Kelley Reynolds (39) is a member of  Real Body Bootcamp. She is  a mother of 3 beautiful kids and she lost 30 lbs in 3 months. Let’s find out how she did it……

1.How many kids do you have and how old are they? Are you a working mom or stay at home wife?

Bootcamp has become very popular in the last few years. Most people join a Bootcamp because they’re bored with their gym routine or not seeing results after attempting various classes and diets. Traditionally Bootcamps have originated as a training camp for military recruits but for the past several years several “Bootcamps” have been created to model the military brand Bootcamp drills.

Why it works:

The circuits and various changes in exercise routines causes your body to burn more calories in one hour than most gym workouts. It’s held in group setting indoors or outdoors where you may see familiar faces that are enduring the same challenges. The overall theme and atmosphere is painful yet fun.

What to expect:

In one hour you will burn up to 600 calories with a high impact fusion of  cardio and conditioning. Like a combined p90x/insanity video.

The fast paced drills, agility and strength training circuits with a mixture of sprints, plyo-metrics, boxing, pilates and core conditioning will keep you moving non-stop for 55 minutes.

Who are we? A Psychotherapist/Fitness Instructor, a Professional dancer and an Army Ranger. Together our goals are the same, to help you achieve the maximum results in one hour and make you feel great about your body.

How to find the right one:

Focus on your individual needs. Since there are so many, ask to sample a class to see if it’s a good fit. Talk to the trainers and members, and get an insider perspective.

Ask yourself these questions after class, how do I feel? What did I walk away with? Am I excited to go back? If the overall answers are positive, then what are you waiting for!

Be our guest for one week to get a flavor of the team and our camp.

We are currently offering a one-week pass for the Advanced A classes.

-Bernadette McLoughlin, Director

Name: Alma Schneider

Occupation: Social Worker , Cooking coach

Business: Take Back the Kitchen, LLC

What is Take back the Kitchen?

A blog and consulting company helping people identify and overcome their practical and individual obstacles to cooking.

Why did you create Take Back the Kitchen?

I saw so many smart, educated, accomplished women struggling to get simple , healthy meals on the table on a regular basis. I discovered that many people have common and also unique struggles in the kitchen. My goal as a therapist , chef  is to help people identify and overcome their  individual obstacles to cooking healthy meals from home for themselves and their families.

What does Take Back the Kitchen offer?

Individual sessions, workshops and a free blog helping to identify their obstacles in the kitchen and elsewhere in their lives that are keeping them from being who they want to be in the kitchen.  I then offer practical instruction by teaching how to efficiently shop, store and prep food to be able to have easy access to healthy ingredients with which to prepare healthy meals/snacks all week.

What advice would you like to share for those who are weight conscious?

It is possible to be healthy, look good and still enjoy delicious , satisfying meals from home that won’t take all day to prepare or empty your pockets!

Do you have any favorite healthy summer recipes? Why?

Green shakes! So healthy, so simple to make, you can use up aging fruit and greens and even use frozen fruits and vegetables. They are portable, do not require utensils and are filling and delicious. Is that enough?

What do you wish to accomplish with Take Back the Kitchen?

I hope to spread the word and teach as many people as I can the power of a little insight and a little practical education so that we can all be healthier and help the next generation to learn simple strategies for good health.

Why did you join Real Body?

I needed some structure to my workouts.

What are you getting out of the workouts?

If I do bootcamp once a week, it inspires me to do some other physical activity during the week like jumping rope in my driveway. Bootcamp whips me into shape and mentally recharges me for the week of workouts I do on my own.

How can Real Body members and fans benefit from Take Back the Kitchen?

Cooking from home can change your life! You can save money from not doing takeout, you can know exactly what is in your food and cooking together and/or modeling cooking behaviors can provide nurturing for yourself and your family.  It reduces stress since you won’t be worrying about what to feed yourself and your family every day, will learn how to have a store of ingredients on hand at all times to whip up easy, healthy meals and you will have more time since you won’t be forever shopping for food-the food that went bad because you didn’t know how to store or cook it!

Anything else you would like to share?

