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$5 Zumba at City Beat Fitness

September 28, 2012 By

City Beat Fitness is thriving in their Newtown location. Participants are enjoying excellent instructors, a spacious studio, hardwood floors, ample parking and most of all, $5 Zumba.

Class offerings include: Zumba, Core & More with personal trainer, Scotty Lynn and Hip Hop for kids and teens with Diana Portes of the Philadelphia Soul Dance Team.

City Beat Fitness offers high energy classes, a welcoming atmosphere and “benefits WITHOUT membership” – that’s right, walk-ins are always welcomed.

Check out their website, www.citybeatfitness.com, to view teacher bios, an on-line schedule, specials and upcoming events including an October Zumbathon in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

City Beat is located at The American Legion Hall, 41 Linden Avenue, Newtown, phone 215-932-9536.

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Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News Tagged With: , , , ,

Optimal Sport Health Club’s ‘Fit Future’ Program

July 6, 2012 By

Optimal Sport Health Club’s “Fit Future” Program is a youth enrichment program that focuses on activity and education – more specifically, physical activity and nutritional awareness.

Fit Future is best described as a training camp in which young people are introduced to healthy, sustainable training and nutrition principles that can last a lifetime.

During each of the eight days, participants will be taken through a well-structured curriculum:

  • The Fundamentals of Functional Training (60 minutes);
  • Endurance Cardio Training (45 minutes);
  • Lunch and Learn Discussion (45 minutes).

Lunch and Learn Discussion topics will be age-appropriate.

During these interactive discussions, participants will learn about subjects like, “Healthy Snacking,” “The Benefits of Being Strong,” and “Fitness Myths and Misconceptions,” just to name a few. Each day will have a different Lunch and Learn topic, lead by the program’s creator, Christopher Gilbert.

Chris, a University of Pennsylvania graduate and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), has a passion for helping young people.

Sinead Mallon has her Master’s in Counseling from The College of New Jersey and is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

Optimal Sport Health Club, Chris, and Sinead are committed to helping young people as they manage their weight, health, and body image as they come of age – into a Fit Future.

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Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News Tagged With: , , , ,

Zumba at the Library

July 3, 2012 By

The horns and percussions of Latin music and the peace and serenity of the public library seem to be a mismatch, but in Morrisville, this has been a successful pairing.

In March 2011, Zumba Fitness® was introduced to the Morisville Free Library by local resident and licensed Zumba instructor Betsy Beltle.  Classes have been held in the basement almost every Wednesday at 6:45pm for one hour since then. 

Zumba Fitness® is a workout program that combines simple dance movements, international rhythms, and elements of fitness to provide a fun, safe, and effective cardio workout. 

Zumba Fitness® at the Library attracts and welcomes high school students, mother-daughter pairs, seniors, men and women of all ages. All are welcome to join this open and fun group.

No commitment is asked. Pay as you go: just $5 per adult per class or $3 for teens/students. 

For more information about Zumba Fitness®, go to www.zumba.com or email betsybeltle@yahoo.com.

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Filed Under: Morrisville Times Events Tagged With: , , ,

Tennis in the parks begins this week

June 26, 2012 By

The next season of Bucks County’s popular Tennis in the Parks programs begins this week.

The programs provide affordable FUN focused on friends, fitness and PLAY at public tennis courts throughout Bucks County, including Bensalem, Doylestown, Durham, Hilltown, Langhorne, Levittown, Newtown, New Hope, Plumstead, Warminster, Warrington and Quakertown.

Log onto www.buckscountytennis.usta.com or call 215-322-7020 for details.

Tuesday is Youth Team Tennis Night – ages 6 to 18 – and adopts the “learn by play” method using age- and skill-appropriate equipment.

Youth camps in Langhorne, Newtown and Levittown include June, July and August dates.

Adult Flex Time Tennis Leagues, perfect for summer schedules, start June 24th!

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Filed Under: Home3 Tagged With: , , , ,

Exercise can help fight depression

May 22, 2012 By

submitted by submitted by Michael McCreery, Head Instructor, Action Karate, mrmccreery@actionkarate.net

If you’re blue and you don’t know 
where to go to why don’t you go
 where fashion sits 
Puttin’ on the Ritz

Irving Berlin

One of my core beliefs is that every day I can wake up and make a choice to be miserable or to be happy. I believe I was put on this earth with a free will and the opportunity to make choices. I believe nothing is predetermined; it is all about choices.

Though I believe we have a choice, I also understand some people are born with chemical imbalances and afflictions that cause them to have to deal with depression and other mental challenges just as some people are predisposed to cardiovascular disease.

In either case a person still has the free will to make certain choices about how to live his life. Whether it be depression or cardiovascular disease, one has the choice to make good or poor decisions about their physical activity and eating habits.

This long-winded preamble is just to make sure no one confuses what I am about to write. If you are sad, feeling blue or outright depressed stand up and take a walk, ride a bike, or go swimming.

People that exercise on a regular basis are less likely to feel bad and be depressed. Exercise stimulates the production of naturally occurring chemicals in your body that help fight depression.

