Are You Working out Hard Enough?

Inside Garden City is happy to say that we have two fitness experts joining us on the blog today- Juan Mayoral and Christine Inguanta from Studio Strength. And just in time for the warmer weather! Read on as they share some of their fitness expertise with us. 


Are you working out hard enough?

How many times have you heard a friend or family member say “I’ve been going to the gym and I have not seen any results! What can I be doing wrong?” So what do they do?  They keep going like a hamster on the treadmill in a laboratory test doing more and more “cardio” to burn fat.  And you keep going to body sculpting classes that push 20 or 30 or even 50 repetitions with those little pink weights to “sculpt”, “tone” or “elongate” your muscles because you are afraid of getting BIG MUSCLES and looking bulky.  Making “big muscles” from lifting weights couldn’t be further from the truth.  The only way for your body to get bigger or bulky is if big calories are coming in.  This rule applies to both men and women.

The object of working out is to get physically stronger.  When you get stronger, you build lean muscle mass.  This lean muscle mass is what helps speed up your metabolism.  For every pound of lean muscle mass you gain, your body will burn an extra 50 calories for the day. The way to create lean muscle mass is to train between 3-4 sets of an exercise with 6-12 repetitions in each set.  If you find yourself doing more than 12 repetitions, the weight isn’t challenging enough.  Please increase the weight. Doing more than 12 repetitions is a waste of time.  You’re not getting stronger and you’re not building lean muscle mass.  If you want to see results, increase the weight and decrease the reps.

So who am I to write this? I am just a guy in the gym. Well, a trainer with about 25 years of experience. I have a crazy passion for fitness and only speak the truth.  I have also been watching people do unproductive workouts because they have been misinformed. So please take this information, put it to work and start seeing results!  



This article was written by the owners of StudioStrength, Juan Mayoral and Christine Inguanta. Studio Strength is located at 960 Franklin Ave, Garden City, NY 11530. For any questions or for more information please visit their website www.studiostrength.com, send an email to studiostrength@aol.com or call (516) 385- 8188. 

Thank you for reading www.InsideGardenCity.com. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Weekend Events Guide: April 24th Edition

There's a fun-filled weekend ahead of us in Garden City!

Saturday- GC For a Cure. 5K timed run/walk starts at 9am. One mile untimed fun run/walk 9:15am. Start and finish at GC High School. Proceeds to benefit Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Society. Click here for event details. Rain or shine. La Bottega will be selling pasta dinners for $4 at registration on Friday night with proceeds donated to GC For a Cure. 

Saturday- The annual Benefit Yard Sale at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary/Tanners Pond Environmental Center takes place from 9am-3pm. It will feature antiques, collectibles, furniture, housewares and more. Proceeds go to the Garden City Bird Sanctuary for programs. Located opposite 181 Tanners Pond Road in Garden City and is easily accessible from Stewart Ave and Jericho Tpke. 


Saturday- Carnival for a Cure takes place at the GC Casino.This fundraiser for My Best Friend Jr benefits the Falcon Anemia Research Fund. The event takes place from 1pm-4pm and will feature games, prizes, food and a turtle derby! Cost: $10. 51 Cathedral Ave. 

Saturday- Don't miss Shrek The Musical TYA is at BroadHollow at Elmont. 2pm

Saturday- Mozart Orchestra of New York performs at the Tilles Center's Concert Hall. 8pm. Ticket cost: $43-$83. Find more details here. 

Saturday- See the film Tosca at Adelphi. Click here to read more about the story of Tosca and for ticket information. Concert Hall at 2pm. Ticket cost: $20

Saturday and Sunday- Head to the Nassau Home and Garden Show at Hofstra University for "everything in and around your home." Click here to learn more about this event. Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-5pm. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. 

Saturday- Don't miss the Washington Capitals at NY Islanders in the Semifinals Round 1, Game 6 at 3pm. Click here for tickets.

Sunday- There will be a Mother's Day Collection of baby items at Garden City Community Church on Stewart Ave. Donated items will benefit mothers and babies of the Mary Brennan Inn. Needed items: diapers, baby wipes, formula and other baby items. Leave donations in the INN BIN.

Help Us Choose a Logo!

As www.InsideGardenCity.com is approaching our second year anniversary this summer, we thought it was time to develop an official logo! 

