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5 Ways to Pamper And Destress in Pasadena

Maya Richard-Craven |
October 15, 2013 | 4:55 p.m. PDT

Staff Reporter

Pasadena Bar Method Studio (Maya Richard-Craven).
Pasadena Bar Method Studio (Maya Richard-Craven).

1. Bar Method 

There is nothing better than beginning a day of pampering with the perfect workout. Try the hour-long cardio-meets-Pilates class called Bar Method in Pasadena.

Bar Method trainers encourage clients to improve muscle mass through small repeated pulses, known as isometric movements. All Bar Method workouts are divided into several sections to increase upper and lower body strength. Between each set of exercises, the trainer instructs clients to stretch if they are experiencing any muscle tension or tightness.

Before and after workouts, clients have access to locker room amenities, such as their own locker, ice water, towel and shower room.

If this sounds nice but you're out of shape, no worries -- several levels of courses are offered, ranging from level 1 for beginners to level 3 for full-time athletes. 

Tip: Hate working out? Bring a girlfriend along so you can suffer through the pain of squats and pulses together.

2. Juice Farm 

A juice for every appetite (Maya Richard-Craven).
A juice for every appetite (Maya Richard-Craven).

Step outside Bar Method and head on over to Juice Farm, the only juice bar located in Pasadena. There is a plethora of antioxidant-filled fresh-pressed juicessmoothies, wellness shots and cleanses

Their Acai Bowl and CocoKookie smoothie are to die for. The light and sweet Acai Bowl includes hemp-seed granola, banana slices, and crushed bee pollen atop a Green Tornado Smoothie. The Green Tornado Smoothie is a mix of acai, sliced strawberries and bananas, crushed bee pollen, spinach leaves and fresh-pressed apple juice.

If you're craving something a liittle richer, you should go for the the CocoKookie, a blend of fresh almond milk, whole-grain oats, cinnamon, blueberries, honey, raisins and raw coconut meat. 

Tip: Been feeling sick lately? Try one of the wellness shots from the wellness board. Wellness shots increase energy and balance and contain fruits high in antioxidants. 

3. Bird Pick Tea and Leaf 

If you're not a big smoothie fan, grab a tea instead. Bird Pick Tea and Leaf is a great alternative to Juice Farm and is located on the same block as Delacey Nails (your next stop on the agenda). Loose-leaf and packaged teas are offered.

Recommendations: the Iced Jasmine Green Tea and the Tropical Sunrise White Hibiscus. Both are sweetened with honey, but they aren’t too sweet. View the menu here

Tip: Know someone who just can't get enough tea? Purchase teas and settings online. 

Staff Reporter Maya Richard-Craven gets a manicure at Delacey Nails and Salon (Dr. Leslie Richard).
Staff Reporter Maya Richard-Craven gets a manicure at Delacey Nails and Salon (Dr. Leslie Richard).

4. Delacey Nails and Salon 

This is where most girls in Pasadena go before formals, dances and proms. Recognizable faces abound, as it is the most dependable salon in Pasadena. Delacey is located in the heart of Old Town Pasadena -- one block west of Bar Method. 

Tip: Due for a waxing as well? Ask for Kelly and it will be painless, promise.

5. Urth Caffé 

You have exercised, stopped for a drink and stopped at the nail salon. Now it is time to get some lunch. Head five blocks east down Colorado Boulevard to the popular L.A.-only spot, Urth Caffé. The lines are always out the door, and yet the wait can be as short as five minutes.

Urthe Caffe is famous for their drinks (traveladvisor.com).
Urthe Caffe is famous for their drinks (traveladvisor.com).

There are rows of vegan and non-vegan pastries and five different kinds of unsweetened, tapioca or Boba-iced teas. View the extensive breakfast and lunch menus online here. There are two lines at Urth Caffé, so have someone you are with stand in line to order while you wait for seating. Your wait time will be over before you know it. 

Tip: Wondering what the best way is to end a day of pampering? A long nap! So cruise home and curl up on your couch to sleep through the rest of the afternoon.

Contact Staff Reporter Maya Richard-Craven here.



 

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