My three-year-old daughter received her first “big-girl” bike last week. Too big for her tricycle, she received a two-wheeler, complete with a backpack that attaches to the handlebars, a water bottle, and training wheels.
She is in love, and has wanted to do nothing but ride this bike constantly. And I’m glad, because the CDC recommends that in order to stay healthy, children should have at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
However, looking at their guidelines and the three types of physical activity the CDC recommends kids perform, I wonder how many kids are meeting this requirement. And perhaps more importantly, how easy it is for them to do so, given the largely sedentary environment in which so many children grow up and the myriad unhealthy temptations that exist everywhere they go.
One of the main reasons I chose my daughter’s preschool was because the children go outside to play on the school’s playground every single day (barring a rainstorm or other prohibitive weather). She’s enrolled in swimming lessons this summer at the club, and is attending her preschool’s outdoor summer camp (in addition to two others through my town’s recreation department). And eating healthfully is something she’s grown up with, so she’s completely unaware that kid-targeted fast-food restaurants even exist.
But she’s three. She doesn’t watch commercial television. We don’t have a video game console. Her computer time is limited to the preschool-level Clifford game at the library. And the Golden Arches are just a giant yellow letter “M” to her. I have no delusions that it will be this easy to keep her active and eating well in another year or two, when her world will open up and she’ll begin to beg for things to which she currently has no exposure.
And I’m scared.
But I’m also really lucky. And you are too.
We belong to a club that makes a healthy lifestyle easy for us, and for our kids as well. The hours accomodate virtually every schedule. Classes are tailored for a wide range of fitness levels and interests. And from Kidtown’s 4,000 square feet of wide open space to encourage movement to Camp Midtown, the club’s four-day Summer Sports Camp for kids, to Tennis and Yoga Camps, the club is focused on helping the entire family stay active.
The childhood obesity rate in this country is skyrocketing, so clearly encouraging our children to get up off the couch, away from the DS, and out from behind the computer is something we need to do. It’s heart-breaking to think of the results of this new study, which has proven something many of us know already: overweight kids are 63% more likely to be bullied in elementary school.
But how do we combat the mixed messages they receive when they’re out of our care?
If you have kids or work with kids, how do you help them stay active?
And what do you think of Santa Clara County’s effort to ban on toys in fast-food meals as a way to combat childhood obesity?
It’s a song by 80s hair band, Europe.
It’s a long-forgotten time-travel movie starring Martin Sheen and Kirk Douglas.
And it sums up the last week in the life of the Midtown staff as the pool and tennis areas are prepared for the spring and summer seasons.
Here’s what’s been going on at the club lately, and what you can expect when the pools and outdoor courts are open for members on Saturday, May 1st:
Last week, the covers came off of the three pools in preparation for the second season of the club’s luxury outdoor expansion area.
If you’re new to the club and about to enjoy your first warm-weather season, Midtown has three pools to serve the needs of members big and small. They are:
An 18-inch-deep Kiddie Pool,
A 2-to-4-feet-deep Intermediate Pool, and
A 25-yard, 4-to-6-feet-deep, 6-lane regulation lap pool.
And because Midtown staff is nothing but dedicated to quality control and member service, Aquatics Director Tim Auerhahn took it upon himself to test the waters (not once, but twice!) to ensure that a positive experience is had by all.
If you can’t wait until Saturday to enjoy the outdoors at Midtown, you can relax by the pools in one of the comfortable lounge chairs.
Spring in Rochester isn’t exactly balmy, so the pools are heated until Mother Nature kicks into high gear later in the year. Until Memorial Day, the pool is open for lap swimming Monday through Friday, from 6am – 8am, and then again from 11am – 1pm. On Tuesday and Thursday, the pool has evening hours from 5pm – 7pm. On the weekends in May, the pool is open from 10am – 2pm. Regular hours resume on Monday, May 31st.
The pool area isn’t the only outdoor space being prepped for spring and summer.
The club’s nine outdoor tennis courts are also just about ready for member play beginning Saturday. The clay is down, the surface is rolled, the lines are straight, and once the nets are up, play can commence! Check out the slideshow.
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The courts open on May 1st (the same day as the pool), and you can call the front desk now to reserve court time.
