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B&R Family Fitness Club: The fitness mall that has it all!

February 19, 2013 By
B&R Family Fitness Club

 

by June Portnoy

With today’s fitness craze, people are spending hundreds of dollars a month to join various boutique studios that each specialize in specific fitness areas. Add that expense to the cost of gas to drive from studio to studio, and you’re talking about a lot of money to work out!

That’s why B&R Family Fitness Club is literally the fitness mall that has it all! Monthly memberships from $15 to $34.99 a month, depending on age, give you complete access to a large selection of individual studios, all in one location.

“When we recently renovated B&R, my vision was to create area-specific fitness studios,” says Jody Bender, B&R owner and fitness industry veteran of 32 years.

Each individual studio is custom designed for the specific exercise practiced within those walls. For example, yoga does not feel like yoga in a gym environment; instead it’s in a real yoga studio taught by experienced, certified instructors.

Its spin room, the largest one in the area, has 41 bikes, and all spin classes are led by instructors with Johnny G’s certification.

“The magic of this club is that most of us are industry veterans who have been working here for 15 plus years,” says Jody Bender. “So many of us started working here when we were in our 20’s and now we’re in our late 40’s,” adds Linda Donahoe, Group Fitness and Customer Service Director.

“Many of our members have been with us just as long.”

As a result, there’s an unusual camaraderie and warm, family feel about this fitness club. It’s a lot more than just a gym. Also, there’s nothing more beneficial than going to a fitness club with an experienced, knowledgeable staff.

“We have survived the test of time because of our customer service, expertise and cleanliness,” says Jody. “We are celebrating our 35th anniversary, and I believe we’ve sustained a privately owned and managed health club because we try to meet our member’s fitness expectations and goals.”

B&R has incorporated its individual personal training with its group fitness classes to create a unique Burned and R.I.P.P.E.D (resistance, intervals, power, plyometrics, endurance and diet) class for all levels. Personal Training instructors teach this group fitness class to provide a full body workout.

Another highlight at B&R is its award-winning aquatics facility consisting of a 25-meter Olympic size lap pool and a therapy pool. Its cardio room features some of the newest machines, and its free weight studio have CPR certified trainers to ensure a challenging, safe workout.

In addition, B&R offers four racquetball courts, MMA (mixed martial arts), boxing, indoor basketball with an all-sports floor, a suspended indoor track, plus an outdoor field for softball, soccer, basketball and a lit outdoor beach volleyball court!

As an added bonus, NovaCare, a leading provider of rehabilitation, is located on site.

B&R has the largest Silver Sneakers program in the area. Call your health care provider to see if it offers Silver Sneakers, designed specifically for seniors 60 and older and free!

For younger members, B&R offers a secured nursery; Kids Central ~ a separate secured room for tweens; a Kid’s Fitness Center for ages eight through 14 with a full line of Jr. Strive equipment designed for small bodies; and kids birthday parties.

B&R is currently accepting registration for its Kids Kamp this summer for ages four through 14. This one-of-a-kind camp offers indoor and outdoor activities, air conditioning, heated pools, free American Red Cross swim lessons, Zumba Kids, Yoga Kids, the Kids Fit Center, arts and crafts, personalized attention, and much more! Lunch and extended hours are also available. Registration starts March 1st.

B&R invites you to its Yoga Open House on Sunday, February 24th from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Call for free registration, as space is limited. You’ll also meet six of B&R’s yoga instructors, including Lt. John Wylie, a police lieutenant who teaches power yoga. Many police officers and firefighters take Lt. Wylite’s power yoga class because it’s a phenomenal stress reducer. Power yoga can be modified for all levels, as can all of B&R’s yoga classes.

For more information about the Yoga Open House, Kids Kamp registration or membership, call B&R Family Fitness Club, located at 1040 Mill Creek Drive, Feasterville, at 215-355-2700.

Also, visit www.bandrfamilyfitness.com.

PHOTO CAP: From left, Linda Donohoe, Group Fitness and Customer Service Director; Lt. John L. Wylie, Power Yoga Instructor; and Jody Lang Bender, B&R owner and fitness industry veteran.

