Month: November 2017

Daily Fitness: Spar Boxing

Posted on by NikkiOnTheDaily in Fitness & Wellness, Hospitality

(This article first appeared in the August 9, 2017 issue of The Independent Newspaper)

 

Juan Carlos Mancilla is an East Hampton native who has been competing in the boxing ring for 11 years. In 2016, the 27-year-old won by TKO at the Paramount in Huntington, officially turning pro and inspiring his latest business venture. As the co-founder of Spar Boxing, which opened its doors this summer, he decided to open his Springs location, found at 514 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Road, with a “start small, aim big” mentality.

“As not just an instructor but a professional boxer I am able to bring something unique to the table that you can’t really get out here in The Hamptons,” Mancilla admitted.

“I introduce the public to the hard workouts we boxers have to endure to mold our bodies to be fight-ready as well as fun but effective workouts. So we decided to start out small then in a year or so get a bigger place after we’ve established our clientele.”

Upon arrival to this new location I was given a set of Spar hand wraps to keep (for future use, and to make me look totally badass) and a set of gloves to borrow. My morning class only had four early birds but the studio’s capacity is 14 to a class — sign up early to get a good spot.

After a quick stretch there were 10 boxing rounds on the aqua bags, followed by 10 rounds on a terra core, back and forth. The aqua bags (those teardrop-shaped bags hanging from above) are an innovative new technology for boxers that absorb impact much better than a traditional heavy bag, plus it’s better for the joints (for those with joint pain).

Throughout the rounds Mancilla demonstrated to the class how to properly punch, place their feet, and target their overall core and upper body as one. Having grown up with an affinity for kickboxing, I fell in love with the aqua bag. Not only did it have a trendier look (because that’s apparently a factor in my fitness routine) but it allowed for swifter movement around the bag and cleaner upper cuts.

The terra core was a full body exercise including jumps, lunges, squats, crunches, and push-ups. Aside from using individual body weight, the class incorporated two-pound light weights (this is for all, despite strength), medicine balls, elastic bands, and even lifting the terra core itself (also for all, despite strength). For additional cardio at the end of the class, we practiced high intensity interval training with a quick, powerful punches.

What made this class particularly enjoyable, besides the bag, the terra core, and the instructor, was the playlist. I didn’t want to stop moving. Men and women alike will mutually agree that the beats fuel the body. This is suiting, since the space at Spar has the look and vibe of an actual nightclub. Replace the stilettos with sneakers!

Mancilla noted, “As our building gives off a nightclub vibe with the dark room and different color lights, and top-of-the-line PA sound system, we will be having a few local DJs come in and spin some tracks as the class jams out to the music while burning a high calorie count. We hope to do it a few times this month.”

In addition to the boxing BPMs, every Tuesday Spar donates to Project Most by having kids from the camp come take a boxing class free of charge; a perfect combination of fitness and philanthropy.

By the end of the class I was revived and ready to take on my day. Fist in the air, sipping iced coffee from the other, I felt like a Total Knock Out!

Roll with the punches by signing up yourself at http://www.spar-boxing.com or email at spar.boxingeh@gmail.com. Follow them on Instagram @sparboxing.

Daily Fitness: Flyboarding, Horizon is the Limit

Posted on by NikkiOnTheDaily in Fitness & Wellness, The Hamptons

(This article first appeared in the August 2, 2017 issue of The Independent Newspaper)

flyboard
With owner, Dane Riva

Flyboarding. Like something out of an aquatic sci-fi film. Boosters on your feet as you soar toward to the sky with nothing but water beneath you. Marty McFly couldn’t have even imagined this, but the Riva brothers did.

Brothers Dane Riva and Beau Riva of Hampton Flyboard are Sag Harbor natives. Like most from the area, Dane grew up surfing and boating, developing a true passion for the ocean. One day he came across a YouTube video of flyboarding, begging the question, “Who does that out here?” As luck would have it the competition was low.

“Flyboard Long Island was in Riverhead, but that might as well be in Nassau County [to people in The Hamptons],” Riva admitted. And so an idea took flight (literally) in the summer of 2015.

Right now this booster thrill runs June through September, the key summer months. Despite the relatively short season, over the past two years Hampton Flyboard has retained a steady clientele.

Riva noted, “I have been getting a lot of great people reaching out and helping my business. A good example is that Sen, a Japanese restaurant in town, puts my cards on its hostess stand for all their customers to see. I teach all of the staff at the restaurant to flyboard.”

