Best of Arlington 2024: Fitness & Beauty

Reader Pick
Nail Salon

Keen

There are no acrylics, gel UV lamps or foot soaking tubs at Sam Moss’ waterless nail salon in Clarendon. Keen’s 14 technicians use all nontoxic products, warm towels, a house-made sugar scrub and a custom scent from aromatherapy purveyor Sydney Hale Co. The most popular service in the minimalist studio—where a vibey Spotify playlist replaces the usual elevator music—is the Extra Pedicure, which includes a hot stone treatment. There are mani-pedi services for kiddos 12 and under, too. Inspired by the clean makeup movement, Moss coined the idea for the eco-conscious business, which opened in June 2022, during her first pregnancy. Says the Arlington mom: “I really just created a brand that I would want to go to.” –Stephanie Kanowitz

Other top vote-getters:

Hollywood Nails & Spa, Kosmo Nail Bar, Mint Nail Lounge, Nails 2000, Nothing in Between Studio, Yorktown Nails

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Reader Pick
Spa

Azure Dream Day Spa

Leila Espari spent 16 years working in someone else’s spa before she decided to open her own. In 2010, she rented a 1,400-square-foot space in Courthouse and began offering med-spa, facial and hair removal services. Today, the cozy and personable retreat she operates with business partner Arash Hosseinzadeh welcomes about 500 clients per week to a three-story building in Ballston, where the menu of services has expanded to include massage, body treatments, hair and nail care, permanent makeup and a brow and lash bar. “We treat all people equally,” says Espari, who was born in Iran. “It doesn’t matter what gender they are, what color they are, ethnicity… I think everybody feels welcome.” –Stephanie Kanowitz

Other top vote-getters:

Eyes on Skin Spa, Nothing in Between Studio, Nova Therapeutic Massage, Origins Thai Spa, The Teal Center

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Editor Pick
Indoor Rock Climbing

Movement Crystal City

At Movement, it’s not unusual to see Nico Combs clinging to a wall, upside down, parallel to the floor. The 16-year-old Wakefield High School student is a coach and competitive climber at the colorful and airy facility, which boasts more than 350 indoor climbing “routes” and bouldering challenges inside a 35,000-square-foot space less than a half-mile from the Crystal City Metro stop. Formerly known as Earth Treks, Movement also offers fitness and climbing classes, a yoga studio, full gym and gear shop. But what Combs likes best is the community. “I have always been impressed,” he says, “with how many cool and interesting people could be packed into a niche hobby.” –Kim O’Connell

Reader Pick
Gym

Method Fitness

During the pandemic, Method’s one-on-one training approach was ideal for clients steering clear of group workouts, says owner Aryan Siahpoushan, who opened his 1,500-square-foot gym on Langston Boulevard mid-Covid in February 2021. Four months later, he bought a neighboring space and doubled the size of the business, which specializes in personal training and nutrition counseling. Today, his expert staff of 14 trainers and a dietitian continue to work with clients at any point in their fitness journey. Rather than following any sort of exercise template, they take what Siahpoushan calls a “blank canvas approach” with each individual. “We’re able to determine what works best for that person,” he says. –Stephanie Kanowitz

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Other top vote-getters:

Ballston CrossFit, Gold’s Gym, Onelife Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, VIDA Fitness Ballston

Group Of Young Sporty People In Balasana Pose — (Adobe Stock)

Reader Pick
Yoga Studio

Sun & Moon Yoga Studio

Other top vote-getters:

CorePower Yoga, Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga, Sukha Center

Reader Pick
Tattoo Studio

Rick’s Tattoos

After 40 years on Langston Boulevard, Virginia’s oldest tattoo parlor recently relocated to Falls Church when its Arlington landlord sold the building. Owner Rick Cherry, whose career in ink began 53 years ago, says he feels like he’s getting a brand-new start. “It gave us the opportunity to expand,” he says of the move. You can now find five tattoo artists (and counting) at the studio’s new home in Bailey’s Crossroads, along with shiny new equipment, more space and easier parking. What hasn’t changed is the philosophy that’s made Rick’s a trusted go-to for body art—from full-sleeve botanicals and old-school pinup designs to deeply personal symbolism—for four decades. “People like to be treated with respect. We give them a real good price and the best tattoo that we’re capable of giving,” says Cherry. The proof is in the repeat business. “I’ve had customers bring their grandkids for me to tattoo.” –Adele Chapin

Other top vote-getter:

Lady Octopus Tattoos