Ripon, CA Health and Fitness

Flow Yoga Studio's team of passionate instructors leads 13 classes in a variety of athletic and relaxing modalities. The robust schedule of classes takes place in an inviting, earth-toned studio, including athletic Vinyasa classes, in which students work through sequences of continuous poses linked with mindful breathing exercises, and mat Pilates sessions that incorporate floor exercises to tone muscles and bolster cores. Exercisers can sweat through dance-based Zumba classes, which feel more like a Muppet wedding than a workout, the room filled with upbeat Latin tunes that students accompany with simple dance steps, shedding calories, inhibitions, and back-dwelling monkeys in the process.

Co-founder Gillian Clark's been teaching since 1987 and is certified as both an instructor and personal trainer through ACE, AFAA, and Cal State Hayward. After developing the Yoga Booty Ballet at Crunch, Clark and partner Teigh McDonough (a trained instructor, trainer, dancer, choreographer, actress, and movement director for more than 20 years) created the boutique body-shop Swerve.

Tina Kelly and Diane Flores, sisters and founders of Venus Pole Fitness, have always preferred doing things together. Throughout their adult years, they attended dance classes and boot camps, constantly in search of an exercise regime that was not only fun but effective. When they discovered pole-dance fitness, they instantly loved it and quickly purchased a pole, stage, and DJ booth packed with pop-music CDs. Their purchases led to the eventual creation of Venus Pole Fitness, where the certified duo teach ladies of all fitness levels and friction coefficients how to spice up their exercise regime and build their confidence through hip swivels and spins.

At age 6, when most little boys are obsessed with their toy trucks and plastic dinosaurs, Ken Miller was interested in playthings with steel shafts and the ability to send a ball soaring over the grass. Young Miller’s passion for golf didn’t wane as he grew older: after making a splash on the junior golf scene, he attended Fresno State University on a golf scholarship and toured competitively before retiring to teach. But after 10 years of working for someone else, Miller was ready to realize his own dream: a family-friendly range that satisfied even the pickiest golfer. So, with his kids and wife in tow, Miller spent a year sculpting 19 acres of land into what is now McHenry Golf Center.

Today, the practice facility—which was named one of the Top 100 Ranges in America in 2009 by Golf Range—presents players with an all-grass driving range whose lighting makes it possible to play with balls that are afraid of the dark. After landing shots on the range’s seven target greens, which taunt them from 75 to 230 yards away, golfers can work on their short game at an 11,000-square-foot putting green, then head over to a practice green guarded by five circular and kidney-bean-shaped bunkers. If they want help with their chipping technique or sand play, they can take lessons with Miller and other PGA pros. Golfers can refuel with fare from the center’s snack bar after a lesson or independent practice.

While creating McHenry Golf Center, Ken Miller designed a pro shop to meet the needs of both casual and dedicated golfers, whether they carry a standard coin purse or suitcases filled with golden golf balls. Customers can get an expert fitting before picking their clubs, thanks to the center's TaylorMade SelectFit System and Ping Advanced Fitting System. For putters and woods that need attention, Golfsmith Clubmakers–trained Jim Tocco awaits at the repair center, where he fixes grips and shafts, working quickly enough to offer next-day service.

Potted plants accent the white and black office where Dr. Edgar Romo realigns clients with traditional chiropractic treatments. Dedicated to promoting overall good health, he also helps to slim frames with his signature Dr. Edgar Romo Diet. His practice's focus is that of comprehensive lifestyle changes, such as uniting nutrition and exercise or moving to Toledo and opening up a trinket bazaar. Dr. Romo’s program aims to foster all-over physical and mental wellness. Using his expertise and specially designed equipment, Dr. Romo relieves chronic discomfort as well as pain resulting from a variety of injuries.

After earning his dental degree at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, Modesto native Galen Filbrun returned home to practice cosmetic, laser, and implant dentistry. Filbrun uses the latest effective techniques, such as laser therapy, to treat gum disease, disinfecting the gums while disintegrating diseased tissue. He also performs non-surgical root canals and can fit patients with dentures or wind-up chatter teeth. Cosmetic procedures and treatments available include teeth-whitening and porcelain veneers.