Posted by Jennifer Popper on Fri, Jul 30, 2010 @ 08:12 PM
QUESTION:
How do you get serious about fitness?
ANSWER:
With Drill Sergeant Susan at
The calendar still says Summer, but here at Studio Fitness, we're planning out our Fall schedule, so you can save the dates! Our new "Fall Shape Up" Challenge starts Tuesday, September 14th.
Boot Camp Challenge® is designed for all ages, all sizes and shapes, as well as all fitness levels. Intense and disciplined in nature, Boot Camp Challenge® will guide you in cardio and strength conditioning, where you'll increase your flexibility, build self-esteem and more. And you will see results! It's an empowering environment that also challenges and nutures participants who tend to reenlist for new Challenges!
Boot Camp Challenge® can help you jump start your fitness program, break a plateau or give you some personal motivation. Why not give it a try?
Our previous challenges have been six weeks. Now give us eight weeks and find out how much your body can change.
Our eight week program begins on Tuesday, September 14th. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-7:00 a.m. at Studio Fitness.
$280.00 for 16 sessions
For additional information and enrollment, please call 908-399-3431 or email SUSAN, or visit BOOTCAMP CHALLENGE®.
Boot Camp Challenge® ,
Invest in Yourself
Hoo-Aah!
Boot Camp Challenge® is independently owned and operated by Susan A. Marone, LLC.
Posted by Jennifer Popper on Tue, Apr 13, 2010 @ 01:08 PM
QUESTION:
How do you get serious about fitness?
ANSWER:
With Drill Sergeant Susan at
Our new "Summer Shape Up" Challenge starts Tuesday, April 27th.
Boot Camp Challenge® is designed for all ages, all sizes and shapes, as well as all fitness levels. Intense and disciplined in nature, Boot Camp Challenge® will guide you in cardio and strength conditioning, where you'll increase your flexibility, build self-esteem and more. And you will see results! It's an empowering environment that also challenges and nutures participants who tend to reenlist for new Challenges!
Boot Camp Challenge® can help you jump start your fitness program, break a plateau or give you some personal motivation. Why not give it a try?
Our previous challenges have been six weeks. Now give us eight weeks and find out how much your body can change.
This is the last chance to get in on the action until the Fall Challenge!
Our eight week program begins on Tuesday, April 27th. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-7:00 a.m. at Studio Fitness.
$280.00 for 16 sessions
For additional information and enrollment, please call 908-399-3431 or email SUSAN, or visit BOOTCAMP CHALLENGE®.
Boot Camp Challenge® is independently owned and operated by Susan A. Marone, LLC.
Posted by Jennifer Popper on Sun, Feb 28, 2010 @ 02:27 PM
You've heard about boot camp. At Studio Fitness, another round of results-driven Boot Camp Challenge® starts this week. The new session with Drill Sergeant Susan begins on Tuesday, March 2nd. Boot Camp Challenge® is a six-week group personal training program that provides you with affordable, individualized attention. You will be guided in cardio and strength conditioning, gain flexibility and learn more about proper nutrition.
The groups are small so that you get the personal attention you need. Workouts are led by an experienced fitness professional to help you achieve your fitness goals.
There are many secrets to the success of the Boot Camp Challenge® program. If you have your "top secret" security clearance, you may continue to read.
Secret #1:
Program Setup -
Boot Camps run in sessions. Because you have a start and end date, you feel success reaching your goal.
Secret #2:
Assessments -
When we create a baseline, you will have data to compare results. When you see the changes you are making, you will feel successful.
Secret #3:
Cohesiveness -
When we are training, and suffering, we always enjoy it more when we are experiencing it with others! And there is nothing greater than sharing success with others who have gone through the experience.
These are only a few of the secrets that make this program successful.
Boot Camp Challenge® is a great way to lose unwanted pounds and inches fast, increase your strength, tone your muscles, improve your self-esteem and just feel great! Boot Camp Challenge® is for everyone, and all participants will see results. Boot Camp Challenge® runs for six weeks, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-7:00 a.m. at Studio Fitness.
About Susan Marone: Susan is the owner and trainer of Boot Camp Challenge. She is an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Fitness Trainer. She is also a certified Zumba and Spinning instructor, and has been working in the health and fitness industry for 15 years. She loves motivating people to get in, and stay in shape. Over the past 15 years Susan has helped hundreds of people reach their fitness goals.
