Sheryl Epstein-Romano is the quintessential Realtor. She is knowledgeable, considerate, caring, extremely motivated, and hard working. I was fortunate to work with her twice..I chose her from a field of five Realtors that I had interviewed. She had excellent ideas for marketing and was extremely sensitive to my husband’s health issues.
-Saddle River Seller
Selling my house and buying a new house all in 7 weeks was possible with Sheryl Epstein Romano as my Realtor! She is the only Realtor that I know that works 24/7.
-Upper Saddle River Buyer & Seller
She truly is a professional that works for her clients. I have known her for 20 years. She has been involved in the purchase and sale of several of my properties. I have seen her give great suggestions to perspective buyers for alternate uses of the space. I wholeheartedly would and have recommended her to others.
-Saddle River Buyer & Upper Saddle River Seller
The best experience I ever had with a real estate broker. Super hard worker, helpful, patient and attentive to customer needs. Very knowledgeable about local market and knows how to close a deal.
-Saddle River Buyer
Sheryl went above and beyond for me and my family with my move to Saddle River. There was no question or favor that Sheryl wouldn’t answer or do at anytime of the day to take the stresses of moving and remove them from daily life. I highly recommend her for anyone.
Saddle River Buyer
Sheryl Epstein-Romano
Sheryl Epstein-Romano
Sheryl is all you need in selling and buying your dream homes. Sheryl has been a family friend for over twenty years. We bought and sold homes via her. Sheryl is the resource for literally everything you might need as a homeowner from the start to years to finish..in the end sold the house with a price better than expected. We are grateful to her extraordinary efforts. She is everything a perfect Realtor you could ask for.
-Upper Saddle River Seller & Saddle River Buyer
We have worked with Sheryl for almost 7 years through 2 different homes and 5 different projects. She is very knowledgeable, very diligent and very accommodating. As an agent she leaves no stone unturned..Sheryl is the go-to agent for all things Saddle river, Upper Saddle River and the surrounding area.
-Saddle River Seller
Sheryl Epstein-Romano, Broker Associate, Realtor
Sherylromano_1
Investments That Grow
Happy April, Northern Highlands! After a winter like that, we’ve earned this spring.
There’s something about longer days that shifts our energy. Skis and snow boots give way to gardening gloves, backyard gatherings return and we find ourselves drawn outside again. Spring reminds us that growth rarely happens overnight—it takes intention, patience and care.
That spirit is at the heart of this month’s cover story. Turn to page 18 for Invest in Your Community: Start a Garden! As more Bergen County residents explore edible gardening, backyards and community plots are becoming spaces for wellness, sustainability and connection. Whether it’s a few pots of herbs or a shared garden, growing food locally strengthens neighborhoods and encourages healthier habits for the next generation.
Investment also shows up in preparation and experience. Turn to page 22 to read about Seigel Law’s 50 years of trial advocacy. Built on discipline and courtroom readiness, the firm’s legacy is a reminder that experience compounds over time—and when it matters most, preparation makes all the difference.
Turn to page 28 for Redefining MVP: Tim Tebow’s Life Beyond Football. As you’ll see in our publisher photo above, we met Tebow at our City Lifestyle National Conference, and two lessons stayed with me: choose the one person you believe in, and never let success replace growth. After the best game of his college career, Tebow's coach reviewed the few plays he could have executed better. That commitment to growth over glory is what shapes excellence. With our daughters watching how we define success, Jake and I are reminded that the greatest returns rarely show up on a scoreboard.
Finally, turn to page 21 for The Art of Tartare at COVO. Chef Felix Gonzalez’s disciplined approach reminds us that excellence comes from intention and attention to detail.
This season invites us to plant something—literally or figuratively—and nurture it with care.
Here’s to fresh starts and investments that truly grow.
Adrian Gaut, Kate Madeline Photo, Allison K. Lim, Rich Silivanch, Maria Rogers - Tiny Hearts Photography, Carly Mac Manus + Flyte Bungee
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
city scene
1: Behind the scenes at Lyons & Associates filming new videos highlighting teamwork, passion and attorneys. 2: NH Cheerleading competed at the Big North Championship at Clifton High School—great energy and team spirit. 3 5: Ms. Simone and the Leo Club leaders visited Allendale Senior Living to hand-deliver valentines to residents and share some smiles. 6: Congratulations to Northern Highlands Regional High School sophomore Emma Magnani on her 2025 accomplishments in the sport of equestrianism. 7: Congratulations to Northern Highlands Regional High School Coach Tara Madigan on her induction into the NJSIAA Hall of Fame!
