STAY FIT 305 is a local fitness news site dedicated to all things health and wellness in South Florida - where to train, who to train with, tips from the pros, healthy places to eat, events happening around town, and more.
Haymakers for Hope, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research and care, is hosting its first charitable boxing event in Miami Beach and they’re looking for participants like you to join in this fight against cancer. Founded in 2010, Haymakers for Hope has helped raise over $32 million to knock out cancer.
Haymakers takes normal, everyday people and provides a once-in-a-lifetime, life-transforming opportunity to fulfill a desire to see what they can do in the ring. Anyone can sign up and there is no prior boxing experience required. First time amateur boxers are matched with opponents of similar size, age, weight and skill level, and undergo an immersive, four-month training program with experienced trainers.
The journey culminates in an electrifying gala event on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at the Fillmore Miami Beach, where participants have their first official amateur USA Boxing match in front of nearly 2,000 supporters. All donations raised benefit the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, South Florida's leader in cancer diagnosis, state-of-the-art treatment and follow-up care, as well as various other cancer charities handpicked by the participating boxers.
Applications are closing soon. Click to apply to box and become an ass-kicking do-gooder! You can follow Haymakers on Instagram here and visit haymakersforhope.org for more information.
Haymakers for Hope, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research and care, is hosting its first charitable boxing event in Miami Beach and they’re looking for participants like you to join in this fight against cancer. Founded in 2010, Haymakers for Hope has helped raise over $32 million to knock out cancer.
3:45 AM wake up calls were getting old for Miami Fitness Trainer, Evelyn Curry. She quickly realized her passions were not as the radio station, but inside the gym. Curry signed up for her NASM-CPT and never looked back. We caught up with Curry for a Quick 10 interview, but you can also follow her on Instagram – @ecurry.
Tell us about yourself - where are you from and how did you findyour way to the 305?
I was born and raised in Miami with a stint in Columbus, OH for college.
How did you get your start in fitness and as an instructor?
Doyou have time for the whole answer?! I was the Morning Show Co-Host on 101.5for four years. 3:45 AM wake up calls were getting old and I didn't feel like Iwas doing "enough" or helping people in the way that I feel I am inthe gym. Going to the gym was the highlight of my day and I was always therebefore and after class times. I also loved going to new gyms to just checkthings out and meeting people. Finally, I signed up for my NASM-CPT and neverlooked back.
How do you stay full of energy throughout the day?
Iwish I had an answer, but I really am like this all the time. I don'tdrink pre-workout, coffee, or any of that stuff. Even for 5:00 AM classes.
How would you describe your classes?
Energetic,fun and challenging. Don't grab a 12 lb dumbbell when I say grab a heavyweight.I will make you put it back. You can't mail it in my class, do better and bebetter.
What is one fitness myth you would like to bust?
Wherecan I start? Lifting weights won't make you bulky. Two workouts a day won'toutwork a bad diet. You can't hit the "smaller" part of a muscle ortone a certain area. Let’s make it stop!
Tell us a little bit more about your specialty.
Being a female bootcamp instructor, I think it's my duty to inspire, push and make the gym a more welcoming space for all athletes but especially other women. If you want to get stronger, sore, and sweat, come see me.
In March 2020, Inter Miami CF will take the field with the fullroster in a new 18,000-capacity stadium anchoring the Club’s 46-acre facilitiesin Fort Lauderdale.
But for now, 250 construction professionals are on-site fulltime preparing the facilities for Inter Miami CF’s opening season in Major League Soccer.
To date, the stadium has gone vertical with all-steel columns on the east side and half along the west. The crew will begin installing components of the secondary frame of the metal building next week, along with the horizontal structural members that will provide lateral support for wall panels. Upon completion by end of November, the crew will begin seating installations.
“All eyes are on March 2020,” said Jurgen Mainka, the chief business officer for Inter Miami CF. “We are grateful for the professionals who are working around the clock, to help us launch our team in facilities and a stadium our community will be proud of.”
The training facilities at Fort Lauderdale will welcomeplayers from around the world for preseason for both the MLS and recentlyannounced USL League One team, which will serve as a feeder system for thedevelopment Academy. Steel, concrete, and roofing for the50,000-square-foot building are currently in progress.
Inter Miami’s Academy, who is leading scoreboards across all agedivisions in their inaugural season, will also transition to the trainingcomplex upon opening, which houses four main locker rooms withthe First Team occupying a sleek 1,740 square-foot room.
The Club’s 200+ players will also benefit from a full kitchenand cafeteria, lounge and classroom, weight room and performance lab,hydrotherapy and treatment rooms as well as tactics rooms and bootrooms.
As an environmental leader among local governments in the State of Florida, a major goal of the City of Miami Beach is to replace single-use plastics with reusable, recyclable or compostable alternatives whenever possible.
This week, the Mayor and City Commission of Miami Beach unanimously passed a fifth amendment to the Rules and Regulations for Beachfront Concession Operations, which requires beachfront concession operators to utilize 100% reusable products, after the expiration of a one-year educational period that will commence this month, with full implementation in October 2020.
“Single-use plastic is neither readily recyclable nor biodegradable and takes hundreds to thousands of years to degrade in the environment,” said Mayor Dan Gelber.
“This amendment will support our efforts to reduce litter by reducing discarded single-use plastic containers and wares that contribute to overburdened landfills, threaten wildlife and marine life, and degrade our beaches," added Gelber.
