Acupuncture

NYS Licensed Acupuncturist, Cynthia Rose, gave a lecture/demonstration to our eager staff. According to Cynthia, Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by stimulating specific points on the body with the insertion and manipulation of fine needles. In her practice, Cynthia uses the techniques of Meridian Acupuncture and its counterpart Acupuncture Physical Medicine. If you would like to have your own acupuncture session, please call us. We’ll  be happy to have you get acquainted with Cynthia’s work.

Alexander Technique

Anne Waxman, certified Alexander teacher lead an innovative workshop on Alexander Technique. This technique was developed by F. Matthais Alexander in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. It was originally developed for singers and actors as a method for vocal training. Today, Alexander Technique is used as a method for learning how to consciously change maladaptive habits of movement, posture, breathing, and tension patterns. Anne reviewed some of the basic principles which are: PRIMARY CONTROL – the first area of the body we move – the head and neck; CONSCIOUS CONTROL – which is the decision to move; INHIBITION – which is the choice to give up unnecessary tension; and DIRECTION – to allow your head to move forward and up from the spine.

Reiki

We were delighted to have Hank Wasiak, satisfied Solo Fitness client and Reiki Master, give an informative and fascinating workshop on the hands-on therapy called Reiki. Reiki facilitates deep levels of relaxation, stress relief, energy renewal and healing. Reiki also enables us to tap into our “life force energy” to improve our health and quality of life. The Japanese words rei and ki together mean “divinely guided life force energy” and are used to describe this particular technique and therapy. According to Hank, “Reiki is my avocation and way to relax and cope with my demanding travel schedule and lifestyle.” Hank practices Reiki at the Ronald McDonald House, and the strength, courage and faith of the children and their families inspires and empowers his being. To learn more about Reiki or to try a session for yourself, please give us call, and we’ll set you up.

Knee and Hip Injuries

Dr. Lawrence Ruck of Duke Chiropractic was our guest speaker for our summer Training the Trainers series. This time our topic was facing the challenges of knee and hip injuries. Once the structure of these joints is compromised, either by a trauma or degeneration over time, keeping fit and out of pain can be a daily struggle. Given certain exercises and rehabilitation strategies, we were able to decipher the cause of the pain and how we can aid in one’s recovery. For more info on Duke Chiropractic, please give them a call at: 212/481-0086.

Holistic Weight Management

Leigh Van Swall, a holistic health and life coach, kicked off our Training the Trainer series this year with a workshop on Beating the Sugar Blues. With her holistic approach to slow and progressive behavior modification – she discussed the way sugar fits into our lives and how it is associated with relationships, career, home environment, joy and energy. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate, and the best known is white table sugar or sucrose. Table sugar lacks vitamins, minerals and fiber, so our body depletes its own store of minerals and enzymes to absorb it properly. Because sugary foods often replace more healthful foods, diets high in sugar are almost certainly contributing to osteoporosis, cancer, and heart disease. For more information on Leigh’s Weight Management program, please call her at: 917/434-9186 for a health consultation.

2005 was kicked off with a dynamic workshop by David Ganulin. He is the CEO of KettleBell Concepts: the Ultimate Workout. Unlike machines and traditional weight training, kettlebells teach you how to use momentum to your advantage. The key to its effectiveness is the “U” shaped handle. It creates additional momentum, an inherent characteristic in all human movement. If you would like to experience significant improvement in your sport or if you are just looking for a strong, lean and agile physique – please give David a call at: 646/424-0877. More info can be found on their website: www.kettlebellconcepts.com.

Accupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

Greg Ruvolo, L.Ac. of Sound Body and Soul, introduced our trainers to the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM is a total system of internal medicine which is compromised of a diagnostic system based on signs and symptoms, as well as a treatment system that includes acupuncture, herbal preparation, diet, massage, heat, exercise and meditation. Its foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained. Greg was hands on in helping many our us understand our places of energy stagnation and flow. His services now include in-home acupuncture sessions. If you are unable to come to his office, an acupuncturist will come to you. For more information on Acupuncture and TCM, please contact Greg Ruvolo at: 212/459-1447.

