Check out this great new athletic, cardio, stress-reducing class offered at Finest Fitness in Patchogue.  I have always wanted to try boxing, but in a safe environment and this is definitely the way to go.  Meet the entrepreneurs behind this new class and hear about how Boxfit has improved the health and fitness of their clients.

One of my goals was to do a triathlon through Team in Training.  With 3 very young kids and a career, I didn’t think that I could commit to that goal for a few years.  When someone mentioned a mini triathlon, my ears perked up…that sounded very doable, at least during this time of my life!

The Mini Mightyman Triathlon in Eisenhower Park on August 1, 2009 is organized by Event Power.  It is made up of a 400 meter pool swim, 6 mile bike ride, and 2 mile run – a great first experience for someone contemplating doing a triathlon!  Event Power organizes several Long Island triathlons with varying degrees of difficulty.  Steve Tarpinian, President of Event Power and Total Training, is a triathlete and fitness consultant,

So, on August 1^st, I successfully achieved my goal and completed my very first Mini Mightyman Triathlon along with 2 fellow ActivEntrepreneurs, Diane Falvey (Fat Girl 2 Fit Girl) and Jeannette Fata (Interior Redesign).   Not only was the triathlon a great accomplishment, it was also a great way to cross-train and condition your body!  If you’re contemplating a triathlon, check out the events at www.eventpowerli.com.  The minis are a great way to get started and experience the ‘tri experience’!

ActivEntrepreneur®, an entrepreneurial networking and health minded community, and Clubhouse of Suffolk, whose dignified programs in psychiatric rehabilitation help people to rebuild their lives to recovery, hosted the 2^nd Annual LI Kayakathon on Saturday, June 20^th, 2009.

If you recall, June 2009 was a very rainy month.  However, the weather held out perfectly for the 2^nd Annual Kayakathon.  Beginner to expert paddlers launched from the Riverhead Waterfront and paddled 5 miles on the Peconic River with a stop at Iron Point where everyone participated in a planting of native grasses with Kevin McAllister from Peconic Baykeeper.  The group all pitched in and finished the planting in less than 15 minutes – a great collaboration!  Kayakers returned to the waterfront for lunch from Whole Foods and experienced reiki, massage, music, and lots of fun and networking!

We had 2 beginner paddling sessions out on the water that day which included a lesson and a shorter excursion on the Peconic River.  It was a great experience for those who were new to the sport and wanted to experience it with a great group of people.

Net proceeds benefited Clubhouse of Suffolk, Peconic Baykeeper, Long Island Sierra Club, and The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation.

For pictures and more information, please visit www.LIKayakathon.com or contact Jennifer Ross at activ@optonline.net or 516-343-6247.

When I worked at JPMorgan Chase, one of my co-workers owned a horse and always mentioned Lisa Gatti, the Executive Director of an amazing organization that helps people with disabilities, with the help of horses.  As an animal lover and active supporter of many animal non profits, I always remembered the story about this organization. Almost 4 years later, this same organization was mentioned to me again.   But this time I wanted to take the time to learn more

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is an organization dedicated to teaching therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with disabilities.  Riders benefit through stretching both mind and muscle.  They have the opportunity to improve their posture, balance, coordination, muscle tone, focus, confidence, and self worth.  For someone who cannot walk, see, communicate or succeed at the simplest tasks, riding a horse allows them to experience a new sense of freedom and the openness to fulfilling their dreams.

Pal-O-Mine has a 20 stall barn on 8 acres in Islandia, NY, an indoor arena, and plans to create a state of the art therapy and conference room.  They have a stable full of specially trained horses to meet the needs of all of their riders.

The inspiration for this innovative non profit came from the Danielle Steele book Palomino.  The book prompted Lisa Gatti to integrate her passion for riding horses with her passion for teaching.  In turn Lisa wrote to Danielle Steele, letting her know about the impact of her book. Ms. Steele unexpectedly and graciously funded some initial Pal-O-Mine programs. Lisas kind gesture and proactiveness in writing to Danielle Steele and letting her know about the unique and inspirational impact of her book, led to an unexpected financial donation to help make her dream come to fruition.

I asked Lisa what advice she might give to an entrepreneur with a dream.  Lisa explained that she never gave up. Through the good and bad, she kept going and never gave in because her passion far outweighed anything that might have come her way. Determination and persistence are critical to the success of any business, whatever type of business you are pursuing. I am confident that the many parents, adults and children who have been positively impacted by Pal-O-Mine are very grateful for Lisas determination and persistence.

