STAN'S STORY

Hello Carson City! I’ve been reading these stories for months now and I find them very interesting. As I am part of the Paradise community I find the tales give me a sense of pride. 

When I read the stories as a person going into life’s 3rd act they give me hope. I am so happy for the people featured in them because they have overcome so much. 

But as fascinating as the stories are, I noticed there was something missing from them. My story is totally different from all the stories so far, so I told Starr and Perry that I wanted to tell my story. What’s different about me is that there was nothing seriously wrong with me when I came to Paradise. I was merely suffering from sitting disease and since I retired, a case of house gravity.

I swear, Hollywood could make fifty films based on the lives of the struggles of the people in the Paradise community. 

So far as I know, there are no Supermen working out at the facility. There may be a spy, or two, but if there are they are really good, ‘cause they’ve got me fooled! So I am not talking about those kinds of movies. 
I’m talking about films about every day people overcoming every day, but terrible physical problems. Real heroes overcoming real problems. My problem is a fear of drowning, not water, just drowning. 
But here is my message to you – don’t let your health get so bad that someone could turn your life into a heart breaking, disaster film. That’s no way to treat your family. 

I don’t have any major physical problems. I am fairly fit for a man my age. And I plan to stay that way. That’s why I came to Paradise in the first place. 
I wasn’t exactly ready for the Senior Olympics, mind you. I had my aches and pains. And things that were so simple when I was young, and/or younger, had become challenges. Things like climbing stairs two at a time or squatting down to pick up a quarter off the floor. Before I started coming to Paradise, I was starting to wonder when Washington was going to abolish stairs in favor of escalators! 

Now? I don’t mind taking the stairs, and I’m comfortable getting in the water to exercise. 

I guess what I’m saying is… wake up, people! We’re all getting older, and there is no Fountain of Youth. Actually, there is. It’s here at Paradise. 

Taking an hour long pool exercise class three times a week is not going to make you look like Johnny Depp or Madonna. But… hey, wait a minute. They’re both pushing sixty, so maybe you can look that good… if you’re 45! For sure, you’ll feel stronger and more energetic. 
It’s pretty simple stuff, friends. A healthy life is a better life. No matter what other problems you may have in this strange experience we call life, being healthy makes them easier. Ask anyone here, they’ll tell you so. But you already know this, right? Do you really need to suffer a major health setback to get your act together enough to do what you already know you need to do?

CYNTHIA'S STORY

I’d put some weight on after my first hip replacement surgery. Talk about rubbing salt into a fresh wound, huh? 

Hip replacement surgery, while becoming more and more common, is not a little thing. It’s a last resort, when all else has failed to alleviate debilitating pain. I am talking about excruciating pain from walking. Just from walking. Not from running a marathon, or climbing a mountain. Just from walking. 

Walking is a simple pleasure. I took it for granted, until I could barely do it anymore. So, I was looking forward to walking again, after my surgery. Then I put on weight while recovering, which made it hard to walk. Clearly, I needed a Plan B. “Come with me to paradise,” a friend said. That became Plan B. It should have been Plan A.

My friend had been taking water cardio classes at Paradise three times a week, when she urged me to join her. She’d lost weight. I’ve always loved being around water, so I was not hesitant to join her when she pointed out the obvious to me. You are buoyant in the water, so exercising is not tantamount to taking a literal physical pounding. In fact, exercising in water is so easy on your joints that it doesn’t hurt. You hardly know you are working out, until the results become obvious. I had just never thought of exercising in water until she brought it up. 
I lost 20 pounds pretty quickly. All the weight I’d put on after surgery melted off in the Paradise pool. I wonder how much body fat has melted off in that pool? A lot! 

