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March 31 2021

Brooke FAQs

You may have met Brooke Kennedy at the front desk of Vault WPB over the past year, however, did you know she is also one of our newest, most fun instructors? Learn more about Brooke!

What is your favorite workout?

Spin is my all time favorite, but barre also has my heart!

Favorite Food?

Anything buffalo! Buffalo chicken, buffalo cauliflower, etc,.

Favorite Band/Singer?

John Mayer

Favorite Pastime?

Beachin’ it! I love swimming in the ocean!

Favorite Animal?

Manatees and dolphins fascinate me!

Favorite Place?

Sea Isle City, NJ will forever hold a special place in my heart
Something About You Most People Don’t Know: I am from the suburbs of Philadelphia and came to South Florida to go to Palm Beach Atlantic University to study Elementary Education!

Why Do You Love Teaching at Vault?

As a young instructor, I love the life advice I get from my older and wiser clients! I love making connections with my clients and creating relationships with them.

Thank you Brooke! We love highlighting all of our amazing team members, stay tuned for next month!

March 31 2021

1 Year With COVID

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Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes.

A song from the musical “Rent” famously asks how we remember a year.

We’re all going to remember this past year for a long time. It has been unlike any other in our lives — and at times it has felt more like 525,600 days than minutes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything. It closed our businesses and schools, putting workers out of their jobs and students were stranded from school. It kept us home and separated from those we love. And even once we opened our doors again, it changed the way we operate in so many ways, both big and small.

It revealed, as trying times always do, both the best and worst in humanity. Think fondly of all the people who have stepped up to help others during the pandemic and all those brave front-line health care workers who worked to the point of exhaustion to keep the rest of us safe. And recoil at the images of people buying stores’ entire stock of toilet paper, and snowflakes throwing public tantrums over being asked to put a little piece of cloth over their nose and mouth.

Most importantly and tragically, the pandemic has claimed the lives of nearly 33,000 Floridians, more than half a million Americans, and more than 2.5 million people across the world.

Fortunately, as we reach the one-year mark of the pandemic in Florida, the light at the end of the tunnel is shining brighter by the day.

After a tragic and devastating winter, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths have all been dropping dramatically over the past two-plus months.

And of course, the vaccines are here. In a marvel of modern science, there are already three safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines being distributed throughout the country. More than 3.2 million Floridians have started their vaccination, and more than 5.7 million are fully vaccinated.

With COVID’s deadly spread continuing to fall and more people being vaccinated every day, optimism is becoming more and more abundant. The post-pandemic normal will not look exactly like the old normal, but the closer we can get, the better. And we’re getting there. That feels good.

So here’s to continued progress on the vaccine front, and continued drops in the virus’ spread.

That song from “Rent” is titled “Seasons of Love.” That seems appropriate, because it feels like we’re on the precipice of some post-pandemic seasons of love: a spring and summer hopefully filled with doing more of the things that bring us joy and happiness.

In the meantime, let’s make sure we get there together.

Let’s stay safe, wear masks, social distance, and do what we can to keep those around us safe as well.

This was never going to be a happy anniversary. Too many lives have been taken or upended over the past year. But while it is somber, we can also make this anniversary a moment for hope and optimism.

March 1 2021

Healthy Choices from Adam Potash!

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Many habits we think are healthy could be causing increased weight gain! Adam Potash, Executive Chef and Health Coach, points out a few:

First, smoothies aren’t always the best for you. Often, these fruity concoctions can contain upwards of 1000 calories per serving. Here are a few tips to keep smoothies in the healthy category:

Keep them as green as possible. Start with a base of kale, spinach, or other dark leafy greens.
Don’t have more than a normal 8-10 ounce glass. Try to keep the portions as you would any other beverage. No need for gigantic 32 ounce containers!

Second, don’t deprive yourself of the foods you love. Most of the time when you eliminate your favorite items, it just makes you want them more. My advice is to ditch the “all or nothing” mentality and simply limit some of those “not so healthy” options. Also, try to find healthier ways to eat/cook them. For example, if french fries are your thing, consider sweet potato fries or a baked version instead.

Third, cutting meals can stunt your metabolism. Your body has a natural routine of consuming then digesting. But when you start to eliminate some regular meals, your body wants to hold tight and starts storing more (not knowing when the next meal is coming). This is a natural mechanism from our hunter gatherer days. Make healthy choices, but don’t skip meals.

For sustainable weight loss, strive to make healthy choices when it comes to food and exercise. Once you maintain consistency in healthy living, the weight will come off and stay off!

