|
1 Year Anniversary of losing 100 lbs.  It's been one year since our member Jude Martino-Ciafano lost 100 lbs. Yes you read that right, 100 lbs! This was no easy feat- a committed member of PEAC since 1997 Jude has always been an avid member of our gym. It wasn't until she saw a fellow member who had lost significant weight that she was pointed in the right direction which would help her lose this weight. With the help of Dr. Chung at Capital Health and the employees at PEAC she learned a lot about her body, developed a strict diet with her doctor and stuck to it. On Sept 22 2018 she hit her goal of losing 100 lbs and for the last year she has maintained this incredible achievement. We caught up with Jude to congratulate her on this incredible achievement and to see how her journey has been in the last year as she has kept this weight off. How are you feeling 1 year after this incredible achievement? Physically? Mentally? Emotionally? About the same as I did last year! I really want to help others that are struggling to lose weight and it's why I want to put my story out there and celebrate this one year anniversary. What advice would you give to someone who is struggling to lose weight? First, I would say to talk to your doctor about it. I also highly recommend Dr. Chung at Capital Health and her metabolic weight loss program.  Are you still following the same techniques/diet plan? Has anything changed in the last year or have you learned anything new to help you continue on this journey? Yes, I'm following the same diet plan. One important thing I learned in the last year is that I know which foods are my triggers that I stay away from and I know what foods not to eat. Some of these things are chocolate and blue corn tortilla chips because once I start eating them, I can't stop so I just can't trust myself to eat them. I notice that when I begin to eat these things or if I'm around buffet style or family style meals, it brings me back to some of my old habits of not being able to stop so I just simply stay away from them. Believe it or not I eat pretty much the same thing every day to be in my safety zone so I could make it through the first year. I remind myself "Is the food in control or am I in control?" I learned through the program that you had to have 4 oz of protein and 4-5 vegetables. That has worked for me but I was able to find out for my body and my metabolism which foods I should stay away from which are white potatoes, sweet potatoes, red beans, black beans- a lot of starchy things- my body cannot metabolize these things. I also can't eat wheat, gluten, grains- they make my body retain water. I found all of this out through my own trial and error. One of the most important things I learned in particular is the importance of water! You can't lose weight without drinking enough water because the water breaks down the protein that your'e taking in. A lot of people think you only need 64 oz of water a day but the true rule is half of your weight in water. So if you weigh 200 lbs, you need to take in 100 oz of water a day. And when you're taking in all of that water, you need to take in electrolytes too because that water is flushing everything out of you and it's flushing your electrolytes out of you too. So you really need something like a propel or a vitamin water zero to replenish those electrolytes, especially if you're working out. I also learned the proper amount of calories I needed to be just at rest, and the maximum amount of calories I can take in while I'm exercising so that I don't gain. I learned a lot of this through a nutritionist in the program. What do you think made you break some of your old habits and begin this journey? When I met the member here at PEAC who has lost a significant amount of weight, she pointed me in the right direction of who I should speak to about this and I thought "If she can do it, I can do it." When I made my first appointment with Dr. Chung, it actually fell on the anniversary of my mom's death and I figured that this was a sign from above that I was doing the right thing. My mother actually died of obesity at the age of 36 weighing 350 lbs. I also really wanted to set a good example for my daughter. How has PEAC helped with this journey? PEAC has been amazing. Doug has always been very complimentary and supportive. Kara was my biggest cheerleader, she would always tell me how amazing I looked and congratulate me. I've taken Megan and Tamika's class the most and Megan really helped me be accountable. If I didn't make it into class for a few days she would text me and check in with me. All of them have helped keep me accountable because they know when I'm here and they know when I'm missing. I'm holding myself accountable as well by sharing this story so openly with everyone here at the gym and making myself visible so that I'm not saying "look at how successful I was" and then I go back to some of my old ways and let everyone see me get heavy again. It really takes a village.  What is currently your favorite class at PEAC?
