Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Trainer Tuesdays: What Can I Give Out On Halloween Instead of Candy That Kids Will Actually Like?

Trainer Tuesdays

Welcome back to the weekly edition on Trainer Tuesdays. Make sure to check in at our blog every Tuesday evening to learn the expertise of our great staff. Aside from being fantastic exercise coaches, they are also extremely knowledgeable in many aspects of health and fitness; so, it's time that you get to know them a little better! Each week, we will post a frequently asked, or sometimes just a fun fitness related question followed by the answers of each of the trainers at Fitness Together Brecksville.

http://www.fitnesstogetherbrecksville.net

What Can I Give Out On Halloween Instead of Candy That Kids Will Actually Like?

Adam Teplitz: There are plenty of healthy alternatives to candy for Halloween. Different flavors of popcorn are always a good option. Individual packages of fruit or applesauce , even pudding is a better alternative than candy. Other options are little packets of organic raisins , low sugar granola bars , low sugar trans fat free cookies from health stores, pretzels , cheese sticks , fruit bars, homemade fruit sweetened cookies, and plain dark chocolate. There's no reason why kids can't have an enjoyable AND healthy Halloween.

Bronson Rotaru: Some better choices to hand out for this Halloween would include mini pretzels, or fruit snacks from Annie's (or another quality brand like that). If you must hand out candy, try reading the ingredients and choose products with natural sweeteners.

Kerry Fairchild: I took an impromptu poll of the 9 kids "raking" leaves in my yard. Best Halloween treat that is not candy... Glow Sticks! One child went on to say, "brand new, still in the box!" When asked why, answers varied from things like "they are the coolest" and "I can put them on my dog" to "then we can play night-tag" and "they match my costume!" From a parent-perspective, I would have to agree. Anything that makes kids more visible at night makes them a good choice at my house. So, Glow Sticks it is!

Monika Cotter: There are many other alternatives in lieu of the usual Halloween candy sugar rush. Some of the options are individual size bags of popcorn or pretzels which have less sugar and are lower in fat. Other options are pencils, erasers or stickers that can be bought at the dollar store or in the dollar bins at Target. As the mother of a nine year old daughter, I know she loves to get little trinkets like that in her trick-or-treat bag. Enjoy your Halloween and try not to eat too much candy!

Steven Madden: Halloween is around the corner and it's time to decide what you are going to hand out. There is the usual chocolate, but what if you want to give them something healthy? What could you give them that they would actually like? Well, there are always raisins, but I don't really remember anyone wanting to hit the house that was handing out raisins. Then there are whole apples, but due to some unfounded urban legends, people tend to throw those out. I am a fan of the small bags of pretzels personally, I liked them as a kid and I like them now. You could always hand out some quarters too, hoping they're not spent on candy, but good luck. Maybe fruit snacks are a good idea, as they are at least made with some fruit juice and usually fortified with at least vitamin C. Packets of peanuts and cashews may also make a nice alternative too. Just please don't hand out tooth brushes and floss.

Lisa Clark: Check back for Lisa’s answer later

Kelly Bailey: I think Halloween is an opportunity to teach kids about moderation...but that this is a job best saved for the parent. When I was a kid, I remember disliking the people that gave out apples or popcorn balls or, heaven forbid, toothbrushes! Now, as the parent of a four-year-old, as much as I don't like to see her eating sweets, I know that I'm the one who controls how much and when she consumes those treats. If you must give out something "healthy", try non-food items like stickers or temporary tattoos. Otherwise, enjoy giving out a sweet treat knowing that Halloween happens only once a year!

Taynee Pearson: Check back for Taynee’s answer later

http://www.fitnesstogether.com/brecksville/candyswap

Private Kickboxing at Fitness Together Brecksville

http://www.fitnesstogether.com/brecksville/kickboxing

Do you enjoy a kickboxing style workout, but do not like working out in a group setting? Now at Fitness Together Brecksville, you can receive private, one-on-one Kickboxing sessions in a comfortable setting where you have 100% undivided attention from one of our certified professionals. Our studio has 3 private training suites instead of a large, open space gym so there are no distractions or interruptions during your visit. We treat our clients like family here, and we will provide you with a water bottle and towel every time you come in. These kickboxing sessions can help you if your goals are:

Increased Speed
Weight Loss
Core Strength
Power and Explosiveness
Speed and Agility
Improved Hand-Eye Coordination
Conditioning & Stamina
Much, Much More!


Owner Sean Sullivan working with trainer Steven Madden

At Fitness Together we customize a program based on a client's specific goals. We will begin by setting up a complimentary consultation in which we discuss your goals and exercise history in more detail. Then, we will conduct a fitness assessment to get a better idea of your current levels of strength, conditioning, balance and endurance. Based on that information, we will have a more professional recommendation of how often we would like to see you in order to accomplish your goals; so, we will determine a number of visits that makes sense for you.