After some collaboration and brainstorming with Kathy Daab of Bounce Creative Group, we chose a logo and narrowed down the color options to what you see below:

Now we are asking you, our dedicated readers, to cast your vote and help us choose a color! To make your vote count, please email us at www.InsideGardenCity@gmail.com or Facebook message us here. What you think is important to us!

Thanks for taking the time and please keep visiting us on Facebook and www.InsideGardenCity.com

Weekend Events Guide: April 17th Edition

After a rainy Friday, it's going to be a beautiful Saturday and Sunday. So choose one of the events that's taking place in and around Garden City this weekend and enjoy the outdoors!

Friday and Saturday- Hicks Nurseries is having a very special "Pop Up" Art Show presented by the Greater Westbury Council for the Arts. Enjoy beautiful floral displays, music, food, a "make-and-take" and wonderful art created by local artists. Cost: Free. Friday: 2pm-8pm, Saturday: 10am-6pm. 100 Jericho Tpke, Westbury.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday- Garden City Community Church is holding a church play and fundraiser with its production of "Dreamers". Showtimes: Fri. 8pm, Sat. 7pm and Sun. 3pm. Cost: $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and children under 12 years. 245 Stewart Ave, Garden City.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday- Adelphi's Annual Photography Show is coming to a close on April 20th. Stop by this exhibit, showcasing the work of Adelphi photography students, before it closes on April 20th. Dates and hours: Fri, Sat and Sun from 9am-9pm at Adelphi's Performing Art Center Gallery.

Saturday- The GCAA Little League Parade starts at 9am and heads down 7th St. Come out and support our young athletes!

Saturday- Lakeshore Learning Store free craft for kids 11am-3pm

Saturday- Hofstra University Summer Camp Open House. Click here for details. 12pm-2pm. Mack Sports & Exhibition Complex, Hofstra University

Saturday- the Long Island Children's Museum hosts Our Changing World- Earth Day Program. Click here for more details. Ages 3 and up from 1pm-3pm. 11 Davis Ave, Garden City

Saturday- See Shrek the Musical TY A at BroadHollow at Elmont Children's Theater. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Saturday- If you missed him at Lincoln Center, you can catch Chris Botti performing at the Tilles Center's Concert Hall. 8:30pm. Click here for more information.


Thanks for reading www.InsideGardenCity.com. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook and remember to email us at insidegardencity@gmail.com to get YOUR event on the Weekend Events Guide!

Spring Bucket List: Guest Blogger Birgitta Mayer

Birgitta Mayer, author of https://parentinglifelessons.wordpress.com is on the blog today. She has shared her spring bucket list with her readers and here it is for you to peruse as well. Maybe there's something on her list that you can fit into your spring plans this year!

“Spring Bucket List” – 25 Fun Things to Do

POSTED ON APRIL 15, 2015

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I think spring is finally here! Better late than never….It is fun to create a “Spring Bucket List” and to come up with activities both you and your kids will enjoy. I have created “Bucket Lists” now for all seasons and I have an overall “Life Bucket List” too.

Here is my “Spring Bucket List”: (Might give you some ideas to create own)

1. Adventureland (Farmingdale, NY) and/or Dutch Wonderland (Lancaster, PA)
2. Buy some tulips/daffodils
3. Get a ride on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle (This is on my personal “Life Bucket List”!)
4. Go on a scavenger hunt with the kids in NYC (or in your local area)
5. Enjoy the beauty of Brooklyn Botanical Garden or NY Botanical Garden
6. Make a trip up to the Cloisters (Fort Tyron Park)
7. Buy some scented candles and soaps at Bath and Body Works (Love, Fresh, Sunshine, Smile, Love, Happy sound like fun scents to me!)
8. Have a picnic (weather permitting)
9. Hiking and/or walk around the lake at Bear Mountain State Park
10. Plan a NY getaway – Iloveny.com
11. Stay at a hotel with an indoor pool
12. Take a walk on the Hi-Line in NYC
13. Travel out east to the Hamptons and the North Fork, LI in the off-season (Pick up some Rose Wine at Croteaux Vineyards – one of our favorites!)
14. Go to the local park and play basketball
15. Go to a baseball game
16. Drive-in Movie Theater (Link to the 5 closest ones to NYC)
17. Circle Line Cruise or Double Decker Bus (Who says you can’t be a tourist where you live?)
18. Walk 10,000 steps a day
19. Stand outside the Today Show with a sign
20. Have a “Kaffee und Kuchen” (Coffee and Cake) Playdate
21. Go to the NY Transit Museum
22. Fly a Kite and sing “Let’s go Fly a Kite” from Mary Poppins
23. Go Ziplining (Link to The Adventure Park at Long Island)
24. Go for family bike rides (with helmets of course!)
25. Go to doggie park with Max and Bella (our dogs)

Mommy Poppins® also has Top 100 Things to Do with your Kids Before They Grow Up inNYC and Long Island . Good stuff…

What is on your Spring Bucket list?

