Massage therapists like helping people.

Many of us have enjoyed a good massage and know just how relaxing it can be. A massage can relax your body and mind, knead your sore muscles, or transport you to a place far away; however, very few of us know what it’s like from the other perspective—the massage therapist.

We have interviewed our very own  Kyle Kolashinski, massage therapist at the Salon and Spa at Garden of the Gods Club, for his perspective on his work. Kyle has more than 19 years of experience as a massage therapist and is also trained in medical massage. Read on for a glimpse into the world of a massage therapist!

GGC:  How does your day at work begin?
Kyle Kolashinski:  I arrive at the spa in the morning to set up the room, turn on the heating bed, and take a look my schedule for the day and upcoming week. Every day is different because everyone’s body is different, which enables me to address different concerns or requests at each guest’s visit.

GGC:  What do you love most about your job?
KK:  I love coming into work each day because the Spa and Salon at Garden of the Gods Club draws people from all over the world, allowing me to meet new people all the time. The most important reason I love being a massage therapist is that I am able to help people. Guests visit us for various reasons (i.e. to release stress, address an injury, or for relaxation) and I am able to make people feel better or help them to forget their day for a period of time. That’s really special.

GGC:  What are some of the main reasons people come to you for a massage?
KK:  Relaxation massages are popular because many of our guests have hectic and stressful schedules or they take care of someone in their personal life or for their job. These massages allow us, as massage therapists, to cater to them and let them leave their worries behind.

The other popular reason for a massage is for therapy. Since many of our Members and guests are golfers, we see some common strains to the lower back, neck, and shoulders as well as some sports injuries.

GGC:  How often should one get a massage?
KK:  I recommend at least once per month. Massages are good on many levels—the skin, muscles, skeletal system, and even the organs. Don’t think of it as a luxury, think of it as maintenance. Just like our houses and our cars, our body needs work. So take care of yourself!

To learn more about the massage services offered at the Spa and Salon at Garden of the Gods Club, or to request an appointment with Kyle or another talented massage therapist, please contact the Spa Concierge at 719.520.4988 or ggcspa@ggclub.com.

Congratulations! You’ve made it halfway through the week—to Wednesday! Whether you’re an avid golfer or enjoy another sport, we invite you to continue following along as Garden of the Gods Club Sports Club Manager Lauralee Beerman helps Gene Gabelmann, the Club’s director of golf, get his body back in shape for the summer golf season. After undergoing corrective surgery following a back injury in September 2012, Gene is ready to get back in shape and get back out on the golf course. Today, Lauralee—who is Titleist Performance Institute certified in golf fitness—helps Gene use Pilates techniques to build core strength.

Thanks for watching. If you are interested in learning more about membership at Garden of the Gods Club, we encourage you to contact Membership Director Tracey Kalata at 719.520.4980 or tkalata@ggclub.com. To schedule a session with Lauralee, please contact the Sports Club at 719.329.4009.

Not only do Garden of the Gods Club Members get to enjoy the best view in town, but they are also able to cultivate relationships with one another at our themed dinners and wide array of social events. This summer, Garden of the Gods Club Members and their guests can look forward to evenings filled with delicious, themed buffet nights! In June, Members will enjoy a fabulous “All You Can Fish” seafood buffet, featuring fresh seafood selections. In July, All-American ’50s Night will take diners back in time to enjoy classic American dishes like burgers, fries, and milkshakes. And in August, the savory, hearty fare of Western Buffet Night will leave Members and guests wanting more! To take a peek inside these fun, themed buffet nights, we invite you to watch the video below. Warning: Watching the following video may make you want to get up and dance!

Have we piqued your interest in learning more about social dining memberships at Garden of the Gods Club? If so, we invite you to schedule a time to chat with our Membership Director Tracey Kalata. Tracey will be happy to show you around the Club and help you find your place in the Club community. You can reach Tracey at 719.520.4980 or tkalata@ggclub.com.

Garden of the Gods Club’s Hiking Club participants enjoy a local trail.

For many Coloradoans, hiking is a part of life. In addition to being an economical form of exercise, hiking also carries many health benefits. You don’t have to be an expert hiker to reap the benefits of the exercise. No matter what your hiking experience level may be, there is no doubt that being outdoors is good for your mind, body, and soul. Read on for some of the health benefits of hiking according to our own Lauralee Beerman, sports club manager at Garden of the Gods Club.

1. Hiking helps prevent heart disease. “Hiking decreases triglyceride levels and increases HDL [good cholesterol], which can reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and strokes,” Lauralee explained.

2. Hiking eats up extra calories. “Hiking is a great form of weight control, as it burns calories; you can burn 300 to 500 calories per hour,” Lauralee said.

