June Client of the Month - "Everyday Ada" Rodriguez Brown

Since joining Fitness Together, Ada has become a fixture in our studio. If she is not in for strength training or nutrition consults, she is in for her cardio workout. We deemed her "Everyday Ada" since we don't go a day without seeing her. Ada's consistency is paying off with the changes she was looking for and is an inspiration for other members. She is leading the Mt. Rainier cardio contest, pushing everybody else to try and catch her. Way to go Ada!

"I joined Fitness Together in January of 2009 to get rid of the lard I was walking around with and to get into shape. At 23, I already felt that my best years were behind me. I have shed many tears of frustration when it comes to my body and my capabilities. I am shocked at every session by how far I've come. The clothes from the back of my closet now fit. I am no longer intimidated by the Seattle hills. The nutrition and training sessions have transformed my relationship with food. I am more concerned about having enough energy for my workout, than the convenience of my meal.

FT is the best investment I've made in myself and I truly regret not starting earlier. I feel like a new woman with endless possibilities. I am a difficult client and want to thank the FT Team for dragging me, kicking and screaming, through the last four months. I think I ♥ working out."

Mt. Rainier Cardio Contest: Week 3 Standings

The race is on between Ada, Verne, and Rich. No slip ups as Ada is setting the pace for the boys.

Team 7 has taken a commanding lead. With Don back from vacation, the added points have vaulted his team out in front. There is a heated battle for 3rd and 4th place. Here is how the team standings are shaping up.

Team 7: 67 pts (Verne, Frank, Rene, Don)
Team 1: 53 pts (Keith, Megan, Bridget, Victoria)
Team 9: 46 pts (Ada, Richard, Antoinette, John C)
Team2: 44 pts (Rich, Aili Dee, Veronica, Tony)

The winner of the team competition will be the one that has the most participation. Get those teammates involved.

Mt. Rainier Cardio Contest: Week 2 Standings

Slowly but surely, the dedicated are rising to the top. After 2 weeks of cardio, there is a heated battle for the climb to the summit between Ada, Rich, and Verne. Everyday they are leap frogging each other on the mountain. It will come down to who doesn't miss a day of cardio.

From the team side of things there are 4 teams in the hunt right now:

Team 7: 37 pts (Verne, Frank, Rene, Don)
Team 1: 33 pts (Keith, Megan, Bridget, Victoria)
Team 9: 29 pts (Ada, Richard, Antoinette, John C)
Team2: 28 pts (Rich, Aili Dee, Veronica, Tony)

It will be a fast and furious race to the finish and as we approach the half-way mark of the contest, may the best axe win!

Fitness Tips - Exercise While Traveling

How do you stay fit while on the road? Lots of people travel for work, or even vacation regularly. The best way to get your workouts in on the road is to stay at a hotel that has a workout room. (Even better is when you actually use it!) If there is no workout room, it is possible to do a full body workout in your own hotel room. Here is what it looks like:

Push ups: 3 sets x 10-15 reps

Floor crunches: 3 sets x 20 reps

Body weight squats: 3 sets x 20 reps (or jump squats for increased intensity)

Body weight lunges: 3 sets x 15-20 reps (or jump lunges for increased intensity)

Superman back extensions: 10 reps with 5 seconds rest

Planks: for 1 min. x 3 sets

You can do this with minimal rest, in a circuit fashion, one exercise after the other, or you can do each exercise 3 sets at a time with one minute rest in between sets.

Keep your fitness a priority even when you are away! When you return to your regular schedule, it won’t take you as long to get back on track with your optimal shape.

Remember to make YOU a Priority in 2009!

Mt. Rainier Cardio Assault Contest

Do you have what it takes to assault and conquer Mt. Rainier? Like the real mountain, it takes individual perseverance and team work to make it to the top.

The latest cardio contest will reward those that are consistent with their workouts. In addition, all points earned will be added to a team total. The team with the most points at the end of the 6 week contest will also win a prize.

See if you have what it takes to reach the summit!

2 Year Anniversary Training - Duncan

I remember when Duncan walked in the door for his job interview at Fitness Together. Before he opened his mouth, I knew I had found my next trainer. Duncan has a presence about him that is positive, professional and genuine.

Duncan has worked for me for 2 years this month. His passion for fitness is undeniable. He has a vision for each and every client whom he works with, and aggressively guides them to reach their full potential. (whether they like it or not!)

Having a business background, Duncan has also helped take the studio to the next level. We have always reached our business goals since he has been the manager here. He knows the importance of working in a team atmosphere, systemizing and sacrificing for the greater good, Duncan’s loyalty and honorable service is remarkable!

Thank You Duncan for 2 awesome years!!

May Client of the Month - Bette Joram

We wanted to recognize Bette for all her hard work since she started with us. Here is a little bit about Bette from Duncan "I remember Bette's first workout back in September as slow, cautious, and unsure. Bette was suffering from years spent hunched over a computer keyboard writing her doctorate and everything seemed to hurt. She barely had the strength to walk on the treadmill at a slow pace. The slightest intensity would make her dizzy and lightheaded.

Now, Bette is 10 pounds lighter and quite a bit stronger. She is consistent with her workouts and always willing to learn and try new and challenging exercises. She recently won the Most Improved in our 1 mile time trial on the bike contest by increasing her resistance level from 7 up to 15, still maintaining the same completion time of just over 3 minutes. That's a huge improvement that Bette should be very proud of, especially for someone who had trouble walking slowly on the treadmill. I expect to see more greatness from Bette in the coming months."

Here is Bette on her experience with us. "I joined FT in September of 2008 to complement the progress I was making with my chiropractic care. I realized I needed balanced muscle tone and strength to keep the new alignment in place.

After 6 months of working out, I am astonished and pleased with the results. Each session has been tailored to my specific needs and has progressively challenged my "AWOL" muscle groups to show up, wake up, and step up to strength and health. My chiropractor can see the results

Each trainer at FT has been conscientious, concerned and knowledgeable. Willing to research alternative exercises to approach correction without harm to progressively strengthened muscles and protecting areas that are not ready for the head on approach. I really value everyone's willingness to work with me to get fit and have fun doing it. I feel healthier and stronger than I have in years and less risk for injury. Thank you Fitness Together."