To start the season off on a high note, the club is offering the Midtown Mini-Triathlon on Saturday, May 29th from 9am to 1pm. This event is guaranteed fun for all activity levels. Hit the pool for a 20-minute swim, followed by a 20-minute cycle on the pool deck, and end with a 20-minute run. You can sign up yourself or a team, but you better do it quickly, as this event will sell out. Call the front desk to register today.
See you poolside! I’ll be the one chasing a three-year-old and 18-month-old twins.
Pass the margaritas.
How do you plan on using Midtown’s outdoor space this spring and summer?
The food kids are served in school cafeterias is, for the most part, junk.
That’s what celebrity chef Jamie Oliver thinks, anyway. And I happen to agree with him.
I have watched with rapt fascination the ABC television show ”Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution,” and while very little about the state of this country’s nutrition surprises me anymore, what this show is documenting has.
The premise of the show is this: Jamie is attempting to change the way Americans eat, and more specifically, the way American children eat. Considering that nearly 1 in 5 preschoolers is obese, and a staggering 17% of all children and adolescents ages 2-19 are considered obese, I’d say this is a problem that needs addressing, and quickly.
He sets up camp in Huntington, West Virginia, recently named by the CDC as the “Unhealthiest City in America,” and heads into the school system to see what the kids are served in the cafeterias. He finds the elementary school kids being served pizza (eggs, sausage, and loads of cheese) for breakfast, and processed, breaded chicken nuggets and french fries for lunch. The students wash down their meals with chocolate and strawberry milk, which the kids overwhelmingly choose over plain white milk, and which contain more sugar than a can of Coke.
He finds virtually the same scenario in the high school cafeteria. French fries are in huge demand there, and when Jamie yanks the fries in one episode, the teenagers are not happy.
There is a complete dearth of freshly prepared food available for the kids to eat in school.
Perhaps more frightening than what the kids are eating is their inability to identify even the most basic of vegetables. Jamie enters a first-grade classroom armed with broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, and other produce. When asked to identify these veggies, the kids are completely stumped.
And this? Makes me want to cry.
Yes, Jamie Oliver chose a region of the country that struggles to overcome cultural stereotypes. And yes, there is not enough talk of exactly WHY the kids are eating pizza for breakfast and processed nuggets with a five-page, completely unpronouncable ingredient list, and iridescent-pink milk for lunch (much of it boils down to the lack of money for fresh-food initiatives and a completely convoluted USDA food classification system where French fries are considered a vegetable), but the bottom line is this:
This kind of food is what is contributing to the childhood obesity problem in this country, and it needs to stop. Now.
Jamie Oliver is shining the spotlight on Huntington to expose a problem found in every school in the country. He is attempting to completely revamp school cafeteria food, so that students are offered healthy, freshly prepared meals every single day.
But the problem is bigger than school lunch food. We have to change not only what we’re feeding our kids in school and at home, but also the way our kids think about the food they eat.
Midtown member Christina Le Beau, author of Spoonfed, a blog that focuses on ways to help parents empower their children to make healthy-eating choices, says, “We shouldn’t be treating our kids like mindless eating machines who aren’t worthy of real food. Children need nutrition, not government-subsidized calories disguised as nutrition. The only reason kids get stuck in the rut of eating so-called ‘kid food’ like chicken nuggets and colored milk is because that’s what adults think kids eat. And adults think that because food marketers have made it so easy to turn off the common sense and reach for the quick fix.”
It doesn’t have to be this way.
My three-and-a-half-year-old daughter has never eaten a chicken nugget. She eats edamame by the handful, and recently recoiled at the chocolate chip cookie the nice woman in the Wegmans bakery offered to her, because she wanted the fruit flats she was used to receiving instead. Kids can learn to make good food decisions. I won’t say it’s easy (and my children certainly do not eat 100% healthfully every single day), but we can guide them in the right direction and help them understand why potato chips and deep-fried Twinkies are not good for their little bodies.