Did I mention that working out at Paradise is actually fun? It is! So much fun that it’s addictive. It’s a good thing that it’s addictive, because I had to have a second hip replacement surgery. 
Shotgun, both barrels. Bang, Bang! But I’m not dead! “Missed me, missed me, Mr. Reaper, you ain’t gonna kiss me!” 
Recovering from the second surgery was much easier than the first, and I credit Starr and the rest of the Paradise staff for that. If not for them, I’d have been in poor physical condition going into the operating room. 
But three-a-week sessions following my first hip replacement made it possible for me to skip a lot of pain and suffering after my second. And for that, I am eternally grateful, to Starr and the Paradise people, and my friend who introduced me to Paradise. 

I’ve been going to Paradise for a year and a half. The term ROI springs to mind when I think about Paradise. ROI stands for Return On Investment. 
I’m no Warren Buffet. I don’t have much money invest. But I have time to invest. Time to invest in myself. And after my first hip replacement, I realized it was time to invest in myself. In my health. 
What have I gotten in return for my investment? Better health, obviously. Physical and mental. Just ask my husband. 
Three times a week. Are you seriously going to tell me you can’t afford that? Are you going to tell me that your time is so precious that you can’t afford to invest some of it in your health? Seriously? 

STARR GETS CERTIFIED BY THE AQUATIC EXERCISE ASSOCIATION

Paradise is proud to announce that Starr Nixdorf has completed and been certified by the Aquatic Exercise Association's AFP (Aquatic Fitness Professional) Practical & Skills Application Course in Visalia, CA, on June 1st, 2014. Starr also attended courses for Upper Body, Core & More which expands on her Pilates and Yoga instructor background, and the Aquabata Shallow program.

AquaBata takes the latest trend in fitness, Tabata, to the water. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), including the specialized Tabata format, transitions into the water with high-powered results. According to the AEA, "Dr Izumi Tabata conducted a study to determine if very short, very high intensity bouts of training, followed by even shorter rest periods, could benefit the elite athletes of the Japanese speed skating team. Results were published in Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, and showed that the subjects improved VO2 max, this in turn translated into improved performance on the ice. The other interesting finding was the Tabata Protocol improved both the anaerobic energy system (responsible for short, high intensity exercise, such as sprints) and the aerobic energy system (used for endurance exercise, such as distance running). Results from this 1996 study showed a 28 percent increase in anaerobic capacity and a 14 percent increase in VO2 max in six weeks."

BENEFITS OF AQUATIC EXERCISE POST PHYSICAL THERAPY

Water therapy isn’t new; it’s a method which has been used for thousands of years all over the world. Bathing in spring water was known to help Romans and Greeks to treat illness, thermal waters in Sweden were used to treat their ill and elderly, Japanese early on recognized the mental and physical benefits of their hot springs (referred to as onsen) and in Germany physicians widely prescribed a variety of water therapies. Aquatic exercise is often used as a remedy for sore joints and muscles, is a great way to improve muscle tone, and is incredibly low impact. The resistance provided by water means that you can get a great workout without having to bother about using weights or suffering further injury by misjudging your ability. Exercise done in a pool, lake or ocean can improve your flexibility, balance, and coordination. It can also help build up your endurance, assist with proper gait and maintain or improve mobility. You’ll probably also notice that your exercises performed in water allow you to reduce your stress level and is a wonderful way to promote relaxation. Your natural buoyancy means that you can go through your motions with a decreased gravitational pull, lessening compression and making exercises easier to do than if you were on land.

If you’ve suffered an injury, stroke, or some other type of condition and have completed your physical therapy, aquatic exercise can be a wonderful next step. There are several benefits to exercise in your local pool or body of water;

Your body has an incredible number of nerve endings in both your muscles and your skin. The pressure from being submerged in water creates constant stimulus, and your brain will be inclined to dull the part of the nervous system that is responsible for managing tactile sensory neurons so as to not feel overwhelmed. This allows you to stretch and move with less pain that you may otherwise be experiencing. Even those sensitive or averse to being touched often feel more at ease while exercising in a pool as their physical senses are dulled.

