May 28, 2017 by phiawomenscenter

Cardio Dance Party at Phia

Dance Party Flyer

Register at phiawomenscenter.com

May 23, 2017 by phiawomenscenter

Classes & Events At Phia Women’s Center

It’s the perfect time of year to start a fitness journey. Our classes are for all levels of fitness. Our instructors offer modified movements as well as advanced options in all of our classes. Beach season is right around the corner!

Group Fitness 5-17

We are currently offering a 5 class punch card for our Zumba classes for only $50 with a sixth class for FREE. You can pay for a card on our website or at your first class.
More information at phiawomenscenter.com

Coming up at Phia:

Kitten Yoga Graphic

Kitten yoga $20 Saturday May 27th from 2:30 – 4:00
Get tickets at www.phiawomenscenter.com/events/

Phia will also have a table at the 4th Annual Strawberry Festival. We will be offering special deals and will have a fun kid’s activity. Find more information here:
The Bridge Cape Ann

Keep up to date with interesting articles, announcements, and special offers by following us on Facebook

May 17, 2017 by phiawomenscenter

Kitten Yoga

Kitten Yoga Flyer

Phia Women’s Center and Cape Ann Animal Aid are partnering to bring this fabulously fuzzy event to Gloucester. Come meet lovable shelter kittens and enjoy fun raffles and give aways. Half of the proceeds will be donated to Cape Ann Animal Aid.

2:30 – Meet and greet with kittens
3:00 – 4:00 Forrest yoga class with fuzzy feline assistants

Only 20 spots available! Register and find more information at phiawomenscenter.com

January 25, 2017 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Exercise: How to Achieve Your Goals in 2017

Your Bridge to Health; Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit

It’s January, and Attendance at the Fitness Centers High. After the holidays, attendance at fitness centers increases as people focus on healthy New Year’s Resolutions and try to work off excess pounds and inches from holiday festivities. But, after the 1st month of the year, motivation tends to slide and attendance tends to drop off.

So What Can You Do?

Set goals. Make a plan with a short-term goal in mind. This can make it easier to achieve your desired results. Start with a goal for ‘today,’ then ‘this week,” this month.’ Goals should be short-term, realistic and attainable.

What are Your Goals for Exercise in 2017?

2. Keep At It – With repetition, the healthy steps you are taking become your new positive, healthy habits.

“It Takes 21 Days to Change a Habit.” How often have you heard this saying? Actually, there is no scientific evidence that supports this old adage and it is now considered a myth. A study in 2009 showed that when we want to develop a relatively simple habit like eating a piece of fruit or taking a 10 minute walk daily, it could take anywhere from 18 – 254 days of daily repetitions for the behavior to become a habit, with the average about 66 days. The simpler the task, like “drinking water every day” the easier for the task to be automatic.

The study concluded that “performing the behavior more consistently was associated with better model fit.” Also, that “missing one opportunity to perform the behavior did not negatively affect the habit formation process.” Simply put, repetition of a behavior in a consistent manner increases the likelihood of that behavior becoming your new norm.

3. Get Support to Help You Stay on Track.

Continue reading →

November 4, 2015 by eandrews2015

MAC has over 80 group fitness classes per week – find your favorite in our new video!

Try a 100-yr old posture alignment technique and relieve some pain.

October 20, 2015 by Cape Ann Power Yoga

Introducing Cape Ann Power Yoga!

Change your life. Today.

Cape Ann Power Yoga is now open in Brown’s Mall in Downtown Gloucester. We teach Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga in a clean and heated (90-95 degrees) room with a view to the sky and out to the harbor. When you come to class you can expect to breathe, move, sweat, work, stretch, and let go of things that you have been holding on to. You can expect to be challenged – and that means that you’re getting stronger and actually improving yourself, not just thinking or talking about it. You’ll be practicing next to construction workers, secretaries, veterans, yoga teachers, mountain bikers, surfers, runners, weightlifters, teenagers, octogenarians, and a guy named Dirt.

