Fitness & Wellness

Tai Chi for all ages

Tai Chi for all ages

Published by on March 27, 2023 | Leave a response

As an ancient Chinese practice, tai chi may seem foreign and even intimidating. Only about 1% of the U.S. population, or about 3.65 million Americans, reported doing tai chi in 2015. That means a lot of Americans are missing out on the myriad benefits that tai chi has to offer. The goal of this blog is to make tai chi more familiar, more accessible, and easy to practice regularly even right in your living room.

Mind-body exercises, such as tai chi and yoga, have been gaining popularity over the past few decades. This is not surprising, given the increasing number of studies on the positive effects of these gentler forms of exercise, everything from lowering blood pressure and managing depression to building strength and improving balance. There is even evidence that tai chi may help you live a longer, more vital life.

Studies have confirmed that the mind-body practice of tai chi produces a state of relaxed attention, in addition to improving balance, muscle endurance, cognitive function and overall quality of life.

Tai chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. In fact, because tai chi is a low-impact exercise, it may be especially suitable if you’re an older adult who otherwise may not exercise. It’s also great for younger adults looking for a break in high intensity, high impact exercise that can damage joints over time.

You may also find tai chi appealing because it’s inexpensive and requires no special equipment. You can do tai chi anywhere, including indoors or outside. And you can do tai chi alone or in a group class.

Although tai chi is generally safe, women who are pregnant or people with joint problems, back pain, fractures, severe osteoporosis or a hernia should consult their health care provider before trying tai chi. Modification or avoidance of certain postures may be recommended.

Reference: An Introduction to Tai Chi | Tai Chi Benefits for Young Adults | Tai Chi Mayo Clinic | The Effect of Tai Chi on Dynamic Balance in Younger Adults

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Fun Facts on Ballet, Hip Hop, Tai chi, etc.

Fun Facts on Ballet, Hip Hop, Tai chi, etc.

Published by on March 8, 2023 | Leave a response

Ballet, hip hop and tai chi are popular forms of dance. The three styles of dance have different origins and characteristics. They also each incorporate finger postures, arm movements, and other techniques that help emphasize the movement across the body. Here are a few fun facts on Ballet, Hip Hop, Tai chi, etc.

  • Women were not allowed to join the ballet: Ballet originated in Italy in the 15th Century but women were not allowed to dance in public until 1681, so women could not join the Ballet.
  • Ballet dancers have a special trick to stop them from slipping: To help them glide effortlessly across the dance floor, dancers rub rosin on their pointes and flats to make sure they do not accidently slip. This yellow crystal substance is also used by string musicians to help them play better and to help baseball pitchers improve their grip on the ball.
  • Hip Hop was born in 1973 somewhere in the Bronx where a birthday celebration was going on. A big change in music started with a little move.
  • The word ‘ break dance ‘ was also derived from the breakbeat DJing of Kool Herc. He named the performing “boys” and “girls” as b-boys and b-girls, When they danced, they were represented as “breaking.”
  • The name Tai Chi is short for T’ai chi ch’üan (or Tàijí quán). It is practiced for self-defense as well as for health benefits, and as a form of meditation.
  • There are health benefits to practicing tai chi such as increased circulation, flexibility, and balance. This makes it a popular art with those who may want to avoid more hard styles of martial arts.

Those are just a few fun facts about ballet, hip hop and tai chi. To learn more visit our studio and enroll in our classes! See you there!

Reference: Amazing Hiphop Facts | 10 INCREDIBLE FACTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT BALLET | 17 Interesting facts about Tai Chi

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Benefits of Dancing

Benefits of Dancing

Published by on February 22, 2023 | Leave a response

When it comes to fitness, dancing is definitely one of the most overlooked practices. First off all, dancing is a great way to get in shape. It gets your heart rate up and keeps your body moving in ways that other methods do not.

Here are 5 health benefits of dancing.

  1. Dancing Builds Core Strength: Dance requires balance and helps build core strength, which helps promote good posture and prevent muscle injuries and back pain, according to Mayo Clinic.
  2. Dance Promotes Flexibility: This is especially true for ballet dancers. “Ballet training involves a great deal of flexibility training. Flexibility means improved mobility, which means that any type of daily activity will be more enjoyable, whether you take yoga or you are trying to reach for the top cabinet in your kitchen,” says Granger.
  3. Improved Cardiovascular Health: Of course, the faster you dance, the faster your heart will beat, which can lead to a stronger and healthier heart. An Italian study found that people with heart failure who started practicing waltzing had much better heart health, breathing, and quality of life compared to those who simply cycled or walked on a treadmill.
  4. Reduced Depression: A study looking at the effects of dance on patients experiencing depression found that those who participated in an upbeat group dance showed the least number of symptoms associated with depression and were more energetic and upbeat as a result.
  5. Weight Loss: Increased movement also usually means increased weight loss. A study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found aerobic dance training can help you lose just as much weight as biking or jogging.