Check out Pal-O-Mine at www.pal-o-mine.org and learn about the diversity of therapeutic programs they offer.

After several active networking events that included salsa dancing, volleyball, laughing yoga, hiking, zumba, kayaking, organic drinks, and walking, we really wanted to create a signature ActivEntrepreneur event that combined everything we represented with significant value for all participants.

Walk & Talks at local parks have become part of the ActivEntrepreneur culture  it is the way we do business.  But we wanted to take the Walk & Talk concept to a new level, especially in this unique economy.  So Walk & Talk America was created!

The first piece was to change where we were walking & talking.  Why not take the walk downtown, where actual business occurs and may need a boost?

Secondly, instead of businesses taking their wares to a table in a conference room tradeshow, we wanted to bring people to the actual business locations, allowing business owners an opportunity to showcase their business at their actual place of business, in their very own environment.  This would leave a lasting impression about where the business is physically located and a first-hand impression of the inspiring & creative people behind the business.  As a marketer and previous retail business owner, I realize the tremendous value derived from a face-to-face marketing opportunity and wanted to integrate that into Walk & Talk America.

This new Walk & Talk includes moving, networking, connecting, and learning.  So why not add a fun competition to the mix and allow someone to win a prize that could directly impact the growth of their own business??  Great idea, but we needed some significant prizes and a relevant contest. Fortunately, we connected with several sponsors such as The Long Island Press, Kioli.org, MyLITV, Generations Beyond, and Barlowe Interactive, to name a few, who have generously donated marketing prizes.

ActivEntrepreneur has an underlying green foundation because we care deeply about the environment we are active in.  The competition we developed asks a green question related to the town that is hosting the Walk & Talk  a question that demonstrates what that town is doing to help their businesses and residents go green.  (Since the green question appears in The Long Island Press, this presents some extra exposure for the local town)

Our March 2009 Walk & Talk  Huntington kick-off was a great success.  It was described as, not just informative, but wonderful and project-developing too, and a great, fun, and productive experience.  The event was launched with some zumba stretching and an introduction by Huntington Town Supervisor, Frank Petrone.  We visited the Cinema Arts Centre, Heckscher Museum, Footprint Media Group/Canvas Magazine, and Treat Suite Pet Boutique, and ended the event with a winner of the $4000 marketing package, Ralph Mandarino from Ticketlicious.net.  For me, Walk & Talk™ America is a great way to get entrepreneurs on their feet and help boost local economies, helping to keep businesses, in business.

Join us at our next Walk & Talk in Islip on 4/28 and find out how easy it can be to build your business, be active, and go green.  Visit www.walkntalkli.com to register in advance.  And if you have any interest in creating a Walk & Talk in your area, send me an email at activ@optonline.net.

A few months ago, I decided to try-out Facebook, initially for the purpose of figuring out how to market my business. I completed a personal profile just to get my feet wet and learn about how it all works. After 2 weeks, I reconnected with a bunch of high school friends and acquaintances. On one hand, it felt like I never left high school and, on the other hand, when looking at all the pictures of husbands and kids, it felt like high school was forever ago. What a blast from the past!

I reacquainted with one friend, in particular, who just happens to be a local entrepreneur. Drew Moss and I hadn’t spoken in about 20 years. It was amazing to find out how he had pursued many of his passions and dreams and found his way to becoming a restauranteur. With experience and pursuits in the film industry under his belt, Drew is both a passionate musician involved with a band called Goliath and part owner in Panchos Border Grill, a Tex-Mex restaurant with a roadside feel, with locations in Bethpage, Great Neck and Island Park.

The day we interviewed Drew he was hosting a fundraiser for Rock and Wrap It Up, an independent anti-poverty think tank developing innovative greening solutions to the pressing issues of hunger and poverty in America. Rock and Wrap it Up developed the concept of ‘contractual obligation of leftover food’ giving restaurants and catering halls the ability to donate leftovers. The night was filled with chips, home-made salsa, amazing guacamole, delicious fajitas, tasty margaritas, and live music. The restaurant has a powerful sense of community and is definitely a place for the whole family.

