Looking to change up your workout to improve results? New to fitness and not sure where to begin? Need a new challenge?…

Join our small women-only group and learn proper from, intensity and exercise selection to build lean muscle and reach your fitness goals.

Thank you to all of the Cornerstone members who chose to test their fitness by participating in the annual Doylestown 5K Race May 25th, 2013. It was a great way to support our community!…

The race begins at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and ends on State Street in the heart of the borough.

Taking It Up A Notch: Training Games (May 16, 2013)…

At the gym this morning, I was lassoed to another Cornerstone gym member by a thick Superband around my hips…feet on the ground…arms pumping…leaning forward…trying to sprint but more like inching across that ever-so-far 15 yards to the other side of the parking lot.

Grilled Caesar Salad: A twist on a delicious classic, this Grilled Caesar Salad is a perfect starter for any summer cook-out. Top it with your grilled protein and you’ve got a tasty entree! Recipe by Mary Kroszner.

Cornerstone visited member Chef Pasquale in his restaurant, Villaggio of Lahaska, to get a special healthy recipe tutorial this week. This very simple recipe is light and fresh, perfect for the summer, and so easy you’ll have dinner prepared in less than 20 minutes!

Texas Caviar: A sweet and spicy salad topper or chip dip perfect for the summer. Make a day or two ahead to save yourself time on cookout day. Great leftover, too! Recipe by Kim Starkey.

In my last blog about Midlife Fitness for Women, I talked about the ‘pooch’, a slowing metabolism, and tips on how to boost your routine. Almost all of the research on menopause and exercise shows that staying active or starting an exercise program is a great way to combat most of the typical symptoms such as…

The warm weather recently had me in the mood for something light and fresh for dinner. I’ve been meaning to make fish tacos for some time now but never found a recipe that grabbed me – until this one. Wow! Talk about quick, easy, and satisfying! From the slight kick in the fish rub to the crisp lime flavoring and cool cream sauce… this recipe combo immediately transports you to a San Diego pier.

In your late 30s, you noticed that you couldn’t always eat whatever you wanted and burn it off with a good workout. By your late 40s, you were thinking twice before you splurged on goodies. At some point in your 50s you realized (or will realize) that normal eating and exercise habits just aren’t cutting it anymore, leaving you feeling like “now what do I do?”
The average age of menopause, which is the actual cessation of the monthly menstrual cycle, is 51….

One of the best benefits of a TRX workout is that you’ll always be working more than one part of your body; more specifically, you’ll always be using your core. Additionally, TRX workouts allow you to adjust the difficultly not by putting more plates on or getting another set of dumbbells, but by adjusting your starting position of feet or hands so that your body is moving on different angles….

How do you get to hang out with friends, listen to great music and be a part of something bigger than yourself along with 40,000 other people …oh, and get an amazing adrenaline pumping workout as part of all that? …by going with the Cornerstone crew to the Philadelphia Broad Street Run!…

The race didn’t start in the usual way. We stood hand-in-hand and observed a moment of silence. I didn’t know the runner to my right or my left and may never see them again, but we connected during that time. We were running the race to honor of the victims of Boston, keeping their spirit in our hearts with each stride….

Feeling stiffness in your lower back despite doing all the right stretches and strengthening exercises? Are you a runner with poor balance or tight hamstrings? The root of your problem could be in your glutes….

The gluteus maximus is one of the strongest muscles in the human body.

Did You Know? Massage Can Help to Relieve Allergies… If you are one of 40 million Americans who suffer from indoor/outdoor allergies, you are already aware that the season is among us. It’s time to break out the Benadryl, tissues and eye drops but who knew that making an appointment for a massage was among allergy relief treatments?

Suspended lunge: Adjust handles to 6-8 inches from ground. Intertwine handles together. Take a step forward from handles and reach one foot back and put in handles. Lower yourself, pushing foot in handles away from you until your standing leg is at a 90 degree angle. Keep heel down and knee behind toe. Engage glutes and standing quad and pull foot back towards body. Read on…

Running is a great way to increase you stamina, lose weight, and be healthier overall. But, if you are training for a marathon, a 5K, or just going for a jog, the last thing you want to have to deal with is an injury!…

L-Sits: Set your hands on the edge of the chair, keeping arms straight. Walk your legs out, resting your weight on your hands and your heels, until your back is perpendicular to the floor. Lift your right leg up until it forms an “L” shape with your body (or as high as it will go), keeping your foot flexed. Hold your leg in position for 30 seconds and lower back to the floor. Immediately lift your left leg, performing the same movement and holding for 30 seconds. Challenge: The further your body is from the chair, the more challenging this exercise becomes.

The TRX Suspension Trainer is a workout system that leverages gravity and your bodyweight to perform hundreds of exercises. You’re in control of how much you want to challenge yourself on each exercise – because you can simply adjust your body position to add or decrease resistance….

The Importance of Showering…

Showering is important for your sake & our pool! Here are a few reminders about the importance of showering before and after your swim.

PLEASE rinse before entering the pool.   The requirement to shower isn’t because we think you’re dirty!

Finally, powerful anti-aging care for sensitive eyes!…

The eye area is not only the “window to the soul,” but also one of the first areas of the face to show the signs of aging in the form of fine lines, sagging and dryness.

