“If your gym isn't convenient or doesn't have the kinds of programs, equipment or clientele that appeal to you, the only thing that will get a workout is your wallet. More than a million Americans join a gym or exercise facility every January, according to the International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association. However, within the year, 35 percent of them drop out, and more than half of those are gone by April. San Diego fitness experts recommend flexing your consumer muscle and using the following checklist to scope out several facilities before joining one. Location. Your gym shouldn't be more than 15 minutes away from your home or office. ‘Convenience is huge,’ says Kathie Davis, executive director of the San Diego-based IDEA Health & Fitness Association. ‘The main reason people drop out (of a gym membership) is because it's not conveniently located.’ […]”
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jan/03/lz1c03questio185149-how-do-i-find-best-gym-me/?uniontrib
Monday, January 5, 2009
Should I Hire a Personal Trainer?
“Hiring a Certified Personal Trainer isn't cheap: a private, one hour session costs an average of $55 (source: IHRSA). The information you can gain from working with a Certified Personal Trainer, however, is valuable because it can lead to injury prevention and faster results. If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you may want to consider hiring a trainer: 1. Is it your first time lifting weights and/or using exercise equipment? 2. Do you have an orthopedic injury (i.e. back problems) or other health issue (i.e. diabetes) that can affect how you exercise? 3. Have you been doing the same exercise routine for more than 4 months? 4. Do you have a specific goal in mind (i.e. running a marathon for the first time)? You don't have to hire a trainer on an ongoing basis; even a couple of sessions will help you get on track.”
http://www.examiner.com/x-2191-Personal-Training-Examiner~y2009m1d3-Should-I-hire-a-Personal-Trainer
http://www.examiner.com/x-2191-Personal-Training-Examiner~y2009m1d3-Should-I-hire-a-Personal-Trainer
Not All Trainers Are Created Equal: What To Look For In A Personal Fitness Trainer
“If you are considering hiring a Personal Fitness Trainer (PFT), be sure to print this page and bring this checklist with you: 1. Make sure the PFT has a current national certification (ask to see a copy). Because states do not regulate the certifications for trainers, there are over 200 certifying bodies, ranging from mail-order to requiring a 4 year degree in an exercise related field. The major national certifications are ACE, ACSM, AFAA, NASM, and NSCA (source: IHRSA). 2. If an independent contractor, ask to see a copy of the PFT's liability insurance. If an employee, verify that the club's liability insurance covers the PFT. 3. Ask for references; either names/numbers or a copy of letters of recommendation will suffice. 4. Verify the trainer's cancellation policies on appointment, rates, and billing system. For example: are pre-paid sessions refundable in an event of a medical issue or relocation? 5. Last but not least, the trainer should be one who is compatible personality-wise. For example, some people want a drill sergeant, others want a trainer who provides supportive, positive reinforcement. I hope this checklist will enable you to have a positive experience with a certified Personal Fitness Trainer.”
http://www.examiner.com/x-2191-Personal-Training-Examiner~y2009m1d4-Not-all-trainers-are-created-equal-what-to-look-for-in-a-Personal-Fitness-Trainer
http://www.examiner.com/x-2191-Personal-Training-Examiner~y2009m1d4-Not-all-trainers-are-created-equal-what-to-look-for-in-a-Personal-Fitness-Trainer
Keeping Fit Without Spending A Lot
“Despite new year's resolutions to get in shape, people have been less willing to fork over a monthly payment for a place to work out in these tough economic times. But Sandra Endo tells us how people can stay fit on a budget, without heading to a gym, and in some cases without ever leaving home. Many people turn to gyms to lose weight but with the slumping economy, many gyms are losing members. ‘All retailers are going through the same economic time right now,’ said Bally's Fitness General Manager William Spencer. The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association says gyms nationwide saw memberships drop in recent years. They're hoping things will improve. Typically, gyms see a membership boom in January, and this year many gyms are hoping special deals will help pump up business. A gym membership is a waste of money if you pay but don't end up going. Some people are resorting to feeling the right type of burn without burning a hole in their wallets, exercising at home to get fit. Household items can help you flex your muscles and get a better workout. Fitness experts say getting in shape is all about how much you commit to your goal, whether you want to pay a gym or work out at home. ‘Just the environment of seeing other people doing what you know you need to do, can help a lot of people stay going for the new year,’ Spencer said. ‘It has to be small enough to be doable, when people have these huge goals, most likely they fail,’ said personal trainer Angel Stone. The biggest challenge isn't working up a sweat, it's being consistent. Doing it without hurting your bottom line will help you stay on track with your economic diet.”
