 |
 |
We know how much our WoW members love Group Fitness classes, and we hope we get a lot more devoted fans with the guidance of our new WoW Marlboro Group Training Manager, Lisa Junge! Lisa has proudly been with WoW since 2004 and currently instructs at WoW Freehold. If you’re a fan of Lisa’s classes at Freehold, we hope you come out to see her at the new club!
Becoming JERSEY STRONG® has definitely been a journey that continues every day for Lisa, originally from the small town Otego, in upstate New York. In a state where ‘only the strong survive’ it’s no surprise that Lisa and her husband decided to settle in New Jersey and raise their family he
 “For me, JERSEY STRONG® means making a new life here in NJ. After living in three different states, my husband and I settled in NJ and started raising our family. With no family or roots here, things haven’t always been easy, but we have persevered and continue to grow and love this state. It’s pretty neat to be raising two boys that are all ‘Jersey’, even though we aren’t from here! Sometimes they show us the way.”
Lisa doesn’t only show her strength by adapting to a ‘Jersey’ mindset, she’s helping members get stronger everyday instructing Group Core, Group Power, Group Centergy and Pilates. If you’re looking to begin Group Classes, Group Power may be a good place to start. With a love for all Group classes offered at WoW, Lisa may be just a tad bias to this class and the adrenaline rush from Power!
When Lisa is not at WoW working on her Core in class, you can find her at the baseball field rooting on her favorite athletes, her two sons. Although not a New Jersey native, we’re sure she shares her love of mob movies with many born and raised residents! And fitness isn’t her only hobby, this Civil War buff can be found reading about the Battle of Antietam in her spare time.
We know WoW Marlboro will be in great hands with Lisa as she looks forward to meeting and welcoming new members to their new club! With something to offer for everyone, Lisa is excited to show new members what the WoW family and being JERSEY STRONG® is all about!
Whether Color Me Rad Jersey Shore is your first 5k or you already have a collection of bib numbers, rest assured there is nothing to stress about! For starters, Color Me Rad is definitely a great first 5k since it is focused on the most important goal, having fun! We suggest not worrying about time and instead just embracing the accomplishment of crossing the finish line! If you do have some pre-race jitters, we’re here to set your mind at ease.
No matter if your race wave begins at 9 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. it always helps to plan ahead. Gather your race necessities the night before, what you will wear, (maybe even a costume!) your bib number, and plan what route you will take to the race destination. Still deciding what to wear? Race day is not the day to test out your newest gear. Stick to what you have trained in for the most comfortable experience.
 Photo Credit: Color Me Rad Plan to get to the event location early! Think of all the other runners just as excited to get to the start line, now think of them all arriving at once. Arrive early, get acclimated to the weather conditions, and find an available restroom for when those pre-race nerves kick in.
If you’re looking forward to a running lifestyle because you’ve heard of the necessary carb loading, we’re sorry to say you won’t need to fuel up with an intense amount of carbs prior to a 5k. The morning of the race, you should again stick to what you usually eat and what your body is used to. A bowl of cereal, oatmeal, or eggs will give you enough fuel to keep you going for the morning. If you do plan to arrive early, you may want to consider the time in between your breakfast and your arrival at PNC. If you know you’ll be hanging out for a few hours a granola or power bar could give you some extra energy.
After all this preparation, ultimately remember to enjoy the race! It doesn’t matter if your walking, running, or fartleking your way to the finish line, a JERSEY STRONG finish always calls for celebration! Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment, once those happy endorphins set in you can start planning your next event!
Click here to read this article’s source.
WoW Marlboro may be a new location but members will definitely see some familiar faces! We are excited to announce that PTM Kristian Elvina of WoW East Brunswick will now be WoW Marlboro’s PTM! If you’re new to the WoW family, we want to welcome you to Marlboro and tell you a little bit about this friendly face you’ll often encounter.
Kristian joined the WoW family in February 2010 as a part of WoW Menlo Park Mall and he has been keeping members JERSEY STRONG® ever since. He continued his journey with WoW to the North Brunswick club as has since made his way to his current position as the PTM of WoW East Brunswick.
