Tag: Bridgehampton

Hamptons Wellness Week 2017 is Coming!

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The 5th annual Hamptons Wellness Week returns June 11-18th, with a complimentary wellness kick-off at Topping Rose House on June 10th and continues all week long with specials for the mind, body, and soul! Hamptons Wellness Week proudly partnered with UnitedHealthcare, BUILDTHEORY, Rejuvalift, Hamptons Magazine, and more wellness- conscious names for the biggest and best event yet …because your wellness routine should be anything but routine!

Amp it up by taking advantage of the wide variety of deals and discounts throughout the week at tons of local health and wellness businesses, Westhampton to Montauk. It’s the perfect excuse to try something new and be in the know about the hottest in wellness this season. As always, it’s ONE week with endless possibilities!

The week launches with a FREE event 10am – 1pm at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton on the 10th. Get excited about getting healthy this summer with master fitness classes, luxurious spa experiences, product sampling, healthy eats, and some surprises. There’s something for everyone and so much more. Get a free non-toxic manicure, mini massage, refreshing facial, anti-aging hand treatment, test drive in a Tesla, and try healthy local eats from Topping Rose House, Hampton Coffee, Harvest Food Box, and Opa on the Go. Did we mention it’s all free of charge?! Don’t miss it! Save your spot by RSVP’ing here.

In addition to all the week’s fabulous deals and discounts, UnitedHealthcare is sponsoring two special events not to be missed. Hampton Coffee Company in Water Mill is hosting a free yoga class in their garden on Sunday, June 11th. Come at 9:30 for a beautiful outdoor flow and nama-stay for complimentary iced tea to follow. Old Stove Pub in Sagaponack invites you to a live DJ yoga class with  to wrap-up the week, 11am on Saturday, June 17th, followed by sips and snacks in the sun! Just bring a mat to both special events and be sure to tag #hamptonswellnessweek throughout your week’s adventures!

Hamptons Wellness Week is all about creating a balanced lifestyle in which you’re able to indulge, enjoy, and integrate well-being into real life. Sprouted from an idea to create an accessible, affordable, enticing way for all members of the community to experience the unique array of wellness opportunities offered on the East End, this week-long event has transpired into a platform for connection in the wellness world and beyond. Whether a year-round resident or weekend guest, new to wellness or a seasoned pro, the common thread of striving for a well-balanced life during an all-inclusive event connects the community in a whole new way.

Hamptons Wellness Week invites you to take a week for your wellbeing before the craze of the summer season hits. Find all of the deals and discounts on hamptonswellnessweek.com and we’ll see you June 10th at Topping Rose House!

One Healthy Breakdown: there’s nothing better than feeling your best at the beach!

 

Hamptons Wellness Week is Coming!

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Hamptons Wellness Week returns this June! The premiere wellness event in the Hamptons kicks off on June 5th with more excitement, variety, and wellness than ever before! With so many wellness experiences and fitness pop-ups popping up across the East End, Hamptons Wellness Week is the only all-inclusive, week-long event of its kind. It’s one week of endless possiblities!

Mark your calendar for June 5-12th and feel free to try one of everything; save, save, save as you get well, well, well…no registration or buy-in necessary. Take a week for your wellbeing before the craze of the summer season rolls down Sunrise Highway. With a variety of deals and discounts, try what works for you, on your schedule, all week long. Whether you’re looking for some fitspiration, pampering, or healing, Hamptons Wellness Week has your back.

exhale*photo credit: Exhale

From healthy eats to fitness classes, acupuncture to astrology, wellness consulting, or a ‘Wing It’ strategy session, there’s something for everyone. We’ve even got the kids covered with our state-of-the-art speech-language offering and 2-for-1 tuition at Hamptons Baseball Camp! Feed the whole family with Old Stove Pub’s special wellness menu or 25% off at Sabrosa Mexican Grille!

Hamptons Wellness Week is all about living consciously in the Hamptons; a portion of the proceeds support the Wing It Project, a non-profit that provides educational opportunities for children, both locally and globally. Get well for a great cause!

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We’re thrilled to welcome some of our wellness newbies, including The Good Farm Delivery, JT Personal Fitness, GYST, Amber Waves Farm, and Solutions Organic Juice Bar, to name a few! It’s not too late to register your business, just sign up here to hop on board the wellness train.

