The Oaks at Ojai
It seems everyone is taking cruises and for bundles of great reasons. They're a smart way to relax, have fun and enjoy the at sea and on land vistas. They're also in almost every vacationer's budget. I love them for one more outstanding reason. They're a way to take care of our insides and outsides.
Can we be honest? Is there any one amongst us who doesn't, at least once in a while, love to have the experience of being pampered? As active adults we're often doing zillions of things for others, including career and family related needs. This leaves little time to do good things for ourselves. What's a body to do? That's where a cruise can fit and fills this need to a T. (If you've been a caretaker or have the responsibility for children at home, cut out and keep this article. You need some pampering straight away.)
As you compare cruise lines and what they offer, I hope you'll seriously check out what each offers in the way of pampering. Here are some tips and the why's behind my recommendations.
Yoga: Always one of my personal favorites because of the components of balancing and stretching, yoga is a popular pastime on any cruise ship for men and women. Please do not think you must be ultra limber or have taken yoga at home to enjoy this. But please do tell your instructor about any health concerns. You should never feel pain or discomfort during a yoga session.
Pool Exercises: Absolutely a must for those of us who have joint problems or injuries and cannot take part in other fitness programs. Aqua exercise is low impact and fun. And you do not need to how swim to have a great workout.
Dance Classes: Waltzing to line dancing, it is excellent exercise. On board your cruise ship you can try out new steps or even take lessons for the first time. What fun, especially if you and your partner are enjoying all the romance of the cruise.
Personal Training: Many cruise ships have personal trainers to work with you and work out an individual fitness program that you can take home and keep up. Often you'll have to make an appointment, but this might be your best pampering possibility. Would you actually hire a personal trainer at home? If the answer's no, then do it on the ship.
Massage: Decadent? Absolutely not. Massage relaxes and rejuvenates the mind and body. Your choices are as varied as the array of food at the buffet. I especially recommend the aromatherapy massages and the natural salt "glow" rubs and baths. You can often choose to focus on hands, face, eye and hair treatments too. A massage is a sensual and relaxing experience and always comfortably done by professionals, so there's no need to feel awkward even if it's your first massage ever.
Facial and Hair Salons: This could become an addition. If it's been eons since you've had a facial or had your hair done because it's Tuesday (or Friday or Monday morning), then do not pass up this opportunity. You'll feel glamorous and what could be more perfect that to have that feeling at sea.
Menu Pampering: In years past many who chose to cruise came home too full of the too wonderful food. Pamper yourself by selecting the freshest fruits and vegetables, perhaps enjoying one or two vegetarian meals each day. You might also want to have a fat-free day and then the next pamper yourself with a lovely, but reasonably sized portion of cheesecake or other gloriously rich dessert.
If you're even considering a cruise this year, add pampering and fitness to the top of your needs. You'll be glad you've made this commit as a way to stay fit for life.