Garden City Insider of the Month: Suzie Alvey

Inside Garden City is proud to present our next Insider of the Month: Suzie Alvey. 

Susie Alvey is a GC native. She graduated from GCHS (Class of '70) where she met her husband of 40 years. She and her high school sweetheart, Robert, still reside in Garden City and have three delightful daughters.  

Susie was first inspired in Locust School first grade when Mrs. Koenig, a local artist, demonstrated a floral oil painting. She allowed the children to each do several strokes of paint on canvas and Suzie was hooked!

Here Susie elaborates on her professional background and her notable career:

I am a freelance artist and recently had a solo show in November and a separate group show in April at Barnes Gallery with my paintings and photography. I paint in oils and watercolors, featuring beautiful local landscapes. With my love of architecture, I have been commissioned to paint hundreds of treasured house portraits from San Francisco to Switzerland. My paintings and drawings are in many collections, including those of famous author, Nelson DeMille and Garth Snow, the manager of the Islanders team and more. My portraits in oil and pastel have won art show awards, including the National Art League, the Art League of Nassau County and the Independent Art Society. I am also a freelance photographer and writer. 

This painting was in the Garden City Public Library for the exhibit Suzie curated in March, "The History of St. Paul's School." 

I received my Bachelor of Art in studio art and minors in education and English from the State University of Albany. Since college, I have studied with Dan Slapo, Hall of Fame and Master Pastelist, Pastel Society of America (PSA); John Rogers, AWS (American Watercolor Society); Marion Brown, AWS and Howard Rose, oil painter. I have been a juried member of the Art League of Nassau County since 1987 and am a juried member of the National Art League since 2014.

I received the President Barack Obama Award for Volunteerism in 2012. I also received the “Women of Distinction Award” from Assemblyman Tom McKevitt in 2009. An active volunteer, Mayor John Watras appointed me Garden City Village Historian in 2013. I have worked with many charities over the years: board member of the Garden City Historical Society, board member of the Art League of Nassau County, a director at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary/ Tanners Pond Environmental Center and photographer at my church. I have also contributed many prizes to local charities. A house portrait of the winner's house is a raffle at the PTA Dinner this month. (We have to support our schools)

This is a commission from the North Fork.

Below, Suzie answers our GC Insider of the Month Qs:

What inspires you? 

I'm inspired by many things -The beauty of a landscape, smiles of friends and family, my hard-working fellow artists, people doing good works here in town: our Mayor, John Watras, our Village Administrator, Ralph Suozzi, our Village Clerk, Brian Ridgway and our Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Althea Robinson, as well as the ministers of the Garden City Community Church- Rev. Jim Adelmann, Rev. Lynn Sullivan, Rev. Ian Rottenberg and Licensed Minister George Bashian, who work miracles in helping our congregation. Also, people who work on a national level, such as environmentalist, Sandra Steingraber; journalist, Bill Moyers and artist, John Singer Sargent (1856-1925).

Favorite restaurant in GC? 

There are many good restaurants in Garden City but my favorite is Walk Street with their friendly staff. We like to go for dinner and a glass of wine. It's always fun to meet friends there.

Favorite store in GC?

My favorite store in Garden City is Lord & Taylor for its beautiful clothing.

What do you love most about GC?

There are many things to list. One is what others have said in this column- the great people who live here: all the people who volunteer and work hard to make Garden City the best place to live. 

Another thing I love is the great school system we have. The teachers and administration are terrific! 

The Garden City Historical Society Museum is a treasure. I encourage all to visit The Museum and the A. T. Stewart Exchange Shop.

Favorite thing to do in GC?

My favorite thing to do in town is to meet friends and family for a nice dinner at Walk Street, Seventh Street Cafe, Calagero's, Taku and any of the other great restaurants. I always appreciate good food and a friendly staff.

I also like to spend time at the Garden City Public Library where I do my research for articles. The employees and administration are always helpful and genial.

Favorite outdoor place in GC?

