The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

fitness

Strong & Proud: The Incredible Briarcliff Manor Running Club

by

Members of the Briarcliff Manor Running Club        Photo by Donna Mueller

Briarcliff Manor boasts a multitude of trails ideal for biking, hiking and running as well as a large population of residents who enjoy utilizing those trails. But sometimes people need a little motivation to get out there and run. That’s where the Briarcliff Manor Running Club (BMRC) comes in. Established in 2020, the club has become an incredible way for people to meet others, explore new trails and connect over a shared passion.

I recently spoke with Brian Harkins and Craig Motz, two of its coaches, about the club and some of its plans for the near future.

The BMRC was established in October 2020 when Harkins spoke with the Recreation Department about creating a running club for the community. “There’s so many trails, paths and resources, we thought it would be fun to open up a group to explore and take advantage of what’s right in our own backyard.” Along with Motz, two additional coaches, Maria Kucheryavaya and Davey Gibian jumped on board and the BMRC was born. “Craig had just moved to the area, as did Maria and Davey during the pandemic, and they were looking to connect with like-minded people with a passion for running and outdoor activities. We got together and started throwing ideas around of what the group would look like, and its grown from there.”

Grassroots Beginnings

What began with the initial sending of one community-wide email and having 10 runners show up the first day, has now turned into a list of 75 runners. It was an organic, grassroots process to building these relationships, including by word-of-mouth. Motz shares, “We send an email each week with a new running location. We want to keep it fresh. Doing the same loop over and over can be kind of mind-numbing and we want to keep doing new routes.”

The group has meet-ups twice per week–8:00 a.m. on Saturdays and 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. They meet at various locations and average 3-6 mile runs. “We do everything from beginner to intermediate with options to shorten or lengthen your run as needed”, says Motz.

Both Harkins and Motz have some favorite trails in the area. “We take full advantage of the Rockefeller Preserve”, says Motz. “13 Bridges, Swan Lake, Buttermilk Hill–it’s beautiful.” The group also runs the North County Trail up to Millwood, Rockwood Hall, Old Croton Aqueduct and even the hilly roads throughout the village. All of the coaches live in the Briarcliff area and have found it to be a great place to set down roots. “The schools, parks and the outdoor activities attracted us”, says Motz, who lives in town with his wife and young son Miles. “The area has a lot to offer in terms of community and raising a family here–we’ve met some really great people and families through the running club.” Harkins, who’s lived in Briarcliff for seven years, wholeheartedly agrees.

Creating Connections

The creation of the BMRC has led to many new connections and opportunities for everyone involved. They’ve started participating in various races throughout the area including the Sleepy Hollow Half Marathon, Sleepy Hollow10K and The Leatherman’s Loop in Cross River and have also collaborated with the Croton and Rivertown clubs. “There are lots of people training for the NYC Marathon, as well as other races in the area and we’re here to help everyone. We are trying to connect everyone as well as promote local races and create new ones”, says Motz.

Harkins is planning some upcoming informational sessions as well. “We’re thinking of putting together some sessions on nutrition, training habits, sleep and recovery. We’d like to have a physical therapist come to provide information on stretching and exercises.”
There’s also talk of working with the Village to hopefully establish a 5K race this fall.

Harkins continues, “The initial thought for the club was that there were so many resources and so many great people running on their own but I’d hear people say, I wish could run more but need motivation. Getting a group together helps people be more accountable–even for myself.” The BMRC has even created a Couch to 5K program for runners of all abilities. “People from all walks of life joined and they all developed friendships–I was very happy to see all the people come together”, said Harkins. “Some joined the club from never having run at all.”

The BMRC and its coaches are happy to introduce residents to one another and to different parts of the area, including its amazing trails. As Harkins says, “People who have lived here for so long will say they never knew some of these trails existed.” Creating connections and keeping things fresh are two of the things the Briarcliff Manor Running Club does best.

For more information please visit the BMRC social media channels.

Stephanie Spiegel on Finding Centerpeace

by

On a typical morning, prior to the pandemic, a keen observer would notice a stream of legging-clad women darting in and out of the chasm marking the brick structure nestled in the heart of Chappaqua. They exit with slightly mussed hair, a light sweat and an unmistakable peaceful glow. To those familiar with Chappaqua’s Stephanie Spiegel, it’s no surprise that she’s behind it all. She is the owner of Centerpeace, a studio based on the full-body workout developed by ballet dancer, Lotte Berk. Classes are challenging yet fulfilling and distinguished by Spiegel’s words, which convey a spiritual sensibility wrapped in the approachability of a longtime friend. Her trademark positivity transcends the studio, radiating through Zoom and even here in typeface. 