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We saved the best for last! We’re wrapping up HWW with Wellthily at Gurney’s on June 11th & 12th. Join us for a live DJ yoga class with DJ Ray and Leigh Anne Eberle, Exhale Spa Core Fusion, and Yoga in the Vines at the beach with Erica Velasquez. Between classes,  Wellthily will host a power-packed wellness panel about staying healthy all summer featuring Kiley & Anastasia, Debra Halpert of Hamptons Magazine, and Elisabeth Halfpapp of Exhale Spa. Sign up here!

WellthilyGurneys*photo credit: Owen Hoffman Photography

What’s a wellness event without some healthy, yummy eats? Sip on juice, try a Hugly cookie, and hit the beach feeling WELL as ever. Register for the wrap-up event June 11th and/or 12th  here and get $10 off with code HWW2016.

Hamptons Wellness Week is also thrilled to partner with BEACH101.7, WBAZ, and WEHM and Hamptons Magazine as our media sponsors. Stay tuned to hamptons-magazine.com, and be sure to pick up their Memorial Day issue featuring Hamptons Wellness Week!

For more information, see hamptonswellnessweek.com and/or email kiley@hamptonswellnessweek.com. To register your business, click here. Sponsorships also available for national wellness brands; reach the Hamptons population both online and off!

One Healthy Breakdown: kicking the summer off WELL!

 

Bootcamping with Trainer Vanacker

People are always asking: what are the best summer workouts in the Hamptons? There’s no question that Sander Vanacker’s Bootcamp in the Vines at Wolffer Estate Vineyard is one of the best kept secrets. If you’re new to Trainer Vanacker’s workouts, it’ll take you all of four minutes to realize that you’re going to get a high-intensity full-body workout with some friendly competition, laughs, and a serious burst of endorphins…in that absolutely irreplaceable setting we all know and love.

image010If you’re in the Hamptons, you should know Sander. Maybe it’s his out-of-the box approach, depth of knowledge about fitness, sense of humor, or all of the above, that sets him apart from the rest. For Sander, it’s not about a trendy reputation or a luxurious experience. It’s about efficiency, getting outside of your comfort zone, and doing your personal best, even if that means grass stains, groans, and lots of sweat. Sander lives and breathes fitness and it’s contagious during his classes.

“I see fitness as a tool to improve someone’s mood, health, performance and quality of life. It’s not just about the workout itself, but also about the experience and how it fits into your lifestyle. If you learn to love the activity, then you will look forward to doing….and you’ll do it more. That’s how I approach fitness. I want clients to enjoy it while getting a good workout. There’s no reason that challenging exercise can’t be fun,” Sander says.

IMG_2007The class is broken up into drills that incorporate high-intensity cardio intervals, strength training, partner exercises, games, and more…starting right away with the warm-up. That’s another thing about Sander, he won’t waste your time…or his. Every single exercise has a purpose and he won’t ask anyone to do anything that he wouldn’t do himself. You bet Sander sure does sweat right along with the rest of the class, partner for the drills, participate in the games, and get his sweat on.

As a former physical education teacher, Sander embraces the benefit of fun and games. Instead of “sprints,” we play tag. Instead of “intervals,” we use a deck of cards. Instead of equipment, we use the body. Instead of holding a plank, we play a game to make the time pass. Sander makes even the worst exercises (burpees, I’m talking ‘bout you) seem fun somewhat fun. He adds just enough distraction to make it doable…and addicting. The beautiful surrounding vines don’t hurt either.

IMG_3940Sander affirms that he “implements partner drills, games, and mental activities into the workout to keep the mind preoccupied and make the time move faster. It’s about creativity and flexibility in the moment, knowing when to change the plan to suit the needs of the class. I also attempt to show people new exercises or new ways to do the same things to prevent boredom. Possibilities are endless; in addition to new exercises to incorporate into their own fitness routine, I also aim to teach people the why behind it. Don’t just do it because I said so, do it because it’s effective.”

Want to learn something new, get a kick-ass workout, and have a little fun? Try Sander’s weekly Bootcamp, 8:30am every Saturday morning at the Wolffer winery. Click here for the full Yoga in the Vines schedule and we’ll surely see you there! In the meantime, click here for more about Trainer Vanacker, who also offers cycling coaching, personal training in the Hamptons, and online training programs for people all over the world. Guess the secret’s out…

One Healthy Breakdown: you won’t regret a Vanacker workout, that’s for sure!

