In the first release of the “Learning to Lift” series, we discussed the benefits of resistance training. In the second release, we discussed why exercise is a stress. Today, in the third release, we will be discussing the nuance of training. Training variables! Training variables are aspects of our training which we control and manipulate […]
Learning to Lift Part 3: Training Variables Read More »
You’ve probably heard the advice: “Get 10,000 steps a day.” And if you’ve ever found yourself pacing your kitchen at 9:48 pm to make that happen, you’re not alone. But here’s the backstory, the 10,000-step goal wasn’t created in a lab or backed by scientific consensus. It was launched in 1965 as a marketing campaign
10,000 Steps a Day—What’s Really Behind That Number? Read More »
This is my favorite time of year—there’s a buzz in the air as parents and kids alike joyfully anticipate the last day of school and that first day of summer camp. There’s a lightness and energy that’s hard to resist! For me, June also marks the return of one of my favorite routines—a weekly visit
Summer Plant Challenge Read More »
I’ve studied leadership and organizational performance and spent years trying to put that knowledge into practice as a leader in health care. Over time, one thing became clear: energy matters. Not just in a “rah-rah team spirit” way, but in a very real and measurable sense. Positive energy fuels performance. Negative energy drains it. Team
Energy Matters: The 3-to-1 Rule Read More »
Exercising isn’t always easy, but that’s the point of it. Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do – for brain health, to help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and all this can improve your ability to do every day activities. Matt Hunter, Personal
You might hate to do these exercises, but you’ll love the results! Read More »
Holidays, especially Jewish Holidays, are not the best time to enforce a weight loss diet. Take Shavuot, which this year begins on the eve of Sunday, June 1, 2025. For reasons that some attribute to parsing of Jewish law and others, to a tradition that evolved amongst Eastern European Jews, dairy – cheese and one
Cheesecake – The Taste of Shavuot Read More »
Did you know there are no actual potatoes in Pringles? That’s right—just a mash-up of potato flakes, starch and additives shaped into chips. And Pringles aren’t alone. Next time you pick up a blueberry muffin or a cereal bar with berries, check the ingredients. Many of those “blueberries” are just flavored sugar bits dyed blue.
There Are No Potatoes in Pringles! Read More »
Exciting Renovations at the JCC Squirrel Hill are COMPLETED! Lower Level Fitness Area Transformation – Completed! We have reimagined the lower level to bring you a fresh, functional, and inspiring workout space, featuring: • New equipment including additional squat racks, heavy bags and escape functional training equipment• Turf flooring and new sleds• New layout with
JCC Fitness: Redefined Read More »
The middle of the Passover holiday, referred to as Hol Hamoed, is often a slower time at the JCC. It typically takes place during spring break and many of the young people who I am used to seeing every day for a variety of programs and activities are off with family and friends recharging for
JCC State of Mind: April 18, 2025 – Middle of Passover Hol Hamoed Read More »
What Doesn’t Kill You…Might Actually Make You Healthier (Especially if You Eat It) We’ve all heard the line: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” It’s usually muttered after a tough workout, a rough breakup, or 45 minutes on hold with the cable company. While we recite that phrase without much thought, there’s deep biological
Whole Health Insights: What Doesn’t Kill You…Might Actually Make You Healthier Read More »
Many of you may know me as the resident Wellness Coach at the JCC, serving up recommendations on diet and activity, but I also worked as a leader in Corporate Health & Wellness and was always fascinated by psychology and human performance. I was so curious that I went on to study Leadership & Organizational
Whole Health Insights: Ready for a Mindset Reset? Read More »
The 42nd Award Celebration For information about the 2025 Event or Membership to the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, please contact us at our new email address [email protected] The Jewish Sports Hall of Fame will hold its 2025 Award Celebration: Sunday May 4, 20254 pm – Rodef Shalom SynagogueFor tickets, click HERE 2025 Inductees Local 2025
Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Western Pennsylvania 2025 Read More »
The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, connection, and… stress eating! Between gift shopping, social events and that never-ending mountain of year-end work deadlines, it’s no wonder that stress levels skyrocket during these “festive” months. If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for cookies, candy, or just about anything in your line of
Whole Health Insights: Stress Eating Through the Holidays? Time to Break the Cycle. Read More »
Heroes in Jewish tradition play a significant role, embodying values, inspiring faith, and serving as moral exemplars. Unlike many cultures where heroes are celebrated for their physical prowess or conquests, Jewish heroes are often admired for their righteousness, wisdom, and commitment to G-d and the community. Jewish heroes serve as reminders of the power of
JCC State of Mind – December 6, 2024 Read More »
Most of us know our weight. But how many of us know our body’s balance of lean muscle, fat, and bone? Body composition is a far more meaningful measure of health and fitness, yet it’s the measurement that most people avoid. Admittedly, I was one of those avoiders! When I first faced the idea of
At the heart of our Jewish identity lies the belief in Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh—all Jews are responsible for one another. This value is beautifully exemplified in the Partnership2Gether (P2G) program, a cornerstone initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh that connects our Pittsburgh community with the people of Karmiel and Misgav in Israel and with members
JCC State of Mind – December 13, 2024 Read More »
This week’s message is written by Liza Baron, Director, Early Childhood Development As with most holidays, there are traditions associated with Thanksgiving. Things like eating turkey, playing football and gathering with family and loved ones are a few that come to mind for me. This is a space I enjoy being in, and I look forward to
JCC State of Mind – November 29, 2024 Read More »
This Thanksgiving holiday, I’m sure everyone is waiting for the wellness coach to lecture about healthy eating. Don’t worry, I am not going to warn you to avoid the pumpkin pie. (Good luck with that one.) But before we all dive into the turkey and debates, let’s take a moment to think about gratitude in
Whole Health Insights: Make Someone Happy This Thanksgiving Read More »