Relaxation proves to be best bet at spa

After a hard day at the slots, Mountaineer Race Track guests can relax at a new spa and fitness center.
By STEPHANIE UJHELYI
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
CHESTER, W.Va. -- Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort visitors can feel like a million dollars after visiting the resort's new spa and fitness center.
Since opening its doors in March, the 11,000-square-foot spa and fitness center has become a popular draw.
Tamara Pettit, director of public relations for Mountaineer, said the facility is yet another step in Mountaineer's mission to become a destination resort complete with all the amenities desired by an increasingly discerning public.
Constructed at a cost in excess of $1 million, the Spa & amp; Fitness Centre features state-of-the-art strength and conditioning equipment with a complete cardiovascular theater. Life Fitness/Hammer Strength and Conditioning Equipment along with treadmills, recumbent lifecycles and cross trainers are included in the center along with a free weight area.
Both wet and dry saunas are in the men's and women's locker rooms, and 10-seat Jacuzzi whirlpools will be soon installed.
Joe Kidd, Mountaineer's director of corporate and personal training, is available to devise a personal fitness plan for members and guests.
Certified personal trainers are available to conduct complete equipment orientations during the center's operating hours.
A variety of aerobics, yoga and Taebo classes are offered weekdays.
Pampering: Spa services include a beauty, nail, skin and tanning salon as well as massage therapy. Licensed massage therapist Stephanie Hicks lends her soothing touch to send stress away with Swedish, deep tissue and neuromuscular massages. An "on the rocks" massage, utilizing heated basalt rock therapy, is a special feature of the spa.
Completing the experience is a popular health bar that serves smoothies, a fruit and protein blend drink offered in a variety of flavors.
Spa and Fitness membership are available on a one-month, three-month and annual basis. A day pass also may be purchased for $10.
Ted Arneault, Mountaineer president and chief executive office, said the addition of the Spa & amp; Fitness Centre to Mountaineer was a logical decision.
"Our research indicates that guests are seeking diverse recreational activities when they visit a destination resort. The constantly growing emphasis on physical fitness and well-being makes a spa and fitness center a very popular component of the total resort experience," he said.
The Spa & amp; Fitness Centre is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 6 a.m. to midnight Fridays through Tuesdays.