 For Kristian, WoW is a family affair, as some of you may recognize his brother Bryan. With high sibling rivalry between them, these brothers keep their expertise to their separate departments! Working closely with about 50 clients since starting with WoW, Kristian remembers them fondly, like Kim M. who lost over 100 pounds or Frank D. who he has been training since his time beginning at Menlo Park Mall.
Besides a passion for training, Kristian brags that his dance moves are definitely not a hidden talent. What you might not know about him? Kristian enjoys romantic comedies; Hitch and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days are two of his favorites so when you spot this trainer you’ll know he really does have a soft side! Where would you spot him if he wasn’t training New Jersey’s strongest members? With a love for dinosaurs, Kristian admits he might’ve been pursuing a career in Paleontology.
So what does JERSEY STRONG® mean to Kristian? For him it goes beyond strength training and is much more a state of mind:
“There’s something different when you are from Jersey… it’s the hard-working, ‘go get em’, never back down attitude that Jersey is all about. It’s this type of attitude that I try to instill into each one of my trainers and in turn each one of our members. The people who step foot through our doors are already Jersey Strong… they just don’t know it yet. We all have our insecurities, but we all have that ‘Jersey’ in each one of us. It’s my job to help the people I encounter find that drive and work towards their goals one step at a time. Jersey Strong- ‘it ain’t about how hard you hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much can you take and keep moving forward.’ Every day we keep on moving forward.”
Keep a look out for our grand opening of WoW Marlboro to find not only a new location, but dedicated staff to help you get into the best shape of your life! For WoW employees, it’s all about showing our members just how JERSEY STRONG® they already are. What does JERSEY STRONG® mean to you? Tell us in the comments below!
The weather is getting warmer by the weekend and WoW is ready to get as much time in the sun as we can! Despite a slight chill remaining in the air, don’t disregard the sunscreen just yet. Avoid your first burn of the season and see which beaches you can start taking advantage of ASAP!
Summer hasn’t hit us yet, but some of these spring days sure remind us that it’s on the way. If you haven’t fully prepared for summer yet you may not have a fresh stock of your favorite sunscreen. Before you squeeze out the end of last year’s bottle, make sure to check its expiration date. Most sunscreens only have a shelf life of one year and should be thrown out and the end of each season.
 photo credit: Tales of the New Jersey Shore Think you’ll get a good base tan if you get a nice red burn first? While your burn may fade to the sun kissed look your seeking, remember that every burn increases your risk of skin cancer and ages the skin. If you’re donning your favorite hat to keep the sun off your face, while we appreciate your effort think about the rays that reflect of the sand and water. These harmful UV rays still make their way to your face, making it important to still have a sunscreen on your face. With so many day lotions and makeup with sunscreen already built in, we don’t buy your excuse that you forget!
Now that your ready to face the sun fully protected, don’t worry, our favorite Jersey Shore beaches are ready for us! Click here to find your favorite beach spot and its opening date from NJ 101.5, many ready for visitors by Memorial Day weekend and some even before!
When you need a break from the sun, we have your back! Visit your favorite WoW club to stay in shape all summer long! Our personal trainers are ready to help you with personalized training and goals to help you look YOUR best!
View original article source.
The next story we want to share is definitely one meant to inspire, whether it causes you to amp up your next workout or just give a kind smile to the exerciser next you. Don’t miss one girl’s incredible journey, that has only just begun, and how she used exercise as her outlet to get her through some of life’s toughest moments.
When a member of the WoW family, Lurene G. went to see 18-year old Kyllian speak about running to overcome life challenges at a local library, she was truly inspired by this young member she recognized from her WoW club. What challenges could an 18 year old have to overcome? More than most people do in a lifetime. To Lurene’s surprise, Kyllian spoke of how running has helped her overcome abuse, growing up with an alcoholic father diagnosed with cancer (who eventually lost his battle), and the everyday stress of a teenager.
Not one to talk about personal issues, Kyllian opted to work through all of her stressed by often running the 8 miles to and from school. On top of her daily runs, Kylian was also a student athlete playing field hockey, and running winter and spring track.
 In 2012, Kyllian set a goal to run 2012 miles and accomplished it! Surprisingly, none of her time spent on a treadmill was counted towards that goal. Kyllian graduated from Middletown High School South in 2012, and while currently pursuing college locally, she has committed herself to a goal of 2013 miles this year.
