by Jessica Hughes | May 22, 2023 | General Featured
by Jessica Hughes
FACE FOUNDRIE offers a relaxing and modern atmosphere for your best self-care needs. Photo by Kalen Jesse Photography
The Teddi B Workout focuses on fitness for women over 40 and is one of the latest fitness concepts to find a home in Cherry Creek North. Image credit: Teddi B Workout Facebook page
Summer is almost here and with it often comes a renewed focus on health and wellness and Cherry Creek North is just the place to reset and rejuvenate. With the highest concentration of local retail anywhere in Colorado, Cherry Creek North is often thought of as a retail and restaurant destination in Denver, but with its recent influx of wellness and fitness concepts, CCN is quickly becoming THE tourist destination.
“Cherry Creek North has long been viewed as Denver’s primary retail destination,” says Nick LeMasters, President & CEO at Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District. “There was a time in the mid ‘80s business owners were concerned about the new mall. But now, it’s fair to say that the mall became a catalyst for success as one of Denver’s most important tourist destinations.”
In addition to its retail and dining accolades, Cherry Creek North is also known for its numerous spas, nail bars, and lash studios, but in the last month several new wellness studios have found a home in the popular shopping district, making it Denver’s newest hub for all things health and beauty.
“The area is evolving on a couple of different levels,” says LeMasters. “While we are still known for tremendous dining and retail options, wellness is clearly the growing trend in the district.”
Joining other fitness studios such as Orange Theory and Barry’s Bootcamp, The Teddi B Workout is one of the latest fitness concepts to make its way to CCN. An OG in the fitness industry, Teddi Bryant — owner and fitness instructor at the Teddi B Workout — caters to women over 40 with her signature workouts. Her high-energy classes incorporate low-to-zero impact cardio, strength, posture, and balance components, plus Pilates.
Having just opened in March 2023, Bryant says, “We are killing it!” “I think the ease of being able to walk to a class, hit your favorite restaurant, and go shopping is the lifestyle that people want, and Cherry Creek is perfect for it.”
For a good summer workout, Bryant suggests her bootcamp which focuses on women’s bodies, and getting serious results in a short period of time. The bootcamps are held monthly and by reservation only through theteddibbootcamp.com.
Cherry Creek North is a top travel destination with its retail and dining options, plus its latest influx of health and wellness concepts. Image credit: Cherry Creek North
Treat yourself after your workout with a visit to FACE FOUNDRIÉ — an all-inclusive facial bar that specializes in facials, lashes, brows, and skincare. Opening in February 2023, FACE FOUNDRIÉ is one of the latest self-care and beauty concepts in CCN.
“We experienced that the pandemic left people wanting self-care and service-based businesses more than ever before,” says Cheyanne Thurston, VP of Marketing at FACE FOUNDRIÉ. “There was a general realization that self-care was important to the consumer after having limited access over the last few years.”
For summer treatments, Thurston suggests the Royal Treatment — a power-packed service that includes hydra dermabrasion, radiofrequency, ultrasound, oxygen infusion, and more! And while this is her number one recommendation, she emphasizes you can’t go wrong with any of their treatments.
If you’re feeling like a little pick me up is in order, get hooked with Prime IV Hydration & Wellness — a vitamin IV therapy using a proprietary blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids. The concoction hits the bloodstream directly, as opposed to oral supplements that can have a 20% absorption rate, giving cells rapid access to nutrients required for healing or performance.
“COVID had an enormous impact on how many of us viewed healthcare and evaluated how we can better care for ourselves,” says Rob Dahlager, owner of Prime IV Hydration & Wellness. “We find that people are more interested than ever in preventing illnesses and finding alternative solutions to traditional western medicine practices.”
Whether you’re traveling a lot this summer or planning some much-needed time in the sun, there is an IV formula for any lifestyle.
“We have IVs that are made for many activities in the summer,” says Dahlager. “Including our Glow and Skinny Drip for skin health and increased metabolism. Or if you enjoy the sun and fun just a bit too much, the Afterburn soothes sunburned skin and inflammation to relieve the sting. And for the jetsetter the Immunity Armor is necessary.”