A 1999 study compared the use of Zoloft versus exercise to combat depression. According to James Blumenthal Ph.D. “Our findings suggest that a modest exercise program is an effective, robust treatment for patients with major depression who are positively inclined to participate in it. The benefits of exercise are likely to endure particularly among those who adopt it as a regular, ongoing life activity.”

A follow up study done in 2000 followed the same patients and found that the exercise only group had more success and were less likely to relapse then either of the other groups.

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Filed Under: Doylestown Observer Columnists Tagged With: , , ,

COMMUNITY GUIDEBOOK PROFILE: Central Bucks Senior Activity Center

February 7, 2012 By

The Central Bucks Senior Activity Center in Doylestown offers seniors 55 and older, an active lifestyle everyday of the week. The Center is open Mondays to Fridays from 10:00am until 4:00pm. 

For just a $10 annual membership fee, you’ll become one of 1,200 very active members from Central Bucks County and the surrounding areas who come here for a variety of social, educational and physical activities. The senior center offers a variety of activities such as shuffleboard, pool, cards, Wii Sports, a Bocce regulation size court, chess, and Horseshoes. They also offer an Internet Club, a Digital Camera Club and a Knitting Club for free.

For a nominal fee, they also offer classes such as dancercise three times a week and a basic computer class. A seated exercise class is available twice a week for anyone who might have difficulty standing to exercise. Yoga is held twice a week. A gentle chair yoga is available for anyone with a disability who needs exercise, but has balance or equilibrium problems. Other classes include ceramics, crafts, Tai Chi, mahjongg, pinochle, bridge, bingo and poker (the center has an operating license).

The Central Bucks Senior Center is home to the Toe Tappers, a group of 30 to 40 tap dancers in their late 60s to mid-80s who perform for senior populations all over the surrounding counties. It is also home to the Town and Country Players who use this center to practice.

Thanks to a kitchen on the premises, members can enjoy lunch at the center for a $2 suggested donation.

The third Thursday of every month, the senior center hosts a Celebration Day for members, where they provide a speaker or entertainment during a luncheon. They also have a group called the Swingalongs who will be holding their own dances on the second Saturday of every month through December in 2012.

[Read more...]

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Filed Under: Senior Scene Tagged With: , , , ,

COMMUNITY GUIDEBOOK PROFILE: Central Bucks Bicycle Club

January 24, 2012 By

The Central Bucks Bicycle Club (CBBC) is dedicated to the encouragement of all aspects of bicycling. The mission of the Club is to sponsor and support recreational cycling activities; to encourage bicycling as a lifelong activity, as a beneficial form of exercise, as a method of transportation, and as a sport; and to promote equal road rights and safe bicycling practices.

With more than 500 member families, CBBC conducts group rides in Bucks County and surrounding areas virtually every day of the year. Group rides are available for riders of every age and ability for both road and off-road bikes. Whether you’re a novice interested in a slower ride on flat terrain, an expert looking for a quad-burning hilly century, a mountain bike rider searching for your next off-road adventure, or something in between, CBBC has a ride for you!

In addition to regular group rides, members can take advantage of special rides throughout the year, including their Summer Tailgate Party Ride, Anniversary Party Ride, annual “No Name” Century Picnic Ride and more. Good times and camaraderie extend beyond the bike too, with their Holiday Party, Annual Banquet and other events, including educational programs.

[Read more...]

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Filed Under: Doylestown Observer News Tagged With: , , , ,

Healthy Teens: Foods and Moves for Girls

October 4, 2011 By

The program, “Healthy Teens: Foods and Moves for Girls,” will be presented on Tuesdays, October 18 to November 15 from 4:30 to 6:15 pm in the Warrington Room of the Health & Wellness Center in Warrington (847 Easton Road).

The program includes five weeks of healthy-lifestyle classes for tween and teen girls only, ages 12 to 15.

The program includes:

  • Individualized nutrition counseling session with a registered/licensed dietitian
  • Nutrition education and menu planning
  • 45 minutes of physical activity with the Cornerstone Fitness trainers each session
  • Self-esteem building with a counselor
  • A healthy cooking class
  • A trip to the grocery store

Some off-site excursions may require participants to be transported by their parents. Call Kristin Morrow for information and registration at 215-918-5702. Pre-register by October 10. The fee is $125.00 per child.

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Filed Under: Doylestown Observer Events Tagged With: , , , , ,

Keeping kids healthy during the summer months

July 13, 2011 By

submitted by Solomon Brenner, Master Instructor at Action Karate, ActionKarate@comcast.net

For most children, summertime is a special time when they get to create lasting memories with friends and spend extra time with mom and dad that everyone can enjoy.

Obviously it’s hard to have a good time if you’re feeling under the weather, and though winter is often the season associated more frequently with illness, colds, ear infections, and stomach ailments are still common during the summer months.

Here are four simple ways to keep your children healthy so they can get back to doing the things they love.

