Wellness Center opens in Vernon

VERNON — Catherine Stone had always been rock solid when it's come to setting and achieving goals. She has both a gift and a passion for helping people of all ages, shapes and sizes become healthier, and now her vision of a unique type of wellness studio has come to fruition.
Just Breathe Wellness Studio opened a few weeks ago and is already helping clients through personal training, massage, meditation and life coaching. The studio is the antithesis of a big gym or fitness center. Here, in this oasis, clients can find peace and serenity in non-treating environment, and as the name says... just breathe.”
Stone was voted Most Valuable Athlete at Vernon High School and went on to earn a full running scholarship at the University of Arkansas. She continued running after college, blossoming into a nationally ranked runner with national championships, an Olympic Trials bronze and even two world records as part of relay teams under her belt. She raced competitively and was driven by her will to succeed and a type A personality of determination. Stone continued to compete on the road racing circuit, was an organic food advocate, owned a personal training business and was a single mom to two daughters.
Then, everything changed.
In 2013, a misdiagnosed benign lump became an aggressive, stage three cancer. Her world instantly transformed. She went for treatment at New York’s Columbia and Morristown Memorial Hospitals. Feeding on the determination that had fueled her as a competitive runner, Stone endured sessions of radiation, chemotherapy, the resulting pain and sickly feeling with a positive attitude, meditation, prayer, a daily walk and...no painkillers. Stone is now cancer free, but the experience taught her about a whole new world.
“I realized how much stress I'd been under as an athlete and how much stress there is in the world,” she said. That's when she started embracing the metaphysical things in life. Stone began advocating for a healthy lifestyle, went organic and started encouraging women of all ages to be active. Stone had owned a personal training business in Kinnelon, NJ, for 20 years. “It was something I missed but had given up to spend more time with my girls,” she said. Time had passed, she'd beaten cancer and she'd seen another side of health and fitness, so it was time to create something unlike anything else around. Stone was already certified in massage and personal training and went on to study meditation and life coaching and forged forward to make her dream a reality.
“People need to get away from the stress and that's what Just Breathe is all about,” she said. The business started on paper a year ago and after finding a location in her home town of Vernon, she went to work transforming the space into a true 'oasis' which makes clients comfortable.
“The studio caters to those who are in overdrive,” she said. “They desperately want to be in better shape but often lack time and commitment. We're here for those who feel like life is controlling them. We are power-packed with knowledge, experience, and tools to help women refocus and take a time out when they need it most.” She added, “It doesn't matter if you’re looking for health or relaxation, you’ll find it in abundance at Just Breathe Wellness Studio. We are excited to wrap up all our areas of study in one little sanctuary.”
When it comes to meditation, Stone offers several weekly classes. “Meditation can be a little mysterious to people who are new to it,” she said, “But it can truly work wonders. People clench their teeth, wake up stressed and feel like they're in overdrive all the time. Meditation de-stresses and energizes and helps people sleep getter. It's a chance for calm and balance and lets the nervous system let go and unwind in order to properly balance the body. During my classes, we etch our time together with various meditation segments from healers to create and hour of immense power.” Stone added, “Through our life coaching component, we help women be leaders, not complainers and become a magnet of energy and wisdom not a statistic or victim. We help them get the push they need to go from comfortable to courageous.”
The massage room is a tranquil part of the studio where several different types of massage are performed. Stress and tension are often the root of physical pain. Therapeutic Swedish Massage involves myofascial release through petrissage, effleurage, and kneading to eliminate toxins from the body. This massage also releases stagnate energy while relaxing the nerve pathways for natural healing to take place. Orthopedic Massage addresses pain and/or dysfunction in a particular area targeting tissues that are leading to the pain. The Acupressure and Reflexology Combo involves the application of pressure along the meridians clearing blocked energy. Reflexology is a holistic technique that treats the entire body and can improve one's overall health.
In addition, Just Breathe offers personal training, and strength and cardio for both women and men. When it comes to the ladies, she said, “It's really important to me that women of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels can come here and feel comfortable. Become strong and sexy and love the body you're in rather than being fixated on weight.” Referring to all of her services, she said, “I offer reasonable prices for everything unlike, for instance, the high prices a lot of personal trainers charge, and the environment is non-threatening and peaceful. It's a studio environment, so group classes are kept to 10 at the most. Come see us and take a little time out of this hurry-up-and-go world to ... just breathe.”
“It's so rewarding to see this dream become a reality,” Stone said, “I love to help people achieve health, happiness and wellness, and now I can pursue this passion and calling.” She's overcome cancer and re-channeled her once highly competitive spirit into one of helping, teaching and healing. This Stone is shining bright like a diamond.
Catherine Stone's Just Breathe Wellness Studio is locatd at 276 Route 94 in Vernon. Visit http://www.justbreathewellnesstudio.com for further information. Call 973-864-6400 or e-mail
justbreathewellness@yahoo.com to schedule an appointment or sign up for a group class.