Health & Fitness in Trenton

"No matter what you do with your dancing always be sure of one thing," writes Jersey Dance owner Jennifer in her dance blog. "The process of learning to dance should be the most enjoyable part." The longtime competitive dancer lives and teaches by that principle, as does her team of instructors. Their nonjudgmental vibe pervades the studio, creating a space where soonlyweds can get help choreographing their wedding dance from an encouraging professional. Likewise, groups of beginners can experience the thrill of learning the steps they see on dance-competition shows while skipping the part where they're given scores and spanked by the ghost of Fred Astaire. One-on-one sessions, meanwhile, offer private pointers on the complexities of the quickstep, the dagger-sharp footwork of Argentine tango, or enough floor space to safely attempt West Coast swing at its jitterbuggiest. Whatever is being taught that week, Jennifer and Co. tailor in-studio socials that give dancers a party setting to show off everything they've learned.

The health experts at Five Star Wellness aim to bring the mind, body, and spirit back into balance through a variety of holistic-minded treatments ranging from organic facials to ear candling. Colon hydrotherapy is an office specialty, and all therapists hold certification through the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-Act). Utilizing FDA-approved equipment, the process sends filtered, temperature-controlled water through the large intestine, where it breaks down and flushes away any accumulation of waste or swallowed pride to improve immune- and digestive-system function. An alternate method of detoxification, ionic detox footbaths use positively charged ions to draw negatively charged toxins out through the feet, helping clear the system of heavy metals, cellular debris, and other substances often blamed for throwing the body out of balance.

Israeli Krav Maga teaches law enforcement officers, military trainees, and ordinary citizens to use combat skills originally developed for the Israeli defense forces and modified for civilian self-defense. Having trained under krav maga founder Imi Lichtenfeld, Grandmaster Haim Gidon now oversees the instructors he has trained and certified. Some of Gidon's instructors––who have military and law enforcement experience––have been featured in USA Today and on NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox News, and have even trained celebrities such as John Mayer, whose guitar has been known to pick fights with him. These faculty members teach krav maga with a focus on empowering students while helping them to develop awareness, and life-saving skills.

Christine Donahue started her yogic practice at age 8, learning at the knee of her first mentor, her mother. She has since journeyed to India, been certified to teach by swamis, and been granted the honorary name Girija, which means daughter of the Himalayas. Throughout all her journeys, the main pillar of her yogic practice has always been community. Now, at her own Higher Power Yoga, she strives to tailor her teachings to suit the community that surrounds her. Christine invites both longtime and new practitioners to sample her variations on classic Vinyasa yoga, such as hot and spicy yoga and urban yoga, in which students reach for the skies in the skyscraper pose and just-reelected mayor pose.

Spa treatments are sometimes considered luxuries, but Necessities Day Spa & Salon treats them as essential services that provide much-needed relaxation. Nestled in The Shoppes at Hamilton, the spa hosts a team of experts in haircare, aesthetics, massage, and waxing. For people who return to enjoy the spa’s services over multiple trips, Necessities provides membership packages that include access to a VIP lounge, use of robes and slippers, and the ability to hear a host of trumpets playing whenever they walk into a room.