Cooking is a skill like any other but once you learn the basics, it can become as routine as driving and as fun and creative as any other outlet you may have.

For more information contact;

Alma Schneider

www.takebackthekitchen.com

646-373-2456

June 12th, 2011 by admin | No Comments »

Every time I prepare myself for a vacation, I pack my workout clothes and easy to carry gear such as resistance bands. However, I always wonder will I really exercise on vacation? Isn’t the point to take a break from it all?

Getting away from “reality” and our daily routine is good for the soul and our mental health. In addition, a vacation can be the ideal time to exercise and change our routines. We can open our minds to new ways to move our body, have fun and burn those extra calories that we will be taking in while indulging ourselves with exotic foods and drinks.

If you want to maintain your cardio endurance and stamina levels while having fun, there are a variety of exercises that will do just that. Some of the easy options to keep your body moving are; running, hotel exercise programs or outdoor adventures.

• One of the all time easiest way to exercise is running.  Make sure you pack proper running shoes and throw them on for a quick 15-30 minute site seeing run. It’s a great way to check out the streets, perhaps the residential neighborhoods, and some places to visit a later (like a  great outdoor cafe for an afternoon cocktail!). Make sure to be aware of your surroundings and  ask the concierge for a suggested route.

• Something else I enjoy is taking advantage of the hotel/resort/cruise’s exercise  programs. Depending on where you are staying, you may be able to join a great yoga class on the beach, a  fun water aerobics class in the pool, a competitive game of water volleyball, traditional dance lessons, who  knows?!? The idea is you get to meet a bunch of fun people outdoors, while exercising. This is more appealing to me than staying inside for a class or using their gym. Or, if you are in the Cancun area next week, you could join my exciting AquaZumba class! Yes, indeed you can now find exciting packages that all inclusive resorts  offer to keep their guests entertained.

• My old time favorite way to exercise while on vacation is to find the great outdoor adventures that require you to spend a couple hours moving. This could mean hiking up a volcano, winding your way through rainforests to a beautiful secluded waterfall, swimming in an underground river, snorkeling in the middle of the ocean, or surfing, you name it…  You simply cannot get that experience any other way. It forces you to be active, get a little sweaty, and jump right into their environment. Usually it’s very beautiful and so worth it. Remember to wear a lot of sunscreen, bring a hat, comfy shoes, and a camera! You could find some of these and more ideas on,  www.travellingfashionista.com.

In conclusion, there are no excuse to stop your body from  getting a fun work out. A vacation is about experiencing new things so why don’t you experience new ways of working out.

You don’t have to be an athlete — or even aspire to be one — to start running.Maybe you just want to run around your neighborhood, or explore a new one. Maybe you want to challenge your body in a different way, to tone up, or lose weight. Whatever your goals, running is an excellent exercise for a beginner to try.

To keep your body feeling good during your runs, fitsugar.com offers some of the following tips;

• You need to dress for the occasion assuming that you run during the warm months you will need. A hat with a visor serves not only to keep the sun out of your eyes, but also to shield them from rain on the run. A lighter-colored hat helps to keep your head cool on warm days. A short-sleeve shirt or singlet, or for women, as little as a jog-bra. The minimum upper-body coverage. A runner is actually best-off with a technical fabric like CoolMax which will pull sweat away from the skin, instead of absorbing it like cotton. This added comfort, combined with sun protection, can make a technical T-shirt a better choice than no shirt at all. The basic element of any runner’s wardrobe (shorts). Usually a nylon or technical fiber. A good pair of sunglasses can save you energy by allowing you to relax your face (no squinting). Though their uses are obvious on sunny summer days, they’re also useful on bright winter days, or any other time when glare is likely to be an issue. Always in a sunny day use sunblock, it will actually keep you cooler, as well as preventing sunburn and reducing your risk of skin cancer. Use at least SPF-30; higher doesn’t hurt. Also, use plenty. Applying sunblock too thinly reduces its effectiveness. And the most important part of you wardrobe is a good pair of running shoes. It’s not a good idea to dig out those old tennis shoes from the back of your closet and assume you can run in them. You need fresh, well-cushioned shoes that are designed for running, fit well and match your foot type and running style.