March 1 2021

Michelle Hanlon-Mascari FAQ

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January 31 2021

Stress and Exercise

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Workout to Reduce Stress!

You know that exercise does your body good, but you’re too busy and stressed to fit it into your routine. Hold on a second — there’s good news when it comes to exercise and stress.

Virtually any form of exercise, from cycling to pilates, can act as a stress reliever. If you’re not an athlete or even if you’re out of shape, you can still make a little exercise go a long way toward stress management. Discover the connection between exercise and stress relief — and why exercise should be part of your stress management plan.

Exercise increases your overall health and your sense of well-being, which puts more pep in your step every day. But exercise also has some direct stress-busting benefits:

It pumps up your endorphins.
It improves your mood.
It reduces negative effects of stress.
It is meditation in motion. Gain energy, focus and optimism.

Whatever you do, don’t think of exercise as just one more thing on your to-do list. Try a variety of workouts at Vault, indoor or outdoor, and make fitness a part of your regular routine. Any form of physical activity can help you unwind and become an important part of your approach to easing stress.

January 31 2021

Roberta Q&A

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If you ever come across a belly dancer on a Saturday night who has really great abs and a friendly smile, you might have met Vault’s very own pilates instructor, Roberta!

Want to learn all about Roberta? Here are some questions we were eager to ask!

Question: What is your fitness background? What are your favorite workouts?

I’ve been a dancer most of my life and fitness is a major part of being a dancer. Weight training and Pilates are my workouts!

Question: What jobs have you worked? Why did you change to fitness?

Dancing has always been my profession since a young age. I grew up dancing and eventually got to become a professional dancer. After my first pilates class, I fell in love and wanted to become an instructor.

Question: Why do u love Vault? What do you find special about it?

I love Vault because it is my home. The Vault is where I learned pilates and got to opportunity to become an instructor. I have grown a lot in Pilates thanks to all the amazing teachers at the Vault.

Question: Who are your fave teachers at Vault? Do you make time to take other classes?

I don’t have a favorite teacher at the Vault, I believe all of the instructors are all great in their own way. I also believe that we at the Vault are the best pilates instructors around. When possible I do take time to take other classes.

Question: What do you love about pilates?

I love pilates because to me it is the healthiest form of exercise.

Question: What’s the most rewarding thing about your job?

It is extremely rewarding to help people progress in pilates and strengthen their bodies.

Question: What’s one thing about you that most people don’t know?

I am a belly dancer!

Question: What’s your fave thing to do outside of fitness

I love to travel. At every opportunity, I try to travel and get to learn about a new culture, and food. My favorite travel destination is NYC!

Question: Favorite song or singer? Favorite travel destination?

I love all types of music so picking a favorite song or singer is impossible. However, I do love Rihanna!

This is just one of our many amazing instructors, stay tuned for another spotlight next month!

December 28 2020

How to Ring in the New Year with Your Best Self

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As this year draws to a close, now is the time to pause, take stock, and look to the new year ahead. For many of us, it may be hard to feel the usual New Year’s Eve excitement this year. While 2020 posed a multitude of challenges, it is still possible to approach 2021 with a sense of optimism and to take small, manageable steps to bring the best versions of ourselves into the New Year!

FIND THE LESSONS – AND PUT THEM TO USE

It’s a common New Year’s practice to look back on the previous 12 months and reflect on what you learned. This can help you see the ways in which you grew, either personally or professionally. However, when you are coming off a particularly trying year, thinking about life lessons may feel stressful or sad because it involves remembering potentially difficult situations. You can help this practice feel more optimistic by putting those lessons into action! Think about how you can take what you learned in 2020 and use those lessons to make your life better in some way in the coming year.

ESTABLISH A GRATITUDE PRACTICE

Yes, you’ve heard this one before! Research continues to show that expressing gratitude is good for our physical, mental, and emotional health. When we consistently acknowledge the things we are grateful for, no matter how small, we feel more content with our lives and more optimistic about the future.

Every night before bed, write down three things you were grateful for that day. This is also a great practice to do with family around the dinner table! You can also include gratitude pauses throughout your day.

PRACTICE VISUALIZATION

Have you ever fallen asleep reliving an embarrassing situation and woken up with it still on your mind? Our subconscious minds focus on the last thoughts we have before go to sleep. These thoughts inform our dreams and often our thoughts and actions the next morning. Luckily, you can help your mornings feel lighter and more optimistic by feeding your subconscious with uplifting thoughts.

