BRUNSWICK
I t’s a one-stop mind, body, hair, nails,
Reiki, exercise, massage and health spa
— that’s what the Better U at Cook’s Corner offers its clients. This non-descript tan building has an overabundance of things housed beneath its roof.
On the left side of the building there is a full-service hair and nail salon, which offers its clients refreshments, relaxation, tasteful décor and peace of mind. In addition, you can get a massage, Reiki treatment or have a tanning session. In the middle there are two sections, one is a juice and snack bar as well as a sports fanatic room, while the other middle section is a tribute to old movies and actors, black and whites and old school Hollywood. Lastly, looking to the far right side of the building you see the gym, where they offer personal training, nutritional counseling and most of all, hope.
THE GYM AT BETTER U, where they offer personal training, nutritional counseling and most of all, hope.
“I like to see the transformation that takes place in people. They come here perhaps overweight or out-of-shape and we give them hope. As we lead them through their three times a week workouts, we see them change, because they undergo a complete body and mind transformation,” said Will Smith, coowner, trainer and competitive body builder.
THE SPORTS ROOM at Better U in Brunswick.
He likes to help young athletes excel and helps them improve in their sport.
“The kids that come in here are sometimes the misfits or the kids that aren’t really that good,” he said. “So we help them and build their confidence and show them how to succeed in their sport. That is just so satisfying.”
BETTER U IS LOCATED at 108 Farley Road in Brunswick. The salon can be reached at 721- 0397, while the fitness studio is at 721-9215.
Pamela Smith, Will’s wife, co-owner and salon manager, has a similar sentiment.
“I like to see how people change how they look, by helping them with their hair or nails, or if they get a massage and become more relaxed, it changes them,” she said. “And they leave here feeling and looking better.”
“I LIKE TO SEE the transformation that takes place in people. They come here perhaps overweight or out-of-shape and we give them hope. As we lead them through their three times a week workouts, we see them change, because they undergo a complete body and mind transformation,” said Will Smith, co-owner, trainer and competitive body builder.
Hair extensions or hair coloring can change a person’s entire look. “I love doing hair color. I enjoy the challenge of matching shades to create a unique and different look for a client. The results are always exciting and gratifying,” Pamela said.
The Smiths have been at this location for six years, yet very few people know about their existence or their location.
“I have been going to Pam to get my hair done for some time now, and people always compliment me on my hair. But when I tell them where I go to get my hair done, they always say ‘Where is that?’ No one seems to know about this place, yet I really think it’s a gold mine,” said Helene Marsh Harrower of Paul’s Marina in Brunswick.
“We used to be located on Maine Street, but we wanted to be able to have the salon and the gym housed together, so we moved to this location six years ago now. But I’ve been doing hair since 1983, so it’s been a while,” said Pamela.
Lynn Miller is another stylist who works at Better U, but she wear two hats. “I have been doing hair for over 30 years as well, so between the two of us we have over 60 years of hair care experience,” Miller said, pointing to Pamela. “But I also train people and make up training programs for them. And I work out in the gym and compete in body building myself.”
All three agree that not putting self first is the number one reason someone doesn’t exercise or take care of their personal appearance. “Women especially seem to put others ahead of themselves, finding reasons not to invest in their well being,” Pamela said.
Will concurs, but stresses how important exercise is.
“I think a lot of times people use time as an excuse to not exercise, and then they accept that ‘this is how it is’ and they doubt themselves, thinking they can’t do it (complete an exercise regime),” he said. “But we get people to commit to three months with three workouts a week, and so with us they have an appointment and they feel more compelled to keep that appointment.”
Price can also be an issue.
“In truth I charge half the price of other people out there (for personal training). If you break down all the workouts you get when you sign on with me for three months, it’s really cheap,” Will said. “Then if you look at it as preventative for other medical issues and a way to build confidence and change your body, it’s even cheaper.”
“I think people gain self-esteem, they lose weight, they see the transformation in their own bodies and they become proud of themselves, which is our goal here. Many people say they have more energy and feel a lot better after sticking to our exercise regime,” Miller said.
Once you have done your workout you can lounge in the movie room or juice bar and have a smoothie or even a beer.
“We can’t sell any liquor to any of our clients in the gym or the salon, but we offer beer and wine complementary, as well as juices, tea, coffee, water. It’s a non-intimidating atmosphere. Once you come here you join our family,” said Will.
The fitness studio is open by appointment. The salon is open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon.
They are located at 108 Farley Road in Brunswick. The salon can be reached at 721- 0397, while the fitness studio is at 721-9215.
They are on Facebook, and have several websites: www.betterutotalimagespa.com; www.willsmithsbetteru.com and www.refuse2bfeeble.com.
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