• While you’re running, be sure you can pass the “talk test”: You should still be able to carry on a conversation. Keep your pace comfortable so you won’t burn out too quickly.

• Keep track of your running time or distance. Don’t worry if today you were slower than yesterday. Just simply try to improve a little bit each day.

• As you build up past 20 minutes, be sure to stay hydrated. This is especially important during the warm-weather months. Bring a water bottle for the ride or know where there will be water available for you.

• In addition to running, do strength training to build muscle and bone density and protect against injury. A 20-minute strength workout a couple of times a week is all you need.

• Save stretching for after your run, when your muscles are warm. Stretching cold muscles increases the risk for injury.

• Last but not least you should set a personal goal, maybe you’re new to running, or maybe you’ve been running for years. Whatever your experience is, everyone can benefit from setting a goal. Here are some ideas for personal goals you can set for yourself. I recommend that you make them reasonable. They should be challenging enough to make you work hard, but not so difficult that they’ll never be achieved. For example; run a specific distance, time and pace. Run to burn calories or  to raise you target heart rate or even run to exercise your dog.

Finally, once you set a goal, and then accomplish it, make sure you celebrate in some healthy way. Buy yourself a new sports bra or new music to run to. You’ll feel much better about treating yourself in a way that supports your active lifestyle.

-Samanta Maravi

Rocco is a 36 year old from Clifton, NJ decided to take on the Nautica South Beach Triathalon. The triathalon consisted of a half mile swim, a 19 mile bike ride and a 4 mile run in Miami, Florida.

Let’s find out why he did it.

Why did you decide to embark in a triathlon?

For the past few years I’ve been wanting to challenge myself by doing something fun and exciting that would push me to a threshold I’ve never experienced.  I came across an article in a popular men’s health magazine titled, “Anyone Can Be A Triathlete”. Now, unless an athlete is lucky enough to become a professional in their sport after college, one may lose their desire to be competitive and slack on exercising and eventually lose all interest in working out.  I feel life’s demands may play a big role.  I do not nor do I ever plan to fall in that category, so setting a goal such as participating in a triathlon gave me new form of motivation.

How did you train for the race?

I followed a 6 week program in Men’s Health magazine, training 4-5 days per week. I initially had to answer 10 questions pertaining to my fitness level, and depending on your answer you would be placed in one of 4 levels. Each level had a training program designed to gradually build your strength and stamina, among other factors, leading up to race day. Something unique this program focused on, which I never dealt with, was heart rate and time, distance was never mentioned. You would have to calculate what your maximum heart rate is, which was the basis for your workout. They give 4 different ZONES regarding your BPM for you to gauge which to use during each workout; Z1-endurance, Z2-pace/long intervals Z3- speed/short intervals, Z4- explosive power. For example; on Friday I had to swim for 40 minutes in Z2 then immediately change (transition) and bike 60 minutes in Z3. Then on Saturday bike 50 minutes Z1 then immediately transition and run 20 minutes in Z2. It’s meant to build you up so your peak performance is on race day.  Finding the right pace is crucial because you need to maintain and focus throughout the entire race if you want to finish.  Understand that it is one continuous race, nonstop! You don’t get to take a nap after the swim, or stop and check your Facebook from your smartphone while biking. Strength training was very important as well, hardly any weights are used, it’s mostly all done with your own body weight.  I actually went on YOUTUBE and found different strength training exercise, and it was to be done anywhere from 30-60 minutes nonstop.  I also had to brush up on my swimming technique, which was probably my weakest event. I mean, I’m a good swimmer, but you want to swim the most efficiently so you’re not thrashing in the water wasting energy. I did almost all my training at my gym, luckily the have a pool. I also cross trained with Real Body for build up of my speed and endurance.

Did you change your diet?