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/consumer&id=6582434
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/consumer&id=6582434
Consumers Exercise Control
Members Are Still Using Their Fitness Clubs, But Fewer Are Joining
“It tops resolutions each new year: Getting in shape. But this year, with the economy sputtering, some local gyms are signing up fewer new members. Other gyms report that existing members are scaling back on such perks as personal trainers and rental lockers. ‘We are definitely feeling the pinch as far as new members coming through the door,’ said Dominick Finochiaro, general manager of Gold's Gym in Medford. At Revolution Fitness in Boston, members are curbing their tanning and personal training sessions and bringing their own towels and workout bags rather than paying for towel service and lockers, among other amenities, said Patrick Catoe, who helps oversee club membership. ‘The gym is a necessity for a lot of people, but they are not doing the extra protein shakes,’ Catoe said. In an age when working out is considered by many a vital lifestyle component, not an optional indulgence, gyms report no large-scale membership cancellations. But they are bracing for a potentially tough year as current members look to reduce costs, as well as pounds. Revolution is now offering half-hour sessions with a personal trainer, in addition to the more expensive hour-long sessions, said Mike D'Angelo, a trainer at the gym. The shorter classes cost between $45 to $60, in contrast to hour-long sessions, which cost $80 to $100. But few of his clients have quit training altogether, he said. ‘People are buckling down, but they are focusing on things that they can control - like their health,’ D'Angelo said. Likewise, Back Bay Yoga Studio has expanded its number of $5 classes, which are about $10 less than other classes. The club is advertising the classes widely, to members and nonmembers. ‘Times are tough and one of the first things to go is yoga because it's not gas, it's not rent, it's not food’" said Gabriel Feld, a yoga instructor at Back Bay Yoga. ‘We want everyone to be able to access yoga. We don't want money to get in the way.’ Meanwhile, attendance has spiked at some gyms, as members seek to combat mounting stress and anxiety over the economic downturn. Others don't want to fritter away paid memberships. ‘It used to be that people would sign up and then not come,’ said Michael Reyes, a trainer at the Ring Boxing Club in Boston, near the Brookline border. ‘Now they are coming. It's like people want to make sure they use their dollars and not just let them go.’”
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/01/03/consumers_exercise_control/
“It tops resolutions each new year: Getting in shape. But this year, with the economy sputtering, some local gyms are signing up fewer new members. Other gyms report that existing members are scaling back on such perks as personal trainers and rental lockers. ‘We are definitely feeling the pinch as far as new members coming through the door,’ said Dominick Finochiaro, general manager of Gold's Gym in Medford. At Revolution Fitness in Boston, members are curbing their tanning and personal training sessions and bringing their own towels and workout bags rather than paying for towel service and lockers, among other amenities, said Patrick Catoe, who helps oversee club membership. ‘The gym is a necessity for a lot of people, but they are not doing the extra protein shakes,’ Catoe said. In an age when working out is considered by many a vital lifestyle component, not an optional indulgence, gyms report no large-scale membership cancellations. But they are bracing for a potentially tough year as current members look to reduce costs, as well as pounds. Revolution is now offering half-hour sessions with a personal trainer, in addition to the more expensive hour-long sessions, said Mike D'Angelo, a trainer at the gym. The shorter classes cost between $45 to $60, in contrast to hour-long sessions, which cost $80 to $100. But few of his clients have quit training altogether, he said. ‘People are buckling down, but they are focusing on things that they can control - like their health,’ D'Angelo said. Likewise, Back Bay Yoga Studio has expanded its number of $5 classes, which are about $10 less than other classes. The club is advertising the classes widely, to members and nonmembers. ‘Times are tough and one of the first things to go is yoga because it's not gas, it's not rent, it's not food’" said Gabriel Feld, a yoga instructor at Back Bay Yoga. ‘We want everyone to be able to access yoga. We don't want money to get in the way.’ Meanwhile, attendance has spiked at some gyms, as members seek to combat mounting stress and anxiety over the economic downturn. Others don't want to fritter away paid memberships. ‘It used to be that people would sign up and then not come,’ said Michael Reyes, a trainer at the Ring Boxing Club in Boston, near the Brookline border. ‘Now they are coming. It's like people want to make sure they use their dollars and not just let them go.’”
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/01/03/consumers_exercise_control/
Keep Your New Year's Resolution To Lose Weight
“With the sumptuous food and treats available during the holiday season, it's easy for us overdo it - even while we are adopting a New Year's resolution to lose weight and be active. ‘Making a resolution to lose weight today is an important first step to a long and healthy life,’ said Department of Health Services Secretary Karen Timberlake. ‘You can get a strong start by knowing where you are at today; then set realistic goals to eat healthy and include physical activity into your life.’ Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions, including Type II diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnea, some cancers, and joint problems. In Wisconsin, 2 of 3 adults are either overweight or obese. Most people know their overall health depends on being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight. The problem is that most good intentions often get derailed even before they can be put into practice. Suggestions to get started include: -- Writing down what you eat and drink for a few days, including the time and how much you are eating -- Tracking your activity level for a week -- Knowing your numbers -- specifically your body mass index (BMI) ’Whether your goal is to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, be physically active on a regular basis, or make healthy food choices, you should recognize that taking small steps can have a lasting impact. Small changes made over time will be more likely to become part of your daily routine,’ Timberlake added.”
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/134342.php
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/134342.php
Getting in Shape New Years Resolutions [video]
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1185086463/bclid1595702128/bctid6309202001
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