The Silhouette Gym Chick

ITS 2011!!!!!

2011-01-12T14:07:00.002-05:00

WHOA so many snow storms..... Atleast for this second one bloomberg cleaned up fast. We have a bunch of changes for the New Year! New classes poping up EVERYWHERE new promotions poping up EVERYWHERE!!!

Hey Ladies

2010-10-07T14:22:00.002-04:00

Its been a while since my last post on here so for that i would like to sincerely apologize, But we got bigger things to talk about right now! Starting off we have a brand new trainer his name is Antonio you may know him from classes like Zumba, Zumba Strength and the Absolute Obsession class. Seeing the rising popularity of this young man we decided to bring him on board as a full trainer and health consultant here. What does this mean? You can personally ask Antonio questions through our Facebook wall posts and etc. Next thing i would like to advise you ladies to ask what ever questions you like through our Facebook page once again anything that has to do with Health,Fitness,Nutrition and even Beauty will be answered! DON'T BE SHY! Also MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY NIGHTS THE JUICE BAR IS $1 OFF TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS LADIES! Thanks for reading ladies.

Sincerely, AO

Dont let them fool you ladies!!

2010-06-22T14:06:00.002-04:00

Health is becoming more and more of a factor in people’s lives now a day with people getting heavier everyday there’s been more demand for easy nutritional diet plans and places to exercise we call "gyms" throwing dust over the eyes of a lot of people who are unfamiliar with the industry! But we here at Silhouette we aim to fix that we are not a gym we are a full scale health club, with the proper measures taken to make sure the place is clean as a whistle everyday to make sure none of you ladies get sick, we make our own protein shakes right in front of your eyes so you can make sure your shakes are being made with all natural ingredients none of that shipped from somewhere in a box stuff! Vegetable and fruit juices are made right in front of you with all natural fruits and vegetables and drank seconds after its juiced when it is at its peak of nutritional value! Our trainers are all certified and have the experience to teach you more then you would have ever known about fitness in an hour! Our classes are all small group settings so beginners and advanced participants alike can come in with the confidence to take any class and have a great time with specifically certified instructors! Fiber optic sauna and steam room is available when ever you need it and cleaned after every use, and if you really want to lay back we have any number of different masseuses on call!

2010-05-21T15:39:00.003-04:00

EMPOWER YOURSELF!

So I've been doing some reading lately and discovered that right here in our bayridge neighborhood their are women who have been battered, abused, mugged and even molested. Now as a women's health club we here at Silhouette are outraged by this. Unfortunately we simply live in a society that teaches women to be coy and submissive. Woman are taught that fighting is not the answer and that at best we should yell for help when apprehended. Well as a company we do not agree with this idea at all, and as a woman myself I REALLY do not agree. We are strong, resilient and powerful! For one we were given the gift and strength to create human life but even more amazing to give birth to that life. We bond our families together and multi task work, home,kids and even beauty at the sametime. We help the kids with homework, cook dinner, run the laundry, iron the clothes, bring home the bacon, and look damn good while doing it. Yet your telling me at our best we can only scream for help when all of that is at stake?

I DON'T THINK SO! So in order to prove just how strong we women really are Silhouette will be holding a 10 week self defense course taught by Elba Melendez. Elba is a trainer here at our club most of you know her as "cookie" but more than that she is an 8th degree black belt and a nationally acredited Kickboxer. She has been kind enough to offer us her services for a minimal cost and this will be open to the public as well. So bring your family and friends because every woman you know should be a part of this. Each self defense class will be $25.00 and the course will be 10 classes long. You will learn everything from how to avoid a confrontation to how to react once in a confrontation, and how to defend yourself when being attacked. Please take these courses if you can, it can potentially save your life! Just comment to let us know you'd like to sign up so we can get everything into motion and start empowering ourselves today!

SILHOUETTE FACEBOOK IS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT!!!

