It’s the month of self-improvement; bettering our minds, refueling our energy levels, getting on track with your health and wellness. Here in the city of concrete jungles, we have some North Brooklyn gems that can take you out of the hustle and bustle to guide you back into a new year full of relaxation, vitality, and wellness.
Located on Berry St, across from McCarren park, BAC is a state of the art training facility with trainers who are ready to coach you to your best performance in a group or personal setting. Unlimited fitness classes (spin, pilates, yoga, glutes and abs) and endless pools for low impact training come in each membership. Recovery, relaxation, and community (or team) are just as important as training; so infrared sauna sessions, massage therapy, physical therapy, and community events are available to provide the most dynamic training experience possible.
Specials: 30 Day Jump Start Program (one month trial) for $149. All access membership which includes: Gym membership; Unlimited Group Training Sessions; 8 Semi Private Training Sessions; Unlimited Yoga, Pilates, & BAC Burn Classes; Endless Pools; 2 Infrared Sauna Sessions; 2 Olympic Weightlifting Classes; and 1 Private Pilates Lesson.
While we all like the idea of hibernating in the winter, the beginning of Spring is just the inspiration we need to renew our commitment to fitness. But finding the right gym can be harder than it seems. Some of the more expensive gyms have state-of-the-art facilities, programs, and benefits that make them well worth the extra dough. If you want to keep it simple, though, a basic single-location membership at your nearest gym might do the trick. So how do you choose? We’ve compiled a list of local gyms so you can compare your neighborhood options at a glance.
Crunch Fitness 825 Manhattan Avenue (718) 732-8222 Open 5am to 11pm M–F; 7am to 9pm weekends Pricing: $9.95/month for Base membership; $19.95/month for Peak membership; $24.95/month for VIP membership One-day trial pass Become a member
Crunch is one of the most affordable gyms in the area, even with its VIP option, which includes benefits such as Hydromassage and tanning on top of all Peak perks. Choose the Peak membership option if you want access to any location, the ability to take group fitness classes, and extras such as a T-shirt and access to online streaming workout videos. The Base option is best if you want to keep things simple and stick with the equipment at the Greenpoint location. If you’re looking for more individualized fitness attention, you can always add personal training to any membership option. Continue reading →
Crunchis coming to the neighborhood this summer and we’re excited to help you reach ‘em.
Here’s how:
Group Fitness It takes the work out of workout! With a massive studio, Crunch Greenpointwill keep you on your toes with hot classes like Zumba®, POUND®, and Yoga Body Sculpt. Get ready to get sweaty and have some serious fun. Continue reading →
Give me 8 weeks of your life….and you’ll overcome cravings, excessive hunger and compulsive emotional eating – while also gaining strategies that you can follow for life!
Whether you’re looking to detox your body, gain energy, lose weight or just create better habits around food, our Clean Slate B.E.S.T Detox will get you to recognize and break harmful habits that have been keeping you from reaching optimum health. Continue reading →
Bananas–the cheapest fruit for eating and wearing (on your hat)
Dear Dy,
Being short on money, what is your best frugal advice for trying to lead a more healthy life?
Dear “Frugal Health”,
You’ll be surprised how inexpensive it is to lead a healthy lifestyle. Look at your diet and food intake and if you’re like most people, you’re likely taking in more calories than you need. More calories will usually equal more money. Eating healthy by incorporating more vegetables, healthy fats and proteins is actually less expensive because you’re nourishing your body with valuable nutrients that will cause you to be more satisfied throughout the day. You’ll actually find yourself eating less.
Again, if you’re like most, you’re probably eating way too many processed carbs and this is actually depleting you of nutrients, which triggers cravings and unnecessary hunger, causing you to eat more and most likely spend more. Look at this closely for yourself to see if this is actually the case.
As for your exercise, there are countless ways to incorporate it without spending a fortune. With all the donation based yoga, daily deal sites, and cheap gym memberships…honestly, there’s no excuse for NOT managing a regular routine! If personal training is more up your alley but out of reach financially, try our Self Training program for only $12 a session.
Yours in health, peace & balance! Dy
To submit your health & wellness question to Ask a Trainer, fill out the form here and we will post responses!
Are you stressed? Not feeling or looking your best? Bored of your old workout routine? Need to improve your diet? We have partnered with some of our favorite local fitness and wellness experts to bring to you our Spring Wellness Guide. It is packed with information, local fitness events, wellness tips, PLUS special Greenpointers discounts to help you get on your way to feeling your best this season!Sparrow Bk (95 Norman Ave)
About: Sparrow is an intersection of health, beauty, art, nature, and good old Brooklyn magic. Massage therapist and Reiki wizard, Ariel Sheldon teamed forces with Caroline Bach hairstylist, colorist and beauty maven to create Sparrow; a place of health and good grooming. Nestled steps away from the subway, this charming Greenpoint space offers a naturally relaxed and genuinely inspired experience.
Greenpointers Discount: Mention Greenpointers for 20% off your first session with each Massage Therapist.
