Troy, MI Health and Fitness

Though they hail from different backgrounds, the four holistic health practitioners at Acupuncture Healthcare Associates of Michigan share a fundamental belief in the overarching connection between mind and body. At the center’s core is founder Julie Silver, a certified acupuncturist who has been espousing the benefits of Chinese medicine in the media since setting up shop 13 years ago. Julie initially turned to acupuncture to seek relief from her own health complaints, and as a result, switched careers to focus her energies on Chinese herbal medicine and naturopathic medicine. At Acupuncture Healthcare Associates of Michigan, these practices come to fruition as the team works to correct imbalances in the body, which are believed to be major contributors to a wide array of health-related problems, such as anxiety, pain, and chronic cases of the willies. Julie and her staff address these symptoms and conditions with acupuncture and Chinese herbs, providing a special cache of treatments for women's health, fertility, and pregnancy issues.

Ranked as one of the Best of the Best in 2010 by the Oakland Press and specializing in breast augmentation, plastic surgeon Dr. Kenneth Wolf earns local acclaim at Wolf Aesthetic & Laser Centers with a variety of surgical and noninvasive anti-aging solutions. Dr. Wolf stayed within the state of Michigan for most of his education. He earned an undergrad degree from the University of Michigan, a medical degree from Wayne State University, and completed residencies in general surgery and plastic surgery at Providence Hospital in Southfield under the guidance of renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Ian Jackson. He also traveled to Indianapolis for specialized training in cosmetic surgery and watching the Indy 500. Dr. Wolf's regular attendance at medical conferences keeps him informed about new aesthetic techniques, which he has employed in more than 5,500 plastic-surgery procedures over 15 years.

The doctor tightens skin and muscles during face-lifts and slims waistlines with tummy tucks or liposuction. In addition to surgeries, Dr. Wolf and his team use advanced laser technology to rejuvenate skin, remove hair, and diminish spider veins. The doctor himself administers all the wrinkle-fighting dermal fillers and injections.

Opened in 2007 as a venue for its signature FitBarre workouts, BodyFit beckons clients of all ages and builds to its intimate group classes. FitBarre movements mingle Pilates and ballet with free-weight lifts and stretches to forge flexible, toned physiques. Variations such as FitBarre Cardio round out the class roster alongside boot camps and TRX suspension training, while dietary planning aids the pursuit of a streamlined frame.

BodyFit's certified instructors all commit to personalized guidance, patrolling classes to adjust clients' body alignment and whisper pep talks to individual vertebrae. The teachers can also point the way to an onsite boutique, which outfits patrons in vibrant gym wear from brands such as Lululemon Athletica.

Instructors at Wow Fitness, many of whom boast certification from the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, cheer on clients during a diverse range of classes, including all-levels yoga, Zumba, and circuit training designed to maximize fat burning. Those with children can deposit them at onsite childcare for an additional fee or lie down on the floor and bench-press them to build muscle.

If anyone can attest to the notion that diamonds are forever, it’s an aesthetician. Thanks to the nonsurgical exfoliating treatment known as microdermabrasion, many of those in the beauty business have gotten a firsthand glimpse at the stones’ power to stop time. A less-intense alternative to the chemical peel, microdermabrasion removes the outermost layers of skin by exfoliating it with diamonds. This stimulates cell regeneration and allows new skin—free of fine lines and blemishes—to rise to the surface.

Due to its quick application and recovery time, the microdermabrasion treatment is sometimes referred to as a “lunchtime peel.” The aesthetician performs the treatment with a handheld applicator, which dispenses diamond chips as it glides across the skin’s surface. An attached vacuum and pump then dispose of the loosened skin cells. As a result, newly generated layers of skin take the place of skin blemished by sun damage, wrinkles, acne, and scars. Though they typically target specific areas of the face, microdermabrasion treatments can also exfoliate skin on the chest, back, and limbs.