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)
Posted by Jennifer Popper on Sat, Dec 27, 2008 @ 07:08 PM
We all strive for it... and what better time of year to let us help you reach for that goal. New Year's resolutions may come and go, but if you stick with it, Studio Fitness' My Perfect Body is a class with great results!
Join Tamara Ivankova, former Russian gymnast and skydiver, for this unique fitness class. Throughout this 60-minute total body workout, you will shape and elongate every major muscle group of your body. You’ll burn fat and create that long, lean look you want to achieve.
Exercises include ballet, strength, and cardio work which will make your muscles look longer and more defined; your body will become leaner and more slender, and your posture will improve. Each workout is unique; you'll use weights, chairs and Gliding Discs.
According to Women's Health & Fitness magazine, the Gliding Discs
workout "provides a full body toning and sculpting workout."
Give My Perfect Body a try. Join Tamara on Mondays at 12:15 p.m. at Studio Fitness. You - and your perfect body - will not be disappointed!
Posted by Jennifer Popper on Fri, Dec 12, 2008 @ 04:02 PM
The holidays are here, and that means getting together with friends and family, and attending office parties and neighborhood gatherings. And more than likely, it means a few extra pounds will be gained enjoying cookies, cocktails and candy canes!
Losing weight is something that often tops New Year's resolution lists. But New Year's resolutions are like eggshells... you know they're going to be broken. So we're providing you with inspiration to stick with it through Boot Camp Challenge - no excuses for procrastination! Boot Camp Challenge can help you jump start your fitness program, break a plateau or give you some personal motivation.
Boot Camp Challenge is a group personal training program which provides you with individualized attention that’s affordable. You will be guided in cardio conditioning, strength conditioning, flexibility and 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.
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 is located at Studio Fitness, and each session runs for six weeks, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-7:00 a.m. We challenge you! Our next session starts Tuesday, January 13th.
Start the New Year Right with Boot Camp Challenge!
Susan Marone is the owner and trainer of Boot Camp Challenge. Susan is an AFAA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer and AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor. Susan has been working in the health and fitness industry for 15 years and loves motivating people to get in shape 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!
Posted by Jennifer Popper on Tue, Dec 09, 2008 @ 08:48 PM
Ten years ago I was a stressed out single mother who didn’t know the first thing about self-care. I was always putting out fires and eating the first thing I could grab. I spent years on the roller coaster of feeling okay and then crashing.
The first place I began to clean up was the tape that plays over and over in our minds. At regular intervals throughout the day write down what you hear. You will be amazed at how unloving, critical and generally unsupportive you are to yourself. Start by switching to what you choose to hear or canceling thoughts altogether without replacing.
The other thing I did for myself was to get outside. By taking a nice walk you release endorphins into your system, get vitamin D, increase circulation and tone the body. But most importantly you have time to monitor your tape.
Then I discovered yoga. Not only is your body moving, stretching, working your endocrine system, and strengthening, but you also move through many layers of blocked emotions, opening your mind and heart to your own inner magnificence. Yes, you are magnificent.
All these changes need to be supported by a well-balanced diet, real food that does not come from a package. Eat organic vegetables, fruit, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats. Minimize simple carbohydrates and avoid chemicals (including artificial sweeteners, try agave nectar it does not alter the blood sugar at all). Eat three meals a day without skipping and you will be more satisfied, reducing the need to snack. Get support where you need it; friends, family and/or a coach can all help, “No man is an island”, build a support circle.
This is a journey, by making gradual changes to get to the 90/10 rule. 90% of the time you eat clean, fresh, wholesome ingredients. The other 10% you are going with life, a wedding, a dinner date, celebrating with family. Enjoy the occasion, it is not the time to scrutinize, enjoy special times with family and friends; this is what truly nourishes you in the end anyway.
Written by Sherri Mraz-Illes, CHHC, RYT
Certified Holistic Health Counselor, Registered Yoga Teacher
Come experience yoga with Sherri at Studio Fitness! 'Yogilates' on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and 'Yoga for Athletes' on Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m.