2010-05-14T18:38:00.003-04:00

Hi most of you know me as Adem Olgun the front desk and sales person at Silhouette I'm going to be taking over the postings and news feed for the Silhouette face book. I have some new ideas for our face book first off being a male IDK exactly what women want to know or what exactly you ladies may be looking for BUT I do have at my disposal TOP OF THE LINE LEVEL FOUR TRAINERS and KICK ASS INSTRUCTORS to help me answer any fitness, health or what the hay beauty questions or Tips your looking for. Post on our wall or message us for any private questions you would like to ask. THANK YOU!

TOP 5 SELF DEFENSE MOVES

2010-05-13T08:44:00.003-04:00

Ever walk down the street and feel someone watching you? Ever feel the little hairs on the back of your neck stand up when you’re alone? Would you know what to do if someone attacked you by surprise? Well we’re here to make sure you do.

Having some knowledge and preparation when it comes to protecting yourself will allow you to not only be safer, but also feel more confident when approached by a questionable stranger. This preparation may help you avoid a violent or invasive situation.

Preparing to protect you might involve taking a self defense class to learn a few solid moves or techniques. Here is a list of five important self defense strategies that every women should know (and practice) in order to keep themselves safer in the face of danger.

1. Above all, stay calm. While this is far easier said than done, it is by far the single most important factor in increasing your personal safety. Keeping your cool allows you to assess the situation, think about your reactions, and make a plan for your escape. Adrenaline starts to flow extremely quickly when we are threatened, and the shallow breathing and rapid heart rate can interfere with your rational thinking. Take some deep breaths, concentrate on remembering your self defense training, and plan your implementation.

2. If you are approached by someone demanding your wallet or your purse, the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to throw it as far away as you possibly can. If the assailant truly wants your money, they will go get it, allowing you to run away in a different direction.

3. Having a tool handy (such as your keys, umbrella, pen, etc.) and firmly gripped in your hand gives you an instant weapon. Do not hesitate to use this 'weapon' if someone attempts to grab you. Vulnerable places to strike include the face and neck areas. Quick movements will surprise your attacker, and surprise is truly your best weapon in a situation where someone is planning to overpower you.

4. When trying to avoid being grabbed or hit, moving in a triangular pattern (as opposed to moving in straight lines) makes your course unpredictable to someone reaching for you. Also, resisting the urge to back up-and instead lunging toward the attack-can throw off your assailant. Again, the element of surprise is in your favor in this situation. If you are running away from an attack, moving in a zig-zag manner will make it harder to get caught. This advice is also true for more dangerous situations (such as those involving a gun), as it is harder to hit a moving target than a still one or one moving in a straight line.

5. Some self defense courses will teach you to stomp on your attacker's foot or elbow him in the ribs in the event that you are grabbed from behind. In fact, the most effective move you can make is to forcefully use the back of your own head to smash into your attacker's face. Your skull is very hard, and will cause some serious pain if you can connect with his face. Often, this will be enough to have the grip released, allowing you to escape.

These are just a few hints that you should consider rehearsing in your mind as you review self defense strategies that will help keep you safe. The best way to stay safe is to avoid potentially dangerous situations completely, but, in case you ever do find yourself threatened, it's important to know how to protect yourself.

The Silhouette Video

2010-03-17T17:10:00.015-04:00

In many ways Silhouette is one of Bay Ridge Brooklyn's best kept secrets. We don't have any commercials on TV or the radio, no ads on the side of buses or in subway cars. We rely a lot on our buzz. Well, we have been expanding our presence a bit online.

We had a video made about Silhouette! Watch it and let us know what you think. Comment here, on facebook, twitter, or just tell us next time you're here. Email this blog to your friends if you feel like showing us off...

Become a Silhouette V.I.P.

2010-03-11T09:58:00.017-05:00

Silhouette is starting up a new incentive program called V.I.P. Member awards. This is for the Silhouette member who likes to be in the loop and know about sales and offers ahead of the curve. It is for social networkers who like to share the benefits with their friends!