Your heart and lungs work harder under water than on land because your chest cavity is under constant increased pressure from being submerged in water. (This means that one workout can have further reaching benefits than the same workout on land.) Think of the pool as a compression bandage for your entire body, which helps to alleviate some of the chronic pain you may be feeling, allowing you to reach further and work harder. The increased blood flow from the compression on your heart and lungs will help to pump oxygen rich blood to your extremities, something that can go great lengths with the healing process.

You won’t need to have exercise equipment to get a fantastic workout that touches every muscle in your body and allows you a wide range of movement. Your muscles will recover faster in less pain, and you don’t have to worry about falling as the water helps you to maintain balance. You’re forced to move a lot more slowly while submerged in water, and this means that your brain and muscles have more time to process each and every movement, building a far better muscle memory as you go along. You’re also more likely to perform each movement with more precision, and have time to focus on form.

With many exercises, you tend to focus on one or another muscle or part of your body instead of using your entire body at once. Being in the water helps you to locate and make use of your core, and generally the movements allow for your entire body or many more groups of muscles to be addressed at once.

One of the pleasant side effects of being in water is the massage that water can give. Even a gentle flow or waves being produced from exercising bodies can give enough of a current that feels nice and can help relax tired or sore muscles. Buoyancy also helps relieve pressure on the feet, ankles and legs.

Let’s not forget that being in a pool is just plain fun. The enjoyment that can be had during an exercise class; either as part of a group or solo, can be a part of the day that you’ll look most forward to. The fact that you feel better and better after each session will give you the motivation you need to go back and make further progress. Almost any exercise that you can do in a gym has an alternate under the water. The more pleasant and enjoyable your exercise is, the more likely it will be that you’ll stick with it on your road back to good health and well-being.

This article was written by Nina Wells from Vidalux. She has over 10 years’ experience in writing health related topics and specializes in the health benefits of saunas and hydrotherapy.

AI CHI AS THE NEW YOGA

When the world looks for a way to find an exercise that gives outer strength, inner strength, and spiritual well-being, we often look east towards Asia. The Indian practice of yoga has become so popular that even non-practitioners know the nomenclature (“Namaste”) and wear the outfits. But yoga is very popular and no longer just among Indians or women looking for a new way to stretch out. Both sexes use it and both women and men say that it makes their body lither and clears their heads. Yoga is very popular, but not the only way for a person to get their mind and body in order. Ai Chi moves are similar to Tai Chi moves and it uses breathing and exercise in the water for the individual. Is Ai Chi a substitute for yoga? Is it the new yoga?

Ai Chi was started in back in the mid-1980s by a Japanese man named Jun Kunno. Kunno was looking for a water-based therapy that could give the benefits of a massage-based therapy without the touching. The key to therapy was to get the practitioner to relax while at the same time working the muscles. Just like Tai Chi and many other Asian exercise programs, Ai Chi focuses on moving continuously. Doing this underwater gives it a relaxing aspect which can make the therapy to people of a wide age range, up to and including the very elderly.

Comparison

How does Ai Chi compare to Yoga? Both use breathing as one of the keys to the exercise. Both also use movement. This is where the differences really begin. Yoga uses movement to get into position and which the person than holds. This is how yoga gives its full potential to create the positive energy. This energy helps gives the Yoga student his or her spiritual fulfillment. Ai Chi, on the other hand, creates energy and relaxation through continuous movement.

The spiritual side of both yoga and Ai Chi both are both buttressed by their meditative aspects. While one is doing these routines, they are also meditating, clearing the mind of those everyday problems that are adding to the stress in their lives. The goal of each is to walk away at peace with one’s self that will carry on from this session to the next.

What about the long term benefits? Both have proven as treatments for some of the more common and chronic medical conditions. Ai Chi can help lower blood pressure and the symptoms of arthritis. It’s even given Parkinson’s disease sufferers relief. Yoga is also known to help relieve blood pressure, relieve chronic muscle pain, and give relief to those sufferings from depression. It also helps give some pain relief to those suffering from heart disease and cancer. Therefore, in this respect, both Ai Chi and Yoga can give you similar benefits.

