CLAY Newsletter – March 2008
CLAY Spa

Thai Herbal Poultice Massage

Save 20% through March 31st


This authentic blend of aromatic Thai herbs is an excellent way to soothe sore muscles and relax.

Combined with a traditional Thai massage treatment or used on its own, this steamy herbal poultice helps to alleviate pain and inflammation, draw out toxins from tired muscles, and increase circulation.

Enjoy a 15 minute Complimentary Session

WHEN:      Every Thursday evening
WHERE:   Stretching area (located by Studio B)
TIME:         5:00-6:00PM
COST:       Complimentary

*Sign up is recommended for these sessions

For more information please contact Kelli Woodside (kwoodside@insideclay.com) or to reserve your space, contact the front desk 212-206-9200

Due to the popularity of our Facials, CLAY Spa has added two well-accomplished estheticians to our team in order to accommodate our members!


Nutrition Tip of the Month:

A common question asked by members is: "What should I eat before my workout?"

The timing of the meal really depends on YOU and YOUR preference. Researchers have found that eating anywhere from 1-4 hours before exercise helps keep plenty of blood glucose* available for working muscles. It is the amount of food you should pay particular attention to. If you are having a large meal, give yourself a couple of hours to digest before you head to the gym. If you need just a little something within an hour of your workout, choose an item that is less than 300 calories and is carbohydrate-based. Here are a few ideas you can try before your next workout:

  • 6 ounces of yogurt with a cup of fruit
  • Large banana, apple, pear, or cup of fruit
  • 1/2 turkey sandwich on whole grain bread
  • Small bowl of cereal with skim or soymilk
  • 1/2 cup of brown rice or chickpeas, steamed broccoli
  • Slice of whole grain toast with hummus
  • Organic food bar
*Glucose is the substrate needed to provide energy to muscles.

The NUTRITION TIP OF THE MONTH will be featured every month in CLAY's Newsletter. If you have a nutrition-related question that you want answered, submit it to ctm@insideclay.com.


PILATES BOOT CAMPS FORMING NOW!

Conducted on the Pilates Equipment
Pilates sign up deadline March 15

Pilates Camps- 2 times a week for 4 weeks

Cost:
240 Members
380 Non-Members

Designed to get the maximum muscle memory in a short amount of time, CLAY Pilates Intensives will give you quicker results and jumpstart your Pilates practice!
Please contact Leslie at Lmcnabb@insideclay.com for more information.


PILATES Q&A

The Secrets of the Springs!

Q: Other than looking a little odd, what makes the Pilates Reformer so different than traditional weight machines?

A: One secret is in the springs! Springs are truly essential to achieving the best results possible from equipment-based Pilates exercises.
A spring has the ability to provide resistance in one direction and assistance in another. This allows you to move in a fuller range of motion, encouraging both strength and flexibility at the same time. In addition, the use of mid-to-heavy springs can offer protection during advanced planking and balance exercises, allowing beginners to start higher-level exercises confidently and safely. The resistance provided by the springs helps stabilize the carriage. Conversely, using a very light spring will make the reformer more "slippery" creating the need for more core involvement and resulting in a more challenging exercise for the advanced client.

Complimentary Pilates Demos
20 Min complimentary demo in March!

The best way to truly understand the secret of the springs is to experience it for yourself, so for the entire month of March we are offering Complimentary Pilates Equipment Orientations. In this 20 minute orientation you get to feel what makes the Pilates reformer so different and why Pilates is a great workout for every body! By appointment only; please see the front desk or contact Leslie at Lmcnabb@insideclay.com.


CLAY Fitness Tip - April 2008

Strengthen your heart and muscles simultaneously!

For a great workout to build muscular endurance and improve circulation try Peripheral Heart Training. This is a form of circuit training where you alternate from an upper body exercise to a lower body exercise in sequence. For example, begin your circuit with a set of cable rows then rest your arms while you are doing some squats so you can quickly move on to your chest press, followed up by some walking lunges. You will be burning fat, toning up, and keeping your heart healthy all at the same time! Does it get better than that? It just might... try a CLAY circuit training class to find out.


Remember to cash out your dollars!

