So...we published this post back in April. But then fog-ocaplyse hit and SF beaches were the farthest things from our minds. So, in honor of the fact that it's 85 degrees right now (!), we're reposting this baby. Get beach ready!
You’re pale, you’re flabby, and tropical shores are beckoning. To the rescue: our boot camp for shoring up.
1. Get in the mood
If you’re going to make this beach thing work, you’ve got to feel it. Sign up for the “Island Indulgence” treatment at Senspa. As Hawaiian ukulele music plays in the background, you get a 90-minute lomilomi–inspired body massage, a foot scrub and a scalp treatment—all using an intoxicating blend of essential oils including jasmine, coconut and macadamia. By the time it’s over, you’ll be inspired to hop the first Hawaii-bound flight out of SFO. $195; 1161 Gorgas Ave., 415-441-1777, senspa.com
2. Firm up
A few weeks of circuit-training classes at the new TRX Training Center in Russian Hill should do the trick. The 55-minute nonstop full-body workout promises quick results and focuses on supporting your own body weight via a suspension trainer. Drop-in class $20; five classes $90; 1650 Pacific Ave., 415-655-4797, trxtrainingcenter.com
3. Start fresh
Strike back at sun damage with a photo facial—a treatment first developed right here at Epicenter Med Spa and now used all over the world. Pulses of intense light eliminate the mistakes of last summer (and the summer before that … ) as well as age spots, lines and rosacea. There’s no downtime, so you can be on the beach days after. Just keep your hat on this time. $485; 450 Sutter St., 415-362-4754, skinrejuv.com
4. Smooth things out
Spend a Saturday in Cow Hollow and the Marina and kill three birds with one stone. Start off with the painful part: a Brazilian wax at Wax Habit, which has the bonus of an eclectic environment and complimentary wine. $60; 3212 Fillmore St., 415-931-3165, waxhabit.com
5. Hang 10
Move on to a “Get Fresh Lemongrass” pedicure at Lush Life Nail Bar. While you sip mimosas (more booze!), your legs and feet get soaked, exfoliated and moisturized with botanical-based products. It’s heel heaven. $35; 3108 Fillmore St., 415-776-5874, lushlifenailbar.com
6. Get some color
Stop by a Benefit Boutique and get a spray tan custom-blended to your desired level of bronze goddessness. You are now officially ready to brave the beach. $40; 2219 Chestnut St., 415-567-1173, benefitcosmetics.com
MANSCAPING 101
Women aren’t the only ones who grapple with body hair. Check out the back ($60) and chest ($40) wax for men at Stript Wax Bar. There’s also the Boyzilian ($75)—but only for the few and the brave. 1764 Union St., 415-771-6419, striptwaxbar.com
The Suit
This is the year of the one-piece. This chic, adjustable halter maillot by Lenny ($175) has a retro cut with a modern fit. Its Lycra ruching at the waist slenderizes and accentuates your figure (hey, the TRX class can’t do it all). Suit at Alla Prima Fine Lingerie, 539 Hayes St., 415-864-8180, allaprimalingerie.com
The Shades
Vintage-inspired Cat Eye Sunglasses ($325) by The Row are chic but durable enough to throw in your beach bag. Shades at Barneys New York, 77 O’Farrell St., 415-268-3500, barneys.com.
Related Articles