Besides successfully managing a restaurant and being a husband and father of 2 adoring children, Drew has demonstrated the fortitude and drive that an entrepreneur must display. He continues to explore and pursue his passions and challenge his creative, entrepreneurial spirit.

Margaritas anyone? Check out www.panchostexmex.com !

I was standing at the bar, connecting with a friend at a quarterly Fortune 52 Event, honoring inspirational Long Island women who are doing amazing things.  A former Fortune 52 nominee was standing next to me, struggling to put on her corsage. I offered some help and was connected to Heather Buggee, founder of Splashes of Hope (www.splashesofhope.org).

How do you Splash Hope?
Heather and the artists at Splashes of Hope create painted murals that are donated to childrens hospitals and veteran homes around the country, and internationally.  Yes, the murals are absolutely beautiful, colorful, and amazingly fun.  But, most importantly, they provide true inspiration to the kids, parents and hospital staff. They are the positive distraction during difficult exams, tests, and procedures.  The artistic scenes provide hope and inspire imagination to patients and their families.

After quickly hearing Heathers story about Splashes of Hope, I was inspired to help get the word out about the organization and connect some other great people to Heathers cause.

Unveiling Splashes of Hope
MyLITV and ActivEntrepreneur videotaped the unveiling of several murals at the Stonybrook University Veterans Home.   And then we were able to go across the street and videotape the murals that were introduced to the Stonybrook Childrens Cancer Center a few months prior.  Colorful characters and entertaining, fun scenes filled the walls in each room.  Ceiling tiles were also painted to help children relax and get lost during exams and procedures.  The nursing staff and some parents passionately expressed how these murals have made a tremendous impact on the kids.

We had the opportunity to visit the talented artists at work in their studio in Condre Hall,  Huntington.  We interacted with several artists including Stephanie Condra, Sandy Ramos, James Johansen, and Brian Fideler, and all had inspirational stories about how they were connected with Splashes.

Connecting Hope
I connected with Heather through a simple gesture of helpanother example of the power of connecting.  But this story has a more important message.  Whether we are an artist, writer, business expert, contractor, or realtor, our diverse talents can be used in unique and inspiring ways. We sometimes dont realize that.  Heather and the talented team and volunteers at Splashes of Hope are using their artistic talents to inspire and provide hope to children and their families.   We should all be inspired to think about how our individual talents can be used to provide a similar hope and inspiration to others.

I met Kaye Delano a few years ago while at the Sea Cliffe outdoor fair.  Kaye and I connected right away.  She struck me as a very bright, intuitive, driven and focused woman who is pretty terrific at empowering other peopleand I know that I was very right!

Coach or Psychologist? Kaye DeLano is a coaching psychologist and founder of ChoicePoints Coaching LLC. She holds a Masters Degree in Psychology and is a Coaches Training Institute graduate. For over ten years, Kaye has worked with both individuals and groups. She is experienced with issues involving life transition, second-adult life change, and life plan development.  Kaye splits her time between Long Island, NY and Amelia Island Plantation, Florida.

As a coaching psychologist, Kaye offers you a supportive and motivating environment to explore who you are and what you truly desire. She empowers you by giving you a way of knowing yourself better, clarifies what is important to you, and assists you in staying committed to achieving your goals.

Fun, Fulfilling, & Sweet Workshops. Kaye offers many unique workshops designed to connect, uplift, and empower.
•Navigating Lifes Obstacles & Challenges. Some stress is healthy, but too much can leave us physically, mentally and spiritually depleted; at this workshop you will learn how to maintain a “calm through the storm”.
•Creating a New Legacy on Aging. Learn how to be firm and fit over 40, the secrets of reversing the biological clock, how to create new life options and how to transform old beliefs into new possibilities.
•Why Women Love Chocolate.  A wonderful way to share insight into the ways women love. Relationships are at the very heart of our happiness and this workshop will inspire you to expand and celebrate love in your life.
•Life Comes in Chapters…You Write the Book! This five-session series will give you the opportunity to use your imagination to create a vision and mission statement that brings balance to the core aspects of your life.

Do you know how to Jumpstart to Wellness? This fall, Kaye is launching Jumpstart to Wellness, a weekend retreat to connect with others, refresh your mind, body and senses, and redirect your life.  The workshop will take place at the Spa at Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island, Florida. Participants will have an opportunity to gather with others to celebrate life, and create a wellness plan. The program is designed to have three follow-up sessions including yoga, life coaching, and a full range of spa services, along with free time for shopping, tennis, and golf.

