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HEALTH & FITNESS
The In Rome Now Guide to gyms, exercise classes, workouts, care and pampering of the body and mind.
Acanto Day Spa
We were impressed the minute we entered this relatively new spa in the heart of Rome’s historic center. The interior, an intriguing and luxurious blend of ancient Roman bath and Far Eastern elegance, amazed us. As regal as the surroundings may be, the staff is warm and friendly. Alessandra, one of the owners, told us, “We want our clients to know there is a high level of seriousness and passion, that what we do, transcends the beauty of the center’s exquisite décor.” In the ancient tradition of Ayurvedic and Thailandese body care, massage treatments are tailored to individual needs. The spa offers an extensive list of services. The choice of massage therapies ranges from relaxation to energizing, slimming, cervical, circulatory, reflexology. We love the therapeutic herbal massage, an hour and half of relaxation and body therapy using a mix of aromatic herbs. The house specialty, a Balinese treat called “SaBai SaBai” is exclusive to the Acanto Day Spa. A relaxing romantic occasion for two, this two-hour treatment begins with a sumptious bath in a stone vessel filled with milk and floating flower petals, and finishes with a ninety-minute “pas de deux” as the couple is massaged in tandem. The two-level facility includes spacious changing rooms, showers, a relaxation salon, private treatment areas, a thermal pool, sauna and Turkish bath, and adjoins the stylish Café Universale. Piazza Rondonini (near the Pantheon) 30 tel 06 681 36602 www.acantospa.it
Monday noon-9 pm; Tuesday –Saturday 10 am – 9 pm; closed Sunday.
Erboisteria La Minerva
In the centuries-old tradition of a Mediterranean erboristeria, Francesca has stocked her shop with a all natural products derived from Phytocomplexes (multi plant extracts), Spagyric (alchemy applied to medicinal production) as well as Ayurvedic medicines from both Italian and Indian manufacturers including the celebrated Maharishi Ayurveda line. For sensitive or allergic skins, she also stocks natural cosmetics. She is a valuable source of information, directing her costumers to alternative health care sources such as specialists in ayurvedic massage, yoga, Panchakarma treatment, meditation and Oneness Dikdma.
Via Santa Caterina da Siena 44 (Piazza della Minerva, Pantheon) tel 06 679 2854
Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am – 7 pm. Closed Mondays
Proprioceptive Therapy - a Holistic Approach to Resolve Chronic Pain
Podiatric Physician and Surgeon Dr. Brian A. Rothbart has a long list of impressive credits. He is the inventor of Proprioceptive Insoles incorporating Medial Column Technology, holder of four US patents, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pain Management, Member of the American Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Academy of Biomechanics, as well as former Associate Professor at the Department of Internal Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine and former Team Podiatrist for the Seattle Supersonics professional basketball team. Through his extensive research, he has developed a unique approach to resolving the problem of chronic pain. Dr. Rothbart points out that "The chronic pain you are having in your knees, in your hips, in your back, in your neck or jaw, often comes from bad posture. And bad posture often comes from your feet." His approach does not involve drugs or surgery, and invites the patient to become pro active in his or her own recovery. To learn more or to set up a consultation, click here www.rothbart.org
Ari's Nails
Miami transplant Stephanie and her staff have brought the concept of the nail spa to Rome. The atmosphere is restful, Asian influenced; the Queen's massage chair is awesome, and you'll be offered a glass of wine or chamagne. The salon uses the best American products, such as NSI, creative & OPI and carries the Avlon Kera hair care line. Ari's is a full-service salon, offering massages, body treatments, brow shaping, waxing and facials as well as luxurious manicures.
