Classes in Washington

With certifications from organizations such as the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and American Women's Self Defense Association, the coed instructors of InSights Training Center teach unarmed and armed personal-security courses under the direction of Army Ranger and Special Forces veteran Greg Hamilton. The highly-trained staff has trained more than 15,000 students in their civilian courses alone. Topics range from the Women's Basic Handgun Safety & Responsibility to the Unarmed Self Defense class, which explores the evolution of hand-to-hand techniques. Outside of training civilians, the instructors provide specialized training programs for law enforcement and the military.

When it comes to getting bodies healthy, Doctor of Chiropractic Dusty DuBois poses a double threat. She not only holds a chiropractic degree with 200 hours of neurology training, but also has been an aerobics instructor for nearly three decades. She combines these fields in a practice that taps into the body’s own healing capabilities. Dusty’s chiropractic techniques correct pain without the use of drugs, and her Zumba, yoga, and belly-dancing classes keep physiques functioning at peak efficiency.

Koko FitClub’s automated personal-training system rockets both men and women toward fitness goals with 30-minute custom workouts that incorporate cardio and strength training. An initial consultation determines fitness levels and baseline measurements, which Koko’s computerized equipment uses to design a tailored workout plan that precisely measures the weight, pace, and rest time appropriate for each exerciser.

The Koko machines guide exercisers through each workout and adapt as the user’s fitness needs change in order to constantly challenge the body. Designed by professional trainers, workouts maximize the body’s lean-muscle mass, which can boost metabolism and help fight off disease by challenging viruses to kickboxing matches. Exercisers can track their shrinking waistlines and swelling muscles online by analyzing workout scores and comparing individual fitness levels to the Koko FitClub community.

Corks and Canvas Events, like a work of fine art, came about by pairing a good idea with a passion to create. The founders both came from the marketing world, where they spent their days devising campaigns and events to inspire their audiences to take action. A shared love for art and wine inspired them to bend their action-creating talents toward a new goal—hosting painting and wine events in area wineries and wine bars, allowing guests to "uncork their creativity" and promote the burgeoning Washington wine industry.

Their idea took the form of Corks and Canvas Events, where experienced artists lead guests step-by-step through the painting creation process. Guests re-create various paintings, everything from lush vineyard scenes to preening roosters, while sipping on glasses of local wines.

Situated on 10 glorious acres, Gold Creek Equestrian Center's two barns house nearly 100 stalls—each comfortable quarters for private boarding and the horse haven's own 30 steeds, which are available for lessons. Outside on the 135'x240' sand arena, equestrians can conquer an Olympic PVC jump course or practice kicking up a sandstorm worthy of a John Wayne reenactment. Meanwhile, two indoor arenas host trotters as they rehearse dressage routines during the cooler months. Private and semiprivate lessons can be tailored to each student's age, skill level, and favored style of riding, including English and American Western flavors.