Before you go to sleep, play back a couple highlights from your day. What did you enjoy? Did you receive a compliment or acknowledgment that felt really good? Falling asleep with positive thoughts can help you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start the new day.

You can also use visualizations to help you feel better about specific situations. If you are nervous about a presentation at work or a change in your child’s school environment, take a few minutes before you go to sleep to envision everything playing out in the best possible way. Really use your imagination here. How would it feel if things went perfectly? What would you and others say? This will not only help you sleep better and wake up feeling more optimistic, but it could help you perform better when the situation occurs in real life.

SET SMALL, ACHIEVABLE GOALS

New Year’s Eve is often a time when people make grand, sweeping goals for the upcoming year. While those can be fun to make in the moment, they are also hard to keep! And, when we don’t achieve a goal, we can walk away feeling disappointed and pessimistic about our abilities.

To progress toward your big dreams while cultivating a strong sense of optimism, choose small goals that are achievable. For instance, instead of saying, “I am going to lose 25 pounds in the next three months,” you could say, “I am going to make sure I move my body every single day.” Instead of feeling daunted by a big goal – and let down if you do not achieve it – you will feel proud of hitting your smaller goals consistently. This pride will make you feel more confident and inspire you to keep going!

SAY NO TO THE NAYSAYING

It feels good to vent to friends or partners–that is human nature. However, if all of your conversations revolve around the negative aspects of your life, it is hard to look to the future with any sense of optimism. So, start strong in 2021 by cutting off the negativity!

Some simple adjustments in how you interact with others and yourself can make a big difference. You can set limits with friends and loved ones–and yourself–about how long you are allowed to complain about something before moving onto another topic. When you find yourself dwelling on the negative, create balance by naming two or three things that are going well in your life. Of course, this does not mean you should not acknowledge life’s challenges or allow people in your life to express things such as anger or grief. But, by approaching negativity mindfully, you can help prevent shifting from healthy emotional expression to overwhelming pessimism.

You may be more than ready to see 2020 in the rearview window. Just remember to use these tips to start 2021 off filled with optimism and resilience!

December 28 2020

Brittany FAQ

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If you have been at Vault Boca lately, you might have met our newest member of the Vault Fam, Brittany Perris! Brittany has just moved to Boca from Chicago to join our Pilates team! Read here to learn more about Brittany and join her in January for her new classes: Sunday 930am Pilates Mat and Monday/Wednesday 930am Pilates Apparatus!

Question: What is your fitness background? What are your favorite workouts?

I am certified to teach Reformer through Flex Pilates Chicago, MAT Pilates through Balanced Body, Pregnancy & Postpartum Exercise Specialist, and Classical Pilates Education here at Vault!

Question: What jobs have you worked? Why did you change to fitness?

I come from 15 years in the Beauty Industry working with CHANEL as a National Artist & Account Executive, and most recently I was a Beauty Director for Nordstrom. All of my roles had me traveling and working NON STOP. For many years I wanted to teach Pilates so in between my roles with CHANEL & Nordstrom, I got certified in Chicago and fell in love. In June, my family and I decided to relocate to Florida and it was at this point that I decided to pursue Pilates and further my expertise through Classical Pilates Education.

Question: Why do you love Vault? What do you find special about it?

Vault has been my Boca Raton fitness destination for the last 9 years. I love that the studio has a wide variety of classes all in one place.

Question: Who are your fave teachers at Vault? Do you make time to take others classes?

Everyone is GREAT! What’s so awesome is that all of the teachers take one another’s classes. It’s a true team.

Question: What do you love about pilates?

Pilates transforms your body and forces you out of your own head by challenging you to connect your mind and body throughout the entire experience.

Question: What’s the most rewarding thing about your job?

Seeing how my clients progress through their training. Smiles!

Question: What’s one thing about u that most people don’t know?

My brothers played Professional Hockey and won ” The Amazing Race.” (Look up the Amazing Race-Hockey Brothers)

Question: What’s your fave thing to do outside of fitness

Spending time with my son <3

Question: Fave food? Band? Restaurant?

Food- I’m boring…I love anything HEALTHY. Restaurant: TRUE FOOD & NOBU. Band- oh gosh…hard to pick ONE. I like a little of everything..just depends on my mood. I like Drake, Post Malone, Dua Lipa, Bob Marley, Frank Sinatra, & Elton John.

Stay tuned for more of our amazing team highlights! 2021 here we come!

November 30 2020

Staying Fit Over The Holidays!