As the area’s fastest growing business concepts, the wellness component helps to round out your day in Cherry Creek — where you can pair a morning of wellness and self-care with an afternoon of brunch or lunch, some retail therapy, and dinner and drinks at one of its renowned restaurants and bars for the ideal day-cation.
For a full list of businesses, visit cherrycreeknorth.com.
by Mark Smiley | May 22, 2023 | Travel
Camping season is here and many valley residents have already booked their reservations or will do so soon. There are obvious items you need for this sojourn and the below are no exception.
Coolers
Rugged Road: The Rugged Road 65 is the lightest premium cooler and has the capacity and ice retention that most consumers look for.
The coolers you take on a camping trip are not a small detail. You want something that will retain ice, keep your items cold, and be easily transportable. Many premium coolers today do not have wheels and they are heavy to carry.
Two coolers to consider for your next camping trip are the ROVR ROLLR 80 and the Rugged Road 65. The ROVR has wheels and the Rugged Road is the lightest premium cooler on the market.
ROVR is a company based in Longmont, Colorado, and they have a line of coolers in every size. The ROVR ROLLR 80 weighs 52 pounds empty so it is on the heavier side but the ease of wheeling this to your destination makes up for this. This cooler is ideal for camping trips as it has an official certification from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee for app
ROVR: The ROVR ROLLR 80 is a massive cooler that can haul dry goods such as chairs and umbrellas and also keep your items cold for days.
roved usage in areas shared with grizzlies.
It has an 80-quart capacity and holds up to 120 cans and 20 pounds of ice. It comes with a removable deepfreeze dry bin with two compartments that keeps items cold yet dry. And the nine-inch all-terrain tires make it easy to wheel across a soccer field, in sand, or to your campsite. The motogrip handle makes it comfortable to wheel with one or two people without bumping into the back of your feet.
This cooler is a one stop shop as it has functional accessories that allow for easier transport of items. The bin that velcros to the lid of the cooler pops up to tow items like chairs, blankets, and tents to your destination. It also converts into extra padding if you want to use the cooler as a chair.
The Rugged Road 65 is another cooler to consider as it is the lightest on the market, coming in at 13 pounds empty. It is almost 10 pounds lighter than the competition. And ice retention, which many people point to as a benchmark for a premium cooler, is outstanding. In our test, ice remained in the cooler for four days after use.
Accessories such as a snack pack and divider are included and there are four colors to choose from. Perhaps one of the coolest features and applicable for a camping or fishing trip, is that this cooler floats on water. It also has a detachable and reversible lid.
It holds 65 12-ounce cans and the size you see on the outside, is the size on the inside.
The ROVR ROLLR 80 retails for $549.99 and includes a five-year warranty and more information can be found on www.rovrproducts.com. The Rugged Road 65 fetches $349.99 with a lifetime warranty and can be found by visiting www.ruggedroadoutdoors.com.
Jacket
Coalatree: The Baseline Midlayer is a zippered lightweight jacket that is perfect for those cool nights of camping.
It may be chilly in the evenings on that camping trip so consider bringing the portable Baseline Midlayer made by Coalatree. Coalatree is based in Salt Lake City, and was founded in 2010. Their designs have eco-minded gear and apparel for athletes and photographers, to your average city folks, and weekend warriors.
The Baseline Midlayer is a zippered lightweight jacket that packs into one of its own pockets, keeping it in a tight, tidy package for when you’re not wearing it. It would also work well in a backpack. A technical midlayer is made with honeycomb fabric that doesn’t leave any microplastics behind in the wash. Spent coffee grounds are mixed and melted down with recycled plastic bottles to create the fibers.
Also, the fabric guarantees that the piece is anti-microbial and odor resistant. This jacket also has double reinforced stitching for enhanced durability. It retails for $99. To learn more, visit www.coalatree.com/products/baseline-layer.
Speaker: The XSound Mega is a Bluetooth speaker to consider for just about any activity. One of the nicest features is the fact that it is waterproof. It also delivers quality sound.
Portable Bluetooth Speaker
A speaker is a nice addition to any camping trip and the XSound Mega Bluetooth Speaker does not disappoint. It is a powerful, portable Bluetooth speaker that offers three listening modes: Music, XBass, and Audiobooks. This speaker offers enough horsepower to play at a backyard party or that camping trip you have planned. It features 30 watts of power and a frequency range of 60Hz to 20kHz.