Barre by far. My second favorite would be Pump and Jump. What do you think sets PEAC apart from other gyms? The employees, the cleanliness and the classes here. Anything else you'd like to share about this journey? A year ago I couldn't do a plank or a hamstring stretch which are big accomplishments for me because not only did I lose the weight but I'm getting stronger. Another important thing I'd like to share is that Corona Premier is only 90 calories and 2 carbs and is my adult beverage of choice :)
0 Comments
 Keri Mandell My name is Keri Mandell and I am participating in one of the worlds most difficult endurance events, The World Marathon Challenge. The World Marathon Challenge is a race that consists of 7 marathons in 7 days, on 7 continents. Yes, that’s 7 marathons in one week, all around the world!! The race will begin on February 6, 2020 starting in Antarctica and end on February 12th in Miami. I have chosen to compete in this race as a way to challenge myself both physically and mentally, but more importantly to raise awareness and funds to help fight cancer. I will run this race to honor my dad, Arthur Roedel who died an untimely death because of Multiple Myeloma. I have pledged to raise $150,000 for this great cause. Running to help fight cancer is something that I am driven to do, passionate about, and being able to have the privilege to complete in one of the most challenging races on the planet is certainly an awesome bonus! I hope that through my actions and the sacrifices needed to compete, inspires others to join the fight. I could not be more excited to have joined with ACS on their mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. To help raise money for this cause, I will be instructing a Spin class at PEAC Health & Fitness: Join Keri Mendell & PEAC Health & Fitness
Sunday, October 27, 11am - 12:15pm • $27
60min. spin class & 15min. yoga stretch with refreshments to follow. ALL Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society 
I am excited about hosting this event, and hope you will join me! Thanks to PEAC Health & Fitness for donating the SPIN room and to everyone who joins me in this fight. I appreciate your support!  Keri with fellow teammate who will be running the WMC with her.  Such a silly name for a sport- but maybe you’ve been curious about this increasingly popular paddle sport that’s been taking over gym classes and fitness centers everywhere? Pickleball is a fun combination of tennis and ping pong and has been attracting players of all ages and fitness levels- but especially older active adults. But what’s so great about it? It’s incredibly accessible for one. The court is small enough so you don’t have to move too much to hit the ball. You can play in doubles making playing a fun social experience. The rules are relatively simple making it easy to pick up and super beginner-friendly. The best part is the game is designed to be carefree and fun- none of the frustration that a game like golf can bring. "What I think is great about pickleball is its simplicity. Very easy, straightforward rules and I like the fact that most people can become competent at playing it fairly quickly." says one of PEAC’s Pickleball coaches, Dan Marley. If that’s not enough- consider some of these hidden health benefits that playing pickleball can bring! Pickleball Benefit #1: You’ll lower your risk of heart disease Pickleball gets you moving and if you play consistently the benefits will only increase. A recent study found middle-aged and older adults who played one hour of pickleball three days per week for six weeks improved their blood pressure. cholesterol and cardiorespiratory fitness levels. “These positive changes to heart health are significant, as a large number of adults have elevated cholesterol levels, hypertension, or low cardiorespiratory endurance, which puts them at increased risk of cardiovascular disease,” says study author Lance Dalleck, Ph.D., an associate professor of exercise and sport science at Western Colorado University. Pickleball Benefit #2: It’s a social experience Whether you’re playing against one person or in pairs this sport will give you the chance to interact with others. It gives you the chance for some friendly competitive play or just some general social interaction, which is important for any person at any age! “Pickleball is just so much fun...the perfect combination of exercising and socializing! After discovering pickleball at PEAC, I quickly made many new friends and found that I was hooked on this fast-paced and strategic game. The most rewarding aspect of my job is introducing new players to the game, and helping our pickleball community get bigger and better.” says our very own pickleball instructor Gina Alonzo. Getting involved with a sport like this is the perfect way to become part of a community and to get your exercise in!  Pickleball Benefit #3: It’s a fun way to get moving