Hamptons YogaFest Making Yoga History

Come one, come all! An inclusive weekend festival full of yoga, music, entertainment, local eats, community wellness, and healing workshops right in our own stomping ground! What better way than to wrap up another crazy Hamptons summer (gasp!) and welcome another beautiful fall season? (yes!) The first annual Hamptons YogaFest draws the best yogis from across Long Island to build an amazing, unifying experience for the Hamptons, Long Island, and beyond. Mark your calendar and get your spot now before ticket prices increase and the summer craziness commences!

HYF_Poster_1080_horizWith food from FRESH Hamptons, yoga for the whole family, wellness experiences galore, and more, Hamptons YogaFest is not to be missed! Local residents and visitors are invited to indulge in this grass-roots celebration. Customize your own September retreat in the Hamptons, which just may be the best time of year out East!

The goal of the weekend event is to bring the East Endcommunity together as one. Jenna Walter, co-founder of Hamptons YogaFest, explains that the event came from a desire to unite the community for a greater good. That’s something One Healthy Hamptons can get behind! While we’re so lucky to have such a wide variety of yoga studios, yogis, and health-conscious folks here in the Hamptons, Hamptons YogaFest creates the platform for harmony. You’ll see your favorite East End yogis as well as some new faces, styles, and perspectives.

2015_HYF_Lineup_HiResInstead of another over-the-top Hamptons party, Hamptons YogaFest promotes inclusively, spirituality, nature, diversity, simplicity, and wellbeing. It’s the best of both worlds, with first-rate yoga in a relaxed setting we like to call home. Get ready for the first annual Hamptons YogaFest September 18th-20th at the Hayground School in Bridgehampton. Purchase your tickets now (prices rise on June 21st!) for this world-class yoga event! We can’t wait to see you there!

One Healthy Breakdown: Get ready to make yoga history in the Hamptons!

Bump Up the Good Days

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Last week, I got the opportunity to speak at and attend a wellness assembly at the Bridgehampton High School. The High School and Middle School students and staff gathered for an interactive, multi-faceted morning of wellness, discussing healthy boundaries, learning about (eek!) sugar, fat, and salt consumption, Zumba and movement, yummy just-fruit sorbet, and more.

Sadly, there’s a huge disconnect among today’s youth and all of the many, many ways that we can take better care of ourselves, feel better, and be happier, more confident beings. Middle and high school students (and teachers) are constantly stressed and tired – talk about overworked and underpaid. So, the fact that Hamptons schools are taking an initiative to teach children about self-care, real food, and stress-management is a HUGE achievement. We’re so very lucky to be a community full of healthy goodness.

Not only did I get to attend this awesome school day, I was asked to introduce the theme of wellness and my own holistic view on the topic. This really got me thinking. How do I communicate my whole mission to busy students already balancing a full plate…the day before April vacation, mind you. And then it became very clear how to break it down: wellness is about having more good days than bad.

image(43)It’s really that simple. Here’s how I chose to introduce the theme:

Picture this: you wake up after a good night’s sleep. You know that feeling – you stretch out and maybe a smile forms on your face as you excitedly think about your day ahead. You get out of bed and get dressed for school. Maybe you put on your favorite shirt, sneakers, outfit, whatever it may be that gives you an extra boost of confidence. You have a healthy breakfast – something you love, you know is good for you, and is going to give you energy for the day. You get to school, all of your homework’s done, your work is all organized, you get an A on a quiz, and you’re a beast at practice after school, whatever sport you play. You’re having a gooood day, right? You get home from school and help make dinner. You sit and eat with your family and have a nice talk about your day as you enjoy your home-cooked meal. After dinner, your friend comes over to watch a movie. Before bed, you finish the book you’re reading and promptly drift off into dreamland. Things are just going your way today. You FEEL good. That’s what I call a healthy, happy day. That’s what I call wellness.

Now, picture this: you overslept after staying up way too late studying. You procrastinated and barely got any sleep…again. You rush to get dressed and out the door to catch the bus, putting on the first thing you see. You make it just in time, but your socks don’t match and you have no time for breakfast, so you’ll have to wait ‘til lunch. You get to school and you’re already in a bad mood. The quiz doesn’t go so well, you stayed up late studying but you can’t remember anything! You just can’t focus because you’re so tired, not to mention hungry! That greasy pizza you have for lunch doesn’t sit so well and practice is miserable. You have no energy, your stomach hurts, and you’re having a no good, very bad day. You get home and next thing you know, you’re fighting with your parents because you’re tired and moody and nothing’s going right. You skip dinner because you don’t want to have to sit with your family and you go to bed starving, anxious, and upset.