Contact Susan at 908-399-3431, e-mail her at susansbootcamp@aol.com or visit Boot Camp Challenge to see why Boot Camp Challenge® is right for you! Save your spot today!
Posted by Jennifer Popper on Thu, Dec 31, 2009 @ 02:48 PM
It's New Year's Eve, and I find myself reflecting on 2009, a year with both highs and lows, for Studio Fitness, for my family, and for so many others out there. Yet as I think back on the year's events, it's all of the good times at Studio Fitness on which I try to focus - especially the new Pilates and yoga clients that came through our doors; and the clients that have been with us for so long. We appreciate you appreciating us. And because of you, we continue to try to bring you programs that inspire you and contribute to your goals in mind, body and spirit.
We appreciate our instructors, who time and time again strive to give our clients more than one hundred percent. They are dedicated and passionate about what they teach, and the knowledge they impart, be it new moves on the Pilates Reformer machines, the ability to teach new Zumba and belly dancing routines and see clients "get it", or to instruct clients in the progression to go deeper into a particular yoga pose. They are inspirational to me as well, contributing new ideas and class concepts. Take, for instance, Lauren's Yoga Lounge, a gentle restorative yoga, with candlelight, relaxing music and essential oils - all designed to feed your soul, align your spine, and provide an end-of-week oasis.
As 2010 rolls in, complete with a New Year's Eve blue moon (there hasn't been one since 1990), we hope that Studio Fitness is more than a "once in a blue moon" experience for you. Here's to health, wealth and happiness in life and for your family.
See you next year!
Posted by Jennifer Popper on Sun, Jul 05, 2009 @ 05:13 PM
As I type this up, sitting out on our back porch, I'm reflecting on the fact that this was a wonderful holiday weekend. The weather finally cooperated and the sun did come out!
This 4th of July, my husband Michael and I went on a 17 mile bike ride yesterday around the Great Swamp (he has his laptop outside as well, and is now Googling info on Trek and Cannondale bikes). I'm less familiar with this part of New Jersey, but after playing around on the computer, I realized that it would be a somewhat hilly ride. And unfortunately, just as we began our journey, I learned that my gears were a bit shot. I plowed ahead, though, encouraged by Michael, and probably expended three times as much energy as necessary versus had my gears worked correctly. I felt like Fred Flinstone driving his car, legs working at a quick pace, kicking up a dust cloud, screaming, "Wilma!" However, even though I worked harder, I constantly had keep your hips forward and shoulders back and down playing over and over in my head. One more occasion where Pilates training has crossed over to everyday life. When you do Pilates on a regular basis, be it on the Reformer or the mat, you realize the importance of alignment, of creating a stronger and more flexible spine, use of the breath (good for those hilly inclines), and so much more.
We were on the last leg of our journey, and noticed a 'Pick Your Own Blueberries' sign. We decided, since the last part of the ride included a long, steady hill before the final coast back down to the car, to finish the ride and drive back. We knew if we got off the bikes, we wouldn't want to get back on, and we still had a ways to go. So we ventured on, made it to the finish line, and pointed the car towards blueberry heaven!
We parked our car, bikes now dangling on the bike rack, and made our way into Hillview Farms. We were each given our own pails, the kind children use at the beach, but our prize was going to be a lovely shade of blue vs. the usual golden sand. We made our way to the blueberry patch, and reflected upon the fact that something so simple could be so rewarding (we ate a few as we filled our pails, so yes, we knew it was rewarding... and so very tasty!). This place was a discovery we made purely by accident, but as we made our way back to the store to have our booty weighed, we knew we'd be back one day soon. That's because Lorraine, who was friendly, informative and funny, too, told us about the fresh peaches arriving in a few weeks!
Hope you enjoyed the beautiful weather and you were able to do something active and rewarding, too! Feel like sharing? We'd love to hear from you!
Posted by Jennifer Popper on Sun, Apr 05, 2009 @ 06:19 PM
I just looked at the calendar, and thought, "Oh, my!" Count for yourself - there are only 50 days until the unofficial start of summer - Memorial Day.
Don't get me wrong, I love summer; I love the sun and sand, barbecues, and a great day of beach volleyball. But ask most people, and they'll say they want to drop anywhere from five to fifteen pounds, and quick! They want to shape up, tone, and slim down so they look good and feel healthy participating in all of the activities that arise during the summer season.