Those are the few benefits of dancing. To learn more visit our studio and enroll in our dance classes! See you there!

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Zumba Essentials

Zumba Essentials

Published by on February 17, 2023 | Leave a response

Zumba is a fun, creative, and effective way to lose weight, improve your health and increase your energy levels. It’s suitable for all ages and abilities – from beginners to those who have been doing the exercise regime their entire lives. Here are the basic essentials for Zumba.

  1. Beverage: You should have your own beverage on you to make sure that you are properly hydrated. Water is always fine, but we recommend having a beverage that offers electrolytes to help replenish what you’re sweating out without calories.
  2. Headband: With a headband you will not need to worry about sweat running into your eyes. You will see your Zumba instructor and you will have fun!
  3. Towel: Even if you have your headband you are going to want a nice towel to wipe all of your sweat. After all, not every Zumba class are conducted inside a studio
  4. Dress Comfortably: The primary goal is to get a great workout. They provide an opportunity to let your inhibitions go, show off your moves, and interact with others. With those goals in mind, you want to be as comfortable as possible when dressing for each class. That means wearing items that will allow you to move freely while boosting your self-confidence.
  5. Get Social: Like any good party, Zumba is all about social interaction and creating a community that shares one common goal—to have fun! To enhance your class experience, consider bringing along a friend or a coworker to get in on the fitness action.

Now you know the basic essential for Zumba, So what are you waiting for come and join us! Schedule your Zumba class now with Fit for Life Jenkintown!

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Barre, ballet and tap at Fit for Life Jenkintown

Barre, ballet and tap at Fit for Life Jenkintown

Published by on June 5, 2020 | Leave a response

Barre, ballet and tap

Mary Jo teaches barre, ballet and tap at the studio, here is one student’s perspective.

Barre

Barre can be a gentle, strengthening exercise. You can achieve improved balance and posture.
Perhaps you have never tried a barre class. Come join us for an easy introduction to this genre.
Mary Jo demonstrates where and how each leg and arm will go, as well as in which sequence and finally, in what tempo. Contemporary pieces accompany the actual performance of each barre sequence and- get this! -Mary Jo now again performs the sequence with you providing a beautiful model to follow as you execute the sequence. She also, carefully keeps an eye on your execution of the steps and sequences and effectively pinpoints improvements and variations as needed.
The barre classes are small enough, so you receive individual, specific suggestion for modifications and almost effortless progress. You can be a beginner and still feel your performance is noteworthy. Just follow the pro!

Mary Jo’s Barre class is now offered virtually Thursdays from 6:00-6:45pm.

Ballet

Mary Jo demonstrates the sequence of ballet movements she has choreographed for each piece of music. She then plays the accompanying music and carefully follows the students’ execution of the ballet moves, gently correcting if required. She spots good renditions and notes them with encouraging compliments.

In practice, the class is geared to participants. I myself had 2 years of ballet instruction prior to attending Mary Jo’s class. Nonetheless, I can follow the class and, thanks to Mary Jo’s observations, progress. This is a fun ballet class in which you can also grow!

Advanced Beginner/ Intermediate Ballet class is offered virtually on Mondays, from 6:30-7:00pm.

Tap

So let’s talk about Tap! I thought Shirley Temple was adorable on The Good Ship Lollipop. Personally, I had never tried tap before. I love folk dancing, ballet and of course Zumba. How do you even move toe to heel and back, and how do you know when to do so? Besides, I never owned a pair of tap shoes! So of course I was intrigued with the possibility of trying a tap class. Elizabeth, Fit for Life Jenkintown’s owner/director even leant me a pair of tap shoes! P.S. I’ve now graduated to my own!!

Although Mary Jo is an experienced dancer and teacher, she understands a beginner’s hesitation and is often checking back with me,” Sarah, did you get that?” She will then, as needed, patiently demonstrate the sequence of steps again. I often feel like a beginner, but hey, I am! Moreover, guess how great it feels when I get the sequence!!

