11 Health and Wellness Spots in Calgary

If increased health and fitness is on your to-do list, we say there's no time like the present. Here are 11 fitness and wellness centres in Calgary for you.

Just as we sometimes plateau at the gym, our skincare regime also needs the occasional kickstart. To prepare our complexion for the harsh Calgary winter, we dashed over to Skoah Westhills, the latest skincare training centre to open in town. Estheticians here are like personal trainers, who whip your skin into shape with personalized programs. Workouts begin with a discussion about complexion concerns, so your treatment is targeted for your skin type and issues. Treatments are efficient, but luxurious. Depending on your concerns, you can be in and out within an hour.

This is Calgary's only licensed anti-gravity studio, where you can hang upside down or swing like you're on a trapeze. It's ideal for moms with back issues or tight hip flexors. We walked out of our introductory class a full inch taller—literally! Besides yoga, there are anti-gravity fitness and barre classes, too. Conveniently located in Bridgeland, the light and bright studio has a dedicated spin studio with Schwinn bikes (and cycling shoes are offered at no extra charge) and cyclists bike to fabulous destinations via video monitors or spin to music videos.

This popular acupuncture clinic (located just west of the stampede grounds) serves up non-surgical procedures to reduce the signs of aging based on the principals of traditional Chinese medicine. Stimulating the flow of oxygen, blood and energy, this type of facial rejuvenation increases circulation, stimulates collagen production and most importantly, reflects what's happening inside, on the outside. While our wrinkles weren't completely obliterated, lines were softened and we loved hearing from admirers how radiant our skin looked. Those with allergies, food intolerances and inflammatory conditions will also find relief here, as will children and cancer survivors.

Hotshop's newest location in Silverado offers both hot yoga and spin classes, and something a little different—a class that combines both. (Their Victoria Park location specializes in Hot Yoga). HotShop is always coming up with cool new classes, including the new Drum & Spin—a workout to live music!

It's time to turn the table on your fitness regime and get those abdominals back into fighting form. The Fitness Table method strengthens and tones your core by using a table to anchor the body and isolate muscle groups. No need to be a professional dancer or athlete (though they come here too), these gentle exercises are suitable for most anyone including those of us who've had a difficult pregnancy or labour.

Be More Fitness offers a wide range of personal training options for adults and children. Owner and savvy mom of four teenagers Belinda Morrison is experienced and qualified to guide you down the path to increased strength and endurance. Better yet, her infectious enthusiasm for exercise will rub off on you. Be More Fitness will tailor a training schedule to meet your needs and interests based on a combination of cardiovascular exercise and strength training.

Prema Health is located on 14th Street SW and has recently expanded to accommodate a prenatal centre, which offers prenatal massage as well as fertility massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care, reflexology and wholistic consultations. With a soothing spa-like atmosphere and a staff of 28 therapists, this one is sure to soothe.

Centrally located on 17 Avenue SW, just west of Crowchild Trail, PoleJunkies is a simple, private studio dedicated to safely teaching the art of pole dancing. Classes are small (maximum eight students) and taught by studio founder, retired stage performer and mother of two teens Alena Downs. Her strength, skill and artistry are impressive, and she is up front and disarming to new (and often nervous) students unaccustomed to swinging, sliding and slinking around the pole.

Yoga Playground is a Calgary-based company with a mission to expose as many children as possible to the physical, mental and emotional benefits of yoga. During the school year, certified teachers share their specialized training at schools, preschools and studios. In the summer, camps are located within blocks of Marda Loop in the central SW neighbourhood of Altadore and include a wide variety of games and yoga poses presented in fun kid-friendly ways.

Thrive Fitness Studio offers state of the art facilities with beautiful views and a wide range of equipment. They can also come to your home and work with any existing exercise equipment you have or bring their own variety of cool toys, including wobble boards, BOSU balance trainers, medicine balls, tubing and weights.

Though Zumbini isn't a fitness class, you'll still be very active in this parented class for babes six weeks to three-years-old. Certified instructor and energetic mama Pamela Murphy of SPARKLE Fitness will take you through a 45 minute music and movement experience as you sing, dance and let loose on drums and other instruments kids love. Fret not, no previous Zumba experience is necessary, but you will find it's a gentle way to reintroduce groovin' to your postpartum bodies.