Andrea Fornarola – Elements Barre Fit Founder
Andrea Fornarola Hunsberger is the Founder and Director of Elements Barre Fit and is a celebrity fitness instructor from Manhattan. As a dancer and performer, she discovered her talent and passion for teaching and creating movement patterns at an early age. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a BFA in Dance and performed across the US and New York prior to launching her fitness career. Andrea found her start in the fitness industry after taking a friend’s practice class and immediately fell in love with the Lotte Berk Method and barre classes. She began her fitness career in 2006 as a founding instructor for Physique 57. She went on to continue to teach fitness and began to pivot her focus to teaching fitness classes full-time. Andrea has studied multiple fitness modalities and gained many fitness certifications, including ACE, AFAA, Schwinn, and Real Ryder International. Through this education, she focused on learning how different companies trained their instructors and the methods they used to create their workforce. In 2010, Andrea Fornarola authored the fitness manual that she still uses today and which serves as the backbone of all of Element’s curriculum. She has since created a series of innovative fitness and wellness classes and is reinventing the fitness industry with her unique high-performance, and specialized Barre and Dance fitness training methods, which she offers exclusively at Elements. Andrea has been instructing sold out classes for Elements since she launched Elements East Hampton in 2014. In 2016 she launched Elements’ corporate wellness program, where she strives to help clients create a work/life integration that extends beyond the office. In February 2020, Andrea signed the lease for a New York studio, which is set to open Fall 2022 on the Upper East Side. During the Covid-19 Pandemic, Andrea shifted Elements’ focus to all online content, growing the Elements On Demand platform to what it is today. With the focus to create an all-encompassing wellness community both in person, and online, Andrea continues to lead the Elements team in meeting our clients in every element of their daily lives.
Health Benefits of Matcha
Walking through any town in The Hamptons, you are likely to see plenty of people holding a bright green iced drink. Wondering what it is? It’s called matcha, a Japanese green tea powder produced from dried tea leaves. This vibrant drink not only makes the perfect iced beverage for the summer, but is packed with health benefits. Keep reading to learn about the many health benefits of matcha! High In Antioxidants Matcha is a great source of antioxidants, containing up to 130 times the amount present in green tea. Increasing your antioxidant intake has several health benefits including helping prevent cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and promoting weight loss. Increases Productivity Matcha is a source of caffeine, which reduces fatigue and improves concentration. However, unlike coffee, matcha also contains an amino acid that prevents overstimulation. These components together increase overall productivity. Reduces Inflammation Matcha has anti- inflammatory properties which have been found to benefit individuals who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Boosts Immune System Matcha’s anti- inflammatory properties additionally support the immune system. Reduced inflammation increases the body’s ability to fight pathogens. In addition, the chlorophyll present in matcha, which creates its vibrant green color, help detoxify the body from chemicals and toxins.
Best Ingredients to Cook Healthy Meals in The Hamptons This Summer
One of the many amazing things about The Hamptons is the fresh food. With farm stands galore, the flavorful ingredients are endless. We searched East Hampton for the best summer ingredients for you to cook delicious meals with! Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes are the perfect ingredient to add a pop of summer to any dish. No matter what your tomato preference is, East Hampton farmers markets have you covered. Try making these mini caprese kebabs as a delicious and easy appetizer! Berries Fresh berries bring a delicious sweet flavor to any recipe. Whether you love berries in sweet or savory dishes, they are the perfect addition to any summer meal. Add a handful of berries to your breakfast for extra flavor and antioxidants, or enjoy them on the beach as a sweet and refreshing snack! Corn What’s a summer barbeque without corn on the cob? Pick up fresh corn from a farm stand to enjoy a sweet flavor you can’t find in the grocery store. Simply throw them on the grill or whip up a summer corn salad. Watermelon A fresh watermelon screams summer. East Hampton farm stands are the place to find a perfect watermelon that never disappoints. Cut it up and bring it to the beach as a refreshing snack, or add it into creative recipes. Make a watermelon, tomato and feta salad that is sure to be a hit. Peaches There is nothing like a fresh, juicy peach from an East Hampton farm stand. Enjoy eating a fresh peach for a sweet bite of summer. Try making your peaches into a delicious peach cobbler for a fruit- filled dessert your family is sure to love!