I recently read Bean Appetit: Hip and Healthy Ways to Have Fun with Food, written by Shannon Payette Seip and Kelly Parthen. This pair founded Bean Sprouts, a kids’ cafe and cooking school in Middleton, Wisconsin. The authors are on a mission to encourage kids to get excited about healthy eating by offering them nutritious food in a fun and hands-on atmosphere. The book is fantastic because it teaches parents how to involve their children in making their own healthy food that’s so appealing kids are certain to gobble it right up. My older daughter loves the dragonfly sandwich made from whole wheat pita, one baby dill pickle, slices of turkey breast, fresh fruit, and other yummy ingredients.
We can’t afford not to make the effort for good nutrition. Our children’s lives are at stake.
As Midtown members, you’re undoubtedly committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle for yourself and for your family.
So I’m curious. If you’re watching Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, what do you think about the show?
If you have children, what are your thoughts about the school lunch program in their school? How do you feed your kids when they’re at home?
How does your family stay fit and healthy?
Here’s something you already know: Losing weight is really, really hard to do.
Here’s something you may not know: It’s entirely possible to drop pounds, inches, and body fat if you possess the right combination of perseverance, willpower, self-belief, and determination.
And having a highly qualified team of trainers providing you with support and encouragement along the way doesn’t hurt either.
In January, over 400 people signed up for the “I Lost It At The Club” weight-loss competition. This group, which included both Midtown staff and members, participated in a three-month-long contest to see who could achieve the greatest success in the following categories:
Highest Total Percentage of Weight Loss
Greatest Percentage of Body-Fat Loss
Greatest Number of Inches Lost
Midtown trainers weighed each participant once a week, and provided those competing with nutrition seminars and weight-loss tips.
The tough job of actually losing the pounds, inches, and body fat, however, was left up to the participants. They exercised at the club. They ate healthfully. They resisted the temptations to have seconds, to skip a workout, to hit the couch instead of the StairMaster.
At the end of the three-month-long competition, the elite members of this group received their payoff. The winners of the “I Lost It At The Club” competition received some great prizes, including private tennis lessons with Ajay, personal training sessions, a catered, healthy dinner for four from the Cafe, and a spa prize package.
Some of the winners participated in a photo shoot for an upcoming issue of Spirit Magazine, wearing new clothes from L’Avant Garbe.
But the best prize of all?
The knowledge that hard work pays off, and as a result, their new bodies are stronger, fitter, and healthier for it.
Congratulations to all of those who lost weight, inches, and body fat through this competition!
Here are the winners in each category:
Highest Total Percentage of Weight Loss: Kevin Monaghan
Greatest Percentage of Body-Fat Loss: Marie VanGraafeiland
Greatest Number of Inches Lost: Gerry Stryker
Did you participate in “I Lost It At The Club”? If so, how did you lose weight?
Please share your success stories!
I was not always a runner.
In high school and college, I was the classic bookworm. I studied. I co-edited my high school paper and wrote for my college one. I read stacks of books and wrote short stories and poetry. I ate whatever I wanted, and didn’t give much thought to what I was putting into my body. My eating habits were awful. I was the only vegetarian I knew who didn’t eat vegetables.
One day, I stepped on the scale and was horrified by the number staring back at me. I turned to my sister, a long-time runner, and asked her about her sport. She encouraged me to lace up my sneakers and get back into shape. That was almost seven years ago.
I ran 30 miles a week and was in the best shape of my adult life. Running had given me back my strength, my energy, and my body. I was addicted. On the one day a week I did not run, I felt as if I had accidentally worn my slippers to Wegmans. Something was just off.
I set a goal to train for a half-marathon.
Of course, my journey has had detours. My detours are now three and 17 months old.
In 2006 my daughter was born, and 30 miles a week, plus a full-time job, plus freelance work was no longer possible. Instead, I ran 20 a week, and while it wasn’t enough, it had to be enough.
Image Courtesy of Timtak
In 2008, my twins were born. And a life that seemed chaotic before their arrival suddenly morphed into the very definition of mayhem. Running was squeezed into the crevices. Five miles one week, fifteen the next, and three the week after that. I had no schedule. No rhythm. And certainly no speed. They had colic for six months. I functioned on less than five hours of broken sleep a night until well past their first birthday.
My runs suffered.
And in October of last year, I stopped running. We moved. I had taken on a number of large freelance projects. I had three children under the age of three. I told myself that there wasn’t time. That I would start again soon. That there would be plenty of time for running in the future.