What is flyboarding exactly? The flyboard is a set of boots connected to a 60-foot hose using a patented quick connect technology. This hose leads to a U-pipe that attaches to the pump of a powerful Yamaha FX show cruiser pushing over 200 horse power, which then redirects all the water to the front of the jet ski and to the nozzles of the flyboard. The instructor on the jet ski controls the power, therefore how high a participant will go. And, just like that, you’re propelled into the air.

While in the air, the flyer must have their chest forward, legs straight, and toes up. To help maintain balance, keep an eye on the horizon. If you begin to collapse look at the jet ski while falling backward. A rapid forward descent can lead to some nasty belly flops, which I personally experienced, and minor headaches, the reason for the helmet.

For those seeking an adventurous experience, without going too far, Hampton Flyboard has seen an over 90 percent success rate in clients getting up within the initial five minutes. It’s all in a positive attitude! Overall, athletes and non-athletes alike should be comfortable in the water before attempting. Don’t worry, there is a mandated life vest to wear for safety.

The average group size is two to four people, dedicating half an hour per person in the water, but Riva will accommodate as many as 12 in a group. Being surrounded by water allows Hampton Flyboard to be a mobile business, boarding on private docks or boats. The horizon is the limit.

Rates run as an individual half hour $180; two people for an hour $320; four people for two hours $420; eight people for four hours $900.

“I’m relatively young. I’m excited to grow my business and have different locations throughout The Hamptons. I encourage anyone starting a business just to go for it,” asserted Riva. “Now in my free time I try to surf as often as I can. I have traveled a decent amount in Central and South America surfing. And hope to one day buy property down there, build a compound, and surf [and flyboard] all the time.” Fittingly so, as the website states learning how to “surf the sky.”

Contact Hampton Flyboard by calling 631-604-8867, visiting their website at http://www.hamptonflyboard.com or on social media @hamptonflyboard.

Daily Fitness: Fighting Like a Noble

Posted on by NikkiOnTheDaily in Fitness & Wellness

(This article first appeared in the August 2, 2017 issue of The Independent Newspaper)

 

Fencing oftentimes generates images from films like The Princess Bride, Zorro, The Count of Monte Cristo, or even Star Wars. Beyond that it’s an uncommon thought, but 25-year-old Hanna Heldenmuth from Miami, FL aims to change that.

After years of competing at a national level, earning herself an athletic scholarship to Fairleigh Dickinson University, an NCAA Division I school, Heldenmuth is teaching her knowledge to others. Currently, her company, Noble Knights Fitness and Fencing, offers lessons to individuals or groups in the privacy of their homes in Miami or The Hamptons, and she’s aiming to expand to Manhattan and parts of New Jersey.

Intrigued by fencing, I made my way to meet the young athlete. Suited up and a brief lesson later, I envisioned myself as Lindsay Lohan in The Parent Trap.

We practiced with three different swords. Can you explain them and their uses?

Sabre: Cutting-style weapon with target area from the waist up, including the head.

Foil: Point/thrust-style weapon with target area consisting only of the torso.

Epee: Point/thrust-style weapon with target area from head to toe.

Sabre and Foil are “right of way” weapons, meaning that the person whose action has the right of way receives the point. (Example: Fencer A attacks, fencer B blocks the attack and then both hit simultaneously, fencer B would receive the point because his hit came after fencer A’s initial attack failed.)

Epee is a non “right of way” weapon, meaning that if both people hit simultaneously both receive the point.

You used some of the basic terminology, explain what it meant.

Advance: Taking a step towards one’s opponent.

Retreat: Taking a step away from one’s opponent.

Lunge: Most common attacking technique, in which the fencer launches themselves at their opponent by pushing off from the back leg.

Attack: Movement or series of movements by which a fencer tries to score a point.

En Garde: Position taken before fencing commences.

Parry: Defensive action in which a fencer blocks his opponent’s blade.

Piste: French term for the fencing strip.

Strip: Fencing area, 14 meters long by two meters wide.

Bout: Fencing match.

What’s the important history of the sport? I imagine it dates back to when swords were used as weapons.

The foil is a descendant of the light court sword formally used by nobility to train for duels. Target is the torso and follows a right-of-way point system based on the historic dueling masters who instructed their pupils to only attack the vital areas of the body.

The epee is a descendant of the dueling sword. Touches are scored only with the point of the blade, and the entire body, head‐to‐toe, is the valid target area, imitating an actual duel. There is no “right of way” as the epee takes after a duel style that’s goal was to first blood rather than death. For this reason if both fencers hit simultaneously both receive points.