Want to be seen in the magazine?
LYONS & ASSOCIATES
NORTHERN HIGHLANDS REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
NORTHERN
“Wild Winds” original oil painting by Diana K. Gibson
Steam, Soak, Reset
A NEW YORK CITY BATHHOUSE EXPERIENCE
WORTH THE QUICK TRIP FROM NEW JERSEY
ARTICLE BY NICHOLAS XAVIER HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIAN GAUT
Infrared Sauna
If you’re looking for a relaxing retreat that doesn’t require traveling far from New Jersey, Bathhouse offers a convenient wellness escape in New York City. The Flatiron location on 23rd Street is about 15 minutes from Penn Station via the N, R or W subway lines, or roughly a 20-minute walk. A second location in Williamsburg also operates and now includes a rooftop pool.
For first-time visitors, the experience is designed to be straightforward and accessible. After entering the main bathing area, guests can rotate among a variety of pools and heated rooms at their own pace. The Flatiron site features three sauna
options: a traditional Russian banya, an infrared sauna and a dry sauna. The banya typically operates between 185 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit. The infrared sauna reaches about 135 degrees, while the dry sauna runs near 185 degrees and periodically hosts guided sauna sessions, known as aufguss, using essential oils.
The facility also includes six thermal pools: two hot pools at about 104 degrees, two cold pools at 45 and 50 degrees, a neutral pool at 98 degrees and a salt pool at 98 degrees. The cold pools are intense but are commonly used to help
Exterior Garden
reduce muscle soreness and support post-exercise recovery. The layout allows guests to move between hot and cold circuits, saunas and soaking pools to create a personalized routine.
Both locations offer spa treatments, including massage and body scrubs. The Pro Massage, which starts at $204, focuses on functional bodywork and deep recovery techniques. Unlike traditional relaxation-focused spa massages, the approach emphasizes muscle performance and tension release, similar to sports recovery programs. Despite the therapeutic intensity, the treatment still delivers a calming, restorative experience. For frequent gym-goers and active guests, this style of massage can target deeper muscle groups that are often overlooked.
Bathhouse works well as either a solo visit or a shared experience. Treatments are available in couples formats, making them suitable for gifts or special occasions. For those seeking a spa-style escape within easy reach of New Jersey, it provides a practical and well-equipped option.
For more information visit abathhouse.com
Nicholas Xavier Hall
Nicholas Xavier Hall is a travel, fashion, and lifestyle journalist who explores the intersection of style, culture, and destination. His work has appeared in Women’s Wear Daily, City Lifestyle, and various digital publications, where he spotlights emerging destinations, luxury experiences, and the people shaping today’s cultural landscape. With a background in brand storytelling and community engagement, Nicholas approaches every assignment with curiosity and a commitment to thoughtful, elevated narrative. Discover more at nicholasxavierhall.com or connect on Instagram @nicholasxavierhall
WHERE HEALTHY FUTURES
Begin
Marisa Daly, FNP-C
ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE MADELINE PHOTO, KAYAL PEDIATRICS
In conversations about investing, the focus often lands on markets, real estate or retirement portfolios. But for families, one of the most meaningful long-term commitments is simpler and closer to home: a child’s health.
Consistent, relationship-based pediatric care shapes outcomes that last far beyond childhood. From preventive visits and newborn support to mental health guidance and chronic condition management, the right medical partnership builds something invaluable over time: trust.
That philosophy guides care at Kayal Pediatrics in Franklin Lakes, which officially opened Jan. 5, 2026, as an extension of the Kayal family of practices.
Founder, President and CEO Dr. Robert Kayal has led Kayal Orthopaedic Center for more than 25 years. With the launch of Kayal Pediatrics, he expanded the organization’s mission to serve patients across the full lifespan.
“We are incredibly excited to have launched Kayal Pediatrics in January 2026,” Dr. Kayal says. “This milestone allows us to care for patients across the entire lifespan—from newborns to the geriatric population—so we can now truly serve the whole family under one unified commitment to compassionate, comprehensive and excellent care.”
The mission reflects that broader vision: to deliver exceptional, personalized, high-quality, evidence-based pediatric care that supports every child’s physical, emotional, mental and developmental well-being.