In the formulation of this amendment, the city administrationsolicited input from upland owners, beachfront concessionaires, andrepresentatives from Miami-Dade County beach operations.
“I am thrilled to finally see this piece of legislation come tofruition — this really was a collaborative effort with our concessionaires andcity staff,” added Commissioner Micky Steinberg. “By using reusables, we areexpecting to eliminate anywhere between 60,000 to 80,000 pounds of garbage eachyear.”
This City of Miami Beach unanimously passed a fifth amendment requiring beachfront concession operators to utilize 100% reusable products by October 2020.
E-cigarettes entered the U.S. marketplace around 2007, and since 2014, they have been the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. youth, according to the CDC. In 2018, more than 3.6 million U.S. youth, including 1 in 5 high school students and 1 in 20 middle school students, currently use e-cigarettes.
The City of Miami Beach has had enough and wants to do its part in protecting the health, safety and general welfare of its residents and visitors.
This week, the city has announced that the smoking of nicotine vaporizers or similar products throughout the city's parks is prohibited.
“Nicotine has documented detrimental health effects, especially on adolescents, and e-cigarettes are rapidly becoming an emerging health care crisis in our schools and have no place in our parks,” said Mayor Gelber.
There are still many unknowndestructive side effects concerning e-cigarettes, including what chemicals areutilized in the vaping substance and how they affect physical health over along-term period of time.
The smoking of tobacco products is already banned at all city parks and signage will be modified to notify the public of the vaping prohibition.
The City of Miami Beach has announced that the smoking of nicotine vaporizers or similar products throughout the city's parks is prohibited.
We caught up with international fitness star, SWEAT Trainer, and Creator of the PWR Workouts - Kelsey Wells - ahead of the FIBO Fitness Festival here in Miami. We talke a little bit about her partnership with FIBO and what fans can expect from PWR in the coming months.
Welcome back to Miami! Last time we spoke, you were getting ready to host a PWR workout here in Miami. How was the event, and what have you been up to since?
The event last year was absolutely amazing, I had an incredible time meeting so many amazing women from Miami and surrounding areas, and I cannot wait to have the opportunity to come back and meet with them again.
In termsof what I’ve been up to since - back in April I launched my PWR at Home workoutprogram. It’s something that’s been in the works for a very long time, and I’mvery excited to now offer a program to women so they can train with meregardless of if it’s in a gym or at home!
So talkto us about your partnership with FIBO - why did you decide to partner withthem and what are you most excited about?
I’m really excited to work with the FIBO Miami crew this year. It’s such a well-respected fitness brand across the globe, and I really value the opportunity it’s given me to bring my PWR workout program to the women of Miami and help them to unlock their inner strength!
What canfans and guests expect from your Q&A talk on Friday?
I’m really looking forward to the Q&A session because it’s such a wonderful way to connect directly with the amazing women of the PWR community. During my session, I plan to share the story behind my own personal health and fitness journey.
For me,fitness is about so much more than just ascetics - it’s about mental andemotional wellbeing just as much as physical health. I hope the women of Miamigo away feeling inspired and supported to continue on their health and wellnessjourney.
And you'rehosting a PWR workout on Saturday of the festival. Tell us about that andwhat's new on that front?
I’m so excited to be back with another live PWR session in Miami. I’ve written a whole new workout that is, of course, based on my PWR program, but will be done without equipment just using body weight. It’s going to be tough and sweaty, but also accommodating for all fitness levels - so come and lets SWEAT!
What can fans expect from you for the rest of 2019 and into 2020?
I have something exciting to come for the PWR community next month - I can’t say much more right now, but stay tuned! Looking ahead, more and more travel is on the cards, which I'm so grateful for. I'll be traveling to Dubai for the first time in December, which I'm really excited about. Travelling the world and meeting the incredible PWR community in real life is one of my favorite, if not the favorite, part of my job!
We caught up with fitness star and Creator of the PWR Workout - Kelsey Wells - ahead of her appearance at the FIBO Fitness Festival in Miami.
Fitness has always been a passion for Miami Fitness Trainer Sammi Stonish. Digital Marketing by day, Fitness Instructor by night, Stonish specializes in indoor cycling and bootcamp. We caught up with Stonish for a Quick 10 interview powered by HALO Sport, but you can also follow her on Instagram – @sammi__jay.
Tell us about yourself - where are you from and how did you findyour way to the 305?
FromNY originally. Moved to the 305 for college (it’s all about the 🙌🏽) and could never imagine leaving.
How did you get your start in fitness and as an instructor?
Fitnesshas always been my outlet and passion. I finally got the nerve to audition tobe an instructor when life started to feel a little complacent [it wassomething I always wanted to do but was terrified of].
What is your favorite part of being a fitness instructor?
Fitnesshelped me get through every tough time in my life. For that reason, among manyothers, I love it. Getting to share that with other people and help them do thesame; that’s a pretty amazing thing.
How do you stay full of energy throughout the day?
Idon’t do well with free time - so a schedule packed with responsibilities andthings I love to do... And, a lot of caffeine 🙈
How would you describe your classes?
Intense,but uplifting - I ask my clients for everything they have in a short period oftime. I push them physically and mentally. But they walk out of that roomfeeling like they could take on anything.
What is one fitness myth you would like to bust?