Kyllian has already planned where she will run her 2013th mile: through the halls of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN later this year. Not only a runner, Kyllian is a St. Jude’s Hero and is running for three young boys battling cancer during the St. Jude Country Music Marathon this weekend April, 27th in Nashville, to contribute 26.2 miles to her goal.
What else is Kyllian up to? She has written a book detailing her journey thus far, and has planned a 3-week trip to Uganda this June with the “Change a Life” organization to bring medicines to families as well as educate them on nutrition.
Kyllian’s story is one to bring inspiration and motivation. Kyllian find strength in her worst days, and knows that she can always move forward. In face, her life mantra is “to always keep moving forward!” Why you ask? “Because its too difficult to run backwards!” We are proud to have Kyllian part of our WoW family!
Kyllian is certainly KEEPING JERSEY STRONG® and we hope to follow her along her journey as she demonstrates how fitness is not just about numbers on a scale, it is a way of life that can motivate you through any of life’s circumstances!
Learn more about Kyllian’s story or donate to her cause here: http://heroes.stjude.org/kyllian. What inspires you to get up and get a workout in? Let us know in the comments below!
Posted in Exercise, Health, Jersey Strong, Jersey's Best, What Jersey Strong Means to Me
|
Tagged exercise, fitness, Jersey Strong, marathon, NJ gym, NJ health club, running
|
 JakeaBob’s Bay – Union Beach, NJ As part of our series, What Jersey Strong Means to Me, we are shedding light on a shore favorite that continues to show their strength after Sandy. When an entire business was lost to the wrath of Hurricane Sandy, an owner looked, not at tragedy but instead selflessly assisted her local community. The manager of this restaurant reached out to WoW to share her story.
“My name is Merissa Quigley and I am the Manager of JakeaBob’s Bay in Union Beach, New Jersey. I have been employed at JakeaBob’s Bay for 10 years. Owner, Gigi Liaguno Dorr has been in business for 15 years and an inspiration to all both pre and post Sandy. She has always put others first. Gigi is not only a business owner, but also a volunteer and community icon for all of her relief efforts. Her efforts to help the community after Sandy despite losing her waterfront restaurant have been endless.
Gigi started a Food Pantry at the Borough Hall, Friday right after Sandy destroyed the one square mile town of Union Beach. Hundreds of donations came in daily and together, along with many of volunteers, she spent hours distributing goods to those in need. One of the key moments was distributing food and water in the OEM bus to individuals in town who were in their homes and in need of supplies. We would take the bus to the “red zone”, the area that was blocked by the National Guard and had limited access, daily to make sure everyone had what was needed. Months after Sandy, as some families were able to return to their homes to rebuild, the Food Pantry turned into a Rebuilding Center where hundreds of donations of building materials, appliances and furniture came in and were distributed to those who were in need. Gigi has been working side by side since Day 1 with Pastor Carl Williamson of Gateway Church of Christ, Holmdel.
Gigi is Jersey Strong; she never backed down. After Sandy, many people asked her, “Will you rebuild?” and her response with no hesitation, “Yes”. Unsure of how or when, she wasn’t going to let Sandy bring down her success and spirits. JakeaBob’s to some was a place to enjoy a meal, the view or even a night out, but to many it was a second home, a place for comfort, friends, great food and a good time. The view of the New York City skyline was breathtaking. When Sandy took that all away in a few short hours it was like a piece of everyone was missing. All that stood that morning were 3 “walls” filled with debris and pilings of the deck. Blocks away were pieces of the deck, the Tiki Bar, menus and much more. We had prepared for Sandy but never knew the outcome we saw was what she had in store for us. JakeaBob’s Bay was a huge piece of Gigi and Union Beach. ”
- Merissa Quigley
 JakeaBob’s Bay – Union Beach, NJ With ties to the WoW family, we are happy to support JakeaBob’s as Rebuild Our Shore continues a public poll on Facebook gaining entries to be considered for help as they rebuild after Sandy. We thank Merissa for sharing this story and we encourage readers to vote for JakeaBob’s on Facebook in hopes to receive assistance from Rebuild Our Shore!
What does JERSEY STRONG mean to you? Whether it’s getting fit and living a healthy lifestyle or supporting your community we believe there’s a little JERSEY STRONG in all of us. Share your story in the comments below!