Yuck. We’ve all been there. We all have good days and bad days – that’s life. The difference is having more good days than bad as a result of the way in which we treat ourselves and our body. Consciously taking care of your mind and body in various ways and living your life in a flow that moves in the right direction. That’s what it’s all about, that’s wellness. Do we get off-track sometimes? Of course, we all do…but, we get back on board and keep moving forward.

Enjoy your good days. Do whatever it takes to get through the bad days, remind yourself that far more good days are just around the corner. Take care of yourself, your body, and mind, and it will do the same for you by giving you more good days. Lots more! If you’re stuck in a rut, that’s what I’m here for, to support you on your wellness journey. Whether it’s a little encouragement to get back in the gym, a family friendly lesson on kitchen staples, a diet overhaul, or help refocusing on goals, we’ll make a plan and get there. Let’s bump up the good days and cutback the bad days. Click here for more info about OHH’s personal nutrition support and wellness consulting.

One Healthy Breakdown: a healthy day = a good day > a bad day –> any day.

Run 10 FEED 10 Recap

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The FEED Foundation, started by Lauren Bush Lauren, aids world hunger and malnutrition in a creative, powerful, and trend-setting way. Over seventy five million meals have been provided through sales of FEED’s signature artisan products (bags, t-shirts, jewelery, etc.) Buyers can feel good about purchasing great products that support an even better cause, providing adequate nutrition for those in need. Good products that FEED the world, check them out here!

photo 3I learned about FEED Projects through Women’sHealth Magazine’s Run 10 Feed 10 Campaign, a series of 10k races to fund domestic hunger. Each registration fee FEEDS 10 meals to those in need right in your own ‘backyard.’ Food is available; however, it is unfortunately not accessible to everyone. FEED Projects, in collaboration with Women’sHealth Magazine, is out to make change, one meal at a time, one bag at a time, one runner at a time.

I’m eager to spread the word about Run 10 Feed 10 because this fabulous campaign combines all good things One Healthy Hamptons loves to support: women’s health, fitness, aiding hunger, running, celebrating, and more! Every summer, Women’sHealth Magazine heads out east for a weekend celebration packed with fitness and fun in preparation for NYC’s Run 10 Feed 10 race on Sunday, September 21st. Register today!

picstitch(21)*Pictured above with Lindsey & Casey from Women’sHealth and friend Alicia

We kicked off “Women’sHealth covers the Hamptons” weekend with a great Flywheel class on Saturday morning before the celebrations commenced. And celebrate we did, at the Run 10 Feed 10 “Party Under the Stars.” There’s nothing better than celebrating a great cause with like-minded, inspirational people…Hamptons style of course!

picstitch(22)*Pictured above with friends Kristy & Marisa, B-School founder/entrepreneur Marie Forleo, and The FEED Foundation’s Lauren Bush Lauren

One Healthy Breakdown: run for a cause, shop for a cause, celebrate for a cause.

Heating Up in Style at Gloria Jewel

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This was a looooooong winter. No one is happier to see signs of spring than me. Until now, the only time I defrosted and felt warm and sunny was during a recent shopping trip to Gloria Jewel in Bridgehampton. Despite the fact that the weather outside was all kinds of chilly, I’m convinced that it’s always sunny inside Gloria Jewel.

I was on a mission – in need of a few spring staples with serious staying power to transform my wardrobe. Maybe even something I could wear right through summer…even fall… Luckily, that’s what Gloria Jewel is all about: functional, fashionable staples. Trendy, yet comfortable and classic essentials that can transform an ordinary day into a confident, kick-ass day. Sounds good, right? So, I blocked out a couple of hours and (lucky me!) headed out for a shopping spree.

photo 2I arrived at Gloria Jewel on a quiet morning to get some one-on-one time with the fabulous Megan Chiarello, owner and founder of Gloria Jewel. First, I got the grand tour of the Bridgehampton store, (located at 125 Main Street) current inventory, brands, designers, materials, and trends. My first thought: The. Colors. Are. Perfection.