It was the wrong decision.
Running makes me a better writer. It makes me a better mother. It makes me a better human being. It is something that is mine, and mine alone. Whether I am on a deserted road or on the treadmill at Midtown surrounded by fellow runners, I am completely centered, focused, and driven. My outside distractions, my kids, my deadlines, my mountainous piles of laundry cease to matter in the slightest.
I needed to find a way to bring running back into my life.
In February, I joined Midtown. The club has, in many ways, given me back my life. I am “me” again.
I drop off my children in Kidtown, where a wonderfully kind, patient, and dedicated staff takes incredible care of them. I can complete my runs knowing that they are in a safe and fun environment, which means so much to me. The social scene of the club is something I’m looking forward to enjoying as well. My family and I attended the Bunny Brunch recently, and we all had a blast.
And the half-marathon plans are back on. I’m running in the Rochester Half-Marathon in September.
My Midtown story isn’t that different from yours, minus, perhaps, the Twinsanity. Each of you has made healthy living a priority. Each of you belongs to Midtown (or would like to) for a reason. Whether it’s the pursuit of a lifestyle change, a fitness goal you want to attain, or a sport you want to perfect, Midtown is serving an important purpose, and I would love to hear about it. Write a comment, use the form on the Contact page, or send me an email at Kristi@meetme-atmidtown.com.
This blog is for you, Midtown’s members and future members. It will feature member profiles, an “Ask the Trainer” series, commentary on current health news, and special posts, such as “Midtown’s Best-Kept Secrets,” which will highlight aspects of the club you might not know about. And of course, I want to hear your ideas, too. If you have a suggestion for a post on this blog, please share it.
Welcome to your blog. I hope you’ll return often.
Welcome to “Meet Me At Midtown.”
This blog has been designed so that everyone can share their experiences of being a Midtown member.
In fact, you should know that Midtown’s blog is NOT written by the club. It is independently written by member Kristi Gaylord, who has free reign to “blog-her-head-off.”
So in the true spirit of blogging, we encourage you to share any and all comments about life at Midtown.
If you’re an uneducated, social-media dinosaur like myself, take a minute to view this video.
It inspired me to learn more about blogs, and even motivated me to open my own Facebook page.
See ya around the corner,
Glenn
General Manager
Shanita Ray
Nail maintenance is part of overall wellness and is just as important as skin care, hair care, and dental care.
Nails are not meant to scrape or scrub during housework or even to scratch off your winning lottery tickets!
Working one’s nails too abrasively can cause splitting and even lifting, which can lead to fungus growth. This is important for both women and men to remember.
Drink lots of water, and use a hardener and cuticle oil daily to help maintain strong and healthy nails.
In addition to good nail care, these will also allow your fresh new manicure to last twice as long!
__________________________________________________
Shanita Ray has been a nail technician since March of 2010 and performs manicures, pedicures, and gel nail services. She’s also in training to provide other spa services at The Spa at Midtown.
Fitness Director: Sam OwensM3
Sam has over 15 years of fitness experience. He earned his undergraduate degree in Physical Education from Cortland State University, while playing four years of varsity football. Sam received a Masters in Exercise Science with a Concentration in Performance Enhancement from the University of California at Pennsylvania and is certified with the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Personal Trainer and as a Performance Enhancement Specialist.
Sam enjoys non-traditional training methods and is often seen flipping tires and swinging a sledge hammer in the Midtown parking lot as part of his workout.
Reading and listening to music are two of Sam’s favorite things to do during his free time.
Fun Fact: Sam is a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan and also enjoys barbecuing and making his homemade barbecue sauce on the weekends.
Email: Sam.Owens@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Ext. 139
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Justin started weight training at the early age of 12. Justin’s father took him to the high school gym, which at the time was a 10 x 12 room, with a universal lat pull, squat bench, roman chair, and a row machine. Justin’s passion for exercise grew with the expansion of the high school gym. His passion led him to MCC, where he studied Physical Education. Still unsure of what he wanted to do, Justin enrolled at SUNY Brockport, where he developed an interest in Psychology. After much contemplation about which path to take, he finally came to his senses and picked Exercise Physiology.
