Spice Wellness Systems opens

A new health and wellness center opened on Saturday, Nov. 22, and as an opening special is offering three complimentary 10-minute Whole Body Vibration (WBV) sessions.

The business, called Spice Wellness Systems, is located in the Rancho Sahuarita Marketplace south of the Fry’s grocery store.

The owners of Spice say the benefits of their approach include an increase in bone density and muscle mass.

Spice promotes the exercise-therapy program as a way to improve wellness in just ten minutes with “the most scientifically advanced method of toning and shaping your body.”

Co-owner Micki Lyons said, “Spice is about wellness and taking care of yourself. We’re all going, going, going, but we all have ten minutes.”

Lyons said many of the passersby who were interested in a free tryout on Saturday were between 60 and 75 years of age.

The Sahuarita location is the first franchise location in the U.S. for the Canadian-based business.

Micki Lyons and co-owner David Bomersback spent the winter in the Green Valley/Sahuarita community last year.

After seeing and being very impressed by the (WBV) system in Alberta, Canada, last year, they decided to open a center in Sahuarita.

Lyons said the exercise-therapy benefits are extensive: those who used the WBV system three times a week for one year showed an increase in bone density of three percent and an increase in muscle mass of four percent.

Her literature said “recent studies indicate that regular whole-body vibration leads to a decreased risk of falls and resulting injuries by improving bone density, balance and muscular strength in elderly and inactive populations.”

In the WBV system, a person stands for 10 minutes on a piece of equipment that looks like a scale and that vibrates between six and 20 hertz levels.

“Muscles relax and contract ... 10 minutes is equivalent to one hour of strength training and core conditioning,” Lyons said.

Spice Wellness offers a comprehensive four-step program that includes WBV, online personal training with customized programs, individualized online nutrition programs, and a relaxation CD and wellness journal where participants can track their progress.

For relaxation, massage services are available at the Sahuarita location.

To familiarize residents with the new program, Spice Wellness is offering a free six-minute WBV session.

This writer took advantage of the trial and found the machine did all the work, getting the blood flowing and unused muscles moving.

Those who are comfortable with the introductory session may sign up for three, free ten-minute sessions.

“There is no obligation; we measure on the first and third visits and ask for a brief testimonial.

“Everyone has stresses and struggles. This can help people to feel better and to sleep better. It’s an alternative for their health and wellness,” Lyons said.

Spice Wellness is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The phone number is 520-625-7100.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.