“All of our massage therapists are trained to not only relax your body and transport your soul, but also to address any injuries, misalignments, or areas of chronic pain. We go a step beyond the common spa experience to help truly heal your body.”
Wellness Tip #1: Since most of us spend over 8 hours a day sitting a desk, your workspace is the first place to look in avoiding back pain. Most desks are made too high for the average person. You should be able to sit up straight, fully relax your shoulders, and still have a slight downward slope from your elbow crease to your wrists. Ergonomically we were made to work with our hands in our laps, so raise up your chair, and put something under your feet to relieve strain on your shoulders and your wrists.
Wellness Tip #2: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has become increasingly common, and most people worry about “contracting it.” There are a lot of misconceptions about what exactly it is, and what treatments are available. The Carpal Tunnel is a small space between the bones of the wrist that the nerves to the hand passes through. These bones often get jammed together when the tendons to the fingers become tight and press on them as they pass over the wrist. Unless the bones are completely fused, which is very rare, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is usually completely treatable by the right kind of massage. If the muscles at the top of the forearm – which control the fingers – are released, the pressure on the tendons and therefore the wrist bones can also be released. So if you or anyone you know has pain in the wrist, or tingling in their fingers or hands – send them to Sparrow first!
About: intensati is a revolutionary workout developed by Patricia Moreno. It’s a fusion of high-energy aerobics, martial arts, yoga, and strength conditioning. Combining spoken affirmations with simple choreography, intenSati provides a heart-pumping, exhilarating workout that builds physical, mental, and spiritual muscle. It is fitness at the highest efficiency and empowerment.
intenSati instructor Elina Leclaire has a passion for health & wellness, inspirational events, and coaching people to discover and pursue their dreams. For over a decade, she has helped challenge, inspire and equip more than 10,000 people through her company Dream Careers.
Since 2010 Elina has been practicing intenSati, a practice she loves to share as it has taken her to the next level in pursuing her own dreams. She teaches Wednesdays at 8pm and Sundays at 1:30pm at [email protected] in Greenpoint.
You will leave class feeling stronger, uplifted and inspired. Elina is enthusiastic about leading you through a transformational workout of mind, body and spirit that will empower you to live a life you love.
Elina is co-leading a FREE fitnesss event in McCarren Park on Saturday, May 4th at 10:30am with wellness coach Ekayani Chamberlain. To join – meet at [email protected] (31 Nassau Ave) at 10:30am. Elina hopes to continue to lead free fitness classes in the park on Saturday mornings. To sign up for free intenSati Saturdays in McCarren Park, email Elina at [email protected]
About: Boasting a 5-star average Yelp rating, Beastanetics is led by uber-friendly, supportive, and experienced, nationally certified personal trainers, Tim Haft and Shana Brady. This is the same duo, which brings you Punk Rope at the Greenpoint Y every Wednesday night. Tim and Shana have devised a highly effective, back to basics, interval training program, which has delivered fantastic results since it’s inception in 2010. In addition to delivering the goods when it comes to fitness, Tim and Shana have built a vibrant and supportive community of Beasts, which serves to enhance the entire experience.
Greenpointers Discount: Use the discount code GREENPOINTERS at checkout and receive 20% off the registration fee, that’s a savings of $24. (Valid for first-time Beasts only.)
Wellness Tip: In our book, feeling great begins with reducing “bad” stress. Try to uncover the triggers, which make you feel bad. These might be unhealthy foods, toxic relationships, or poor exercise habits. Next, realize that when it comes to fitness you are in control. You don’t need a gym. You don’t need any fancy equipment. You were born with everything necessary to reach an incredible level of fitness. Find a fitness instructor who motivates you and that you can learn from and join a program such as Beastanetics, which will challenge you while simultaneously offering love and support.
About: goodyoga has served the Greenpoint neighborhood since 2009. In late 2012 we expanded to Bushwick and Bed-Stuy. Our classes emphasize safe alignment, personal attention by experienced yoga teachers and small class sizes that give you room to move comfortably. Students appreciate our hospitality and the supportive community that goodyoga studios foster in their respective neighborhoods. Thanks to our goodkarma work exchange program, everyone can experience the benefits of a heathy yoga practice, regardless of their income.
Our Mysore Ashtanga program is offered 6 days a week and is led by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois authorized teacher Amy Santos. The popular open-air rooftop classes begin in late Spring and run through the Summer, weather permitting. Class Levels range from Absolute Beginner to Challenging and Styles include Vinyasa Flow, Hatha, Pilates Fusion, Theraputic and Restorative. Our Everyone level classes are our most popular, and are designed to appeal to a wide range of practitioners.
Greenpointers Discount: Mention Greenpointers to receive 10% off your monthly membership.
Wellness Tip: A personalized 7 day cleanse from goodyoga will leave you smelling like May flowers in no time. Scheduled at your convenience, your goodcleanse may be tailored to suit your needs by simplifying or elaborating any aspect.
The goodcleanse includes:
Detailed manual with instructions, grocery lists, basic recipes, schedules, ayurvedic practices, and information about the Chakras and the Yamas and Niyamas to support your cleanse.