Tips to Stay Healthy While on Vacation
Include exercise as a vacation activity A hike, bike ride or beach walk is the perfect addition to any day on vacation. Whether you’re with family or friends, opt for a bonding activity that gets your body moving. Choose a location that will be worth the trip, with scenic views that will make for great photos. Cook or order meals with fresh, local ingredients Wherever you are enjoying your vacation, meals with local and fresh ingredients are both delicious and healthy. In the Hamptons, choose meals with fresh produce and fish. Explore the endless tasty options packed with nutrients to keep you feeling your best. Pack snacks Whether your vacation means exploring a new city or laying on the beach, it is important that your body is properly nourished. Choose to pack snacks to avoid relying on less healthy options. Some examples of healthy snacks on the go are nuts, protein bars, carrots, apples and bananas. Have the treat! Vacation destinations can be filled with sweet treats that make your mouth water. Instead of restricting yourself, choose to enjoy the treat. Indulging will not break your health progress. In fact, it has been found that consuming desserts every once in a while can help reduce the urge to binge on sugar later on. Take time for yourself However you define “you time,” it is a necessity on vacation. Find time to do what you love to relax and rejuvenate yourself before returning to the hectic energy of everyday life. Whether that means reading a book, listening to your favorite music, or having your favorite drink, find the time and enjoy!
3 Leg Workouts you can do with just a loop band
Is your lack of access to exercise equipment making you less motivated to sweat? Whether you’re traveling, or simply not ready to go back to the gym, loop bands are the perfect piece of equipment. Loop bands are resistance bands that you can loop around your thighs, and they can make all the difference in your workout. To help you incorporate this into your routine, we created a list of three leg workouts you can do with just a loop band. Clam Shells Clam shells are an effective workout to strengthen your glutes and obliques. Loop the resistance band around your thighs, lie on your side with your hips stacked and your legs at a 90 degree angle, press your feet together and engage your core. Push your top knee upwards, and release it back down, remaining slow and controlled. Repeat this motion for about 15 repetitions, or until you are unable to maintain proper form. Hip Bridges Glute bridges are the perfect exercise to get your glutes and hamstrings burning. Loop the resistance band around your thighs and lie on your back. Place your feet flat on the floor, engage your abs, and lift your glutes off the ground by pressing with your heals. Push your knees out against the resistance of the band to keep them in line with your shoulders and feet throughout the movement. Continue for about 15 repetitions. Lateral Band Steps Simply stepping to the side while wearing a loop band is the perfect exercise to strengthen your hip- abductor muscles and quads. Loop the resistance band around your thighs, and keep your thighs hip width apart. Slightly bend your knees, and step your right foot about 12 inches to your right, then bring the left foot back to hips- width distance. Repeat this movement, alternating directions, for about 15 repetitions.
3 Leg Workouts You Can Do With Just a Loop Band
Is your lack of access to exercise equipment making you less motivated to sweat? Whether you’re traveling, or simply not ready to go back to the gym, loop bands are the perfect piece of equipment. Loop bands are resistance bands that you can loop around your thighs, and they can make all the difference in your workout. To help you incorporate this into your routine, we created a list of three leg workouts you can do with just a loop band. Clam Shells Clam shells are an effective workout to strengthen your glutes and obliques. Loop the resistance band around your thighs, lie on your side with your hips stacked and your legs at a 90 degree angle, press your feet together and engage your core. Push your top knee upwards, and release it back down, remaining slow and controlled. Repeat this motion for about 15 repetitions, or until you are unable to maintain proper form. Hip Bridges Glute bridges are the perfect exercise to get your glutes and hamstrings burning. Loop the resistance band around your thighs and lie on your back. Place your feet flat on the floor, engage your abs, and lift your glutes off the ground by pressing with your heals. Push your knees out against the resistance of the band to keep them in line with your shoulders and feet throughout the movement. Continue for about 15 repetitions. Lateral Band Steps Simply stepping to the side while wearing a loop band is the perfect exercise to strengthen your hip- abductor muscles and quads. Loop the resistance band around your thighs, and keep your thighs hip width apart. Slightly bend your knees, and step your right foot about 12 inches to your right, then bring the left foot back to hips- width distance. Repeat this movement, alternating directions, for about 15 repetitions. If you don’t own a loop band, you can purchase one at our online shop here!