It’s true, abs are made in the kitchen, and at Work Out World we have a key ingredient to help you achieve that goal. Greek Yogurt. We’re sure you’ve heard the great benefits of incorporating Greek yogurt into your diet, but do you really know what these benefits are? Or why Greek yogurt is apparently much more preferred than the yogurt you’ve been eating for years? We’re ready to break it down for you as well as give you some more ideas on how you can get this super food into your diet.
Ever since Jamie Lee Curtis started the Activia commercials, we’ve been aware of the healthy probiotic effects of yogurt. With a thicker, creamier consistency, does Greek yogurt still have these same benefits or is it better because of the indulgent taste?
 Photo source: Pinterest.com Yes! And we have better news. Greek yogurt is less processed giving these probiotic cultures a higher concentration so you get more healthy goodness in your body!
Looking for an indulgent snack? Before you head for the cookies or ice cream container, try reaching for that Greek yogurt still taking up space in your fridge. We know, it’s not exactly the same, but we believe this healthy habit has too many benefits to pass up. Who could really deny the indulgent thick, creamy goodness of Greek yogurt with your favorite fruit? Add some granola for that extra crunch and you have one sweet treat.
Are you a victim of the frozen yogurt craze? Pop a container of Greek yogurt in the freezer, and next time you want to run out to a self serve fro-yo shop, you can relax knowing you already have some ready.
Now, buyers beware! While Greek yogurt is packed with protein, some tiny containers can also be filled with syrupy fruit that can be high in sugar. Notice the nutrition facts when choosing a favorite to purchase and you won’t be cancelling your healthy choice with over sweetened fruit.
Greek yogurt can also be used as a substitute in several recipes making your muffins, pancakes, dips, and even mashed potatoes a little more guilt-free! Chobani provides a conversion chart so you can easily substitute Greek yogurt for oil, butter, mayonnaise, cream cheese, and even sour cream.
Want to make abs in the kitchen and at the gym? Our personal trainers can give you the health and fitness tips you are looking for to help you stay on track once you leave the gym! Visit your nearest Work Out World today for a personal training consultation!
Source: http://chobani.com/products/faq/
The Jersey Strong Foundation® contributed to the efforts of Shore 2 Recover, a local Point Pleasant Beach non-profit organization, as they continue to assist over 350 families affected by Hurricane Sandy and remain dedicated to restoring local communities.
The Jersey Strong Foundation® donated several appliances with an estimated value of $10,000 to contribute to Shore 2 Recover’s rebuilding efforts. With several requests made to Shore 2 Recover, the Jersey Strong Foundation took this opportunity to provide necessary appliances for multiple families.
 Shore 2 Recover has completed 18 jobs since the beginning of their Rebuild Phase. Some of those homes will be receiving appliances from the Jersey Strong Foundation, which include refrigerators, dishwashers, stovetop ovens, and washers and dryers.
“Without…the Jersey Strong Foundation, there is no way all these requests would have been filled as completely and as quickly,” said Shore 2 Recover co-founder Jamie Pawlowski.
Shore 2 Recover has been providing aid to those in need in local shore communities since Hurricane Sandy by recruiting volunteers to contribute their time painting houses, shoveling sand, insulation and salvage, drywall and subflooring, beach clean ups, as well as organizing fundraisers for residents and schools in need of assistance. Because of their efforts, Founder/CEO Toni Pecunia was one of the recipients of the 2013 Young Altruistic Professionals Awards from the United Way of Ocean County.
Want to join the Jersey Strong Foundation in their efforts to restore our local shore communities? Register for the Color Me Rad Jersey Shore 5k for a day of bright color radness while helping local communities! Proceeds benefit the Jersey Strong Foundation as they continue to assist those still in need after Hurricane Sandy.
Shore 2 Recover, Inc. is a non-profit organization located in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ formed in December 2012 as a response to the devastation and suffering brought along the shore by Super Storm Sandy. Their focus is to assist in the rebuilding efforts and to secure stabilization for local families and businesses impacted by the storm from Point Pleasant Beach to Seaside Park.
About the Jersey Strong Foundation®:
Founded by the Roma Family, the Jersey Strong Foundation® is a 501c3 public charity with a mission that connects WoW! Work Out World to people and communities throughout New Jersey. The Jersey Strong Foundation® improves the health and lives of people by helping to rebuild, restore and maintain the Jersey Shore. The Jersey Strong Foundation® raises money through fundraising events, JERSEY STRONG® merchandise sales, and donations.