Fun Fact: Justin’s lifting career began early as he spent his high school and middle school years taking down and setting back up all the tables and chairs in his school cafeteria. Wrestling practice was held in the cafeteria, and the wrestlers had to move all the tables and chairs, cart in two mats, practice, and then move everything back in again.
Email: Justin.Bradt@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Ext. 238
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Arlene first came to Midtown when she was ten years old to watch her parents play tennis. During a college break, she came back to work out in the new fitness center. After teaching aerobics in the early 1980s, Arlene decided to further her education in the field and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Fitness from Springfield College in Massachusetts. Upon returning to Rochester, she was hired at Midtown and began a long and fulfilling career. Arlene has had many roles in the Fitness department over the years, and currently, she’s a Personal Trainer. What Arlene enjoys most about personal training is the different people she meets and helping them improve the quality of their lives through achieving fitness goals. In addition to her Bachelor’s degree, Arlene is NASM and ACE-certified.
Fun Fact: Arlene has worked at Midtown for over half of her life.
Email: Arlene.Dalton@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Ext. 280
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Joe was born and raised in Westchester County in the small town of Bedford Hills. His passion for sports started at a young age when he began playing soccer at age 5. Continuing his goal to become a top athlete, he was awarded top honors for the Presidential Challenge in middle school, placing in the top 5thpercentile. During the summers, he worked as a lifeguard and swimming instructor. By the end of high school, he was the captain of the soccer and lacrosse team, and was awarded All- County status for both sports. Since playing sports came naturally to him, Joe decided to pursue a degree in Exercise Science and Kinesiology at SUNY Cortland. During college he played Division I rugby, and achieved certifications in scuba diving, water safety instructor (WSI) and self-defense. After graduating from college, Joe decided to move to Rochester, where all three of his older brothers live. He began working at Midtown in 2007. Joe currently holds his personal training certification through ACE and is currently working on completing his ACE Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant Certification.
Fun Fact: In rugby, Joe was given the nickname “jaw breaker” for accidentally breaking a teammate’s jaw during practice.
Email: Joseph.Dietrich@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Ext. 311
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Susan was born in Liverpool, NY and has been in fitness since 1994. She originally started her fitness career in Houston, Texas where she, her husband and then three-year-old daughter lived for about 3.5 years. She received her group fitness certification from AFAA and began teaching fitness classes at Gold’s gym, Worlds Gym, and a private club, all located in the Houston area. When her husband switched jobs, they moved back to Liverpool withher daughter, nine-month-old son, and another baby on the way. Once her third child was born, she continued her career in Liverpool where she gained new certifications in kickboxing and core. Eventually they moved to Rochester, where she and her family have lived for the past 11 years. In 2006, Susan received her Personal Training certification through AFAA. In 2007, Susan received another Personal Training certification through NASM. In 2010, she received a certification for Pilates Reformer through Balanced Body. She has worked for Midtown for 11 years, where in addition to personal training, she continues to teach Cycle, Core, Group Power, Bootcamp, and Pilates Reformer.
Email: Susan.Doyle@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Extension: 257
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Kevin has been involved in fitness and sports his entire life. He comes from an athletic family, and graduated with a degree in Exercise Physiology in 2002. He then started his career at Midtown. Kevin became NFPT, ACE, USBA, and CPR/AED certified with a specialty in weight loss and strength and conditioning. He enjoys training all levels of fitness and helping people achieve their goals.
Fun Fact: Kevin once did
200 push-ups in one set and 2,000 in a single day.
Email: Kevin.Glor@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Extension: 230
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Bruce has 14 years of personal training experience. He has spent his entire career helping people get fit, stay fit, and strength-train. Bruce started training when he was 16 years old. The owner of the gym where he worked out encouraged him to enter the field. Bruce realized very early on that training was the only job he ever wanted. Bruce graduated from SUNY Cortland witha B.S. in Exercise Science, and is a Certified Strengthand Conditioning Specialist. In addition to working as a trainer for Midtown, Bruce is also the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Rochester Americans, and for Penfield High School.
Check out Bruce’s “Ask the Trainer” post here.