A FOUNDATION THAT GROWS WITH YOUR CHILD
Preventive pediatric care is designed to catch concerns early, guide development and support families through every stage of growth. Regular well visits track milestones while creating space for questions and early intervention when needed.
Kayal Pediatrics follows American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, using standardized screenings, vaccination schedules and developmental benchmarks to keep care consistent and evidence-based.
“At our small, four-provider pediatric practice, we believe caring for children is personal,” the team shares. “It’s not just about vaccines and checkups. It’s about watching your child grow, knowing their story and being there when you need us.”
A Pediatric Medical Home for Growing Families
THE MEDICAL HOME MODEL WITH REAL ACCESS
Kayal operates under a relationship-centered medical home model. Care is coordinated, continuous and collaborative. Parents are partners, and providers know their patients’ histories.
Separate sick and well waiting areas minimize exposure concerns. Families also have access to 24/7 coverage provided directly by one of Kayal’s own pediatric providers, not an outsourced call center.
“We want every family to feel comfortable coming to see us,” says Dr. Basil Bruno, chief of pediatrics. “Whether it is a newborn visit or a late-night concern, we want parents to know we are here.”
FOCUSED EXPERTISE ACROSS GROWTH STAGES
Dr. Bruno has provided comprehensive pediatric care in Bergen County for more than 30 years, with a focus on newborn transitions and early feeding challenges.
Dr. Uma Taneja emphasizes adolescent mental health.
“I want to help kids and adolescents who struggle with anxiety and emotional challenges. I want to be there for them,” she says.
Dr. Julia Aliaga reinforces developmental consistency from infancy through adolescence.
“From newborns to teens, we’re here to support every stage of your child’s growth and development.”
Marisa Daly, APN-C, brings more than 20 years of experience in pediatrics and adolescent health, with a focus on prevention and long-term wellness.
“Dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for children, I strive to support families through every step of their child’s health journey,” Daly says.
HEALTH GROWS THROUGH CONSISTENCY
Research consistently shows that children who receive steady preventive care grow into healthier adults. But for Kayal’s team, the value is also personal.
“We’re a small team on purpose,” the providers say. “Because children deserve care that feels close, familiar and personal.”
For families considering where to focus their time and resources, pediatric care may not look like a traditional investment. Its long-term return is measured in confidence, resilience and lifelong well-being.
Dr. Uma Taneja
Dr. Basil Bruno
Invest in Your Community
Start a Garden!
ARTICLE BY ALLISON K. LIM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLISON K. LIM, RICH SILIVANCH
With warmer weather comes more time outdoors. Skis and snow boots give way to shorts, T-shirts and gardening gloves as residents return to nature with renewed energy. Longer days mark the start of backyard gatherings—barbecues with neighbors, long conversations and s’mores by the fire.
The seasonal shift also creates an opportunity to reconnect with personal spaces and the broader community. While many homeowners focus on early spring blooms, more Bergen County residents are exploring edible gardens. Growing food at home is a practical way to support household wellness, reduce environmental impact and share resources locally.
On a typical grocery trip, produce may travel hundreds or thousands of miles from harvest to shelf. During transit, fruits and vegetables can lose nutrients and are often treated to extend freshness. With food prices rising, home and community gardens offer a way to control growing practices and maintain a steady supply of freshly harvested produce.
BACKYARD GARDENS
A backyard garden can be as simple as herbs in containers or as robust as multiple raised beds. Gardeners often grow tomatoes, basil, lettuce, peppers and cucumbers within steps of the kitchen. Harvesting at home provides visibility into how food is grown and encourages healthier eating habits. Gardens also support pollinators and give children hands-on exposure to the natural world.
CONTINUED >
Many home gardens produce more than one household can use. Extra produce is often shared with neighbors or donated to food pantries. Some neighborhoods organize crop swaps, where each household grows one or two crops using agreed-upon standards, such as organic methods and non-GMO seeds. Harvests are then exchanged at scheduled meetups, allowing participants to enjoy greater variety throughout the season.
Whether using pots, a single raised bed or a larger layout, the most effective garden is one designed around available space, sunlight and lifestyle. Good planning helps maximize yield and long-term success.
COMMUNITY GARDENS
For residents without suitable yard space or time for maintenance, community gardens offer another path. Models vary. Some rent individual beds for a seasonal fee, while others rely on shared volunteer labor, with harvests divided among participants or donated.