While the sun shines a little longer now, and temperatures increase each day, there’s still one part of spring we dread about this yearly change, allergy season. Yes, the itchy, sneezy, watery eyes season is creeping up ready to make us feel like we’re getting the last strand of the flu left, when really it’s the very wonderful weather we’ve been waiting for working against us. Prepare to suffer less this allergy season with some tips to carry you through any workout and reach summer stronger than ever.
Get ahead of the game and find local honey to start incorporating into your diet. This homeopathic approach will help alleviate allergy symptoms, as the pollen ingested from the honey will assist your immune system from reacting unpleasantly to pollen in the air. Your diet is also a participating factor in your allergic reactions this season. Make sure to nourish your body with whole fresh foods and nutrients to be better prepared to handle the inflammation from an allergic response. A healthy diet will also help support your immune system rather than letting allergy effects take all your energy.
 If you haven’t tried it yet, the Neti pot may soon become your best friend during allergy season. Follow the directions, and the Neti pot will help you remove the seasonal pollen and allergens making you feel like your head is stuffed and floating above your body. Use regularly to constantly rinse the nasal cavity and rid yourself of any irritants before experiencing painful allergy effects.
While the Neti pot rinses away allergens with a saline solution, you may not always find the time or convenience of carrying it around. For instantaneous relief, make use of a simple saline spray for quick relief of an irritated nose.
You may want to immediately skip out on your workout when feeling under the weather, but rest assured this time of year it is more likely that you are suffering from allergies rather than coming down with a cold. Don’t risk skipping out on a valuable gym session by following these helpful tips to avoid allergy symptoms. If you need that extra push, feel free to tell your personal trainer to use a little tough love next time you call to skip out!
How do you prepare or battle with seasonal allergies? Let us know in the comments below!
Find more tips and the full article from Mind Body Green.
The numbers are in! We are proud to announce the reigning champ of Lose It and Build It, our latest weight loss competition, Grace S. of WoW Ocean. After weeks of dedicated training with the help of her personal trainer, Wafa B., Grace will receive a grand prize of $1,900.
Besides bragging rights, Grace did not just lose it for herself, but she also ‘lost it’ for a chance to give back to her community! Fitting in to the Lose It and Build It contest theme, Grace’s win also means a matching $1,900 donation made on her behalf by the Jersey Strong Foundation to the Hurricane Sandy relief organization of her choice.
 pictured above: (from left) Doug H. Regional Director of Personal Training, Tony F. WoW Ocean PTM, Erica Liguori NJ Hometown Heroes Case Manager, Grace S. our Lose It and Build It Grand Prize Winner, Wafa B. her Personal Trainer Amidst the excitement of her victory, Grace has chosen NJ Hometown Heroes to share in the spotlight and receive a $1,900 donation from the Jersey Strong Foundation. The donation made on Grace’s behalf will continue NJ Hometown Heroes’ Restore the Shore efforts as they assist families recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.
NJ Hometown Heroes is an incorporated organization founded in 2008 to provide assistance to the local community in times of crisis. With an all-volunteer Board of Trustees, Hometown Heroes is funded by donations from the general public as well as fundraising efforts. After Hurricane Sandy, NJ Hometown Heroes was chosen to lead the Restore the Shore relief campaign and have since raised thousands of dollars to help NJ residents rebuild, whether assistance has been to help pay bills, replace furniture or secure deposits for new homes.
Grace was up against a tough competition of determined exercisers. Strong efforts made these members first runners up winning 3 months free:
- Klint S. – WoW Tinton Falls
- Kim. M. – WoW East Brunswick
- Lydia J. – WoW North Brunswick
- Mary O. – WoW Middletown
- Helen T. – WoW Robbinsville
- Mallory K. – WoW Wall
Join in on the excitement! Shed It for the Shore is only two days into competition with time left to enroll. If you’ve tried to lose weight in the past but failed, don’t miss this opportunity to shed pounds with a personal trainer as well as give back to a Hurricane Sandy relief organization of your choice. Get ready for summer with a solution you can trust and get your info kit today http://www.workoutworld.com/shedit.
|
|
|