Rather than using the treadmill or going for a walk this sport provides a fun experience for anyone who is looking for a fun and unique way to get their workout in. A study in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found people become loyal to the sport because it helps them meet their fitness goals and enhance social connections. It’s a two-for-one workout! “Sometimes people are more willing to play a sport when it’s fun, and people report that playing pickleball is way more fun than going for a walk or going on the treadmill,” says Casper, the study author. “If you were to spend 60 minutes in the gym,” he continues, “it usually feels like 60 minutes. But when you’re doing something you enjoy, like pickleball, where you typically have time to talk and laugh in the game, all of a sudden you’ve been playing for 60 minutes and you think, ‘Where did the time go?’” Pickleball Benefit # 4: It can help you stay independent for longer Older adults who play Pickleball regularly will find that it helps improve their reflexes and balance which can help them live independently for longer. The sport gives them a chance to practice hand-eye coordination and to improve their range of motion which can help minimize arthritis symptoms and help an individual continue to perform everyday tasks with ease. Combined with the social interaction this sport provides as well as the chance to think about strategy, it will help keep your brain active and healthy as well. In general, finding a sport like this that one generally enjoys will give you all the motivation to keep playing. Keeping physically active and social is always the best medicine! But don't take our word for it, see for yourself why Pickleball has become so popular! As our instructor Gina says, “We welcome players of all ages and skill levels. Come out and give it a try, but be careful, it is addicting!”. Click here for the Pickleball schedule here at PEAC! This Tuesday, August 13th PEAC is hosting a “Girl’s Night Out” from 6-8pm. Come enjoy a special workout we have planned with a few of our instructors.  Starting at 6:30pm we have:
30 min STRONG Express with Amanda 30 min Beach Body Ready with Alex 15 min ab/cool down After working out you can wind down with a glass of wine and enjoy some shopping with the variety of vendors we have lined up. If you have kids, bring them! Our kids space will be open and kids can stay for the duration of the event (2 hours) for just $2.50/per child. You do not have to be a member to participate! Make a night of it and invite your friends! Just be sure to register here: https://www.peachealthfitness.com/gno.html Every year PEAC looks forward to hosting a 5K run. This mere 3.1 mile loop goes around the club and little way beyond, but brings great reward to all who attend, especially to the personnel at PEAC who organize the race. General Manager, Doug Steinly, was enthusiastic to make this year’s beneficiary the New Jersey Special Olympics. The race took place on Thursday, May 9 which was an unseasonably brisk evening. None the less many shed their fleece hoodies and gathered at the starting line, located right outside main doors of PEAC Health & Fitness. A majority of the runners were loyal PEAC members, who always show up at PEAC events throughout the year. Meanwhile, a celebration was already underway for the finishers of the 1 Mile Fun Run that occurred before the main event. Local vendors, PEAC employees, members, friends, and family all made this an amazing community event that raised $2,000 for Special Olympics New Jersey. “It is an absolute honor and privilege to give back, and it is one of the things I enjoy most about the work I do here, ” commented Steinly, “it is a positive event with a focus on fitness, you really can’t lose.” An ironic thing for Steinly to say, being that his son Ryan finished first place overall, with a staggering time of 17:14.6. 2nd place was awarded to Pete Kinsella with a time of 17:16:9, and PEAC Personal Trainer Dave Martinsky was third to cross the finish line at 17:23:9. See complete list of finishing times. But at the end of the day we are all winners here, and giving back to the community will continue to be high on the list of priorities at PEAC. We would like to thank everyone who attended the race, and all of our sponsors, listed below. We would not have been successful without all of you. A final thank you to Special Olympics New Jersey, an organization that we have great respect and admiration for. Thank you for graciously in accepting our donation, and we look forward to working with you more in the future.  (L to R: General Manager Doug Steinly, Delaney, and Mercer County Special Olympics Director Patrick Jackson show off the proceeds at PEAC Health & Fitness) June 21st is International Day of Yoga and here at PEAC we offer many different types of yoga classes. If you’re unfamiliar with the practice of yoga this may just be the month you should give it a try! The practice of yoga is not just fancy poses or handstands, there are many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits that you can choose to practice and incorporate into your personal practice!   