Please do join us for Virtual Adult Beginner Tap Mondays at 7:30 PM.

Benefits of barre and dance

So we know the teacher is a plus.. what about the material? How does it figure in improving your figure? Yes, dance  and barre can help burn fat, reduce stress, increase flexibility and strength, challenge and define muscle, improve posture and stability. All excellent, healthy goals. Okay, here comes the punch line: It is fun!

These barre, ballet and tap are a great way to add movement to your day, please join us! https://fitforlifejenkintown.com/programs/

To supplement your classes, if you would like guidance with nutrition or diet planning reach to us at info@fitforlifejenkintown.com

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Fit for Life Jenkintown Goes Virtual

Fit for Life Jenkintown Goes Virtual

Published by on May 26, 2020 | Leave a response

                                  FIT FOR LIFE JENKINTOWN GOES VIRTUAL

Fit for Life Jenkintown : current schedule for a unique yoga/dance studio beginning its second year.

Why so essential now?

As I am sure many/all of you know, social distancing has temporarily closed many (all) gyms and studios. This will be true for at least some of the prescribed distancing time. But wait! This has not stopped Fit for Life Jenkintown.  It continues to offer wonderful sessions to assist you in improving and keeping healthy. This is of course very desirable. However, be aware, being a part of a friendly, energetic group, and receiving exercise instructions from a lively, upbeat group of professional teachers has an additional benefit. I find attendance to be of great mental and emotional assistance! So you may work off some of that one tempting treat you indulged in, but you will also leave your class refreshed and in better form and mood. Above all, you probably will also be more upbeat, something quite desirable these days. 

What are the available classes?

There are currently many classes you can join via Zoom.

Please review the current Zoom schedule.

Sunday        11:00 AM    Zumba

Monday       10:00 AM   Mat Pilates                                             

                        12:00 PM    Tai Chi

                          6:30 PM    Ballet

                          7:15   PM    Tap

Tuesday       9:00  AM    Cardio Sculpt

                        6:30  PM    Zumba

Wednesday  7:00 AM   Yoga

                         9:00 AM   Chair Yoga

                        11:00 AM  Mat Pilates

Thursday      8:15  AM  Hatha Yoga

                         9:30  AM  Barre

                         6:00  PM  Barre

                         6:45   PM  Zumba

Friday          10:30   AM  Chair Yoga

                       12:00   PM   Tai Chi

Sat                  7:00   AM   Vinyasa Yoga

                       10:30  AM   Adult Beginner Contemporary

                       11:30  AM   Afro-Jazz Technique (starts June 6th)

 

         One group of Zoom classes I would like to highlight today is:

                                                                           ZUMBA

                                                                          With

                                                                         LINDA

Time: Sunday     11:00     AM                                                                     VIA: ZOOM

           Tuesday     6:30     PM

           Thursday  6:45      PM

I love to dance. I particularly love to dance with a talented dance teacher who wants her students to easily follow her lead and enjoy a class well done.

Please meet Linda.

Who is Linda?

Linda is an excellent, upbeat teacher who clearly exhibits all sequences. Moreover, her choreography repeats several times.  This, in addition, makes her a teacher who is very easy to follow. This, in turn, makes for increased fun and a great feeling that you “got” it and are experiencing a great, fun, and productive workout.

Rigorous but FUN and DOABLE!!

Recently, I experienced Linda teaching a new dance. This too was great fun. Linda patiently indicates an alternative step if the one she just demonstrated proves too challenging. I find this very encouraging!

Yet that is not all!

Linda also provides a section of her class that allows light weights and mat working to some appropriate, fun music. It is almost like dancing on the floor!

Do come a few minutes earlier than class begins. Linda is happy to acknowledge your presence and smoothly add you to the participants.

               Come zoom to Linda’s Zumba!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Why is nutrition such an engaging subject?

Why is nutrition such an engaging subject?

Published by on March 29, 2020 | Leave a response

Nutrition. Why is nutrition such an engaging subject? Obviously, health concerns prompt interest in proper nutrition. Aesthetic concerns (weight loss)  and epicurean delight are probably a good choice for second place impetus. I have usually been in what I would term a “normal” weight range. However, at one point in my life, I realized I was somewhat heavier than my healthy range. I actually joined a weight loss group.  I am not writing about this group’s method. The take home is it worked and, importantly, it educated me about the importance of sage food choices (no pun intended).