When you sign up you will automatically receive 10% off the juice and smoothie bar. Then you will receive an email detailing some the extra rewards that could be eligible for.

Incentives are earned as a $100 Gift Certificate that can be applied to:

Complimentary Personal Training

Gift certificates

Complimentary month up front off your membership

Complimentary T-shirt

Complimentary message

You can sign up on the board at the club or ask the staff if you have any questions.

You can also enter your email address in the box in the left column. If you are already on the newsletter mailing list you will get an email asking you to update your preferences. Make sure to check the box that says, "V.I.P. Member." You can also use this form to sign up for the newsletter if you are not already signed up for it.

Presenting The Group Training Series

2010-02-01T10:10:00.020-05:00

It is no secret that having a Personal Trainer gives you a big advantage toward achieving your fitness goals. You have some one in your corner who has the professional expertise to know what works and what does not. Some one who can design a program to suit your specific goals, who will be watching and measuring your progress and most importantly, keep you accountable. By making the commitment to personal training you are proving you are serious about achieving higher levels of fitness.

Still, for some people personal training presents a financial barrier, particularly in these tough economic times. Others feel uncomfortable at the idea of working one on one with a trainer if they have never done so before. In response to this Silhouette Fitness is proud to present the new “Group Training Series.”

Here is some information about group training:

The Group Training Series

The purpose of this program is to introduce our group clients to the world of real weight and functional training with minimal expense. Your program will include the following:

One Group body assessment including a body fat analysis and circumference measurements at the beginning of the training. It’s the perfect way to view your explosive results.

One Group Movement Profile which is a complete testing of your body to indicate any imbalances or injuries. The perfect starting point for a successful plan.

Intense group training with a variety of trainers with various backgrounds and diverse styles of training right at your fingertips to be exciting, diverse and fun.

A constant change of exercise that allows your body to change faster and become more efficient.

Small group workouts will focus on:

Weight loss - decrease body fat
Strength training- Promote lean muscle
Conditioning- Maximize fat burning
Flexibility- stimulate soft tissue quality
Nutrition- Increase weight loss results
Core strength- Increase abdominal strength
Accountability- Working with others to encourage and motivate you
Reduce injuries- focus on corrective exercises and total body training

As soon as we get enough people signed up for the first few sessions we will begin scheduling sessions at regular intervals through out the week. The first tentative time slots will be Wednesdays 7-8pm and Saturdays 12-1pm. Master Trainer, Yvonne Hernandez, author of Pocket Hercules, will be the first trainer to take this new project on. As the series grows we will be adding time slots and trainers. Please talk to us at the front desk (718-748-7700) if you have any questions, want to sign-up and get package options.

Silhouette's Guide to New Year Resolutions

2010-01-02T15:22:00.029-05:00

Here we are again. At the very beginning of a new year. A clean slate, it is a time to start fresh. This gets many of us thinking about making resolutions. We ask ourselves, how can we be better this year than we have been in previous years? We are reminded of those nagging things we want to improve about our physique or lifestyle. Yet, by the end of January many of these good intentions will fall to the wayside for another year.

At the health club this is a relevant problem. Here at Silhouette we don't want to just sign you up for a membership in January and then see you fall into the 30 day trap. When we tell you we are here every step of the way, we mean it! We want to help our members make the lifestyle changes they need and truly "feel their best from the inside out!"

So what separates a New Year's good intention from an effective resolution? The definition of a resolution is to act with resolve and determination. It can not be an empty wish it must be a firm desire. From there you must take action and turn your new desire into an everyday behavior.

Here are steps for making your attack plan.

1. Decide What is Important
Let's face it, your time is limited so first you need to identify which goals are most important and why so you can prioritize. For this exercise let's use an example that is applicable to the gym -

Resolution: To Lose Weight.

This is a common well intentioned resolution that is notoriously hard to stick to. The problem is very general and not something that is easily changed. However, it is possible to accomplish if you break it down and are determined to tackle it one step at a time.