One example is the Ho-Ho-Kus Community Garden, a volunteer-run project focused on community building and reducing food insecurity. The garden uses organic, sustainable practices and distributes produce to local food shelters. It also hosts farm stands and community events, creating a gathering place for residents of all ages.
A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT
Edible gardening goes beyond convenience. It supports healthier habits, stronger neighborhoods and environmental awareness. Whether at home or in a shared garden, growing food strengthens the connection between residents, their community and the land.
More information is available at hungryharvestgarden.com
ABOUT THE WRITER:
Allison K. Lim is a Bergen County-based writer and editor and founder of Hungry Harvest Garden, a garden design and installation business that specializes in custom residential, commercial and community vegetable gardens. Learn more at hungryharvestgarden.com. Allison also serves as chairman of the Ho-Ho-Kus Community Garden, a townwide initiative dedicated to reducing hunger through shared, organic produce.
Allison K. Lim
The Art of Tartare
A refined balance of richness, brightness, and texture at Covo.
Covo Beef Tartare
A refined take on a classic, Covo’s Beef Tartare balances richness and brightness in every bite. Hand-diced beef is layered with charred red onion marmalade and horseradish crema, then finished with fresh chives, fried capers, cured egg yolk, and pickled mustard seeds for texture and depth.
Ingredients (Per Serving)
• 2½ ounces hand-diced beef
• 1 teaspoon charred red onion marmalade
• 1 tablespoon horseradish crema
• 1 teaspoon fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon pickled mustard seeds
• 5 fried capers
• Grated cured egg yolk, to finish
Preparation
1. Prepare the base: Using a ring mold, gently press the hand-diced beef into an even layer at the center of a chilled plate. Avoid overworking the meat to maintain its delicate texture.
2. Layer the flavor: Spoon the charred red onion marmalade over the top of the beef, spreading lightly to create a thin, even layer.
3. Add creaminess: Place a generous dollop of horseradish crema on top or alongside the tartare for balance and brightness.
4. Finish with texture: Sprinkle fresh chives and pickled mustard seeds evenly over the top. Garnish with fried capers for a crisp, briny contrast. 5. Final touch: Grate cured egg yolk over the tartare just before serving for added richness and depth.
Serve immediately with toasted crostini or house-made crisps.
About Chef Felix Gonzalez
Felix Gonzalez, a New Jersey native, brings a disciplined, ingredient-driven approach to Italian cooking grounded in tradition and craftsmanship.
Trained at The Italian Culinary Academy in Colorno, Italy, and shaped by years with the Charlie Palmer Group in Manhattan, his background blends classical technique with steakhouse precision. Most recently, he served as Chef de Cuisine for Heritage Hospitality Group. At COVO, his cooking centers on scratch preparation, handmade pasta, prime meats, and trusted relationships with local New Jersey farms, simple, honest food executed with intention.
Covo Beef Tartare
Felix Gonzalez
WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
ARTICLE
BY CARLY MAC MANUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA ROGERS - TINY HEARTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Jan and Jonas Seigel
FOR FIFTY YEARS, SEIGEL LAW HAS PREPARED FOR THE DAY ITS CLIENTS HOPE NEVER COMES.
Five decades in the courtroom are not built on chance. They are built on preparation, discipline and an unwavering commitment to those who entrust you with their future. In January, Ridgewoodbased Seigel Law marked its 50th anniversary—half a century of trial advocacy founded by Jan K. Seigel and now carried forward alongside his son, Jonas K. Seigel.
Jan built his reputation where it matters most: in the courtroom. He began in the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, trying more than 100 jury trials and securing several high-profile cases. The experience forged him into a trial lawyer.
“When you’ve tried that many cases, you learn one thing: preparation and experience win,” Jan says. “A courtroom is a courtroom.”
When he left public service to open his own firm, he carried that same discipline into personal injury litigation, bringing criminal trial rigor into civil justice.
Jonas’ path to the law was less linear. After college, he worked with autistic children at The Forum School in Waldwick while coaching lacrosse at Ramapo High School. Those years sharpened his ability to listen with patience, communicate with clarity and lead with accountability—qualities that still define his work in and out of the courtroom. He ultimately left those roles to attend law school, believing he could advocate for families when the stakes were highest.