Asanas (poses) This is the part of yoga you are probably most familiar with, the various poses that you practice in a given class. You will find different combinations of poses and the pace at which you practice them depending on what type of class you take. If you practice a flow or faster paced class you will probably link various poses together and challenge yourself to move through them mindfully. If you practice a slower paced restorative or yin class, you will probably hold poses for longer periods of time focusing on getting deeper into the pose. It is highly encouraged in yoga to listen to your body and to not force yourself into poses that are difficult for your body. What may be an easy pose for one person may be more challenging for you. Most of the time, yoga teachers will offer you variations of a pose to either help you get closer to achieving the pose or to help challenge you further. Pranyama (breathing techniques) “Pranyama” or breathing techniques is a common practice in yoga. It is said that the breath is the “life force” or the source of life. In yoga you might hear your teacher cue to “inhale” and “exhale” while moving through certain poses. In general you inhale whenever you are expanding or opening the body in any way and exhale when you are closing or shrinking inward. Using the breath during yoga is extremely beneficial as it can actually help you with endurance in holding a pose or it can aid you in going deeper into a pose. Sometimes it’s beneficial to “send the breath” to certain areas of the body that you are working to help ease any discomfort in holding a pose for an extended period of time. You may even find it refreshing to have someone cueing your breath to remind you to actually breathe. Sometimes we unconsciously hold our breath (especially when being challenged physically) and being constantly reminded in class to inhale and exhale may feel extremely invigorating to the practitioner. Meditation Meditation can be incorporated into a yoga practice or be practiced completely on its own. It is the act of sitting in stillness and quieting the mind. Meditation is an extremely beneficial tool, especially in today’s society when it’s not often that our mind is very quiet. It is sometimes a very difficult thing for people to practice but if practiced enough it can have an extremely positive effect on one’s mental state and relationship with self.   Practicing meditation can bring an overwhelming sense of peace to an individual because in today’s world we are always thinking about what’s next or reflecting on what is past. It can help one have better control over their mind in general. When practiced enough, it is an amazing skill to help one better handle times when their mind gets the best of them and gets carried away with potentially negative thoughts.
A lot of times in the yoga practice you end the class in savasanna which can be a form of meditation in itself. Savasanna is “corpse pose” where you sit in stillness, absorbing everything you just did in your yoga practice and ideally keeping the mind quiet and still. Spiritual benefits Practicing Yoga can help give a person a better sense of purpose. There are various Yoga “sutras” that the yoga practice is built off of that can help one feel a sense of “oneness” with the universe or community they belong to. A lot of people come to the practice of yoga for it’s exercise benefits but may potentially find solace in the spiritual practices it offers as well. This month in celebration of International Day of Yoga on June 21st , why not try one of our many different yoga classes and see what resonates most with you and your style? Below is a full list of the yoga classes we offer each day: Monday- Yoga Deep release-10:30am Yin Yoga- 12:15pm Calm Flow Yoga- 4:30pm Yoga- 6:30pm Tuesday- Chair Yoga Fusion- 10:30am Yin Yoga- 6:30pm Beginner Yoga- 7:30pm Wednesday- Rise and Shine Yoga- 6:30am Gentle and Restore Yoga- 12:15pm Yoga- 5:30pm Power Yoga 6:30pm Thursday- Yoga- 5:15am Beginner Yoga- 10:30am Chair Yoga Fusion- 10:45am Yoga 6:30pm Friday- Rise and Shine Yoga- 6:30am Beginner Yoga- 9:30am Gentle and Restorative Yoga- 10:45am Yoga for Every Body- 5:30pm Saturday- Yoga for Every Body- 7:30am Depth and Alignment Yoga- 10:45am Sunday- Yoga for Athletes- 8:00am Yoga- 9:30am Beginner Yoga- 10:45am Restorative Yoga- 1:00pm Global Wellness Day is coming up on June 8th and we are celebrating here at PEAC with a FREE GUEST DAY! Bring your family, friends and neighbors with you for FREE on this day so they can see the benefit in being part of such a great wellness community!  According to their website: Global Wellness Day is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to living well. The purpose of Global Wellness Day is to ask the question, even if for just one day, “How can I live a healthier and better life?”; to direct the thoughts of both individuals and society towards “living well” and to raise awareness of the importance of healthy living. This organization was designed to support communities all over the world to have a healthier and higher quality of life - to realize the value of our life and not take it for granted. The main purpose of the day is:
 This years focus will be on building communities of wellness and we are so excited because that it always our goal here at PEAC! Some of the ways we do this are through the various events and programs we offer so that each and every person no matter their age or fitness level can be part of our community. Some examples include:
-Forever Young- This program is specifically designed for individuals 54+ and is all about encouraging, informing, educating and promoting health, fitness, wellness and nutrition. -KidsKamp- We offer this wonderful camp throughout the summer so kids can remain active and socialize with other kids! -Personal training- We offer personal training at PEAC to assist members who want to get the most out of their workout routine, add some motivation or gain a better understanding of fitness. -Group Exercise classes- We offer over 120 classes a week and have a class for everyone! Let the energy of the group move you! -Workshops and seminars- We offer a variety of workshops throughout the year to complement our full service facility and group exercise classes! -Community Outreach- We are always looking for ways to work with local organizations and often have events that benefit local charities and organizations! Don’t forget to stop by with a friend on June 8th so we can continue to grow our amazing community and celebrate wellness not only on this day, but everyday! June 21st is International Yoga Day and here at PEAC we offer many different types of yoga classes. If you’re unfamiliar with the practice of yoga this may just be the month you should give it a try! The practice of yoga is not just fancy poses or handstands, there are many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits that you can choose to practice and incorporate into your own practice! Asanas (poses): This is the part of yoga you are probably most familiar with, the various poses that you practice in a given class. You will find different combinations of poses and the pace at which you practice them depending on what type of class you take. If you practice a flow or faster paced class you will probably link various poses together and challenge yourself to move through them mindfully. If you practice a slower paced restorative or yin class, you will probably hold poses for longer periods of time focusing on getting deeper into the pose. It is highly encouraged in yoga to listen to your body and to not force yourself into poses that are difficult for your body. What may be an easy pose for one person may be more challenging for you just simply based on your own individual anatomy or what areas of your body are more open than others. Most of the time, yoga teachers will offer you variations of a pose to either help you get closer to achieving the pose or to help challenge you further.   Pranayama (regulation of breath) “Pranayama” or breathing techniques is a common practice in yoga. It is said that the breath is the “life force” or the source of life. In yoga you might hear your teacher cue to “inhale” and “exhale” while moving through certain poses. In general you inhale whenever you are expanding or opening the body in any way and exhale when you are closing or shrinking inward. Using the breath during yoga is extremely beneficial as it can actually help you with endurance in holding a pose or it can aid you in going deeper into a pose. Sometimes it’s beneficial to “send the breath” to certain areas of the body that you are working to help ease any discomfort in holding a pose for an extended period of time. You may even find it refreshing to have someone cueing your breath to remind you to actually breathe. Sometimes we unconsciously hold our breath (especially when being challenged physically) and being constantly reminded to inhale and exhale may feel extremely invigorating to a practitioner.  Meditation Meditation can be incorporated into a yoga practice or be practiced completely on its own. It is the act of sitting in stillness and quieting the mind. Meditation is an extremely beneficial tool, especially in today’s society when it’s not often that our mind is quiet. It is sometimes a very difficult thing for people to practice but if practiced enough it can have an extremely positive effect on one’s mental state and relationship with self. Practicing meditation can bring an overwhelming sense of peace to an individual because in today’s world we are always thinking about what’s next or reflecting on what is past. It can help one have better control over their mind in general. When practiced enough, it is an amazing skill to help one better handle times when their mind gets the best of them and gets carried away with potentially negative thoughts. A lot of times in the yoga practice you end the class in savasanna which can be a form of meditation in itself. Savasanna is “corpse pose” where you sit in stillness, allowing the body to absorb everything you just did in your yoga practice and practice keeping the mind quiet, still and present.  