The first thing to ask yourself is, why is this goal important to you? This will give help strengthen your resolve, figure out how much work you need to do, and make you conscious of what benefits you will receive.

For Example:

My doctor told me I need to lose weight

I want to feel better in my clothes

I want to look good for my upcoming reunion

I want to turn on my spouse

I want to be around for a long time with my children

I want more energy

I want walking upstairs and doing errands to feel easier

I want to decrease my risks for heart disease and diabetes

The key is you want to make them as specific to yourself and your situation as possible. Dig deep to find the triggers that will really motivate you so that you can think about them when you are tempted to give up.

2. Make it Concrete
The next extremely important step is to make sure you WRITE IT DOWN! The simple act of writing down your goal will make you more likely to achieve it. The sheer act of writing the goal down will make it more concrete in your mind.

There is a famous study by Dr. Edward Banfield of Harvard University that showed that the ability to set clear goals was the biggest indicator for later successes.

In 1979, the MBA graduates were asked, “Have you set clear, written goals for your future and made plans to accomplish them?” Only 3 percent had clear written goals and action plans to achieve them. Thirteen percent of the graduates had goals, but they were not in writing. The other 84 percent had no specific goals at all. In 1989, a decade later, the researchers again interviewed the students of that class. Surprisingly, they discovered that the 13 percent, who had goals that were not in writing, were earning on average twice as much as the 84 percent who had no goals at all. The truly amazing finding was that the 3 percent of students, who had written, clear goals when they left Harvard, were earning over ten times as much, on average, as the other 97 percent together.

When writing your goal down try to make it as S.M.A.R.T. as possible.
That is:
S - Specific - knowing exactly what you are trying to achieve
M - Measurable - there is a way to clearly measure your success
A - Attainable - You want an achievable goal, don't set yourself up for failure
R- Realistic - you have the time necessary and the ability to do the work required
T - Time Bound - you set a deadline for achieving it

It may require a bit of research to formulate the exact goal so remember those triggers and why it is worth doing. Now your goal to lose weight will look more like:

Goal: I will improve my Body Mass Index (ratio of height to weight) so that it is in the healthy range which will require losing at least 20 lb.s. If I lose the recommended 1 lb. per week this will be done by my 20 year high school reunion in June 21, 2010.

Note: that for a goal like weight loss it is important to use those initial time goals to get you started. However, to maintain a healthy weight the real goal will be a daily change in behavior that will lead to a long term healthy lifestyle. This is the only way to truly keep it off. The same goes for any other behavior like being more organized or making more money.

3. Make a plan
This may also require thought in order to plan out how this goal can be achieved in a way that is healthy and will fit into your daily life.

In the example of weight loss consider hiring a personal trainer. A trainer can consult with you on your diet and give you an exercise plan that will fit your personal goals. They will also help measure and monitor your progress. This will save you a lot of time trying to research what you need to do as well as prevent you from making some common mistakes.

At Silhouette we have trainers available to work with you around the clock. Also, for current tips from health resources check this blog, facebook, and twitter. One of our master trainers, Yvonne Hernandez, has started posting a blog with fitness and nutrition tips called, Pocket Hercules.

4. Make Yourself Accountable
One effective tip to forcing yourself to follow through on something is to tell other people about it. It helps to tell people who you know will understanding and supportive of your goals. If it is some one you trust you can ask them to check in with you to make sure that you are working on.

You can also make your goals public. Please feel free to add your goals on our comment board. The Silhouette staff will pay attention to give you friendly reminders if you need a little extra help with your health and fitness goals.

5. Do Something Everyday
Real change takes small changes everyday. Try to keep your goals conscious in your mind and take steps toward them everyday. One idea is to post your goals around your house or at your desk so you will see them and get little visual reminders. If you have a day where you can't make it into the gym try doing some crunches or yoga in your house. You want to keep your momentum going on your goals as much as possible until they become second nature.

