Give Your Valentine a Relaxing, Rejuvenating Gift

Forget the typical flowers and candy, and give your sweetheart an extraordinary gift of luxury. This year, treat the ones you love to spa services that will rejuvenate their mind and relieve stress.

Anyone who's ever had a massage knows the wonderful, relaxing feeling of having their aches and pains massaged away by a licensed massage therapist. How about a facial to remove impurities and moisturize dehydrated skin? Or, how about a manicure and pedicure to get your hands and feet ready for an exciting evening out on the town?

Massages: The Best Way to Relax

"The best gift to give this Valentine's Day is a relaxing one," says Brandon Adams, national spa director at Life Time Fitness, the leader in fitness and total body wellness. "The holidays can put an undue amount of stress on everyone while they shop, plan and host holiday parties, family gatherings and other events. With the holidays over, it's time to relax and take a moment for yourself."

Massages offer a way to wind down and forget about daily worries, like work, family, soccer practice and piano lessons. Most spas offer a variety of massages so it's important to ask the right questions when selecting your massage service. Always ask if the massage therapist is licensed and certified, and how long he or she has been practicing. And ask about the length of time allotted for your massage.

Most relaxation massages are for the entire body, but you can select a massage that targets a specific area such as your back or feet. If you are looking for an intense massage, a deep tissue sports massage is a great choice. Some massages incorporate aromatherapy or hot stones, and others use different massage techniques like Swedish (most common, using long strokes) or shiatsu (pressure points). If you're unsure which to select, ask your massage therapist which one is right for you.

Remove Impurities with Facials

Great for both men and women, a facial deep cleans your skin and reduces stress. It usually includes a relaxing scalp and cranial massage, as well as an upper body and arm massage. A certified esthetician will examine your skin and recommend a hydrating or cleansing process based on your skin's needs.

Some customized facials include chemical peels to smooth rough texture and reduce signs of aging. After your facial, you may want to consider a hair cut or make-up application to look and feel your best.

Care for Your Hands and Feet

Your feet and hands are often the first parts of your body to be neglected. Why not give your Valentine a great gift that won't leave your wallet empty? Manicures begin at $25 and nail technicians will trim your nails and cuticles, moisturize your cuticles and hands, and polish your nails using high-quality nail polish for a beautiful finish and shine. While you're getting a manicure, don't forget about your feet. Pedicures are great for those special evenings that call for "strappy" shoes and sandals.

Spa services are great for men and women. Surprise your Valentine with a relaxing spa service instead of a box of chocolates for a gift they'll never forget. For more information on Life Time Fitness, visit its Web site at www.lifetimefitness.com or call (952) 947-0000.

Courtesy of ARA Content