Fitness Fabrics have gone ECO-friendly

By Elaine Gjonovich

Proper clothing, gear and accessories are an important factor in enjoying a winning fitness experience.

As I order product and learn about the importance of anti microbial clothing. I realize there is more to great workout gear than meets the eye. In the eighties the trend was BIG hair, brightly colored headbands, matching leg warmers and tan colored tights. We have come along way from those days. Performance is what makes the BEST workout clothing desirable and marketable these days.

Why is clothing so important during a workout or fitness activity? I spoke with expert Heather Iantorno, Southern California Sales Rep for InSport fitness apparel, “The main thing a consumer should look for when shopping for fitness apparel is that the fabric is breathable, has moisture wicking capabilities and is comfortable! When you have the right technical fabrics it will assist in keeping your body at the proper temperature allowing one to perform at their best. The latest trend in fabric to hit the fitness market is anything eco-friendly.”

Fabric is being made of Bamboo Plants and Coconut Shell; the natural advantage of such products is they breathe well. They naturally wick away moisture eliminating odor-causing bacteria. These fabrics are biodegradable and renewable, therefore making them eco-friendly. Nike, New Balance, InSport, Mountain Hardwear, The North Face and other higher quality brands all offer their own versions of this product. “They all work well,” Heather states.

Heather warns that a garment made from pure cotton may not be the best choice in performance clothing. Cotton does not have the ability to wick away moisture, which may cause chaffing or blistering during an activity.

I was thrilled to learn the industry understands the cotton dilemma and NATURAL PERFORMANCETM has invented a solution for cotton lovers. Through new advances in technology, cotton can be engineered to transfer moisture away from the skin to outside the fabric. Fabrics treated with WICKING WINDOWSTM technology show a 140% improvement in one-way transfer of moisture outside the fabric. Causing the fabric to dry faster, transfer moisture away from the body and reduce fabric cling to skin during exercise. For additional information on this product: www.cottoninc.com

When shopping for new performance gear and clothing, remember function first. If you want a successful workout experience planning your attire specifically for your activity will produce a more pleasant and cutting edge result. In fact, it could mean the difference between blisters or comfort, winning or bonking, sunburn or maintaining normal body temperature. Understanding the requirements of your sport or activity will enable you to properly access your needs for performance apparel. Choosing eco-friendly apparel or gear will also create a more successful environment. Now that you understand all that, isn’t it time to go shopping?

Fitness, Friends and Fun go hand in hand

How will the economy affect our physical fitness strategies?

As the budget gets tighter, the need for a dual family income becomes more apparent. Thus we find ourselves with less time for fitness, friends and fun activities.

Taking care of our families is top priority, leaving little time left over for our personal needs. Spending time with friends is pleasurable and important, while enhancing mental and emotional health. Engaging in relaxing, fun activities seems like a fond memory. So where do we find time for fitness, friends and fun?

I have a solution for you… It is what “MY CLUB” has been doing for over five years. We meet several times a week on the same days and times. We hike, trail run, take boot camp classes, Nordic Walk, enjoy yoga, body sculpting and so on… You may wonder, what is so fun about that?

Allow me to give you an example of a typical Friday adventure:

• 8:15AM: First person arrives at our meeting place wearing proper hiking attire; water and lunch packed in their daypack.
• 8:30AM: Within 15 minutes about ten others arrive
• 8:40AM: We are packed in each other’s cars with gear in tow and ready to go. We talk and laugh and anticipate the day ahead.
• 9:10AM: We arrive at our destination.

Today it is Aliso Woods Canyon; five others are waiting for us when we get there. We excitedly gear up with plenty of water, a lunch and essentials in tow. After a brief orientation of the trail we partner up and begin our 8-mile trek. The day is PERFECT for hiking, blue sultry skies, billowing gray and white cloud coverage with temperatures in the low 60’s. The beauty of the countryside with its greenery and grand oak trees create tunnel like paths causing this adventure to be more thrilling.

