Today we share the latest segment in our series that follows Garden of the Gods Club Golf Director Gene Gabelmann, PGA, working with TPI-certified golf fitness trainer Lauralee Beerman to get his body ready for the summer golf season. Since having undergone corrective surgery for a back injury sustained in September 2012, Gene is now working to regain his strength and flexibility in order to enjoy peak performance out on the golf course. In today’s segment, Lauralee shows Gene how to use the Pilates Barrel to help strengthen his lower back.

Thanks for watching! If you are interested in learning how Lauralee may be able to help you reach your golf goals, please contact the Sports Club at 719.329.4009. For information about affordable golf or sports memberships at Garden of the Gods Club, we encourage you to chat with Membership Director Tracey Kalata (719.520.4980, tkalata@ggclub.com) and set up a private tour.

When it comes to creating artful wedding cakes, summer’s warm days and bright colors provide limitless inspiration. Today one of Garden of the Gods Club’s wedding cake vendors, Colorado Springs-based Chef Sugar’s Cakes & Confections, shares some of the top wedding cake trends for the summer. Whether you prefer a classic look or something that perfectly captures “you,” Heidi Trelstad of Chef Sugar’s can make it happen. Below you will find more info on some fun summer wedding cake trends.

A butter cream cake

1. Simple butter cream cakes. “This wedding season, we are seeing many people choose butter cream over the traditional fondant,” Heidi explained. “There is an almost endless variety of things you can do with butter cream, such as using textures, shapes, and patterns to create a unique cake.”

2. Elegant cakes. “On the other end of the spectrum, super elegant cakes are also in style right now,” Heidi said. “It’s interesting how most couples are either going with a very relaxed feel or a very traditional, elegant feel,” she continued. “There’s really not much in-between this season. To create a really classy look, we traditionally use fondant.”

3. Groom’s cakes. “Groom’s cakes are a huge trend right now,” Heidi said. “We’re actually seeing couples go all-out on the groom’s cake rather than the main wedding cake,” she added. “This is a great way to save a bit on the main cake and get really creative on the smaller cake. I’ve made groom’s cakes shaped like an Xbox, an airplane, the groom’s favorite vehicle, and more,” she laughed. “The groom’s cake is a great way to get as creative as you want.”

A wedding cake topper

4. Creative décor.  “This summer, a lot of couples are choosing vintage wedding-cake toppers,” Heidi explained. “For a while, couples opted out of the wedding cake toppers altogether, but creative figurines, such as glass-blown toppers, are really making a come-back,” she said. “We’re also seeing a lot of monochromatic cakes, cakes with fun patterns and textures, and cakes decorated with fresh flowers.”

5. Hand-painted wedding cakes. “Some couples get really creative and opt for a hand-painted wedding cake,” Heidi said. “I once created a cake for a couple who’d gotten engaged in Mexico and had these elaborately painted champagne flutes that they used to toast their engagement,” she explained. “They decided that they wanted a hand-painted cake to match perfectly with the champagne flutes,” she continued. “Many people request a hand-painted cake that is inspired by something meaningful to them, such as a picture, and article of clothing, or another memento.”

A cake with bold patterns

6. Color-coordinated cakes. “Many couples are choosing to coordinate both the inside and outside of their wedding cake with the colors of their wedding,” Heidi said. “For example, I’ve had brides choose to make each layer of their cake a different color that matches their flowers or bridesmaids’ dresses,” she described. “It’s kind of cool because it’s like a colorful surprise when you cut into the cake,” she continued. “I’ve also had people get extremely coordinated with a lavender-colored and lavender-flavored cake.”

To learn more about weddings and receptions at Garden of the Gods Club, contact Catering Manager Constanze Strader at 719.520.4978 or cstrader@ggclub.com. If you are looking for an excellent wedding cake vendor, or if you would like to enjoy some delightful pastries, Chef Sugar’s Cakes & Confections offers an excellent selection. To learn more, we encourage you to contact Chef Heidi at 719.260.8600 or info@chefsugar.com.

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.