Fadsthat require completely cutting out certain foods from your diet or quick fixBS like skinny teas, waist trainers, etc.
Tell us a little bit more about your specialty.
Myspecialty is indoor cycling and bootcamp. I teach my classes in a way thatevery person in the room feels challenged but capable of reaching their own newlevel. Every single time. Yes, I ask for big things and my classes are by nomeans easy. But, the driving factor is progress, so there is always somethingfor everyone.
Other than where you teach, where is your favorite place in Miamito train?
Solidcore& Rumble [when traveling... I’m waiting on a Miami studio 🙏🏽]
Besides fitness, what’s one thing you’re passionate about?
DigitalMarketing (my full-time job is in the eCommerce industry).
What is a long-term goal you are working towards or would love toachieve?
Findbalance - I’m a nonstop person that would like to think I can do it all. I needto be more mindful of the fact that no one can do everything at once and do itwell. I need to be better at being more selective with what I say yes to, andeven more conscious of my mind and body being overworked.
BONUS: What do you love about the South Florida fitness/health& wellness community?
Thatit really is a community. South Florida is passionate about fitness andsupportive no matter where you choose to workout.
We caught up with Miami Fitness Trainer Sammi Stonish for a Quick 10 interview powered by HALO Sport.
TruFusion continues to ride the wave it made in the South Florida fitness market after opening in March of 2018. The Coral Gabels hotspot is still the area's lone franchise and was the first TruFusion on the East Coast.
A fun and high-energy, all-in-one fitness hybrid, TruFusion Coral Gables is an 11,000 sq. ft. studio featuring heated and non-heated blends of workouts like yoga, barre, Pilates, bootcamp, boxing, cycling, kettlebell, and more.
The heated classes are known to get up over 103 degrees and attract celebrity clientele like J.Lo and Alex Rodriguez.
Anatomy Miami has announced the Fall 2019 opening of its newest fitness concept: Blackout.
Locatedon the 2nd floor of Anatomy Midtown, Blackout is poised to bethe next generation group-fitness experience.
“I amreally excited to expand our brand in the tradition of community and culture weare known for,” says group fitness director of Anatomy, Jacqueline Kasen. “I’mexcited to bring this innovative concept to Miami because the experience willbe unlike any other.”
Blackoutis designed for everyone from beginners to experienced fitness enthusiastslooking for a highly effective, low-impact, high-intensity, total-body workout.Offering 30, 45, 60 and 90-minute classes, the ultra-luxe studio delivers agroup training experience to meet everyone’s fitness schedule.
Settingthe mood for an intense workout, ablackout curtain will descend, veiling the floor-to-ceiling windows whilespecially curated heart-pumping music playlists and pulsating lighting willbuild up in intensity throughout the class. Participantswill be led through a three-station progression that combines cardio andstrength conditioning training utilizing a SkiErg®, Concept 2 Rower® andFitBench®.
TeamChallenges, building on Anatomy’s emphasis on community, will furtherdifferentiate the concept, giving winning teams the ultimate bragging on socialmedia
Thesame faces you may already know and love from Anatomy will be leading eachBlackout class, which will be offered, seven days a week.
Thecost per class is $35, which also grants full access to Anatomy’s Midtown gymand recovery and regeneration amenities including hot and cold plunges,infrared sauna and eucalyptus steam room.
For alimited time, Anatomy will also be incentivizing $0 enrollment fee on dual gymmemberships, which will give members access to the Blackout Studio and bothAnatomy locations (Miami Beach & Midtown).
Born and raised in the 305, Anthony Mendez is a Cuban American who has worked his way up through the fitness profession here in Miami. Mendez is now an independent Personal Trainer helping clients reach their goals. We caught up with Mendez for a Quick 10 interview powered by HALO Sport, but you can also follow him on Instagram - @mendezfitness.
Tell us about yourself - where are you from and how did you findyour way to the 305?
Born and raised in Miami Native - I love my city. I am a Cuban American.
How did you get your start in fitness and as an instructor?
Igot started in fitness training at Bally’s Total Fitness and moved on from there.Also, LA Fitness, Equinox, and now an independent Personal Trainer.
How would you describe your classes?
My sessions are meant to challenge people both mentally and physically. Using your body and mind together to drive success and also learn more about yourself. Find weaknesses, find strengths, find new movements, and build confidence.
What is one fitness myth you would like to bust?
Youcan’t target “fat” - you can’t just do abs and think that it’s going to burnthe fat in that area. You need to train the whole body.
Tell us a little bit more about your specialty.
Ispecialize in loaded and unloaded movement training. This unique style consistsof unconventional tools, bodyweight, flows, and correctives.
Besides fitness, what’s one thing you’re passionate about?
Learning,growing, and diving into social media and how it keeps expanding.
What is a long-term goal you are working towards or would love toachieve?
Becomingan expert who can teach others to build a powerful and sustaining business.
What is the one thing you do every day to stay fit?
The one thing I do is make sure I follow my healthy habits in the morning every day, avoid sitting for long hours and stay plugged into self-development.
How do you practice mental health in your everyday life?
Istayed plugged into podcasts, attend seminars, events, listen to webinars andmentors. I build my mental knowledge and health. Also making sure to eat theright foods and learn new skills to challenge my mind.
What do you love about the South Florida fitness/health &wellness community?
Ilove how diverse the culture is and love that there’s so much potential here.