Lately, I think about how I can squeeze in some extra workout time for myself. Take the stairs. Walk to the farmer's market for the goodies that will go into my smoothies. Get that bike in for a tune-up ASAP. And what are you doing? What have you been doing? If you haven't moved much during the cold, wintry months, be careful. Don't become a weekend warrior, or you just may find yourself making regular visits to a chiropractor.
I have found myself bugging my husband to get out of bed for his 6am yoga class so he maintains the flexibility to endure 18 holes on the golf course (he's probably on the 15th hole as I write this!). He'll even ask for some Pilates Reformer instruction once in awhile. If you are unsure of where to start for yourself, inquire about a Pilates for Golf routine to help you avoid injury. A golf swing requires one to rotate the upper body while maintaining a stable lower body. Ask a qualified Pilates instructor to give you a Torso Rotation Test. If you're looking for a better swing, check out this recent article from Pilates Digest, "Pilates for a Better Golf Swing" and practice what they preach!
If you think that it’s too late to start exercising, I’d have to challenge you and say you’re incorrect. It’s never too late, regardless of the date on the calendar. Anyone can do it, yourself included. Look at one of our clients. Sophia stopped by last week with her six-month old son, wanting to sign up for some Pilates mat classes to help her get back on the proverbial exercise horse. As you can see, she looked fabulous doing yoga while she was pregnant. I see pictures of her, and I'm inspired to move, move, move! (Not sure where to find yoga near you? Click HERE to find local classes in your area.)
Now, as much as I would love to say that Studio Fitness is the ONLY place that can help you achieve your fitness goals, that would be very far from the truth. No matter where you decide to take classes that help you strengthen and lengthen, just get out there and do it so you’ll be bathing suit ready when the calendar says sand, sun and fun!
Take our quick poll and tell us if you're ready for summer. And always feel free to stop by for a class at Studio Fitness!
Posted by Jennifer Popper on Fri, Mar 13, 2009 @ 07:33 PM
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX - Owning a Pilates and yoga studio has helped me embrace this phrase. I try to think outside of the proverbial box when I imagine what else my instructors and I can offer our clients. Enhancing a class schedule without sacrificing the core (pun intended) of what we offer at Studio Fitness is key to keeping our clients engaged and wanting more. Of course, we do not want to sacrifice what they have been coming for in the first place, but we want to keep it interesting.
To that point of offering more, we've added some fun classes to our repetoire, and as such, I've come to realize that we've got a theme night here at Studio Fitness. Our Thursday night classes have a Brazilian flair, with both Zumba®, and then Capoeira on the schedule. Personally, I've taken a few Zumba® classes, and all I can say is that it's a good thing I can laugh at myself. Some people are able to just let loose and let themselves go; they feel the music, they don't care what they look like, and they just have a blast while working up a sweat and working off some calories. One client said, "If I can't shake it here, I can't shake it anywhere!"
Not sure if Zumba® is for you? Well, if you're ready for some fun, check out this Zumba® YouTube video that has been viewed by over 2 million people. Then stop by for a class with Mary Liebau or Tina LeVine. Both of our instructors inspire you to think outside the box, and shake it if you've got it!
Capoeira is new to me, and a new class on our schedule. For me, I am really enjoying it, and I have even convinced my husband to participate. I know it's not supposed to be about me, right? It's about the clients. But I have had so much fun, just two classes in! I've been reading more about Capoeira, hearing more about it, and even saw it mentioned in one of my favorite catalogs, Title Nine. There is usually a tiny blurb about the models who appear in the catalog, and on page 95 of the Summer 2009 issue I just got in the mail, it says, "Yhazi's dream job would be teaching Capoeira in Brazil." I like the dress she is wearing, and am considering purchasing it, but even more impressive are her arms, and if Capoeira can help me get arms as cut as hers, then count me in!
In Capoeira, participants form a roda, or circle, and take turns playing instruments like a berimbau, singing, and sparring with someone else in the center of the roda.
The benefits of playing Capoeira include building confidence, and increased concentration, alertness, and circulation. It's a great stress-reliever, and a full-body workout, and balances both body and mind.
Not sure Capoeira is for women? Traditionally, women were practically absent from the world of Capoeira. Today, they actually
make up the majority of students. Women are attracted by the aspects
of dance, flexibility and physical resistance that the game requires
and develops. Overall, Capoeira is for boys and girls, men and women, basically for all ages. Take a look at the following video, and notice the young girl participating in Capoeira! (Save the Date: experience Capoeira on June 20th at the Montclair Museum, more details to follow.)