I’m a pretty healthy eater to begin with, but I did alter a few things. I continued to eat, or should I say “graze” 5 times per day.  I practically cut out almost all fried foods and did not consume any alcohol for the final 4 weeks . If I did consume carbs it was on days I was working out. I lost about 5-7lbs. during the 6 weeks, however the strength training helped me maintain muscle mass. I tried to eat more protein than usual (before and after training) knowing that I would need it for longer workouts.

What were some of the challenges faced?

OK, now bare with me for this answer, I want to paint a vivid pictutre for you. My first obstacle occurred 2 weeks into training. I did a straight 21 hour shift at my bar for St. Patty’s Day and came down with some kinda bug. Whether it was from lack of sleep the night before, low immune system, other germs floating around from the thousands of people that were there throughout the day. That stayed with me for 3 weeks, I knew I had a throat infection and chest congestion, but not once did it effect my training. I followed through on everything. Other than that, I was physically and mentally prepared the entire time. It wasn’t until the day I arrived in Miami that I realized how different this was going to be.  I had everything going against me during training: I swam in a pool and not the open water let alone the ocean, I rode a stationary bike and NEVER got on a rode bike until I picked up my rental the day before the race, I ran in either 40 degree weather or on a treadmill and not outside in the sun. But I felt I was prepared as best as I could be and I was going to have to give it my all. When race day came things went awry! 5 minutes into the swim both my calves started to cramp! I was like “What the F#!@& is going on?” , then I felt it in my hamstrings.  In the meantime I saw at least 2 other people call the lifeguards over to take them out of the water because they could not swim any more for whatever reason. I had to just take a moment and wade in the water and I said out loud, “I did not come all the way out here for this! I did put all my time and energy into this to let it go to waste! I’m gonna finish this even if it takes me all day!” Then I got back to swimming how I practiced, pushing through the cramps, and finally reached land. I thought the bike would have been easier , but I was proven wrong. Your body position on a rode bike is completely different then a stationary bike at a gym. Halfway through my lower back was starting to ache, a lot. The outside of my knees were burning, not from lactic acids, but maybe it was the ACL. Calves still trembling from cramps, but now new cramping in my quadriceps! Towards the last mile I couldn’t wait to get off so I could just run, which was my strong point…. but turned out to be my worst of the 3 events. Both quads were tightening like a vice and for the life of me I just could NOT get my legs to turnover. When I stopped a brief moment to walk it got even worse! I wasn’t winded, upper body felt fine, but these damn cramps were just draining the life outta me.  The absolute worst part about the race is that, I never ever ever, in my 30+ years of playing sports, had to deal with cramps like that. I sweat very easily, which means I have to hydrate more so than others, so I believe that is what led to my downfall.  It was new to me and I did not know how to handle it. It was upsetting and agonizing and downright painful. But ya know what, I fought through it and I finished!

What type of support did you receive throughout? First and foremost was my wife. She was the only one who knew how much time, money, and energy I was devoting towards this.  I have an addictive personality, and she knows when I am determined to do something  she is there with me every step of the way. Whether it’s sharing a certain meal for dinner (even though she might not be too fond of it) to massaging my shoulders or just staying clear of my tornado-like path when I have to rush from my day job to the gym, then shower and go to bartend at night. But she was more than thrilled to come to South Beach with me and make a mini vacation out of this event.

What feeling did you get from completing the race?

To be honest, the very first feeling I had was relief. I had no idea what kind of time I was going to post, I could only TRY to estimate since I had everything going against me during training like I said. I was hoping to finish under 2 1/2 hours, final time was 2:27.09. After I looked at my watch, the relief changed to glory, the satisfaction knowing that my hard work paid off and I had a sense of accomplishment that only a triathlete can understand.  Personally, it was the most grueling thing I ever put my mind and body through. I loved the training, although it is very rigorous. But to tell you the truth, I don’t know many people that would have been able to keep their composure and fight their way through 99% of the race the way I endured. That’s where being mentally focused comes into play, if I wasn’t,  that swim would have broke me.

What’s next on your list? And why? I certainly intend to do more triathlons and improve my time. There’s a few other footraces which include some obstacles such as the Warrior Dash and Tough Mudder, which I plan to do this year.

Any words for those who are considering a triathlon?