We enter the park to an immediate steep incline up Chola Trail. We realize trekking up hill not only burns extra calories but steep inclines also shape our behinds in ways a Stairmaster simply cannot. As we complete the first ascent, we find ourselves on West Ridge Trail where glorious panoramic views make this a picture perfect day. We look out to the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean in one direction and snow at the top of Saddleback Mountain and Mt. Baldy in another. Who wouldn’t want to spend the day doing this?

Since I am the lead, making certain we are on target with our time and direction is key to enjoying a fit, fun day with friends. After hiking over several different types of terrain at mile 4.53 we find ourselves upon Dripping Caves ready to break out our lunches. Yes, it is a real cave and the sight of it makes you feel like you are anywhere else than a 25 - 30-minute drive away from home. A stream runs in a shallow crevasse in front of the cave so we choose the wooden bridge and boulders to sit on as we enjoy lunch with our friends. We laugh, we talk and it seems that the crisp air and the beauty of our surroundings brings out the silliness in all of us. Twenty-five minutes later, we wrap up the remaining of our lunch; grab our trekking poles and gear to hit the trail again. On the trek back we take a different route to our destination point. Nature Loop Trail proves to be a true butt burner as I hear one of my friends laughingly comment, “I don’t love you anymore”, I know she does and that is her way of saying, ‘I wouldn’t do this by myself and I really, really enjoy it, thank you for leading us to the top’.

We wind down to Coyote Run Trail and then onto Wood Creek Trail, where we are amidst crooked ancient oaks cascading over the single-tracked trail. To the right and below, a creek flows over pebbles and rocks as it makes it way to the Pacific Ocean. As we come to a small clearing we notice a stranger peering at us from about ten feet away. We stop in silence as we notice a deer gazing at us from behind a fallen log. It appeared almost story-book like; we could only see his head with those deep piercing eyes and oversized ears perched to high heaven. It felt like an eternity as we sized each other up, then in an instant he was gone as he gracefully pranced away disappearing into the woods. What a moment we shared together.

Our journey continues onto Wood Creek trail, where we cross a wooden bridge to get over the creek and find our way to a winding, butt-burning incline. We thought we were done with such intensity. Not a chance. We take our hiking seriously and taking the easy road is never an option. Nearing the end of this high calorie burning 8-mile loop we are tired, happy, still laughing and still talking. We realize have stumbled onto an experience, something money cannot buy. Fitness, friends and fun are pivotal for our overall health. Next time you are tired, alone and broke, plan a hike in the wilderness with friend’s, it will do your body, mind and pocketbook a whole lot of good.

A special thank you to California State Park’s for the convenience of enjoying nature and beauty so close to home.

FALL CAN EQUAL SUCCESS

By Elaine Reeves Gjonovich

Cooler mornings, shorter days and beautiful sunsets remind us that Fall is in the air. October is the "in between time" that bridges the gap between Summer and Winter festivities.

We make every attempt to recover from the lazy days and late nights of summer, while the thought of Holiday festivities linger in the back of our minds. Most of us have felt the frustration of attempting to “get back in shape” during the fall, knowing full well what lies ahead . . . At times it can be downright distressing. How can we maintain a sense of balance during this season while incorporating health and fitness individually and as a Family?

The holidays are all around us when we enter a grocery store. With its aisles of candy and decorations catching our eyes with every glimpse. The colors, the smells and aromas, and the atmosphere change with each season that lies before us.

Memories begin to take hold of our thoughts and before we know it we are dreaming of our favorite family recipe, sweet baked delicacies or satisfying beverage. (Wipe drool from chin). Instinctively we begin our Holiday purchases and indulgences. Yes, this all begins in October . . . let’s review shall we. How many times have you heard, “I just saw Halloween decoration at the store, before you know it Christmas will be here!” And that is said in September.

The average American gains anywhere from 10 to 15 pounds throughout the Holiday months. It all begins with the colorful bags of candy we purchase for our little Halloween visitors; over the years I have heard confessions from remorseful clients, “I got into the candy . . . Now I have to buy more to give away on Halloween.”

