Golfing at Essex Fells Country Club in New Jersey

Ralph Serpe has served as president of Kemsco Construction and Equipment Company since founding the Newark, New Jersey, firm in 1982. In his free time, Ralph Serpe enjoys playing golf at Essex Fells Country Club.

A private club in Essex Fells, New Jersey, Essex Fells Country Club has welcomed members since its establishment as a nine-hole course in 1896. Maintaining an 18-hole layout today, the club continues to uphold the traditions that brought together the founding members more than a century ago.

Golfers playing the 18-hole course at Essex Fells must contend with deep bunkers, thick rough, tree-lined fairways, and sloped greens. Notable challenges include the 470-yard, par-four fourth, which forces players to hit a long and accurate uphill tee shot, and the 445-yard, par-four 16th, which is recognized as the course’s most difficult.

Members of Essex Fells enjoy a range of opportunities to participate in structured and unstructured play. In addition, the club maintains an indoor golf learning center and a short-game practice facility. Beyond golf, members have access to social events and to such activities as swimming and racquet sports. To learn more, please visit EssexFellsCC.com.

Increasing Your Cycling Speed

Ralph Serpe, an experienced entrepreneur in New Jersey, leads Kemsco Construction and Equipment Company as president. Responsible for overall management at the New Jersey-based company, he handles clients relationships and new work estimates. In his free time, Ralph Serpe rides his bicycle a few times a week.

One of the most basic ways of increasing your cycling speed is becoming more aerodynamic. This may sound complicated, but it is actually as simple as changing your clothes and posture. Instead of wearing baggy clothes while riding, change your outfit to a top and shorts that fit more closely to your body. You should also get a helmet that is more aerodynamic.

In terms of posture, focus on exposing less of your body to the wind. Tuck in your elbows so they rest in front of your knees and lower your head. You should also bend your elbows so that your back is flat.

Beyond becoming more aerodynamic, you can improve your cycling speed by losing weight. You can accomplish this by improving your diet or participating in high-intensity interval training. Regardless of how you lose weight, being lighter makes it easier to move on your bike. This is especially true if you also increase your strength.

Finally, try doing practice rides with other people. By riding with other people, you naturally push yourself more to keep up. You can also learn new techniques for increasing your speed. Further, riding behind someone else allows you to reduce your wind exposure, thus increasing your speed.

Basic Hand Signals for Beginner Cyclists

Ralph Serpe has served as president of Kemsco Construction and Equipment Company in New Jersey since 1982. Outside of work, Ralph Serpe spends at least two days per week cycling indoors and two days riding throughout the Newark, New Jersey, area.

There are a number of considerations individuals must take into account when moving their cycling routine from an indoor stationary bike to the road. Among these, it is essential to learn the appropriate hand signals.

The two most basic signals are the left and right turn signals. These directives can be easily communicated to fellow riders and automobiles by lifting the corresponding arm and pointing in the direction of the turn. A right-hand turn can also be signaled by raising one’s left arm and bending at the elbow to create a 90-degree angle. This can be useful for individuals who prefer to keep their dominant hand on the handlebars.

Pointing out road hazards to other riders is also important, particularly if an individual plans on regularly engaging in group rides. To signal an upcoming hazard, point downward in the direction of the obstacle. Certain hand signals match up with specific hazards; loose gravel, for instance, can be indicated by opening one’s hand, palm down, and making a shaking motion.

Finally, cyclists should learn how to indicate a full stop. To do this, place the hand on the small of the back, palm turned out, to face any riders who might be following.

Three Strength-Training Tips for Beginners

Ralph Serpe is the founder and president of Kemsco Construction and Equipment Company in Newark, New Jersey. He is responsible for all aspects of the company, including new work estimates, client relationship management, and company resources and operations. At the request of his family, Ralph Serpe has recently started strength training with a personal trainer. 

Whether you have a personal trainer or not, getting started in strength training does not have to be an intimidating and painful process. Follow these three tips to transition smoothly into this new activity. 

1. Warm up with some light cardio to get your heart rate up and your blood flowing. In addition, stretch out your muscles so that they are loose and limber, which will help prevent injury and pain during your workout.

2. Start with simple workouts, using your body’s own weight. One setback for many beginners is that they think they need access to a gym and expensive equipment just to do strength training. Exercises like push-ups, squats, and sit-ups are an ideal way for beginners to start, without the need for weights or other equipment.

3. Remember to evolve your routine as you gain experience and familiarity. Changing the sequence and kind of exercises you do, as well as the number of reps, will not only ensure that you continually challenge yourself and get the most from your strength training, but will help prevent the boredom that comes with repeating the same routine over and over.

Three Tips to Find the Right Personal Trainer

In 1982, Ralph Serpe founded the Newark, New Jersey-based Kemsco Construction and Equipment Company, which he grew into a successful business that earns more than $70 million in annual revenue. When he is not working, Ralph Serpe enjoys strength training with a personal trainer. 

While a good personal trainer can make all the difference in a workout, a bad trainer can set you back and waste your money. Consider these tips when you’re looking for a personal trainer: 

1. Figure out exactly what you want from your exercise routine and look for a trainer who specializes in that area. If you are strength training to bulk up, a trainer who coaches runners might not be your best fit. 

2. Find a trainer who will personalize your plan of action. Bad trainers often prescribe the same routine for every client. Look for a trainer with the knowledge and patience to create a plan of action specific to your goals and current fitness level. 

3. Try a trainer before committing. Think of the experience as an audition or trial run to determine whether the trainer is a good fit for you. Even if the trainer looks good on paper, you will not know for sure until you have a training session with the person. Hold off on signing a contract until you are sure you have found the right trainer for you.