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Ah, the holidays. 'Tis the season to be tired, worn-out and spread thin.
If you're already putting your high-speed connection to good use with some
stress-free online shopping, good for you. But don't stop there.
Holiday gifts aren't the only things that can be delivered to your home. A phone call or a few clicks of a mouse can transform your home into a spa, gym, gourmet restaurant or vineyard.
Whether you need some pampering, primping, or an escape from the madness of gift-wrapping, cooking and partying, keep reading for our suggestions for turning your home into an oasis – or just a really fun place to be.
OC EXERICSE
www.ocexercise.com;
949-510-7224
If you can't seem to make the drive to the gym or can't stand the idea of sharing sweat space with strangers, call Michael Fuerst.
Fuerst has built a growing network of personal trainers, nutritionists and massage therapists who can help you get in shape without leaving your home.
Fuerst, who says he earned a degree in fitness and muscle training in Germany, also trains clients, arriving at their homes in a van loaded with weights, exercise balls, flex bands, water and fresh towels.
He'll even go through a client's cupboards, helping read nutritional labels and making dietary suggestions. He doesn't create diets for clients, though – he leaves that to his certified nutritionists.
Clients range in age from 16 to 75 and most aren't looking for an extreme makeover. "Many are in good shape, but they want to get in the next level," Fuerst says. "Maybe they want more stamina for a trip, or want to fit into a dress that's been sitting in a closet for a while – people who just want to step it up a little.
"I have many athletes who want to prepare for a marathon or something."
Fuerst says he works regularly with five trainers, and has access to about 30 others in the county.
"I want to be a source to anyone who wants to have one-on-one training at their home," he says. "I will lead them to the right person, because everyone I work with I have to trust."
Years in business: Launched in summer 2005.
Cost: Training rates start at $45 an hour and vary according to training needs, travel time, and the experience level of the trainer.
Packages range from a Starter Park of five one-hour lessons for $219 to a $2,999 six-week makeover special. This makeover includes supplements, training, twice-a-day sessions and a meeting with a nutritionist. Gift certificates are available.
Strong endorsement: Pamela Knight, 44, of Lake Forest signed up for the six-week makeover program.
"I definitely needed it," says Knight, who is being trained by Fuerst. "I really needed a kick-start and see quick results. I love it."
In her sixth week of training, Knight says she hasn't lost as much weight as she had hoped, but has seen a big increase in stamina.
She has worked with other personal trainers in the past, but says Fuerst always brings something new to her workouts. "He mixes it up a lot and is really good at seeing where you're at that day mentally and physically," she says. "Everything is difficult to do, but (it's suited) to your capabilities.