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Megan started Gloria Jewel in 2007, modeling the concept after her two grandmothers, both of whom impacted her deep love and appreciation for fashion. Unlike most high-end fashion boutiques in New York and elsewhere, Gloria Jewel is built on unconditional love, acceptance, and the desire to empower women through fashion. It’s crystal clear that Megan’s welcoming personality set a precedent throughout the company from day one.

Megan’s passion got me super stoked to shop and her attitude about clothing is right up my alley. “I’m into wearing your clothes,” Megan explains. She aims to make that moment when a women opens her closet every morning positive, fun, and comforting. Gloria Jewel is not about one-time wonders. And that’s good, because neither are cost-efficient shoppers. What’s the point of investing in an item of clothing only to wear it once, get sick of it fast, see it everywhere, or notice a decline in quality after one wash? Gloria Jewel takes care of it all. And not just boutique fashion, but also community events, charities, and year-round goings on. I’m on board with that (in my new peach long-sleeve by Wilt.)

photo 3From mood to merchandise, Gloria Jewel makes shopping FUN. No pressure to buy, no fake feedback we all know and hate. Although I loved most of what I saw and tried on, there were definitely items that just weren’t for me, and Megan was totally honest, which was so incredibly refreshing. Gloria Jewel’s staff understands that shoppers are all different. Some crave personal attention, others do NOT, but every woman deserves to walk out with at least one item of clothing that she will ROCK.

photo 4And you better believe that that’s what I did. Again and again…and again.

picstitch(19)Cotton fringe? Yes, please. Navy T-shirt dress? Must have. Yup, you’ll see me sporting these two bad boys a lot this spring. Oh, the power of staples.

So, what else sets Gloria Jewel apart from other Hamptons/NYC boutiques? The company is built on the goal of helping each and every woman (regardless of age, size, background) to feel great in her clothing. As miss One Healthy Hamptons, I can attest to the fact that all of this healthy eating and working out just isn’t worth the while unless we feel good about ourselves in our own skin. Fashion is an expression of who we are; clothing can either lift us up, making us feel comfortable and confident, or weigh us down.

While Gloria Jewel excels in high-fashion, chic, trend-setting looks, comfort is the underlying objective. If you’re comfortable, you’re confident. Megan aims to provide women with comfortable fashion that will show confidence morning through night. “I want our customers to feel good, whether they’re meeting colleagues for coffee, picking up the kids at school, or heading out for date night.” Ah, life in the Hamptons. Everywhere we look, folks are dressed to the nines…why not us, right?!

GloriaJewel-Logo-Slide2-16971_960x480Gloria Jewel shoppers are shoppers for life (trust me, I’m one of them.) The successful boutique has expanded to Westhampton Beach, Bridgehampton, Amagansett, and TriBeCa. “We want you to get compliments. We want you to get the most flattering look for YOU, we want you to find that great-fitting pair of jeans, it’s hands-down the best investment a woman can make,” Megan explains and I concur. The power of a good pair of jeans, a perfect white T, or a bombshell top for your next night out is irreplaceable. So, get ready to shop with ease, comfort, and uncompromised style.

One Healthy Breakdown: Check out your local Gloria Jewel…like pronto. Your perfect outfit and fitting confidence awaits…bring it on, summer!

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Looking Forward to the Inaugural Bridgehampton Half-Marathon!

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Get ready folks, we’re counting down the days for the first official Bridgehampton Half-Marathon! The event will take place on Saturday, May 10th at 9am. Runners can still sign up and get training, it’s going to be a gorgeous spring route around the Hamptons…and a super fun day for all!

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The Bridgehampton Half is more than just a normal half-marathon. It’s an event for the entire community. Participants will run through storied Sagaponack and Bridgehampton, past potato fields and stunning estates, past horse farms and white sand beaches. What could be better?!

The course is beautiful, flat and fast, with ample opportunities for everyone to come out and cheer on the runners – Sagg Main Beach parking lot should prove to be a party! Join One Healthy Hamptons and Anke’s Fit Bakery to be a part of what we hope will be a springtime mainstay for years to come! We’ll be cheering, meeting, greeting, and serving Anke’s fresh-baked healthy goods. As if that’s not yummy enough, the Bridgehampton Half is a registered 501(c)3 charity; all net proceeds go directly to local outlets. This year’s run will benefit the Southampton Hospital and The Bridgehampton Museum! Fitness, food, fun, and philanthropy? We can get on board for sure!

photo-1-e1394487406729While registration is filling up fast, volunteers for the Bridgehampton Half are much-needed. If you’re interested in volunteering, or you have a child who needs community service hours, this is a great way to earn some credit while doing something fun outside. Please email volunteers@bridgehamptonhalf.com if you can help out!

