Exercise & Grief
Posted on: May 28th
“Good grief!” is not just an expression Charlie Brown uses regularly; especially with the current state of affairs.
I have unfortunately found myself repeating that specific quotation a little more frequently. My two cats, Lucky and Spice, passed away within 5 days of each other. Lucky was thirteen years old, and Spice was eleven years old. They were companions with me throughout many of life’s adventures and will be dearly missed.
Some of us watch the news each night and see the awful realities people are facing each day. People may have lost loved ones from Covid-19, or have been terminated or furloughed from their jobs. Small business owners are shutting their doors, homes are going into foreclosure, and working parents are juggling twenty things each hour, waiting for the next shoe to drop.
Exercise may not extinguish grief but it can play a valuable role in helping people adapt to loss or unexpected change. Physical activity releases brain chemicals such as endorphins, which help to relieve discomfort and boost our mood.
Although my studio doors may be shut, I have been doing live Facebook workouts, which helps our members and community to stay healthy and connected, but it also helps me with my social-emotional well being and overall physical health. I transform when I exercise, especially during times of loss and hardship. I leave each workout with mental clarity and feelings of strength and empowerment. I can take on new challenges with grace. It has been after a workout and warm shower that I have come up with my best ideas, like the 6-week Challenge we will be running as soon as our doors open.
What helps you in times of loss?
Exercise is a great escape and coping strategy.
It can turn “Good grief!” into a long sigh of relief.
“Good grief!” is not just an expression Charlie Brown uses regularly; especially with the current state of affairs.
I have unfortunately found myself repeating that specific quotation a little more frequently. My two cats, Lucky and Spice, passed away within 5 days of each other. Lucky was thirteen years old, and Spice was eleven years old. They were companions with me throughout many of life’s adventures and will be dearly missed.
Some of us watch the news each night and see the awful realities people are facing each day. People may have lost loved ones from Covid-19, or have been terminated or furloughed from their jobs. Small business owners are shutting their doors, homes are going into foreclosure, and working parents are juggling twenty things each hour, waiting for the next shoe to drop.
Exercise may not extinguish grief but it can play a valuable role in helping people adapt to loss or unexpected change. Physical activity releases brain chemicals such as endorphins, which help to relieve discomfort and boost our mood.
Although my studio doors may be shut, I have been doing live Facebook workouts, which helps our members and community to stay healthy and connected, but it also helps me with my social-emotional well being and overall physical health. I transform when I exercise, especially during times of loss and hardship. I leave each workout with mental clarity and feelings of strength and empowerment. I can take on new challenges with grace. It has been after a workout and warm shower that I have come up with my best ideas, like the 6-week Challenge we will be running as soon as our doors open.
What helps you in times of loss?
Exercise is a great escape and coping strategy.
It can turn “Good grief!” into a long sigh of relief.
Exercise & Positivity
Posted on: April 27
Exercise may be the least prioritized part of your day, especially since the coronavirus has kept us mostly indoors. Our dreary New Jersey weather hasn’t been cooperating either. But exercise can improve your mental outlook and physical health in significant ways. For increased wellbeing, motivate yourself with these 3 easy tips. It can make all the difference in your day!
1. Make a date. Think of exercise as an ‘important meeting’ that you have scheduled with yourself. Put a notification on your phone. Make a date with yourself in your planner. Bosses don’t cancel scheduled events. Be a boss!
2. Try a mental trick. When I don’t feel like exercising, I tell myself, “Ten minutes.” If I don’t feel like continuing after ten minutes, I know I can stop whatever exercise I’m doing. Make sure to turn on some motivating music and choose a mode of exercise that you want to do. Before you realize it, ten minutes has flown by, and you feel happier, healthier, and lighter. Usually I continue my workout until I feel satisfied. I never regret when I exercise, only when I don’t.
3. Find inspiration. Take that walk or run around your neighborhood. Stop and smell the spring flowers. Admire your route from a new perspective. Jump on Pinterest to review motivational exercise quotations. Join Revive Studios on Facebook and enjoy an invigorating live workout while the studio is closed. We would love for you to work out with us!
Every day you have a choice. You can choose to stay the same, or you can choose to make a positive change. Your body is your most precious possession; take care of it through exercise!
Remember, you are only one workout away from a good mood.
1. Make a date. Think of exercise as an ‘important meeting’ that you have scheduled with yourself. Put a notification on your phone. Make a date with yourself in your planner. Bosses don’t cancel scheduled events. Be a boss!
2. Try a mental trick. When I don’t feel like exercising, I tell myself, “Ten minutes.” If I don’t feel like continuing after ten minutes, I know I can stop whatever exercise I’m doing. Make sure to turn on some motivating music and choose a mode of exercise that you want to do. Before you realize it, ten minutes has flown by, and you feel happier, healthier, and lighter. Usually I continue my workout until I feel satisfied. I never regret when I exercise, only when I don’t.
3. Find inspiration. Take that walk or run around your neighborhood. Stop and smell the spring flowers. Admire your route from a new perspective. Jump on Pinterest to review motivational exercise quotations. Join Revive Studios on Facebook and enjoy an invigorating live workout while the studio is closed. We would love for you to work out with us!