via del Sudario 39 (near Largo Argentina) tel 06 682 12190 ari's website
Nailbar
This modern new salon is, in fact, set up like a bar, with rows of brightly colored polish on the shelves below the alcoholic beverages. They pride themselves in treating Rome clients to a New York-style manicure, with three to four coats of polish, careful attention paid to cuticles, and instruments sterilized with a state of the art system used by doctors and dentists. Also on offer are gels and fills, and pedicures, both aesthetic and curative, performed in the luxury of massage chairs. For the body, there is a sun shower, massages and peels. A menu of facial treatments is on offer, using the French Decleor line and the Lanèche range of products from Holland. Parties can be booked for a girls night out, complete with real beverages at the bar, and for special occasions a makeup artist is on call. Nailbar is the sole Italian retailer of American Nails products, which ironically, are manufactured in Germany. Non Italian-speakers will be relieved to know that the friendly beauty consultant, Suzanne Thompson, is English.
via Ara Coeli 35
(near Piazza Venezia) tel 06 693 80479
Tidirò
Furnished with an eclectic collection of natural woods, oversized pillows, and images of '70s pop icons, it's not only one of the few places in Rome where you can find macrobiotic cooking, it's also a source for shiatsu massages (the first one is free), yoga, Tai-chi and cooking classes, as well as roundtables on philosophy, art and music. The reasonably priced vegan menu includes a delicious banana nut cake made without eggs or butter — you have to taste it to believe it. And the organic beer is produced by the only female brew master in Italy. Visit their website for more details.
Via Mattonato, 42 (Trastevere) tel 06 581 0626 www.tidiro.net
Fitness
Pre-Natal Yoga and Yoga for All Occasions
Joan Geller has lived with yoga for four decades. She has been privileged to study with many luminous teachers who have given her a wide range of yoga tools : hatha yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises), philosophy, yoga therapy, and sanskrit. Instruction is tailored to each person’s needs to achieve harmony ,clarity and strength in the mind,breath,emotions, and the body. During pregnancy ,yoga practice is designed for each stage of pregnancy to fully enjoy prenatal life and have a more relaxed birth. She is teaches both private and small groups in Trastevere.
tel 06 580 3377 or email jogeller@tin.it.
Equilibria
In the hub of Rome’s historic center, Equilibria is a spacious studio offering lessons in the classic Pilates method and gyrotonic, the latest discipline for fitness enthusiasts. This is one of the few fully equipped studios in Rome with the original Pilates equipment. Gyrotonic places emphasis on the mind-body connection. Developed in the 1970s by Juliu Horvath, a Romanian-born dancer, the exercises use weighted machines to work the body in the path of its natural energy flow, while using the breath to open restricted areas. It’s a three-dimensional circular system based on elements of yoga, swimming, tai chi and dance. Both trainers at the studio were trained at the New York school Power Pilates, and by master trainers Michael Frizke and Ton Voogt (who were trained by Romana Krysanowska). Spanish, English and Italian spoken.
Fee: quoted upon request.
Open: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 8 pm. Saturdays 8 am - 2 pm Reservations are necessary.