One Healthy Hamptons: see you at the starting line on May 10th, let the games begin!

One Healthy Mom

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Enjoy this refreshingly honest and inspirational interview with local family life teacher, parenting coach, and amazing mother of five, Anastasia Gavalas!

meee1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a mom, family life teacher, author of WING IT: 6 Simple Steps to Succeed as a Modern Day Parent, and founder of the WING IT PROJECT. I live in Bridgehampton with my husband and five children (ages 15, 13, 11, 9, & 7.) Helping parents make life with children easier is such gratifying work and making a difference in the world through the WING IT PROJECT is something I’ve always dreamed of doing. I live my life in a wholehearted way where I am happy with myself and confident with the choices I make.

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2. How did ‘life as you know it’ come to be?

After I had my 2nd child I felt exhausted and couldn’t get out of bed. I was quickly diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, an autoimmune disease, that had been manifesting in my body for years. I took the prescribed medicine and it just didn’t help much. I kept plugging along but felt overwhelmed and emotionally drained. In 2003, we decided to move to the Hamptons and found out we were expecting baby #4… surprise! With all that was going on, on top of not having family or friends around for support, I quickly learned that I needed to change. I began searching for alternative methods that would support what I knew in my heart was best. I tried acupuncture, homeopathic remedies, and a new overall wellness approach for my health and for my family. It was out of necessity that I found a more organic way of living life. This included making my well-being a priority as well as teaching my children to be more independent.

3. What’s something you overcame and how?

My need to do everything perfectly and my fear-based reactions. Once I was able to recognize that the display of the “perfect” children or my role as the “perfect” mother was wearing me out and preventing me from living authentically, I let those ideas go. Perfection is based on other people’s judgements. I made a decision to separate myself from the concept of perfection to be happy. I practiced meditation starting ten minutes a day, carved out me-time every single day, and (just like I explain in the chapter, “Build Your Village” in WING IT) I began to surround myself with more supportive people who encourage my growth.

4. What is your favorite workout? Favorite family activity?

Dancing is one of my favorite things to do and I mix it with a brisk walk a few times a week. I get bored easily with exercising so I need to change my workout routine up all the time. As far as a family we like to swim (although 2 out of 5 kids hate the beach – not sure how that happened?!?) take bike rides, and go skiing. I have high-energy kids who are constantly moving and ready for adventure at all times so, we’re always moving & grooving.

5. As a career woman, mother, and wife, and how do you maintain balance in your life?

First, I redefined the concept of balance. Standing upright at all times isn’t realistic or worth the effort. But, remaining focused on a goal with a trusting, more joyful attitude will help balance appear in the most challenging of roles. I believe balance is about remaining flexible and knowing that, just as the mightiest of trees will bend and sway with the winds of world, so will mothers who strive for balance. At the end of the day, people just have to appreciate the flexibility and positions experienced.

5. Any great healthy tips for busy moms?

Yes, take time for yourself: get enough sleep, eat good food, sit down and take time to meditate so you can be the woman you were meant to be and the best mom for your children.

6. What food items do you always keep in the house?

Fresh vegetables and fruits – organic as much as possible, olive oil, different cheeses, good meats, gluten-free foods, and always a bottle of chilled champagne for those special occasions…because moms are people too!

7. What is your favorite indulgence?

Drinking tea in the morning, sleeping in (that’s happened maybe three times in the past 10 years… but, a girl can dream!) and long hot showers (alone.)

8. How do you make health a priority in your family without going overboard?

Practicing being healthy is a lifestyle choice. We spend a lot of time outdoors. I talk to my kids about nutritional balance. Four of my children are responsible for cooking one night per week. So, every night, we have a really good, balanced, colorful meal. Children learn by what they observe and I try to demonstrate a healthy lifestyle with the choices I make instead of badgering them with health talks.