Every day you have a choice. You can choose to stay the same, or you can choose to make a positive change. Your body is your most precious possession; take care of it through exercise!
Remember, you are only one workout away from a good mood.
Focus Your Mind, Create New Results
(Focused Awareness)
(Focused Awareness)
Posted: March 27th
Discover the benefits of Focused Awareness, a transformative meditation practice designed to bring you more focus, energy and creativity without stress.
When something challenging happens, how do you recover?
Resilience is the ability to bounce back after a setback.
In 4 sessions, the Focused Awareness course guides you through the fundamentals of 'resilience meditation.'
As you build resiliency skills, you will cultivate a more balanced response to life challenges. You come to see change as an opportunity for self-reflection, learning and growing. read more
Discover the benefits of Focused Awareness, a transformative meditation practice designed to bring you more focus, energy and creativity without stress.
When something challenging happens, how do you recover?
Resilience is the ability to bounce back after a setback.
In 4 sessions, the Focused Awareness course guides you through the fundamentals of 'resilience meditation.'
As you build resiliency skills, you will cultivate a more balanced response to life challenges. You come to see change as an opportunity for self-reflection, learning and growing. read more
Focused Awareness
sessions provide ...
sessions provide ...
Healing breathing techniques and meditation practices to integrate your mind, body and behavior in beneficial ways (read more).
Training methods to quiet the mental chatter and empower you to go about your daily life in a more positive state of mind.
Personalized, small group classes held in our therapeutic Salt Cave . Classes are suitable for all levels and open to visitors.
Focused Awareness
meditation helps you ...
meditation helps you ...
Create a calmer state of mind
Cultivate mindfulness
Improve memory & concentration
Discover keys to deep relaxation
Let go of negative thought patterns
Make positive changes
Lower blood pressure & heart rate
Increase lung capacity & endurance
Build self-confidence
Open channels to self-discovery
& self-mastery
Cultivate mindfulness
Improve memory & concentration
Discover keys to deep relaxation
Let go of negative thought patterns
Make positive changes
Lower blood pressure & heart rate
Increase lung capacity & endurance
Build self-confidence
Open channels to self-discovery
& self-mastery
What to Eat Before and After A Workout
Posted: February 17
As a Weight Watchers Reimagined Coach, I am often asked about eating before and after a workout. Contrary to popular belief, your body needs fuel to workout. Have you ever wondered why marathon runners "carbo-load" the day before they run?! Your body needs something to burn.
Here are some basic ‘before/after’ guidelines from WebMD:
Also, remember to drink plenty of water throughout an hour-long workout to keep your body cool and hydrated. Water helps your muscles work more efficiently during exercise, too!
By: Angie
Here are some basic ‘before/after’ guidelines from WebMD:
-
Eat CARBS BEFORE a workout (at least 1 hour before)
- Oatmeal
- Peanut Butter & Jelly
- Banana
- Fruit & yogurt smoothie
-
Eat PROTEIN AFTER, to rebuild muscle
- Eggs and toast
- Brown rice
- Grilled chicken and veggies
- Whole grain turkey wrap with avocado
Also, remember to drink plenty of water throughout an hour-long workout to keep your body cool and hydrated. Water helps your muscles work more efficiently during exercise, too!
By: Angie
Pilates Reformer Training for Lacrosse Athletes
Posted: February 2
Up Your Game with the Pilates Reformer
Lacrosse training is not like prepping for an exam, students can’t cram it in days before the season starts. Still, there is a way to level the playing field – Pilates Reformer training. Regular workouts on a Reformer can transform key muscle groups faster and more effectively than other exercise methods – and do it more safely, too.
Build Key Muscle Groups
When it comes to athletic performance, core muscles are the body’s powerhouse. Powerful movements launch from the center of the body out, never from the limbs alone.
The reformer trains many parts and dynamics of the body. It is particularly effective for building strength in the core, back, glutes and thigh muscles. ‘Eccentric muscle contractions’ are key. This is where a muscle lengthens as it resists a force. Like the long, strong muscles required for lacrosse players.
In lacrosse, core strength can make all the difference in shooting “power” and defensive checks. The versatile Reformer is a great way to work on torque and twisting power for powerful “wind-ups.” It’s also great for increasing leg power and endurance.
The Amazing Reformer: How it Works
Teens enjoy new challenges. The reformer provides ample workout options for beginners. Exercises can be done sitting, standing, lying down, pulling straps, pushing the footbar, with additional equipment – in all kinds of variations. Boring routines be gone!
The Reformer offers a combination of resistance and support for the body. Most reformer exercises involve pushing or pulling the sliding carriage that moves by way of a pulley system. The sleek equipment uses springs to add varying degrees of tension and resistance to core workouts and strength exercises.
Adjustable shoulder blocks and a footbar keep practitioners safely in place during exercises. Other reformer parts can be adjusted for differing body sizes and skill levels.
