Performance Running Group - 3rd Session

What a good looking bunch at 6:30 in the morning!

As we move from February into March, winter is giving way to spring as we can clearly see each other on the track now. By the middle of our session, it is fully light out. Hopefully, by the end of the running group we will be starting out in daylight.

For our third session, the light rain gave way to daylight and cloudy skies by the end of our warm-up. After some drills and using the stands to get the hear rate up, the crew dove into 800's (2 laps). Today's goal was to be consistent with each lap and with each set of laps. Race season is right around the corner, so this distance is great for running at a fast tempo for a longer period of time. Everyone is continuing to work on their form and efficiency. Slowly they are starting to see the gains. Keep pushing hard at the track and hit those runs away from the track and we will have a well-oiled team by summer.

Olympic Bobsled Cardio - Week 2 Results

Things continue to heat up in the boblsed competition. It's a battle between team Italy and team USA for first and second place, but we still have a long ways to go. On the individual side, Chris is tearing it up with the cardio and exercise bonuses, but "Everyday Ada" is coming on strong. Keep up the team work and challenging one another to go for it.

Team
1st - Italy 91
2nd - USA 86
3rd - Switzerland 71

Individual Point Standings
1st - Chris C. = 65
2nd - Ada = 46
3rd - Carlene 34
4th -Wendy = 32
5th - Carmen and Anne = 26

Welcome New Trainer - Rachel

While she has been with us for a few months, we did want to share a little bit of background on one of our new trainers - Rachel. She has worked at another Fitness Together location, so she stepped right in working with our clients. We are glad to have her easy going personalty on our team - don't let that fool you as you will still be making sweat angels. Welcome to the Team Rachel!

Here is a little background on Rachel in her own words. "I come from a very athletic background. I started at an early age playing every sport I could from basketball to soccer. I decided to pursue my passion for fitness and helping others by becoming a personal trainer. I love helping clients achieve their fitness goals; and providing them with the necessary tools and education to be successful for the long term. It's an amazing feeling as a trainer to be able to push and motivate clients to another level they didn't think was possible. I am certified through the National Federation of Personal Trainers. I am also CPR and First Aid certified through the American Red Cross. I am currently training for my first marathon in June."

Performance Running Group - 2nd Session

We must have talked to the right people as week 2 was rain free. However, it was brisk under a cloudless night sky to start the warm-up. Nothing 30 yards of lunges and butt-kickers couldn't take care of. There was even a little frost on the track for the group to tip-toe around.

Everyone was in good spirits ready to tackle the 440's today knowing that we would see the sun coming up by the end of our session. The legs were a little heavy for some after the first week, but the power of the group pulled them to faster times than they thought they could achieve.

Performance Running Group - 1st Session

What a hardy running group. Starting in darkness and under a down pour, this group jumped right into the speed training. With goals as varied as running the St Patty's Day Dash to running multiple half-marathons, there was someone for everyone to run with and be pushed or pulled. We'll keep our fingers crossed for dryer weather, but it won't stop us come training morning.

Olympic Bobsled Cardio - Week 1 Results

The Olympic Flame has been lit in Vancouver as well as here in West Seattle. Our bobsled athletes are on their way down the course to challenge themselves each week with new cardio programs and bonus exercises. This first week, bonus points were awarded for as many push-ups as you could do in 2 minutes and a nutrition bonus for drinking half their body weight in ounces with water for 5 consecutive days (they were on the honor system). Here are the standings after the first week.

Team
1st - Italy
2nd - USA
3rd - Lichtenstein

Individual Point Standings
1st - Chris C. = 38
2nd - Tony = 24
3rd - Wendy = 21
4th - Ada = 20
5th - Anne = 14

Commitment and perseverance are the keys to winning this contest. Good luck to all the team players. Don't let your team down by missing a day of cardio.

Olympic Bobsled Cardio Contest

New Year, New contest. Research shows, the more activity you have the more results you will see. To that order and in conjunction with the Olympics, FT West Seattle introduces the Olympic Bobsled Cardio Contest. Teams of 4 will cardio their way through the bobsled course over the next 8 weeks. Participants will be rewarded with more points for cardio completed on non-appointment days.

There will also be weekly exercise and nutrition bonuses to help accumulate points. Don't let the your teammates down. May the fastest team cross the finish at the end of March! Not to mention, the top 3 individual scores will receive prizes as well.

February Client of the Month - Lenora Edwards

Consistency and the willingness to challenge one's self. That is what we reward when we select the Client of the Month. For February, the team selected Lenora for her dedication to the program. From one-armed kettle bell swings to bike time trials, and changes to her diet, Lenora has embraced them all despite having a busy work schedule.

Great job Lenora. Keep pressing ahead. Here is Lenora's experience in her own words. “When I joined Fitness Together, it was because I had never felt worse in my life. With very low energy and a low mood, I went to see the private facility. I wanted the benefits of what they promote-- “one client, one trainer, one goal”--provided.

I was immediately drawn to the privacy of the studio’s professional set-up. I learned that there was more, i.e., a very highly educated staff of enthusiastic trainers who know how to motivate me through every tough session. They patiently listen to my concerns and give fitness and nutritional advice realistically meets my needs. And, it shows in our work together. I am getting results.

I feel lighter--in more ways than one. I have increased energy and strength, more physical and mental stamina, lower weight, reduced measurements, and the complete disappearance of per menopausal symptoms. However, the best part of my new body is my improved disposition.

Thank you, Fitness Together, for always being upbeat and creating an atmosphere of “can-do” in a place so that I will perform at my own personal best!”