9. What is your FAVORITE thing about living in the Hamptons?

The ease of living out here. There is an organic way to life. I love the diversity of people and the experiences it provides. It is a really special place to live with the most amazingly kind people. It’s a great place to raise children because you can be as tuned-in to what’s happening or tuned-out of the busyness of life as much as you want to be.

1094944_578046278901282_1736507745_nOne Healthy Breakdown: Love, laugh, play, learn, and live your life for YOU.

Hot Damn. Hot Yoga.

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photo 2Looks like your typical yoga studio? Well, it’s not. It’s HOT in there…at Hamptons Hot Yoga (Bridgehampton.) No, like really hot. I guess that’s the typical response of a hot yoga first-timer? Shock? Shock initially, gratitude to follow. It’s not instant gratification, but it is gratification. I’ve been wanting to try hot yoga for a long time now and I’m so glad I did. I find that there is nothing quite like the benefits of yoga, especially for a body tired from spin, TRX, running, body combat, etc. Hot yoga combines each of the benefits of these other exercises (cardio, endurance, strength, agility, warming the body) plus stretching, lengthening, and challenging on a whole new level. While I love a good group fitness class, I despise feeling tight and compact afterwards. I love the post-yoga high that brings that sensation of long, lean, stretched muscles as well as a good sweat. Hot yoga brings the term ‘good sweat’ to a whole new level.

As unsafe, unnatural, and unpleasant as exercise in extreme heat seems, the class is conducted in a very specific manner, making safety the top priority. The precise rules, sequence, structure, suggested routine before, during, and after class, (LOTS of water, no food, no caffeine) all make the practice safe and beneficial for all. So, what are the benefits?

photo 1Benefits are countless. While the high heat allows the body to move and open more fluidly, excess sweat quickly removes toxins from deep within. Hot yoga is the perfect cleansing activity, it will leave you feeling renewed, rejuvinated, and pure. The postures and the heat works every part of the body; muscles, bones, organs, and even skin (our largest elimination organ.) Hot yoga claims to actually work 100% of the body. That makes 90 minutes pretty worthwhile doesn’t it?

Other benefits include; enhanced body processes (like metabolism, detoxification, mobility, circulation, oxygenation, and endocrine function.) Hot yoga also decreases stress, regulates blood pressure, improves immune system, and provides an overall ‘feel good’ vitality.

de467a032bb8ed4734e57c550e4e11aa_bigIt was great to see that the class was mixed, age, gender, ability, etc. It really speaks to the fact that anyone can do hot yoga, although I don’t think it’s for everyone. Anyone can experience this class, anyone can rest whenever they want, and anyone will feel the benefits for hours and hours after class. I was truly amazed at how I felt after class, with a new appreciation for the crisp fall air, my body, and even my simple daily routine outside of that oven.

You’re going to sweat. A LOT. You’re going to feel dizzy (at first, I’m told this sensation goes away after a few classes.) You’re going to want to guzzle water. You’re going to want to run out of the room. You’re going to daydream about ice cubes and stillness. But, you’re going to feel immense gratitude as well.

Hamptons Hot Yoga offers two variations; Bikram Hot Yoga and Hot Vinyasa, both open-level and all-inclusive. I gave the 90 minute Bikram class a try and plan to go back for more soon. There is not one downward dog and the class is the same every single time, a calculated sequence with exact purpose. This gives participants a chance to constantly improve their practice. Each of the 26 postures are performed twice with a few seconds rest in between. The first round sets the correct form and alignment, so your body knows where to go. The repetition allows you to push, go further, improve flexibility, and get the full benefits of the pose. The key, as with yoga in general, is to get the foundation down before pushing the body. Some of the poses are to be held for 30-60 seconds. This was a challenge. In the heat, it was a HUGE challenge. With sweat dripping down on the mat, focusing on the breath (and the rewards) is really all that keeps you going.

Vinyasa, meaning flow, is more of a fast-paced practice packed into a shorter (still 75 minutes) class. Vinyasa focuses on strength, balance, flexibility, and most of all: breath. Lienette, the studio director at Hamptons Hot Yoga, is very welcoming and informative. She clearly knows her stuff, as she walks the class through each and every posture with her words, not just telling you what to do, but how and why as well. And, even better, Hamptons Hot Yoga offers local a free week of classes so you can try it out!

One Healthy Breakdown: Hot yoga is like nothing else. I imagine the only thing it has in common with other workouts is the love/hate relationship. The benefits outweigh the burdens, if you can take the heat.