Aside from the movements, there is a huge difference. Ai Chi is done in a pool, where the session begins as students stand in water up to their shoulders. Someone who practices Yoga (a yogi) will be seen walking around with a mat to their local ashram or Yoga studio, which could be anywhere. So Ai Chi has some disadvantage in that the user must have the access to a pool. On the other hand, this gives Ai Chi more universal appeal to a larger crowd. Founder Kuonno intended that his new program using the relaxing powers of water to make his therapy work. Anyone who has been in a pool knows how relaxing the water can be, and this goes for people of all ages. Therefore Ai Chi has an appeal for octogenarians who might find the poses of Yoga a bit of stretch.

Benefits of an Ai Chi Regime

As we have stated above, Ai Chi uses the holistic approach to health combining movement, spiritual, and mental. How does it accomplish these benefits? Well, water gives resistance, so as one is moving in it, the action gives the muscles an additional workout. Yet, while one is the water, one is able to position oneself in positions not as easily achieved through yoga.

There are 19 movements to Ai Chi. They are done in progression, starting with the upper torso while the body remains static. When these are completed, the pupil moves to exercises that simulate the land-based Tai Chi, moving the body around. Because one is in the water as these movements progress, balance can be easily maintained. The soothing aspects of being in the water are also an advantage.

So will yogis turn in their mats for a trip to the pool? Both are great ways to improve your life without resorting to traditional medicine or pharmaceuticals. Both use a holistic approach to change the adopter’s outlook on life as well as limber up the body.

The difference may come down to demographics. When someone thinks of yoga, they think of a young woman with a Yoga mat heading to a workout in her yoga pants. On the other hand, any sort of pool exercise is linked to an older bunch in the local pool. Putting aside which one has more health benefits, as long as an exercise is linked to the retirement crowd, the advantage will go to yoga. But stay tuned, utility sometimes wins.

This article was written by Nina Wells from Steamshowerstore. She has over 10 years’ experience in writing health related topics and specializes in the health benefits of saunas and hydrotherapy.

SAUNA USE LEADS TO A HEALTHIER BRAIN AND MORE

Listening to a pod cast about how to improve muscle growth, endurance and generate better brain function has me really excited today.  To sum up what Dr. Rhonda Patrick presented:  If you use the sauna for "Hyperthermic Conditioning" you can increase your body's production of Growth Hormone.  Science has proven that Growth Hormone (IGF-1) increases muscle while reducing fat, helps repair lean muscle, increases the growth of new brain cells, AND it prevents your brain cells from dying.  You can also increase your body's production of Growth Hormone with strenuous exercise but your body will become acclimated to strenuous exercise over time and it will be less effective.  BUT  you can use the sauna for 30 minutes a day and enhance your body's performance.  This is less stressful on the body and just as effective!   But don't stop exercising all together, you just add the sauna on those days when you need a rest from pounding the pavement or slamming the weights.  Super simple, super effective, sit in the sauna for 30 minutes. 

This is the  video:  http://youtu.be/aHOlM-wlNjM

Who should not use a sauna is answered in this article from the American Journal of Medicine: http://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(00)00671-9/abstract

Sauna use leads to a healthier brain, enhances endurance, and increases muscle while reducing fat!

REDUCE STRESS WITH A MASSAGE IN CARSON CITY

Everyone seem to be interested in ways in which we can control our stress. Stress is defined as any psychological or physical situation or condition that causes tension or strain. In the definition we have two components; physical and psychological, they tend to manifest as one thing. If we want relief from stress,we need to take an active roll for our own state of health. 
  
Wellness is a concept in which people take personal responsibility. An active roll you can do easily is to get a massage.
  
Massage is defined as systematic manual or mechanical manipulations of the soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purposes, including stress reduction. Some of the physiological benefits are improved muscle tone, circulation, and glandular activities. It promotes health and wellness while reducing stress. Soreness and stiffness of muscles will also get relief.