Looking to support two great causes at once while spending time with your family and friends? Come out for a day of fun as the Ted Lindeman Outreach Foundation supports Doylestown Hospital’s Friends of the Heart Institute on Saturday, April 27th at the Cornerstone 5K run/walk!…

About 30-40% of adults say they have some symptoms of insomnia within a given year. If you struggle with falling to sleep- you are not alone! Did you know that a hot tub can help put your body and mind in a state that is ready to fall asleep?…

There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night because of a painful charlie horse, smack dab in the middle of your calf. You can avoid this by a simple stretching routine after you workout and right before bed. Most physical activity is going to involve your legs, so it is important to take 10 minutes to stretch out these very important muscles in your body. And try to do it as often as you can to stay limber. Whether you’ve been doing lunges, running miles, or climbing stairs, it’s important to involve these stretches into your post-workout routine to avoid injuries. Here are a few simple stretches you can squeeze in at the end of your workout. Remember to hold each for 15-30 seconds.

Looking for a great product to help enhance your makeup? Dermalogica’s Skinperfect primer is all you need….

This ultra lightweight tinted cream helps to smooth fine lines, brighten and prime. Leaving you with a result of flawless skin. It even has SPF 30 to keep you protected in the sun.  Here are some ways that you can use Skinperfect primer in your daily routine.

Hello from home, Cornerstone! I miss everyone!…

Motherhood is awesome, and a much more natural transition than I ever thought it was going to be. As someone who has worked since she was 15, and babysat regularly for three years before that, I had a hard time imagining taking 8 weeks off from work.

Stretching is sort of like eating your vegetables. Everyone knows you should do it, that it’s good for you, but most people can rattle off several reasons why they don’t. Some say stretching takes too long, they need to get in and get out. Some will say they don’t know exactly what to do, while others will say they don’t feel it’s as necessary as cardio and strength training. What most people don’t realize is that skipping stretching could lead to long-term injuries. Taking a few extra minutes at the end of your workout to stretch helps your body recover more quickly. That means less soreness the next day. Here are a few simple stretches you can squeeze in at the end of your workout.

Are you looking to reduce the signs of aging around your eye area? SkinCeuticals has recently launched the Complete Eye Renewal Kit featuring their popular AOX+ Eye Gel and Eye Balm together in a new kit for a great price. Aox+ Eye Gel: This triple antioxidant treatment is formulated to combat photoaging and signs of fatigue around the eyes. Read more…

2-Hand Kettlebell Swing – Works your hips and upper body. Recommended: 3 sets of 8 repetitions; What You Need: 12kg (25lb) Kettlebell…

Known as the Zumba® “pool party,” the Aqua Zumba program gives new meaning to the idea of an invigorating workout. Splashing, stretching, twisting, even shouting, laughing, hooting and hollering are often heard during an Aqua Zumba class. Integrating the Zumba formula and philosophy with traditional aqua fitness disciplines, the Aqua Zumba class blends it all together into a safe, challenging, water-based workout that’s cardio-conditioning, body-toning, and most of all, exhilarating beyond belief….

Group fitness classes are popular in any fitness center and Cornerstone is no exception.  Whether you are looking to make friends, need face time with friends or just need someone to motivate you, group classes fit the bill. Our classes range from high intensity intervals to spinning, yoga, and aquatic fitness- so there truly is something for everyone….

Its time to check in! It has been six weeks since New Year’s and now we have begun Lent as well. Have you thought about your fitness goals? Have you been following the same plan for more than 6 weeks? A proper plan should be tailored to challenge you in new ways as you progress. If you have not set a goal yet, now is a great time to do it. Whatever your goal, it is important to both have a plan and support.

Tinting for eye lashes is becoming increasingly popular. Especially for anyone who has lighter colored lashes and fair skin. However, any shade of lashes can be tinted. With tinted lashes, you no longer need to worry about applying mascara or dealing with smudges under your eyes.

The Perfect Deadlift: Works the back & glutes. Remember to keep your buns tight as you lift to make sure you work those glutes! Recommended: 3 sets of 8 repetitions, What You Need: Two 15 – 25lb dumbbells. Read on…

Here are a few super easy at-home body treatments that you can easily whip up with ingredients right from your own kitchen! Moisturizing Body Treatment: Ingredients… 1/2 cup finely ground almonds, 1 cup of oatmeal, 1 avocado (mashed)… Read on.

The leading cause of death for men and women in the United States is heart disease, including stroke. American Heart Month is to educate Americans on what we can all do to live heart-healthy lives and battle cardiovascular disease. You have a higher risk of heart disease if you are: a woman 55+, a man 45+, or you have a family history of early heart disease….

The New Year brought many family gatherings and good times with friends. Unfortunately, it also brought in a nasty flu virus that seems to have everyone home and in bed for weeks on end.  If you are starting to show signs of a cold, or you just want to help avoid getting sick altogether, try some of these DIY home remedies and other tips listed below….

It was Cornerstone Spinning members that invited me to join Team Ox… Since joining the team, and continuing my training with spinning I’ve become extremely passionate about the spinning program at Cornerstone. Part of my motivation to become a spinning instructor was to encourage outdoor riders (members of my team), and those who are not interested in spinning to experience a class. The spinning program has changed my life, introduced me to amazing people, and inspired me to become a better rider and motivator.

Serves 8: This dish freezes well for future meals. Quinoa provides whole-grain goodness and a serving of protein. Fill each bell pepper half with heaping ¾-cup quinoa mixture, and place in baking dish. Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Uncover, and sprinkle each pepper with 1 Tbs. remaining cheese. Bake 15 minutes more, or until tops of stuffed peppers are browned. Let stand 5 minutes. Transfer stuffed peppers to serving plates, and drizzle each with pan juices before serving.

