Q: What makes CLAY different from traditional health clubs?

Christy Maskeroni: CLAY is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the New York City lifestyle that many New Yorker’s have become accustomed to. Whether you are in need of some deep relaxation, an intense workout, or a clean organic meal, CLAY can provide it. The staff at CLAY is dedicated to supporting each member in achieving their optimal health in the most effective way possible.

Q: Mindful exercise and nutrition seems to be a dominant theme. How would you define being “mindful” and how do you achieve it?

CM: Well, mindful exercise and nutrition to me is participating in a program that is appropriate for your physical structure, your chemical make-up, your fitness level, and your lifestyle. For example, if I have a client that works in an extremely high stress job, lacks sleep, runs on caffeine for energy, and can’t lose weight, I will not recommend a grueling, high-intensity workout 5 days a week. Instead, I would encourage a blend of workouts that include high and low intensity workouts and a session or two of restorative Yoga or Qi Gong. Additionally, I may suggest a balanced diet with an emphasis on anti-oxidant rich foods to help combat stress and assist in maintaining overall energy. It is important to consider the entire picture. A high-stress lifestyle can create imbalances in the body, causing additional stress on many of the systems (muscular, endocrine, and immune). Therefore, a customized program works best to achieve a healthy balance.

Q: How does your personal wellness philosophy coincide with a more integrative approach to wellness?

CM: I truly want to help people find the proper balance with diet and exercise. There is a collaborative effort among the trainers, pilates instructors, massage therapists, and café staff to make sure that we are assisting our clients to the best of our abilities. I work with the café manager in developing healthy, balanced meals. Also, we have a customized meal design program where I create full and half-day menus based on an individual’s nutrient and calorie needs. Additionally, I work with many of the other trainers and muscle activation therapists to develop a nutrition plan that fits their client’s exercise routine and lifestyle.

Q: How vital is the mind/body connection to overall wellness? How would you develop it?

CM: The mind/body connection is fundamental. For example, you may have a friend that runs 15 miles a week to stay in shape but, when you run, it hurts your knees. Similarly, a 1500-calorie diet for some may be adequate to promote weight loss but, for others, it may leave them tired, irritable, and hungry. It is important to understand that every “diet plan” or “exercise plan” out there is not meant for everyone. You must find what works best for you. Understanding these concepts helps to develop that mind/body connection.

Q: What elements do “program advisors” consider when tailoring and developing an individual fitness program?

Jason Bradford: The Personal Program Advisor gathers information from the member to help them determine their exact fitness goals, “being in shape” is simply too vague an answer. People achieve better success with tangible, short- and long-term goals. Past exercise history, current activity level, preferred types of exercise, diet, injuries, and age are considered when matching individuals with the right personal trainer. The trainer will then tailor a program based on their needs.

Q: When a client approaches an advisor looking to improve their overall health, what component seems to be the most challenging to address?

JB: Finding the time! Most people that seek assistance with improving their health simply haven’t made it a top priority on their schedule. Career, family, and a little sleep always take precedent. It’s necessary to impress upon people the importance of putting themselves first. Without good health, they will have nothing to give to the other areas of their life. A healthy lifestyle needs to be just that…a lifestyle. This requires changes that many find difficult, but are so important for success.

Q: What is CLAY’s holistic approach to wellness?

CM: The approach is about building a place where individuals can pursue their own level of health and fitness using any of our integrative amenities: personal training, pilates, group classes, massage, acupuncture, nutritional guidance, healthy dining, personalized menus, or just taking time to relax in one of the many lounge areas. Educational seminars and lectures are also offered. Some recent topics included: Can’t? Says who?: How to break through the barriers to reaching your fitness goals, Meditation for Beginners, and 30 minutes to Target: A monthly program designed to cover endurance, strength, power, and stability.

Q: If your clients were to walk away learning only one thing, what’s the most important lesson for them to learn?

CM: There is not just ONE way to reach your goal(s). If you are not seeing results, try something different. Reaching your optimal health is a journey–it is about finding what works best for you. Set achievable, short term and long term goals for yourself to keep you motivated. Expecting overnight results will only lead to disappointment. And lastly, remember to listen to your body, it is the only one you have.