HEALTH SPAS FOR FITNESS AND FUN

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Of course, the resorts mentioned here constitute only a sampling of the fitness spas available in the U.S. Most such enterprises will be happy to send you a brochure describing their facilities.

One of MOTHER's staffers recently attended a stress-reduction/learn-to-relax weekend at the Kripalu Center for Holistic Health in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania. Here are some of her impressions.

KRIPALU: REJUVENATION THROUGH RELAXATION

"How many ways do you depend on your body for everything you want in life?" This question — posed by the Kripalu Center for Holistic Health in virtually all of its literature — is really the cornerstone of the staffs philosophy. And, of course, it does help one realize how truly important good health, vitality, and a sense of well-being are to the enjoyment of day-to-day living.

As you might imagine, Kripalu — named after the late Swami Shri Kripalvanandji, who was guru to the founder — is more than a health resort. It's a complete New Age community situated on approximately 240 acres in the central section of eastern Pennsylvania, northwest of Reading. The Center for Holistic Health is only one portion of the complex, and was created four years ago in response to repeated requests for information — on diet, exercise, and such — from guests attending programs at the "parent" yoga retreat. The center's initial staff of three quickly blossomed into a contingent of 45 full-time workers, including health-care professionals in the areas of physical therapy, kinesiology, homeopathic medicine, and clinical psychology. Monthlong, week-long, and weekend programs are now conducted throughout the year . . . dealing with subjects as diverse as skin care, crisis counseling, raw juice fasting, and breaking the smoking habit.

There are few steadfast "rules" at Kripalu. The health center's staffers feel that the best regimen for one individual might not be as beneficial for another ... therefore, every guest is free to pick and choose from a variety of activities and health services. Personal growth is heavily emphasized, however, as is attunement to one's physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Guests are encouraged not only to eat healthful foods and to take plenty of exercise, but also to be reflective and to relax. The focus is on preventive care — through diet, stress reduction, yoga, and so forth — more than it is on healing. And, although there are two physicians and two physical therapists on staff, Kripalu doesn't advertise itself as a treatment center and makes no promises of quick cures.

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