A professional massage also benefits all the other systems of the body. For example; a massage therapist can use cross-fiber friction and compression movements to help prevent the formation of adhesions and fibrosis in muscles. A therapist may also use friction, vibration and percussion movements to produce a stimulation effect on the nervous system, while gentler strokes such as petrissage produce a sedative effect for the relief of tension. Massage movements that are directed toward the heart will facilitate the flow of blood and lymph back toward the heart. All these movements improve the circulation of blood, which in turn supplies beneficial nutrients to the skin.

Because mind, body and spirit are one, massage is a good start in the pursuit of your personal practice and process for stress reduction.

Massage should be avoided if you have a condition that appears to be a contraindication (medically inadvisable) to massage. Similarly, if you have a medical or mental condition that needs medical attention such as pain, redness, swelling or high temperature, massage should be avoided.
     
In a future musing, I hope to discuss simple roles we can take on for our own state of health and wellness. These include meditation, exercise, low-fat/high fiber diet, the balance between work and play, keeping a positive mental and spiritual attitude, healthy aging and stress resistance, the benefits of epsom salt baths and essential oils, self-acupressure for common ailments and more on massage. My source for much of this information came from; Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage by Mark F. Beck

Lisa Crowley @ Paradise Salon/Spa/Wellness is your massage therapist in Carson City.

ARTHRITIS PAIN RELIEF TIPS AND TRICKS

First, what is arthritis?  (Source: Arthritis Foundation)

Simply put it is painful inflammation of the joints.  There are over 100 different types of arthritis...  Symptoms are joint pain, swelling, stiffness, a loss of range of motion, plus pain can be moderate to severe, coming and going, etc.  Diagnosing arthritis is complex, but we are not focusing on diagnosis.  That is for you and your doctor to do together. 

What can you do about arthritis pain? 

Here are a few GENERAL actions you can take to relieve the pain of arthritis.

Regular non-impact physical activity (water exercise is excellent)

Maintaining a healthy weight (diet is #1, eating fresh healthy food)

Strengthening the muscles around the joint for added support

Balancing activity with rest (a good night’s sleep is priceless)

Using hot and cold therapies (ice packs, warm water soaks, sauna)

Qigong can be used for relief from arthritic discomfort as well

What is Qigong?

Life is energy.  Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the word for that life-force energy. Qi is everywhere, it’s in the earth, the galaxy, and your body.  Qigong is meditation with movement; a conscious form of very gentle exercise. Qigong enhances the body’s natural healing abilities, it helps you to cultivate Qi through slow movements, smooth breathing, and focused thoughts.

The Chinese physician believes Qi imbalance is the cause of many illnesses.  An emphasis is put on rebuilding the overall health and strength of spirit of the person, restoring a proper supply of Qi and blood to the body’s cells.    

Aquatic Qigong called Ai Chi is taught in the warm saltwater pool at Paradise. 

Theory:  There are 3 levels of relaxation.  The first level is postural relaxation.  The second is relaxation of the muscles & tendons.  The third is deep relaxation reaching into the internal organs, allowing you to sense their state.   In the case of Qigong treatment for arthritis, when you have reached the third level of relaxation you can lead the qi deeply into the joint where it will repair the damage.  And so the Qigong treatment must begin with relaxed and gentle movements to smoothly increase Qi circulation.  The first stage of treatment is to learn how to relax and avoid muscle/tendon tension and stress, which can increase pressure on the joint and continue to damage it. (This is why water is wonderful, the buoyancy takes all the stress off the joints.) You must also place your mind on the tender joints.  The more you bring your mind deeply into the joint and relax it, the more Qi will circulate smoothly and freely to repair the damage.  The best time to practice Qigong is in the morning, it gets your energy flowing after being still all night.

Practical: XU HONGTAO MEDICAL QIGONG SELF MASSAGE 
 Sitting comfortably with relaxed muscles, take 9 slow deep breaths, women L (left) hand over R(right), Men R hand over L, placed on the low belly. Your mind is calm focusing on what is going on inside your body. Visualize energy in your body moving, taking away stagnant or stale Qi.

