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Pilates
"I must be right. Never an aspirin. Never injured a day in my life. The whole country, the whole world, should be doing my exercises. They'd be happier." -- Joseph Pilates in 1965, at age 86
The über-confident Pilates developed a method of physical and mental conditioning that incorporated traditions from zen, yoga, and reflexology as well as his knowledge of anatomy and observations of the movement of animals. The equipment was originally designed to rehabilitate soldiers during World War I. Later, when Pilates emigrated to New York, the method was embraced by dancers such as Martha Graham and George Balanchine -- not surprisingly, since Pilates improves flexibility and strengthens the body, without building bulk, and has low impact on joints.
Pilates is a combination of precise movements done on specialized equipment, under the guidance of a trainer, and a series of floor exercises generally referred to as "mat Pilates." In response to the popularity of Pilates, a number of studios have sprung up in San Francisco. Laura Marquit runs a cozy, comfortable one in the Marina called Joyful Movement. A specialist in rehabilitative and fitness-oriented Pilates, she has a firm grasp on physiology, which she ably demonstrated in her thorough physical assessment of me when I arrived for my session (who knew I was so out of alignment?). Laura's easy manner enhanced what proved to be an enjoyable and illuminating session. I felt a new awareness of my body, movement, and posture.
For a completely different Pilates experience, my friend and I booked a "duet" session with Tiffany Parish at the funky Xenodrome space in the Mission. Tiffany, who performs gravity-defying aerial feats with the Xeno ensemble, brings a background in dance to her training. She started us out with some spine stretches done on the floor using props. Afterward, she led us up to the loft, where candles burned in one corner and classical music played, and put us to work on the Reformer -- the centerpiece of Pilates equipment, which looks like a big wooden box frame with springs that increase resistance and a seat that slides back and forth. While the two atmospheres were completely different, both sessions left me wanting more Pilates.
Since private and semi-private Pilates sessions can be prohibitively expensive (most privates cost around $60), many people opt for mat classes to strengthen their "core." The Ellie Herman Studio offers an array of reasonably priced classes, from beginning mat to advanced reformer, as well as mixed-level yoga. Most classes are eight weeks long. Also available are private and semi-private sessions, acupuncture, rehabilitation services, and intensive workshops. Joyful Movement: 2828 Octavia, 440-3846, www.joyfulmovement.com (ask about Laura's affordable introductory offer). Bodicraft at Xenodrome: 1320 Potrero (at 25th St.), 285-XENO, www.xenodrome.com (Tiffany also does mat & physioball classes). Ellie Herman Studios: 3435 Cesar Chavez (at Valencia), 285-5808, www.ellie.net.
Spa Treatments/Massage
Here's a resolution you'll want to keep. Treating yourself to a luxurious massage, facial, or body treatment, or simply lounging in a spa for the day, can do wonders to rejuvenate body and soul. For the ultimate San Francisco spa experience, start at the top -- book into the Nob Hill Spa at the Huntington Hotel, and choose from more than 30 restorative treatments like the Bali Ginger Spice Scrub, the Green Tea Facial, or the ScenTao Hot Stone Aromatherapy Massage. Or greet the new day with a morning Ener-Chi class, a fusion of chi kung, yoga, and Pilates, then linger by the infinity pool in the enclosed two-story atrium that overlooks the city while you sip ginger iced tea. After a eucalyptus steam you're ready to contemplate the spa menu, featuring dim sum delicacies like shiitake mushroom shiu mai or ginger chicken pot stickers.
The acupressure facial at Sunset Sauna & Massage is a worthwhile indulgence. First your face is swathed in hot calendula and peppermint-scented towels, then your skin is lightly spritzed with rosewater, and for the next hour the aesthetician stimulates acu-points on your face, neck, and shoulders, releasing tensions you didn't realize you had. Other services available here include the Salt Glow scrub, kelp and aloe body wraps, and a rose petal mini-facial.
For those serious about results-oriented massage, the talented staff at The Mindful Body offers a variety of massage styles, seven days a week. To get the right massage for your needs, first brief yourself on the methods, then chose a technique that appeals to you, or ask for integrated bodywork and combine a few. Here's the lowdown on some popular techniques:
Swedish: Usually done with oil or lotion, it is comprised of long, relaxing, soothing strokes. Shiatsu: A Japanese style involving rhythmic finger pressure on specific points to release tension and stimulate circulation. Deep-tissue: As the name suggests, an intense massage that works through layers of muscle to bring relief. Sport: Targets specific muscles, reduces strain and discomfort from training, reduces chance of injury, and aids performance of athletes. Reflexology: An ancient healing art -- points on the foot that correspond to organs of the body are stimulated, and feet are often soaked in an herbal bath.
I literally floated out of BodyTonic after a 75-minute treatment that included orthobionomy massage, which involves gentle repositioning of the body to reduce tension and pain, improve circulation and promote relaxation. Other spa services available here are tradional massage techniques as well as acupressure, manual lymphatic drainage, and vibrational healing.
To experience the relaxing Japanese tradition of communal bathing, spend a few hours at the Kabuki Springs & Spa. Facilities include a hot pool, cold plunge, dry sauna, and steam room. Both Japanese-style seating bathing areas and Western-style showers are available. Added touches include complimentary bath products like sea salts and chilled cucumber facecloths, as well as refreshing teas and lemon-infused water. The springs are open to women Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday and to men on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Tuesday is coed, and bathing attire is required. The Kabuki also offers spa services, specializing in Japanese amma/shiatsu massage. The Nob Hill Spa at the Huntington Hotel: 1075 California (at Jones), 345-2888, www.nobhillspa.com. Sunset Sauna & Massage, 1214 20th Ave. (at Lincoln), 753-2559. The Mindful Body, 2876 California (at Divisadero), 931-2639, www.themindfulbody.com. Kabuki Springs & Spa, 1750 Geary (at Fillmore), 922.6000, www.kabuki-springs.com.
