The Connections Warren Watchung Edition April/May 2021

theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 57 Celebrating Over 45 Years of Service to You and Your Family 65 Mountain Blvd. Ext., Warren, NJ 07059 In the Warren Medical Center Across from the ACME (732) 356-6200 Mark J. Krawitz, M.D. John F. Lane, M.D. Matthew B. Gewirtz, M.D. Debra A. Firestone, M.D. Susan R. Carter, M.D. Justin Schaefers, O.D. Arthur L. Siegel, O.D. Linda Zhang, M.D. Our Board Certified Ophthalmologists treat cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye diseases and macular degeneration. We also perform routine eye exams, LASIK & premium lens implant surgery. In addition, we offer Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, including Botox. Ask about our complete line of contact lenses or visit our state of the art Optical Shop for your eyewear needs. THE EYE CENTER L I K E us on F acebo Daily, Evening & Saturday appointments available, call today for your appointment (732) 356-6200 ok www.The-Eye-Center.com WELCOMING Justin Schaefers, O.D. theconnectionsnj.com WATCHUNG, NJ – An encounter with one person can change your life. For Karen S. of Millington that person is Danielle Conner, the owner of the Watchung-based Pilates Design Studio. "For me, life changed in December 2019 when I met Danielle. At the time, I was searching for a facility in the area to take Pilates classes to improve my overall strength," said Karen. As a physical therapist with over two decades of ex- perience, Karen understood the importance of performing exercises correctly and also has an appreciation for the benefits Pilates has to offer. "I needed an instructor to work with me to rehabilitate from overall weakness due to medical issues I experienced for two years prior to our encounter," she said. Those issues included neurological symptoms, vestibular symptoms, weakness, and fatigue and movement dysfunction. However, within a few minutes of interacting with Danielle, Karen said she began to feel comfortable sharing the frustra- tion for her inability to treat herself. "At this point, all my diagnostic tests were normal but my symptoms were still present," said Karen, whose initial com- plaint was pain and dysfunction of her right sacroiliac joint - where the spine and pelvis fuse. While Danielle was able to al- leviate the problem during their first session, she also noticed some instability with Karen's eye movements and expressed concern that vestibular issues were present. Danielle says, "Karen explained that the real reason why she came in was because of a vestibular issue no one could figure out because all of her test results were coming back normal. She'd read that I was a certified Z-Health Trainer ex- perienced in neuroplasticity and was hoping that this would be the answer to her neurological symptoms. This absolutely was a game changer for her." Karen began attending private sessions twice a week, with Danielle utilizing the Z-Health method, a curriculum of applied neuroscience assessments and drills that focuses on the body’s visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems. According to Danielle, these systems work together to provide input to the brain, the brain then interprets this in- formation and then creates an output through movement and behavior. If there is an issue with any of these systems, the brain cannot interpret the input clearly resulting in poor sig- naling patterns that can cause chronic pain, balance and co- ordination issues and overall body and behavior dysfunction. "The Z-Health curriculum provides a unique way of train- ing these three systems to create the change needed for stronger brain function and signaling, resulting in alleviation of chronic pain, improved balance and vision, positive changes in learning and behavior and more efficient movement patterns that increase muscle strength and decrease the risk of injury," says Danielle. Karen felt her body respond, in a positive way, by the end of her first session and reports having less pain and de- creased muscle tightness along with improved movement. 10 Shawnee Drive, Suite B-1, Watchung, N J 07069 | WATCHUNG, NJ – A New Year calls for a NEW space for the Watchung-based Pilates Design Studio. After nearly a decade of of- fering Pilates to clients of all age groups and physical abilities, the studio has moved to a larger, updated space on Shawnee Drive at the corner of Mountain Boulevard. On Dec. 28, owner and certified Pilates in- structor and ZHealth Trainer Danielle Conner moved out of the former second floor John- ston Drive studio and on Monday December 30th, the new State of the Art Shawnee Drive space was ready for clients. "I am so excited about this move! The new space is much bigger and can accommodate the machines and then some,” Conner said. Pilates is a system of exercises that uses spe- cial apparatus designed to improve physical strength, flexibility, and posture, and en- hance mental awareness. In addit ion to of- fering one-hour, one-on-one instru ction and group classes customized to fit eac h client’s individual needs, the