6. Don't Beat Yourself Up
One reason why people give up on goals is because they are too hard on themselves if they don't see results right away. Also, they may lose momentum and just give up rather than start over. Rather than let that happen cut yourself some slack and be forgiving of your mistakes. It will be better in the long run to keep going after slip ups or long pauses than to give up entirely. Give yourself a break if you need one and remember those motivating triggers to get you going again.

The goals you write for yourself are not set in stone. It is a good idea to go back and reevaluate them when necessary. Once you have passed your deadlines you will want to create new goals in order to continue the process until it is second nature. If you find your progress surpasses what you initially thought it would make your goals more challenging. You want them to make you work a little above your comfort zone so that they are not too easy. This is how you improve. Of course if you make them too hard for yourself you may also want to adjust your expectations accordingly. The important thing is that you are very clear on what your goals are and how you are going to attack them. This will go a long way toward make resolutions a reality.

Here are some more resources on New Year's resolutions and goals:

ABC News: New Year's Resolutions That Survive the Test of Time
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/years-resolutions-survive-test-time/story?id=9404149&page=1

CBS News: How to Stick to New Year's Resolutions
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/12/28/earlyshow/main6029388.shtml

Realistic Resolutions From Dr. Oz
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/29/realistic-resolutions-from-dr-oz/

Los Angeles Times - Choosing Your Diet: A New Year’s Resolution Primer
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2009/12/new-year-resolution-diet-weight-loss-atkins-south-beach.html

eHow: How to Make a New Year's Resolution and Keep It
http://www.ehow.com/how_2140809_new_years_resolution.html

Goal Setting Guide
http://www.goal-setting-guide.com/

Weight-control Information Network: Weight Loss for Life
http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/for_life.htm

A Few Words on What We Do from the Owner

2009-12-14T14:59:00.027-05:00

Bill Barba, owner of Silhouette urban mind~body fitness has a long history in the fitness industry. He started working out in gyms when he was only 13. It became an obsession for him to find the right way to do things, which meant extensive reading and trying every exercise he could find.

"People need to know that the human body is the most complicated thing in the world," Barba explains, "People think they can just alter it without the knowledge of how it works." He believes that is the reason people fail to reach their fitness goals. They do not have the knowledge of how to do it and they don't know how to get that information. "Come into Silhouette and get an education," he implores.

Eventually Bill worked his way up from floor trainer to managing and owning local gyms here in Brooklyn. However, he was not satisfied with the culture in these gyms. He would watch the way people were treated and the way they experienced the gym. In particular he would notice women fall into what he calls, "the 30 day trap."

"They didn't have a shot. Most gyms are completely male dominated. Women need weights to stave off osteoporosis but the weight room can be very intimidating to women." He explains they would show up a few times in that first 30 days, get discouraged and then you would never see them again.

Bill felt it was really horrific the way women were being treated in gyms so he decided to create an environment that catered to them. After visiting existing female-only gyms in the area he became even more outraged. He recounts, "The women's health clubs are more prejudiced towards women than the co ed ones!" The equipment was bottom of the line, the locker rooms were dirty and they didn't offer everything needed for a complete fitness experience. Bill saw it as an act of disrespect toward women.

When developing the idea Bill went into and studied every gym he could find. In his travels he managed to see gyms around the country as well. "Gyms in L.A. are fantastic, they have everything." This guided his vision toward using equipment that was top of the line which meant shipping the Freemotion machines in from California.

Overall, the gym is catered toward to women with a great aesthetic, great equipment and great training. When asked why put a women's only health club in Bay Ridge he responds, "Gyms like this are needed everywhere. This is where I'm from so it's a blessing for me to bring it to my neighborhood."

As a final thought Bill proudly states, "Not only is this the best gym for women, it's the best gym in town period."

Breath, That Helps

2009-12-08T13:52:00.028-05:00

Lately I've been posting articles for Silhouette's Facebook page and, as you may have noticed, a theme is emerging for the time of year. I try to choose articles that appeal to me because I figure they will also appeal to our members. Then as I look back over them I see a clear message that I have been sending to myself. "It's the holiday season and you are stressed!"

