ENCINITAS — How many people can count the number of resolutions they’ve made as the new year dawns on one hand? Not many. Most people have to use all their fingers and toes to keep track of the numerous promises to get in shape, eat healthier, lose weight, quit smoking and cut down on the caffeine.
The number of wellness-based merchants and service providers in downtown Encinitas is a reflection of the community’s core character. The importance placed on the well-being of body, mind and soul is one of the reasons many people call the city home.
The Downtown Encinitas Mainstreet Association is committed to supporting the plethora of merchants providing fitness-, health- and wellness-related services located downtown. It’s also excited to maintain Encinitas as a community known for its health-conscious, active lifestyle.
In January, there is an elevated interest in transitioning the vow to become more fit into reality. As a result, the group is organizing its second annual Wellness Week from Jan. 22 through Jan. 28 as a way to spotlight wellness merchants as well as provide an opportunity for customers to make good on their resolutions.
The idea is simple. Wellness merchants offer a variety of incentives to try them out including discounts on goods and services, free consultations and classes. “It’s a chance to actually experience the environment of each merchant,” said Rick Moore, the association’s business liaison. “That leads to an appreciation of the diversity of businesses in the broad general category of wellness located right in downtown.”
For many customers who are already living a healthy lifestyle, it’s an opportunity to broaden their horizons. How many times have you wondered exactly what happens during an acupuncture session? Does intimidation describe how you feel when you think of all the different types of yoga offered and wonder how to decide which one is right for you?
Moore said he asked himself these questions and hopes the week will provide an opportunity for residents to try new activities without the fear and pressure that sometimes accompanies a new endeavor. “We wanted to make it fun and exciting to try something new with one of the local merchants and service providers,” he said.
In downtown alone there are three personal training gyms, a Pilates studio, six yoga studies, five fitness-related merchandisers, six general wellness and holistic health businesses, seven chiropractors as well as dentists and general medical practitioners.
Having the opportunity to learn more about each merchant is invaluable to both the customer and the business. Dr. Ian Hoffman, who practices along with his wife Dr. Lindsay at Chiropractic Health and Chiropractic Health and Happiness, said the best result of Wellness Week is that people will become more educated on what wellness is really all about. “As wellness chiropractors it’s about promoting wellness as opposed to just treating symptoms,” he said. “Many people come here as a proactive measure to increase energy and vitality as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”
At Anahata Yoga, owner Ana Costa said her style is designed for people who are at first hesitant to embark on a yoga practice. It’s also a flow that is good for all levels — even if you are already a yogi. “There’s no reason to be intimidated or embarrassed,” she said. “A 65-year-old woman just started practicing and loves it.
“People become healthier, happier and more connected with their hearts rather than their minds when they practice yoga,” Costa said. “I’m looking forward to introducing people to a heart-centered yoga practice.”
Better Bodies By Chemistry (BBBC), is an online vitamin and mineral supplement merchant with an office on Second Street. “We offer free nutritional consultations,” said owner Candace Botts. BBBC carries a private-label vitamin and supplement line as well as high-quality vitamins and supplements, mineral makeup and medicinal teas.
“A lot of people aren’t familiar with the things that go with total body wellness,” she said. “Encinitas is a community that supports local businesses and this week is a good opportunity to educate the community.”
For more information, visit encinitas101.com.