There are many people throughout the country who suffer from food allergies. This sometimes makes it hard to enjoy or even have spa services. Olive oil has been around for thousands of years. While it is commonly used for cooking, the benefits of olive oil for the body are endless….

Preparing your skin for the winter months ahead because the holidays may be over but the winter is just getting started. These next few months ahead could bring some pretty harsh weather and even a few snow falls. All of that cold air can be damaging to your skin because it contains less moisture than warm air, causing skin to dry out….

Thank you to all of our members, staff, friends & the Bucks County community for a wonderful and healthy 2012. We’re looking forward to continuing our fitness journey with you in 2013. Please have a safe and happy new year’s eve… see you next year!…

In the Fall of 2012, seven women registered for Tracey’s Rookie Runner program. This 8-week beginner running training program takes participants from walking around the block to running their first 5K through specialized training provided by expert marathon runner, Tracey Kling. And they did at the Washington Crossing 5K in November 2012!…

Happy holidays from your friends at Cornerstone! Here are December’s holiday hours & schedules.

Tackle 2013 with a specialized fitness program! If you have the will, we have the way… all Winter Workshops are 10% off on Monday, December 17th ONLY for our 12 Days of Fitness Sale. Check out our wide variety of workshops for all fitness levels and ages….

Soak down this season with a relaxing bath……

Mother nature is just getting started this season with the cool air and thunderstorms. Pretty soon we will be bundled up in our coats and boots. What a better way to warm up then soaking in a relaxing bath at night!

The skin is the body’s largest organ, and it serves as a protective barrier. Its health and surface appearance are determined by environmental factors as well as the function of the components that comprise the layers below. (Click here for an interactive skin anatomy and physiology demo by SkinCeuticals.) Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be a time-intensive process – pamper yourself with the basics….

I have just completed a long awaited continuing education course in Mastectomy Massage. OMG!!! (As they say in texting world.) I was once again reminded of the reason I became a massage therapist…Touch! Having just received my certification in this specialty, I am humbled to be a part of this healing modality….

Runner’s World Magazine put on its inaugural RW Half & Festival this past weekend in its hometown of Bethlehem, PA (who knew that Runner’s World magazine was so close to us here at Cornerstone, right?!). The staff of Runner’s World, including top editors, and athletes like Shalane Flanagan, three-time Olympian and American record holder (3,000, 5,000 & 10,000 meters), were there to present seminars, meet runners, and hit the streets of Bethlehem for the event.

This fall is all about creating unique nail designs. Nail trends have been popping up everywhere this season, from caviar to velvet and everything in between….

Nails have become the new accessory to your favorite outfit. Gone are the days where you were limited to simple shades of reds and pinks.

So most of you probably know by now that it is not a steady diet of beer and pizza that has caused parts of me to expand recently. Just in case you didn’t know, I’m 19 weeks pregnant as I write this….

Having some skin issues? Feeling like the summer sun and sweat is causing you to break out? Jasmin is here to answer your questions!
Q. What is the best way to control breakouts and treat blemishes?
A. It is very important to wash your face twice a day using products with…

We are open on Labor Day during these hours, offering the following classes. Have a great holiday!…

Fitness Center: 7:00am – 1:00pm
Playroom: 8:30am – Noon (New Hope Playroom opens at 8:00am)
Cornerstone, Doylestown
7:45am Zone with Nick
8:00am Pilates Mat Express with Suzanne B.

There’s no better way to celebrate the end of summer than with a bowl of fresh guacamole and chips on the porch of New Hope’s favorite authentic Mexican restaurant, The Blue Tortilla!…

Cornerstone visited with the family-owned business and Cornerstone Member, Olivia Patino, to get the inside scoop on how to make their delicious guacamole.

It’s that time of year again… everyone is getting in their last vacations and trying to soak up every ounce of summer before school starts and we are back into our “regular” schedules.  So, as you’re planning your schedule for the fall, why not add team training in there for one hour a week?…

Attention Cornerstone Aquatics Participants!…

The pool may be closed for our annual, scheduled maintenance (August 25—September 2), but that doesn’t mean you should stay home! We have several options to offer you during our annual shutdown including: land-based classes, a workout program review, and use of the Warrington Swim Club.

Got Sunburn? Ouch! Here are a few tips to salvage your skin.
Start by using products with calming attributes, such as cucumber extract, oatmeal honey, aloe, etc….

A series of free yoga classes offered to the public at the beautiful and serene TreeHouse, voted One of the Best Yoga Studios in Bucks County 2012. Sign-ups are required, call to register.

The Clubs will be open from 7am – 1pm on Wednesday, July 4th. The Spa will be closed. Please see our Playroom hours and class schedules below and in the clubs. Regular hours apply for Tuesday, July 3rd and Thursday, July 5th….

Chair Fit is a low impact, chair-based cardio class with strength work for seniors looking to exercise. The physical benefits of senior fitness are many. When we age, it gets harder to lose or maintain our weight as our metabolism slows down….

