posted Sep 26, 2011 11:20 AM by Berkshire West Athletic Club
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updated Sep 26, 2011 11:34 AM
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The pool continues to be closed for one more week as our maintenance crew and outside contractors hurry to compete their remaining work.
A new pool heater and plumbing has been installed along with the construction of a new Pool Equipment Building (see photo). The long awaited replacement of the whirlpool is also nearing completion. 
If weather is permitting the Bubble/Dome will be installed over the pool area either Tuesday 9/27 or Wednesday 9/28. After which there will be some last work that needs to be completed - we're hoping the pool will be open by next Monday 10/03. As work is completed over the next few days we will keep you updated here at the Berkshire West website. |
posted Jul 25, 2011 1:51 PM by Berkshire West Athletic Club
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Until further notice the ZUMBA CLASS. Wednesdays @ 5:30pm is CANCELLED |
posted Apr 30, 2011 5:33 AM by Berkshire West Athletic Club
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updated Apr 30, 2011 6:10 AM
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One of the great advantages of membership at Berkshire West is our year-round swimming pool. Water Aerobic, or Aquatic Exercise is a great way to stay in shape. All throughout Berkshire West we offer all different methods to keep your body in shape - exercising in the pool can be a great alternative or just a way to break up the same old routine and keep you focused on staying fit, and especially if you're recovering from an injury (check with your physician first).
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Benefits of Water Aerobics:
- Non-weight bearing exercise
- Improves muscular endurance
- Improves core strength and endurance
- Great exercise for pregnant women
- Improves flexibility
- Improves cardiovascular conditioning
- Burns enormous amount of calories
- Keeps the body cool during exercise
- Fun and enjoyable exercise
- Great way to modify or spice up normal routine,
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The following is a reprint of an article by Judi Sheppard Missett, which was found @ Active.com - Take your time to read through this article and click on the various links - there is a wealth of information.
4 Water Workouts
Water Running
Running full throttle in waist-deep water is a sure-fire way to blast calories this summer. Burn up to 15 calories per minute while sprinting through the water. Meanwhile, deep-water endurance running can help you burn up to 12 calories per minute.
Deep-water running involves wearing a buoyancy belt, so that you can run—remember to run, not bicycle—without your feet touching the bottom.
Check into waterproof gear, like a MP3 player with waterproof headphones to pump-up your water running regimen.
Aquatic Classes
The hottest new classes in gyms and sports clubs across the country are all wet. Yoga, kickboxing and even cycling in the water. Students flock to the classes to enjoy the high-intensity exercise regimen with no impact to the joints. No longer relegated to those needing rehabilitation from injuries, water aerobics classes are more popular than ever.
Resistance Training
Water provides natural resistance not found on terra firma. Your core is worked throughout your movements to stabilize your body against the fluid flow. You can add even more resistance with some of the newest gadgets on the market. Webbed gloves and hand buoys (water-friendly barbells) add resistance for upper-body movements.
Skim the Top
Don't neglect the variety of options for fitness on top of the water this summer. Rowing, canoeing and kayaking can burn anywhere from 200 to 500 calories per hour. Rowboats can tip more easily than canoes or kayaks, so you may want to start with one of the latter.
Try your hand with the paddles on calm water before venturing out to the rapids.
No matter what aquatic fitness regimen you choose, always keep safety in mind. Here are five tips to safely make a splash this summer.
- Bring a Non-Breakable Water Bottle With You: Just because you're in the water doesn't mean that your hydration levels will stay up to par. You still sweat in the water, and you need to replenish your fluids.
- Start Slowly: Plan just a few water workouts per week and pay attention to your body. Gradually increase the time and intensity as your body feels ready.
- Wear Appropriate Attire: Consider water shoes, which support your foot and keep you from slipping.
- Ask Questions: Before signing up for a class, ensure that your instructor is trained and certified in aquatic exercise.
- Buddy Up: Never go swimming or attempt aquatic exercises alone in a remote location, particularly a river or reservoir where currents and undertows can surprise you.
Judi Sheppard Missett, who turned her love of jazz dance into a worldwide dance exercise phenomenon, founded the Jazzercise dance fitness program in 1969.