Stephanie Spiegel
PHOTO BY Carolyn Simpson

The Metamorphosis of Centerpeace

Born and bred in California, Spiegel came to New York almost 25 years ago where she was introduced to the Lotte Berk method. She recalls, “I danced my whole life. In college, I was a dance major with a psychology minor and I fell in love with the discipline of the method.” After undergoing teacher training and working at several studios, Spiegel launched Centerpeace in 2007. Her unique approach features a faster pace and longer reps, while integrating her background in dance and psychology. She explains, “When you weave the two together it creates, what I believe to be, an extraordinary practice and is a foundation for life. There is an intensity to the discipline of my classes that requires a focused lens. Life is filled with distractions–I wanted Centerpeace to be a lily pad where everything could be left at the door and anyone can tune in to their feelings.” 

Since its inception, the studio has indeed become a haven to its base of loyal followers. Longtime enthusiast, Rebecca Scarpati of Sleepy Hollow, credits the practice for changing her life. A passionate recreational dancer and breast cancer survivor, Scarpati was a self-proclaimed  “mess” when she found Centerpeace, recounting, “I had just completed chemotherapy as well as multiple surgeries for injuries I developed throughout the years and could no longer dance at my former level. Stephanie taught me to push through my limitations while listening to my body to grow strong. The exercises brought back the emotional connection I had for telling a story using choreography and I got stronger in my own body.”

The Centerpeace practice is a holistic integration of the body and mind. “The practice sculpts and strengthens while simultaneously elongating every major muscle,” Spiegel says. “The focus throughout class is mind/body alignment with an emphasis on core strength. The power of a body comes from our core. All exercises help to promote better balance and good posture; not to mention the chemicals that fire up our brains, which is important,” she adds, her eyes twinkling, “as we grow young.” 

Spiegel adeptly shifts between challenging seasoned devotees and supporting greener clients. Everyone receives the same encouragement. “Work from where you are. Be mindful and listen to your body.” And, Zoom has expanded her audience across the country. Spiegel steadily scrutinizes form and choreography, calling out adjustments while bestowing inspirational messages. 

Long Island resident Marni Ellis, for one, is “living in fear” that Zoom classes may ultimately end. The longtime barre enthusiast says, “The practice has changed me physically and mentally. Not only does Stephanie have a deep understanding of the body and form, but she’s a special human being with an organic teaching style, exuding a contagious energy and passion that translates across the screen.”

Stephanie with Morgan and Brandon. PHOTO BY Carolyn Simpson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lessons from the Studio

The positive vibe of the Centerpeace community is palpable, a fact Spiegel simply attributes to “the laws of attraction,” saying, “People come together to create good collective energy. I am so proud to be a part of such an amazing group.” Spiegel had no idea just how deeply she would come to rely upon this community when she opened the studio, candidly sharing, “My husband of 20 years was diagnosed with cancer ten years into my practice with Centerpeace. Week-after-week, day-after-day, that group of women were the life vest that held me up.” 

In 2017, Spiegel’s husband, Scott, sadly lost his battle. “There’s nothing more valuable than the net that holds us when we need it. The community gave me unbelievable support and strength at a time when my heart was so broken. I believe that my clients and my team know how central they are in my life. When you are surrounded by such great people, it becomes so much more than a job. It becomes part of the very fabric of your life.”

Woven within each class is the theme that life is a gift. Spiegel says, “I wake up every morning, look to the left and think, ‘This was not the way my story was supposed to go.’ I know how fast life can be taken away, so I always talk about the importance of making each day count. After losing my husband, every day I asked myself, ‘What’s today going to be Stephanie? You get to choose.’ And so I would cry, put the tissues in my pocket and head out to breathe in fresh air. I worked, walked miles and spent every day loving my kids through the most unimaginable pain.” Calling her children, Morgan, Brandon, Adam and Taryn “central in my life and in my heart,” she guided them through this time. There was no roadmap, but she said, “I don’t know how to do this either, but we’re going to learn together and I’m going to love you through it.”

