Health & Beauty Features

Couch to 5k in 8 Weeks

This easy "Couch to 5K" program is designed to gently slide you off the couch and push you through the finish line.

Couch to 5k in 8 Weeks

This easy "Couch to 5K" program is designed to gently slide you off the couch and push you through the finish line.

Faces of St. Peters: April

An interview with dedicated hospital volunteer Preston Powell, Naval veteran and former Philadelphia Phillie.

Glorious Grapefruit

Tart and tangy in flavor, this citrus fruit has health benefits that are pretty sweet.

Physical Therapy Meets Pilates

“Everyone will benefit from doing Pilates,” says Varsha Pohuja, the director of physical therapy at Seaview Orthopedics, with locations in Freehold and Ocean Township (732.660.6200, seaviewortho.com). “In Pilates, you use your mind to control your muscles, and the method helps you improve flexibility and strength.”

Mayflower Inn & Spa

Nestled in the New England countryside in the idyllic town of Washington, Conn., lies a place of perfection, The Mayflower Inn and Spa. The luxury hotel offers a serene respite for those looking to get away from it all.

Raising the Bar

The Bar Method Shrewsbury is a fitness studio that teaches The Bar Method, a workout program that is popular in studios around the country. Owner Chrissy Valerio was a student in such a program who took classes regularly. Inspired by her results, she opened the Shrewsbury franchise in September 2008.

Relief for new moms

Giving birth can involve its share of aches and pains, but a new service offered at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch is making the days after labor much easier on new mothers. For an additional fee, maternity patients can enjoy in-room relaxation and wellness treatments from Bavia Baby (732.403.3113, baviahealth.com), an independent Minneapolis-based company.

Combat stress with meditation

Boost your immune system, improve concen­tration, enhance creativity and decrease stress by meditating, suggests Kellye Davis, author of The Bliss Principle (theblissprinciple.com). To find your inner bliss, here are Davis’ step-by-step instructions:

Mayflower Inn & Spa

Nestled in the New England countryside in the idyllic town of Washington, Conn., lies a place of perfection, The Mayflower Inn and Spa. The luxury hotel offers a serene respite for those looking to get away from it all.

Combat stress with meditation

Boost your immune system, improve concentration, enhance creativity and decrease stress by meditating, suggests Kellye Davis, author of The Bliss Principle (theblissprinciple.com). To find your inner bliss, here are Davis’ step-by-step instructions:

Mayflower Inn & Spa

Nestled in the New England countryside in the idyllic town of Washington, Conn., lies a place of perfection, The Mayflower Inn and Spa. The luxury hotel offers a serene respite for those looking to get away from it all.

Shop Local Leader: Raising the bar

The Bar Method Mountain Lakes is a fitness studio that teaches The Bar Method, a workout program now popular in studios around the country. Owner Jennifer Curtis was a Bar Method student in Summit, and she opened her own Mountain Lakes franchise in March 2009.