NUTRITION

A healthy diet is vital. With your schedule getting busier everyday, it seems easier to cut corners and avoid preparing healthy meals for your children. Processed foods are easily transportable and many don’t need to be refrigerated, but unfortunately they don’t have many of the minerals and vitamins that children need to stay healthy. Mom was right (as usual!) when she said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Making sure your children get enough protein and fiber during breakfast will give them the energy they need to start their day right.

Contrary to popular belief, cereal and fruit are not always the best breakfast foods because their lack of protein allows kids’ blood sugar to dip too low. This drop causes physical and mental fatigue and many times drives kids to snack mid-morning on sugary items to raise blood sugar again. Try using eggs with veggies added to them, which is a great source of both protein and fiber. Let your children choose which veggies to add in – it helps empower them to make their own healthy choices.

HYDRATION

As the temperature continues to rise, dehydration is a common problem on the playground, on the ball field, and even by the pool. Even with children playing indoors, it’s easy for them to not drink enough fluids. Water should be your kids’ foundation drink, but consider adding electrolytes to their drinks throughout the day.

BASIC HYGIENE

Throughout a typical summer day, children can move from activity to activity in the blink of an eye. The more contact they have with different children and different environments, the greater their chances are of picking up various germs that can cause colds, stomachaches, and other ailments. Explaining the importance of hand washing early in their summer vacation to children can help avoid most summer illnesses. Simple soap and water for the duration of a briskly sung, “Happy Birthday” will keep kids’ hands clean and free from disease.

KEEP ON MOVING

As the heat continues to increase during the summer months, it’s easy for children to retreat to the air conditioning and take up activities that don’t require much physical energy, like playing video games and watching TV. Early morning or late evening outdoor play can be a first step to keeping outdoor play around during the summer. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

By incorporating these four strategies into your summer plans, you can avoid many of the problems that affect children.

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

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Filed Under: Southampton Spirit Columnists Tagged With: , ,

Residents at Pine Run Retirement Community get ‘Fit for Life’

June 24, 2011 By

Kristin McCoach works with a resident at Pine Run Retirement Community

by June Portnoy

Pine Run Retirement Community brings wellness to the forefront by enabling its residents to choose a healthier lifestyle where they can enhance their body, mind and spirit.

This wellness-focused community offers a Fit for Life Program free of charge to all of its residents. “Life stands for Longevity, Independence, Function and Empowerment,” explains Fitness Director, Kristin McCoach. “Living an active, healthy lifestyle enables our residents to remain independent and continue doing those things they enjoy doing best.”

Fit for Life includes a fitness center and a multitude of classes that primarily help seniors maintain strength and function in various ways. According to Kristin, more than half of its residents are enrolled in this program. “We work mostly with independent living residents between the ages of 65 and 95 who are living in their own apartments with various levels of ability.”

Pine Run’s on-site fitness center offers a full array of cardio equipment, such as new step machines, recumbent bikes, treadmills and elliptical machines. It also has strength equipment, with a focus on hand-held weights and elastic chords that provide resistance. Kristin schedules an orientation with every new and interested resident, to find out their fitness goals. She then tests their physical ability in order to custom design a program just for them.

Once residents feel comfortable with their exercise routine, they are given a key to the fitness center so they can come in on their own anytime, seven days a week from 7:00am until 7:00pm. Kristin’s office is located in the fitness center, so she is often there to answer questions and help residents change their routines. She has scheduled hours for those residents who feel more comfortable working out while she is there.

Kristin leads multiple classes from beginner to advanced levels – even yoga is available for residents to enjoy. A balance class focuses on core strength, as well as dynamic and static balance. A Zumba Gold Glass is taught by a certified Silver Sneakers instructor.  It consists of an award-winning group of women, a few of whom are in their 90s. “This class gives seniors something new to learn that is out of their comfort zone,” says Kristin. She adds, “One of the greatest benefits of zumba is balance, but best of all, it’s so much fun! With the upbeat music and fun Latin rhythm, it’s impossible for residents not to smile while doing the zumba.”

A certified meditation instructor teaches a meditation class once a week that focuses on the residents’ spiritual needs. Mind aerobics, available once a week, focuses on keeping the mind strong by exercising the brain. “The more you use your mind, the healthier it is,” says Kristin. This class offers challenging activities like word, math and memory games, as well as the interpretation of abstract objects.

In addition, all residents are entitled to a free membership and transportation to and from Cornerstone Pools in Warrington. While there, residents can use its lap pool, heated pool and whirlpool.  They can also take classes like aqua-aerobics. “Warm water is excellent for treating arthritis and joint stiffness,” says Kristin.

Find wellness everywhere at Pine Run, matching and complimenting the individual. For more information about Fit for Life at Pine Run, located at 777 Ferry Road in Doylestown, call Kristin at 215-340-5209 or email her at kmccoach@pinerun.org.

Also visit www.pinerun.org/fit-for-life.

 

PHOTO CAP: Kristin McCoach works with a resident at Pine Run Retirement Community

 

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Filed Under: Senior Scene Tagged With: , , , ,
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