When the pandemic came, those lessons proved instrumental. Spiegel and her family had just regained a semblance of normalcy when the ground was again pulled out from under them. This time, however, everyone was impacted. “I already knew that I could handle anything difficult because I’ve been through the worst.” Spiegel shared this insight with her children and Centerpeace family saying, “We’ve trained for this. We can do hard things. When you get deep into muscle and work your body hard like we do, you learn to center yourself when there is uncertainty. Stop asking when we can get our lives back. Life is happening. Life is right now.” 

Resilience

Living a life of resiliency has become central to Spiegel’s philosophy. The ability for our minds and bodies to bend, move and stretch is only achieved through practice. “We don’t become resilient simply because we want to,” she imparts. “Taking the time to move and connect to yourself, whether at Centerpeace of somewhere else, makes us better to ourselves and the people in our lives. It’s creating strength from the inside out and maintaining that discipline to stand tall when life shifts or the wind blows or a pandemic comes about. I always say, ‘Look up so you can see where you’re going.’ We might get knocked down but none of us are staying down,” adding resolutely, “Not if I have anything to do with it.”

Lessons from My Fitness Journey at Life Time: Part 2

by

For those of you who are regular readers of this magazine, you’ll recall the first part of this series ran in the last edition. As we go to press, I am at the end of my 90-day complimentary membership at Life Time. While I haven’t made radical transformations, I have made significant progress with my fitness goals and learned about common misconceptions that were holding me back from achieving my goals.

As an editor, there is a lot of thought that goes into every word that shows up on these pages. I chose the word “journey” for this series in the headline because fitness truly is a journey. There are “ups” and “downs” and twists and turns. Even in a short window of 90 days, I’ve had setbacks but overall, I am more fit than I was when I started. My skeletal muscle mass has increased and my body fat percentage has reduced by almost 2 percent. Although the scale hovers around the same weight, there is no doubt that my body composition has changed. Here’s five things I attribute these results to:

1. Don’t skimp on calories.

I undergo a resting metabolic assessment which provides me with a lot of data points. First of all, for my activity level I am undereating. I’d say I eat roughly 1,200 calories daily but my personal trainer, Nick Cerone explains that this is essentially helping my body hold onto fat aka those stubborn five pounds that we all want to shed. He wants me to increase my calories to almost 2,000. I am dumbfounded and think that this is going to backfire but I put my trust into him and wait to see what happens.

2. Pass the protein, please.

In order to increase skeletal muscle mass, Cerone explains that I need to eat close to 100 grams of protein a day. Again, I am skeptical and frankly mystified as to how I am going to achieve this. He suggests I keep a food diary to track my protein intake (and calories) on myfitnesspal.com which is free for this purpose. I’ve had to rethink a lot about food. So now instead of reaching for Special K cereal and a banana for breakfast, I’m more apt to have Greek yogurt and berries plus granola or an omelet. It is all about nutrient-dense foods that will fuel my workouts. This has been by far the hardest part for me and most days I do not reach my protein goals but it is something I continually strive for.

3. Aim for full-body strength training moves for efficiency.

Cerone likes to have me do moves such as lunges with overhead press using free weights or goblet squats with a dumbbell instead of moves that work on a single area like tricep dips. “Doing a full body exercise makes the workout more efficient and increases the amount of muscle tissue used at one time which increases calorie expenditure. This ultimately leads to more weight loss,” Cerone explains.

4. Get out of your comfort zone and mix up your fitness routine.

For years, I have tried yoga with no success but during my onboarding session I am urged to try ROOT or SOL especially since I need to improve my flexibility which is key for runners. During these cold winter months, I love the fact that they offer hot yoga.

I take a class with Stacy Bergman and she says something that really resonates with me- “be thankful for the almosts.” She explains you may be struggling with a move or position but have gratitude that you are trying and getting there slowly. She also explains at the beginning of class that as soon as we get on the mat, we are in a judgment-free zone. I like that as I feel pretty foolish and clumsy doing simple moves like tree.  I am definitely incorporating yoga at least once a week into my fitness routine.

5. There will be setbacks and obstacles.

That’s all part of the journey. Just as I was hoping to kick my fitness routine into high gear as 2020 started, everyone in my family, including me was sick. I didn’t do a bit of exercise for ten days which for me hasn’t happened since giving birth. I can’t beat myself up over this.  I know obstacles are just around the corner whether it be caring for a loved one or battling weight gain in middle age, they will happen. So, I slowly eased my way back to the gym and continued on my journey one lunge at a time.

