Dmitry Yashkin
Where do you go to get fit?

BEST HEALTH CLUB FOR WORKING OUT

Urban Body Fitness

THE LOWDOWN: Way more than towel service and complimentary green tea, Urban Body is an overwhelming barrage of free weights, cardio machines, strength-training equipment, group fitness classes and a training staff well worth the price tag.
THE BASICS: 742 Ponce de Leon Place. 404-885-1499. www.urbanbodyfitness.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Colony Square Athletic Club

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Flirting can be a workout, too …

BEST HEALTH CLUB FOR FLIRTING

LA Fitness

THE LOWDOWN: Let’s face it—you aren’t going to sign up for a membership at LA Fitness unless you’re already in shape, or not far off. The perfect spot for mingling with other body-conscious, image-obsessed Atlantans.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations. www.lafitness.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Crunch

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Hot Yoga

BEST FITNESS TREND

Hot Yoga

THE LOWDOWN: If you’re just not satisfied with the average stretching and chakra-cleansing yoga fitness routine, try turning up the heat—literally. Burning off water weight while in downward-facing dog mode sounds like a good idea in theory, but how much fun can it really be to work out in a sauna with 15 other people, you ask? Trust us (or at least our readers)—it’s the best way to fill up your fitness schedule.
THE RUNNER-UP: Boot Camp

BEST DIET FOR ATLANTANS

The South Beach Diet

THE LOWDOWN: You know the rules, Atlanta: no fat, no sugar, no carbs = no fun. Remember when the Atkins Diet was the big fad? Apparently, Dr. Arthur Agatston’s similar-but-different approach, which distinguishes between “good fats” and “bad fats” and targets the latter, still has legs, according to our readers.
THE RUNNER-UP: Weight Watchers

Courtesy of Natural Body Spa & Shoppe
Arnica Friction massage at Natural Body & Shoppe

BEST DAY SPA

NATURAL BODY SPA & SHOPPE

THE LOWDOWN: Taking an au natural approach, Natural Body abides by environmentally friendly standards and incorporates water into every spa service. The Shoppe offers two proprietary lines, Australian-based Jurlique and the herbal Naturopathica line, while the Spa features aromatherapy, anti-aging treatments, body therapies, facials, enzyme peels and nail services, in addition to massages.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations. www.naturalbody.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Spa Sydell

BEST YOGA CLASS

Stillwater Yoga Studio

THE LOWDOWN: A proprietor of Iyengar Yoga, this studio aims to focus on the alignment of asanas—so that you’ll feel whole, in mind, body and spirit. Stillwater aims to bring the religious fulfillment of yoga back into the over-popularized fitness routine, and supplements classes and training sessions with a reading room and additional workshops.
THE BASICS: 931 Monroe Dr. 404-607-9090. www.stillyoga.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Decatur Yoga & Pilates

Courtesy of Spa Sydell
Work out your muscles with the stretch massage at Spa Sydell.

BEST PLACE TO GET A MASSAGE:

Spa Sydell

THE LOWDOWN: The service at Spa Sydell is so personalized that you’d never know it’s a chain. Its long list of offerings includes Massage Stretch, Pre-Natal Massage, Hot Stone Massage and Lymphatic Facial Massage, along with Swedish, Sport and Deep Tissue varieties.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations. 404-255-7727. www.spasydell.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Natural Body Spa & Shoppe

BEST MASSEUSE:

Tom Price at Blue MedSpa

THE LOWDOWN: With experience working in a chiropractor’s office, Tom is extremely knowledgeable about the body. He’s strong, yet gentle when he needs to be, and knows where to find your problem areas. His grand presence and intense commitment to massage make him extremely popular. Of course looking like Superman doesn’t hurt, either.
THE BASICS: 190 10th St. 404-815-8880. www.bluemedspa.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Shannon Ring at Sweetgrass

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Piedmont Park

BEST JOGGING PATH

Piedmont Park

THE LOWDOWN: In addition to its beautiful greenery and prime people-watching opportunities, Piedmont Park offers a number of different walking and jogging paths, including the moderate .7-mile Active Oval; the .96-mile Lake Loop, which circles Lake Clara Meer; the 1.15-mile Lake & Active Oval; and the 1.68-mile Park Loop, which provides the longest course and greatest change in elevation. Or you can mix and match to suit your fitness level.
THE BASICS: www.piedmontpark.org.
THE RUNNER-UP: Freedom Parkway

BEST HIKING TRAIL

Chattahoochee Nature Center

THE LOWDOWN: Tens of thousands of hikers and nature enthusiasts make the trek to this scenic Roswell enclave each year to observe more than 75 native animal species and to hike a variety of picturesque trails. The Center also hosts guided hikes, including bird-watching hikes, as well as a number of other programs for children and adults.
THE BASICS: 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. www.chattnaturecenter.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Courtesy of the Georgia Department of Economic Development
The Silver Comet Trail

BEST BIKE RIDE

The Silver Comet Trail

THE LOWDOWN: This paved route along a former rail line serves as a shining example of what a bike path should be. Running from Smyrna to the Alabama state line (a total of 61 miles), where it connects to the Chief Ladiga Trail, the path is easily accessible, scenic and open to pedestrians, dog walkers, horse riders, skaters and cyclists of all levels of experiences.
THE BASICS: www.silvercomettrail.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Piedmont Park

BEST BIKE SHOP

Atlanta Velo Exchange

THE LOWDOWN: Whether you’re in the market for a new GT, Time or UNO track bike, or just want to browse an assortment of high-end used models, AVX is the place for you. It’s also a hub for cycling enthusiasts, who take off from the shop several nights a week for group rides.
THE BASICS: 857 Collier Road, Suite 20. 404-869-2393. www.avxbikes.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Outback Bikes