Chapel Hill, NC Health and Fitness

Founded in Durham 30 years ago by fashion-forward frame specialist George Fagét, Specs stocks an abundance of international brand-name frames in a stylish boutique setting with hardwood floors. Patients can bring along an existing prescription or sit down for a comprehensive eye exam that graciously spares retinas from math-heavy word problems. Whether transparent or UV-blocking, lenses come outfitted in the latest frame styles from such brands as Prodesign and Lafont. Upscale frames, such as the Italian X-Ide and the Swedish Öga, lend eyeballs more international panache than a bedazzled travel guide. For those without an up-to-date prescription, onsite eye exams assess peepers for vision and staring-contest dexterity.

In her own search for a compelling fitness regimen, TML...Turn Me Loose Fitness founder Cassandra explored traditional gyms and machines but quickly tired of the routine. She soon discovered pole-dance fitness, and she was captivated by the way it not only burned calories and toned muscle but also made her feel empowered and feminine. Today her studio teaches the exercise style during women-only classes, during which ladies spin, invert, and climb on poles in preparation to steal the show the next time they see someone walking on stilts. Classes also focus on other types of fitness, as in the Twerk It class and the Booty Beat class. The Latin rhythms of Zumba dance-fitness classes and the changing routines of PiYo—a hybrid of Pilates and yoga—jibe with the idea that working out need not be dull and repetitive.

The all-female clientele at Women's Only Workout sweats in solidarity during more than 15 types of fitness classes or individual workouts in the fully equipped gym. Members get 24-hour access to exercise machines, free weights, and gym facilities, as well as personal training, boot camp, or group fitness classes.

Nationally certified instructors push physiques through Pilates maneuvers atop floor mats, building core strength more effectively than a reinforced-concrete jerkin. Pedals whiz as legs strive to crest hills during spin sessions, and Zumba's Latin-infused dance steps shimmy off calories with a sassy cardio workout. In the candlelit yoga class, students arch into limb-lengthening tableaus to ramp up flexibility and cast more complicated shadow animals onto softly glowing walls. Other classes include step, total-body conditioning, and Nia—an adaptable variant of nonimpact aerobics that melds martial arts, dance, and yoga.

A certified quantum neurologist with 25 years of experience treating patients with a holistic focus, Dr. David Pascal, D.C. utilizes his degree and his experience as a former Nike-sponsored World Games competitor. With expertise in cutting-edge neurological techniques, Dr. Pascal helps relieve problems that lower patients' quality of life, such as neck pain, migraines, allergies, immunological issues, digestive troubles, sports injuries, and toothbrushing elbow. Services also include detoxification treatments, chiropractic adjustments, and massage, as well as nutrition and exercise counseling to help clients achieve sustainable physical and mental wellness of the highest caliber.

Certified consulting hypnotherapist and founder of Positive Spiral Hypnosis for Wellness Claire de la Varre leads clients to subconsciously dismiss internal conflict and deep-seated habits with focused relaxation sessions. After an initial interview to clarify treatment goals, de la Varre guides patients into a deeply calm state. Patients retain consciousness as the hidden layers of the mind absorb motivational messages related to habits such as overeating or smoking. The practice can also help improve self-confidence, allowing patients to board airplanes or filibuster work meetings without apprehension.