 So how do we create that healthy balance for our families and ourselves? How do we get enough exercise while enjoying Holiday events?

The most important thing is to be realistic and to plan ahead! Where will you be over the next few months? Who will you spend Holiday time with? What is their family like?

When we realize our lives are a series of choices, making good ones become easier. Ask yourself, “What do I want to accomplish over the next few months? What are my priorities?” Establish Health and Fitness goals ahead of time. Make time for your workouts and make time for fun activities. Create a list; make a workout appointment with yourself. Be accountable to friends.

If you are an all or nothing personality type, this may be the season when you give yourself permission to workout less often. Can you maintain your current workout regimen without getting stressed? Be honest with yourself. If you can, stick with it. If not, ONLY schedule what you can do; you will be less frustrated with yourself if you do in fact miss a day.

If you do miss a day, give yourself grace and remind yourself tomorrow is another day!

Plan workout for your children, even when visiting friends or relatives. Taking a walk, hike, bike ride, roller blade or ice skate are all substantial forms of activity we can all benefit from and equally enjoy. It is our responsibility to help nurture healthy habits for our children, leading by example is best, teaching them workouts can be fun and doing activities as a family make family time and holiday seasons more bearable.

Find out how to avoid gaining weight over the holidays by making healthier food choices . . . next month.

DISCIPLINE | Friend or Foe ?

By Elaine Reeves Gjonovich

Discipline: A good intention with a bad rap. Here is my attempt to change that. Discipline is the substance that leads us to great success! Discipline reaps great rewards. Discipline creates champions. Discipline inspires strength. Discipline is never easy. Discipline is not always fun. Discipline instructs us to do it anyway.

The dictionary describes the word discipline as: An activity or experience that provides mental or physical training; to train oneself to do something in a controlled or habitual way. (Now that is not so bad) However, there is another definition for the word: The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience. Yikes! Just the thought of that makes me want to run and hide from discipline.

A key component to a positive fitness habit is to understand that what we are doing is for personal gain and long-term health. So, then why is it so difficult to work out on a consistent basis? Why are we timid about disciplining ourselves in this arena? Could it be that we need to know that a disciplined lifestyle is GOOD and good for us? A disciplined lifestyle does not mean we are being punished or that our fun is being taken away from us.

I believe the greatest roadblock to dieting or weight loss is this belief; stated something like this, “I want to enjoy life; I can’t possibly give up my favorite food, drink or dessert.” I have heard this statement time and time again by people from every walk of life.

Giving up a favorite dish or beverage feels more like punishment to most of us. I would like to offer a solution:  Make a decision that you CAN have these foods in limited portions. Practice disciplined eating habits six days out of the week choosing one cheat day. Making a place for your favorite foods becomes a positive experience and not a negative one. Enjoying your favorite food becomes a joy and excitement.

Choosing a disciplined lifestyle of healthy choices creates a setting for success.

As children we were taught food was a reward for good behavior. If we continue to reward ourselves with food we may be tempted to over indulge. The reward should be the results we achieve through choosing a life of health and fitness: Purchasing a new article of clothing because the old ones are just too darn big. Spending time with friends because we now have more than enough energy for all our tasks at hand. Taking a class or reading a book because we are experiencing greater mental alertness. The rewards are endless as a result of maintaining a life of healthy choices.

Discipline to me means, staying at the gym an extra hour to workout even though I have spent my morning there training clients. Discipline to me means going to bed early because I have a 12-mile hike the next day and I want to get as much out of it as I can! Discipline to me means eating foods in their purest form so I can maintain high levels of energy all day long. Discipline has become my friend, companion and my choice. Discipline is the key to success and any one can achieve it.

Practical things one can do to maintain disciplined fitness habits are:

1. Schedule workouts with yourself on your calendar and keep them!
2. Choose your workout at the time of day when you have fewer interruptions.
3. Keep healthy food choices in your home rather than tempting ones.
4. Create a network of friends that understand your goals and healthy choices.
5. If you fail today, make a better choice the next day!