Here are the most useful articles I've found for identifying what's going on inside us between Thanksgiving and New Years and how to deal with it. Rather than let Holiday stress and eating ruin your work at the health club all year, use your work outs to moderate the stress.

I know from past experience that this is my "gaining" time of year, which is to be expected. I also know I'll be working it off again in the spring.

Still, you can't get carried away. It turns out as we get older there is still one net pound that will hang on if we let it. Over the course of a lifetime this could add up to 50-60 pounds! That is one good reason to keep chipping away at your gym goals through the holidays.

However, that is only part of the story. For me, the biggest reason to keep at it is mental. An article from WebMD put it best with their subheading "Food and Feelings: The Holiday Double Whammy." They make the argument that really it's emotional cues that make us overeat around this time of year. There are the positive and the negative. On the positive side, you want to go out with your friends, coworkers, and spend time spoiling your family. On the negative, old feelings can get stirred up with people you only see once a year. Also, there is the stress associated with holiday shopping and planning in a year when many of us are feeling pinched financially.

The Holiday Stress Survival Kit from about.com quotes Lucy Gilles-Khouri, Director of Dean/St. Mary's Healthworks at St. Mary's Hospital saying, "The holidays can play havoc with our health. In winter we tend to crave fats and sweets, but ironically, the more fat and sugar we eat, the less energy we have, and the more stressed and run down we feel." So, even though they may feel comforting going into your mouth, the effects of sugar and fat actually have the opposite effect on your body. The about.com article makes the point that Holiday stress is something that is real and should not be ignored.

The consensus on holiday stress and stress in general is first to be conscious of it and then take active steps to ease it. Women in particular feel pressure to please everyone to the extent that they feel guilty spending quality time on themselves. Recognize the things that get you stressed about and remind yourself that it is temporary and not worth ruining your health over. Make it a priority to give yourself a little time to decompress and don't make that time passive, sitting in front of the television eating macaroons. Make it something where you are actively stopping and focusing. Meditation and yoga are great for this. Of course a quick 20 minutes on the treadmill could also do the trick!

Here are some ideas from the Holiday Survival Kit:

Have a positive attitude.
Try not to worry about things out of your control.
Problem solve with people around you. Ask them to help you alleviate stress.
Exercise. A few extra minutes of exercise a day can benefit your overall health.
Eat Nutritional food. Decrease the amount of fat and sugar you eat.
Meditate, or take a class in relaxation and stretching techniques --like Tai Chi or Yoga.
Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages.
Rest. Try to get eight hours of sleep each day.
Get a massage. A massage can be beneficial for the mind and body.

Another idea from Divine Caroline's Julia Allison is to make a list of all the things that really make you happy. I really like this one because it's not about what could make you happy, it's all the specific little things that you do everyday that you enjoy.

A condensed version of my list:

Listening to NPR podcasts like This American Life while cooking dinner
The reaction of my boyfriend when he eats the dinner I made
Putting the dryer sheets in the wastebasket and being able to smell them all week like air freshener
Meeting friends to go running
Playing and singing songs with my acoustic guitar
Hearing people's stories about how exercise has changed their lives

It's actually those silly little things that I add to my routine that make them interesting to me. It may not look glamorous but it does make me feel more content just looking at it.

So back to my original point. I have been feeling a bit frustrated feeling like the work I've done with running this year is taking a back seat with all the extra things I have to do and eat. Also, I'm definitely feeling stressed thinking about Christmas shopping and figuring out how to do it within my means. That's why I think it's important to recognize that it is not my imagination. These are real stressors. Also it is O.K. to make something like running a real priority even if it happens a bit less. At least when I'm running I am limiting some of the effects of my mother's delicious cookies. Also, it's time spent breathing deep and not stressing. Really, I am doing it for the people around me because they will like dealing with me a lot better after I've been running and decompressing than when I'm wound up with shopping anxiety.