CLAY'S MEMBERSHIP REWARDS PROGRAM

REWARD YOURSELF


CLAY's Membership Rewards Program (MRP). MRP was created to help make the CLAY lifestyle even more rewarding. Here's how:

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Every time you select any service offered at CLAY, 10% of your selection will automatically be credited to your annual membership renewal. Simply put, the more services you select, the less you pay for your membership. Your MRP credits never expire, so receiving a complimentary annual membership is well within your reach.
  • Offer includes all purchases at CLAY (excluding membership) from Private Training, Pilates, M.A.T., Overnight Lockers, Cafe and CLAY Spa!
  • Member Reward credits can be given to friends that would like to join.
  • Credits never expire & rollover every year, until you are ready to cash them in.
The more that you spend in the club…the less you spend on your membership...NO CATCH!

Contact CLAY's Membership Team to learn more about this exciting new program! membership@insideclay.com


CLAY Green Tip

Instead of storing your favorite foods in plastic (it can take over 1,000 years for disposable plastic bags to decompose), try switching to a safer, healthier alternative--ceramic and glass containers. You'll have less trash and won't have to worry about the harmful chemicals you may or may not be ingesting, such as PVC. Plus, these long-lasting containers make for easy cleanups and less of an investment in the long run.


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spacer NEW SIGNATURE SMOOTHIE CLAY CAFE PRESENTS:

Banana Pistachio 6.50
Our newest smoothie is light and satisfying with the perfect blend of ground pistachios, sweet agave nectar, and ripe banana.

CLAY Nutritionist, Christy Maskeroni recommends this smoothie for its great combination of nutrient-dense ingredients...
  • Pistachios have the essential fatty acids important for cardiovascular and general wellness.
  • Whey protein and banana give this drink the ideal combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fat for a post workout snack.
We suggest adding the "Superfood Nutrition" nutrient pack for a high dose of antioxidant protection!



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Chi Kung


Thursdays at 7AM
Cost: Complimentary
Location: Studio A
Instructor: David Dollase



Based on Chinese Medical Theory, Chi Kung is a basic introduction to the world of Energy Arts. Start your morning off the right way with this invigorating routine.

For more information contact Jeannie Neidich at jneidich@insideclay.com or 212.206.9200.
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spacer Special Event - Restorative Yoga with Narween Otto

Friday, March 28 6-7:30PM
Location: Studio A
Cost: Members - Complimentary
Non-Members - 20

Most New Yorkers live in a state of chronic over-stimulation which diminishes the body's natural capacity to heal itself. Restorative Yoga helps relieve the stress of modern living by allowing the body to rest. The body is placed in comfortable positions supported by props - all you need to do is lie down, close your eyes, unwind and relax. Restorative yoga can be a gateway practice towards meditation.

For more information contact Jeannie Neidich at jneidich@insideclay.com or 212.206.9200

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spacer Kettle "Belle" Boot Camp for Women

March 4th - April 11th
Tuesday & Fridays 10:30 - 11:30am
Location: Studio B
Cost:
Members - 450
Non-Members - 500
Get a head start on your Spring fitness program with Julie Soto's Kettle "Belle" Boot Camp for women. Designed to improve lean body mass and cardiovascular health, this boot camp will get you buff in just 6 weeks.

For more information contact Jeannie Neidich at jneidich@insideclay.com or 212.206.9200

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spacer CLAY'S FEATURED PET OF THE MONTH:




CLAY member Deborah Brozina is always eager to introduce her vibrant cat Chandon to newcomers. At 16 and a half years old, this black feline is affectionate and strong-willed. She doesn't let her blindness; brought on by high blood pressure, dull her spirits. Rather, she stays active by playing with toys, venturing to new places of interest in her owner's apartment and leaping onto chairs and laps for the occasional meet-and-greet. Chandon-meaning effervescent - reflects just that and refuses to take life at a leisurely pace.

Send your submissions to Tanya Wood (tmw@insideclay.com)
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spacer Precision Integrated Training



Gregory Gordon holds the distinction of being the only M.A.T. Specialist and Mastery Level RTSM in New York.

Identify your body's muscular imbalances and then train with Gregory to recalibrate and support those weak links to achieve a strong, balanced physique.

For more information contact Jeannie Neidich at jneidich@insideclay.com or 212.206.9200.
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