“Since my college undergrad years, I have incorporated regular lap swimming into my daily routine. Depending on pool access, I manage 30 minutes (half-mile or so) at least five days a week. Besides the physical exercise, a half-hour under the waves benefits one’s mental health. I supplement that regular exercise with a hike, bike or climbing a few flights of stairs instead of hopping on the elevator.”
– Jack Breslin, associate professor in mass communication, Iona College, New Rochelle resident
“As someone who sits at a computer writing and editing for most the day, I feel it’s imperative to be active after work. So, I take kickboxing classes twice a week and spend at least an hour to an hour-and-a-half every day stretching, running and/or biking. When I need a moment to myself, I take a yoga class to help center me.”
– Daniella DiMartino, Account Executive, Buzz Creators Inc. in Valhalla, Pleasantville Resident
“Since my job at The Music Conservatory of Westchester keeps me quite busy, I ‘think’ a lot about keeping fit. And, I see ‘keeping fit’ as a total package that includes body, mind, and spirit. As often as possible, after I drop my husband off at the train station in the morning, I will take my dog for a ½ hour run/walk through Croton Point Park. If the weather does not cooperate, I will spend time in the morning at home doing Pilates and yoga exercises with weights. Nutrition is also extremely important, so I always have a good breakfast, including proteins. Sometimes, due to work, lunch evades me, but we always have a dinner loaded with vegetables and salad. Keeping my mind fit is much easier since at work I am constantly surrounded by all kinds of music which soothes tensions and invigorates my creativity. But, we should all keep in mind that the true cure for keeping our spirit fit is to always have laughter in our day. With music and laughter, we can live forever.”
– Liz Garger, Chief Institutional Advancement Officer, The Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains, Ossining Resident
“I wake up every morning at 5 a.m. and jump on the treadmill for a 30-minute run – or cardio intervals – then do 15 minutes of vinyasa yoga. On alternating days, I mix in strength training. When I’m traveling – especially in Europe where many hotels do not have a gym and if it’s not possible to run outside – I do a seven minute rotation of 12 exercises. All you need to do them is a chair and it’s great for cardio and strength training.”
– Stacey Tank, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Relations Officer, HEINEKEN USA in White Plains, Fairfield Resident
“As an event planner, I’m always on the go visiting venues, clients and vendors. This can mean a lot of time spent sitting in the car, so I make sure on a daily basis that I park as far away as I can to get more steps in. Often a venue visit will include a nice bit of walking and stairs, which is even more challenging in heels! If it’s not too hot outside, and I have some time between appointments, I’ll also take a walk in between meetings. I teach water aerobics a couple evenings a week and train with an awesome personal trainer. This is my ‘lunch hour’ time for me. The days that I’m working in the office, I sit on an exercise ball at my desk. I also take almost all calls while standing or pacing. And, when I can, I’ll do some squats or wall push-ups. Some days, you just don’t have that fitness hour in one time block and have to piece it together however you can!”
– Heather Bell-Pellegrino, Internationally Certified Event Planning Professional and President of A Perfect Plan! Yorktown Resident
“As a pediatric dentist, I need to have A LOT of ENERGY! My day does not stop, from talking to one kid about their day at camp, friend sleepover, or birthday party to helping a fearful child get through their appointment. My smile and happy demeanor cannot fade! What I do to stay fit and maintain my energy level is working out between three to five days a week. I absolutely love running, especially outside! I live in White Plains and the Bronx River Parkway is so beautiful to run, especially up to the Kensico Dam. I cross train by doing interval workouts involving weights and cardio. If you haven’t tried workouts with weighted ropes, you haven’t lived! Challenge is what drives me!”
– Jennifer Blair, D.M.D., Valley Pediatric Dentistry in Yorktown, White Plains Resident
The conversation continues in August WAG’s “S’wellness” issue.
