Cross-training for Real Folk

trxWhat’s missing in your training regimen? Are you a cardio junkie? Love strength training? Hooked on yoga and other flexibility platforms? These are all great! But no one form of exercise in singular form can benefit your body totally.

I know I’ll probably get some flak here especially from those who practice certain forms of exercise…”But X is toning and strengthening and stretching all in one session”…
That might be very true! But what about missing out on the pure fun of cardio? Like dancing like crazy for half an hour? Or getting outside for a little run?
Even classes and modalities that offer cross-training on multiple platforms in one session aren’t the answer all the time. Vary your workouts and recreational activities even if it means trying something new that you’re afraid of!

In no way am I discounting that you should stop going to your favorite class or session or training program on a regular basis. I encourage everyone to continue the routine and to take pleasure in the results and the dependability of them. My hope is that by continuing your regular training and exercise routines, you build confidence, strength and endurance to be able to try something new or to go out and do the seasonal recreational sports and activities we so enjoy when the seasons change.

The principle of “muscle confusion” in training has been argued by the best of professionals. I myself think there’s merit to it, but that no one training principle is perfect or fits everyone like a cookie cutter. I believe now that a combination of routine and variety is the best combo. If routine simply means that you continue to do something that’s beneficial and helpful, as in “I’m going to find time to exercise three times this week,” then that’s a routine. It does not necessarily mean that you do the same thing each time. If that is the case, as in going to a certain class twice a week and maybe walking your dog twice a week, then that’s great. If you find yourself doing something different seasonally, also awesome. I encourage people always to try new things, and to test their boundaries and limits.

Resolutions Schmezolutions

Here we are again…. what a year 2016 has been. For yours truly, it has been a great year personally. My relationship is amazing, my son awesome, my mom here, my family well and happy and another year doing what I love.  That 2016 was difficult for us as a nation hasn’t been easy. I’m not going to get political or stand on any soap boxes here. Suffice it to say, I will actively do my part to be involved in the change that is needed and stay hopeful that pathways to tolerance and progress are clear. 

How to balance this into my life?  This leads to a question we could all ask ourselves. How can I better do my life if I’m not fit to do so??  The caretakers must take care of themselves. And realistically, we are all caretakers. Everything is relative. The ER nurse, the parent, the company accountant…. we are all responsible and others depend on us. We cannot maintain good work environments, relationships and home lives without feeling good. 

Getting rest and relaxation time, quality sleep, nutritious foods, time with loved ones, time for physical fitness and recreation……. Jeez!!! Sounds like more to add to the to-do list. I see the fitness commitment go to the bottom of that list time and time again. “I’m bored”, “I’m not getting results”, “I don’t have time” and “It’s not fun” are the things I hear most. The time issue is lessened when the other pieces fall in line: fun, results, a sense of accountability. That’s where we come in. 

At the studio, there are classes and semi-private group trainings in TRX, cycling, Zumba (and it’s many forms), Pilates equipment, high-intensity tempo training (HIIT’s newest offering), and more. Our schedule is varied, but if that isn’t for you, qualified trainers are here to work an individual program to suit you. 

Get the most you can from your fitness investment by combining the effort for results with fun and a sense of belonging. We are here for you!  

Happy and Healthy for 2017

2017 Thousand Rep Challenge

Saturday, January 7, 2017
10 am and 11 am
$15 Participation Fee

Challenge yourself and your friends to complete 700 reps in a group session and 300 in a circuit

Dig winter, or not?

Here we go again!  If ya dig winter or (ahem) don’t so much dig winter, it’s a comin’!  Darker days, colder temps, less sun….Shall I go on??  If you have made your peace with winter as I have, you hopefully get outdoors some. It truly, truly, truly is more tolerable, and might I add even enjoyable, to participate in a winter sport. (And that doesn’t include movie marathons on the sofa with popcorn AND cookies, and your favorite blankie. Not that I’ve EVER done that…). I’m talking about the biggies folks:  skiing, snowboarding, nordic or skate skiing, skating, snowshoeing….. just plain walking!  Truly doing something IN the elements rather than hating them entirely is a good thing; kind of a “if ya can’t beat ’em, join ’em!” mentality. 

But what about the rest of the time?  

Indoor exercise commitment takes just that…commitment. Studio 108 is here to help!  As we head toward winter AND the end of the year, your goals for fitness can become fun habits that you look forward to.  In addition to our regular class schedule, find additional inspiration and motivation in upcoming offerings (details forthcoming!):

-1000 Rep Challenge

-StripHop workshop

-Special Sunday classes

-Holiday weekend super workouts 

-Friends of 108 Early Holiday Special 

Make sure to give Strong by Zumba(r) a try!  A sure fire way to ramp you up!

Tuesdays at 5pm

Fridays at 9am

Zumbathon!®

Join us for the 2nd Annual Zumbathon® Charity Event, a benefit for the Clarina Howard Nichols Center, Inc.!

chnc-zumbathon-2016

Spinning® Fundamentals

spinning-fundamentals-flyerSpinning® Fundamentals Tuesdays at 5:30 with Carrie is just right for beginning spinners and veterans alike. Get your cardio conditioning in as you build your skills on and off the saddle. Known for her diverse set lists, Carrie will motivate and energize your ride.

Strong by Zumba® is Here!

STRONG by Zumba® is here!

The newest program from the leader in group exercise combines the sciences of HIIT (high-intensity interval training) and motivational music to deliver a fitness experience like no other. 

I was fortunate enough to participate and become a licensed instructor in the first wave of trainings this weekend. A major bonus was to take the training with Zumba® Education Specialist (ZES) Kelly Bullard, who is a dynamo in her own right, and one of my favorite presenters. 

This IS NOT dance fitness folks, and Zumba (the company) wants their STRONG instructors to deliver, so participants really know it and feel it. That said, there’s still the magic of Zumba that we all know and love:  the music, the formula, the enjoyment. As instructors and students both, we know Zumba®is a trusted entity….if they’re involved in it, it’s going to be good! 

HIIT (Zumba’s version is HITTZ: High Intensity Tempo Training Zumba-style) is weaved through 4 “Quadrants” that bring more and more challenge as the class progresses. Classic moves such as squats, lunges, planks and traditional martial arts forms are layered and sequenced flawlessly, and all worked in and around music created to match. Everyone can do this, there are so many modifications and levels.

Watch for some demo classes and events and some surprise “roll-outs” of a Quadrant or two in a regular class!  Join this amazing program.