My favorite outdoor place is the Garden City Bird Sanctuary/Tanners Pond Environmental Center with all the activities we have. I enjoy the Benefit Yard Sale, which will take place on Saturday, April 25th. It's a great place to walk too.

What would you change about GC?

I would like more emphasis on the cultural arts such as art, music, history and theater. I encourage residents to attend concerts, art shows and lectures at Adelphi University, local galleries and Garden City High School. 

I would also like to see the St. Paul's issue resolved in favor of saving our architecturally and historically significant building.

Advice for Inside Garden City readers: 

Please volunteer! You never know what new adventures and friends you'll experience!

Thank you Susie and thank you for reading Inside Garden City. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Weekend Events Guide: April 10th Edition

The Inside Garden City Weekend Events Guide is here! From Dinosaur Train to the Price is Right, chances are you won't be bored in and around Garden City this weekend. 

Saturday- Lakeshore Learning Store will hold a free craft for kids. Drop in anytime between 11am-3pm. 2079 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park.

Saturday- The dinosaurs have come to town! The Tilles Center is proud to host Dinosaur Train Live; Buddy's Big Adventure. 2pm. Tickets $15-$50. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Saturday- Come on out for the Legendary Murphys playing live at the Beer Hall at Plattduetsche Park Restaurant and Bar. 7:30pm-11:30pm. Click here for details. 1132 Hempstead Tpke., 516-354-3131 

Saturday- See Hopper at Adelphi University. This musical about Halloween in Salem Massachusetts ends on April 12th so don't' miss it! Ages: 13 and up. Cost: $20. Olmsted Theatre. Sat, 2pm and 7:30pm, Sun. 2pm. Click here for details about this performance and ticket information.

Saturday- Finding Fossils takes place at the LI Children's Museum at 2pm. Ages: 5 and up. Find details here.

Saturday- Make sure you catch an Islanders game at Nassau Coliseum before they leave! 7pm against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale. Click here for tickets. 

Saturday and Sunday- Children's Carnival in Floral Park from 11am-6pm at the Queens County Farm Museum in Floral Park. Carnival rides, games, prizes, hayrides and more!

Saturday and Sunday- Manhasset's Spring Festival takes place from 10am-5pm in the Parks Dept Main Lot on Manhasset Ave. Crafts, antiques, food and more!

Sunday- The Price is Right comes to NYCB Theatre at Westbury. Get set for an evening of fun and a chance to win prizes! Buy tickets here. 4pm. Ages: 13 and up. 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury. 


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Goodbye Sweata Weatha, Hello Studio Strength!

As sweata weatha gives way to tank top and bathing suit weather, I thought my regular workout routine could use a little spicing up. Actually, I have to admit that the winter doldrums had gotten me into a routine of not being in a routine... So.... I needed a change. I hit up Studio Strength on Franklin Ave in Garden City for just that. 

Studio Strength is a personal training fitness studio led by two very passionate owners/personal trainers- Juan Mayoral and Christine Inguanta. When I first walked in and saw all of the equipment- battling ropes, dog sleds, resistance bands, plus a few other things I had never seen before, my first thought was, "This is not my grandmother's gym." I was excited. 

There are no classes here or saunas but there's a lot of specialized workout equipment and a very positive, friendly atmosphere. Juan and Christine believe in results-driven workouts and fitness programs that are tailored to each individual client. 

I don't know about you, but I feel that I have a decent amount of knowledge about strength training and working out, but even still- I often wonder if I'm doing exercises properly or if I'm doing them in the right combination with other exercises. Because one thing I do know is that there are ways to maximize your time in the gym and see results quicker. Juan and Christine's one on one training sessions are 30 mins long and they are full body. A private, full body strength training workout {designed just for me} in only 30 mins while I'm being closely monitored by an experienced trainer?? Sign me up!

As far as ambiance, the studio is bright and clean. There are towels and water but not many other frills and that's part of the appeal. I find it to be very time efficient which is great for my busy schedule. I'd normally go to the gym, say hi to a few friends, start my workout, wander around looking for certain weights or exercise balls, chat with a couple more people, wait for equipment to become free... you get the drift... basic lollygagging {which may or may not be a real word.} By the time I get out, it's always over an hour and a good bit of that time is spent wasted. Here, I come in, work out and 30 minutes later I'm getting on with my day.

