Get your kick at a health and fitness spa

I knew long before I did anything about it that there were many changes I could make specific to diet and exercise. Heck, I even knew exactly what I needed to do -- eat less calories than I burn, stock up on fruits and veggies, nix the red meat, soda, and junk food, and work out strenuously. But something held me back. I think it was motivation.

I found just the push I needed at Canyon Ranch spa in Tucson, Arizona. This desert oasis boasts the finest in not only pampering but also in healthy living. For four days, I ate the healthiest foods, indulged in fitness classes galore, and learned from experts how to fine-tune my ways for optimum functioning and survival. It was grand. And for five months now, I have not wavered in my newly disciplined life. As a result, I am leaner, healthier, and happier than ever before. Thank goodness for my trip out west.

Sometimes it just takes a little kick in the pants when it comes to mastering the whole diet and exercise thing. And many are signing up, like me, for their own personal kick.

Health, weight loss, and fitness spas are popping up all over the place, and hoards of people are taking advantage of them. Such spa destinations are the most-searched spa category on spafinder.com. Clearly, there is a demand. And it seems the owners of these getaway locations are meeting the demand with affordable options for those who want a little lifestyle change. There's Fitness Ridge Resort and Spa in Ivins, Utah where an all-inclusive week-long stay costs $1,295. In the spa business, this is a right-on-the-money price. There's also a family-run Tennessee Fitness Spa 100 miles outside of Nashville where a week-long stay in a room for four costs $750 per person.

It's a buyers market for all your spa dreamers out there. And so you can really start dreaming, take a peek at these top 10 affordable spas voted on by 5,000 participants in Spa Finder's newly-released annual Reader's Choice survey.

Deerfield Spa, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Fitness Ridge Resort and Spa, Ivins, Utah
Hotel Ixtapan, Mexico
New Age Health Spa, Neversink, New York
New Life Hiking Spa, Killington, Vermont
The Oaks at Ojai, Ojai, California
Red Mountain Spa, Ivins, Utah
Regency Resort and Spa, Hallandale, Florida
Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, Safety Harbor, Florida
Spa Eastman, Eastman, Quebec