Fun Fact: Bruce has run 17 marathons (including 10 Bostons)
Email: Bruce.Hedlund@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Ext. 269
M2
Beginning at age 5, Josette was participating in any sport she could, including “two-hand-touch football” or “stickball.” Josette continued to play sports through high school and college, earning a Sports/Academic Scholarship for softball. At the age of 15, Josette began working at City Park and Recreational Facilities instructing children in a variety of sports and activities and continued doing so until graduating from SUNY Brockport in 1990, with a degree in Physical Education and Sports Management. Exercise and fitness were always part of her life, whether she was preparing for an upcoming season or just staying fit and healthy. After college, Josette taught children’s fitness classes for all ages for four years. Because she was always interested in weight training and aerobics classes, she began looking for opportunities in adult fitness and personal training. In 1995, she began working at a fitness club in Syracuse, instructing members on the proper use of the equipment. She also dabbled in Membership Sales/Management positions. Josette learned that she enjoyed hands- on instruction much more than managerial positions. She feels her job is very rewarding when her clients achieve positive results from their workouts! She enjoys working with people of all ages and all levels of fitness. Josette has been at Midtown for five years and is NASM-certified.
Fun Fact: Next to fitness, Josette’s second love is food. You can also find her serving you a fabulous dinner at her family-owned restaurant, Rizzi’s. Josette has six siblings, including a twin sister.
Email: Josette.Lindsey@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Ext. 251
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Steve grew up in Fall River, a city 30 miles south of Boston. He started lifting weights when he was 13. In high school, he played baseball and soccer, and upon graduating, he entered the Marine Corp.
Once back home, he worked as a cabinetmaker and sheet metal worker/welder while lifting weights, boxing, and doing aikido in his spare time. In 1999, he moved to the Caribbean island of St. Kitts, where he devoted himself to fitness and competed on a national level for St. Kitts as a Power Lifter and Bodybuilder. After leaving St Kitts in 2001, he moved to Baton Rouge, LA. where he decided to make a change to a life around fitness.
After relocating to the Rochester area in 2003, he decided to dive into the entire Fitness profession by becoming a full-time Personal Trainer, and added a National Academy of Sports Medicine to his existing certification with ISSA as a Fitness Trainer. Steve joined Midtown in October 2006, where he has continued as a Personal Trainer. Steve teaches two early-morning Boot Camp classes per week. Steve enjoys helping as many people as possible on a daily basis and can be found on the workout floor quite often fine-tuning his workout programs.
Fun Fact: Steve enjoys cooking and counts Beef Wellington & Tiramisu as two of his favorite dishes to make.
Email: Steve.Lopes@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Ext. 249
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Vincenzo is originally from Rochester and enlisted in the Armed Forces, where he was a Military Police Officer/Master Fitness Trainer for eight years. He has over four years of overseas experience. Vincenzo is currently certified with the National Federation of Personal Training and is currently working on completing his certification with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Vincenzo is a highly motivated, energetic trainer with 10 years of experience, with expertise in Boot Camp classes, resistance and free weight training, Professional Women’s Figure / Bodybuilding, sports -specific training and post -rehab conditioning.
Email: Vincenzo.Mogavero@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Ext. 272
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Kim started her unusual path in the fitness field as a nanny. She took care of 4 children, including newborn twin boys, and as a job benefit, she was given a free membership to a gym. Not only did she love challenging her body, but she also created workouts and dietary guidelines for a friend who was diabetic. Several months later, her friend was taken off medication. This inspired Kim to look into the field of fitness. She soon discovered Pilates, which she is very passionate about. After years of studying and acquiring certifications, Kim decided to look for work in the fitness industry. She waited until the children she cared for were old enough for school, and then began to pursue her new career. She never thought she would find something as gratifying as taking care of children. But after 9 years in the fitness field, she still wakes up around 4 AM, excited to play at work.
Fun Fact: Kim started a business as a personal chef several years ago.
Email: Kimberly.Myga@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Ext. 235
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Laura began personal training while she attended undergraduate and graduate school. She started working for Midtown as a personal trainer in 2004. She has a national certification and has attended several other certification programs in a variety of exercise programs, including Pilates, yoga, aqua, flexibility and Kinesistraining. Laura has implemented and is currently teaching the stretching program for both one-on-one and group stretching at Midtown. Additionally, Laura is an active instructor at SUNY Brockportand at the University of Rochester in their dance departments. She has earned both a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Brockport and a Master’s degree in Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Buffalo. Currently, she performs and dances for Biodance, a modern dance company in Rochester. Laura’s exercise teaching philosophy is that she focuses on building a strong “core” and good alignment for her clients, while keeping the workouts challenging and fun.