That’s Dirt on the right. He loves power yoga.

Our teachers are all well trained to give inspiration to experienced yoga practitioners and guidance to beginners. Power yoga is safe, fun, and challenging. If you practice a lot it will change your life – which is why every class is only $10. We want you to come and practice, a lot. In just over a month of being open we can see bodies transforming, minds opening, and lives changing. Imagine what this practice can do for you.

For more information:

Visit our website:

http://www.CapeAnnPowerYoga.com/

Email: capeannpoweryoga@gmail.com

July 28, 2015 by eandrews2015

New and Impoved Fitness Floor @ MAC

Manchester Athletic Club recently updated our fitness floor with improved, more functional equipment. Watch the transformation!

Informational sessions will be held to help our members familiarize themselves with the new equipment and make sure they are still getting the workout they are looking for. Ask for schedule of sessions or request a personal demonstration

May 26, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

‘Get Fit’ – Cape Ann Health Clubs and Personal Fitness Trainers

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Don’t know about you, but I LOVE exercising outdoors amid the natural beauty of Cape Ann. Generally Cape Ann seems to have ‘blue skies and sunshine,’ (at least in my mind, 🙂 but cooler, rainy days lead me to exercise indoors with a walk on the treadmill.

You’ve Heard the Excuses – “To0 cold.” “Too snowy.” “Too rainy.” “Too Windy.” “Too Tired.” “Too Little Time….” Too Many Excuses… But with Exercise Being the #1 Prescription for Good Health, there’s NO Good Excuse, Except for ‘TOO Sick.’ When weather conditions are not the best for outdoor activities and if you don’t have home equipment, there are many health clubs right here on Cape Ann to choose from. Some may offer ‘drop in rates’ and ‘special discounts.’ Regular exercise can help reduce stress, boost immunity, improve mood, and keep you healthier! http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001941.htm

Here is a Sample of Health Clubs on Cape Ann –

Cape Ann YMCA – http://www.northshoreymca.org/locations/cape-ann/
CrossFit Cape Ann – http://crossfitcapeann.com
ClubXcel and northeast pilates http://www.northeastpilates.com
Fitness Zone – http://www.fitnesszonegloucester.com
O’Niel Fitness – www.onielfitness.com
StreamlineStrength Fitness and Pilates – http://www.streamlinestrength.com
Mac Fitness Gloucester – www.macfitnessgloucester.com

and the Mac in Manchester-by-the-Sea – www.manchesterathleticclub.com

Healthier at Any Age

Need Help Designing a Safe Fitness Routine? Want to take your fitness to the next level?

Ask an Expert! Physical therapists, exercise physiologist, and professional fitness trainer can assist and guide you for a ‘safe and healthy’ exercise routine. (*Note: If you have not been exercising or have health issues, check with your physician prior to beginning an exercise routine.)

*Please Note: Some ‘confusion’ recently came to my attention about what these initials, acronyms, credentials mean – Personal Trainer (PT) or Certified Personal Trainer (‘CPT’) and Physical Therapist (P.T.) have very different backgrounds and training. Personal Trainers typically hold a certification from one of the below-mentioned fitness certification programs. A Physical Therapist on the other hand has advanced college and post-graduate studies, with a doctorate, ‘DPT’ now as the entry-level into this profession. An exercise physiologist (EP) also generally requires college study. An Exercise Physiologist is a person who generally has an academic degree in exercise physiology, or who is certified by practice exercise physiology (via the Exercise Physiologist Certified exam (EPC)), or who has a doctorate degree with an academic degree or emphasis in exercise physiology from an accredited college or university. Be sure to check it out beforehand and know what those ‘letters’ mean!