Salita dei Crescenzi, 30 (just steps from th Pantheon) tel 06 681 34415
email: equilibria_roma@yahoo.com Link to website Equilibria
Fitness First
In the fifteen years since Fitness First was founded in London, the chain has grown to 500 clubs in Europe, Asia and Australia, with more than 1.3 million members. The firm’s philosophy is to make daily workouts accessible and fun. Their extensive hours, from eight in the morning till eleven at night, and from nine in the morning to ten at night on weekends, go a long way towards making a daily workout possible. All Fitness First clubs are designed along a similar floor plan — a spacious and bright atmosphere, with comfortable, stylish dressing rooms and areas for relaxation. The facilities are equipped with sauna and Turkish bath, and use the latest exercise equipment. One hard-to-find but important feature is the personalized TV screen with headsets at the cardiovascular stations, which really helps make those minutes on the treadmill fly by. The clubs even offer free DVD and VHS rental. Classes are structured around a range of fitness levels from beginner to athlete. Personal trainers provide one-on-one customized programs. The Fitness First clubs can be found in cities throughout Italy. There are three facilities in Rome:
Roma Decathlon Viale Schiavonetti 325 (Tuscolana) tel 06 72672974 romadeca@fitnessfirst.it
Roma Aurelia, Via Aurelia 740 (near the Vatican) tel 06 66410498 romaaurelia@fitnessfirst.it
Roma Termini, Via Giolitti 44 (Termini Station) tel 06 47826300 romatermini@fitnessfirst.it
www.fitnessfirst.com
Fitnessland
Fitnessland provides clients with both personal training and courses reminiscent of fitness centers in luxury hotels. Founder Mario Nuzzi and instructor Andrea Reali combine elements of weight lifting, cardio workouts, and stretching to create a balanced, healthy, and effective personal training regime, catering to all fitness levels. Their wide selection of courses includes more gentle workouts for beginners, such as Ginnastica Dolce, Pilates, or Posturale. For those who prefer more rigorous workouts they offer Spinning, FitBoxe, and Total Body. And if you are looking for a change, they offer Savate (French-style boxing) and salsa dancing. For children, they offer karate and dance classes. Fees: Monthly memberships begin at €35, with special offers for families and students. Open: Monday – Friday from 9 am – 10:30 pm; and Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm.
Via Aurelia, 350 (not far from the Vatican) tel 06 66.144.969 www.fitnessland-roma.it
Power Pilates by Patricia Medros
Medros provides her Roman clientele with classes identical to those offered in the Pilates’ epicenter, New York City. In addition to personalized instruction, she provides training for those who wish to become certified Pilates instructors themselves. A Chicago native, Medros is a graphic artist turned Pilates instructor who switched careers in 1999 and never looked back. She says that the move to Rome gave her the opportunity to offer the classical instruction of Joe Pilates that has transformed not only her body, but also her life. Her intimate studio offers training for small groups (up to 5), “duets,” and private training.
Via di San Pantaleo, 69/a (Piazza Navona) tel 339 753 8609 www.powerpilates.it
PilatesSpace II
A certified instructor, trained under Ellie Herman, Mary J. Sant’Eufemia has recently moved her studio from East Hampton, New York to the quiet streets of Trastevere. In addition to her experience as a Pilates instructor, Sant’Eufemia draws upon her 20+ years in private practice as a hypnotherapist and psychotherapist to facilitate a strong mind-body connection. Her studio provides the calming environment and personalized attention essential to Pilates work.
Via Pietro Peretti, 22 (Trastevere) www.maryjsanteufemia.com
Spazio Danza Fitness
This two-story facility is funky. Don't expect fancy dressing rooms or shiny new machines. The focus is on classes, offered in two studios, including body sculpting, step dance, and interval training, all part of the monthly fee. There are also martial arts classes, as well as kick-boxing, mat Pilates, and all sorts of dance classes.
Fees: €10,50 daily; single lessons €9; monthly €67; sauna €9 yearly membership including sauna €110
Dance, self-defense and Pilates classes are billed separately.
Open: Monday - Friday, 9 am - 9:45 pm; Saturday, 9 am - 7:45 pm
Via Monte della Farina 14 (near Largo Argentina) tel 06 688 05454
La Fitness
This small gym emphasizes personal training and independent work outs. A trainer is on duty at all times to help you design a program and to supervise you, but you may not get much attention if the gym is busy.
Fees: Annual membership €45 plus monthly payments of €70, reduced for 3 month, 6 month and yearly subscriptions.
Open: Monday-Saturday 10 am - 2 pm; 3:30 -7:30 pm; Saturday, 9 am - 8 pm; Sunday, 10 am - 1 pm
Via de Moro, 8 (Trastevere) tel 06 583 35646
Trastevere Fitness
A few blocks from the center of Trastevere, this recently opened facility offers a large weight and cardiac room, comfortable dressing areas, a large studio for classes, sauna, steam solarium, a café and a beauty center. The trainer on duty in the weight room will offer to make you a "libretto" with a program that he will monitor and update monthly. Classes in mat Pilates, tone up, hi-low step, and and gag (gluts, abs and legs) are offered. For an additional fee, karate, tae kwon do, belly dancing, kick boxing and other classes are available.
