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

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

More interesting statistics… 2/3 of crash dieters gained whatever weight they lost back within one year and ALL of them gain it back within five.

All of these statistics are astounding when you are surrounded by weight loss success every day. The difference between our amazing clients and the crash dieter? Our clients see their weight loss journey as a lifestyle change. Their success is just a series of small changes that continue over the course of up to a year (but the fastest, greatest year ever!) Before they know it they look great, feel great and are no longer a slave to crash diets that really do help you lose 10 and gain 20. Oh and way to go HIT clients y’all really are so inspiring

If you’d like to know more about these small changes call us at (480) 981-0600.

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.

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

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

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!

At Longbow Golf Academy, the directors, Jeff and Stacie have years of experience and great coaching skills that have helped hundreds of golfers move to the next level through form and execution.

At The HIT Center our degreed staff has developed an amazing golf program that focuses on flexibility, core strength and stability that ensures better posture, further drives and an immediate decrease in injury risk.

If you’re looking to improve any of these areas contact us at (480) 981-0600 or Jeff Fisher at the ob sports academy at (480) 414-9330.