STAYING COOL

By Elaine Gjonovich

This summer has been extremely warm especially for us beach lovers. Most of our physically active community just isn’t willing to miss a workout.

How does one keep their core temperature down during outdoor workouts? This question is important for young athletes, the elderly, outdoor enthusiast, our pregnant population and some at risk individuals.

The first step for a fun experience is to drink plenty of water while engaging in outdoor activities. The standard measurement one needs are ½ cup – 1 cup of water for every hour you are awake. You may need more fluids while exercising in warmer, summer months. Wearing a fanny pack to carry water bottles with you is a smart way to ensure you will drink enough fluids.  If you are planning an all day outing you may want to invest in a hydration system, costing anywhere from $19.99 – over $100.00. A large pack can carry up to three liters of water. You wear it like a backpack, the water carrying plastic pouch inside the backpack is called a bladder. A plastic tube extends from the bladder and is strapped over your shoulder enabling you to drink any time you have the need.

If you have gotten to the point where you have the sensation of thirst, lack of fluid has already started to affect your brain. Dehydration is not something to take lightly; athletes have been known to suffer serious side affects from lack of hydration. Lack of coordination, dizziness, slurred speech, fainting and even death has occurred from improper hydration while engaging in athletics.

Most of us do not consider ourselves athletes, however, if you engage in regular outdoor exercise, such as running, hiking, biking, boot camp, etc. you are still prone to dehydration. Another way to prevent dehydration is to drink electrolyte replacement drinks. Propel, Gatorade and other electrolyte powders that are easily dissolvable in water are good sources of electrolyte replacements. It is best to choose low sugar replacement drinks as excess sugar can cause dehydration.

Wearing the proper clothing is essential for a fun, safe outdoor experience. Loose fitting shorts, a shirt that absorbs moisture and UV protective clothing are recommended for prolonged outdoor fitness activities. Most exercise enthusiasts wear hats to protect the face from sun exposure; a wide brimmed hat is recommended.

Working out in the morning or evening hours are better choices to maintain your core temperature. The best news is if you have been working out consistently you are better trained for extreme conditions.  Yeah!! Consistency eventually pays off, you not only feel better about your body, you have a heightened sense of well-being, better moods, better body composition and tighter leaner muscles. So if you have been thinking about taking a break this summer, think again! Taking a break can lead to weight gain, depression, low energy and frustration.

Smart planning is essential for all success.  Stay cool this summer by drinking enough water, wearing the proper clothing, working out at the appropriate time of day and staying physically fit for extreme weather conditions.

Want to find friendly, fun outdoor fitness classes? www.outdoorfitnessonline.org and join us any time for a the fitness experience you have been craving!

SUCCESS OF THE MONTH

By Arlene Gahl

“Because I love the outdoors, I joined the OUTDOOR FITNESS ADVENTURE CLUB in September of 2005, which gets me out in the back country and mountains of Southern California three days per week. This gives me an opportunity to capture the beauty of Southern California from the mountains to the sea.  Elaine designed a special diet for me in October and I have since lost 11 pounds and 4 inches from my waist.”

Arlene has made tremendous strides in her fitness level since the day she started hiking, she is motivated, has increased her energy levels and loves her NEW shape and size, realizing her quality of life is more important than straying away from her healthy lifestyle, she remains disciplined to her exercise and eating program. Arlene made such great successes that others began asking her what she had done to create such positive change… Ann is one of those women (read about Ann in our on-line newsletter.)

Arlene Gahl is a freelance photographer, avid hiker, volunteer, wife, mother and grandmother. Her love of photography led her to leave her job in 2000 and pursue her hobby full time. She travels extensively throughout the world making images of everything that catches her fancy.  She loves beautiful landscapes, wild and domestic animals, butterflies, flowers and children (especially her grandchildren). Congratulations Arlene Gahl!