Fees: €70 monthly with reductions for 3, 6 and 12 month subscriptions. Use of sauna and solarium included.
Open Monday-Friday, 9 am -11 pm; Saturday, till 1 pm.
Via Degli Orti di Trastevere 60/66 (Trastevere) tel 06 583 01778
Dabliu Barberini and other Dabliu locations
This facility is a branch of a chain of fitness clubs. Located a short walk from Piazza Barberini, it has a weight room, with cardiac machines, as well as a variety of classes, including supersculpt, stretching, gag, and spinning, using Schwinn machines. There's a sauna in the dressing area, and the beauty center offers massages and facials.
Also at Via Regina Margherita 210
Open:Monday-Friday, 8 am - 10 pm; Saturday from 9 am, Sunday from 10 am.
Fees: Annual membership fee €45 plus asic monthly fee of €90, varies with individual locations. Locker rentals, Spinning and personal trainers at additional cost.
A newly opened facility in Parioli, at Viale Romania 2 near Piazza Ungheria offers a pool and "aqua spinning," Kniepp aromatherapy, and a solarium. The Prati facility at Viale Giulio Cesare 43, also offers personal trainers, a juice bar and internet point, as well as hair styling.
Via San Nicola da Tolentino, 30 (near Piazza Barberini)
tel 06 42120 125 15 or 800 690 409
tel 06 478 26300
Moves
A small but attractive facility divided into two studios — one for machines and weights, the other for classes, including Pilates matwork, classic, funk and, jazz dance, aerobics, stretching, aeroboxe, yoga, tai chi, total body workout, corpo libero, gag and gym music. Classes in karate are offered for children, teenagers and adults.
Fees: €750 yearly membership; weights + classes €950; six months €540; 3 months €340 one month €140
Single lessons: €15; Monthly fees for classes range from €80 – €125
Open: Monday - Friday 9 am –9:30 pm; Pilates matwork, Tues. – Thurs. 8:30 pm; Saturday,12 pm – 4 pm, Sunday, 10 am – 1 pm.
Via dei Coronari 46 (near Piazza Navona) tel 06 686 4989
Rome Sports Center
Located in the Villa Borghese underground parking facility, this is one of the oldest fitness clubs in Rome. The focus is on machines, though gymnastic classes are also available. A variety of services are offered: sauna, swimming pool, bar-restaurant, internet point and a beauty center. Instructors are also on hand.
Fee: On request Open: Monday – Saturday 8 am – 10 pm; Sunday, 9 am –3 pm
Via Galoppatoio, 33 Tel 06 361 4226
White Cloud
The 300 square meter space is run by Pietro Gagliardi, master gyrotonic trainer and ex-dancer.
Fee: Group classes approximately €15 a session, individual lessons €35 – 40
Open: Monday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm
Via G. B. Tiepolo, 13A (Lungotevere Flaminio)
Sporting Prati
This small gym offers both machines and exercise classes. Weights, treadmills, bicyling and resistence machines are neatly packed into one spacious studio, while a smaller one is dedicated to cardio strengthening. Other studio spaces are used for a variety of exercise classes including Pilates matwork, toning and stretching, total body, gag, free movement, step, cardio tone, dance, funk, just pump and total body. Small mini-bar and dressing room facilities.
Fees: annual membership €600 - €550, monthly €75; €15 for single class or machine use; Pilates €65.
Open: Monday – Friday 10 am –10:30 pm; Saturday, 10 am –6:30 pm
Via Germanico 101/a Tel 32 19 132
Also see: Spas and Salons
In Rome Now Travel Guide: Rome Italy, Health, Fitness, Gyms, Spas, Beauty