Reformer Workouts: Benefits + Safety
All athletes want to stay in the game, be injury free and improve their performance. Teens are no different. Reformer workouts can benefit teens in significant ways:
• Increase muscle strength
• Improve flexibility
• Build balance & endurance
• Extend greater range of motion
• Improve joint mobility
• Improve posture & body alignment
• Raise core body awareness
• Develop mind-body coordination
• Protect against muscle injuries
• Decrease back & joint pain
Personalized Fitness Goals
At Revive, students maximize their workouts when guided by our expert Pilates Reformer instructors. Customized fitness plans, designed by the instructor and Lacrosse Coach, help focus and motivate students to achieve their individualized goals. Our small group classes create a conducive environment for budding athletes. The perfect space to build camaraderie and team spirit.
By: Revive Studios
Lacrosse training is not like prepping for an exam, students can’t cram it in days before the season starts. Still, there is a way to level the playing field – Pilates Reformer training. Regular workouts on a Reformer can transform key muscle groups faster and more effectively than other exercise methods – and do it more safely, too.
Build Key Muscle Groups
When it comes to athletic performance, core muscles are the body’s powerhouse. Powerful movements launch from the center of the body out, never from the limbs alone.
The reformer trains many parts and dynamics of the body. It is particularly effective for building strength in the core, back, glutes and thigh muscles. ‘Eccentric muscle contractions’ are key. This is where a muscle lengthens as it resists a force. Like the long, strong muscles required for lacrosse players.
In lacrosse, core strength can make all the difference in shooting “power” and defensive checks. The versatile Reformer is a great way to work on torque and twisting power for powerful “wind-ups.” It’s also great for increasing leg power and endurance.
The Amazing Reformer: How it Works
Teens enjoy new challenges. The reformer provides ample workout options for beginners. Exercises can be done sitting, standing, lying down, pulling straps, pushing the footbar, with additional equipment – in all kinds of variations. Boring routines be gone!
The Reformer offers a combination of resistance and support for the body. Most reformer exercises involve pushing or pulling the sliding carriage that moves by way of a pulley system. The sleek equipment uses springs to add varying degrees of tension and resistance to core workouts and strength exercises.
Adjustable shoulder blocks and a footbar keep practitioners safely in place during exercises. Other reformer parts can be adjusted for differing body sizes and skill levels.
Reformer Workouts: Benefits + Safety
All athletes want to stay in the game, be injury free and improve their performance. Teens are no different. Reformer workouts can benefit teens in significant ways:
• Increase muscle strength
• Improve flexibility
• Build balance & endurance
• Extend greater range of motion
• Improve joint mobility
• Improve posture & body alignment
• Raise core body awareness
• Develop mind-body coordination
• Protect against muscle injuries
• Decrease back & joint pain
Personalized Fitness Goals
At Revive, students maximize their workouts when guided by our expert Pilates Reformer instructors. Customized fitness plans, designed by the instructor and Lacrosse Coach, help focus and motivate students to achieve their individualized goals. Our small group classes create a conducive environment for budding athletes. The perfect space to build camaraderie and team spirit.
By: Revive Studios
Top 5 Benefits of Zumba Class
Posted on: November 17
Looking for a fun and effective way to get/stay in shape? Zumba might be the way for you! With Zumba classes, you can make your workouts fun and a social activity that gets you in shape. Here are just a few of the many benefits that taking Zumba classes can have;
Full Body Workout
Zumba makes you use all of your muscles and strengthens your core. From head and shoulder rolls to leg movements that engage your calves and ankles, it really is a full-body workout. Your Zumba class teacher will teach you the steps and will make sure you will be dancing and exercising in no time. And you can make the exercise as intense as you want. You can take it easy or use weights with Zumba Toning to make it extra challenging. Whatever you do, the Zumba dance is an exercise in disguise.
Mood Booster
With its upbeat music of around 145 bpm and it's fun and challenging dance moves, your Zumba classes are sure to turn your bad mood around and increase the odds of your return. Many people have experienced Zumba classes to be very effective motivators to go to the gym and to create exercise habits that will change your life.
Calorie Burning
Zumba is designed for the maximum interval calorie burning effects. An average person will burn anywhere between 600 to 1000 calories per Zumba class. This is significantly more than any other workout at the gym. The class will vary between levels of intensity by both changing the speed of the music and the intensity of the exercises. And yes, just like other workouts, there is some repetition. But the beat and music will make it easier for you to see it through until the end.
Social Activity
Done with the endlessly boring repetition of your conventional workouts? Zumba classes are a fun group activity that keeps all the participants engaged. We keep each other motivated and optimistic! Dancing together can create a real connection which makes the classes even more fun the more often you join in.
Zumba is for everyone!
Music is a universal language. Zumba is for everyone that wants to give it a shot. You can use Zumba classes in whatever physical state you are. We will make sure you can keep up and have fun.
Revive Studios New Jersey
Our studios offer many different kinds of classes including Zumba. At Revive Studios we believe exercises like Zumba can make you both physically and mentally fitter. Come visit us and try one of our Zumba classes to experience all these benefits yourself!