During law school, he interned with the Prosecutor’s Office but soon realized his calling was helping families rebuild after life-altering injuries. After years in the trenches trying serious cases, he earned a master’s degree in trial advocacy from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law and was invited back as an adjunct professor.
When Jonas joined the firm, he quite literally followed in his father’s footsteps. Over time, he helped modernize and expand the firm’s reach while preserving its trial-focused foundation. Both Jan and Jonas were named Young Lawyer of the Year by the New Jersey State Bar Association early in their careers—underscoring the continuity of preparation and courtroom excellence that defines the firm.
When asked why he chose to join his father, Jonas reflects:
“As a young boy, I didn’t fully understand what my father did. I just knew he went to work and fought every day for people who couldn’t fight for themselves. As I grew older, I began to understand the weight of that responsibility. I didn’t want to inherit it. I wanted to earn my place beside my hero in the fight.”
Jan’s motivation traces back even further.
“My father was an immigrant,” he says. “He was brilliant and hardworking, but he never had the opportunity for a formal education. He made sure I did at Georgetown Prep, Georgetown University and Georgetown Law. More importantly, he taught me to stand up to bullies and to look out for the little guy.”
That philosophy became the foundation of Seigel Law.
“Insurance companies exist to generate profit. They have vast resources and teams of lawyers,” Jan says. “In the end, they can only send one lawyer into a courtroom. For 50 years, we have been the lawyers they hoped would not be standing there when the door opened.”
A defining decision behind the firm’s longevity was its early commitment to focus exclusively on personal injury law.
“Specialization matters,” Jan says. “Bruce Lee once said, ‘I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.’ That stayed with me. We chose one area of law and practiced it relentlessly.”
Serious injury cases demand depth, courtroom experience, medical fluency and strategic precision.
“People facing catastrophic injuries do not need a lawyer who occasionally handles injury cases,” he says. “They need a specialist who has lived that fight thousands of times.”
Serious cases demand lawyers prepared to try them.
Today, that discipline defines the firm.
“Some firms are built by marketers and investors. Ours was built by trial lawyers,” Jonas says. “They measure success in volume and speed. We measure success at the end of a case when we sit down with our clients and ask one question: Did we make you proud? That difference matters.”
“AS I GREW OLDER, I BEGAN TO UNDERSTAND THE WEIGHT OF THAT RESPONSIBILITY. I DIDN’T WANT TO INHERIT IT. I WANTED TO EARN MY PLACE BESIDE MY HERO IN THE FIGHT.” - JAN K. SEIGEL
Jan and Jonas Seigel
He continues, “Experience and results matter. But so does how people are treated. We combine serious trial preparation with concierge-level service, because clients deserve both strength in court and stability at home. When someone hires us after a catastrophic injury, they are not handed off or processed. They are guided, supported and kept informed at every stage.”
In recent years, as outside capital and marketing dollars have entered the personal injury space, advertising has surged.
“Visibility is easy to buy,” Jonas says. “Experience and reputation are not.”
He adds, “Insurance companies understand reputation better than anyone. They know which firms are prepared to try cases and which are likely to settle quickly. That knowledge influences every offer. Reputation is not about ego. It is leverage.”
“Scale is not skill. Brand recognition does not replace courtroom experience. Technology does not replace judgment. When someone entrusts us with a catastrophic injury case, they deserve seasoned trial lawyers who prepare from day one as if 12 jurors will one day weigh every decision we made.”
He pauses.
“Growth is easy when driven by volume—excellence demands responsibility.”
Helping others extends beyond the courtroom.
“Charity is not an initiative. It is part of our DNA,” Jonas says. After becoming partner, he established the Seigel Law Charity Fund and joined Pledge 1%, committing profits and time to charitable causes.
“If a cause involves underserved women or children, we pay attention.”
The firm supports organizations including the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation and Oasis—A Haven for Women and Children, guided by the belief that to whom much is given, much is expected.
That same spirit extends into Franklin Lakes, where Jan and Jonas have both lived since 1981. Jan served on the town’s Athletic Board and coached his four children, often still in a suit and tie. Jonas followed the same path with his two sons and now serves as a volunteer firefighter.
“In court, I stand up for families whose lives have been turned upside down. In Franklin Lakes, I show up when my neighbors need help,” Jonas says. “The responsibility is different. The mission is the same.”
As the legal landscape evolves, so does the firm. Seigel Law handles high-stakes matters involving serious cases involving serious circumstances.
