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“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”
-Marianne Williamson

We’ve spoken about motivation in the past as well as the benefits of consistency when it comes to exercise and health. That’s why we’re happy to announce the success of our APOGEE Challenge.

If you’re not familiar with our challenge, it’s a competition where one member will win a Whole Foods gift card. Participants must complete 28 days of exercise within one month in order to be eligible. Not an easy task by any means – But that hasn’t stopped these motivated members from kickn’ butt and rocking steady! In no particular order, here are our challenge participants all of whom are still in the running to win:

But, if we had to guess, we’d say they were motivated by something more than just a gift card (although it doesn’t hurt!).  So keep up the motivation, guys! Every challenge becomes a stepping stone once we overcome it.

And, for those of you who need proof that consistency pays off, here’s a wonderful letter we received from a member, Allison who want’s everyone to know just how much Pilates has improved her already stellar tennis game.

“As a recreational and competitive tennis player, I am always looking for ways to improve my game. I started taking group tower classes at Apogee Pilates studio in White Plains. I started with a once weekly class. I quickly saw improvement in my core strength on the court and in daily activities. My posture improved and I realized that I needed more. I now do a minimum of two private sessions per week. The outcome is tremendous. I am capable of so much more on the tennis court with increased speed, endurance and accuracy. I also believe that Pilates has helped strengthen me and has saved me from injury. I highly recommend a commitment to pure Pilates for competition in any sport and for longevity.”

Allison McCarthy

White Plains, NY

So, just to be clear, we want there to be tons of names to choose from for this month’s winner and we want even more names next month. Great job, everybody!

Motivation is a funny thing. We can find it in the most obscure places. Sometimes we can’t find it at all. But when we get right down to it – all the motivation we need is already inside us. We just need to let it out.

Enter the Apogee Challenge – a dig deep competition of the willing. On the first of each month, participants can register at either our Bedford Hills or White Plains location to take part – All you have to do is sign in and exercise 28 days out of the month.

Easy right? Well for a little extra motivation, (not that you need it) participants who complete the challenge can even win a $200 Whole Foods Gift Certificate just for sticking it out.

Aside from the obvious physical benefits, consistent exercise can also reduce stress, increase creativity and brain function, allow for better relaxation and build self-confidence. So, if you’re looking to step up to the challenge, here are some easy ways to stay motivated:

Have a Goal – No matter how big or small, having a goal will help keep you focused. This can be done both in a daily goal and a monthly objective.

Surround Yourself with Motivated Peers – you know the saying, “Birds of a feather . . .” well, the same holds true for motivation. By surrounding yourself with positive energy and a little healthy competition, you’ll be creating a better environment to reach your goals.

Reward Yourself – Don’t be afraid to indulge after reaching one of your objectives. After all, that’s one of the perks!

Continue to Challenge Yourself – As you move on, you’ll find certain things you love and some that you’ve even mastered. Great! Now move on and face the next challenge. Keep your body, mind and energy fresh.

Now it’s time to step up to the Apogee Challenge. And, if you think it’s not for you, we want to challenge you to create a mini competition of your own. Set a goal and go for it! Only ours has a $200 Whole Foods Gift Certificate. Either way, you’re on your way.

How did you fare after the big snow of December 2010?  If you’re feeling sore and achy after shoveling, sledding or just wading through drifts, use that sensation as a wake-up call says Jane Nielsen, general manager at APOGEE Bedford Hills.  “You might not be as strong as you thought you were—maybe it’s time to change your workout,” she says.

She’s there to help: Jane and the staff at APOGEE Bedford Hills are offering free 15-minute private stretching sessions to all APOGEE members. They’ll help you safely and gently stretch aching muscles to ease soreness. Then, you should address your weaknesses so you’re ready for the next big storm.

Where you’re aching is a key to the kind of training your body needs, says Jane.

Sore lower back? Basic Pilates moves on the Reformer will strengthen your Powerhouse, the core and back muscles that you probably strained while lifting and throwing the snow.

Sore legs? Lunges and squats will build strength in the quads and hamstrings to make pushing and lifting even the biggest shovel easier.

Sore shoulders? Try shoulder press and rows to strengthen your back and arms so you can throw snow with ease.

Huffing and puffing? If you’re out of breath, you need cardiovascular fitness. Try an intense interval training class or use one of the new treadmills, increasing the incline to challenge yourself.

Call  now (914-244-1606)  to schedule your free 15-minute stretch at APOGEE Bedford Hills—the staff is offering the sessions from now through 9:00pm Wednesday, January 5. Or, consider private training at APOGEE Bedford Hills or APOGEE White Plains.

If you’ve noticed fresh, new flavors at the APOGEE Café, you can thank Danae Sintalis. Danae is a well-known local chef who has been serving up healthful fare as a personal chef and food vendor for 35 years. Now, she’s creating salads, sandwiches, wraps and soups for APOGEE.  “My food is green and healthy; no preservatives or additives,” says Danae. She uses mostly organic ingredients, locally produced when available.

In a just a few weeks, Danae’s chicken curry wraps and black bean burgers have become favorites of APOGEE members and staff, who grab them for a nutritious, long-lasting meal after a workout.  “I’m passionate about the quality of my food,” says Danae. “I breathe it, eat it, smell it! Food is my passion.” Danae is cooking for the APOGEE Cafes at White Plains and Bedford Hills.

Danae comes by her culinary skills naturally:  Her parents owned restaurants in Athens, Greece and Alexandria, Egypt. “I was born into it,” she says. Over the years, she has created healthful versions of international favorites such as chicken chicken soup and grain salads, collaborating with nutritionists including Dina Khader, who worked on the bestselling book, “Eat Right 4 Your Type.”  Danae’s café at the Sawmill River Club earned the Best Café in the County award in 2007.

Related: What to Eat Before and After a Workout