We caught up with Miami Personal Trainer Anthony Mendez to hear more about his fitness journey in our latest Quick 10 interview powered by HALO Sport.
Born and raised in Boston, Eric brown moved to the 305 with a pre-law degree and passion for fitness. Five years later, Brown is helping clients achieve their goals. We caught up with Brown for a Quick 10 interview powered by HALO Sport, but you can also follow him on Instagram - @eric_brown305.
Tell us about yourself - where are you from and how did you findyour way to the 305?
I'm from Boston, Massachusetts, and I moved down to Florida five years ago. I graduated with a Pre-Law degree and decided I wanted to move and enter into the Fitness industry. I got a job at Equinox, where I progressed from top trainer to the department Manager.
How did you get your start in fitness and as an instructor?
I started playing sports my entire life, traveling competitively and had an injury in my senior year of high school which ended my sports career. Working with strength coaches throughout my career as an athlete, I decided to get a job at Gold's Gym as a trainer and I loved it.
How do you stay full of energy throughout the day?
Stayingconsistent, disciplined, and balanced with my diet and fitness throughout theweek. I hold myself to a standard of training 5-6x per week, having my goalallows me to stay disciplined in eating meals, and the combination of bothfeeds my machine to work optimally throughout the day.
How would you describe your personal training sessions?
Informative, intense, challenging, and overall will tax your entire system without pain or being left bedridden for days. The number one thing I consistently teach my trainers is being involved to motivate, or simply enhancing their experience/investment by working on the form of all clients.
What is one fitness myth you would like to bust?
Carbs are bad. Here's a mind-blower - carbs you can use as energy alone, fats you can't. To utilize fats as energy, you need carbs. Your body fat mass (aka BF % you want to lose as a goal) is technically called "potential stored energy" and you can manipulate your carb intake to burn off your "stored fat" that you never could shed in the past. The reason is you are missing carbs. It's about balance.
Tell us a little bit more about your specialty.
Strength/Conditioning,Athletic Rehabilitation, Preventive injury, Body Composition, Functional. Irepresent being a "coach" vs "trainer.” Every professionalshould be well rounded within their craft. I specialize in being diverse withinmy specialties but focus on one thing for each "integrity.”
What are you excited about right now?
Thefuture of what my company can do to help within this industry.
What is a long-term goal you are working towards or would love toachieve?
Iwant to hold seminars around the world coaching, teaching, and motivatingothers to do exactly what they are passionate about within the fitnessindustry. I want to help kids without direction find a career like this, I wantto help non-violent offenders find jobs within changing lives, and I'm workingon making this my foundation to help build off the success of our company.
What is the one thing you do every day to stay fit?
Workout,drink a lot of water, meditate, eat 80/20, and most importantly setting goodintentions through each day I start.
What do you love about the South Florida fitness/health &wellness community?
It'sa culture, it's a family, and it's something of value to this community whichis amazing to see so many people value their health.
We caught up with Eric Brown for a Quick 10 interview powered by HALO Sport, but you can also follow him on Instagram - @eric_brown305.
On Thursday, HistoryMiami Museum hosted a VIP celebration to unveil their latest exhibition, Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the largest and most comprehensive exhibition about professional football.
"What an amazing turnout forour red carpet event at HistoryMiami to be among all of the Miami footballlegends,” said Jorge Zamanillo, Executive Director of HistoryMiami Museum. “Anyfootball fan will be touched by the inspirational stories of the games,players, coaches and history on exhibition in Gridiron Glory."
Gridiron Glory is a panoramic view of the story of professional football – from its humble beginnings in the early 20th century to the cultural phenomenon it is today.
The 6,000-square-foot exhibition features more than 200 awe-inspiring artifacts, rare photographs, one-of-a-kind documents, spectacular footage from NFL Films, and interactive displays that challenge both mind and body. The interactive multimedia experience also includes a “Hometown Heroes” section to spotlight the Miami Dolphins and local football heroes.
Notables in attendance includedformer Miami Dolphins player and Hall of Famer Dwight Stephenson, Hall ofFamer Lesley Visser, and about 40 Miami Dolphins alumni.
Guests were also able to see how they measure up to the pros by comparing their physical dimensions and athletic abilities to those of the biggest stars in the game.
Visitors also tried on vintagepads and jerseys along with today’s equipment and stepped inside the InstantReplayBooth to see if they could make the right call.
Interactive touch screen selectionkiosks also showed video clips on each member of the Pro Football Hall ofFame.
Attendees were also able to relivethe game-changing, milestone records that turned players into legends throughFantastic Finishes from NFL Films in a pop-up theater and tested theirknowledge of the 267 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame at interactivekiosks throughout the exhibit.
“What a great way to fire up our football spirit, as our community rallies to host our record-breaking 11th Super Bowl during the National Football League’s 100th anniversary,” said Rodney Barreto, Chairman of the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee.
The Gridiron Glory: The Best ofthe Pro Football Hall of Fame exhibition is sponsored by Exclusive HeathCare Sponsor Baptist Health, Miami-Dade County, and Miami Downtown DevelopmentAuthority.
The traveling exhibition has been featured in every Super Bowl city since its opening in 2012 and will run through Super Bowl week.
Gridiron Glory: The Bestof the Pro Football Hall of Fame officially is officially open tothe public and will run through Super Bowl 2020 in Miami, until Sunday,February 9, 2020.
