Do you know how much weight you gained last year around this time?

Let’s see, it started with a few pieces of Halloween candy, then there was the Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. But let’s not forget the Christmas cookies, Christmas eve dinner, Christmas dinner, and New Year’s dinner and that’s only naming the major splurges. By the end of 2011, it’s safe to say you’ll be up 5-7 pounds. But that’s ok because your New Year’s Resolution is to lose that weight right?!

OR you could start working out a few hours/week now, get into healthier eating habits now and come out of the holidays at the same weight or maybe even lighter for the first time ever. I know it sounds crazy now, but trust me you’ll thank me when everyone else is complaining about how their jeans don’t fit in January Need help, call us, we’ll walk you through it

I’m currently in a limo (Tim spoils me rotten) heading to the Chicago airport to head back to sunny Mesa Arizona! I’ve been in Chicago for the past few days attending an amazing fitness conference called Club Industry.
I have not only been learning soo soo much, but have been remembering just what an amazing industry I am in. Sometimes it’s easy as a trainer to get lost in day to day workouts and forget about the big picture.
This week it’s been so nice to remember that I’m in this industry to change and better as many peoples lives as I can, I can’t imagine doing anything else and I want to thank you guys for making my job the coolest most rewarding job ever

For my current clients; get lots of sleep this weekend, I’m gonna be very pumped up on Monday

So after a few weeks of great running workouts back to back to back my legs have officially announced strike.   My knees hurt, my back is tight and my hips are definitely out of place.  I know running isn’t the culprit though, it’s my lack of stretching that has done me in.  It’s amazing the pain tight muscles can place on your joints, right now I definitely feel twice my age.  SO the moral of my story is stretch, stretch, stretch and incorporate it before you start feeling pain.  And don’t think that if you are sedentary you’re flexibility is going to remain.  Stretch no matter what and your body will thank you for it.  If you need a good stretching program print this one out and you’ll start feeling younger within weeks   http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_1/126.shtml

The heat is here which means bathing suits are coming out! That’s why everyone wants to know…what’s the fastest way to lose weight? The answer is cut out the sugar! BUT don’t confuse sugar and carbohydrates. There are some very healthy whole grain carbs available that have actually been found to torch more fat during exercise. So put down that Gatorade and grab some whole wheat toast before your next workout and you’ll be ready for that bathing suit in no time.

Hello Summer! We’ve lucked out with our weather this year but you know that won’t last much longer… hello 110!

Can you believe that even though it’s sunny in Arizona for about 364 days out of the year, we are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency than other states because it’s too hot to go outside! But did you also know that vitamin D deficiency is actually a serious problem?

Vitamin D helps your body make use of calcium and phosphorus, helps your body’s immunity against cancer and helps insulin secretion.

Side effects to vitamin D deficiency include depression, chronic fatigue, WEIGHT LOSS, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis…. none of which you want!

So what can you do? Go outside! Still use sunscreen but be aware that sunscreen does block vitamin D absorption. There are also plenty of foods rich in vitamin D: Fish Oil, Salmon, Soy milk, Eggs and Shrimp. Although natural forms are normally more beneficial, at the very least get a vitamin D supplement for your long term health. If you think you could be vitamin D deficient go tell your doctor you would like to be tested.

As you’ve heard the TRX Tour stopped in to meet our HIT clients this week. We knew we were a perfect fit for each other when the TRX van was able to drive right into our 13,000 sq ft facility…. probably the coolest set-up for the tour!

None of our trainers or clients had really ever worked with the TRX but you couldn’t tell… they all dominated the hour long workout! This wasn’t too surprising since we are blessed to have every other workout toy you can imagine and clients that come ready to get a great workout at least 3x/week!

The highlight of the day was taking the TRX challenge requiring 40 push-up/mountain climbers followed by 40 inverted rows. This was truly a challenge and very few people can complete it. Our clients rocked it and came so close: Ray Hardy missed it by only a few rows and even had a regular workout afterwards! Other contestants who rocked it include Amy and Brad Ahlstrom, Steve Penn and me who did the worst but created my own 20/20 challenge to feel good about myself

No worries though, we bought a TRX and I guarantee you we will all be able to complete the challenge in a few months Thanks so much to TRX and our clients for being willing to try something and be so sore because of it

If you think you can complete the challenge come pop in and try it for yourself… be prepared to be humbled though

With everyone training for Pat’s Run I’m hearing a lot of painful running stories So here’s my guide on how to enjoy running!

1.) Just remember, getting out is the hardest part. Even if you don’t feel your best, anything is better than nothing. So what if you walk a bit? Enjoy it! And I guarantee you as long as you have the right mindset you will feel better afterwards than you did before, gotta love endorphins!!

2.) Have fun with it! Don’t worry about your time or distance, try to go out with an attitude of getting some fresh air and sun. If you have a dog use them as an excuse, I never run for myself I run to make Bailey tired

3.) Get off the streets! Avoid the bad drivers and car exhaust, go run on the trails–pretty scenery, softer ground and it’s a great way to get some hills in. My favorite trails: Tonto National Forest and Papago Park–google it and try them out.

4.) Start slow!! Pacing is key with running. You never want to be out of breath–just find the pace that feels comfortable, you can always speed it up at the end.

5.) Treat yourself to a good pair of running shoes–good shoes make a huge difference on your legs, running is hard enough on your knees without having a lack of good support.

6.) If you feel like you need a break in the middle of your run stop and do a set of lunges or squats. These will help you strengthen your legs and give your lungs a break while burning even more calories! And it’s amazing how much easier running is with strong legs…

7.) Stretch! So many people attempt to become runners but it is just a matter of time before their muscles get too tight and everything starts hurting. It’s amazing how many aches and pains go away with a good stretching routine, if you need help give us a call and we’ll set you up with one that can keep you a healthy runner for the rest of your life

So I’m not a big fan of celebrating my birthday. Honestly I’d rather treat it like every other day. Unfortunately when you have a family as amazing as the HIT Center you really aren’t given a choice.

Last Tuesday was my birthday and I didn’t tell a single person, but somehow I was spoiled rotten the entire day. I got amazing cards, an amazing basket of fruit (y’all know me way too well) and so many hugs and birthday wishes it was really ridiculous And even though I still stand by my “not celebrating my birthday” it’s priceless to be reminded of just how amazing every single person at the HIT Center is. Thanks to everyone for making HIT the amazing place it is!