CLAY Newsletter – February 2008
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT:

Happy New Year! The beginning of a new year is always a good time to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. 2008 promises to be a big year for all of us. We face one of the most important elections in our history and with all the discussion around health care and the economy, taking care of ourselves becomes that much more essential.
  • spa and cafe will be switching our retail bags to eco friendly paper bags by the end of February.
  • corn based spa and cafe cups as well as eco friendly straws and napkins by mid-February.
  • eco-friendly professional products used in the spa treatments such as organic cotton swabs and waxing implements.
  • a Sonya Dakar eco-friendly body line will be available at CLAY and in the spa by early April.
  • an organic, bamboo, recycled men and women's active wear line by early April
  • recycling set up at the cafe and roof deck by early February
  • employee uniforms are sent out to Green Apple Cleaners, an organic, CO2 cleaner that does not use harmful chemicals
  • all maintenance cleaning products switched to eco-friendly products by early February.
A big thanks to all employees who volunteer to help make these changes at CLAY!

Also new at CLAY is our member rewards program that will definitely make an impact on what you personally pay for membership in 2008. We account for every dollar you spend on services at CLAY which includes training of any kind, cafe, nutrition and spa. We then apply 10% of that total towards your renewal of a paid in full membership. For example: if you train 3 times a week for the year we take 10% of that total which is $1600 and apply it to a year membership which is $1680 and you are left with a balance of $80. In essence you have a free membership. If you train twice a week you only pay 1/3 of the paid in full membership rate - even less if you use the spa and eat at the cafe. These rewards dollars never expire so as long as you are at CLAY you will benefit from using the club.

There are no excuses any more so get busy in 2008!!

See you in the club,

Robin Brown
FEBRUARY FITNESS TIP BY GREGORY GORDON

Bob Esquerre
Don't have time for a workout? Travel too much, kids, LIFE, etc...

Here's the deal: Exercise, ALL EXERCISE, whether it is Pilates, weightlifting or Yoga have the same common ingredient: Force. Your muscles need to produce it in order to move your joints!

Here's another thing: Force is either a Push or a Pull. So, in ANY exercise, you are either trying to pull something towards you, or push something away.

This makes getting in an effective workout VERY SIMPLE!
  • Make sure you do some Pushing (synonymous with Pressing) exercises: such as a push up, any type of chest or shoulder press, which you can do with a simple tubing, free weights, or your own body weight
  • Make sure you do some Pulling exercises: such as a pull up, any type of Pull downs or rows. You can use your body weight, but can do many different type of pulling exercise with just a simple piece of tubing or free weight.
  • Make sure you do some type of Squatting movement: Squatting, Lunging with or without additional weight are all really effective movements.
Doing a quick circuit of these exercises for about twenty minutes can be totally INVIGORATING and have TREMENDOUS benefit. Try to vary your exercise choices, and keep rest time between exercises fairly short in order to maximize efficacy.
NUTRITIONAL CONSULTING WITH CHRISTY NOW AVAILABLE!

Bob Esquerre
Christy Maskeroni, a Personal Trainer at CLAY, has dedicated the last four years customizing strength and cardiovascular training programs for her clients. Additionally, she has been developing a thorough grounding in Nutrition Science, Nutrition Education, Clinical Nutrition, and Exercise Physiology--taking CLAY's mission of integrative wellness to the next level. With the support of each trainer, instructor, and staff it is Christy's intent to provide customized nutrition and fitness programs for members inspired to reach a new height of health and wellness.

Christy Maskeroni holds a Master of Science in Nutrition and Applied Physiology from Columbia University and is an eligible Registered Dietitian. Additionally, she is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Stay tuned for more information on our NEW Nutrition Programs in the weeks to come!

CHRISTY'S NUTRITION TIP FOR THE MONTH

If you are looking to lose those few extra holiday pounds or just maintain your healthy physique for the New Year, here are a few easy changes to guide you in your journey to an improved body:
  • Think ahead. Prepare healthy meals and snacks for the day so you don't get caught in a sticky situation. If you plan to dine out, take a few minutes to see if the menu is online. This will help you plan your meal before the hunger (or alcohol) takes control of your decisions.
  • Go small. Normal serving sizes fit on a smaller plate, appear larger, and can help you control portions.
  • Enjoy your food. Eat without distractions (TV, magazines, etc.), chew food thoroughly, place your fork down between bites, or have a conversation with someone. This will allow hunger levels to set it and help you avoid overeating.
  • Stick to real foods. Try to avoid packaged and processed foods as much as possible. Many contain unnecessary calories, salt, and fat. Instead of grabbing peanut butter and crackers from the corner deli, make your own with natural peanut butter and whole grain crackers or grab an apple and mixed nuts at the CLAY Cafe.
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. We will be highlighting one in every newsletter.


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spacer PAMPER THE ONE YOU LOVE THIS VALENTINES DAY!

Pure Indulgence Package
This luxurious package includes a 9 piece box of Marie Belle Chocolate. Offer available the entire month of February.
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spacer CLAY ANNOUNCEMENT

I am pleased to announce that after over 6 years of working with the CLAY brand I have been promoted. My new position at CLAY is Vice President of PR and Marketing.

Beginning now I will primarily work from our business office around the corner. We will not see as much of one another, but I am still very much a part of CLAY! I am just an email or a phone call away so please don't be shy.

Lori Fields is our Member Services Director and will now oversee the Membership Department. I am excited to begin this new chapter in my time here at CLAY and I assure you that we have great things in store for you in 2008!

Best Regards,

Tanya Wood
twood@insideclay.com

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spacer CLAY'S FEATURED PET OF THE MONTH:



(F.W.F.) Fluffy White Female. She enjoys long belly rubs, afternoon naps and being pampered by her several adoring sitters. Owner and CLAY member Barbara Wesotski --who is an avid motorcycle racer-says Diva can even find center stage when lounging atop a pile of magazines. Named after musical legend Frank Zappa's daughter, Diva is 15 years young and not slowing down any time soon. Call her a superstar or even a prima donna because this Diva is single and always ready to mingle.

Send your submissions to Tanya Wood (tmw@insideclay.com)
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spacer NEW CLASS! CHI KUNG

Thursdays at 7AM
Instructor: David Dollase



Based on Chinese Medical Theory, this is a basic intro to the whole world of Energy Arts. This is a "mind/body" exercise class that can leave you both energized and relaxed. Start your morning off the right way with this invigorating routine.

Complimentary
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NEW Menu Selections Available NOW!