HistoryMiami Museum unveils their latest exhibition, Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, ahead of the 2020 Super Bowl.
On Tuesday, the Cityof Miami Beach, in partnership with the Trust for Public Land and TD Bank, unveileda new Fitness Zone at Flamingo Park.
“The completion of the Fitness Zone marks an important milestone as one of the slated improvements in the Flamingo Park Master Plan,” noted Mayor Dan Gelber. “We’re excited to debut this area for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to utilize and enjoy.”
Curated to provide a full-body workout and flexibility for multiple individuals to workout at once, the fitness zone stations feature six exercise units targeting the upper body and three focusing on the lower body. Three of the stations are wheelchair accessible, allowing those with mobility impairments to exercise in an outdoor gym tailored to their needs.
“The Trust for Public Land is honored to partner with the City of Miami Beach to add this terrific new Fitness Zone to the historic Flamingo Park, thanks to a generous gift from TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank®,” shared Adrian Benepe, SVP and Director of National Programs for The Trust for Public Land.
The Flamingo ParkFitness Zone was made possible through a $120,000 donation from the Trust forPublic Land (TPL) through their Miami-Dade Fitness Zone Program, which focuseson parks in communities with health and fitness needs.
"We’re committedto making a positive impact and providing urban green spaces for thecommunities where we live, work and play,” said Nick Miceli, TD Bank RegionalPresident. “We're thrilled to work with great partners such as The Trust forPublic Land and the City of Miami Beach to do this."
On Tuesday, the City of Miami Beach, in partnership with the Trust for Public Land and TD Bank, unveiled a new Fitness Zone at Flamingo Park.
Born and raised in Boston, Nikki Pepper always felt an attraction to Miami. It wasn't until 2016 when Reebok HQ offered her a position to manage the South Florida marketing efforts, did she make the move. Three years later, Pepper is now a Personal Trainer at Anatomy. We caught up with her for a Quick 10 interview powered by HALO Sport, but you can also follow her on Instagram - @salt.n.peppah
Tell us about yourself - where are you from and how did you findyour way to the 305?
Iam originally from Boston, MA and moved here in May 2016. I relocated down herewhile working for Reebok HQ to cover marketing for their South Florida region,after working at HQ up in Boston. I had always wanted to move down to Miami,and it was the perfect opportunity to take a chance and give it a go.
How did you get your start in fitness and as an instructor?
Igrew up doing gymnastics from age five and loved being active ever since. I gotmy start in fitness working in Trade Marketing at Reebok HQ. I switched over toField Marketing when I moved to South Florida and started meeting all kinds ofamazing fitness professionals in the process. I loved fitness and helping othersand decided to pursue training full time once I saw how rewarding it can be.
How would you describe your classes?
Tough, fun, and a fire hip-hop playlist! I’ll be smiling the whole time while crushing you simultaneously. Come by Anatomy Miami Beach and take Glute Camp and HardCORE to experience it for yourself.
What is one fitness myth you would like to bust?
Thatlifting weights make women bulky.
Other than where you teach, where is your favorite place in Miamito train?
HybridPerformance Method for Olympic lifting with the F. Reis Weightlifting crew!Especially on max out Friday’s.
Besides fitness, what’s one thing you’re passionate about?
Scubadiving! I go every couple of months around South Florida and in the Caribbean.Our ocean is amazing and it’s crucial we preserve it for generations to come.
What is a long-term goal you are working towards or would love toachieve?
Hardto say for the long-term, but in the short-term working to be better than I wasyesterday, every single day. It’s the small actions you take each day thataccumulate to achieve great results.
What is the one thing you do every day to stay fit?
Walk10,000 steps. Even on my rest days, I make sure to stay somewhat active.
How do you practice mental health in your everyday life?
Imeditate using an app called Calm. I like the guided meditations to focus on mybreathing and being present and apply meditation principles in everydayinteractions with others. I also keep a gratitude journal to remind me of howlucky I am for the people and opportunities in my life.
What do you love about the South Florida fitness/health &wellness community?
Everyonesupports one another and it feels like one big extended family! I love seeingfamiliar faces and fitness pros and enthusiasts bonding with one anotherthrough their shared passion for health and wellness.
We caught up with Personal Trainer Nikki Pepper of Anatomy for a Quick 10 interview, powered by HALO Sport.
Biscayne Bay is in a health crisis. It’s gasping for air. It’s at a tipping point. It’s doomed.
Environmentalists have been sounding these alarms for at least two decades, warning that the bay’s placid turquoise waters and rich marine life would soon succumb to contamination from failing septic tanks and stormwater runoff, plastic pollution, overfishing, a warming ocean and the ever-growing pressure of development.
Now, Biscayne Bay lovers — from fishing guides who have seen grouper populations plummet in recent years to scientists watching in disbelief as seagrass meadows vanish, and environmental regulators who have ordered studies to understand what exactly is going on — agree on one thing: Enough of studies and research and proposals. It’s time to declare a state of emergency for Biscayne Bay.
“We are going to keep working hard to make sure that our bay survives and thrives,” Miami Mayor Francis Suarez told an audience of scientists, activists and policymakers who gathered Friday at Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay campus to address the bay’s dire predicament.