HYDRATE!!! haha Seriously though, like the article stated, anyone can be a triathlete, but being a triathlete isn’t for everybody. It’s a full time gig, extremely demanding. If you want to do it properly and train in the right manner, you’re gonna have to spend the extra time and money to make it work. I never planned on coming in as a top 10 finisher, but if I was going to do this, then I was going to give it my all.  Like most things in life, you will get out what you put into it. And good support is always a plus.

We at Real Body are very proud to be part of his mission. He trained hard with us before the triathalon and and now back to Bootcamp. We will support whatever he takes on next.

Congratulations Rocco!!!!

-Bernie and Samanta

What is Zumba????

Zumba was created by choreographer Alberto “Beto” Perez in the 1990’s in Columbia. It is a fusion of Latin and International music and dance themes that creates a dynamic, exciting, and effective fitness program created by dance. Since, then it has spread over 105 countries. It is a mix of body sculpting movements with easy to follow dance steps like the merengue, salsa, cumbia, mambo, samba, and flamenco as well as other dances from around the world including hip hop and belly dance.The routines feature aerobic/fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the entire body to create a one of a kind workout. Zumba uses the principles of interval training and resistance training to maximize calories burned, fat burning, and total body toning (which we all want!). Zumba targets areas of the body such as glutes, legs, arms, abs, and the most important muscle…your heart! In, my particular class, you will learn the difference between all dance styles and the different steps. Most importantly you will know what you are doing because I will break down the steps for you before each song. Finally, Zumba means “to move fast and have fun” and that’s exactly what happens!

Do you want to try Zumba and make a difference?

This is your chance……Real Body Bootcamp and Dr. Magwood’s IM=X Pilates studio are proud to announce the Zumbathon Charity Event; 75% of the Party Hearty Zumbathon will benefit the American Heart Association’s Go Red Por Tu Corazon Movement. And you are invited to Join the Movement to Live a Heart Healthy Life!!!

We will dance to latin and international rhythms and we will be raffling off exciting prizes. Teens and adults are invited to join us in the wonderful master class taught by Samanta Maravi; certified Zin Zumba Instructor, Professional Dancer, Choreographer and Fitness Trainer.

Why?
• More than 82 million American Adults are estimated to have one or more types of cardiovascular diseases. That’s 1 in 3 people.
• On average, 2,2000 Americans die of Heart disease each day. An average of 1 death in every 39 seconds.

WHEN: May 21st, 2011

TIME: Registration: 12:30-1pm. Party: 1-2:30pm

WHERE: IM=X Pilates studio 1425 Broad St. Clifton, NJ
imxpilatesclifton

PRICE: $20.00 per ticket, advance purchase is recommended.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please email Samanta, realbodybootcamp@gmail.com

Come on and join us to dance our hearts out!!!!!!!!

Real Body Bootcamp Team

REAL BODY INTRODUCES KRAV MAGA!

A SELF DEFENSE CLASS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS!!

Krav Maga instructor David Ordini will be introducing you to real world combative easy to learn techniques that will save your life.
Krav Maga is an easy to learn self-defense system for all women. It relies on one’s natural instincts and reflexes for self-defense. Israeli Krav Maga has been used by Jennifer Lopez in Enough, Jennifer Garner in Alias and Angelia Jolie in Tomb Raider.
David Ordini will be completing his 5th Year of Krav Maga under the tutelage of the US lead Krav Maga instructor David Kahn. His background in martial arts spanned over 18 years to include Jeet June Do, Muay Thai, Kali and now Krav Maga.

TECHNIQUES INCLUDE:
Release against hair pulls, bear hugs, choke holds, shirt, wrist and handbag grabs
Fending off an attacker when placed in a compromised position
Powerful elbow, knee and kick striking combinations and more!

When: April  29th and May 5th
Where: Chiropractic Wellness Center, 1425 Broad Street, Clifton, NJ
Time: 7-9 pm
Who: Women and Teenage girls 15+
Cost: $150 for 2 - four hour classes.
Space is limited register today!
Contact Bernadette- 917.613.9121 realbodybootcamp@gmail.com