Cornerstone Clubs is proud to announce the results of the 2nd Annual Junior William Hodgkiss Memorial Shotokan Karate Tournament held Saturday, April 14th at Pennwood Middle School. Central Bucks Karate Club students Beth Whittaker, Alex Man, Nick Caronclement, Julia Wu, Shelly Shen, Lydia Shen, Sonia Simpson, Bob Rathgeber, Tejal Patel, Vita Shavalova, David Harrison, Michael Wu, Naiya Patel, Rachel Cherny, David F….

Cornerstone, New Hope’s Matt Herman hosts a energetic group of tweens in the Training Room for his Tween Training Workshop this Spring!…

This workshop is perfect for kids looking for an after school activity to stay fit and healthy. The class is set up to teach basic weight lifting techniques, using many body weight exercises and mixing in cardio.

Meet Aerosmith in Philadelphia this July!…

Enter this raffle available June 4th to June 17th at all Cornerstone Health and Fitness locations and online at www.animalalliancenj.org! All funds will benefit the Emily Ayre Fund for Big Dog Rescue, sponsored by Animal Alliance of New Jersey.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 28th. The Clubs will be open from 7:00am – 1:00pm, the playroom will be open 8:30am – 12:00pm. Have a wonderful & safe weekend!!

You may not think of a hot tub as a place to keep fit & in shape, but there are plenty of hydro-therapeutic exercises you can do to get in shape for this summer’s bathing suit season! Here is a quick overview of the benefits of exercising in a hot tub: Relax muscles and increase flexibility: To help decrease muscle tightness and increase flexibility, perform standing calf raises, neck circles and shoulder shrugs for 10 seconds. Repeat each exercise three times…

Saturday April 7th, I, along with an amazing group of co-workers, participated in my first duathlon. The event involved a 5k run (3.1 miles), a 25k bike ride (15.5 miles) and finished with another 5k run.

I have to say it was a completely exhilarating and incredible experience. I had a timeframe in my mind that I wanted to finish within, and I must say that much like the Jake Dareff race, I totally surprised myself. Yes, that last mile became extremely challenging on every level, but the rush upon crossing…

The most common pain complaint I have heard this past winter is from my arthritis clients. Almost all of my clients with arthritis have told me that they have had to in increase their pain medication this winter due to increased joint pain and stiffness. The problem is that no one seems to know why? This has become such a common phenomenon in our geographical area this year that it was recently addressed on a news segment. Here’s the deal…

The Cornerstone 5K will be held on May 5th 2012, which is approximately 10 weeks away. So it is time for you to get outside, get moving, and get 5K ready.

Running your first 5K may seem like a daunting task if you’re starting at a beginner’s level. But don’t let your mental fears hold you back from physical accomplishment. “Mental hurdles can be more overwhelming than physical ones…

Join us at T.J. Smith’s Restaurant & Bar for quizzo night especially dedicated to Cornerstone members & staff! Test your trivia knowledge while enjoying some of the best food & drink in Bucks County! Win Cornerstone & T.J. Smith prizes for you and your team….

Myofascial release is not a facial, as many have questioned. MFR, short for myofascial release, is a form of massage that releases collagen from under the skin through safe, sustained pressure to the connective tissue in your body called fascia.

Fascia is an interwoven web of collagen, elastic and a gel like material we are all made of. When the muscles get worn out and overworked from repetitive motion…

Over time chronic stress contributes to hardening of the arteries and hypertension. In a study done by Michael Crichton while a medical student at Harvard, he found that when asking patients why they had a heart attack the answer rarely had to do with a medical condition such as high blood pressure, cholesterol or lack of exercise. Most answers were very personal…

Valentine’s Day is a time to show your loved ones how much you care, but don’t forget to show your New Year’s Resolution the love too! Boxes of chocolates, candy hearts, and sweet snacks – while delicious – become easy go-to snacks during the day, which can pack on empty calories in an instant….

I have decided to switch up my routine in training and thought, “well why not a form of tabata spin?” After all, Dr. Tabata designed this workout for cyclist and skaters for the Olympics to improve their VO2 max (read more). The rate of increase is the highest ever reported. This protocol, (5 minutes of warm-up, 8 intervals of 20 seconds all-out intensity exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest, 2 minutes cool-down) was used for highly-trained endurance athletes…

Enter for your chance to win a $50 gift card and mug to Planet Smoothie, a one hour nutrition consultation from the Diva Dietitian, and an All Inclusive 1 month membership to The Cornerstone Clubs!…

The Cornerstone Clubs have special holiday class schedules and hours. Please click on your club of choice for a class listing and information. From all of us here at Cornerstone, we wish you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!…

The holiday season can herald in a lot of anxiety and stress, even if you don’t get caught up in the consumer frenzy. So a connection to your source – your inner calm and peace – may be the best gift you can give yourself… a connection with the Light and Love that is the essence of the true spirit of the holidays….

Coming Soon: Warrington Training Room. Cornerstone, Warrington is currently renovating their brand new Functional Training room! Look for it in the coming weeks, as our staff (yes – our very own staff!) works to bring you this exciting new feature…

Hi Moms and Dads! Did you know that allowing your children to ALWAYS use goggles during their swim lessons and/or recreational swim can hinder their swimming progress and actually create a safety issue? Why, you ask?

One of the essential skills for a child to learn while being introduced into the water is comfort with submersion. Little swimmers do not always enjoy getting their eyes wet when first being introduced to the water…

No wake zone? No way! Toddlers (and the adults with them) make waves, get soaked, sing songs, play games, and learn crucial water adjustment and safety skills all in a thirty minute class! The Droplet swim class makes this happen for kids from eighteen months to age three. We work on using verbal and non-verbal cues to introduce beginning swimming skills to these curious little ones and they soak it up!…

For most of us, life is a blur at the best of times. Time speeds along. We have too much to do. Things get missed. The next two months, more so.