Check out Arlene’s PHOTO web site: http://imagesbyarlene.ifp3.com

ANN CARPENTER SUCCES STORY

"So here is my fabulous success story: I started with the OUTDOOR FITNESS ADVENTURE CLUB the beginning of December. I took Arlene Gahl's recommendation to sign-up for nutrition counseling and an exercise program. For most of December and January the scale did not show much progress although I was doing strengthening exercises, hiking and reducing my caloric intake."

Ann then entered Biggest Looser and realized after her first set of measurements that ten pounds of fat had had been lost and she had increased approximately ten pounds of lean tissue mass. That was encouraging to her.

It was suggested to Ann to follow the DETOX Soup plan; studies show that women who have difficulty losing weight may have toxins trapped in their adipose tissue. DETOXING naturally is the best way to see results. Ann prepared the soup and followed the plan for four days. The scale finally started to show some weight loss. After four days of DETOXING she switched to the ‘Body Fat Loss Diet’ and continued to lose steadily throughout five-week Biggest Loser program.

She lost twelve pounds of weight and 11.5 inches.  Her exercise regime to burn the most optimal calories was as follows: two hikes per week and two to three days of weight resistance workouts per week. She ate approximately or slightly less than 1400 calories per day of whole grains, lean protein, fresh vegetables and fruit. 

The picture (in the little black dress) was taken right before she was re-measured at the end of the five-week Biggest Loser Fit Challenge.  “It was my anniversary and I was very pleased to wear this cute black dress that had NEVER fit before.”

“Since THE Biggest Loser ended, I have lost another four pounds, I continue the same exercise regime but I eat slightly more, maybe another 200 calories per day. I still consider myself dieting and am looking forward to losing another ten pounds while continuing to improve my fitness level.  I have also experienced a huge improvement in my blood pressure, which is very important to me since I was diagnosed as borderline hypertensive and don't wish to take medication.”

So after only four months she is thinner, fitter and healthier!  “I have been hiking and skiing with the boy scouts and I feel like I did when I was twenty-something!”

CONGRATULATIONS ANN, YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL OF US!!

KEEP UP THE GREAT SUCCESS

RAISE AWARENESS

By Elaine Reeves Gjonovich MES, CPT-ACE

I am training a client in the gym. As I look up I glance at the television monitor and notice CNN is airing a clip of the war in Iraq one more time. A sense of sadness washes over me as I realize the loss we are experiencing. I am aware of a sense of helplessness... my mind takes me to another war we are fighting against, one war we can do something about.

It is our responsibility to do something about it. This is the war against CHILDHOOD OBESITY. Why is this issue so present on my mind? Throughout the years I have met some very brave and motivated individuals. By the time they make an appointment with me, they have been diagnosed with Hypertension, chronic knee pain, low back injuries, diabetes or thyroid conditions, etc. AND they must lose anywhere from 10 – 75 lbs.

I adore these individuals, they finally understand the importance of taking care of their bodies; after all we are only given one body in this lifetime. They are anxious for truth: What will really work to help me lose weight? What should I eat? How many calories do I need? The doctor told me I better get my cholesterol down... how can I do this without taking medications? The questions are endless.

Learning most of them were obese as children, I wonder “If only...”

With all of the pertinent information at our fingertips, how is it possible children are still struggling with obesity? 1 in 5 children in the U.S. are overweight. Children with obesity, ages 10-13, are reported to have a 70% likelihood of obesity persisting into adult years. Children and adolescents
who are overweight have a greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus, asthma, and orthopedic problems; they are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease (such as increased blood pressure and high cholesterol levels); and they are more likely to have behavioral problems and depression.

On my quest to help these individuals I am confronted with conviction, ‘I must not turn away from our children’. Our children are the future. How we love and care for them now will shape the course of their lives. Although obesity statistics in the State and Nation are at an all time high, I would also like to take a moment to give a BIG HIGH FIVE to the 73rd Assembly District (The 73rd A.D. consists of parts of Orange and San Diego Counties, including Dana Point, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Oceanside, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano). 20.4% of children were overweight in 2004, down from 20.6% in 2001.