The sabre is a descendant of the slashing cavalry sword. The sabre is a cutting weapon as well as a thrusting weapon; therefore, sabreurs can score with the edge of their blade as well as their point. The target area of the waist up simulates the cavalry rider on a horse (hitting below the waist would harm the horse).

Where do you see the sport going?

The sport is becoming more mainstream, due in great part to an increase in media coverage. There is also a strong urge in the fencing community to develop foundations geared toward increased accessibility to the sport, offering programs, equipment, and scholarships. I believe fencing is on its way up in popularity and soon enough its presence will be much more common.

What made you start a business? How’d you come up with the name?

I’ve always loved coaching and having the chance to introduce the sport of fencing to people. The name of my business, Noble Knights Fitness and Fencing, comes from my NCAA fencing team mascot, the Knight. Plus the idea that those who are noble (possessing qualities of high ideals, morals, and talent) are obligated to be noble and reach their potential.

How can fencing aid in a child’s future?

The sport of fencing offers a wide range of physical and mental benefits for children. Because fencing is comparatively a small sport, goals of succeeding competitively are attainable to individuals that are willing to train and work hard.

Fencing not only stands out on a college application but also has the power to influence university admission, especially at one of the many schools that have NCAA fencing teams.

Talk about the fitness aspect of fencing. I know I definitely felt it in my thighs and arm muscles.

Fencing uses a unique set of muscles and requires a great deal of balance and core strength as well as lower body (squatted en garde position) and upper body with high-speed blade work.

Since it’s about precision, would you say it’s a mental workout too?

Fencing is definitely a mental workout. The sport requires tactical skills, mental focus and split second reaction time.

What would you say to those who haven’t tried fencing before?

Everyone and anyone can benefit from the sport of fencing. Fencing is great for people of all ages, from 5 to 105. Sessions can be one-on-one with a coach, as a couple or family, or with a small group of friends. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to have a private fencing master bring the sport of fencing directly to your home. Just like in the movies!

Noble Knights Fencing sends a coach directly to an individual’s home, but can also provide sessions at camps, gyms, or any outdoor space, such as parks or beaches. A basic fencing package with all necessary introductory equipment runs about $300 and they provide all the gear necessary for an introduction to the sport. Those interested in pursuing things further can then rent or purchase equipment packages through the company itself.

Are you ready to en garde? Contact Hanna Heldenmuth at http://www.nobleknightsfencing.com , call at 305-333-6580 or find them on Instagram @NobleKnightsFencing.

Daily Fitness: Eight Tips For Your Next Vaca

Posted on by NikkiOnTheDaily in Fitness & Wellness, Travel

(This article was originally published in the July 26, 2017 edition of The Independent Newspaper)

 

Pack your bags, you’re ready to go. That “ahh” feeling sets in as the vacation is about to commence. You’ve got your itinerary or, if you’re anything like me, an activity bucket list and your appropriate fitness gear.

But when it comes down to it, keeping healthy while traveling is so much more than simply hitting the gym, which actually isn’t so simple considering how mundane it may feel.

So here are my eight personal tips for keeping fit while on your next vacation

1. Rather than sitting down before boarding the plane, walk around and stand as long as possible. It’s important to fit in exercise before being immobile to stimulate circulation.

2. Stay hydrated. The moment you arrive in that airport, vacation fever begins. You’re eyeing the bar, or when the flight crew comes around you’d much prefer that new beer their promoting. Opting for water not only saves calories but can decrease the fuzzy, groggy affect from traveling. Once you’ve landed, well, that’s a horse of a different color.

3. Make the first meal a light meal. Typical travel calls for adjusting to another time zone or climate. Let your body catch up before you dive immediately into the cuisine. Choose a meal that will help you feel refreshed the next time you dig in.

4. Talk to locals before you Google. They know the best spots to not only eat but to stay in shape — bike lanes, hiking trails, and more.

5. Eat small but eat often. To taste local cuisine, sharing food rather than ordering big meals is not only more fun but it’ll help keep the metabolism up.

6. Don’t be afraid to adventure alone. That extra few steps or burst of energy will lead you down some interesting journeys, beyond a healthier life.

7. Wake up earlier than usual. Given, most of us vacation to sleep in. But rising ahead of schedule will make you feel more inclined to do activities for that extra morning boost.