3. Hiking can make your bones stronger. Going on regular hikes can help develop strong bones and slow down bone loss. In her Livestrong article “Ten reasons why hiking is good for you,” Kathryn Meininger writes that “the CDC encourages those who have arthritis to hike for 150 minutes per week because it keeps the joints flexible and also helps prevent joint stiffness affiliated with osteoporosis.”

4. Hiking promotes holistic wellness. According to a 10-year study on green exercise conducted by Dr. Jo Barton and colleagues from the University of Essex, exercising outdoors far exceeds indoor exercise when it comes to its effects on mood and self-esteem. The University of Essex’s Green Exercise Study found that outdoor activities, like hiking, minimized feelings of tension, anger and depression in three out of four participants and raised self-esteem levels in almost two-thirds of its participants. “Unlike an indoor exercise class, hiking allows you to connect with the beauty and smells of the outdoors and enables you to see new areas as well as meet new people,” Lauralee added.

5. Hiking helps stabilize blood sugar levels. In her article “Ten reasons why hiking is good for you,” Meininger also writes, “Regular hiking can help control, or even prevent, diabetes by lowering your blood sugar levels. Hiking exercises your muscles, which moves glucose from the bloodstream for energy.” So if you went a little overboard on dessert last night, not to worry! Lace up your hiking shoes and get out for some fresh air and gorgeous Colorado views!

6. Hiking helps you catch some “rays”. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps your body absorb calcium. Calcium helps you maintain strong muscles and bones. Ten minutes of direct sunlight daily is all you need to maintain your vitamin D levels, so get out there and hike your way to better health!

Aside from the great health benefits, hiking is a wonderful outlet for meeting new people and connecting with nature. For more information on sports memberships at Garden of the Gods Club, which include access to personal training, group fitness classes, and hiking and biking clubs, please contact Director of Membership Tracey Kalata at 719.520.4980 or tkalata@ggclub.com.

Last Wednesday, we began following along as Garden of the Gods Club Sports Club Manager Lauralee Beerman helps Gene Gabelmann, Garden of the Gods Club’s director of golf, prepare for the summer season. After sustaining a back injury and undergoing surgery in September 2012, Gene is working to regain back and core strength to meet his fitness goals for the 2013 summer golf season. Today we have the opportunity to take a peek into the second portion of Gene’s fitness evaluation, as Lauralee–who is Titleist Performance Institute certified in golf fitness–works to create a program tailored to meet his needs.

If you are interested in learning more about membership at Garden of the Gods Club, we encourage you to contact Membership Director Tracey Kalata at 719.520.4980 or tkalata@ggclub.com.  To schedule a session with Lauralee, please contact the Sports Club at 719.329.4009.

During the summer season, Garden of the Gods Club’s tennis courts come alive with activity. Set against the base of Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods Club Members and guests enjoy connecting over tennis while taking in the gorgeous mountain views. Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Tom Van De Hey, Garden of the Gods Club’s director of tennis, about what makes the summer tennis programs unique. Keep reading to learn more.

With blue skies and sunshine, summer is a great time to play tennis at GGC!

Garden of the Gods Club (GGC): Tell me a bit about the summer tennis programs offered at GGC.
Tom Van De Hey (TV): We really offer something for nearly everybody. In addition to private and group lessons for nearly every tennis level, we also offer adult and junior leagues, a variety of tennis drills, social mixers, and other social events. We try to cover all the bases. If somebody is looking for instruction, we’ve got that, but if somebody is just looking for a great place to hit some tennis balls, we also offer that.

Further, we also work with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), which is a multi-layered organization. This means that tennis players who want to compete can do so at the local level, the district level, the sectional level, and even the national level, depending on their individual progress and goals.

GGC: What is some of the feedback that you have received from GGC Members and guests about the summer tennis programs?
TV: Well, when I first started directing the tennis programs at GGC nine years ago, there was little activity in the tennis department. Since then, we’ve grown the tennis programs tremendously. A Member who brings her two children for tennis lessons recently let me know how pleased she is with the high level of instruction and passion we incorporate into every lesson.

Another GGC Member in his mid 80s, who is used to getting out on the court at least four to five times per week, recently had a knee replacement. He needed some help getting back into the sport, and he has communicated to me his gratitude for the help in regaining his strength.

I think what truly sets the tennis programs at GGC apart from others is the genuine, personalized  service and attention that people receive when they’re here. I’m just passionate about what I do. After spending nearly 40 years teaching, directing, and playing tennis with a wide variety of people, I’ve encountered nearly everything out there. And that’s really shaped my drive to meet people where they are while helping them to develop their game.

