out.

*Don't work out and then show up for your massage all sweaty. It's not nice for you or the therapist.

* Don't hop into the Jacuzzi and then go straight to your massage or facial. Rinse the chlorine off right away. It's not good for your skin.

*Don't talk on your cell phone in the meditation room (or locker room, or anywhere in the spa.) It disturbs others and keeps you from relaxing.

* Don't treat the staff like they're servants and you're the Queen. You won't get their best work.

* Don't expect miracles. You won't permanently get rid of all your muscle tension in one massage.

* Don't rush off right after your treatment. To get the most out of it, you need time to rest afterwards.

* Don't forget to tip.

* Don't go have a big heavy dinner with wine right after a massage. Take it easy and drink plenty of water.

Ashtanga yoga: Ashtanga yoga is a vigorous, fast-paced yoga that helps to build flexibility, strength, concentration, and stamina. When doing Ashtanga yoga, a person moves quickly through a set of predetermined poses while remaining focused on deep breathing.

Power yoga: Similar to Ashtanga yoga, this is also a very active form of yoga that improves flexibility and stamina by completing poses. This type of yoga is popular in the United States.

Bikram yoga: Bikram yoga is also known as "Hot Yoga." It is practiced in rooms that may be heated to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius).

Gentle yoga: Gentle yoga focuses on slow stretches, flexibility, and deep breathing.

Kundalini yoga: Kundalini yoga uses poses, deep breathing and other breathing techniques, chanting, and meditation.

Iyengar yoga: This type of yoga focuses on precise poses. and participants use benches, ropes, mats, blocks, and chairs

Massage has been around for thousands of years. The word “massage” comes from the Greek root “masso" -- to touch. Today it is the most popular spa treatment.

A destination spa is a place whose sole purpose is to help individuals develop a healthy lifestyle through:

healthy spa cuisine that emphasizes whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and nutritional education

a full program of fitness and stress reduction classes

therapeutic spa treatments including massage

educational lectures that teach you how to bring your healthy habits back home

Destination spas usually require that you stay at least two or three nights to get the full benefit. Some require a longer stay. Prices at destination spas usually include all meals, classes and some spa treatments.