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posted Apr 14, 2011 6:53 PM by Berkshire West Athletic Club
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updated Apr 14, 2011 8:35 PM
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The following is an excerpt from an article Written by Brianne DiSylvester, the original posting can be viewed at: http://bit.ly/h6vaMd
With the BWAC Biggest Loser Club just completing Week #2 here is some great timely information.
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Diet, schmiet. Ditch your strict eating regimen and give your metabolism a boost by eating. Yes, eating! Just by consuming certain drinks and foods, you can give your body a kick-start in calorie burning, and speed up that seemingly slow metabolism of yours. Here’s how…
What to Eat:
- Almonds: Although high in calories (don’t overdo it), they contain fatty acids that raise your metabolism.
- Apples and Pears: High fiber makes you burn more calories.
- Beans: High protein + high fiber = more calories burned.
- Broccoli: Calcium and vitamin C create a metabolism-rising duo.
- Cinnamon: Add it to sugary drinks and foods to help your body better metabolize sweets.
- Coffee: Caffeine gives your mind, body and metabolism a boost. Don’t exceed 2-3 cups a day.
- Curry: Since it’s spicy, your body will work hard to metabolize it and give your calorie burning a boost.
- Grapefruit: Lowers insulin levels and burns calories by breaking down the fiber.
- Green Tea: EGCG speeds up your brain and nervous system, thus burning more calories.
- Hot Peppers and Jalapenos: For hours after you eat them, these spicy peppers will speed up your heart rate and metabolism while burning calories.
- Lean Turkey: Protein builds muscle and helps to burn calories since your body is working harder to process it.
- Low-Fat Yogurt: Breaking down the high protein level burns calories and the probiotic cultures regulate digestion.
- Oatmeal: Again high fiber means more calories are being burned while your body breaks it down.
- Spinach: Speeds up your metabolism, plus it’s high in vitamin C, antioxidants and iron.
- Unsweetened Soy Milk: Tons of calcium ups your metabolism.
- Water: Your body’s metabolic rate will increase by 30 percent by drinking 17 ounces of water.
Now, unfortunately we don’t just want to gorge ourselves on these items. An efficient metabolism is all within the method...
How to Eat It:
- Eat the recommended amount of calories (calculate it) for your body type and activity. Eating too few, in addition to exercising, causes your body to go into starvation mode which slows down your metabolism.
- Nosh every 3-5 hours. This will help maintain a fast metabolism. Plus, you’ll never be overly hungry and risk overeating.
- Eat smaller portions. Each time your digestive system starts to work, you burn calories.
- Add lean protein to every meal (3 oz) or snack (1 oz). The protein builds muscle, tells your brain to stop eating, and increases your metabolism since your body is working harder to digest it.
- Work out. Try strength training 3 times a week… it boosts your metabolism.
Image: John Winkelman
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posted Apr 14, 2011 10:49 AM by Berkshire West Athletic Club
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updated Apr 14, 2011 11:39 AM
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Camp Fox Hill
If I were young again... Camp Fox Hill provides a secure and exciting environment for children aged 4 to 13. Morning athletics, arts and crafts, games and competitions provide a stimulating environment for the young. Two specialty classes per week provide an introductory aerobic and tennis experience under the direction of certified instructors for the children.
The afternoons are a fun filled afternoon in the pools. Fridays are a stroll across the street and a day spent at our local water park,
all under the close supervision of our camp counselors.
Each week is a different experience and always filled with fun. See our schedule of weekly events for the best week or weeks for
your child or grandchild.
Creating a diverse and exciting environment for teens can be challenging. The teen camp is for ages 12 to 16.
Each day is spent doing a variety of activities meant to stimulate and develop new interests. Tennis, swimming, yoga,
Pilates, kick boxing, spinning, boot camp, cardio, hip-hop and Zumba classes to name a few. Adult supervision is a
must and we provide the best.
Your child will have a wonderful time in a structured environment with a wide variety of activities. Our CIT option
allows children ages 14-16 to learn the basics of camp counseling and leadership of small groups but still have an
afternoon of activities with their peers. Afternoon only programs are also available.
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