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Filed Under: Southampton Spirit Business Profiles, Spring Home & Garden 3 and Graduation Tagged With: , , , ,

Northampton Parks & Rec brings holiday cheer

December 11, 2012 By

Do you have a hard time wondering what to give your loved ones for the holidays? How about a gift of classes, programs or tickets from Northampton Township Parks and Recreation?

Discount movie tickets make a great gift and are only $7.50 when you purchase them at the P&R admin office. Tickets are good for all nationwide Regal, United Artists and Edwards theaters.

Discount lift tickets to area ski resorts are available. Save money and avoid long lines at the mountain. Check the website for a list of Pocono resorts. Makes a great gift or stocking stuffer.

Parents, you are being called out for the first Annual Northampton Winter Floor Hockey Classic. Your kids are challenging you to a friendly game of floor hockey for the first annual Winter Classic. The “puck” drops on Sunday morning, December 16th at the Northampton Recreation Center.

Price includes a Northampton Winter Classic T-Shirt for both parent and child. Pricing is discounted for multiple participating children. Visit northamptonrec.com for times, details and registration info.

Parks & Rec has classes to fit everyone’s interests.

Here are just a few of the programs to get your new year started: Kids in the Kitchen/Winter Warmers, January 5th; Computer Operations Skills, January 8th – January/22nd; Microsoft Word, January 10th – January 24th; Aqua Zumba held at BucksFit: January 9th – February 13th; Driver’s Ed (CRHS students only), January 9th – March 13th; Hot Shotz Winter Ice Hockey at Warwick Rink, January 11th – April 5th; Soccer Bugs, January 14th – March 18th.

Become a friend of Northampton Parks & Rec on Facebook and get up to the minute info on programs. Browse the Recreation brochure or website, northamptonrec.com, for your complete holiday shopping list.

For details call 215-357-6800 x249.

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Filed Under: Northampton Herald News Tagged With: , , , , ,

The five newest fat-blasting supplements

October 9, 2012 By

submitted by GNC Newtown

Many of us are involved in a seemingly endless battle to lose weight. And while no one disputes the fact that sustainable weight control requires proper food choices, exercise and hydration, a new generation of weight loss supplements can give all of us a boost in dropping a few of those extra pounds!

RASPBERRY KETONES – This raspberry-derived compound increases production of the protein “adiponectin” which helps reduce body fat. Current research indicates this protein triggers the body to burn fat at a faster rate, helping to reduce belly fat. Aim for 100-200 mg. per day in divided doses.

7-KETO – Considered one of Dr. Oz’s best belly-blasting supplements, 7-Keto increases the rate at which our bodies burn calories, whether we are asleep or running marathons. A recent study published in Current Therapeutic Research showed subjects taking 100 mg. of 7-Keto twice daily lost an average of over 6.3 pounds in eight weeks. Comparatively, the placebo group lost only 2.1 pounds.

GREEN COFFEE BEAN EXTRACT – This ingredient contains an antioxidant called “chlorogenic acid,” which helps the body burn fat and process blood sugar more effectively, revving up our internal engine. Just this year, a study with overweight men and women using green coffee bean extract resulted in an average weight loss of 17 pounds in 22 weeks. Astonishingly, these results were achieved with no changes in diet or exercise regimens. Aim for 800 to 1200 mg. per day in divided doses.

SAFFRON EXTRACT – This exotic spice is one of today’s hottest diet aids. It is effective in controlling appetite, helping many cut down on snacking binges which can really sabotage a good diet.  Research on saffron showed it to cause a significantly greater body weight reduction than placebo after eight weeks. Aim for 176 mg. per day.

SAFFLOWER OIL – This vegetable oil is high in polyunsaturated linoleic acid, which can actually help you reduce body fat, especially in the belly area. A recent study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that safflower oil could also help postmenopausal women with Type 2 diabetes balance their blood sugar levels and burn more fat.

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Filed Under: Newtown Gazette Columnists 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: , , , ,

Girl Scouts conduct Healthy Fun Fair at Trenton grade school

May 22, 2012 By
Troop 229

 

by Maryanna S. Phinn

The meaning of fun can include becoming healthy and physically fit. That’s the message that the Girl Scouts of Troop 229 demonstrated to other children at a recent “Healthy Fun Fair” held in Trenton, NJ.

The troop, fifth-graders at Edgewood Elementary School in Yardley, is working toward earning a Bronze Award, the highest that a Junior Girl Scout can achieve.