Let us not stop there, although that is a good start, any educated person understands it is not just about the absence of obesity it is also about the presence of healthy living. Getting enough sleep and plenty of exercise are equally important. I trust we are all getting our much needed and recommended seven to nine hours per night; individuals vary in the amount of sleep they need. As a Medical Exercise Specialist, I want to address
the issue of consistent exercise and healthy eating habits for our families. Feed your family whole grains, lean protein, plenty of fruits and vegetables, avoid processed foods laden with chemicals and preservatives.

I want to CHALLENGE you to help raise the awareness of health and wellness in the community. Be an example, be an advocate and support an organization that promotes health and wellness.

We support California Center for Public Health Advocacy (CCPHA). They have left quite an impression on California these past few years. They were successful at getting soda machines OUT of the schools; they helped pass the physical education in the school’s law. They are working on educating the PE teachers for greater success for our children and much, much more. They are busy working for your children by helping to conquer the obesity epidemic in the legislative arena. (For more on the CCPHA or to join forces with them go to www.publichealthadvocacy.org).

I had the honor of meeting Dr. Harold Goldstein, Executive Director of CCPHA at a childhood obesity conference in Aneheim this January. He shared with us that his next goal is to get vital information into the hands of the general public for raising awareness of health and wellness. We joined forces with him and offered to help him with this task. We are donating 25% of our tee-shirt sales to the CCHPA (non-profit).

In turn I ask you, San Clemente, to help us raise awareness for health and wellness. Why not challenge our selves to be the FITTEST city in Orange County? I think we are almost there. As I said, I have met some very courageous and motivated individuals; I know WE can do it. Why not challenge our children, our families, and our friends? We ONLY have one life in this body; we might as well take excellent care of it.

With that said. Stay healthy and get fit, you only have today to make a difference.

If you are interested in helping us raise the awareness for health and wellness in the community contact us by visiting our web site www.outdoorfitnessonline.org and send us a message. You can also purchase a tee shirt online.

(Elaine is the founder of the OUTDOOR FITNESS ADVENTURE CLUB; she has been in the health and fitness industry since 1987. She is a medical exercise specialist, personal trainer and motivator. She has overcome many medical diagnoses through her healthy lifestyle. She has four children and three grand children. For more information on the Outdoor Fitness Adventure Club or to support the CCPHA by purchasing a tee shirt: www.outdoorfitnessonline.org)

WHAT A DIFFERENCE THE TRUTH MAKES IN HEALTH AND FITNESS!

By Elaine Gjonovich MES, CPT-ACE

Today was the BIG weigh-out day. Many women called to say they were not going to get re-measured. Why? I wondered… EVERY BODY knows that the scales lie. At least I think we all know this. I succeeded at talking a few women into getting re-measured and all that did were well pleased at their results.

I saw Kayne and Teresa early this morning, they were awaiting my arrival when I got to Fitness Elite at 8:00AM. I wasn’t late, they were eager to get things done!! The first thing I noticed was my friend Kayne, she looked different than usual. Normally she is wearing BAGGY clothes such as BIG tee shirts, loose pants or long baggy shorts. Today what she wore caught my attention, cute pink low-rise capries, a white tank top and pink sandals! WOW!! What a difference a day has made in her life (or should I clarify by saying five weeks).

First I weighed Kayne, WooHoo! She lost a whopping NINE pounds! Then I used my Lange Skin fold Calipers and measured the subcutaneous layer of fat at three sites, TRICEP: down by one millimeter, SUPRAILIAC: down by two millimeters, THIGH: down by eleven millimeters! We then measured her girth using a measuring tape:
BUST: 0” lost (That’s a good thing!)
WAIST: 4.5” lost
HIPS: 1 “ lost
THIGH: ½” lost
CALF: ¼” lost
UPPER ARM: ½”  lost
FOREARM: ½” lost totaling 81/4” lost!!!
Her total deficits were as follows:
BODY FAT%: lost 4.8%
LEAN TISSUE MASS: Gained 3.19 LBS
BODY FAT: lost 12.24 POUNDS
TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS: 9 pounds!!