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Practicing sound nutrition, health and fitness habits is vital to life-long wellness. Healthy eating, effective physical activity and regular rest are practices that should become part of who you are and essential to your daily life, just like brushing your teeth or taking a shower. This shift in mindset sets the stage for greater self-empowerment and self-confidence, as well as a transition in locus of control from external to internal.

The key is to recognize that you have the power to transform your life and live it to the fullest during times of joy, trouble, hardship, success, holidays and festivities by applying key foundational behavioral principles. When you do that, you won’t get bogged down with seemingly endless challenging choices in every situation.

If you make the following key foundational behaviors a priority, circumstantial, seasonal and unexpected events won’t have the power to derail you.

1) Drink water.Choose to drink water over anything else. Drink two cups of water when you first wake up in the morning and when you feel hungry outside of your regular mealtime/regular snacks.

2) Move more, sit less. If you have the option of standing versus sitting, stand. If you have the option of walking versus driving, walk. Physical activity and structured exercise, including cardio, strength and flexibility exercises, are a part of a healthy daily routine.

3) Something positive is better than nothing. Get away from an all-or-nothing mindset. If you don’t have time for a full workout, do 10 minutes of exercise and you’ll reap some positive benefits. If you forgot to add any fruits or vegetables to your meals during the day, add an apple at night. Apply this principle where it makes sense.

4) Take control. Focus. Reflect. Ask yourself: Is this behavior good for me? Be mindful. Choose wisely. Follow-through.

5) Half is enough. Eat only half of the less-nutritious foods on your plate. If you take a cookie, for example, eat half of it and pack the other half for another day.

Vault is here to support you and your family over the holidays. Schedule your workouts and use the group energy to stay motivated and inspired.

We wish you a healthy and happy holiday season!

November 30 2020

Lisa FAQ

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Lisa Berger is not only a rockstar Pilates instructor, but a beautiful beam of sunshine to have around the studio. Read more below to get to know a little more about her, and why we love her so much!

Q: What is your Pilates background? Any favorite workouts?

A: 20 years ago, shortly after the birth of my son, I fell into a Pilates mat class in NYC and immediately fell in love with the challenge, as it was unlike any other exercise regimen I had ever tried. It changed my body in three months! Fast forward to three years later, I moved to Florida, began working out at Pilates of Boca, met Stefanie, began my Pilates education and the rest is history. Helping others feel comfortable in their bodies and recognize their own strength – inner and outer – is the most gratifying part of this job. It’s my calling and my passion. As for favorite workouts, I am always up for any fitness challenge, but Pilates and Yoga are my go-to favorites.

Q: What jobs have you worked? Why the change to fitness?

A: Prior to Vault, I worked as an advertising and marketing executive specializing in brand development and management. I loved my career, but always wanted to somehow help people get and stay healthy. Ready to get back to work after my kids started school, Pilates gave me the opportunity I was searching for to help others get stronger and healthier. After meeting Stefanie and working out with her and her amazing team of instructors, I knew exactly what I wanted to do! I finally got the chance to live my dream of helping people of all ages and backgrounds find their strength and better health.

Q. Why do you love Vault? What do you find special about it?

A: I love Vault because it is a one stop fitness shop for everyone. There is literally something for everyone, and Stefanie holds her instructors to a very high standard. You will always be challenged physically, get amazing teachers who inspire and teach with creativity, and with a respect for safety and progress of each client. The studio encourages self-confidence and support, modifications for those who need it and respect and love all around. Clients who were part of the studio from the beginning are still there today… that speaks volumes for continued client education. And don’t get me started on shopping at Vault!

Q: What advice do you have for people who have never done Pilates?

A: DO IT. like… today. It is THE fitness game changer and will not only enhance every other exercise modality you enjoy, but will train you to move safely, encourage better balance and overall flexibility. Joseph Pilates was a genius, and if you never tried it, make today the day you commit to strengthen your body, improve your posture and feel your best at any age. Health should be our greatest priority, especially in these crazy times!

Q: What’s the most rewarding thing about your job?

A: I love the smile on a client’s face when they have accomplished something they could not do before, when they just feel better overall and appreciate the benefits of their hard work. It builds self-respect and empowerment -that is priceless.

Q: What’s one thing about you that most people don’t know?

A: I could eat cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner and be happy.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do outside of fitness?

A: Spend time with my kids who make me laugh more than anyone, my family and of course my amazing boyfriend – the man who puts the biggest smile on my face every day. I am so very blessed.

Q: Favorite food? Band? Restaurant?

A: Chocolate, Coldplay, Abe & Louie’s. Hands down.