“They started planning the Healthy Fun Fair earlier this year because they wanted to do something in the community for other kids,” explains troop leader Karen Littley.

The Healthy Fun Fair was held at Washington Elementary School at an after school program that 70 children from Trenton attend, ranging from kindergarten through third grade. The scouts decided to develop an activity to earn the award based on First Lady Michelle Obama’s Healthy Lifestyle campaign.

“Each girl spends 20 hours of preparation time to earn the Bronze Award,” notes Karen.

“The young ladies in Troop 229 have worked hard all school year to plan a fun and healthy event for the community. Not only have they invested their time and energy in planning and carrying out this event for the kids in Trenton, but they have committed over half of their troop earnings from Girl Scout cookie sales to purchasing and donating a variety of indoor playground equipment to this after school program,” she adds.

The Scouts donated playground balls, gym scooters, a soccer net and cones and other equipment to the school.

The 10 Girl Scouts, their troop leader and some parent volunteers set up five “stations” for the children attending the fair. Kids had choices of healthy snacks that included trail mix, fresh fruit and “ants in the snow,” (celery sticks with cream cheese and raisins on the top!).

[Read more...]

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Filed Under: Yardley Voice News Tagged With: , , , , ,

Retro Fitness celebrates one-year anniversary

May 22, 2012 By

Come celebrate Retro Fitness of Fairless Hills one-year anniversary from June 1st through June 9th and receive a special membership offer. During this time, sign up for a $0 Initiation Fee and pay only $19.99 per month for life!

All new members receive access to every Retro Fitness facility nationwide, a free one-hour consultation with a certified personal trainer, a free chiropractic assessment and five free classes.

At Retro Fitness, all cardio machines are equipped with 17” LCD TVs. In addition, this facility offers free weights, dumbbells up to 120 pounds, circuit training and cable machines.

Classes, personal training, tanning, chiropractic services, full service locker rooms and childcare are all available. Also enjoy a Smoothie Café and a totally awesome Retro Fitness movie theater to sweat off those calories.

With a facility that offers so much for such a low cost, you’d be crazy not to come in and sign up!

Check them out at http://www.retrofitness.net or stop in to use a free one-day guest pass.

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

Become forever fit at Forever Fitness of Yardley

April 24, 2012 By

Forever Fitness of Yardley by June Portnoy

If you’re serious about working out to achieve your optimal fitness, Forever Fitness of Yardley, new to the area, is the place for you. At Forever Fitness, you’ll see measurable results and receive individualized attention that you won’t get at most large fitness centers where you become just another face in the crowd.

“When you come here, you’ll receive one-on-one (or on occasion one-on-two) personalized attention from me and only me,” says owner, Chris Luise, who is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, as well as being CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) certified.

Prior to opening Forever Fitness, Chris worked in the health club industry for seven years. When Chris realized he had become overweight and out of shape in his late 30’s, he decided to do something about it. He worked out until he turned his body fat to muscle and significantly lowered his blood pressure.

“I felt better about myself and became healthier, which motivated me to help others do the same,” says Chris. “That’s when I decided to establish Forever Fitness.

“I take a real interest in what each of my clients want to achieve and I share their goals with them, wanting them to attain their objectives as much as they do.”

Forever Fitness offers both personal and athletic training. Whether you want to improve your athletic performance, lose weight or improve your general health, this fitness center’s goal is for people to achieve results.

“Our philosophy is to custom tailor programs for each client and to constantly vary the workouts, so they don’t become stagnant or boring,” says Chris.

A typical workout includes balance, strength, core toning, flexibility, agility and aerobic training.

Forever Fitness caters to people of all ages from tweens to seniors. In fact, Chris has started a new fitness program tailored to preteens ages seven to 12.

“Kids in this age range typically don’t work out and are often not in the best physical shape even if they do play a sport once or twice a week,” says Chris. “A lot of kids this age are overweight because they’re always sitting in front of a computer or video game.”

Chris offers preteens flexibility and stamina training, along with workouts that get them in better shape. For young athletes this will help reduce injuries.

[Read more...]

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Filed Under: Yardley Voice Business Profiles Tagged With: , , , ,

Want to ramp-up your workout?

April 24, 2012 By

submitted by GNC, Newtown

Spring is here and that means beach season is just around the corner.