The proposed emergency declaration was one of the results of the second edition of the Biscayne Bay Marine Health Summit, a one-day powwow of citizens who are concerned about the troubles afflicting the bay, and elected officials and policymakers who can do something to fix them. Other ideas included the creation of a Biscayne Bay authority to focus on restoration efforts, the establishment of regional water quality goals and pollution reduction targets and the increase of sewer fees to help upgrade Miami-Dade’s failing infrastructure.
Recommendations on infrastructure and public works, governmental policy, research needs, and education and outreach will be used by a Miami-Dade Biscayne Bay task force that was created earlier this year to tackle the bay’s worsening conditions. The panel is expected to present concrete actions by January.
The health of Biscayne Bay has drawn new scrutiny in recent months after a Miami-Dade grand jury report and studies by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration painted a gloomy picture of Miami’s beloved bay. Meanwhile, Biscayne National Park is working on a new Fishery Management Plan as some fish populations are on the verge of collapse.
Two years ago, a massiveseagrass die-off in the Tuttle Bay basin was a loud wake-up call that reignited calls for tougher corrective measures and more efficient enforcement of regulations to protect the bay. Dan Kipnis, a fishing boat captain and climate advocate, recalls how the water in the northern protected basin between the Julia Tuttle and 79th Street causeways used to be pristine, making the area a popular spot for snorkeling. “The water here was so clear we could see the grass on the bottom and an abundance of fish,” Kipnis said. But in just a few years the seven species of seagrass that used to cover the basin’s bottom withered and died, turning the water into a murky and lifeless soup.
Scientists have pointed to known factors that have worsened water quality across Biscayne Bay: old and leaky septic tanks that have failed in increasing numbers, polluting the bay with nutrients that fuel algae blooms that in turn reduce the amount of light reaching seagrass beds; storm and wastewater flowing from dirty canals filled with high levels of phosphorus, which exacerbates algae production; dredging and increased sediment from Miami’s growing port and busier ship traffic.
A massive pumping system installed by Miami Beach in 2017 to deal with sea level rise was also considered a suspect. That year the city started to pump untreated stormwater into the bay, using a system that filtered out large debris and oil but didn’t treat the water for fertilizers and other waste like animal poop.
Stormwater runoff and leaky septic tanks have long been a problem, but in recent years more of the 108,000 units in Miami-Dade have failed because of sea level rise. The county decided to take a closer look last year and warned in a November study that by 2040, 64 percent — or more than 67,000 units — could have issues every year. That’s because septic tanks need a layer of dirt underneath to do the final filtration work, capturing the solids and returning the liquid waste back to the aquifer. In South Florida, there’s not that much dirt between the homes above ground and the water below, and as the sea level rises, the groundwater is being pushed even higher. It’s wetting the layer of dirt that is supposed to be dry. Wastewater doesn’t filter efficiently in soggy soil, so it comes out.
Another eye-opener on the health of the bay was a recent studyby NOAA looking at water quality parameters between 1995 and 2014. Researchers concluded that Biscayne Bay may be facing a “regime shift” as its lush seagrass beds are gradually being smothered by thick algae that are being fed by rising nutrient levels in the water. The study looked at chlorophyll — an indication of the presence of algae blooms in the bay — and phosphorus, and concluded that the bay may be changing from a seagrass-dominated ecosystem to an algae one.
“We have a lot of data on what’s happening in the bay and these changes we’ve observed in this recent study are very alarming,” said Chris Kelble, a co-author of the study and oceanographer at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Lab on Virginia Key.
Last month, a grand jury convened by Miami-Dade’s State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle issued an alarming report saying the damage to the “crown jewel of our environment” may soon become irreversible. The report targeted a host of factors hurting the bay, from the aging wastewater infrastructure to the use of disposable plastics and the cooling canals at the Turkey Point nuclear plant.
The plant, operated by Florida Power & Light, uses an outdated cooling system that’s producing an underground plume of saltwater that is leaking into Biscayne Bay. That’s threatening not only the health of the ecosystem but also drinking water supplies, as the Biscayne Bay aquifer sits just below the surface.
*This article was originally published in the Miami Herald by Adriana Brasileiro and can be found here.
Biscayne Bay is in a health crisis. It’s gasping for air. It’s at a tipping point. It’s doomed.
Miami is a worldwide tourist destination for its beautiful beaches and clean water — but nobody can enjoy it when shit is spilling into the bay. Aging pipes installed near Oleta River State Park in the 1960's ruptured last month, resulting in 1.5 million gallons of raw sewage leaking into the Oleta River and Biscayne Bay.
The Oleta pipe breach is just one example of water-quality problems in Miami-Dade County. Aging infrastructure and an underfunded Water and Sewer Department (WASD) have led to repeated warnings all summer that Miami's waters are not safe for swimming. Yet the county is not recommending adding extra money to WASD's budget to maintain or replace old sewer pipes and is actually considering slashing funding in its upcoming budget meeting tomorrow.
"Clean water is what makes Miami, Miami," says Kelly Cox, general counsel for Miami Waterkeeper. "We have a clean-water economy in Miami, and tourism, real estate, commercial fishing, and recreational activities are actively compromised by the condition of the water."
Within the past 30 days alone, there have beenfour major incidents reported to WASD due to broken sewage infrastructure. Inferior asbestos-cement pipe material resulted in the discharge of 154,000 gallons on SW 112th Street, and a leaking release valve on SW 128th Street led to a spill of 13,200 gallons of raw sewage. A leaking sewer tap caused 33,826 gallons to spill near NE 192 Street and West Country Club Drive, and a broken air-release valve led to a 591-gallon leak from Key Biscayne.
