Fitness centers
Club Fit
The more than 130 weekly classes at this mega-club with two locations includes swing dancing and tai chi as well as trendy/unique workouts like Danceology, TRX, and power yoga (plus less intense options like Aquatic Arthritis). There’s also tennis, racquetball, and pick-up sports and leagues; a Youth Development Program for young athletes; and personal or small-group training and lessons for high schoolers and adults. What else? Instructional, lap, open, and rec swimming for all ages; massages; a healthy café; kids’ play center; whirlpool; and wellness services such as diet planning, a hiking club, and in-house physical therapy.
584 N State Rd, Briarcliff Manor (914) 762-3444; 600 Bank Rd, Jefferson Valley 914-245-4040; www.clubfit.com
Method 10533
There is one fitness method at Method 10533 in Irvington: The Lagree Method, developed by West Coast fitness expert Sebastien Lagree. Think Pilates on steroids: The workout is designed around a 10-foot-long, 250-pound machine called the Megaformer 3 and aims to hit every muscle group “in the least amount of time”—about 40 minutes or so. It’s intense (at the very least) but well worth the pain if you’re looking for a comprehensive, resistance-driven workout. Sessions are sold individually ($20 first class, $35 after that) and in bundles (varies), or at a monthly, unlimited rate ($400).
49 Main St, Irvington (914) 693-6020; www.method10533.com
Premier Athletic Club
With three pools (two indoor and one outdoor), five indoor and outdoor tennis courts, racquetball courts, pick-up soccer and basketball games, and a recently renovated fitness center and gymnasium, there’s plenty to occupy members young and old at this relaxed-atmosphere multi-sport facility. Try a group exercise class like spinning, Cardio Kettlebells, Bootcamp, barre, Zumba, Pilates, kickboxing, or meditation. Or join an adult sports league. (There’s an array of youth programs, too.) The club also has personal and fitness training, a sauna, Jacuzzi, massage therapy, and an on-site nursery. Note, the restaurant and snack bar, as well as many lessons, specialty classes, workshops, and summer camps are open to the public.
2127 Albany Post Rd, Montrose (914) 739-7755; www.premierathletic.com
Riverstone Yoga
This community-based hatha yoga center offers a full spectrum from gentle, tween/teen, and prenatal classes to Iyengar and hot yoga options, all led by certified instructors with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Located in the clubhouse of the beautiful, still-new Hudson Harbor development, Riverstone has been recognized for its aerial yoga offerings, and is the exclusive provider of classes at THANN Sanctuary Spa (also in Tarrytown). Unique to the studio is RiverBARRE, a class blending yoga and barre movements. Also available: Traditional Thai massage, reflexology, health and wellness workshops, and special family classes.
The Lodge at Hudson Harbor, 2 Hudson View Way (129 W Main St when using GPS), Tarrytown (914) 332-9642; www.riverstoneyoga.com
The Tennis Club of Hastings
Situated on the Hudson River, this recently revamped tennis club boasts a newly finished clubhouse, waterfront restaurant-lounge, and fully stocked pro shop in addition to experienced instructors and membership options ranging from individual summer or winter packages to the annual Diamond Membership inclusive of a number of attractive perks and privileges. Six reconditioned Har-Tru courts under inflatable bubbles make up the main facility, with private and semi-private lessons, camps, and tournaments available for all ages and skill levels. Adults can participate in drop-in clinics, cardio tennis, and boot camps; and non-members can rent courts, as well.
100 River St, Hastings-on-Hudson (914) 478-440; www.tennisclubofhastings.com
Yonkers Tennis Center
This longtime indoor tennis destination has programs for juniors and adults, novice to competitive (with a free 15-minute evaluation to place you at the right level). No membership is required, and new classes start throughout the year, so players are free to register or drop-in without added fees. Choose from private lessons, junior or adult clinics, or a four-week Quickstart for Adult Beginners course; flexible-schedule group lessons (Cardio or Skills), or seasonal court reservations with or without pro instruction. Match play options include round-robin Friday nights, USTA summer leagues, and open court time when available.
493 Sprain Rd, Yonkers (914) 968-6918; www.yonkerstennis.com
Spas & Salons
Giordano Beauty
With a client list dotted with celebs like Heidi Klum, Penélope Cruz, Katie Holmes, Laura Linney, and Elizabeth Hurley, it’s clear that Susan Giordano knows a thing or three about the art of makeup—so much so that she created her own line of cosmetics to sell alongside fragrances and skincare products. The shop also offers brow grooming, makeup application, and makeup-bag makeovers.