  1. Warm your hands by rubbing them together 9 or 18 times
  2. Make 3 slow circles around your eyes, feel the warmth from your hands
  3. Brush your hands over & around your ears 3 times, combing your hair back
  4. Make 3 sweeping strokes down the back of your neck and shoulders
  5. Make 3 sweeping strokes downward on the chest
  6. Make 3 sweeping strokes downward on the front of your hips
  7. Make 3 strokes down reaching as high as you can on the kidney region (low back)
  8. Make 3 inward circles around kneecaps, 3 outward circles around kneecaps
  9. Make 3 long sweeping strokes down the outside of the legs
  10. Make 3 long sweeping strokes UP the inside of the legs
  11. Make 3 circle strokes around the elbow joint, women L then R, men R then L
  12. Make 3 long strokes down each arm, women L then R, men R then L

 REPEAT 3, 6 or 9 times, ending as you started, sitting comfortably… etc.

Some more tips for success:

  • Do not do heavy exercises when inflamed, gently massage the joint & do light Qigong.
  • When you have less pain & stiffness, take advantage & practice a little more.
  • Don’t overdo it.  If you have significant pain 2 hours after, you overdid it. 
  • Practice a comfortable length of time and gradually increase the repetitions. 
  • Focus your mind on the body part, imagine breathing in and out of the joint.
  • Practice in nature for maximum benefits.
  • Bundle up if cold increases your arthritis pain.
  • As always, your doctor is the one to talk to before beginning a new exercise routine.
  • This Qigong self massage is a tiny sampling of the EXPANSIVE knowledge in traditional Chinese Medicine.
  • Use anti-oxidants to help reduce inflammation. We personally recommend SOD, CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Turmeric Curcumin, Hawaiian Astaxanthin, or Vitamin C, along with a diet rich in dark colored fruits and vegetables. 

I hope this helps you get relief.  
Starr Nixdorf, ATRIC

Additional information on natural ways to address arthritic pain.

KNEE-HAB EXPRESS

This water exercises will strengthen & lengthen your low back, hips, glutes, IT band, calves, ankles, and foot muscles to keep your knees stable.  The same training protocols apply whether you're healing from a knee injury or trying to prevent knee injuries.  This class is 30 minutes.

 

AQUA CARDIO CLASS

This water aerobics class is a full body strength building water workout for all ages that pumps up your heart rate.  Water exercise equipment is used to increase resistance for greater cardio conditioning.  The low impact nature of the class reduces stress on joints and allows you complete control of intensity.  This class is 55 minutes.

AQUA CARDIO EXPRESS: 

30 minutes of AQUA CARDIO (Express classes are good for people who are time constrained or significantly out of shape.)

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

A soothing massage can help you unwind and provide you with other health benefits. Our therapeutic massage is designed to help you de-stress and find relief from pain and muscle tension. You may want to consider combining your massage session with a visit to our far infrared sauna for added benefits before and after.

SPORTS MASSAGE

Getting ready for a sports event? Just finished a sports event and need relief, let our experienced massage therapist's work out the kinks.

REIKI

Reiki is a way of channeling healing energy. Reiki is a Japanese word meaning "universal life force energy." It is a hands-on technique, much like when the Bible speaks of a "laying on of hands." There is no disrobing required to receive Reiki. It goes through clothing, blankets, and even casts. It is always safe, and there are no side effects. Reiki promotes relaxation, decreases stress, and may lead to deeper levels of healing. It is primarily concerned with health, not dis-ease. Reiki works on healing the body, mind, and spirit. Reiki is also known to enhance traditional medical treatments too.

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

Deep tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in substantial physical activity (such as athletes), and patients who have sustained a physical injury.

SILK WRAP NAILS

Whether or not your nails are healthy and strong, you may benefit from our silk wrapped nails. Silk nails is another nail enhancement to help you get the perfect nail. Silk is an excellent choice for you if your nails are naturally week, cracked, brittle, or otherwise damaged. Its main goal is to strengthen and beautify so you can have that clean, flawless, and smooth finish. Ask our nail technician if this is right for you.