GGC: Can you tell me about the tennis pros who you will be working with this summer?
TV: Yes. When I hire the summer tennis pros, I have the opportunity to hand-pick them based on their character. Ethan and Alec, this summer’s pros, are really great guys. I’ve known them since they were eight and nine years old, and they have really developed over the years. They’ve participated in most of the programs that they’ll be helping to facilitate. They are two solid, sharp kids who address more than just the mechanics of tennis when they’re out on the court. They have a personal interest in helping others and in helping kids develop their game. They’re very enthusiastic and attentive people.

GGC: Can you describe the Pikes Peak Pow Wow, GGC’s summer tennis tournament (July 12-14)?
TV: The intent behind this tournament is for both locals and non-locals to gather for a weekend and play as much tennis as possible. The tournament format allows people to come in, play tennis, and meet a variety of other tennis players while enjoying camaraderie with one another. It’s a great, socially competitive weekend.

The summer tennis programs at Garden of the Gods Club are a great way to develop your game while meeting others who enjoy tennis. To learn more about sports memberships at Garden of the Gods Club, contact Membership Director Tracey Kalata at 719.520.4980 or tkalata@ggclub.com.

With the heat of summer approaching, the last thing you want is your hair sticking to your neck! Check out these easy and classy up-do hairstyles we have created for you just in time for summer! These up-dos are not only cute and classy, but they are easy to create for all hair lengths and take only minutes to create.

Side-braided low chignon

1.  Side-braided low chignon.
Start by French-braiding your hair along one side of your hairline (either side is fine). Anchor the braid at the end with a bobby pin. Once the braid is pinned, gather your remaining hair and twist it into a chignon (bun). Then anchor the look with a hair tie and/or bobby pins.

Ponytail with front poof

2.  High ponytail with front poof.
Gather the top front section of your hair, lifting and pushing it forward for some height, and then pin it in place. Put the remaining hair into a mid-ponytail and anchor it with a hair tie. Then take a small section of hair from your ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie. Anchor this piece of hair with a bobby pin; make sure to hide it within the ponytail so the metal is not exposed.

Chignon with front twists

3.  Chignon with front twists.
Around the front of your head twist small sections of your hair and anchor each piece with a bobby pin. Create as many twists for your own unique look. After the twists are pinned, gather the rest of your hair and twist it into a chignon. You may need several bobby pins to anchor the chignon.

For further assistance in creating any of these looks, or if you would like to schedule a hair styling appointment at the Spa and Salon at Garden of the Gods Club, please call the Spa Concierge at 719.520.4988.

Those of you who have played sports or who have been involved in physical activities know that injuries can happen to the best of us. Garden of the Gods Club Golf Dierctor Gene Gabelmann, PGA, knows this all too well. After sustaining a back injury and undergoing surgery in September 2012, Gene worked with Titleist Performance Institute (TPI)-certified Sports Club Manager Lauralee Beerman to regain essential back and core strength, flexibility, balance, and other physical attributes that are critical to golf performance.

This spring and summer, we invite you to follow Gene’s journey each Wednesday as Lauralee helps him get back in shape for a great golf season. Click “play” on the video below to watch Gene’s initial evaluation as he prepares to meet his fitness goals for the 2013 summer golf season. In future videos, Lauralee will demonstrate specific exercises and strategies that will help Gene improve his overall fitness — and ultimately his golf game!

Following a well-rounded fitness program can help you play your best out on the course!  In addition to access to our championship, 27-hole golf course, Golf Members at Garden of the Gods Club enjoy access to our Sports Club, which features personal trainers, a variety of group fitness classes, cardio and weight equipment, and other amenities designed to help Members stay active.  To learn more about membership in Garden of the Gods Club, we encourage you to contact Membership Director Tracey Kalata directly at 719.520.4980 or tkalata@ggclub.com.

Stay at the Lodge during the PPIHC to enjoy amazing Pikes Peak views and a great room rate!

Colorado Springs is no stranger to natural beauty! Stunning views of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains often awake the adventurous side of both residents and visitors. Perhaps one of the most daring events of the summer season is the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), a much-anticipated automobile and motorcycle race in which the face of Pikes Peak morphs into an international raceway.

Also referred to as the “race to the clouds,” the PPIHC is one of the oldest automobile and motorcycle hill climbs in the United States. During this celebrated event, competitors race a 12.42-mile course up to the summit of Colorado Springs’ beloved “fourteener,” Pikes Peak.  National and international racers alike hope to make it to the finish line at 14,110 feet. To view some excellent photography captured from last year’s PPIHC, check out the official online photo gallery.