So, onto the workout. Here are a few of my thoughts and experiences:

- My initial visit consisted of a very detailed consultation with Christine. We discussed medical history, fitness experience, diet and nutrition, fitness goals, etc. We also did a brief fitness test to assess my fitness level so she could develop my workout plan. We then did body measurements and weight. This last part is repeated every 6 weeks so we can monitor progress and {for better or worse} be held accountable. Yikes!

- My plan is two 30 minute sessions per week {they usually do two or three sessions a week- depending on the client}. The exercises, amount of weight and number of reps are all figured out by my trainer for my individual plan. This is what I love about Studio Strength- everything is tailored to my specific needs and fitness goals. I then follow up with cardio on my own time- either using their cardio equipment at the studio or just running/walking outside {now that the snow has cleared. Yay!}

- Juan and Christine are great. They monitor your movements so that you're getting the best and most efficient workout and they make it clear that all fitness levels have a place here, whether you're a strength training newbie or a veteran.

- I like that it's small and private. This means no intimidation factor, no waiting for equipment and no wasted time. 

- The schedule is quite accommodating- Juan and Christine are available 6 days a week {by appointment.}

The BEST part is that Studio Strength is celebrating their FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY this month by offering a discounted package for new clients! In April, you can get the initial consultation and fitness assessment PLUS four 30 minute personal training sessions for $150! This package usually costs $199. To take advantage of the anniversary deal, stop in or call them at 516-385-8188. Check out their website for more information on this studio. 

Thanks for reading www.InsideGardenCity.com. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

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Easter Eve

On Easter Eve, I thought I would post about a few of my Easter traditions that I look forward to every year. I'm sure you have a few of your own. 

One of mine is to enjoy a delicious pizza rustica. This is a classic and traditional Italian Easter treat. It's basically a type of pie made with ricotta cheese and meat and it is sooo good. My father makes this from scratch every Easter but I've yet to make one on my own. Instead, I head to T&F Pork Store on Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square to pick up a few of theirs. They make them at the store and they are delish! I can't eat just one slice. I will serve this with antipasti on Easter but it makes a great simple meal as well. Not exactly low in fat, but hey- everyone deserves to indulge a little. And since I've been seeing my trainer regularly, I think I'm okay with a little splurge. Isn't that the whole purpose of working out anyway?

The next thing I like to make is an Italian cheesecake, also known as ricotta cheesecake. I used this recipe from Martha Stewart this year. All of the recipes for this cheesecake seem to be very similar- heavy on the eggs and the cheese. With those types of ingredients, how could it be bad?  

Homemade chocolate Easter bunnies are also a specialty for this time of year. Chocolate wafers from a chocolate or craft store can be easily melted and poured into molds. Again- a long standing tradition that just makes the typical chocolate bunny a little more special and it's pretty simple to do. I am not crafty at all and I can do this, so you can too!

I also like to swing by the annual stampede... I mean Easter egg hunt... at Community Park. This year was certainly a classic with children running out before the official go-ahead was given. Maybe the long, cold winter made them a little extra anxious to get out there this year. Whatever it was, it's all in the name of good fun. Enjoy the day!



Thanks for reading www.InsideGardenCity.com. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 

Weekend Events Guide: April 3rd Edition

TGIS! With temps in the 50s (and approaching the 60s on Sunday), it seems like we've finally reached Spring. Whether you're celebrating Easter or Passover, have a happy one and enjoy the weekend!

Friday- The Easter Bunny will be at Roosevelt Field Mall every day until Easter. Hours: Friday and Saturday 10am-9:30pm. His special Easter Sunday hours are from 11am-7pm. 

Friday and Saturday- See the Easter Bunny at Hicks Nurseries from 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm. Bring your camera for a picture. Cost: free. 

Friday- Enjoy the last Fish Fest of the season at BK Sweeney's tonight. 636 Franklin Ave., Garden City. 

Friday- See the poignant film Pelo Malo (Bad Hair) at Adelphi University. Read about the film and watch a clip here. 6:30pm. Science Building, Room 321. 

Saturday- Don't miss the GC annual Easter Egg hunt at Community Park. There will be three age divisions and they all begin at 10am. Bring your Easter baskets! This event is for GC residents. 

Saturday- Join the Easter EGGstravaganza at Resurrection Lutheran Church. 10:00-10:50am. 420 Stewart Ave., Garden City. Please register at resgc.org/egg if you plan to attend. 

Saturday- Free craft for kids at Lakeshore Learning Store. 11am-3pm. Click here to see which crafts are being made on specific dates. 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park


Thanks for reading www.InsideGardenCity.com. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram!