Colorado Review

A few days ago I posted a photo of the Hot Springs Pool in Glenwood Springs. My family and I went swimming here on Saturday and had a ball. It wasn’t nearly as crowded as summer Saturdays (though it was busy). My favorite time to visit the pool is in the fall — when there’s a nip in the air, the warm water feels so good! And the smaller “therapy pool” (about 104 degrees F) feels amazing on sore muscles.

And I got word that construction is set to begin in October on a brand-new spa in the historic 1888 bathhouse building. This is a boon to visitors and locals who love pampering massages (um, me!). There has long been an athletic club in the bathhouse (you pay extra for the fitness center’s membership) and I’ve received massages there before, but it’s got such a sporty vibe. I’m into peacefulness and relaxation when I get pampered. I’m hoping this new spa will deliver that.

The spa will have eight treatment rooms and one specialized wet treatment room (for something like a Vichy shower perhaps?). Manis and pedis will be available, too. Plans call for the spa to open in summer/fall 2008.

We’ll see how much competition this new spa will give the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves, just down the street. I’m a fan of this spa, even with its rustic atmosphere. It’s just so unusual, with its underground hot mineral steam baths known as the “Vapor Caves.” This is an all-natural steam treatment in caves that the Ute Indians used for healing centuries ago.

Unfortunately, the 50-minute massages at the Yampah Spa have increased in price — they’re now $75, which is a far cry from the $49 I paid 10 years ago. So, I haven’t been there recently for treatments, but would recommend the caves to anyone visiting the area. Spend as much time as you’d like below ground for $12; add the caves onto a treatment for $9. More unusual treatments include the Chocolate Bliss Wrap and the Rose Petal & Cream Body Masque, as well as herbal mineral baths in private Jacuzzis (nice to share with your significant other!).

Colorado, spas, Glenwood Springs, Hot Springs Pool

Coloradoans are the thinnest folks in the country, according to the annual report from CalorieLab., Inc.

Research shows that 17.6 percent of Colorado residents are obese, compared to 30.6 percent of people who live in Mississippi, the fattest state.

This report isn’t so surprising to me. When I moved to Aspen from New York City 13 years ago, I marveled at the fitness levels among locals. In NYC, you’d ask someone, “What do you do?” meaning, “What do you do for work?” Whereas at a bar in Colorado, to strike up a conversation you might ask, “What did you do?” meaning, “Did you hike, bike, kayak, ski, golf, run or play tennis today?”

It’s no wonder Coloradoans are so fit. The mountains are our outdoor playground.

For the full report and breakdown of the other U.S. States, click here.

Colorado, fitness