For those of you who are not gym junkies by nature, exercise will give you the same de-stressing side effects and as an added benefit you'll know that if you can make it in now it will be smooth sailing come swimsuit season!

Don't forget to take advantage of our specials if you need extra incentive. This is the only time of year we offer this many discounts.

Give the Gift of Health for the Holidays

2009-11-30T16:15:00.015-05:00

O.K., we know you're busy. You have so much shopping to do, meals to cook, parties to go to and people to entertain. The last thing you want is to try to fit one more thing into your schedule. Then again, a trip to the gym might be just what you need! It's a fact that most people gain weight over the holidays and that weight could add up obesity later in life. One study found that people gain around a pound a year that they never lose, which adds up to 50 to 60 extra pounds if you live to a ripe old age!

So here's our idea at Silhouette. Why not do some holiday multi-tasking and save yourself and your friends the extra pounds as well as extra cash? Instead of inviting them to a holiday feast set-up a gym date on us!

We have created cards that you can give as gifts to your best girlfriends (stop by the front desk to pick them up.) They will get 2 week all access passes to our gym as well as a chance at some holiday offers for trying us out.

Of course, we want to give gifts to you too as our loyal members. If your friends like what they see and decide to join we have an array of presents for you too!

Bring in One Friend Who Joins & Receive a Gift Bag With:
* 1 Complimentary Personal Training Session
* 1 Complimentary Month
* $10 Gift Certificate
* & Many Other Surprises!

Bring in Two Friends Who Join & Receive a Gift Basket With:
* 2 Complimentary Personal Training Sessions
* 2 Complimentary Months
* $25 Gift Certificate
* & Many Other Surprises!

Bring in Three Friends Who Join & Receive a Gift Basket With:
* 3 Complimentary Personal Training Sessions
* 3 Complimentary Months
* $100 Gift Certificate
* & Many Other Surprises!

But that is not all, oh no, that is not all!

Our personal trainers want to pass on the gift of good health to you too.

$100 off Any Personal Training Package of Your Choice
+ 1 Complimentary Personal Training Session

OR

Partner Up & Split a Personal Training Package!

Stop by the front desk to sign up for the package split and we'll find your partner for you.

Let the gift giving season begin!

Black Friday Sales Alert!

2009-11-23T20:40:00.010-05:00

Black Friday is approaching and we wanted to let you know about some neighboring sales here in Bay Ridge!

First, our partners in the running world Tri & Run For Your Life is having a One Day Sale for the athletes on your shopping list. Big items like Garmin and Wetsuits are on the list as well as sporting nutrition stocking stuffers. If some one got me the Chocolate Outrage GU (with real Belgian chocolate) I would love them forever and I'm sure the runner in your life would too!

Then all the girls at the gym are in a frenzy about their fave boutique's Black Friday offerings. Lola's Boutique is kicking off a season of sales with chocolate martinis and truffles! Check out their blog and stop by the store to take advantage of the savings that range from 5%-45% off!

Where Health meets Hedonism

2009-11-19T08:13:00.024-05:00

Health often comes out sounding like a dirty word. When something on a restaurant menu is labeled as a "healthy option" the taste of cardboard may come to mind. The assumption is, if it is healthy it is boring.

Cambridge Advanced Learners Dictionary defines it this way:

health
noun (/helθ/ n [U] )

the condition of the body and the degree to which it is
free from illness, or the state of being well to be in good/poor health
Regular exercise is good for your health.
I had to give up drinking for health reasons.
He gave up work because of
ill-health.

the condition of something that changes or develops, such
as an organization or system
the financial health of the
business
(Definition of health noun from the Cambridge
Advanced Learner's Dictionary)

Essentially health is strength and the freedom to move as we desire because there are no physical constraints due to illness or injury. Unfortunately, health takes on the conotation of being a buzzkill when it means having to give up things that you may enjoy like drinking. As is noted in the definition exercise is also often given the same wrap. The idea of leaving the cozy couch to run around, cause your heart to race and sweat to pour sounds like the furthest thing from enjoyable.

