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Show Signpost Tuesday, May 13, 1986' 15 'Spa-sical' leanings shape America's exercise devotees by Tanja Schaffer Staff Reporter When Robert L. Rice and four associates decided to open the first American Health Studio in 1959, a nationwide chain of health spas caught on. This studio, located in Salt Lake City, was once a department store in Sugar House. It was here that Rice introduced the luxuries of carpeting, mirrors, chromed dumb bells and barbells. He appealed to a clientele otherwise neglected by the "sweat and muscle" shops popular for only the "Mr. America's" at that time. Now, the flabby-armed males rejoiced at the opportunities the American Health Studio offered. These men were able to work out in a non-intimidating environment and in the company of similar unconditioned males. In the early 1960's, Rice added to the system with his second outlet, the European Health Spa in Holla-day. This addition included steam baths, swimming pools, hydrotherapy pools and saunas. Body conditioning now became respectable. "There is no way that any man, woman or child is going to shape or build a body without muscular effort," said Rice, who won the title of "Mr. Utah" in 1953. He said that any fitness program relying on machines or passive techniques to whisk away fat at no effort or build massive muscles instantly simply doesn't work. He said the generation who had endured life on the farm and the Depression related physical activity to being cast into slavery. However, Rice decided to take a "comfortable approach" when he opened his business, and the nation "seemed to become aroused" with physical activity. By the early 1960's, a sprinkling of joggers was running around the University of Utah campus. According to various statistics, by the mid-1960's, people opted for the lean and mean look which could only come from moderation in eating and drinking A A'- . ; i.j Signpost photo Rory Easley Cori Bauford of Fitness America leads an aerobics workout. and a strict regimen of workouts. Thinness received praise as the most favored physique throughout the 1970's until Diana Ross sang out and pleaded "I want muscles" in her hit single in 1982. A multitude of potential Mr. Olympia contenders appeared to emerge when film producers released Pumping Iron, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger in all his muscular glory. The physique of the modern Mr. Olympia far exceeds that of the Mr. Olympia 30 years ago. The new movement also has appealed to women. In 1978, a young Californian named Lisa Lyon decided to compete in muscle contests. Since her natural body build wasn't made for a thin figure, she decided to make the best out of what she did have plenty of muscle. A number of studies indicates a trend towards body building sparked the desires of many women to begin work on their own bodies. Now a number of women have gone beyond traditional methods of toning and . firming up. Some even seek the muscularity and definition applauded in the male anatomy. Mr. Utah 1980, Gilbert Ruiz', the current district manager exercise and regional equipment analyst for Utah Spas Inc., fully believes that this craze is here to stay. "It will be going even stronger than ever in the future," he said. While Rice is turned-off by muscularity in women, Ruiz finds it sexy and attractive. However, regardless of this minor disparity, both agree on the importance of physical fitness as the key to overall good health. "For one thing," said Ruiz, "many studies have shown that if a person works out at least three times a week at a minimum of 20 minutes, the possibilities of a heart attack are reduced by 50 percent. People of all ages and lifestyles benefit from the results of exercise since it relieves stress." Mike Hess, manager and fitness consultant at the Spa Fitness Center in Ogden, believes the important fact is that it improves one's self image. "The individual who exercises takes better care of himself in the way he eats, dresses, moves, and acts towards other people," he said. Hess said these factors are goals that Spa Fitness Centers across the country are striving to attain within every person. "Our top priority is customer service and satisfaction. We are consciously concerned for the general well being of each member, and we make efforts to please our clients in every way," he said. Today, spas are emerging everywhere. They are a part of the 80's lifestyle. Where socializing, relaxation and improving one's total self is concerned, spas are definitely the place to be. So, let's get physical! fit lig0t it mi Bunvmm I5i." - 1,2 lp ' I i- III 'V. v 35 . & Super Events presents: Lindquist Plaza (Duck Pond) Saturday, May 17 Program Schedule: 1:00 1:45 Saliva Sisters 2:15 3:15 Tempo-Timers 3:45 4:15 Fashion Show (by The Bon) 4:45 5:45 The Kapp Brothers 6:15 7:15 Hyperformance 8:00 9:00...; The Villains Also games, food & lots of Sun NO ALCOHOL PLEASE |