 

Publisher’s Note: We hope you have enjoyed our Editor’s Fitness Journey at Life Time. Learn more with a visit and tour.

https://www.lifetime.life/life-time-locations/ny-chappaqua.html

Lessons from My Fitness Journey at Life Time: Part 1

by

I like to think I’m a reasonably fit person. I exercise most days of the week. I run with my dog at least twice a week for three or so miles. I do Pilates weekly and I often go spinning or swimming at least once a week too. But lately I have felt like I am in a bit of a fitness rut. As I enter my mid-40s, my knees feel creakier and I am acutely aware that these are what I call the “make it or break it” fitness years. If I don’t up my fitness game now, I feel like I’ll pay for it later.

I exercise to relieve stress and yes keeping svelte and burning calories is a definite goal of mine but I know I should do more strength training to keep osteoporosis which runs in my family at bay. But I am at a loss of where to start. And that’s part of the reason why I asked Life Time if I could try out membership for three months to see if I could make any significant changes in 90 days and thankfully they obliged. We’ve all read those articles in women’s magazines with titles such as “Get Buff in 100 Days: Here’s How.” Luckily these 90 days happened to coincide with the holiday season when I am more apt to indulge and have my fitness plans fall by the wayside. This was just the kick in the butt I needed.

Although I just began my membership as we went to press, I like what I see so far. No let me rephrase that, I love what I see so far. Back in the day when I lived in London, I belonged to a very upscale gym. When you walked into the lobby, it felt like a hotel and they had services galore from spa massages, beauty treatments and an on-site nursery so parents could work out while their kids played. This has all of the above but on a more luxurious level. Dare I say that I would consider just coming to Life Time to hang out and write articles? It’s quiet, pristine and not crowded. Serenity now.

So here’s what I’ve learned so far in my first two weeks at Life Time. Stay tuned for part two of this series in our next edition.

1. Choose a gym with good energy.

Amy Williams, the PR Manager of Life Time tells me how “energy” is really our sixth sense. “It’s unbelievably important to have the right energy at the club- something you feel right when you walk in,” she explains. I can personally attest that this is true, from the lush greenery at the entrance, ultramodern lighting and front check in staff that seems more like a concierge at a hip hotel. They personally welcome me by name and no, this is not an editor perk. I see this with other guests too. I feel welcome here and when I leave they actually ask me if I had a good workout and they seem to genuinely care.

2. The little things count.

Life Time has a private nursing room right by the salon. I  ask corporate headquarters if all Life Time clubs have this. They note that many moms would use the lounge space inside the women’s dressing room but they wanted to accommodate those who wanted more privacy so now all new Life Time clubs will have it. This shows me that they listen to member feedback and as a former nursing mom who brought my infants to the gym a lot, I love this. Also being under five feet, I am thrilled to see that their studio where barre classes are held has ballet barres at different heights. I’ve been to too many barre classes where I can’t even reach the barre and my short stature feels like a hindrance. I also love how their locker room features lockers that are big enough for me to store my bulky winter coat. I feel like I can easily get ready, shower and change into business attire after a workout without a wrinkle in my clothing. Too many times, I’ve felt like the lockers at other gyms aren’t roomy enough. Plus, they even have make-up remover in the bathrooms–say goodbye to runny mascara after a tough sweat session.

3. A personalized approach to fitness goals is key.

As I begin my fitness journey, I participate in an onboarding session with Liz Rodriguez, the Member Onboarding Manager. This is an important step that all members at the club must do and helps us both delineate what my fitness goals are. During this one-hour session, we go over some important statistics and discuss my weight (104) body fat percentage (29%) skeletal muscle mass (39.7 lbs) as well as my ECW/TBW which stands for Ratio of Extracellular Water to Total Body Water, an important indicator of body water balance which indicates how hydrated I am and any inflammation in my body which is .373 (ideal is under .370).

The number that surprises me most though is my body fat percentage. Although I am in the average range according to the American Council on Exercise, 32% is obese, so I know I need to up my strength training workouts. Rodriguez suggests I try to lower my body fat percentage and increase my skeletal muscle mass and the best way for me to achieve this is through strength training. She suggests my workouts consist of 50% cardio and 50% strength training and reviews a sample week of classes that fit my schedule. I also need to incorporate yoga for flexibility.

