Check it out … the inside story

American Fitness, Nov-Dec, 2003

Backroads has introduced new walking trips in Vietnam, Cambodia, Tibet and the Canadian Rockies, boosting its selection of pedestrian itineraries to 37 throughout Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and New Zealand. "Our walking trips offer the opportunity to experience the world more fully," says Backroads founder and president Tom Hale.

They "blend luxurious lodging, excellent cuisine, talented Trip Leaders, local experts and footpaths filled with beauty and culture." For more information or to request catalogs, call (800) GO-ACTIVE or visit www.backroads.com ... Don't have time for a lengthy trip? Why not indulge in a mini vacation. Eviama Life Spa offers a full complement of day spa services in an earth-friendly environment and organic products to support the whole being. "Derived from Greek roots, eviama means 'good medicine,'" says founder Penny Ordway, a nationally certified massage therapist who offers a vast array of traditional and alternative spa treatments, such as Reiki with Hot Stones, Color Shower and Maya Abdominal Massage. Located at 262 South 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, Eviama Life Spa shares its earnings with UNICEF, Oxfam America and other organizations that support developing peoples and ecology. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (215) 545-3344, visit www.eviama.com or e-mail greenspirit@eviama.com ... Helping spread the benefits of Pilates, the Almaden Valley Athletic Club (AVAC), Northern California's exclusive STOTT PILATES[TM] certification center, has partnered with Presidio Sport & Medicine to offer a certification-hosting site in San Francisco, California. The partnership will enable "a greater number of instructors to reap the benefits of this incredible program," says Joe Shank, AVAC co-owner and general manager. For more information about STOTT PILATES[TM] certification courses, contact the San Francisco-Bay Area STOTT Education Coordinator at (415) 554-0291 ... Speaking of new additions, Life Fitness has introduced Life Fitness Sport and Essential home cardiovascular equipment, which boast an attractive and dynamic industrial design. The upright and recumbent bikes ($899 to $1,799) have different resistance levels and workout programs, the folding treadmills ($1,599 and $I ,799) have a sturdy design that delivers a safe performance and the total-body elliptical machine ($1,899) has the feel of more expensive elliptical products at a reduced price. For more information, visit www.lifefimess.com ... What home workout arsenal would be complete without fitness videos? Here's one more to consider. Based on the popular class, The Art of Erotic Dancing ($19.98 VIIS and $24.95 DVD) allows women to take charge of their sexuality, build self-confidence and self-esteem, overcome negative body image and fears of intimacy as well as spice up a relationship. Far beyond its value as a dance and fitness video, it illustrates the power of eye contact and body language, as well as the self-assuredness everyday women will gain. Viewers will become more in touch with their bodies' rhythms and adept at positions, movements and routines that create a more fit, lithe body. For more information, visit www.artofexoricdancing.com ... Do you have the inside scoop on people, places or products in the fitness industry? Fax us at (818) 990-5468 or e-mail us at americanfitness@afaa.com.