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Interval Training

A series of high-energy exercises succeeded by a period of low-intensity activity. A combination of high-energy exercise followed by a period of low-intensity activity.

Interview Questions

March 28, 2017

Looking for new ways to learn more about job candidates during the interview process? ISPA members shared their favorite interview questions in a previous ISPA Snapshot Survey. You are sure to find some thought-provoking conversation starters for your next interview here.

Investigating New Hires

September 5, 2023

With 250 employees and a fair amount of turnover, Colin MacCrimmon has a lot of jobs to fill and several ways to gather enough information to judge the suitability of a job candidate. When hiring new employees, the human resources manager for Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia, relies primarily on reference checks from previous employers and managers, as well as personal references.

Using a set of standard questions, MacCrimmon probes job candidates and their references for red flags. “It’s important not to be suggestive,” he said. “Follow a template and give people time to talk.” He has found vague answers to specific questions— like why they left a specific job—from either the job candidate or a reference can reveal potential issues in the candidate’s job history that warrant more probing questions.

Ion Foot Detox Bath

Other Name(s):
Ionic Foot Bath, Foot Detox Bath

Definition of Offering:
A ion foot detox bath is said to remove toxins from your body through your feet.

Iridology

Iridology is based on the premise that every organ in the body has a corresponding location within the iris of the eye, which serves as an indicator of the organ’s health or disease.

Is Your Spa “Holiday-Ready”?

October 3, 2023

The holiday season seems to begin earlier every year. To help ISPA members plan for the year-end rush, a Town Hall this summer focused on getting your spa “holiday-ready” with creative seasonal promotions and incentive ideas like gift cards and open houses. Panelists at the July Town Hall included Aaliya Bashir, owner of Warrior Body Spa; Charlotte Prescott, director of spa and fitness at Privai Spa at the Kimpton Epic, Arch Amenities Group; Ginger McLean, director of spa operations at Hard Rock Atlantic City; Justin Vanderpoel, assistant spa director at Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess; and Patrick Huey, ISPA chairman, as moderator.

The idea of “Christmas in July” is more than a marketing gimmick. By mid-summer, most spas are already beginning their planning for holiday sales and year-end promotions. “We started our holiday planning [in July] with preliminary meetings,” said Justin Vanderpoel. “It’s never too early to start planning. We like to include everyone in the leadership team at our meetings. The more minds, the better.”

Ginger McLean said, “We create a framework of our marketing calendar in September for the next year. We then meet quarterly with everyone and work hand-in-hand across the property to ensure everything is consistent.”

Aaliya Bashir shared, “Our spa plans our marketing four months out. Our biggest days for revenue are Black Friday/Cyber Monday.

ISPA Conference Expo Awards honor exhibitors and sponsors

June 13, 2024

The second annual ISPA Conference Expo Awards were a celebration of sponsors and exhibitors whose presence in the Expo marked the pinnacle of resource partners’ creativity and dedication within the spa industry.

ISPA Experts Weigh in on Tariffs: Soothing Solutions for a Tense Trade Climate

June 26, 2025

At ISPA’s recent virtual session, “Tariff Talk: Preparing for the Future,” experts explored the growing concern about tariffs on the spa industry. Jeff Schriefer (Bank of the Bluegrass) discussed how tariffs affect global supply chains, with many spa-related goods likely to be affected because of their complex international sourcing. Peter Tsoflias (Blank Rome) commented on the legal and practical challenges businesses face, especially under fixed contracts.

ISPA Members Reflect on Technology in the Spa

December 16, 2024

A summertime ISPA snapshot survey asked respondents to share details about technology in the workplace. Survey responses highlight the types of technology-driven services and treatments being offered, types of operational resources, guest policy on technology usage, cell phone policies and other tech-focused spa practices.

It’s an Animal’s Planet: Leadership and Business Advice from the Wild

June 12, 2018

Survival of the fittest, constant adaption to change—the wilderness and the corporate world have many similarities.

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