Daily email support
(2) 30 minute phone consultations with cleanse counselor
12oz goodjuice – 6 per day x 3 days
4oz daily bestbucha – 1 per day x 7 days
goodteas – 1 per day x 7 days
Ayurvedic Herbal supplements
Unlimited week of goodyoga
All for $250
Optional packed goodfood x 4, please inquire Optional materials available at all goodyoga locationspilatesmandi (171 Engert Avenue #7)
About: pilatesmandi provides Pilates and personal training expertly designed to meet your needs. Check out the 5 star rating on Yelp! This is a perfect environment for those who desire something different from the usual gym setting. Intimate and laid back, choose or combine Pilates on the apparatus, personal training or amazing cardio workouts on the trampoline. Play a record or select a rockin’ playlist for your workout. (Mandi L. shares her workout playlists on Spotify via Facebook)
Smart exercise selection, years of experience and a one-of-a-kind personality brings each pilatesmandi session to life.
Pilates Boot Camp on-the-roof coming soon!
Greenpointers Discount: Mention Greenpointers and receive 10% off first purchase!
About: Awakening NY is an exciting new urban sanctuary in the heart of Greenpoint/Williamsburg. We are an eco-green 7,000 sq.ft. state of the art Wellness Center and Healthy Cafe. Our facility boasts three beautifully designed studios, 3 large healing and massage rooms, 1 private steam room and a private Jacuzzi. Awakening is truly the destination for all things health and wellness from personal training and Ayurvedic Counseling to massages and Sound Healing Therapy. Awakening has no shortage of classes for everyone from beginners and advanced alike.
Awakening offers Power Strike, for children ages 7-12, yoga, pilates, zumba and even toning classes.
When you are done with your class or spa service head over to Cafe Anise at Awakening and enjoy one of it’s many healthy and organic juices or grab a sandwhich and take advantage of the free WiFi. The cafe even offers a special spring Goddess 3 day juice cleanse complete with one free Zumba class and a 20 minute Steam Shower. Awakening is rated 4 stars on Yelp! so why not come and see what the excitement is all about?
Greenpointers Discount: Mention Greenpointers when you come in to Awakening and receive 10% off your purchase of classes, spa services, and membership. (One time only.)
Fitness Tip #1: How to lose that arm jiggle? It’s spring and pretty soon everyone is going to be walking around town with more skin showing. Why not show off what could be your best asset…your arms? How to do this? Well you have to start by moving your Arms AND your body. Start in the morning by doing pushups until exhaustion, either modified or full pushups, followed by basic crunches until exhaustion (remember don’t let your chin touch your chest). Repeat this 2-3 times at least 3-4 times a weak. And walk to work or take the longest route to the train station or bus stop for some cardio. But remember you need to power walk NOT stroll. It’s ok to be that crazy person on the street. This is New York!
Fitness Tip #2: Lose that jiggle in the middle. Change your diet! Now that the weather is nicer it’s easier to eat healthier foods. Start by eating breakfast everyday. This is something which surprisingly enough most people do not do. Remove the white flower from your diet (bagels, white bread, white rice) and replace it with whole grains. Add more fruits, especially berries, and vegetables to your diet. And finally, replace one meal with a salad or high protein food with vegetables every day and you will start to see the waist line get smaller. Follow this with 30 minutes of exercise 3 days a week and you will start to see that old you come back.
About: [email protected] is an alternative gym experience with 4.5 stars on Yelp. With our one of a kind Introversion® self training, we teach maximize effort to minimize time. This strength training method is slow reps at high intensity on a circuit of medical grade exercise machines. The result is less workout time with more achievement. Only four people are allowed at a time to work out, so you never have to wait for machines, and one of our friendly trainers will go through two workout routines with you to teach you proper technique and set up your machines & personal progress chart.
We also offer an array of classes including Zumba, Tai Chi, and donation based Yoga classes of varying principles.
Post workouts, we have an Infrared Sauna which mimics the beneficial rays of the sun without the damaging effects and burns up to 600 calories in one 30 min session; in-house massage therapists; and special detoxification packages to further promote your health.
Greenpointers Discount: When you mention Greenpointers, you’ll receive 1 Free Fitness Class or 20% Off a 5 pack of Self Training Sessions
Fitness Tip: What is the most effective type of exercise for your body type? Often I get asked, “What’s the best way to lose weight or what are the most effective workouts for me”? Although, there are hundreds of different varieties of exercise styles to chose from, it’s important to keep in mind that all of us earthlings have the same muscle and joint function and therefore should select a workout routine that works in direct accordance with that muscle and joint function. It should also offer full range of motion and progressive resistance. Now I know that sounds a bit technical but to put it to you straight, strength training is the only type of exercise that can fill those needs. Now, don’t get me wrong, you’ll benefit from most any type of motion, but strength training can offer benefits that no other type of exercise can offer all in one package. Of course, it needs to be done properly and in the right environment to achieve optimal results. So whether you like shakin’ your tush in Zumba, Zen-ning out and stretching in Yoga, or slamming your feet on the pavement; always, always strength train as your foundation. The good news is, if you apply the right intensity, you only need to do it once a week!
