Wednesday, November 30, 2011

2011 Gift Suggestions For Your Favorite Fitness Buff, Part 1

Just a reminder...

A fitness related gift is a great option for someone who already works out or for someone who has expressed interest in getting started. However, giving such a gift to someone because YOU want them to exercise is a bad idea.

In the coming weeks, I plan on writing multiple blog posts on items I recommend- some old favorites, some new.

First up, the GymBoss. I still love this handy, little timer. How can you not love a $20 product that improves your workouts?

GymBoss Interval Timer

I'm not usually not one of those people who gets off on gadgets but I love my GymBoss.

Circuit training and cardio intervals are great ways to exercise and the GymBoss is an inexpensive and convenient way to keep time.

To get the most out of your workout, you need to focus on the exercise at hand. Using a watch or clock to keep track of the time is an unnecessary distraction, which the GymBoss eliminates.

You can set it for 1 time or 2 different times. For example, you can program it to beep every 30 seconds if you're doing a bodyweight circuit or you can program it for a 30 second work and 60 second recovery (or any combination of times) for other cardio intervals.

There is also a handy clip for attaching to your clothing and it comes in hot pink, silver, black, blue, red, or camouflage.

You can get a GymBoss here.


Road ID 

If you're buying a gift for a runner, cyclist, hiker, or triathlete (or if you're one yourself), you need Road ID. This gear could save your life. In the event of an accident, if you can't speak for yourself, your Road ID will. Available in 6 different styles.


It's not just a piece of gear - it's peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Get Road ID here.


Thera-Band Stability Balls 

I have no use for the crazy acrobatic "functional" exercises some trainers have their clients perform but an exercise ball is an excellent way to greatly increase the number of exercises you can do, especially if you work out at home and have limited equipment.

Thera-Band Stability Balls are a quality product used by many physical therapists and they're very sturdy.

I've read online comments by exercisers who had to constantly refill their balls or whose cat burst multiple cheap exercise balls, etc. I've never had a Thera-Band ball burst and I rarely need to add more air.

There have also been some injuries related to burst stability balls (you can read about that here ==> Stability Ball Safety) so don't go cheap if you're buying one.

If you are 5'1" - 5'6", you would get a 55cm (red).

For those 5'7 - 6'1", go with the 65cm (green).

If you have exceptionally long legs and are close to the upper height range, you may want to go with the next size up.

You can get one here ==>Thera-Band Exercise Balls



Ironmaster Quick Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System

If you are buying for someone who wants to work out at home and doesn't have the space or the resources for a fully equipped dumbbells rack, consider the
Ironmaster Quick Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System. It adjusts from 5-75 pounds, in 2 1/2 lb increments, and gets glowing reviews.

These adjustable dumbbells are not cheap but I hesitate to recommend other brands due to numerous complaints about them coming apart. Safety is paramount when you're lifting weighted objects over your body.

Check them out here ==> Ironmaster 75 lb Quick Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System


I'll be back soon with more great holiday gift suggestions.


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Monday, November 28, 2011

Collected Fitness Wisdom #41

You are the person that decides what you are going to do.  Nothing has power over you unless you allow it to.  Not food, not relationships, not your boss – nothing and no one – just YOU!  Clearly we have to do things in life that we don’t want to do….that’s just how it is – but we have 100% control over what we decide to put into our mouths.  We have 100% control to decide to exercise.

~ Mark Briggs


I never regret going to the gym (unless I ate a bean burrito two hours before). I always feel better after a workout.  Have you ever met someone who, after a 5-mile run or yoga class says “That was a bad decision. I feel lousy”? I haven’t.

~ Jamie Berube


Many of the people slamming bodyweight exercises are the ones who need them the most. Guys who only care about how much they can bench but who can't do a proper pushup. People so inflexible in the hips or weak in the core who struggle with Spiderman Climbs. Bodyweight exercises can be tough! In many cases, it's far easier to plop yourself on a bench or machine and ego trip about how much weight you're lifting.

~ John Romaniello


Everyone should know that I can't stand whiners...or quitters...or people who half-a$$ stuff. If you're gonna do it, go all-out and give it your best. Don't think that just by showing up you're gonna move ahead. It doesn't work that way!

~Sarah Rippel

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Friday, November 25, 2011

Limited Time Offer. Save BIG On Fitness Gifts!

As a big thank you to my members and friends, I'm having a HUGE sale on boot
camp gift cards in conjunction with Small Business Saturday on November 26th.


Get a $100 gift card (good for 2 consecutive weeks of boot camp or 5 individual workouts) for just $25!

New boot campers only. You can buy them for gifts but only one gift card can be used per person.
 
Think boot camp might be too much for your recipient? As I was typing this post, I decided to also offer a Body & Soul enrollment fee for $25. That's 68% off!


Remember, boot camp is co-ed but Body & Soul Fitness Studio is a women's only gym.

Please call me at (717) 509-7777 so I can get the gift cards or certificates ready ahead of time. Let me know when you're coming so I won't be working with someone. Visa or Mastercard accepted.

Because I'm only open until noon on Saturday, I'm making both special offers available starting Friday, the 25th. That means you have 2 days to take advantage of these terrific deals.

Not sure what's involved with boot camp? Wondering what makes Body & Soul different from other gyms? Check out the websites...

NoPinkDumbbells.com
Body & Soul Fitness Studio.com

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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Reminder: Thanksgiving Day "Burn Fat & Give Thanks" Workout

Let’s face it, most everyone overeats on Thanksgiving. Here’s a way to lessen the damage and help sick kids at the same time.

Join me on Thanksgiving morning (Thursday, November 24th) at 9:00 AM for my 2nd annual Burn Fat and Give Thanks Workout. All proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where no child is ever turned away due to parental inability to pay and no family is billed for services not paid by insurance.

You'll get a great workout, rev up your metabolism, burn fat, and hang out with other cool people.

Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life. Donation is $20, or bring a friend for just $10 more.

All fitness levels are invited. Exercises will be adapted or substituted, as necessary. Anyone 12 and older is welcome to participate.

Call Mickey at (717) 509-7777 for more info or to let me know you’ll be attending.

If you can't make it, please consider making a donation or sponsoring another participant.


       Body & Soul Fitness Studio
       618 Columbia Avenue
       Lancaster, PA 17603

       Plenty of free parking




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Monday, November 21, 2011

95 Year Old Body & Soul Fitness Studio Member Completes 1000 Workouts!

Congratulations to Annie Bestra who reached 1000 strength training workouts this morning.

Annie joined Body & Soul Fitness Studio in March 2003 and, except for a couple of medical detours, has been a regular Monday, Wednesday and Friday exerciser ever since.

So far, only 2 other Body & Soul members have hit the 1000 mark. Way to, Annie!



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Thursday, November 17, 2011

Congratulations, Boot Campers!

I recently instituted a band ranking system (similar to martial arts belts) at No Pink Dumbbells Boot Camp.

Below are the first 3 boot campers in the 1:00 session who received their bands.

Congratulations to Lisa, Becky, and Jackie!


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