Cox says the proposed budget cut is "just another setback" for WASD.
"This is an opportunity to invest in our water resources, cut down the backlog of needed projects, and be proactive in proper maintenance of the pipes, but instead we're slicing the budget," she says.
"WASD oversees the keys to saving Biscayne Bay," Cox says. "We can protect the bay by maintaining our sewer system."
*This article was originally published on Miami New Times by Jess Nelson and can be found here.
Miami-Dade is failing to repair the aging infrastructure and an underfunded Water and Sewer Department (WASD), leading to major health risks for residents.
Rachel Scherdin is one of the most popular Pilates instructors in Miami. Her new Coral Gables studio - Transition Pilates, is an intimate experience in traditional Pilates. We caught up with her for a Quick 10 interview powered by HALO Sport, but you can also follow her on Instagram - @transitionpilates.
Moving toward becoming a plastic-free city, the City of Miami Beach has spearheaded banning single-use plastic beverage straws, stirrers and single-use plastic bags on the city’s beaches, streets, and prohibiting plastic bags from being distributed by sidewalk cafes, marinas, and other public places.
Today, the City Commission took ita step farther by unanimously passing an ordinance that prohibits single-useplastic beverage straws and stirrers citywide – further reducing the amount ofplastic pollution in the city’s storm drains and waterways as well as improvingwater quality.
“Every move we make to strengthenour litter laws citywide significantly reduces the amount of litter andpollutants on land and in the water,” shared Mayor Dan Gelber. “Protecting bothour natural environment and wildlife is a priority for our city and a cause wewill never stop fighting for.”
Plastic straws are one of the mostcommonly found littered items on the beach – many of which end up in the ocean.Taking approximately 200 years to begin degrading, the average plastic straw isonly used for a few minutes before being discarded.
“A fundamental part of ourplastic-free movement begins and ends with our businesses,” added Gelber. “Our#PlasticFreeMB program has voluntarily signed over 120 businesses thus far. I’mexcited to see that education and reach continue in building anenvironmentally-conscious economy that values our beautiful paradise.”
Similar to the city’s plastic bag restriction, the ordinances will be phased with full enforcement taking place beginning July 2020. Over the course of the next three months, the city will launch its public education campaign to inform businesses, such as food-service providers and hotels, of the provisions of the regulation as well as assisting with identifying reusable alternatives.
Businesses providing plasticstraws or stirrers with the service and delivery of any beverage to patronswill be fined $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second and $500 for thethird and subsequent violation(s).
The City of Miami Beach has banned single-use plastic beverage straws, stirrers and single-use plastic bags with enforcement beginning July 2020.
Martial arts experts Sifu (masters) Anthony Fontana and Phil Cruz are bringing their Unlimited Martial Arts academy (UMA) experience from New York to Miami beginning September 16th in collaboration with the 5th St. Gym, operated by Dino Spencer.
UnlimitedMartial Arts will serve the South Beach community as a training and fitnessstudio within the 2,300square ft. 5th St. Gym. The academy will offer a variety of different classesfrom Jeet Kune Do to one-on-one personal training sessions onand off the beach.
For the UMA Miami launch, Fontana aims to provide his students with the tools they need to perform to their fullest while strengthening their body and mind, helping them to achieve their fitness and self-defense goals.
Sifu Anthony Fontana is a certified personal trainer and trained in numerous martial arts with over 20 years of experience under his belt. He has trained exclusively under Sifu Phil Cruz in Jeet Kune Do, the Filipino Martial Arts, and Muay Thai. Fontana also studied under Guro Ron Balicki and Diana Inosanto, Bruce Lee’s goddaughter, and represents MARS (Martial Arts Research Systems).
Mostrecently, Fontana was recognized by Guro Dan Inosanto, Grand MasterFred Degerberg and acknowledged by Guro Ron Balicki, and wasawarded his 2nd Degree Black Belt in the Degerberg Blend.
Althoughthe striking arts is Fontana’s main passion, he believes in the importance ofbeing a well-rounded martial artist as situations and tactics change when afight goes to the ground or if a weapon is involved.
Inspiredby Bruce Lee’s philosophy stating, “Research your own experience. Absorb whatis useful, reject what is useless, add what is essentially your own,” he continuesto work with renowned teachers to enhance his training and find his own uniqueexpression of the arts.
UnlimitedMartial Arts Miami offers a diverse array of martial arts beyond traditionaltraining to men and women with classes including Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai,Filipino Boxing, Weapons (Kali) and MMA.
BrazilianJiu-Jitsu and Capoeira will be introduced later in the year.A Battle-Ready circuit-based group class prepares participants for an actualfight, without the risk or pressure of actual harm. Group cardio and strengthtraining classes, and two children’s programs including the “Little Dragons”for ages 8-13 and “Little Koi” ages four to seven.
Most known for his Animal Flow and bodyweight movements, Miami fitness professional Jeremy Abramson seems to be everywhere these days. After growing up on the West Coast, Abramson found himself in Miami needing to make a major life change. We caught up with him for a Quick 10 interview powered by HALO Sport, but you can also follow him on Instagram - @coachjeremy305.
Tell us about yourself - where are you from andhow did you find your way to the 305?