What works for you should naturally include good food choices from the essential food groups. People, including those in government, tinker with precise amounts and periodically produce new charts. By all means, consult same, BUT and this is a big BUT-use your own idiosyncratic discretion. Meaning?

What things should you consider when improving your diet?

For your diet and health, taste matters

Your taste buds have a role to play. If you don’t love – or at least, like a food choice, you’ll naturally shy away from it. The trick is to pick a food that for some pragmatic, nutritional reason (eg. Fulfills requirements from one of the recommended items of the food groups) keeps you on the right track. Include foods that are very pleasing to your palette!

Snacks can be helpful when used sparingly

Another good tool is always having a pleasing, but nutritious snack with you at all times. Personally, I favor nutritious granola bars (read low sugar, high protein). I usually carry a low fat and low sugar yogurt and / or stick cheese, but be mindful not to have it out too long from refrigeration. Low sugar crackers can also tide you over and for a treat, a swipe in peanut butter may reflect judicious planning and preparation. (It could also, likely keep you away from those scary readily available fast snacks). Finally, an assortment of nuts with maybe just a sprinkling of raisins or other dried fruit are also easily transportable. These snacks can take the edge of your hunger till a full meal is available. Some find celery and raw carrots crunchy and somewhat filling. Personally, I prefer the nuts and raisins.

Is it okay to indulge while improving your diet?

By the way, if you have weak defense against an unhealthy treat, you should judge whether you NEVER indulge in it. Or if you feel you can, enjoy it, occasionally, and so, so slowly eat it- in order to SAVOR it. This is an individual choice. Personally, I generally prefer the latter, but again, it is probably a personal decision.

Go at your own pace, it takes time to make changes in your diet

Having said this, unless for G-d forbid dire circumstances (requiring emergency changes) I think slowly moving to your new regimen (nutrition plan?) may be advisable. Formulating a plan with some minimum details, while delineating choices and amounts is great preparation.

Keep yourself open to new possibilities

Finally, always be on the lookout for new ideas to make essential nutritious foods more palatable. It keeps things interesting and strengthens your ability to “eat healthy” read: While still enjoying your good choices.

 

Nutrition such an engaging subject and a subject we can all use help with.

To supplement your classes, if you would like guidance with nutrition or diet planning reach to us at info@fitforlifejenkintown.com

 

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Barre and CardioSculpt Instructor Kate

Barre and CardioSculpt Instructor Kate

Published by on February 11, 2020 | Leave a response

If you are looking for a Barre and CardioSculpt instructor let us introduce Kate. Kate seriously commits to her fitness. She is a friendly caring friend, to your fitness, as well. She clearly recognizes the importance of proper eating and exercise for herself. Kate is an energetic and informative trainer for you! Whether taking CardioSculpt (Tuesdays at 8:30-9:30 AM currently virtually 8:30-9:00 AM) or Barre (Thursdays at 9-9:50AM, currently virtually 9:30-10 AM) she will put you through your paces, paces you never knew before you could achieve.  However, have no fear because Kate offers toned down alternatives as needed. Her encouragements make you smile! She clearly demonstrates moves as she carefully evaluates yours. Kate will help move you to a stronger, shapelier, muscled you. With more muscle to your frame, you may see weight loss as well.

Firstly, in CardioSculpt, Kate offers a series of both standing weight- lifting and mat exercises. Secondly, in Barre, her moves appear graceful and effortless, and you will feel the joy of the effort.

Kate’s commitment to healthy, effective eating and exercise is inspiring. She intersperses her classes with comments about her own, personal adjustments to her nutritional and physical health. Her comments are thought provoking, and will make you consider their efficacy to you.

Her carefully well thought out classes and her excellent monitoring of your progress offer a well-calculated program for increased strength and health. To learn more about this class and other classes see https://fitforlifejenkintown.com/programs/

To supplement your classes, if you would like guidance with nutrition or diet planning reach to us at info@fitforlifejenkintown.com

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group of women in sport dress at fitness dance exercise or aerobics

Welcome to our new website!

Published by on March 4, 2017

 

We will be writing about a variety of informative topics to help you achieve your health, weight management, and fitness goals. Be sure to check back often and let us know if there’s a specific topic you’d like for us to include. Here are some of the topics we will be covering – hope you’ll enjoy it!

  • Expert Advice,
  • Health & Fitness,
  • Motivations,
  • News & Events,
  • Nutrition Tips & Strategies,
  • Recommended Books,
  • Supplements,
  • Weight Loss Strategies,
  • Workouts & more!
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