We hooted and hollered and congratulated! It always amazes me that this stuff really works!! Some people do exactly what we recommend and see much change, some do the bare minimum and see little change.

Wow, now that was a real boost to the end of the BIGGEST LOSER contest. I wanted to say, “see, told you so…” to those women that decided NOT to re-measure. Alas, that would not be very nice and some people need to find this amazing truth out for themselves, that scales really do lie! Allow me to explain: Kayne really lost 12.24 pounds of fat, the scale showed she lost 9 overall pounds. She feels better, her clothes fit her better, she has more energy and motivation and she is asking for another five-week goal. If she paid attention to the scale ONY, she might have felt discouraged and judged herself as lazy, having inner dialogue such as “You’re just not working hard enough” and given up! But she knew how hard she has been working and was convinced her efforts had paid off, she was absolutely right!

The truth still stands, you get out of life what you put into it and any goal of value is worth fighting for! There is no such thing as ‘fast food’ fitness. One can choose lipo suction, and other surgical enhancing means. However, you cannot surgery your way to health and fitness, there is NO other way than to GET OUT and get moving.

Cheryl was another gal that was pleasantly surprised by her results. She is a single mom with limited time and limited energy. However, when she started the competition she told me, “I was just thinking I need to do something to get my weight down, then I saw your advertisement for the BIGGEST LOSER and knew I was supposed to join”.

Cheryl showed up to every Saturday event and participated whole-heartedly, Boot Camp, Richard Simmons, Hiking and Nordic Walking. She also did all but one Tuesday evening cross training class. When she arrived to get measured Saturday morning she told us that he colleagues were noticing that she had lost weight and inches. She then got on the scale and the observers comments proved accurate: Cheryl lost 7 pounds in five weeks. She lost 6.5% Body Fat and 4.75 total inches. But we were faced with the reality again that scales really do lie: Cheryl lost a total of 14.25 POUNDS OF BODY FAT!!  If she had depended solely on the scale she wouldn’t have realized she also gained 7 pounds of LEAN TISSUE MASS. Another figure the scale can’t tell us is what our vital signs are doing; Cheryl missed one Cross Training class due to illness and discovered at the doctor’s office she had a current blood pressure of 110/70mm. She had always measured high and her last reading was 130/90mm. Her Cholesterol was down also.

I am so thrilled to see these changes in my friend’s lives. They are healthier, enjoying more energy, feeling more confident and raising the awareness for health and wellness by example.

If I may; one additional sweet lady sticks out in my mind, Ginny Cox. I reconnected with Ginny over Christmas season after ten years. Ginny is a past client; we worked together during her pregnancy. She had recently suffered much trauma due to a family members bout with illness. Ginny is a full time mother, full time bread winner and care giver.  She has a lot of energy and charisma; time was what she was lacking. Ginny needed to lose over fifty pounds, for her health. She dragged herself to the Saturday weigh-in this morning, “I really didn’t want to come, but I knew I needed to”. She was almost depressed thinking about what the outcome might be. Although Ginny had not been able to do much exercise over the past several years and suffered with knee pain due to her weight; she pushed on at each event. She attended every Saturday exercise event and has met with me twice every week for private training sessions.

Ginny weighed in exactly the same, “well at least I didn’t gain!”  Was Ginny’s comment, that’s Ginny, always positive (The fact that she showed up displays that she looks at the glass half full). I then re-measured her. Although Ginny didn’t lose any weight on the scale she had lost a total of 3.55 pounds of BODY FAT. (I am getting to hate the scale even more as I write this… scales really do lie). Ginny had gained exactly the same amount of LEAN TISSUE as she lost in body fat. She lost 1.7% BODY FAT, She lost 3.75 inches. Ginny was thrilled, she was glad she chose to get re-measured and she has also requested another five-week goal. Thank God for the ability to give my friends the proper information causing them to have hope, motivation and experience success.