If you want to get the most out of your workout regimen to look and feel your best, give these supplements a try!

CLA – Conjugated Linoleic Acid is a non-essential fatty acid that actually inhibits fat from entering a cell. It can stop a small fat cell from getting larger. Studies have shown CLA to be effective in reducing abdominal obesity and body fat, helping to maintain lean body mass.

L-CARNITINE – This heart-healthy amino-acid-like supplement helps convert fat into energy. Specifically, it “frees” our stored body fat enabling us to tap into this fat while exercising. As a result, we tire less quickly, training more intensely for longer periods of time. L-carnitine also helps the heart pump more blood with fewer beats, can slow brain aging and improve short-term memory.

WHITE KIDNEY BEAN EXTRACT – Often referred to as a “carb-blocker,” this supplement, also known as Phasolamin, inhibits the enzyme “amylase” which converts carbohydrates to simple sugars. Unused, these sugars can turn to fat. So, by preventing the digestion of complex carbs, these carbs pass through the digestive system, resulting in less absorbed calories and increased weight loss.

PROTEIN – The body burns up to twice as many calories digesting protein as it does for fats or carbohydrates. Although a balanced diet is certainly important, replacing an over abundance of carbs with lean, protein-rich foods can jumpstart your metabolism at mealtime. Also, a post workout protein shake, rich in amino acids will help build muscle and promote recovery.

CREATINE – Creatine is a chemical that is normally found in the body, mostly in our muscles. It is made by the body and can be found in certain foods. It is most commonly used for improving exercise performance and increasing muscle mass in athletes and active adults.

So start to look and feel great by ramping up your workouts with these safe, effective supplements!

 

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

COMMUNITY GUIDEBOOK PROFILE: Middletown Parks and Recreation

January 30, 2012 By

Middletown Township’s Parks & Recreation Department has some exciting new programs which will keep children, teens and adults active through the winter months. They also offer several free learning seminars for the community.

Children can try ZumbAtomic, a child’s version of the popular Zumba dance movement. They also offer karate, and kids cardio for exercise, The Art Room encourages the artist in each of us, and Discovery Days lets a child discover the fun in science experiments. 

Teens can try the new Portfolio Prep Class – an art program using various mediums that allows college-bound artists the opportunity to create their portfolio. Additionally, they offer Drivers Ed, Babysitting, and Extreme Fridays for middle school ages. Stop by the Teen Talent Competition on January 28th, at 4:00pm at the Sears Courtyard at the Oxford Valley Mall. 

Adults can enjoy the seasonally popular Hot Yoga program, where they heat the room to 100 degrees and do yoga. They also offer zumba, crocheting, Boating for Beginners, computer classes, and Photography Basics. Want something completely different? Then try Bokwa – cardio, dance, flexibility all in one.       

For the general community they are offering free educational seminars on the Concussion Discussion on February 21st, a Dog Training Lecture on February 25th, and lower your utility bills by attending Energy Works on March 22nd.   

Don’t forget to make your calendar for the Parks & Rec Summer Camp, scheduled to start June 25th!

Call Parks and Recreation at 215-750-3890 to get more information on these and other programs this winter or download the 2012 Winter Guide at middletowntwpbucks.org.

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Filed Under: Langhorne Ledger News Tagged With: , , , ,

City Beat Fitness hosting Zumba benefit for Ronald McDonald House

January 24, 2012 By

City Beat Fitness is celebrating their one year anniversary with exciting new classes, an amazing faculty, and a Zumba event to benefit The Philadelphia Ronald MacDonald House. The Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for parents of critically ill children in local hospitals.

The Zumba benefit will be held on Tuesday, February 7th, from 7:00 to 8:30pm for a $10 fee at City Beat Fitness, 41 Linden Avenue, Newtown.

City Beat Fitness’ unique dance-infused fitness program for kids, teens and adults requires NO dance experience. Adults can chose from a variety of cardio and toning classes, including Zumba.

Kids from three to 17 years can enroll NOW in HIP HOP with Diana Portes of The Philadelphia Soul Dance Team and with Laura Graeber of Newtown Middle School. Even Ity Beats, three to five years, can “get funky and fit!

Try Hip Hop for FREE during the week of February 6th. The first adult class is FREE.

For more info visit www.citybeatfitness.com or call 215-932-9536.

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