These cases demand the same meticulous preparation and courtroom readiness that have defined the firm for five decades—now often on a national stage against some of the largest corporations in the world.
Looking back over 50 years, Jan is proud but not finished. Preparation and experience built the first 50 years— trust carried them through the rest—and when it matters most, families already know where to turn.
SEIGEL LAW
Address: 505 Goffle Rd #204, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Phone: (201) 444-4000
Website: seigellaw.com
Jan and Jonas Seigel
Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL
An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.
Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.
A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.
Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?
A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.
Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?
A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.
Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?
A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.
“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”
Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?
A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”
Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.
This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.
Scan for the exclusive reveal and more with Tim Tebow unfiltered.
the first time ever, Tim shares the inspiration behind a project he’s been holding close to his heart.
Redefining MVP
FEATURING TIM TEBOW
IHA is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders by challenging our impressive young women to develop their God-given talents for a future filled with endless possibilities. Register at ihanj.com to be a Blue Eagle for the Day and find out why our extensive curriculum, artistic offerings, athletic teams, and Christian service programs are second to none.
Do you belong @theheart?
APRIL 7TH
Women, Wellness & Wine
535 East Crescent Ave, Ramsey 6:30 PM
Experience Women, Wellness & Wine at Town & Country Compounding! Join Jari Becker, RPh “The Hormone Gal,” for a fun, educational evening exploring perimenopause, menopause, and hormone health. Learn simple ways to feel your best, connect with amazing women, and take charge of your well-being. Space is limited—save your spot at tccompound.com/events!
APRIL 10TH - 12TH
JC’s Fun & Food Truck Festival
Overpeck County Park, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 | 5:00 PM
Food trucks, local vendors, games and entertainment highlight this spring gathering at Overpeck County Park. The community event showcases a variety of local cuisines. More information at boozyburbs.com
APRIL 11TH - 12TH
Easter Egg-stravaganza
Bergen County Zoo, Paramus, NJ 07652 | 10:00 AM
This family-friendly celebration features egg hunts and zoo activities. Timed entry and advance tickets may be required. Visit the zoo’s event page for specific schedules. More information at friendsofbergencountyzoo.org/events.
APRIL 16TH
The Allendale Woman’s Club - Annual Fashion Show and fundraiser
Seasons in Washington Township
Join The Allendale Woman’s Club for fashions, dinner, dancing and fabulous raffle prizes. Fashions by Lulu & Bo in Midland Park. See AWC website for details and to register allendalewomans.club. Phone: (201) 961-2109
APRIL 16TH
Acoustic Duo at Tommy Fox’s
32 S. Washington Ave., Bergenfield, NJ 07621 | 9:00 PM
Catch a live acoustic performance featuring local musicians at this Bergenfield pub. The evening offers a laidback atmosphere with music. More information at tommyfoxs.com/events.
APRIL 26TH
Daffodil Festival and Earth Day Fair
Memorial Park at Van Neste Square 10:00 AM
Families and leashed dogs are invited to this educational event at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. Activities include goat yoga, a petting zoo, live music by Blue Plate Special, demonstrations, crafts and sustainability vendors. Costumed dogs may join the Daffy Dog Parade at 12:30 p.m.; registration begins at noon.
Want to be featured?
Wellness, Customized for You
Because every body is different
From pediatric prescriptions to geriatric care, Town & Country Compounding creates personalized medications tailored to individual needs You can now shop supplements on our website browse our full selection, shop by health goal, explore sales, and enjoy expert-formulated products shipped directly to your home
Experience Personalized Wellness Today 535 East Crescent Ave Ramsey, NJ 07446 201-447-2020 • TCCompound com
Scan the QR code for more information
BOUNCE smarter
WHY BUNGEE FITNESS IS A HIGH-ENERGY, LOW-IMPACT INVESTMENT IN YOUR HEALTH
ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLY MAC MANUS + FLYTE BUNGEE
Flyte Bungee class fun in action
When people think about investing in their health, they often picture long hours on treadmills or high-impact workouts that can be tough on joints. A newer training style—bungee fitness— offers a different approach: high energy, science-backed movement with reduced impact and a serious fun factor.
Bungee fitness combines cardio, resistance training and low-impact plyometrics using a ceiling-mounted harness and elastic bungee system. Participants move through guided sequences of jumps, lunges and flight-style drills while supported by tension from the bungee cord. The result is a workout that challenges muscles and cardiovascular endurance while reducing stress on the body.