When it comes to yoga, there are three commitments we don’t always remember to remember. They can create generative changes in our lives when we apply them over time…

Cornerstone, Warrington always enjoys getting festive for Halloween. Flip through our gallery to see St. Paul’s Preschool trick or treat parade, a decorative Chair Fit class, and the Annual Pumpkin Carving contest! Thank you to everyone for coming out and enjoying the holiday with us….

As part of our Open House Summer Happy Hour Series, Cornerstone Warrington hosted Summer Cookout Happy Hour on July 20th, where Janelle Coller and Kathryn O’Hara provided our members and guests with some delicious summer salsas. They were such a hit (both the salsas and our gals!) that we wanted to share with you the recipes for your own summer cookouts….

Cornerstone recently visited New Hope member John Barbacane at his restaurant, Tastebuds, in New Hope, PA. He shared with us a delicious, simple, summertime recipe – soon to be your guests’ favorite appetizer! Grab some fresh mangoes and you’re on your way to a treat….

Hey Cornerstone Members!
 
Did you know that this month marks the 10 year anniversary of the Health and Wellness Center?  It’s true! It’s hard to believe that we have been swimming, strength training, spinning, sweating and smiling together for an entire decade!…

Join I.F.P.A. Professional Natural Bodybuilder Joe Franco Thursday June 16th at 7:00pm at Cornerstone, Doylestown for a FREE one-hour Q&A session designed to answer YOUR exercise and fitness questions!
Topics of discussion will include:

Basic weight training and nutrition in support of exercise
Proper exercise programming for gaining lean body mass
Proper nutrient timing

Joe has dedicated his life to health and fitness for the past 20 years, and has been involved in competitive bodybuilding since the 1980’s. During this time, Jo received his Bachelor Degree in Exercise Physiology from Temple University, and personal training certification through ACE.  Joe’s personal training business, F.I.T….

This Sunday starts our clubs wide promotion to bring a female buddy to work out for only
$1 donation to the Susan G. Komen 3 day for the Cure walk in October.  What a great way to tell mom, or any other important lady in your life, that you care about her then to bring her into Cornerstone for an amazing workout!  We have a couple of incredible Cornerstone moms who are doing exactly that….

For more information about this workshop, call us! 215-862-2200
Click here to visit The TreeHouse!…

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The Cornerstone Clubs have a great line up of amazing new classes, community events, and contests where you can win big! Click to preview Awesome April at Cornerstone!
April Calendar…

Are you ready to get your PUMP On?!
 
Even though it hasn’t felt like it thus far, according to the calander - Spring is here! If you are like many of the common gym goers out there, then you are probably trying to get back into your fitness routine in order to get that body in tip-top shape for the Summer!…

I want to say a few words about being thankful for the bodies we have been given. I want to remind everyone that your workouts should be to make yourself healthier; in an effort to take care of yourself. We shouldn’t be punishing ourselves because we have a poor self image or because we went nuts on a tub of ice cream the night before….

A little veggies go a long way… enjoy these favorites:

Roasted Kale Chips
Serves 8 – 10…

3 Bunches of kale, such as dinosaur kale, curly kale, or a mixture
Extra virgin olive oil
Sea sale and freshly ground pepper
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

You don’t need to buy everything organic to stay pesticide-free. Print out this handy-dandy guide for your next shopping trip!

The Official Publication of the Philadelphia Bike Club Founded 1979
Volume 34, No. 3 – March 2011
Wheeling with the President by Howard Hochheiser & Linda McGrane
Small World…

The third annual Wellness Retreat (at Cornerstone Fitness and the Tree House in New Hope) on Saturday, February 12 was a resounding success.

Is your massage therapist educating you?  Education is an important but often overlooked part of your massage session.  The session is still in progress even though you are off the table and have re-robed.  This is the time your massage therapist should share his/her findings during the massage with you….

Check out the Workshops at The Cornerstone Clubs!…

There’s still a little chill in the air, but things are heating up here at The Cornerstone Clubs, your favorite health & fitness club of Bucks County! We have a great line up of early spring programs designed to get your spring training started…
Check out… Yoga for Men, Weightlifting 101, Kidz in Motion, Belly Dancing, Women’s Bootcamp, and more!

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New choices, new priorities and a new life can be supported by open-hearted posture. Our posture is a good indicator of the relationship between our inner and outer realities. A fear-based, apprehensive inner reality protects itself by closing our heart. The more confident we are and the more we courageously embrace life, the easier it is to reflect this inner reality with upright, self-assured posture….

I have recently been told by one of my clients that receiving a gift certificate for massage is among her top five favorite gifts.  No argument there from yours truly, the massage therapist.  So as I always do while commuting to and from work…I listen to audio books or I think.  Last night while commuting home I was in the “think” mode….

We’ve got an extra special Recipe of the Month for you in February! Why so great? Because it’s been given by a Cornerstone Member, who happens to be an excellent chef! We followed Diana out of Cornerstone New Hope, across the bridge, and around the corner to her beautiful restaurant, DeAnna’s, in Lambertville to see if her moves in the kitchen were as good as her moves on the fitness floor….

