 As the weather becomes warmer, people spend more time outside, in less clothing—causing fitness to rank higher on the priority list. They also make plans for parties, vacations and the rite of passage known as graduation. Throughout Los Gatos, numerous businesses are well prepared to make all of those celebrations more memorable.
This month, Tammy Parkinson, owner of Body Firm Personal Training, celebrates 10 years of business in fitness at the company's original Los Gatos location at 51 University Ave., D. Amazingly, Body Firm was the first personal training studio in town, and even has clients who've been with the company since the beginning.
"We train everyone from elite athletes to people who've been injured, from those seeking to achieve specific weight loss goals to people coping with diabetes and heart problems," says Parkinson. "We also offer seminars free to the public on a variety of fitness topics, from nutrition to pain-free workouts."
Parkinson bought into the business on January 2, 2000, after an epiphany while running.
"Running is one of my passions. While I was on my way to work late one morning, I saw an older lady running, and wondered when I would ever be able to enjoy a run before going to work," Parkinson says. "It sounds simple, but it was a life-changing moment for me. When you put it out there that you want to pursue that dream, you begin seeing ways to make that change and it comes your way."
Parkinson admits she wasn't always quite so fit. "A couple of years prior to buying the business, I'd begun training for marathons and triathlons, yet I remained overweight by 20 to 30 pounds. At that time, I dove into a nutrition program that took some time but finally enabled me to not only lose the weight but also become a certified nutritionist," she says.
She estimates about 90 percent of her clients train at the facility, while some do in-home training. Almost all of the fitness training is one-on-one, with participants averaging two to three visits a week.
With the 10-year anniversary this month, Parkinson implemented some new options for members, including a new circuit class and a boot-camp series. Her goal was to give people within the Body Firm family the opportunity to do other activities besides the one-on-one, particularly those looking to meet specific weight loss goals.
Circuit class is a one-month commitment two times per week, Monday and Wednesday at noon. Boot Camp is held outside of Body Firm and depends on the number of signups and trainers. The Ultimate Boot Camp Challenge is in June.
Certainly the business is a success, with 12 nationally certified trainers (most with bachelor's or master's degrees in sports-specific fields, along with four chiropractic doctors), besides Parkinson.
As part of the 10-year anniversary celebration, new clients who sign up for eight- or 12-session packages (one month) will receive them at 1994 prices (about $45 per hour). Call 408.395.3519 for additional details.
For any parent who's experienced the nightmare of trying to provide the perfect prom dance, graduation or even wedding experience for a daughter, several business owners in town can make the drama a little easier to take.
What do you do when the "perfect dress" doesn't quite fit and no one can style your hair on short notice? Call on the sister-sister team of Farrah Barari and Belgi Proushani.
Farrah, who owns Fashion Pro, located at 114 Royce St., Suite E, provides excellent alterations and exquisite bustle work (even for evening gowns). "What I love best is making my clients feel good about themselves—and when the clothes fit beautifully, they feel more beautiful and confident," Barari says.
Although she's been in business at the same location for two years, she's hoping to partner with another seamstress.
Fashion Pro is available for appointments most weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 408.354.8292.
Belgi, who owns both Café Rouge and Biba Salon for Children, supplies lovely and classic up-dos in a peaceful environment (much needed for both the frazzled moms and teens). Biba, located at 44 Elm St. (conveniently located next to her coffee shop), offers an oasis of calm at her serene little shop, and focuses on making children and teens feel relaxed and comfortable as she cuts and/or styles their hair.
Biba Salon for Children is currently open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and closed Monday. Services are available by appointment on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. The salon can be reached by calling 408.395.9562.
The American Business Women's Association invites the public to join them for their monthly meeting at The Toll House, located at 140 S. Santa Cruz Blvd. on June 7 at 6:30 p.m. Dinner cost is $20 for nonmembers and $15 for members. Call Rita Romero at 408.294.1646 for reservations.
Also, the Toll House holds its Winery of the Month event on June 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Fireplace Lounge. Call 408.395.7070 for details and reservations.
Do you have or know about a cool new Los Gatos business, a hot news tip or a business anniversary or special event to announce? We'd love to hear about it. Contact Michelle C. Crowe at 408.378.9056 or a1writers@hotmail.com.
Michelle C. Crowe is a Silicon Valley-based freelance writer
and editor.
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