I also undergo an active metabolic assessment. This is a scientifically accurate method of determining my specific heart rate zones and how my body burns carbohydrates and fats as fuel. This is going to make my workouts more efficient so if I use a heart rate monitor, I will know exactly what zones I should be in and for how long to burn fat and build muscle.

4. Nutrition is responsible for 90% of your overall fitness.

While Rodriguez says I have a balanced diet overall, if I really want to change my body fat percentage, I need to watch my diet more closely. She wants me to have protein with every meal and increase my fiber intake to 30-35g /daily. I guess I better start eating oatmeal every day. They also have nutrition coaching if your diet needs an overhaul or just tweaks to maximize athletic performance.

5. Use technology to your advantage.

Life Time has an amazing fitness app where I can access the schedule, preview videos of classes, check out different workouts if I am unsure of what to do at the gym, sign up for small group classes, book much needed massages and even order food from their café so I can grab it on my way out of the building. They are constantly adding new features to the app and it is very user-friendly even for a Luddite like me.

6. Knowledgeable and friendly staff members are a huge motivator.

As mentioned, it starts with the check-in staff but also the instructors for the classes are top notch and have many fitness certifications. They watch my form in group classes and gently correct it when need be. They also play great music which for me is key. If I don’t like the music during a class, I know I will slack off.

7. Don’t ignore the core.

As someone who has been doing Pilates ever since my youngest one was born, I love that this club offers everyone a 30-minute Pilates session. There’s a reason why elite athletes even football stars incorporate this into their fitness regimen. Their Pilates studio is beautiful and guaranteed to make you stronger.

8. Break out of your comfort zone.

I’ve tried yoga a lot. It hasn’t been a success but Rodriguez urges me to give it another try so I do with a flow class. The gym has yoga classes at various levels of difficulty so there’s something for everyone. Plus, they even offer heated yoga for those bitter cold days ahead.

9. Personal trainers are sometimes necessary.

Since I hadn’t had any real strength training in years, I know I needed guidance and I also wanted to be sure that my form was correct. Enter Nick Cerone, my guardian angel. He’s developed a plan doing full body exercises to help me burn fat and build skeletal muscle mass. Plus, he also does nutritional consulting so I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot with him as my personal trainer.

10. Don’t feel guilty about your workout.

As a mom of three young kids, I often feel bad when I’ve had to tote them with me to the gym. But at this location, they have a play maze, a kids movement studio, classes ranging from toddler yoga to STEAM enrichment. They take children ages 3 months and up. With fun offerings like this, I may even get a facial or blow out at the onsite LifeSpa while my kids happily play in the Kids Academy.

I can’t wait to see what the next few months will be like at Life Time. Stay tuned for part two in the spring edition to see if I am able to achieve my goals and what the staff hopes all members are able to–a healthy way of life.

Publisher’s Note: You can also learn more with a visit and tour!

https://www.lifetime.life/life-time-locations/ny-chappaqua.html

FacebookTwitterPinterestTumblr

Share

 

Life Time Chappaqua: ‘Highly Personalized, Ultra-Luxury’ Approach

by

Combining modern architecture and design with a nod to local history, the resort-like Life Time Chappaqua at Chappaqua Crossing provides a highly-personalized, ultra-luxury approach to health and wellness with a host of exquisite amenities on two floors. The Team Members at Life Time are honored to serve the community and members with a broad array of health, wellness, nutrition, relaxation and entertainment services and programs.

Highlights of the Diamond Premier-level club include:

  • Dedicated studios for exclusive group fitness, cycle, yoga and Pilates programming; one-on-one and small group GTX and Alpha Training
  • More than 200 pieces of best-in-class cardiovascular and resistance training equipment
  • Metabolic assessments and nutrition coaching
  • Kids Academy, for children from three months to 11 years, with special programming and classes from yoga and martial arts to art, homework help and Spanish Immersion
  • LifeCafe, nutrition-focused fast-casual restaurant featuring a full menu, Meals to Go and grab and go assortments, along with Peet’s coffee, proprietary nutritional supplements and more
  • LifeSpa, full-service salon and spa for hair, body and nails
  • Luxurious dressing rooms with whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms and complimentary towels and lockers

Life Time Chappaqua is open to its members Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. A limited quantity of membership options is available for individuals, couples and families. For more information, please call 914-296-6000 or visit my.lifetime.life/clubs/ny/chappaqua.

 

Courtesy of Life Time Chappaqua, Discover New Castle Sponsor