Homey Health: Part 1

I live in Studio City, but I'm not a size 2.  Neither am I a size 4, 6, or 8.  But you know what?  Neither are a LOT of women living in Southern California.  I recently lost 30 pounds, and it's been a very interesting experience in many ways:  physically, emotionally, and socially. 

It's easy to get brainwashed into thinking that everyone but you looks like someone from Central Casting when you live in an area that's very heavily industry-oriented. The key is remembering not to compare yourself with anyone but your own best and worst self.  The key is to strive for health, happiness, self acceptance, and self confidence.  It's one of the greatest gifts a woman can give herself, and the place that helped give that gift is Body Women Only Gym on Laurel Canyon just north of Ventura.  http://www.bodywomenonly.com/home.html

Body Women Only is a women-only gym that has more warmth than any gym to which I've ever belonged.  I've been a member of many gyms:  Bally's, L.A. Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, and Total Woman.  Those gyms were all fine, but none of them offered the caring, personal touch, and coziness of Body Women Only.  If you're looking for a huge gym with an Olympic-sized pool, this isn't the place for you.  But if you want a place that is warm, kind, lovely, and personal, please do yourself a favor and check this place out.

Body Women Only is a cozy gym with heart.  All of the employees there are friendly, knowledgeable, and know the members well.  Wendy Baker, manager, is a cool gal who really goes the extra mile to ensure that all members are happy.  It's a good place to make new friends.  The class schedule is wonderful. The gym offers a huge variety: Zumba; spin; yoga; Pilates; jazz dancing; muscle sculpting; aerobics; weight training; boot camp; Below the Belt (lower body class); aqua fitness; and Attitudes, a buoyant, uplifting exercise class that is designed for older women (I love the class, and I feel like a youngster at 45 working out with tough gals in their '70s, '80s, and even '90s.)

The downstairs area of Body Women Only is the cardio area, and a spa and hair salon are also located downstairs.  There are some upper body machines and free weights downstairs, but the main weight training area is upstairs, next to the classroom.  A smaller room upstairs is the dedicated abs room, and a Pilates studio and chiropractor's office also live upstairs. 

The pool area is a gem.  This isn't a lap pool -- it's a small pool meant for aqua fitness and water exercise.  The skylight overhead and the plants surrounding the pool create a tranquility that I can't find anywhere else.  There is also a lovely Jacuzzi, a steam room scented with eucalyptus, and a sauna.  Ahhhhh.

Body Women Only has members of every culture, race, and religion. Women of every age, size, and shape belong to Body Women Only.  It's a wonderful mix of people.  In Hebrew, Body Women Only can be described as having ruach.  In Yiddish, Body Women Only can be described as being haymish.  There's not a good word in English that directly translates to the spirit that this gym possesses. 

Body Women Only has reasonable rates and throws in nice freebies for new members.  When I joined, I received a free session with the Pilates studio, a free session with the chiropractor, and three free sessions with a personal trainer.  I met Karon, and she's been the only trainer in my life with whom I've bonded.  I train with her once a week, and she's been instrumental in helping me lose 30 pounds.  She is kind, dedicated, intelligent, professional, funny, and wise.  All the people who work at Body Women Only are.

Go check it out and see for yourself. You will immediately feel at home and at ease.