MANICURE

Whether it be express, basic, pampering, party, or gentlemen's manicure, we got you covered.

GEL NAILS

Gel nails are a type of artificial nail. When compared to an acrylic nail, it can look more realistic. They generally last 10 to 12 days before requiring maintenance, and they take a little longer to do. Another advantage is that they don't have that killer odor, which makes the service a little more pleasant. 

There are two types of gel nails - "file-off" and "soak-off." Please consult with your nail technician as to which one is right for you.

ACRYLIC NAILS

Acrylic nail enhancements have been the staple of the industry for a long time, and with good reason. They are durable and easy to care for at home, and quick to apply in the salon, making them a less expensive option. Although the fumes may be unpleasant if your rough on your nails and want them to last, maybe they are for you. Consult with our nail tech whether acrylic nail enhancements are right for you.

HAIR REMOVAL

Let us remove the unwanted hair from anywhere on your body. We have a variety of methods at our disposal to make this as comfortable and effective as possible.

PERMANENT WAVES

While this hasn't been the most popular service with today's trends, we were doing perms when they were! We have the experience to get your perm done quickly and efficiently with long-lasting curls and minimal damage. We can create the texture you want on long or short hair! Prices do not include cut.

OUR MAKEUP ARTIST

Let one of our talented makeup artists give you that look for any special occasion in your life or just for a fun night out. Our makeup artists can help you achieve that new look you've been craving! Come follow us on Facebook as The KryBar, instagram at @TheKryBar, or twitter @theKrybar.

SPEAR ME BODY PIERCING

Spear Me Body Piercing is located inside Paradise Salon and has a large roomy piercing room and a big jewelry selection. Visit the Spear Me website for all things piercing or call us and let our auto-attendant inform you about location, pricing, minor piercing policies, and more. 775 883-4434

Leah is occasionally taking walk-ins on Monday's from 10-5 and Tuesday-Friday 10-6pm, but to ensure you get in, you'll want to make an appointment. 

THE PARADISE BEAUTY STORE INCLUDES BEAUTY SUPPLIES AND BODY PIERCING JEWELRY

Find your favorite beauty products in our beauty store. We stock the products we know and love so that you can take them home and recreate the look we gave you. Our haircare brands include ELC, WondHAIRful, Nioxin, Nicolas, Kenra, Reuzel, IT&LY, Babelash, ELEVEN, Oligo Blacklight, Viral, Zoya Nail Polish, Elumen, Amir Lotion, and more. 

OUR THERAPY POOLS

Our therapy pool measures 34 ft long and 20 ft wide. We keep it at 86 degrees - warm enough to be comfortable but not so hot you'll overheat while you water exercise. Additionally, we heat the pool to 92 degrees to accommodate people who are sensitive to cooler water temperatures and provide multiple water classes for pain relief at those times. See our class schedule for specific times.

We also have a small hot therapy pool that is 7 foot by 10 foot heated to a comfortable 98 degrees. We suggest using it when you are doing stretching exercise.

The saltwater chlorination system ensures a pleasant sanitary experience that feels better on your skin.

Our clean changing rooms have showers to make it possible for you to get ready for work and fit some exercise into your busy schedule.

The entire facility is handicap and wheelchair friendly. After all, we want to help people to improve their mobility, and we have designed the space to make it easy and comfortable for you, should you need it.

This is an adult-only pool, and children under the age of 18 are not permitted unless it is strictly for therapeutic use and accompanied by an adult.

We have the following ways for you to enjoy the use of our pool:

Open swim or water exercise or aquatic therapy pass: For $10.00 an hour, you can use the pools, water exercise equipment, and do whatever swimming workout routines you desire.

Monthly Wellness Membership for therapy pools and infrared sauna use information can be found here.

We offer a variety of aquatic rehab and water exercise in our pool, taught by Paradise staff. These are designed to address a multitude of conditions and a variety of fitness levels. Pain relief comes from increased movement and exercise, and pool exercise is a proven method to treat both pain and limited mobility.