Studios such as Flyte Bungee, one of the first dedicated bungee fitness studios on the East Coast, are introducing this training method to clients looking for something beyond traditional gym routines.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE BOUNCE
At the core of bungee fitness is plyometric training—sometimes called jump training—where muscles exert force in short, powerful bursts. Traditional plyometrics can be demanding on joints because of repeated ground impact. Bungee-assisted movement changes that equation.
The harness and cord system absorbs part of the load, helping reduce joint stress while still allowing explosive movement patterns. That makes it possible to train speed, power and coordination with less pounding on knees, hips and ankles.
Workouts typically blend three components: low-impact plyometrics, aerobic cardio and resistance training. Participants use both body weight and bungee tension to build strength and endurance at the same time.
Instructors say clients can burn roughly 350 to 800 calories per class depending on intensity and experience level.
Flyte Bungee
STRENGTH WITHOUT THE STRAIN
One of the biggest appeals of bungee fitness is what trainers describe as “low-impact, high-output” movement. Because the cord assists with deceleration and lift, participants can perform dynamic exercises—jumps, suspended lunges and airborne transitions—without the same landing force found in traditional jump workouts.
That makes the format attractive to a wide range of clients, including those returning to exercise, cross-training from other sports or looking to protect their joints while still pushing intensity.
The constant tension from the cord also adds resistance throughout movement patterns. Muscles engage not only during effort but also during control and return, increasing total workload.
Studios often describe the experience as equal parts cardio session and strength workout—delivered through movement that feels more like flight than repetition.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN CLASS
Bungee fitness classes are structured, instructor-led sessions designed for both safety and progression. Participants are fitted with a harness system sized and adjusted before class begins. Because harness setup and safety checks are required, most studios ask clients to arrive five to 10 minutes early.
Late arrivals are typically not admitted once class starts, since harness fitting and equipment checks are part of the safety protocol.
Clothing guidelines are specific. Participants are generally advised to wear supportive athletic wear, including a secure sports bra, fitted tops and leggings. Many studios recommend avoiding crop tops so the harness does not rub directly on skin. Hydration is also emphasized, as classes are fast-paced and sweat-heavy.
Most sessions run about an hour and include a check-in and setup, warmup, skill-building drills, cardio sequences and cooldown.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF MOTIVATION
Beyond the physical benefits, bungee fitness adds an element many workouts lack—play. The assisted lift and rebound create a sensation of floating and flight that changes how participants experience exertion.
That novelty can help with consistency. Exercise adherence often improves when workouts feel engaging rather than repetitive. Participants report that the combination of music,
movement and aerial support makes sessions feel more like training and less like obligation.
Studios also offer varied formats, including beginner classes, multi-class passes and private group sessions. Introductory offers—such as first-class specials or bundled passes—are common for new clients who want to test the format.
Gift cards and private bookings for small groups are also popular, especially for birthdays, team events and social fitness gatherings.
TRAINING FOR A RANGE OF GOALS
Bungee fitness is used by clients with different goals—cardiovascular conditioning, muscle toning, coordination training and weight management among them. Because resistance and intensity can be adjusted through body position and cord tension, instructors can scale movements within the same class.
Bungee fitness can uniquely be geared towards a large variety of athletic abilities. Regardless of your strength and training, everyone starts at a level one class. This gives you all the basics of bungee fitness. Since the bungees are holding about 80% of your weight, these exercises can be done by those who normally have a more limited range of mobility, or struggling with joint issues, they can easily participate in these classes - just like swimming! Flyte Bungee now has a physical therapist on staff with classes dedicated towards those with joint pain.
For athletes, the format can serve as cross-training. For beginners, it can provide support and confidence while building baseline strength and stamina.
As with any fitness program, instructors recommend that participants with medical conditions or recent injuries consult a health professional before starting.
THE TAKEAWAY
Fitness trends come and go, but formats grounded in movement science tend to last. Bungee fitness blends proven training principles—plyometrics, resistance and cardio—with modern equipment that reduces impact and increases accessibility.
For people looking to refresh their routine, protect their joints or simply enjoy working out again, harness-based training offers a new way to get off the ground—literally.
And for many first-timers, that first assisted leap is all it takes to get hooked.
FLYTE BUNGEE
Address: 6 Red Schoolhouse Rd, Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977