There’s a lot of talk out there about barefoot running, barefoot training, etc. You have probably at some point seen someone in or tried for yourself a pair of Vibram Five Fingers or Nike Free shoes, or maybe have even seen someone actually running barefoot....

Tour de You: Swirling Circles of Freedom
by K.C. Wilder – Now Available!

Book Review…

Tour de You is an engaging, entertaining book with the ebb, and flow of a competitive cycling event. The intangibles of competition are the many variables that have little or nothing to do with individual talent.

One way to make your resolutions a reality – get FINALLY FIT.
Leah’s intense, goal-oriented, small group training program in New Hope really delivers results – participants in the last few sessions of Finally Fit have lost a combined weight of almost 100 pounds  (I myself have lost 14 of those pounds!), and became stronger and faster while doing it!  Even better – they’ve made “training buddies” that help keep them motivated and ready to take on any training challenge….

In honor of the snow  - we’re posting some fun, quick reads & tips by Fitness Magazine:

Warm Up to Winter Workouts
Bowled Over: 7 Healthy Soup and Stew Recipes
Take Five: 7 Five-Ingredient Suppers
The Resolution Solution: 7 Goals You Can Meet This Year
Walk This Way: 4 Ways to Prevent Aches & Pains 
Be safe in the snow today!…

The beginning of the New Year is a great time to evaluate your fitness program and tweak it a little. If you’ve been doing the same program for more than 6 months, you need a serious update! It’ll make your trip to Cornerstone more enjoyable  and will work your body in new ways….

Extending the holiday cheer… our dedicated members hit the pavement 12/26/10 for EFC Wintry Madness with Felipe….

What is “The Next Step”?
“The Next Step” is a six week workshop held for those who are ready for a new challenge and want to run beyond the 5K.  Many of the participants continue on from one of my other workshops: “5k workshop”.  Classes are held three times a week for one hour at Central Park in Doylestown. 
What’s involved with the workshop?…

Jen Lambert, CHF Program Coordinator, checking out some of the many toys our members donated in 2010 to Toys for Tots

Tom Kirsteier hitting the treadmill

Blake Ament, We are… a great place to lift!

Howard Butowsky, Personal Trainer helping members and fellow trainers incorporate ActivTrax, this month!!…

January is here again… is it back to new year, new you? Or is that pressure just too much? New Year, New You? Nice Try. Recent surveys show that Americans are making fewer resolutions this year – more so than ever before….

Happy Holidays Cornerstone!…

What a pleasure it has been watching our members hustle and bustle around the clubs over the past few weeks, sharing holiday stories and memories, wishing each other good luck in the new year, and of course – burning off those last lbs before the holiday feast begins!

2011 is right around the corner… and that means one thing – resolutions! Here are some tips to ensure that you get on the right path for setting (and reaching!) your goals.
Goal setting is an important method to build momentum, motivation and confidence as your students strive to make their new year’s resolutions a reality….

I’d like to talk about massage and cancer care.  Years ago, it was thought by western medicine practitioners that the combination of these two was similar to that of oil and water.  They just didn’t mix.  Long gone are those days and that belief.  Thank God!!!  Working in the field of Integrative Medicine as a massage therapist, I am thrilled that massage and cancer care now go together like peas and carrots.  It seems that just about every other week someone is sending me a newspaper article about the importance of massage during cancer treatments.  And not just the importance, but doctors are now recommending massage (as well as numerous other complimentary modalities) for their patients.  I recently read an article about a local surgeon that gives a gift certificate to her patients for a complimentary modality of their choice after surgery.  As always, it is up to each physician as to which, if any, complimentary therapy is appropriate for their patient….

Yes, it is the holidays and you can eat things you don’t normally eat, but you still do not want to go overboard. A typical Thanksgiving meal can easily go over 3,000 calories!!! All you have to do is make some simple swaps so you can enjoy more of the holiday food you love….

Can you believe it’s that time of year again?! In addition to all of our daily responsibilities, now we have goodies to make, gifts to buy and wrap, parties to host / attend and all of the other ‘fun’ stuff that comes along with the holidays….

Kim Starkey & Tony Parisi- Trainer on the Floor and Manager of the Day for Member Services!

Clark Simons & Jody Carafa-Recent rejoined member Jody Carafa “working hard” catching up with personal trainer, Clark Simons

CornerKids-Happy, Healthy Kids Everyday!!!

Linda Hodgdon – Enjoying her free cup of coffee!…

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Lengthy turkey and sides recipes have you feeling like you’ll have no time to make dessert? Try out this quick and easy (and delicious!) pie recipe sure to please… provided by Cornerstone’s own Kathryn O’Hara….

Cornerstone’s cardio kickboxing classes are a great way to relieve stress, burn major calories, and kick and punch your way into shape. Believe me – I know! I’ve been teaching fitness and kickboxing classes for over 20 years… A workout for the entire body, kickboxing borrows movements from traditional and mixed martial arts, boxing, and sports-conditioning drills to tone your body in a fun and safe class environment….