See the water exercise classes section of our web page to see what events and classes we have available. Reserve your place, since pool space may be limited. Keep checking back, and/or sign up for our newsletter to keep up with us as we develop more classes for you. Classes are priced by the trainer and do not include a day-use pass. Download our flyer for more information.

For a complete experience, we recommend using the pool and the  FAR Infrared Sauna. The sauna will help increase circulation and aids in weight loss and healing, among other things. Follow the link for a complete description of the features and benefits of the far infrared sauna

The pool is open for your enjoyment Monday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. General use is only closed during classes, so please see the class schedule for when the pool use is restricted.  See our FAQ for what to wear and bring.

MICRODERMABRASION

Microdermabrasion, also known as Microderm, is one of the easiest and most effective anti-aging treatments you can get. Its benefits are many: Microderm softens fine lines and wrinkles, helps to smooth coarsely textured skin, decreases the appearance of scarring, decreases pore size, and reduces superficial hyper-pigmentation, also known as age spots.

For certain skin, types microdermabrasion can be used in conjunction with a chemical or enzyme peel to increase their effectiveness.

This item cannot be booked online. Please call the esthetician directly to find out more.

OUR ESTHETICIANS

Let them make your skin radiant. There are so many ways to accomplish this, check out the services menu to see all the options you have.

OUR HAIR STYLISTS

Let our hair stylists help keep you looking good. Our cosmetologists have years of experience. We do not accept new cosmetologists in the industry as our associates. Each associate is a tried and true veteran in the beauty industry, so you can be assured you are getting some of the best hair services Carson City has to offer.

Be sure to examine everyone's detailed pages to see their biographies, prices, and offerings and then schedule with them, call us or go on-line.

OUR ASSOCIATES ARE THE BEST

We're doing our best to gather the finest people in Carson City together to give you a great experience all the way around. This is the complete list of individuals associated with our vision to make your life better.

Click on the menu to the left to sort the list according to your specific interest.

Every service provider here is an independent contractor and is solely responsible for their services. Each provider sets their prices, schedules, and terms by which they will deliver their service to you. Please click on the "Details" button to view their page and see these terms.

Most of the time, you can reach them either on their personal cell phone to schedule your service. If you would like to make appointments with multiple providers for say "A day of beauty" call Paradise directly and our concierge will be happy to make the necessary arrangements for you.

Want to be an associate of ours? Click on the "employment" link at the bottom of this site and submit a resumé. We would love to hear from you.

WE WANT TO HELP MAKE YOUR LIFE BETTER!

Take a step toward a beautiful and healthy lifestyle here at Paradise. Our 7,266 sq. foot facility is set up to help you improve your life in a variety of ways. First, we are a Salon and Spa; However, in addition to hair, skin, nails, permanent makeup, and massage; we offer other wellness services that are unique in our area. Our therapy pool, far infrared sauna, and piercing studio (Spear Me) allow you to work on your fitness as well as your beauty.

If you’re new to Paradise, watch this virtual tour video to get a feel for our layout. Though pictures say a thousand words, nothing beats seeing this place for yourself. 

Come on in, and our concierge will be happy to give you a comprehensive tour and explain how our facilities can help you improve your life.

Here is a rundown of everything have to offer: Seven stylists to take care of your hair, an esthetician for all your skincare and waxing needs, two nail technicians to beautify your hands and toes, an eyelash extension technician for an effortless lash look, a permanent makeup artist to enhance your natural beauty, a massage therapist to work out the kinks in your body, a body piercer to help you put jewelry in all the right places, and aquatic fitness instructors to help you get fit through classes or private instruction. In addition to the salon, spa, piercing, pool, and retail areas, we have put special attention into our relaxation spaces, to make your stay here as comfortable as possible. Our favorite is Alice’s Lounge; a newer space you MUST come see for yourself. Our mission is to help make your life better, and through our facilities, we can be your one-stop-shop for all your beauty and wellness needs.