Finally, a sorority friend of mine from Syracuse University, who lives in New Jersey and teaches yoga, posted this video after the Syracuse/UConn Big East Tournament game that went to six... yes, count it, six, overtimes last night! Syracuse perservered, with the game finishing at almost 1:30 am, and I am oh, so proud! Yoga Jen's video struck me as also thinking outside the box. Her yoga tweens are rallying around Syracuse, all as they do tree pose, incorporating yoga into everyday life... take a look!
I challenge you to look around, find something that you've always wanted to try, something about which you've always been curious... and join me as you learn to think outside the box.
Posted by Jennifer Popper on Sun, Jan 25, 2009 @ 04:51 PM
It's not in plain sight, but it's been catching my eye lately. Success. It's on a greeting card I saved, a card I received when I graduated from Syracuse University way back when, and I put it into a frame. I've kept it for all of these years, and each time I read it, it makes me think about being a better person, for myself, and for others in my life. It's often attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, although there has been some debate.
Regardless, you can read it below, and hopefully each time you read it, it will make you think about being a stronger, smarter and nicer person, maybe make you think about paying it forward. That brings a smile to my face, just thinking about you being inspired by it as well.
Success
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
Tell us what inspires you, whether it's to succeed in business, in fitness, in family. Share your story below.
Posted by Jennifer Popper on Sat, Jan 10, 2009 @ 11:55 AM
In Nia we say…“Through Movement We Find Health”
After taking just one class, I knew Nia was the life-style practice for me. Nia has changed the way I think about traditional fitness. I now prefer listening to my body and being guided by the pleasure principle, “if it feels good, do it”, moving in a way that fits my needs at that moment. People of all ages and all levels of fitness enjoy Nia.
Thanks to Nia, I have an enhanced self-awareness and the creative and expressive parts of me are now present. I have experienced improvement in flexibility, agility, mobility, stability, strength, cardio capacity and balance.
Nia is a total experience allowing me to reach my full potential…in body, mind, emotion and spirit.
Gracene Mehlman
Certified Nia Instructor
Learn more at NiaNow
Join Gracene on Mondays at 6:40 p.m. at Studio Fitnesss to experience Nia for yourself!
Want to hear another woman's story? Check out Nia: A Cure for Shame from MORE Magazine.
Posted by Jennifer Popper on Tue, Dec 30, 2008 @ 09:00 AM
I recently stumbled upon Maya Angelou’s ‘Phenomenal Woman’. I’ve read it before, and each time I do, I take away something new or find a different meaning that applies to something currently happening in my life. So now, with the New Year looming, I reread it and think of resolutions, of how a great many of us resolve to lose weight, hit the gym, and eat better. But how long before these resolutions are broken? It usually doesn’t take much to tempt us back into bad habits.
This year, I resolve to not make resolutions. Instead, I will make life changes. You see, I’m not ‘built to suit a fashion model’s size’ and really never will be. I’ve resolved myself to the fact that I want to be someone who is healthy and happy. I prefer adjectives like athletic and fit versus thin and skinny. If I want french fries or a glass of chardonnay, I won’t deny myself. Yet I will then make sure I get up and get moving, rather than curl up on the couch and do nothing.
I will implement positive changes that will become routine. I’ll continue to take the stairs instead of riding the escalator. In fact, I think I will dig out my pedometer and once again work on squeezing in those 10,000+ steps a day! You see, I had sprained my ankle in a volleyball tournament the weekend before Thanksgiving, and I have found that walking for exercise has been a great way to ease back into a fitness regimen. After being somewhat immobile and taking some time off to heal, those extra calories snuck their way into my diet. So… it’s now back to Pilates, and back to cardio strength classes I go. And then, yes, it’s back to volleyball, too!
I invite you to join me to not make resolutions you know you’ll break; make positive life changes by incorporating exercise into your daily routine. You’ll feel less anxious and stress-free; you’ll feel better about yourself, and you’ll reach for fewer pieces of chocolate, too! Yes, of course, I would love to have you join us at Studio Fitness for classes. But if Studio Fitness isn’t in the cards for you right now, still make a healthier lifestyle a resolution you and your family will keep.
Become extraordinary. Be exceptional and confident. Be an even more phenomenal woman as we head into 2009. From all of us at Studio Fitness, we wish you and your family a happy, healthy and safe New Year!
(To read the poem by Maya Angelou, click PHENOMENAL WOMAN)