Indian Clubs

Our very own Marc Andresen led a workshop using Indian Clubs. Indian Club exercises involve mostly the upper body (shoulder girdle, core) and consist of swinging and circular-style arm exercises. Because of this, they are used in situations ranging from shoulder rehabilitation to martial arts training. The benefits of Indian Club use include but are not limited to: an increase in shoulder mobility and strength, a decrease in shoulder pain, improvements in posture, hand-eye coordination, and neuromuscular efficiency.

We asked Laurie Ann Bulman, a certified Pilates Instructor, to give us a refresher course on the ever-popular Mat Pilates training. It was enlightening for the trainers to be the student again, and to learn the precise way of moving in the Pilates way. Pilates is a method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, elongate and balance the body. To learn more about Pilates and training with Laurie, give us call and we’ll set you up!

Solo Fitness trainer, Kathy Cole taught a workshop on Gyrokinesis^® which was developed by Juliu Horvath. Gyrokinesis^®  systematically works the joints and muscles through rhythmic and undulating exercises. Movement stimulates the body’s internal organs and different corresponding breathing patterns are integrated. Fluidity is the key. This can be done in the comfort of your home, during your private sessions…no equipment necessary. Let us know if you would like to try this system.

Summer started off with a new and exciting workshop. Arlene Bassett, business coach, led us in a riveting demonstration of creative listening and speaking techniques. Being gender specific – we focused on our inherent differences. It was very interesting as we were all able to find different approaches to everyday conversations. All of which will benefit you in your future sessions.

Fall 2006 was kicked off with a Bag of Tricks. Solo Fitness trainer, Richard Davis facilitated our fun and engaging workshop. This was a chance for each of us to show one another our ‘signature moves’. We’re all known for something – and this way we got to learn a little about each others’ way of working. Now the secrets are out of the bag!

Yoga in the Female Form

On October 18^th Adrienne Jamiel, Program Director of the Dharmic Institute was our guest speaker for an interesting workshop. Her program was based on Yoga in the Female Form. As men and women have inherent differences – so it seems should some of their movements. As long as ones’ spine is lengthened and in alignment, one should stand and move in positions that are right for them. We certainly looked at movement quite differently. 
 

Exercise After Cancer Treatment

We were fortunate to have a visit from Julie Dial, MA, Clinical Applied Exercise Physiologist and Disease Management Coordinator from The University of Texas Medical Branch, in Galveston. Her workshop focused on rehabilitating individuals with cardiac, orthopedic and chronic medical conditions like cancer. Her in depth information was useful in understanding the treatment choices for cancer patients and how this would affect ones’ exercise session. We fined tuned our skills to match movement to the needs of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems. All of which play a critical role when developing an exercise program while undergoing cancer treatment.
 

Your Miraculous Back

On a cold wintry day Dr. Gerald Silverman, Chiropractor, opened his warm office to us. Based on his book, Your Miraculous Back he reviewed the ‘complicated and uncomplicated’ issues in relieving neck and back pain. Given the source of the pain; musculoskeletal or disc related simple exercises, stretches and limited range-of motion movement can get you on your way to a full recovery. His belief is to give you the tools to relieve pain and regain movement. To schedule an appt. please call Dr. Silverman at: 631/265-0990. His office is conveniently located in the Flat Iron District.
 

Alexander Technique

Stephanie Sohns and Heather Snyder led our workshop on the Alexander Technique. The basic ideas focused on the dynamic relationship between the head, neck and spine. The quality of this relationship – compressed or free – determines the quality of our overall movement and functioning. You can change your habits and move more gracefully and effortlessly. To experience the Alexander Technique do call us to set up your session.
 

