844 S. Peters St., 581-2639 (BODY)
This Warehouse District club is a one-on-one personal training studio that provides personalized weight training by certified personal fitness trainers for men and women in a private, fully equipped facility. It recently has initiated personalized training program memberships designed especially for women.
Deborah E. Lesem, DDS
100 Robert E. Lee Blvd., 282-7700
Dr. Deborah Lesem delivers a full range of family dentistry services, as well as cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, veneering and bonding, and more.
Downtown Fitness Centers
333 Canal St., Canal Place, 525-2956; 1400 Poydras St., New Orleans Centre, 569-9985; 614 Canal St., Meridien Hotel, 527-6750; 500 Canal St., Sheraton Hotel, 525-2500; 301 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, (985) 893-4777; www.downtownfitnesscenter.com
Convenience, affordable fees and on-site fitness experts have made these popular workout centers a rapidly expanding enterprise. Members can choose from five locations on both sides of the lake, plus free child care on the Northshore. All members receive a free, six-week personal training program and use of a full range of state-of-the-art equipment. Plus, a special promotion that lasts through Jan. 7 will waive the joining fee for new members who instead bring in non-perishable food items to be donated to charity, followed by a $20.02 month-to-month membership fee.
Earthsavers
5501 Magazine St., 899-8555; 3256 Severn Ave., Metairie, 885-5152; 434 Chartres St., 581-4999; 3414 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, (985) 674-1133; 528 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 875-0300; www.earthsaversonline.com
Service providers at this day spa's five New Orleans-area locations are extensively trained in Earthsavers' signature hands-on therapeutic approach to helping customers achieve total relaxation. Every treatment room is peaceful, diffused with aromatherapy oils and calming music. Hot towels, eye pillows and treated blankets wrap customers in relaxation. Special services include sinus and cold treatments and body reflexology.
Elizabeth A. Kinsley, MD
101 E. Fairway Dr., Suite 101, Covington, (985) 625-6837; www.doctorkinsley.com
Dr. Elizabeth Kinsley specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery from pre-op to post-procedure follow-up. Services include breast augmentation, liposuction, facelifts, lip enhancements and tummy tucks.
Franco's Lakeview Athletic Club
111 Robert E. Lee Blvd., 286-8801; www.francosnet.com
This innovative club constantly is implementing new programs and technology to make customers' workouts more effective and stimulating. The club features state-of-the-art equipment for strength training, boxing, cardiovascular workouts, weight training and more. It also offers power yoga, Pilates, step aerobics, youth fitness programs, seniors' programs, a mind and body studio, a daycare center, and equipment that allows customers to surf the Web, watch television, email, shop and track exercise progress -- all while working out.
H2O Salon & Spa
441 Metairie Road, Metairie, 835-4377; www.h2osalon-spa.com
Personal, unhurried attention and expert help with beauty needs are the hallmarks of this full-service salon/spa. In addition to haircutting, coloring and styling, H2O offers facials, massage, manicures, pedicures and more, as well as product lines from Aveda and Phyto.
Jewish Community Center
5342 St. Charles Ave., 897-0143; 6121 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 887-5158
The Goldring Fitness Center at the Uptown facility includes state-of-the-art equipment, classes, racquetball courts, baby-sitting services and more. Plus, the Kohlmann Men's and Women' Health Spa offers massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, a sauna, and steam rooms. Both JCC facilities provide a range of activities for men, women and children.
Make-Up Art
7736 Maple St., 862-0005
A day spa specializing in high-quality services delivered in an unintimidating atmosphere. The studio offers manicures, pedicures, aromatherapy, salt glow, paraffin treatments, superlifting anti-aging facials, and "almost painless" waxing. The studio also offers make-up application and lessons, as well as several lines of top-shelf cosmetics and beauty products.
New Orleans Athletic Club
222 N. Rampart St., 525-2375; www.neworleansathleticclub.com
Housed in an architecturally significant and lovely building, this 130-year-old fitness club provides a full range of exercise equipment, fitness classes, personal training and other club amenities. The club also offers members access to a beautiful Romanesque indoor swimming pool.
Nutri-Sport Nutrition Superstores
2309 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 828-3488; 2891 Hwy. 90, The Village, Mandeville, (985) 727-3482; www.nutrisportonline.com
Operated by prize-winning competitive bodybuilder Catherine Wilbert, Nutri-Sport is a "total wellness" resource that offers nutrition and exercise programs, massage therapy, natural and low-carbohydrate foods and high-quality supplements at prices 20 percent to 40 percent below suggested retail price.
Paris Parker at the Saulet
1400 Annunciation St., 528-1962; www.parisparker.com
An Aveda concept day spa is connected to a state-of-the-art fitness center that provides the latest equipment, including a high-tech cardio theater. The day spa offers a full menu of indulgent treatments, including facials, manicures and more. Paris Parker uses and sells Aveda's plant-based products and promotes the company's environmentally friendly and responsible philosophy.
Paris Parker Salon & Spa
4900 Prytania St., 891-8874; 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Lakeside Shopping Center, Metairie, 846-5256; 1400 Annunciation St., The Saulet, 528-1962; 6505 Spanish Fort Blvd., 282-8166; Hwy. 22, Mandeville, (985) 845-4404; (888) 990-2468
Paris Parker, Aveda concept salons offer day-spa services and provide haircutting, styling and coloring services, facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, and more in an atmosphere that focuses on a customers' complete enjoyment. Paris Parker also stocks all-natural Aveda products and provides expert advice about their use.
Positive Changes
4725 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Keller-Williams Building, Metairie, 888-6250
Professionals at Positive Changes provide counseling and hypnosis to help people conquer roadblocks to success and overcome bad habits. Programs include smoking cessation, weight loss, stress control, and even sales motivation and learning enhancement.
Salvation Studio
2917 Magazine St., Suite 202, 896-2200
Conveniently located on Magazine Street Uptown, Salvation Studio specializes in classes directed by highly trained instructors. Classes include spinning, body pump, yoga, aerobics and hip-hop dance classes. Plus, there are no membership dues or contracts.
Southeastern Expeditions
By appointment, (800) 868-7238; www.southeasternexpeditions.com
For 30 years, this company has provided high-quality whitewater rafting trips. Southeastern Expeditions offers water experiences for everyone, from "mild" family trips to heart-pounding excursions through Class V whitewater in Tennessee and Georgia.
Women's Athletic Club
701 Metairie Road, Metairie, 832-5002; www.womensathleticclub.com
The focus here is on total body fitness for women, and the staff stands ready to help each woman meet her individual goals. Members can choose to work out on Cybex equipment (specifically made to fit a female's body), do a cardio workout on a treadmill or EFX machine, work with a trainer, or participate in one of the 135 classes offered. Classes include yoga, Pilates, flex, spinning and more. The club also has a steam room.