Spiritual benefits Practicing Yoga can help give a person a better sense of purpose. There are various Yoga “sutras” that the yoga practice is built off of that can help one feel a sense of “oneness” with the universe or community they belong to. A lot of people come to the practice of yoga for it’s exercise benefits but may potentially find solace in the spiritual practices it offers as well. Yoga at PEAC This month in celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21st , why not try one of our many different yoga classes and see what resonates most with you and your style? Below, see a full list of the yoga classes we offer each day here at PEAC. Yoga classes we offer here at PEAC each week:
Monday- Rise and Shine Yoga- 6:30am Yoga Deep release-10:30am Yin Yoga- 12:15pm Calm Flow Yoga- 4:30pm Yoga- 6:30pm Tuesday- Chair Yoga Fusion- 10:30am Yin Yoga- 6:30pm Beginner Yoga- 7:30pm Wednesday- Rise and Shine Yoga- 6:30am Gentle and Restore Yoga- 12:15pm Yoga- 5:30pm Power Yoga 6:30pm Thursday- Yoga- 5:15am Beginner Yoga- 10:30am Chair Yoga Fusion- 10:45am Yoga 6:30pm Friday- Rise and Shine Yoga- 6:30am Beginner Yoga- 9:30am Gentle and Restorative Yoga- 10:45am Yoga for Every Body- 5:30pm Saturday- Yoga for Every Body- 7:30am Depth and Alignment Yoga- 10:45am Sunday- Yoga for Athletes- 8:00am Yoga- 9:30am Beginner Yoga- 10:45am Restorative Yoga- 1:00pm PEAC Health and Fitness is hosting a “College Day” on Monday, May 20th. There are so many special things going on this day, you don’t want to miss it! First off, simply wear your college shirt and you’ll get a prize AND be entered into a raffle to win the whole summer for free!  Open to the public, bring a guest for free! This event is open to the public so anyone can stop in to check the facility out! Whether you’ve been a member for a long time and want to bring some family or friends or you’ve never been and have been thinking about joining, come try out our facility for free! Happy Hour, Games, Prizes, and Zumba! Happy Hour starts at 5pm thanks to our friends at River Horse Brewery. There will be food, drinks, games and prizes for everyone to enjoy. Then, at 6:30pm join Juni for a free Zumba class that’s open to all!  Join for only $20!
If you are not currently a member, sign up by the end of the day on the 20th for just $20 and pay nothing for the rest of the month! (Regular membership rate will resume on June 1st). See you there! On May 9th PEAC will be hosting a 5K to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey. We are so excited for this event as it’s sure to be a fun time but will also benefit an amazing organization!  About Special Olympics New Jersey: Special Olympics New Jersey began in the early 1950’s and 1960’s when Eunice Kennedy Shriver saw how unjustly those with intellectual disabilities were treated. She saw that many children with disabilities had no place to play and decided to take action. She held a summer day camp in her own backyard for young people with disabilities. The goal was to learn what these kids could do in sports and other activities- not to dwell on what they could not do. The now global movement was given wings by individuals who sought to expand Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s vision into their own backyard. Formal Programming in NJ began in 1969, when six participants from the Bayonne Recreation department and twelve participants from E.R. Johnstone training center in Bordentown represented NJ at the Eastern Regional Special Olympics at The University of Maryland. It was evident after that event that much improvement was needed. The athletes from the Garden State had few uniforms, little equipment and their training was lacking. Fast forward fifty years and you will find that New Jersey has become one of the premier Special Olympics programs in the world and a leader in the Unified Sports and Young Athletes programs, as well as their own Camp Shriver that takes place each summer. (info taken from https://www.sonj.org/about/history/) How you can help:
PEAC’s 5k, taking place May 9th, is set to benefit this amazing organization. Make sure you sign up to help support this wonderful organization! If running a full 5k sounds pretty daunting to you, we also have a 1 mile “Fun Run” you can take part in instead . That way you can still partake in this wonderful event and help us support this great organization! Sign up here: https://raceroster.com/events/2019/23018/peac-5k-in-may |
|
|
Monday-Thursday: 5am-10pm
Friday: 5am-9pm Saturday: 7am - 6pm Sunday: 7am - 5pm Holiday & Department Hours |