Nutrition and Lifestyle

Our Fall series opened with Anne Trauben RN, RYT, PCC, Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach who shared her holistic approach to helping busy professionals eat healthfully and lose weight. Anne’s "Feel-Good Self-Care Nourishment Process" encourages clients to set their intention, develop mindfulness, create calming simplicity in their lives and engage in healthful and pleasurable nourishment. Clients achieve their nutritional goals without dieting or deprivation, but in an individualized, simple, practical and fun way. You can reach Anne at: 917-523-5168 or e-mail at: anne@wholehealth.net. Change Your Food. Change Your Life. Get started today!
 

Body Doc

Dr. Lillie Rosenthal, D.O., board certified physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, shared with us her expert non-surgical hands-on care of musculoskeletal and neurological injuries, as well as various pain syndromes. She offers an integrative approach to the management of conditions such as low back pain, repetitive stress disorders, chronic pain as well as the specialized care of the athlete and performing artist. Dr. Rosenthal’s unique approach to health and wellness emphasizes the balance of the mind and body. You can reach Dr. Rosenthal for a consultation at: 212-459-1447 or e-mail at: nycbodydoc@gmail.com Office address: 250 West 57^th Street Suite 829.
 

Muscular Therapy

As an added bonus Muscular Therapist, Claudia Terlizzi Chapel stopped by our workshop to build on our team approach to patient care. Claudia is an athlete and former professional dancer who has been in private practice for over 17 years. She served as therapist to the 1992 Olympic Rowing team, was chief therapist at the Centennial Olympic Games in Athens in 1996 for Rowing, Canoe and Kayak. Since 1996 she has worked with the US Track and Field National Youth, Junior and Senior teams and traveled with the Olympic team to Athens in 2004. Using her integrative approach, she combines muscular therapy with strength and conditions, soft tissue injury assessment and rehabilitation and motivational coaching. For outstanding massage and relief, you can contact Claudia at: 212-957-1561. Office address: City Center Theatre, 130 West 56^th Street Suite 701.
 

Posture

2009 was kicked off with Dr. Jeanette Anderson of Anderson Peak Performance presenting the facts and figures of Posture Assessment during time of stress. What’s stress got to do with it? Stress plays a role in everyday life, from stimulating adrenaline, digestion dysfunction to muscle imbalance leading to pain. To maintain optimal health a well rounded focus of structural and functional modalities is recommended. To optimize health today, call Anderson Peak Performance at: 212-581-5776. www.andersonpeakperformance.com

Metabolism Myths

Metabolism Myths was presented by our very own, Reyna Franco, RD. Metabolism converts the fuel in the food we eat into the energy needed to power everything we do, from moving to thinking to growing. Did you know that your can boost your metabolism by adding sprints into your workout or by increasing the duration of your workout? She also discussed supplements that “claim” to increase metabolism. Due to the lack of regulations and questionable safety of supplements, she recommends drinking a cup of green tea and adding chili pepper to your food to naturally boost metabolism. Find out about your personal metabolism – book a session with our Registered Dietitians.

Solo Specialist, Sue Brown, shared with us another aspect of her health practices: Zero Balancing(ZB). ZB is a hands-on body/mind therapy which enhances health by balancing body energy with body structure.  It is performed on a massage table through clothing and integrates a Western model of anatomy with Eastern models of energy to promote healing.  ZB taps the deepest levels of our body’s energy by touching the densest tissue which is the bone. Because ZB works with the skeleton and bone, it is capable of releasing underlying tensions that can be at the root of many forms of illness. ZB is a catalyst for optimal functioning, it reduces discomfort and pain, reduces stress and promotes well-being, and it is an exceptionally supportive therapy for challenging times in a person’s life. Interested in Zero Balancing? Book a session with Sue!

State of the Art of Health & Wellness Coaching

MaryBeth Pappas Baun, M.Ed., of Baun Associates facilitated a new program for us all about Wellness Coaching: Coaching is a conversation that elicits best thinking and decision making so people can create results that are important to them. Coaches understand the process of learning and help create the conditions for it to occur. A compliment when working with a trainer or yoga instructor when they instruct you to do certain things as a Coach will listen to your issues and have you come up with your own processes to change. Interested in meeting with a Wellness Coach for phone consultations, please let us know.