Personal Training

Personal Fitness Trainer – Here are the Top 5 National Fitness Certification Programs –

1. American Council on Exercise (ACE)
2. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
3. International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
4. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
5. National Strength and Conditional Associations (NSCA)

Top 10 Fitness Training Certifications Listed on the Live Strong Website – http://www.livestrong.com/article/436098-top-10-best-personal-trainer-certifications/

Indoors or Outdoors, the Key to Optimal Health is to Get Moving and ‘Get Fit!’

Exercise Makes Me Smile

Enjoy these Personal Mantras/Positive Affirmations from Our ‘Motivation to Exercise’ Hypnosis Program –

” Exercise Energize.” “Exercise Makes Me Smile!” “Exercise Makes Me Feel Good!”

* Note: If you have not been exercising or have health issues, check with your doctor first for safe exercise guidelines (an ‘exercise prescription’) before beginning a new exercise program.

Exercise safely, get fit, and enjoy greater levels of health and wellbeing. ~ Karen Pischke, BSN, RN

~ Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the authors are affiliated.

May 8, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Get Fit – Walk, Run, Hike Cape Ann’s Beaches and Trails

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Get Your Sneakers and Hiking Boots On! Warmer weather is here to stay. Spring is a great time to get moving and get fit! Ralph Waldo Emerson said – The First Wealth is Health! No time like the present to begin focusing on Your Good Health!

Plenty of Exercise Opportunities on Cape Ann, indoors and outdoors!

If you haven’t been exercising all along or took the winter off, begin with a discussion with your physician and ask for safe exercise guidelines. Start where you are. Set goals. Gradually increase either intensity, frequency, or duration. (One at a time!) See safety guidelines for exercise below.

Best Cape Ann Beaches for Walking – Good Harbor, Long Beach, Wingaersheek (Gloucester) Singing Beach (Manchester-by-the-Sea,) and Cape Hedge Beach (Rockport/Residents Only Parking.)

* Cape Ann Residents Get Your Beach Stickers! Visitors – Prepare to Pay for Parking; Car pool, ‘park and ride’ or take the C.A.T.A. bus.

Walk or Run. Enjoy Cape Ann’s fresh air while you move your body to a healthier you! On your own or with friends. Goals Can Inspire and Motivate you. Train and Prepare for a 5 K (3.1 miles.)

Get Fit At Any Age

Spring/Summer Local Walking/Running Events (5 – 8 Kilometers.)

May 8th – Back Shore Gloucester 8K (5 miles)
June 20th – Father’s Day 5K (3.1 mile) and 10K (6.2 mile) Rockport
June 25th – Fiesta 5K (3.1 mile) Gloucester
Sept 7th – Run the Goose* 7K (4.3 miles) (*Love Goose Cove!)

Information About Trail Hiking –

The Essex County Trail Association – http://www.ectaonline.org/

Team Gloucester – http://teamgloucester.com/

Essex County Greenbelt Association/ – http://www.ecga.org/explore_our_properties/properties

Manchester Essex Conservation Trust – http://www.mect.org/getoutdoors.html

Mass Audubon – http://www.massaudubon.org/

New England Forestry Foundation – http://www.newenglandforestry.org/find-a-forest.html

Trustees of Reservations – http://www.thetrustees.org

My Favorite Hikes on Cape Ann – Dogtown, Halibut Point State Park, Ravenswood, Coolidge Reservation, and Many More! Fun for the Whole Family!

Family walking in the woods

Remember to Exercise Safely! Check with your doctor before you begin an exercise program, especially if you haven’t been exercising or have a medical condition (disease.) Begin ‘where you are,’ and go from there. Always exercise within safe guidelines as prescribed by your doctor and any personal limitations you might have. *If you experience dizziness, shortness of breath or chest pain with exercise, stop and rest. If chest pain and/or shortness of breath continues – call 911! And even if it goes away with rest, follow-up with your physician to report and have it checked out.

For information on Safe Exercise –

Check With Your Physician. Ask a Fitness Expert for Advice!

Exercise Safely, Make it Fun and Enjoy the Health Benefits for Mind, Body & Spirit!