The speaker is waterproof which is nice if you want to use it by the pool or if you get caught in the rain. XSound Mega features 5.0 Bluetooth connectivity and broadcast pairing so you can connect multiple speakers at once for party pairing. It’s waterproof, so it can be submerged in just over three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. The waterproof rating is IPX7 so you have no issue with using this speaker at the beach, lake, or pool; it’s also 100% splash-proof.
Rubber feet on the bottom panel keep the speaker firmly in place on flat surfaces. Another cool feature is the multicolor lights that synchronize with the music playing. The Tribit XSound Mega offers extra-long battery life of up to 20 hours depending on light modes and volume. We found this speaker easily lasted for days without charging and is also quick to charge fully when needed.
In addition to the USB-C charging point, the back includes a standard USB connector that lets you charge other devices. The Tribit also has a 3.5mm aux input. This port used to be a standard feature, but many recent portable speakers leave it out.
At time of press, this speaker has a price tag of $79.99 and can be purchased on www.tribit.com.
by Glendale Sports Center | May 22, 2023 | Glendale City News
The Health Beat
by Sandy McClain, Senior Director of Human Resources, YMCA of Metro Denver
A great first job can have a big impact. Just ask Denverite Nicole Riehl. While Riehl is now President & CEO of Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), she still distinctly remembers opening and looking at her very first paycheck from the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver.
“In that moment, I felt so grown up and proud of the work I had done to earn that paycheck,” she shared. “It was a huge milestone in my young life, and I was excited for the opportunity and the future career journey it represented.”
Riehl’s first jobs were at her childhood elementary school as part of the Arvada-Susan Duncan YMCA’s Before & After School Program and also as a lifeguard and swim teacher, which she did for a full summer before moving out of the area. At the Y, she quickly discovered a love for working with children and developing relationships with families, which would become central to her “future career journey.”
“It was very fulfilling to watch children develop new skills and achieve goals, and then help them share that news and celebrate with their families,” she shared. “These roles prepared me for my career in many ways. For example, I learned how to communicate with parents on their children’s progress. Swim lessons gave me the opportunity to develop and refine the ways to celebrate success and deliver constructive feedback, which are skills I have used throughout my career.”
Since that time, Riehl has served in several leadership development programs and continued to expand her skills working with children, families, and communities. Currently she leads EPIC, collaborating with other business executives and employers to advocate for early childhood policies and better workplace solutions for families.
“My direct experience with children and families is something that always guides my work whether I am testifying to a legislative committee or working with an employer to build on site childcare for their employees,” Riehl shared.
She also serves on the YMCA of Metro Denver Board of Directors, which Riehl described as “an incredible ‘full circle’ opportunity.”
“The Y was a safe place that supported my development and learning early on in my life,” she explained. “To volunteer and serve on the Board…has enabled me to see even more aspects of the great people and work behind the Y. The people are the ‘secret sauce’ to any great organization, and this is certainly true for the Y.”
Riehl volunteers on the board’s Programs Committee, which helps the Y integrate new programs and expand early childhood services to more families. She has recently played a key role in helping shape the Y’s implementation of Universal Preschool in Colorado.
Based on her own experience, lifeguarding and similar positions can be a great first jobs, and Riehl encourages teenagers and young adults to get connected with a job at the Y if they have the option. The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver is one of five associations across the state and, collectively, are one of its largest employers hiring year-around and seasonally for early child care teachers, summer camp counselors, swim instructors, child watch/Adventure Zone personnel, experience representatives, and more.
Interested in work that matters? Learn about seasonal, part-time, and full-time positions working with children and families for the YMCA of Metro Denver. Visit https://denverymca.org/employment.
by Jessica Hughes | Apr 21, 2023 | Travel
by Jessica Hughes
We’re not throwing shade your way, but it is that time of year when Coloradans love their patio time, taking in the sunsets, and cool summer evenings. But we all know that the sun is intense at our elevation. That’s where a good set of shades, not just for your eyes, but for your home as well, is a good investment.