Biggest Workout Trends of Summer 2021
After a year of at home workouts, getting out of the house feels better than ever. With endless options of ways to sweat, we’re here to help guide you on this summer’s biggest workout trends! Yoga and Meditation After a tough year, mental health is as important as ever. Focus on you this summer by taking time to be in touch with your body and mind through yoga and meditation. Practice this in an outdoor spot that makes you feel most at peace. Dance This summer is the perfect time to turn up the music and get your body moving. Dancing is a source of positivity, and an effective workout that is sure to bring you joy. Start your dance journey in a barre and dance fusion class at Elements! HIIT Want to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family that you may not have been able to spend time with this past year? High intensity interval workouts are the perfect opportunity to get outside and get after it. Whether you’re in a park, on the beach, or in your driveway, there’s always a space to get in your HIIT workout. Hybrid workouts A combination of workouts that target the full body is just what everyone needs to get moving this summer. These classes will keep you motivated and excited to sweat. Try a barre and dance fusion class at Elements for an exciting hybrid experience!
Just Finished Barre Class? Fun and Healthy Ways To Spend Your Day in The Hamptons
Just finished your Elements Barre class in East Hampton? No worries, there are still plenty of fun, healthy ways to spend the remainder of your day in the Hamptons other than relaxing on the beach! Check out these ideas: Pick up fresh food at a farm stand East Hampton has countless farm stands stocked with fresh foods. Whether you’re seeking a snack or an ingredient in an elaborate recipe, stop by the nearest farm stand. Pick up freshly grown fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and even homemade sauces and desserts. Check out the East Hampton Farmers Market each Friday and Sunday for a wide array of fresh foods from multiple sellers. Cook a healthy meal Cooking a healthy meal is the perfect use for fresh ingredients from the farm stand. Whether you are experimenting in the kitchen or using a cookbook, the options are endless. Choose a family favorite and admire the power of fresh foods. Pack your meal up and bring it to the beach at sunset for a special evening. Go kayaking or paddle boarding In the mood to be active in the water instead of laying on the beach? Go kayaking or paddle boarding from some of East Hamptons most beautiful beaches. Check out Louse Point or Cedar Point Park for calm water and beautiful views! Elements also offers SUP Excursions and Events, where we provide the paddles and boards, location, and instruction if you’re new to the board. Email us at [email protected] to schedule a session! Find a book to read Not sure how to spend your beach days? Stop by Book Hampton and search for a book that inspires you. With so many options, there is no doubt that you can find a read that will help you achieve personal growth this summer. Go on a bike ride Not quite sunny enough for a beach day? Hop on your bike and explore East Hampton. With so many scenic routes, you’ll enjoy every minute of it! Take a ride down Gerard Drive, or simply take a family bike ride into town for lunch.
Quick and Easy Post Workout Snacks
Do you ever find yourself racing to get to work, drive the kids to camp, or get your beach day started after a tough workout? We often prioritize fueling before a workout, yet neglect the need to get in a nutritious post workout snack. However, this snack may be just as important as the workout itself. Fueling your body directly after a workout, specifically by consuming both protein and carbohydrates, allows your muscles to repair and your body to recover properly. To help you feel your best this summer, we have created a list of quick and easy post workout snacks! Greek Yogurt with Berries Greek yogurt is a great protein source, packed with calcium to support bone health, and probiotics to support gut health. Adding fresh berries, a carbohydrate and antioxidant, creates a delicious post workout snack. Stop at your favorite farm stand and stock up on fresh berries for this delicious snack. Banana or Apple with Nut Butter Bananas and apples are great carbohydrate sources, and perfect for taking on the go. Pair it with a tablespoon of your favorite nut butter, and you have a nutrient dense post workout snack. Nut butters are not only packed with protein, but also healthy fats that support cardiovascular health. Opt for nut butter packets for a grab-and-go snack. Veggies or Crackers and Hummus Hummus is packed with protein and has been proven to fight inflammation and promote gut health. Whether store bought or homemade, this delicious dip can be paired with your favorite veggies or crackers for the perfect post workout snack. Protein Smoothie Smoothies are not only a great way to get in your favorite fruits and vegetables this summer, but an ideal post workout option. Fill your blender with your go-to fruits, throw in some vegetables for extra nutrients, and add your favorite protein powder. Try some fun combinations like chocolate banana, kale pineapple, or blueberry vanilla.
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