3 Spring St, Hastings-on-Hudson (914) 693-2187; www.giordanobeauty.com
Shear Brilliance
What makes a great mani-pedi even better? Having a rollicking good time while you’re at it. Michelle Piacentino, who has been doing nails since she was 14, has a knack for putting her customers in a better mood than they were when they came in. It’s like a gabfest with an old girlfriend—with fabulous nails as a bonus.
36 Cedar St, Dobbs Ferry (914) 400-7678
Nourish Hair & Body
This salon is small, which means personal attention—every appointment feels like you’re a celebrity with your own personal stylist, but without the Hollywood price tags. Haircuts starting at $60? Hour-long massages for $100? Sign us up!
2229 Crompond Rd, Cortlandt Manor (914) 930-7777; www.nourishhairandbody.com
Oasis
The rooftop garden—often the site of parties and special spa events—has a funky, Zen-like charm, despite overlooking the Saw Mill Parkway. Inside, there are 15 treatment rooms (might we suggest our favorite Muscle Meltdown massage?), a relaxation lounge, and a retail area filled with lots of lovely potions and lotions. No wonder Oasis has racked up accolades—on top of multiple Best of Westchesters from us—from the likes of Spa Magazine and New York Magazine.
50 Livingstone Ave, Dobbs Ferry (914) 409-1900; www.oasiswestchester.com
Shine Salon & Spa
Shine Salon is one of those rare places that seems to be good at everything, from perfect pedicures to ultra gentle waxing. The salon has racked up heaps of Best of Westchester awards, including Best Brazilian Bikini Wax, Best Wax, Best Manicure, and Best Eyebrow Shaping. And, chances are, we’ll keep finding reasons to bestow awards upon it because, well, Shine has never let us down.
161 Main St, Ossining (914) 762-6675 www.shine-salon-spa.com
The Herbal Compress Massage at THANN Sanctuary Spa at the Castle Hotel & Spa features a herbal compress ball.
THANN Sanctuary Spa at Castle Hotel & Spa
When you leave a massage humming “Walking on Sunshine,” you know you’ve had an extraordinary experience. Which about sums up the entire spa, with its cool minimalist décor, luxe lounge area, decadent steam room, and highly skilled therapists who spend six weeks in Thailand, learning both the culture and techniques.
400 Benedict Ave, Tarrytown (914) 524-6392; www.thannsanctuaryspany.com
Wellness Services
Acker House Center for Integrative Health
Croton resident Liz Ingalls, MA, PT, CST, bought and restored the historic Acker House, named after a past president of the Westchester County Medical Association, who practiced there in the late 1800s. Today, the House offers holistic classes and treatments, including acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, Reiki, meditation, and holistic physical therapy. Also look for fitness classes, such as Zumba, Pilates, yoga, and POUND, which combines cardio, strength training, Pilates, and drumming with weighted sticks called Ripstix.
139 Grand St, Croton-on-Hudson (914) 707-1399; www.ackerhouseny.com
Family Services of Westchester’s Family Mental Health Centers
Of the seven Family Services of Westchester’s Family Mental Health Centers, three are located in the Rivertowns: in Hastings-on-Hudson, Sleepy Hollow, and Yonkers. (The others are in Mount Vernon, Pelham, Port Chester, and White Plains.) At each of the facilities, FSW offers a variety of mental-health services—including counseling and support—that help families thrive. This includes addressing social, emotional, and environmental factors that may have a negative impact on family life.
78 Main St, Hastings-on-Hudson (914) 274-8334
239 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow (914) 631-2022
20 S Broadway, Yonkers, (914) 964-6767, plus four other locations; www.fsw.org
Greenleaf Pharmacy
Unlike a regular chain pharmacy, Greenleaf bridges Eastern and Western medicine in its offerings, mixing in homeopathic, holistic, and natural products among the usual cough and cold remedies. The owner and pharmacist either test the products themselves or do extensive research on them. As a retro throwback, the pharmacy also added an old-fashioned soda fountain to dispense healthy treats.
544 Warburton Ave, Hastings-on-Hudson (914) 478-0004
Walk-In Medical Facility
Southern Westchester Urgent Care
Accepting all major insurance plans and open seven days a week, this facility is staffed by board-certified doctors for an ER-equivalent level of care at a typically lower cost and in less time. Minor medical concerns are diagnosed and treated in part via on-site X-ray, lab test, and vaccinating services, while providers also administer school and sports physicals and occupational medicine services. Appointments aren’t necessary, but you can fast-track your treatment by checking in online before stopping in. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 7 pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am to 3 pm.
1915-25 Central Park Ave, Yonkers (914) 793-2273; www.southernwestchester-uc.com