Watchung studio is also the only New Jersey studio th at offers Body Balance suspension training and Neu- roscience based drills, through the ZHealth Education System, to help stop chr onic pain and create efficient movement pat terns. “The studio has grown steadily sin ce open- ing in 2011 but, since incorpor ating the ZHealth Neuroplasticity program 3 years ago and combining it with Pilates to c reate our neuropilates program, the studio began to outgrow its original space,” Conne r said. The new space now features five ro oms – as opposed to two – with machines d ivided up more to allow for better client pr ivacy and Pilates Design Studio opens a New 10 Shawnee Drive, Suite B-1, Watchung, NJ 0 7 69 | 9 WATCHUNG, NJ – A New Year calls for a NEW space for the Watchung-based Pilates Design Studio. After nearly a decade of f- fering Pilates to clients of all ge roups and physical abilities, the studio has moved to a large , updated space on Shawnee Drive at the corne of Mountain Boulevard. On Dec. 28, owner and certified Pilates in- structor and ZHealth Trainer Danielle Conner moved out of the former second floor J hn- ston Drive studio and on Monday December 30th, t e new State of the Art Shawnee Drive space was ready for clients. "I am so excited about this move! The n w space is much bigger and can accommodate the machines and then some,” Conner said. Pilates is a ystem of exercises tha uses pe- cial app ratus designed to improve physical strength, flexibility, and posture, an d en- hance mental aw reness. In addition to of- fering one-hour, one-on e i structio n a d group classe customized to fit each c lient’s ind vi ual needs, the Watchung stu dio is also the only New Jersey studio tha offers Body Balance suspension training and Neu- roscienc based drills, through t e ZH ealth Education System, to help stop chroni c pain and creat efficient movem nt patter ns. “The studio has grown steadily since open- ing in 2011 but, since incorp atin g the ZHealth Neuroplasticity prog am 3 yea rs go and combining it with Pilates to crea t our neuropilates prog am, the studio be gan to outgrow its original space,” Conner sa id. The n w space now features five room s – as opposed to two – with machines divi ed up more to allow for bett r client privac y and to ab cro spa cal pla “Th Clie jur tio str no rem “I wa ha be "Th ver Pilates Design Studio opens a New S ee Driv e, Suite B-1, Watchung, NJ 07069 | 908-251-5081 | www.pilatesdesignstudio.com for a ilates of of- s and ed to Drive es in- onner John- mber wnee e new odate said. s spe- ysical s trength, flexibility, and posture, and en- hance mental awareness. In addition to of- f ering one-hour, one-on-one instruction and g roup classes customized to fit each client’s i ndividual needs, the Watchung studio is a lso the only New Jersey studio that offers Body Balance suspension training and Neu- r oscience based drills, through the ZHealth E ducation System, to help stop chronic pain a nd create efficient movement patterns. “The studio has grown st adily since open- i ng in 2011 but, since incorporating the Z Health N uroplas city program 3 years ago a nd combining it with Pilates to create our neuropilates program, the studio began to outgrow its original space,” Conner said. The new space now features five rooms – as opposed to two – with machines divided up more to allow for better client privacy and to enable the four certified instructors the ability to teach at the same time without crowding each other. Additi nally, the new space now offers a room dedicated specifi- cally to the Pilates Design Studio’s neuro- plasticity work. “This is truly the most exciting part for me. Clients coming to us with Traumatic Brain In- jury or any other neurological issues/condi- tions, will now have their own room to strictly work on those issues,” Conner said, noting that, in seeking a new studio space, remaining in the commun ty was key. “I knew I needed more space, but I didn't want to leave Watchung, and luckily, I didn't have to. I really love the new location and being in the Shawnee Building,” said Conner. "The feedback from our clients has been very positive as well!" “They are really loving the new space, which makes me really happy because I just ab- solutely love it! We have only been here a short time and it feels like we've been here forever. It defin tely feels l ke home,” she said. The Pilates Design Studio, now located in Suite B-1 in the Shawnee Building, is open seven days a week and offers a complimen- tary private class to all new clients. To set up a consult, email Danielle Conner at dconner1975@gmail.com. For more infor- mation on Conner and/or the studio, visit https://youtu.be/fapJNI0mvt0 or visit https://www.tapinto.net/towns/north- plainfield-slash-green-brook-slash- watchung/articles/pilates-design-studio-of- watchung-s ecializing esig n Studio opens a New State of the ArtTraining Facility W m O S "I P in b “ st T th “T C “ c “T h T To h Pilates Design Studio: Dedicated to Improving Clients' Physical & Mental Health 10 Shawnee Drive, Suite B-1, Watchung, NJ 07069 | 908-251-5081 | www.pilatesdesignstudio.com "With Danielle’s extensive training in Z-Health, she was able to detect abnormal eye movement and movement comp nsations shortly after our introduction," Karen said. She continued to attend sessions twice a week and within a month was 'pain free, more alert, had improved sleep and improved posture.' "Karen's body has completely transformed. Her over- all body function has improv d giving h r an incre se in muscle tone and strength," says Danielle, adding, "Her body has literally changed shape! She feels strong and confident in her body now and it shows." "Danielle blends a brain-based training system with Pilates exercises to offer her clients with a multitude of is- sues, tools to achieve success. I am continually impressed at her ability to pick p n my body’s cues, id ntify and ad- dress issues to alle iate symptoms with an hour session," says Karen, adding that working with Danielle has helped her improve both her personal and professional life. "Personally, I am physically and mentally stronger than I have been in years and, professionally, she introduced me to treatment tools to gain better results with my own patients. A year later, my body is literally transforme . I will be forever grateful for our chance encounter,” remarks Karen. ABOUT THE PILATES DESIGN STUDIO Pilates is a system of exercises that uses special ap- paratus designed to improve physical strength, flexibility, and posture, and enhance mental awareness. In addition to offering one-hour, one-on-one instruction and group classes customized to fit each cli nt’s individu l eeds, th Pilates Design Studio is also the only New Jersey studio to offer Body Balance suspension training and Neurosci- ence based drills, through the Z-Health Education System, to help stop chronic pain and create efficient movement patterns. The Pilates Design Studio , located in the Shawnee Building - Suite B-1 (at the corner of Shawnee Drive and Mountain Boulevard), features five rooms with divisions to allow for better client privacy and to enable the four certified instructors the ability to teach at the same time without crowding each oth r. Additionally, space offers a r om dedicated specifically to the Pilates Design Stu- dio ’s neuroplasticity work. All guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Con- trol and the New Jersey State Department of Health are being strictly enfor ed. A complimentary private class is offered to all n w clients. For more information, email Danielle Conner at www.pilatesdesignstudio.com or visit www.ta into.net/towns/north-plainfield-slash-green-brook- slash-watchung/articles/pilates-design-studio-of-watchung- specializing. Suit e B-1, Watc ung, NJ 07069 | 908-251-5081 | www.pilatesdesignstudio.com ength, flexibility, and postur , and en- nce me ntal awareness. In addition to of- ing one -hour, one-on-one instruction and oup cla sses customized to fit each client’s ividual needs, the Watchung studio is o the o nly New Jersey studio that offers dy Bala nce suspension training and Neu- cience based drills, through the ZHealth ucation System, to h lp stop chronic pain d cr at e efficient movement patterns. he stu dio has grown steadily since open- in 20 11 but, since incorporating the ealth N europlasticity program 3 years ago d comb ining it with Pilates to create our uropila tes program, the studio began to tgrow i ts original space,” Conner said. e new s pace now features five rooms – as posed t o tw – with mac in s divided up ore to allow for better client privacy and to enable the four c rtifi d instruc ors the ability to teach at the same time without crowding each other. Additionally, th new space now offers a room dedicated specifi- cally to the P lates Des g Studio’s neur - plasticity work. “This is truly the most exciting part for me. Clients coming to us with Trauma c Brain In- jury or any other neurological issues/condi- ti ns, will now have heir own room to strictly work on tho e issues,” Conner aid, noting that, in seeking a new studio space, remaining in the community was k y. “I knew I needed more space, but I didn't want t leave Watchung, and luckily, I didn't have to. I really love the new location and being in the Shawnee Building,” said Conner. "The feedback from our clie ts ha been very positive as well!" “ hey are r ally loving the new space, which makes me really happy because I just ab- solutely ve it! W have only been h e a short time and it f els like we've been here forever. It definitely feels like home,” sh said. The Pilates Design Studio, now located i Suite B-1 in the Shawnee Building, is open seven days a week and offers a complimen- tary private class to all new clients. To set up a con ult, em il anielle Conner at dconner1975@gmail.com. For more infor- mation on Conner and/or the studio, visit https://youtu.be/fapJNI0mvt0 or visit https://www.tapinto.net/towns/north- p l a i nfie l d - s l a sh - g reen - b rook- s l a sh - watchung/articles/pilates-design-studio-of- watchung-specializing St udio opens a New State of the ArtTraining Facility W m O S "I P in b “ st T th “T C “ c “T h T To h