I’m from San Mateo, CA, about 20 minutes south of San Francisco.After graduating from the University of Oregon, I landed my “dream job”with the Oakland A’s. Life was good. However, things took a twist in July 2014.In the same week, I got fired by the A’s and found out my girlfriend wascheating on me. At 24, I decided I needed a change of scenery.
I had a friend in Boca and visited him shortly after my lifeunraveled. We spent a lot of time in Miami, and I was so attracted to theenergy (and weather) of the city. 2 months later, I packed up my Honda CR-V andmoved my life to South Florida.
How did you get your start in fitness and as aninstructor?
Ever since 18, I was passionate about fitness. However, I saw it as a hobby, rather than a career. Things changed after waking up one morning with zero excitement for the day and dreading getting out of bed. I knew I had so many gifts to offer the world, yet I wasn’t doing it. That same day, I quit my job and decided to gamble on myself. That is when my life changed forever and my career in this industry began.
How do you stay full of energy throughout theday?
My energy is my superpower. First off, I prioritize high-qualitysleep. I have a very sophisticated morning routine that consists of a 25-superfoodgreen juice, mushroom-infused coffee, and a lot of water.
I also make sure to move my body throughout the day. Whether it isa 5-minute walk or a 10-minute stretch, we need to keep our bodies and brainsactive throughout. I avoid sitting for long periods of time and make sure tofuel with clean, high quality, nutrient-dense food.
What is one fitness myth you would like to bust?
“No Pain, No Gain” - I literally cringe when I hear people say this. While some mental discomfort and physical fatigue are beneficial, you should never train when you’re feeling high levels of physical pain. Instead, focus on recovery. That may mean making love to a foam roller, having an ice bath, or stretching in the sauna. Just listen to your body, because it is the best teacher you have.
Other than where you teach, where is yourfavorite place in Miami to train?
Muscle Beach, South Pointe Park, and Margaret Pace Park. I lovetraining outdoors with a beautiful view of Miami. There are so many powerfulbenefits to connecting with nature. The average American spends 93% of theirlife indoors, so I encourage everyone to take advantage of our beautifulclimate and get outside!
What are you excited about right now?
I’m extremely excited about the StandUp2Sitting Podcast, that Ilaunched in March. It allows me to connect with the top Miami healthprofessionals in a very intimate way. By having these powerful guests sharetheir stories, we are empowering every single listener to do the same. So far,it has been listened to in over 35 countries and continues to grow. You canfind it on iTunes, Spotify, and all other platforms.
What is a long-term goal you are working towardsor would love to achieve?
To launch a non-profit, aimed at impacting inner-city youth through fitness and nutrition. There are so many kids in our city who are struggling and don’t have a positive or safe space to hang out. I want to fill that void.
What is the one thing you do every day to stayfit?
There’s A LOT of things I do that contribute, but I’ll say thatnurturing my relationships is huge for me. I’m so grateful for the people thatI have in my life, especially my parents. I try to communicate with them everyday to let them know how much I love them. Those conversations always leave meinspired. And I always sleep better knowing that my relationships are thriving.And I need that quality sleep if I want to energize and inspire people!
How do you practice mental health in youreveryday life?
A cold shower is non-negotiable. I rarely want to turn the knob all the way to the right, but it’s a great practice of mental toughness. I’m able to translate that overcoming of fear to other aspects of life. It’s a great way to reduce inflammation and speed up your metabolism.
What do you love about the South Floridafitness/health & wellness community?
That it is so diverse, and it continues to evolve. From Acroyoga jams to cacao ceremonies, there are so many unique experiences to connect with the community and elevate our consciousness.
We caught up with Jeremy Abramson for a Quick 10 interview powered by HALO Sport, but you can also follow him on Instagram - @coachjeremy305.
It has been one year since Casa Vinyasa opened their doors in South Miami. Co-owners Melissa Callahan and Lizzy Chiappy, created a space where community and yoga go beyond four walls and a mat.
For those that have never visited,Casa Vinyasa is the only studio in South Miami with infrared heating technology, something that might be morepleasing if you’re not a fan of a typical heated class.
“It’sunreal to already be celebrating a year,” saidco-founder Lizzy Chiappy. “Wecouldn’t be happier with our yoga home and look forward to continuing to growour family.”
Complete with a robust 59-class schedule, the heated Power Vinyasa flow is the signature class in the Casa Vinyasa lineup. The boutique studio offers non-heated classes that include Vinyasa Flow, Yogalete, Pilates y Más, Restorative Flow, Yin, Yoga for Vitality, and Yoga for Parkinson’s which is funded by the National Parkinson’s Foundation.
Casa Vinyasa is in the middle of a renovation to create more space and openness in our lobby area,including hanging plants in the Yoga room to create more “freshness” in the air.
Inaddition, to the one-year anniversary, Cas Vinyasa is introducing their first200-hour teacher training, called Home Base, that begins on Friday, September13.
Acommon assumption people make is that they have to be an advanced Yogi to doteacher training or have to want to be a teacher.
“Yoga teacher training is so much more than that,” said Chiappy. “It really should be called life training. The tools learned can be applied to every facet of our lives. Teacher training allows you to connect with yourself and others, to grow in your practice and in your life. It gives you the opportunity to find your voice and step into leadership.”
It has been one year since co-owners Melissa Callahan and Lizzy Chiappy opened the doors to Casa Vinyasa in South Miami.
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