Connect with Kaye. Kaye can be reached at kayedelano@choicepointny.com. Connect and get inspired at one of Kayes workshops so you can begin to make choices that make a difference in your life!

http://www.mylitv.com/view_video.php?viewkey=99b38b5b60cae531c496

Do one thing a day that scares you…is one of my  favorite inspirations from the lululemon athletica manifesto. When you walk into a lululemon store, you enter a non-retail, retail store; a community of people who love to be active and healthy and exude positive energy.

Lululemon creates components for people to live longer, healthier and more fun lives. They produce products to keep people active and stress-free. When walking into a lululemon store, you will see athletic wear for both women and men. The clothing is unique and includes features such as flat seaming that lessens irritation, a panel in shorts that increases lateral movement and eliminates chaffing, regular and tall length pants to fit everyone, and credit card and key pockets, to name a few.

There is no separation between health, family and work… Lululemon is all about developing people. In addition to being focused on creating and inspiring community, they are dedicated to inspiring their employees. Each store is managed in a very entrepreneurial style. Store managers are trusted with exploring and growing their entrepreneurial skills and, in essence, running their own business.

Lululemon creates the possibility of greatness in people because it makes them great… Employees are goal focused. And I am not just talking about store goals – I am referring to their personal and professional goals. Whenever I give a marketing presentation, I always emphasize to entrepreneurs that EVERY point of contact with your customer is critical – and that includes the development, caring, support, training and empowerment of your staff. Well, lululemon is the epitome of this. They take a valued interest in their staff and their development both at lululemon and beyond lululemon – and this is one of the many things that make them great!

Sweat once a day. Lululemon builds community. They seek out local ambassadors who are unique individuals who embody the lululemon lifestyle and live their culture. Each store offers free yoga and exercise classes – they help inspire the community to care about being active and healthy.

Stop by and meet Regina Petralia, lululemon athletica store manager, in Roosevelt Field Mall. I think you will be quite impressed and inspired by Regina, her staff, the lululemon components, and the community programs they have inspired.

I saw an article in Canvas Magazine about the Gyrotonic Pulley Tower and was intrigued by the concept that it combined moves from ballet, swimming, yoga and pilates.  I needed to find out more. 

We visited Greg Fine, owner of Stay In Touch Wellness Studio in Massapequa.  Greg is a certified Gyrotonic instructor as well as an established yoga instructor. 

Exercise Equipment or Medieval Machine? We entered Gregs slick studio and there in the corner sat this wooden machine which immediately stirred images of medieval times.  As Canvas described, the pulleys, leather straps, and weighted plates, were initially intimidating to the eye.  However, that intimidation did not last long!!

What is Gyrotonic®? Gyrotonic® was created by Juliu Horvath after he succeeded in repairing his own bodily injuries that he sustained as a professional dancer.  It is an exercise that guides users to stretch and strengthen muscles and tendons while also articulating and mobilizing the joints.  Proper breathing is a critical part of performing the exercises because it helps increase coordination, endurance and aerobic activity.

Swimming, Ballet, Yoga & Pilates all in one. While guiding us through some movements, Greg explained that the spine has six movements and Gyrotonic supports those movements while creating mobility and flexibility in the spine and joints and strengthening the muscles around them.  He demonstrated the Arch and Curls exercise, Bicycles, Full Circles, and Scissors, while very focused on proper breathing to enhance the impact of the exercise.  Once I went through a series of motions, I understood why they are compared to swimming, ballet, yoga and pilates.  There was a certain flow to the motions, very different from a traditional work-out machine where you lift weights up and down in very definitive movements.  When doing the Arch and Curls movement, it combined swimming motions with a yoga flow.  After Greg taught me some of the movements, I felt openness in my body, a release of energy, if you will.

Gyrotonic Can Benefit Anyone.  Greg has a diversity of clients that use Gyrotonic since all the exercises can be modified to support individual needs.  Since the exercises and movements help with the form and function of everyday movements, Greg has witnessed much success with both elderly and brain injury patients.    Gyrotonic is a unique work-out that will help you strengthen and stretch your body.  Give Greg a call – it is definitely worth a try.  Stay in Touch Wellness, 516-785-6024, www.myspace.com/stayintouchstudio.