Family owned and operated for several generations, Cherry Creek Shade & Drapery (CCSD) opened in 1968 by Kelcy Kershner’s grandmother. Then bought by her parents, the company has continued to operate as one of the top window treatment professionals along Colorado’s Front Range ever since. Kershner, an interior design consultant for the company, has been running the business with her dad, Doug Kershner, and her sister, Ashley Kershner, and loves the level of service their company is able to provide its clients.
Aside from their well-run family business, CCSD prides themselves on catering to their client’s personal style and needs. As opposed to big box stores where you might not get the personal attention you require, they provide an additional level of service and consideration. “We visit your home and work to cater to your personal style,” says Kelcy. “We offer suggestions and guide our clients through the process — treating it almost like an artform.”
Design, install, and repair. CCSD does it all. Their free in-home consultations are the ideal way to start your journey in picking out your interior or exterior window treat
ments with a m
aster installer alongside of you during the entire process. “Working with a personal designer that can offer recommendations and professional input, is helpful when it comes to making those hard decisions,” says Kelcy. “Not having to do all this on your own is an important component to this investment.”
Their in-house installers are professionally trained and come with years of experience. In fact, Ashley Kershner was named the first female master installer in the state of Colorado in 2012. “Our designers work to hand select almost everything for you including draperies, soft goods, custom pillows, exterior roller shades, and any kind of window covering, etc.,” says Kelcy. “We match our recommendations to your personal style and preferences.”
Plus, CCSD has spent years creating the largest inventory of products from some of the top name brands for window treatment and fabric manufacturers in the industry. Clients can shop their large showroom of products and fabrics, with over 100,000 fabrics to choose from, making it easier for your home to fit your personal style and taste. And with their variety of products to select from, it makes sticking to budget an achievable goal. And for the eco-conscious, a lot of their products focus on energy efficiencies such as using skylight coverings, cellular shades, thermal lining to draperies, and more.
So, stay cool this summer with custom window treatments that reflect your style and budget with Cherry Creek Shade & Drapery. Cherry Creek Shade & Drapery is located at 2438 E Sixth Ave in Denver. Visit www.cherrycreekshadesanddraperys.com for more information.
by Jessica Hughes | Apr 21, 2023 | General Featured
by Jessica Hughes
Cycle instructor, Allissa Benson, wins ClassPass’ Best Instructor 2022 Award.
Instructor Allissa Benson leads her students through a 45-minute energetic workout.
Local Denver indoor-cycling studio, High Ride Cycle, pedals its way to two national Best of ClassPass awards as the fitness craze of indoor cycling makes its way to the Mile High City.
ClassPass, a monthly membership platform providing access to thousands of studios, gyms, spas, and salons, recently announced their Best of ClassPass Awards and High Ride Cycle was among the winners. Despite such a competitive fitness market, High Ride Cycle beat out studios across the country with cities like L.A. and NYC that dominate this sector of the fitness world.
The “Best of” Awards recognize and honor the top five nominations across multiple categories including Best Wellness Business, Best Fitness Studio, and Best Instructor. This year, Denver’s High Ride Cycle is the only studio to bring home two awards: Best Fitness Studio and Best Instructor.
“It is incredible that we were selected among thousands of studios, and I am humbled to receive best instructor in the nation.,” says Allissa Benson, winner of ClassPass’ Best Instructor 2022 Award and VP of Marketing at High Ride Cycle. “It feels great to be recognized on this level.”
Known by the community for her tenacity, contagious passion, and enthusiasm, Benson’s 45-minute class is often waitlisted and defined by riders as an inspiring and intense experience.
“Winning this award means the world to me,” said Benson. “I pour my life and soul into what I do, and it validates my sense of purpose, affirms that I’m in the right place, at the right time. It is breathtaking to know that the people that inspire me every single day, are also inspired by me.”
Classes at High Ride Cycle are rhythm-based cardio incorporating weights and resistance for a full-body workout. The fitness experience combines choreography, music, lights, and a whole lot of personality for a 45-minute workout that is approachable for all levels. “It’s like a dance
High Ride Cycle wins ClassPass’ Best Fitness Studio Award 2022.
party on a bike,” says Benson. “The room is dark with a wild lighting system and loud music. It’s so immersive you forget how hard you are working.”
