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La Physique is a French term that means body, mind, and spirit, and Taft hopes that clients can have all of their fitness and relaxation needs met under one roof.

Circuit training at La Physique features a 12-station circuit of aerobic and resistance training set to upbeat music. Taft has also provided treadmills and a stationary bike for those who want a different aerobic workout.

La Physique offers two 15-minute tanning beds, just introduced in 2005. Customers can get the same tan in less time with these new beds, she said. And the they offer the option of not tanning the face, which is often darker than the rest of the body because it is always exposed to the sun, added Taft.

Owner Pat Taft (left) and massage therapist Karen Stielow offer fitness and massage services at La Physique in the Hill Top complex.

Taft has always been an exercise enthusiast and when she saw a need in the Paynesville area for a new fitness center, she jumped on the opportunity, she said. She uses PACE equipment and the PACE method of training, but the business is not a PACE franchise, she added, so she is free to adapt the business to meet her client's needs.

La Physique is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 5, and Taft is offering specials throughout January and February.

Karen's Karing Touch massages are available by appointment on Mondays and Saturdays, though Stielow hopes to offer more hours eventually. Stielow offers Swedish (traditional), deep tissue, chair, pregnancy, and myofacial massages.

Taft and Stielow both live in Cold Spring. Taft, who has a background in physical therapy, is married and has three children. She likes spending time with her family and exercising for relaxation.

Stielow, who is also married with three children, is a recent graduate of the Sister Rosylin Gefre School of Massage Therapy, where she completed 750 hours of clinical and hands-on training. She enjoys outdoor activities and watching her kids play hockey.