Health & Fitness in Albuquerque

Internationally acclaimed dancer Amaya isn't regretful of her romantic impulse to run away and join the circus, a decision that sparked her notable and diverse career. The passionate performer was awarded Dancer of the Year by the International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance in 1998, and her documentary Gypsy Fire—which explores Spanish gypsy dancing—earned Amaya a Giza Award. Now, she channels more than 30 years of teaching experience and knowledge of several international dances, including Mexican folk, African, and a rare form of hot potato, into her dance classes. During these sessions, she overhauls boring cardio routines with basic belly-dancing techniques and Danza Mora moves—a marriage of Arabic and Spanish gypsy dance—which she infuses with cultural insights, inspiring philosophies, and nutrition advice. She also hosts women-only dance retreats to distant locales, during which she grants participants one-on-one dance training, spiritual guidance, and other opportunities such as the chance to observe a private Native American ceremonial harvest dance.

Amaya also believes in empowering young girls and women to reach their full potential. A portion of her DVD sales benefit The Girl Effect, a charity dedicated to empowering women and fighting for equal rights across the globe.

Snap Fitness, bustling with cardio and strength-training gear, throws open the doors to its spartan facilities 24/7. Before exercisers put sneaker to treadmill or lift their first weight, personal trainers meet with them to talk about their fitness goals before suggesting a personalized, 60-day fitness plan based on each client's strength, and cardio condition. The gym keeps members motivated with regular check-in calls and demystifies healthy eating with custom online meal plans designed by nutritionists. Certified personal trainers work individually with clients routinely, and professional instructors forestall exercise routine boredom with boot camp and yoga sessions throughout the week.

Picaflor Day Spa's expert beauticians and licensed massage therapists revitalize human exteriors from head to toe with nourishing herbal and botanical blends and all-encompassing spa treatments. Aestheticians use all natural skincare products when tailoring facials to the individual's visage, and massage therapists apply Swedish, trigger-point, and deep-tissue bodywork during massages to target specific aches. Hard and soft wax works to strip skin of excess body hair and inescapable body glitter, and signature spa packages provide equal parts beauty and relaxation, pairing soothing massages with fortifying facials and nail treatments.

Quartets of feet step and slide across a hardwood floor, crossing the space between walls adorned with colorful artwork. The vivid decor sets the tone for the sizzling routines demonstrated by prestigious instructors, who guide new and experienced dancers through the techniques and dramatic floral arranging that characterize tango. Pairs and solo students can partake in group classes, private sessions, and special events on the academy's schedule. Online primers on the style's history and music complement newfound kinetic knowledge with a solid background in the dance's origins.

The teeth-whitening technicians at Smile White Now Teeth Whitening Salon bring bling to biters with in-salon and take-home whitening services. Devoted to safe, effective treatments, the salon formulates their carbamide-peroxide gel from ingredients made in the United States, eschewing the potentially hazardous ingredients imported from Krypton. Amid the salon's salmon and cerulean walls, iBrite chair-side LED lamps, activate the gel to whiten teeth up to five shades. Brightened smiles can last up to a year, depending on age and lifestyle choices, such as drinking coffee or chewing coals.

Guided by owner Heather Badal, Flawless Skin Spa's aesthetic architects refresh skin with an assortment of med-spa services and laser treatments. Registered nurses dispense such skin-smoothing serums as Botox and Juvéderm and tailor facial treatments for specific skin conditions, including age indicators and acne. The creations of featured artist Kevin Tolman complement the beauty of Candela GentleMax lasers, which zap away unwanted hair and tightens surfaces, and RevLite tattoo-removal equipment for ridding unwanted ink.