There are so many other courageous women I can tell about. So many people that have experienced pain, sorrow, sickness, change of life that keep striving for being the best they can possibly be. We all know being skinny does not bring you happiness. We do know taking care of our bodies, giving it what it needs to function at it’s peak and participating in life DO bring a sense of well being and a higher quality of life.

I am thankful for these people that have found a way to get fit by enjoying what they are doing. Let’s face it if we don’t like what we are doing we are not going to keep it up! It is true Fitness can be fun! It is a fact that scales really do lie and it is true that we need each other for encouragement, motivation and success…

THANK YOU to all the participants of the BIGGEST LOSER Fit Challenge for making this year successful! You made it fun to be part of your lives….

Oh yeah, and a special thank you to Jeff and Tony who allowed me to hold the BIGGEST LOSER Fit Challenge for the thirteenth year at Fitness Elite Health Club in San Clemente.

We will announce the BIGGEST LOSER Prizewinner at a BEACH BOOTCAMP BARBEQUE on March 17th! (try saying that five times fast) Hope to see you there!

HAPPY NEW YEAR - NOW GET OUT!

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! My Holiday season seemed to be very busy this year. We involved ourselves with celebrations, food, weddings, parties and more food. It seemed to speed by with brief moments of surreal ness of the meaning of the season. Planning, preparing and shopping took many molecules of mental energy. I think I was worn out BEFORE Christmas even got started! As usual. Growing up in a large family did that to me. It is expected, by all, to busy one self with the hustle and bustle this season demands. Then get it all done, ON TIME! Whew! One may ask: Where does the enjoyment come in? Well, we first must agree on the meaning of enjoyment to understand where it lays in the busiest season of the year. As I reflect with that question in mind, I realize I get MOST of my enjoyment from my family…. So then, to plan, prepare and shop for my family becomes a joy and an excitement! It is a joy to give wonderful gifts to those people you love and cherish most.

In turn, the greatest gift I receive on Christmas morning is hearing the excitement my children display as they open their own very carefully prepared gifts.

Yes, I got many gifts this year… The first was a scream of pleasure and delight from my eldest granddaughter, as she opened her first jewelry box (this wasn’t just a regular jewelry box, NO, I was hunting for the p-e-r-f-e-c-t jewelry box, a BLACK one) filled with teen-age jewelry “Oh grandma, I love it!” she exclaimed. My heart seemed to radiate warmth at hearing those words. (YES! One down, 35 more to go). That my friends, was the first of many rewards for all my business and planning; I sat back in the midst of wrapping paper, colored lights and loud commotion, only to experience a sense of peace, contentment and shear joy.

Thank God for screaming, thankful children. Yet a new year beckons to GET OUT! and get back to work! Enjoy the hikes for 2007 HAPPY NEW YEAR OFA CLUB!

GET OUT! (December)

I have a vision and a goal for our club: I would like to challenge you to share it with me.  Our new slogan is GET OUT! With an emphasis on GET OUT! My hope is that we will encourage the population that doesn’t like indoor workouts or lacks the discipline or motivation to move. My goal is to reach as many people as we can to GET OUT and enjoy their freedom to move their bodies; many people experience diseases related to obesity and poor nutrition. Heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancers, mental illness, emotional disturbances, etc. are at an all time high in the nation. Especially involving the youth, 1 in 5 children in the U.S. are overweight.

Children with obesity, ages 10-13, are reported to have a 70% likelihood of obesity persisting into adult years. With the public information we have at our fingertips, it is shameful to have such high statistics. I would like to ask you to help raise awareness of the importance of working out and eating a well-balanced diet. Wear your GET OUT! tee-shirt, invite friends on a hike and other outdoor adventures. Speak up about the health benefits of eating a well-balanced diet and regular workouts. Whatever mode of exercise one chooses to do it’s time to GET OUT! And move.

Our shirts will go on sale this month, for EVERY shirt purchased we will donate $5.00 toward an organization that promotes childhood education in the health and fitness industry.  

In 2007 we will add more classes to our schedule to give people the opportunity to get out and enjoy the fitness activity of their choice.

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