On Saturday, October 30th at Newtown Jr. High School, the Central Bucks Karate Club competed at the Shotokan Junior Invitational Tournament! The Cornerstone Clubs are proud to announce the results of the 42nd annual tourney: Central Bucks Karate Club students Rachel, Carly, Michael, Dario, David, Ben, Tejal, Conner, Luke, Ethan, and Gerald – ALL won a combined 23 medals!!…

This past Friday, Cornerstone – Warrington hosted a Trick or Treat Parade, members and staff enjoyed the day in their Halloween costumes, and everyone voted for their favorite pumpkin. As always, we had a great time! And the winner of this year’s Pumpkin Contest is…

1st Place goes to Aquatics!…

For more on Cornerstone’s upcoming workshops, click on your club of choice!…

Doylestown         New Hope        Warrington

It is that time of year again, the holiday season. And to kick it off – Halloween is right around the corner… meaning only one thing… Candy!!!!! We all know that we collect way too much candy over Halloween weekend, but can you actually afford to eat all of those pesty snacks?…

Provided by Mary Kroszner

Jill Richter keeping her feet warm on her way to her spinning class!

Danielle Steinbach, (age 2 months), and her Mom, Renee, checking into CornerKids

 
_ _ _
Guess Who I Saw is brought to you by…
Mary Kroszner: Spinning Extrodinaire and Personal Trainer, New Hope & Doylestown
Certifications: Star 3 Spinning® Instructor | Mad Dogg Athletics Instructor | Spinning® Personal Training Specialist | Spinning® Contraindications | Phase 2 Energy Zone Workshop | Mental Training for the Spinning® Program | Periodization for Peak Performance | Spintensity | Special Populations for the Spinning® Program Seniors and the Spinning® Program | AFAA Personal Trainer Course | AFAA Certified Personal Trainer | Strive & Abs Instructor…

It’s time for Holiday workshops! There’s no better way to beat stress and stay in shape during the busy holiday season than our awesome programs and workshops. From hard core fitness to yoga and Pilates, we’ve got something for everyone!

For the Early Bird……

Peak Performance Series – Hard Core Holiday Join Clark at 6:00am on Tuesday mornings at our Doylestown club for this high-intensity training program that takes it to the next level.

Phillies Phun! – Happy Hour – Warrington
 
We love our Phillies!!! Let’s get another championship, boys!!!
 …

It’s Back to the ’80s! – Happy Hour – Doylestown…

By Adrianna Scott – Cornerstone, Doylestown…

I ran my first 5k this Saturday at the Jake Dareff Legacy Run. I surprised myself with how hard I ran, the time I was capable of and how much I enjoyed it.
I have thought many times about running races and have always talked myself out of it.

What a beatufiul day on September 11 when Cornerstone was out to sponsor the first ever, Warrington Triathlon! Congratulations to the 120+ participants who were able to compete, participate, and enjoy this day.

 …

Prepared for you by Jamie Hollander

8    oz good quality canned tuna in water (I like Wild Planet Tuna Sold here at our store)
½   cup tomatoes diced fine
¼   1 minced jalapeno
¼   cup celery diced fine
¼   cup red onion diced fine
¼   cup capers
1½ Tablespoons lemon juice
½   Tablespoon dried oregano
¼   cup extra virgin olive oil

Drain tuna
Mix all ingredients together

Serve over a bed of Blue Moon acres mixed greens, diced fresh avocado and sour cream….

Provided by Mary Kroszner

The Myers Family: Cindy, Liam & Wes - heading home Friday morning after a workout and time in CornerKids!

Suzanne Bullotta -In my Spinning class, new to PA & a new Cornerstone member!

Elizabeth Bolivar - Returning member to Cornerstone, her children love CornerKids and she’s happy to be back too!…

Greetings everyone,
I am pleased to share with you a short video about Capoeira Morro Verde and the group we are cultivating here in New Hope, PA.
Thank you all so so much!
Obrigada,
Gata Brava

PS- If you do not speak portuguese, the song that I am singing in the beginning is about growing “cabacas” (the gourds used to make the “berimbau” – the instrument that accompanies capoeira) on my mother’s farm, Greenhill Farm (Morro Verde, in portuguese)….

By Howard Butowsky – Cornerstone, New Hope
Like many of you, I was heavily involved in organized sports as a kid. All the way up to college, if there was a game to be played, I was there! It really didn’t matter the sport or how good I was at it….

  
   …

All photos courtesy of Ann Krisher
What fun! Thanks SummerKids for a great Summer, and best of luck at school this Fall! See you next year
                                    …

Let’s face it – it happens to the best of us!  We work so much, we can barely find the time to workout.  Seriously – I even work at the club and often find myself struggling to find the time to fit in my own exercise!  So, what’s the solution?  Give us an hour, and we’ll get you started – yes,  just one hour….

By Donna Mazeika – Cornerstone, Doylestown…

“What am I going to do? I desperately need to exercise and my child will not stay in the playroom. He will not let me leave him anywhere! I just can’t take it anymore!”
As the director of children’s programs in a fitness center, these are words I hear on a regular basis.

By Adrianna Scott – Cornerstone, Doylestown…

Every one of us feeds off of different forms of motivation. Whether it’s positive energy or stress that needs to be worked out, we all need something to fuel our fire.
I believe strongly in positive goal setting, and tend to shy away from too much time on the scale or measurements.

Quinoa is a fast-cooking, protein-packed whole grain. Steamed, it makes a perfect partner for lime-spiked black beans and fresh tomato. Simply DELISH! Provided by Epicurious.com
yield: Makes 4 (side dish) servings
active time: 20 minutes
total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

2 teaspoons grated lime zest
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup quinoa
1 (14- to 15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 medium tomatoes, diced
4 scallions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation
Whisk together lime zest and juice, butter, oil, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4teaspoon pepper in a large bowl….