One of our nationally accredited certified personal trainers, Steven Madden brought this idea to the table when a client asked if we offer any kickboxing classes. We didn't, but now we do. Steven J. Madden is an NASM certified personal trainer and is currently pursuing a degree in Exercise Science. A resident of Broadview Heights, Steven likes working within his local communities and using his combined skills to help train and motivate clients to new levels of health and fitness. He takes a proactive approach and stays engaged during the sessions to ensure optimal results. In addition to being a trainer he is also a formally trained stunt man, martial artist and theatrical fight choreographer. Steven is also a comedian in the comedy sword fighting show The Dueling Fools. Our clients at Fitness Together love working with Steven, so make sure to book your appointment quick before they are all taken.

Here are a couple of videos where you can see a private kickboxing workout in action:

Click Here for a special offer! Or call 440.550.4862 to try a kickboxing session!

Here is a little friendly rivalry Grudgematch that has brewed over social media between a few of our clients across the Fitness Together nation!

It's such a great workout, but they also have FUN!

Susan kicking it off

Tom with a comeback

Susan's out for blood!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Trainer Tuesday: Of All the Many Health Benefits Associated with Exercise, Which is the Greatest Motivator For You Personally?

Trainer Tuesdays

Of All the Many Health Benefits Associated with Exercise, Which is the Greatest Motivator For You Personally?

http://www.fitnesstogether.com/brecksville

Bronson Rotaru: The single most motivating factor for me is staying lean. I know that being preventative now is going to help me as I continue to get older. The fitter and leaner I am, the better on my heart and major organs. It is much easier to keep the weight off while being young. You can certainly do it at any age but why waste time or set yourself up for a hard time. Do yourself a favor and stay lean(er) now and help your future self. Preventative maintenance is best!!

Kerry Fairchild: Having a father that is a former quadruple bypass and a mother who has had angioplasty, I am in a constant and epic battle against cholesterol and its damage to the arteries. What health benefit of exercise gives me the most motivation? The answer is the ability to improve my HDL (good cholesterol) level. HDLs, the scavenger that takes cholesterol out of the body's cells and carries it back to the liver for disposal can only be raised by regular physical activity. A healthy HDL level is anything greater than 60mg/dL. As of lab work performed two weeks ago, I am the proud owner of an HDL level of 99. Swim-bike-run-lift-repeat!

Adam Teplitz: Out of the many health benefits to exercise, it's the fact that I know I'm improving my body as a whole that motivates me the most. Specifically, it's the strength gains that come from lifting that fuel me. I'm always looking to increase the weight for different exercises. I can't forget an elevated metabolism as another benefit. Lean muscle mass leads to additional calories burned at rest. This is a huge motivator for me. My goal is to always push my body to the next level and reap the benefits that come with it.

Monika Cotter: One of the main motivators in my life to work out is to set an example for my daughter. Yes, sure I want to look good in a bathing suit, get better, faster and stronger; but most importantly I want to teach my child how to take care of herself, lead a healthy life and to take pride in who she is. When she sees me putting effort into exercising or overcoming a goal, I want her to know that with hard work and dedication she can do anything she puts her mind to. Above all I want her to grow up with the confidence to know that she is beautiful no matter what and that she can accomplish anything!

Lisa Clark: There are so many reasons why I personally make exercise part of my daily life. The health benefits are endless. I love knowing I am doing something to invest in my future health. With osteoporosis in my family, exercise is something I can do now to greatly reduce my chances of weakened bones when I am older. However if I have to pick the most motivating factor I would have to say it's the way it makes me feel! It's not a myth. You really do have this great happiness-high after a good workout.

Kelly Bailey: I'm one of those crazy people that actually likes to exercise, but I definitely have extrinsic motivators. I always try to see the big picture. Though I may be young and healthy right now, I know that if I don't take care of my body, I could suffer in my later years. People are living much longer now than in previous generations. However, because of our current lifestyles, these later years in life are often plagued by disease and immobility issues. I enjoy living an active, outdoor lifestyle, and I plan to live this lifestyle well into my "golden years". I know that the only way I can hope to accomplish that is to keep my body strong and healthy.

Taynee Pearson: There are many great benefits that come from exercising regularly but there are certain ones that motivate us more than others. Personally my motivation to workout is based on health benefits and self confidence. I like to know that I have done everything to prevent illnesses in the future such as heart disease and diabetes whether I get them or not. It is our responsibility to take care of our bodies since we only have one. Exercise also helps me improve my self confidence by making me feel comfortable in my own skin.

Steven Madden: Check back later for Steven’s answer