8. Give yourself a break. Literally. You didn’t leave home to work out, in most cases, so enjoy the moment!

Revive Your Life

Posted on by NikkiOnTheDaily in Fitness & Wellness, Inspiring, Long Island

(This article was originally published in the July 19, 2017 issue of The Independent Newspaper)

 

Instagram is quickly becoming my Match.com for industry connections. I can look up a location or hashtag, and I’m instantly viewing countless options of potential suitors for my next IndyFit story. An image saying a thousand words equates Instagram profiles to a novelesque picture book.

Typing in #HamptonsFitness led me to discover a company named REVIVE Hamptons Wellness. After several weeks of placing the direct messages on the back burner, while at the Wellness Foundation’s summer benefit on June 24 I met a couple who introduced themselves as “partners in life and in business.” It was Jessica M. Bailey and Mateusz Mostek, the co-founders of my Insta-interest. It was bashert, as the Yiddish would say (meant to be).

REVIVE Hamptons has been running for over four years, a concierge wellness business serving clients in their homes, offices, hotels, and seaworthy yachts. Their company offers a plethora of services such as massage therapy, acupuncture, pilates, yoga, personal training, farm-to-table cooking, and even an integrative health coaching with a six-month program.

What makes this business unique is how its growth has remained purely organic, relying primarily on word of mouth advertising. I was situational proof that a simple search can lead to discovering the unknown. Ironically, Instagram was the initial force behind this couple as well.

Bailey and Mostek met at the Blue Parrot in East Hampton at the summer launch party of The Free Ride. Mateo was providing therapeutic massages, advertised on Instagram, which intrigued Jessica to join the event. Initially, the two exchanged cards for business. Nine patiently-awaited months later they went on their first date.

“[He was] so carefree, original, and one of those nights you will never forget,” Bailey remembered. “We had drinks at B Smith’s in Sag Harbor and then created our own vintage dress-up fashion show at Around Again on the wharf, and finished off at Superica’s with Kenny for his amazing margaritas. I knew that night that I was going to be standing next to this man for the long haul.”

Within a month’s time of dating, a business plan was drafted. Bailey explained, “Having the same interests, passions in life, work ethic, and love of health and wellness allows us to remain on the same wavelength throughout our life and business.”

Through their empowerment together grew the goal of helping clients to take control of their well-being. Inspire others and you will be inspired yourself.

“When a vertical of our life is out of balance, our higher vibrational self draws attention to it. At this moment, we have the opportunity to shift our perspectives, actions, and habits. This can occur several times throughout our wellness journeys, a chance to revive who and what we are,” Bailey said. This mentality influenced the company motto, “Revive Your Life.”

The “REVIVE Tribe” is comprised of 15 healers, teachers, and chefs. Their days are atypical at best; seeing back-to-back clients, running a wellness series at 14 hotel locations, organizing farm to table events, and seeking out new business collaborations with an open mind.

“Who they [the tribe] are at their core — their honesty, integrity and dedication — is what sets them apart from the rest,” Bailey emphasized what makes her company stand out amid the bustling competition. “Perspective can shift the competitor to the partner. It’s much healthier and beneficial to our community if we lock arms with fellow businesses.”

Integrating fitness and wellness is easier said than done, and oftentimes overlooked. It’s important not to stick to only one end of the spectrum but to interconnect the two. Working out doesn’t guarantee a healthy body and eating right is only part of the equation. Though I hold true to being a #fitnessfoodie, eating hard and working out harder, I assert moderation rather than cutting out any specific food or exercise.

Bailey and Mostek aim to achieve both. “It is truly difficult to be well without a fitness practice. Just because you hit the gym five days a week does not guarantee that you feel a sense of happiness, fulfillment, and balance. We allow our clients to intuitively listen to their bodies on the cellular level to discover what it is that their bodies are craving.”

Within the next few weeks REVIVE Hamptons Wellness will be partnering with Pop In Pilates, an LA based company, to open a location in Southampton. The space will allow teachers to rent a fully equipped, private studio space for $25 an hour to train their own clients and grow their individual brand. Part of the “locking arms” mentality.

For the future, they are hoping to expand spaces to include health coaches, acupuncturists, yoga teachers, and massage therapists.

In addition, you can join the REVIVE Tribe in Rincon, Puerto Rico, from February 27 to March 3, 2018, for a Full Moon Retreat of yoga, Pilates, surfing, SUP, gourmet meals, aromatherapy, and luxury accommodations.

How’s that for some #InstaGood?

Contact Revive Hamptons Wellness at 631-740-6523 or revivepartners@gmail.com. Or, as I did, on Instagram @revivehamptons