By Howard Butowsky – Cornerstone, New Hope
When I consult with you as a member about your fitness and weight loss goals, I make sure that you know a very important number – 3,500.  So, what’s so special about the number 3,500?  Well, it represents the number of calories equal to one pound of weight loss.  So in order to lose one to two pounds a week, you need to create a 500 to 1,000 calorie deficit per day (3,500 to 7,000 per week) by exercising or adjusting dietary habits to reduce caloric intake….

By Melissa Faith-Baun – Cornerstone, Warrington…

Let’s Talk Touch… therapeutic touch to be exact.  This is the type of touch that is delivered through the hands of a competent massage therapist.  We all know that massage just plain feels good, but I would like to explore the many other benefits of receiving therapeutic massage.

By Drew Barlow – Cornerstone, Doylestown…

As the senior partner of a wealth management group in Doylestown PA, I spend time coaching and counseling people. Sometimes it is staff members or clients or maybe peers or other associates. As a Spinning® instructor at Cornerstone Health and Fitness, Doylestown, I often utilize similar communication techniques to help people create a platform for personal growth in my Spin class.

By Dore’ Vorum – Cornerstone, Doylestown – Member since 2003…

I have always had a weight problem. I would shed the pounds on the latest fad diet and then gain them back, with a few extra for good measure. The years of yo-yo dieting resulted in me weighing 225 pounds at my heaviest. 
During Cornerstone’s “2007 I Lost It” program, I lost 40 pounds, 6 sizes and was able to achieve normal cholesterol levels.

By Kristin Baldino – Cornerstone, New Hope…

On Sunday, July 25th some of the Member Services department from the Cornerstone, New Hope Club enjoyed a day at the ballpark. This trip was months in the making… most of them are Phillies fans and would talk about the “Flex Cam” that would appear on the jumbo screen at Citizens Bank Park (asking fans to “flex their muscles”). They decided that they should go in a group and try to get on the “Flex Cam” since they felt working at a health club made them deserving of this.  Well, mother nature had another idea as they only made it 5 innings before a horrible storm came and forced them to leave their seats. They still had a lot of enthusiasm, and although they weren’t on the big screen showing off their stuff, they sure did entertain those sitting around them! It was the talk of New Hope that day and with their infamous sign hanging in the office, they will be sure to remember their hot, wet day for months to come. Now time to plan next year’s trip!

Provided by KC Wilder - Cornerstone, New Hope…

Jul 13, 2010 through Aug 12, 2010 on Tuesdays, Thursdays - 1 hr. 15 min.
These girls are up to the challenge this summer!! This workshop for teen athletes age 13-18, 2 days per week combines the cardio benefits of Spinning© with a proven, no-nonsense approach to total athletic conditioning and performance.

By Matt Coller – Cornerstone, Warrington

BUSTED MYTH #1: ABS…

Are you one of the thousands of people who wish they had a flatter stomach? One of the most common areas of the body that people are unhappy with is their abs!

 
Summer is the perfect opportunity to eat healthy… fresh food is everywhere! Check out this easy and quick recipe provided by fitness.com 
Asian Chicken and Beef Lettuce Wraps
These homemade lettuce wraps tend to be a favorite. Unlike most wraps that tend to be high in calories and fat due to the excess oil and fatty beef – these wraps are leaner, healthier, and taste great! 
Preparation Time 10 min | Cooking Time 0 min | 4 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped onion
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1 pound), cut into 1/2-inch pieces (or substitute chicken for 12 oz extra-lean ground beef)
1 – 8 ounce can sliced water chestnuts, rinsed and chopped
3/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup purchased Hoisin sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons Worchestershire sauce
1 teaspoon unseasoned rice vinegar
1/2 cup diced carrots
12 large leaf lettuce leaves

Steps…

Put a wok or a 12-inch heavy skillet on high heat until almost smoking, then add oil.

By Audrey Chen – Cornerstone, New Hope – Member since 2005…

Professora Gata Brava is an extremely talented individual who has been working very hard to help us to surpass what we perceive to be our full potential.  Whether or not you can do a cartwheel, handstand, or high kicks, Capoeira is without a doubt one of the fastest ways to get in shape.  Capoeira is also so multi-faceted, in that in addition to the martial arts, we are learning music, samba, Portuguese, and the culture of Brazil.  Never did I think at my age, at this phase of my life, would I be able to do half of the things that I have been able to do in the last year.  Capoeira has given so much to me and I can only hope to give that much back.

By Sue Griffin – Cornerstone, Doylestown…

Outdoor exercise can be challenging when the temperature soars. Stay safe during hot-weather exercise by drinking enough fluids, wearing proper clothing and timing your workouts to avoid extreme heat. Here are some pointers to help you use caution and common sense to prevent heat-related illnesses.

By Howard Butowsky – Cornerstone, New Hope 

Losing Weight…

As a personal trainer, I share with members that there really is a “magic bullet” when it comes to losing weight.  That “magic bullet” is proper nutrition (aka diet) and exercise!  Simply put, you can lose weight by either consuming less calories or by burning calories via exercise.

cor·ner·stone…

[kawr-ner-stohn] –noun
♦ a stone representing the nominal starting place in the construction of a monumental building
♦ something that is essential, indispensable, or basic
♦ the chief foundation on which something is constructed or developed
Our mission is simply to be the place, with the most passionate people, committed to making your health & fitness experience the best part of your day.