But Benson explains that what sets them apart from other cycle studios is their community. “There is a welcoming energy as soon as you arrive at the studio,” says Benson. The studio also doesn’t talk numbers. There is no scoreboard keeping track of calories or heartrate, which Benson also says separates them from other cycle studios.
“We don’t talk about output or measurement. There is no leader board,” says Benson. “This creates an environment that makes everyone feel welcome.”
For newcomers, don’t be intimidated. Benson says a lot of what they teach in every class is for first timers. “We make our new riders feel welcomed and supported,” says Benson. “We are constantly focused on the newcomers and creating the best experience for them.”
She also explains it takes about three to five classes to get into the groove. And says their new rider special supports that with five classes for $25. “That’s how long it takes to get used to our lingo.”
When High Ride Cycle opened its first location in Sloan’s Lake, founders Megan and Scott Hanson committed themselves to teaching a one class format with hopes of being well received. Today, the Hanson’s have surpassed their expectations with 5 “Best of ClassPass” awards under their belt, two thriving studio locations, nearly 30 energetic instructors, and plans to open a third location in Denver University’s neighborhood this spring.
For more information about High Ride Cycle, please visit highridecycle.com.
High Ride Cycle Locations:
High Ride Cycle, Sloan’s Lake
1711 Sheridan Boulevard A
Edgewater, CO 80214
High Ride Cycle, Northglenn
2145 E. 120th Ave. H
Northglenn, CO 80233
High Ride Cycle, University
(coming soon)
1316 E. Evans Ave. 150
Denver, CO 80210
Photos provided by High Ride Cycle
by Glendale Sports Center | Apr 21, 2023 | Glendale City News
by Amanda-Scates Preisinger, MPH, Senior Director of Health and Well-Being, YMCA of Metro Denver
Some say fitness is mind over matter, but true health requires both mind and matter. Mental health is how we think, act, and feel; We all have mental health. During Mental Health Month (this May), mental self-care is front-of-mind for us at the YMCA of Metro Denver, especially since we aim to provide workshops and experiences that promote mental health in our community.
Just ask Betsy Schwartz, Denverite and YMCA of Aurora member. “It’s all so connected — mental and physical health,” she shared with us recently. “I can see when I’m looking at the mirror in Body Pump class how much stronger my arms are, which is good for my mental health… There’s also endorphins that release when you really work up a sweat, and so I’ll bike.”
She is not alone. Recent studies have found that physical exercise can significantly improve mental health, and that regular, positive activity boosts cognitive function and can combat depression. This is true not only for older adults, but also for teens and pre-teens.
It’s particularly encouraging to work out in a space where you’re known and appreciated, which is why the YMCA is committed to providing Denverites a safe, encouraging community with opportunities for physical as well as mental self-care. “It’s all the benefits of physical exercise plus the community,” as Betsy has said.
In addition to improving physical health, finding ways to grow social/emotional skills and mindfulness can have other significant health benefits as well. The YMCA focuses on incorporating social and emotional elements throughout our programs. Samantha Church, manager of YMCA Out of School Time, manages teams that “build social and emotional pieces into our curriculum and check in with the kids every day. We have conversations about what it means to be a friend and how to express emotions in a healthy way.”
Her team members are also part of regular learning cohorts on trauma-informed care and how to provide kids with consistent emotional and social support.
Because of its importance, our YMCAs also offer a variety of programs focused specifically on mental health, including mindfulness. Betsy and a fellow member Jane recently joined the Y’s Mindful Eating Program and were both surprised about how much they learned to appreciate food and other aspects of life in the process.
“It’s slowed me down a little bit — to be aware,” Betsy explained. “It made me look at food not as a reward or something to avoid, but something to hopefully live with for a long time, slow down, taste it, and enjoy… It’s journey and a practice, kind of like yoga.”
“With mindful eating, you start applying the same tactics to other things you do,” Jane added. “It teaches you to appreciate what you have.”
In an increasingly stressful world, it is more important than ever before that we support each other mentally and emotionally to lead happy and healthy lives.
To learn more about our mental health workshops, events, and resources at the Y, please visit denverymca.org/mentalhealth.