In honor of this internationally-celebrated race, the Lodge at Garden of the Gods Club is pleased to offer a special guest room rate for those who simply can’t get enough of the gorgeous view of Pikes Peak during the event.  From Thursday, June 27, through Monday, July 1, those who are in town for the PPIHC can enjoy a special rate of just $189 per night for a Club room (a savings up of up to $35 per night!). In addition to this great deal, Lodge guests will also receive a voucher for a 15 percent discount if they stay at the Lodge again next year, during the 2014 PPIHC. Click here to make your reservation now using the promo code “PROHIL.” If you have any questions about this Lodge special, please contact Sales Manager Bliss Krucas at 719.520.4989 or bkrucas@ggclub.com.

*This special rate is valid from Thursday, June 27, to Monday, July 1, 2013, is not valid on previously booked reservations, and may not be used in combination with any other discounts or offers.

As the weather (finally!) begins to warm up, many residents of Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas look forward to a variety of fun festivals and events. For both residents and visitors alike, festivals and other events are a great way to enjoy art, music, education, wine, camaraderie, and other activities. This spring and summer, grab your family and friends and check out one of these events; you will have a blast!

This spring and summer, enjoy a variety of fun events, such as 5K runs.

1. Cañon City Music and Blossom Festival – May 2 – 5. The Cañon City Music and Blossom Festival is a longstanding city tradition, with the first recorded festival taking place in the 1860s. This eclectic festival includes a carnival, a parade (Sat., May 4), a variety of craft fairs, concerts, a 5K race, and marching band competitions. To learn more, click here.

Adults and children alike will enjoy the 20th Annual Hummingbird Festival.

2. 20th Annual Hummingbird Festival – May 11. Bird lovers will not want to miss this fun event! On Saturday, May 11, grab your family and head to the Starsmore Discovery Center in Colorado Springs.  Children will enjoy arts and crafts, magicians, and educational booths. There will also be a silent auction, great food, and live bands. For details, click here.

3. 1st Annual Jackie Bullard Trail Run and Ranch Festival – May 11. This festival is put on by the Fight Against Melanoma Research & Education Foundation, and will take place at the Historic Triple B Ranch in Woodland Park. In addition to 5K and 2K trail runs, there will be a day even open to the public that will feature hayrides, arena rides, a bounce house, and more. Click here to learn more.

4. Passages: Experience the Bible Like Never Before – starts May 16. Passages is a “40,000-square-foot, interactive living-history attraction that chronicles the remarkable story behind the most-debated, most-banned, best-selling book of all time: the Bible.” This exhibit includes the world’s largest collection of rare biblical text and artifacts, interactive activities, rooms, games, and more. For more information, visit the Passages website.

5. Territory Days – May 25. This Labor Day weekend, visit nearby Old Colorado City for the historic Territory Days festival. With an “old west” theme, this festival combines live entertainment, food, crafts, demonstrations, and more to deliver a fun time. Click here for additional information.

Wine lovers will enjoy the Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival.

6. Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival – June 1. If you are a wine lover, you won’t want to miss one of Colorado’s best wine festivals. On Saturday, June 1, visit Memorial Park in Manitou Springs to enjoy wine samples from 25 Colorado wineries, as well as delicious food and live entertainment. Click here for details.

7. Springs Spree – June 15. The Springs Spree has grown to become one of the most popular weekends in Colorado Springs, with a wide mix of food, music, and vendors. This festival will take place in Memorial Park in Colorado Springs. To learn more, click here.

8. Pikes Peak Celtic Festival – June 28 – 30. The first annual Pikes Peak Celtic Festival will take place in Memorial Park in Colorado Springs, staring on Friday, June 28. This festival will be a celebration of Celtic culture, featuring Celtic rock groups, traditional music, dancers, food, Pipe bands, and more. Click here for more info.

9. Pikes Peak Arts Fest – July 5 – 7. From July 5 – 7, art lovers of all kinds are encouraged to visit America the Beautiful park in Colorado Springs for the 9th annual Pikes Peak Arts Fest. This event is free to the public, and it features more than 100 visual artist booths. Stage performances and other activities will captivate those who are artistic at heart. Click here to learn more.

We hope you have the opportunity to experience one of these fun events! If you will be traveling through the Colorado Springs area in the near future, consider staying at the Lodge at Garden of the Gods Club, which is conveniently located within minutes of local family-friendly attractions such as Garden of the Gods, Rock Ledge Historic Ranch, Seven Falls, and Cave of the Winds. In addition to a wide array of popular area events and festivals, you and your family will enjoy incredible mountain views and an unusually spacious guest room or suite. To learn more about the Lodge, or to make a reservation, visit us online.