On the other hand we have hedonism:

hedonism
noun
/ˈhed.ən.ɪ.zəm/ n [U]
living and
behaving in ways that mean you get as much pleasure out of life as possible, according to the belief that the most important thing in life is to enjoy yourself
(Definition of hedonism noun from the Cambridge
Advanced Learner's Dictionary)

When you think of hedonism, you may get an image of some one running full force at life. Some one doing things he or she enjoys at the moment the impulse occurs. Contrary to giving up drinking you would expect a person to engage in a lot of drinking.

Perhaps it is partly these conceptions that make it so hard for some people to truly lead a happy and balanced life. Then everything that is healthy sounds like the antithesis of fun and pleasure is taking fun things to the extreme.

From the front desk of our gym I see people at different stages of physical fitness and happiness everyday. Honestly, I think the biggest thing that separates some one who is successful in their fitness goals with some one who is miserable and not getting results is a basic mental shift. If you can make a switch in your brain that working out feels good because it releases endorphins, that it's time you can clear your head, that it makes you feel alive and that you can't wait to work yourself out; it's going to have a very different impact. If you enjoy exercising it becomes pure pleasure. Also, when you are done you can enjoy a kind of relaxation that you won't appreciate if you are relaxed all the time.

Also, a fit is often someone who experiences feelings from excessive eating or drinking as being distinctly un-pleasurable. It becomes easier to stop eating when the idea of being full sounds more uncomfortable than soothing.

Drinking and eating in themselves are pleasurable things, which is why some one with a healthy attitude is not some one who is trying to restrict those things entirely. It is more about the recognizing when something pleasurable becomes excessive. It is also knowing when something that seems difficult in the beginning will make it more rewarding with a little work.

Everyone has good days and bad days at the gym. A commitment to fitness is not easy and you often have to chip away at it for years to get to that sense of physical freedom. Still, an attitude that exercising is indulging in something that is extremely pleasurable and empowering is a big ally. Along with the notion that constant consumption to the point of excess and lack of motion will lead to weakness, lethargia and lack of control. In that state of mind it is the latter that becomes dull and boring.

The thing to strive for is a state of well-being:

well-being
noun
/ˌwelˈbiː.ɪŋ/ n [U]
(also wellbeing)
the state of feeling healthy and happy
People doing yoga benefit from an increased feeling of well-being.
(Definition of well-being noun from the Cambridge
Advanced Learner's Dictionary)

Apparently this Thursday afternoon I'm feeling philosophical. Next week I'll have to take on something more practical like a description of one our classes here at Silhouette.

Introducing The New Silhouette Gym Blog

2009-11-12T15:47:00.000-05:00

Let’s face it: Bay Ridge, Brooklyn is a fabulous place to live. We have tons of restaurants, great shopping, an amazing view and a richly diverse community. The city is at our fingertips with a cozy neighborhood to call home.

This blog is written from the view from the front desk of our private women’s health club in Bay Ridge, Silhouette Urban Mind-Body Fitness. It is for the benefit of our gym members and any of our community members interested in learning more about fitness, nutrition, culture and our health club. We want to help you make the most of your experience at the club and learn how to apply it to your environment here in the heart of Brooklyn.

At the gym these opportunities come in the form of the feng shui designed workout space, a smoothie/juice bar, top notch trainers, a sauna and the attentive staff.

If you have ever been curious about:

our different trainers, their backgrounds, areas of expertise and how that can apply to your goals
how nutrition can affect you
recipes that are healthy and delicious
workout ideas to suit your goals
trends in fashion and culture worth paying attention to
events here in Bay Ridge to complement all the great work you’ve been putting in at the gym

Well, look no further. I am here to dissect all those things as I learn about them myself. I am a fitness enthusiast who likes to sift through the trends and find the things that work. So be on the look out for updates and don’t be afraid to add your two cents!

Also connect with us on twitter and facebook to get the full scoop.