Fun Fact: Laura loves to hike, especially to waterfalls, with her husband, Dan and dog, Vance.
Email: Laura.Regna@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Ext. 278
M3
Doug started his interest in training at 13 years old, buying a textbook on plyometrics, and starting strength training when the high school quarterback told him “you would dominate in basketball if you bulked up.” Although the “bulking up” was minimal the performance gains were very apparent. Doug competed in Soccer, Basketball, and Track and Field utilizing all types of training. He graduated from SUNY Brockport with a B.S. in Exercise Physiology/Biomechanicsin 1995. He interned at Midtown and has been Personal Training ever since. He has held several certifications, currently National Strengthand Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer. Doug is also heavily involved as an indoor cycle instructor, launching many special events like “Cycling at the Cinema,” “Pre-Turkey Burn,” and “Journey of the Peaceful Warrior.” He is a member of Indoor cycle instructor Pro and was recently featured in a two part podcast interview covering indoor cycling technique. For the past 14 years Doug has become a “certified cycling nut” racing mountain and road bikes all over the Northeast. Doug continues his quest for training knowledge and the improvement of human performance.
Fun Fact: Doug is often praised for his “musicality” in cycle class, which he attributes to being forced by his parents to play a musical instrument (trombone) from 4th through 10th grade.
Check out Doug’s “Ask the Trainer” post here.
Email: Doug.Rusho@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Ext. 261
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Dina has been a trainer at Midtown for 14 years and is NASM-certified. Starting out as a floor trainer with a B.S. in Health Sciences from Brockport, she soon acquired a passion for training and special events here at the club. Eventually she became the special Events Coordinator and then Fitness Director until the birth of her twin daughters in 2002. Since then Dina has maintained a part time schedule as a personal trainer and focuses on pregnancy and exercise and Kinesis. Dina enjoys playing tennis and has been in several leagues and hopes to continue to play and get more competitive. Lately you can see her carrying around a yoga mat or running off to a Pilates class. When not at Midtown, Dina enjoys spending time with her husband Steve and three children.
Fun Fact: Dina is still training her very first client whom she began training when she started 14 years ago!
Check out Dina’s “Ask the Trainer” post here.
Email: Dina.Smock@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Ext. 125
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Dave has been at Midtown for 19 years, and holds an M.S. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Buffalo. He is a NSCA-certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and an NASM Certified Personal Trainer. His recent personal accomplishments include competing in the Musselman Triathlon and being a two-time finisher of the Adirondack Canoe Classic (AKA “The 90-Miler”). Dave began lifting weights at age 12, and has not stopped since! Dave began college with the goal of becoming a Physical Education teacher, but soon realized he loved training and science, so he switched his major to Exercise Physiology. He enjoys helping clients develop a passion for exercise and achieving fitness goals.
Fun Fact: Dave was once the Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Rochester Amerks.
Check out Dave’s “Ask the Trainer” post here.
Email: Dave.Statt@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Ext. 282
M2
Judy has always been active, and began playing sports in elementary school. When she discovered the benefits and fun of working out with weights and machines, she wanted to help others reap the same rewards. Judy obtained her first certificate as a personal trainer nine years ago. She has been training ever since, the last six years at Midtown. Along the way she has obtained two additional certifications, and became a Pilates Reformer instructor. She is also very enthusiastic about Kinesis training. Judy enjoys training all ages, especially the clients 45+ and those rehabilitating from an injury or surgery.
Fun Fact: Judy is an avid fly fisherwoman, and has traveled with her husband Kimball as far as Alaska to catch salmon and rainbow trout.
Email: Judy.Straw@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Ext. 246
M2
Paul
has always had an interest in physical activity. He played a variety of sports growing up, starting at the age of five. His interest in working out started in high school due where he was a wrestler. Paul then went to SUNY Brockport where he earned his B.S. in Exercise Physiology. After earning his degree, Paul was hired as a Fitness department intern, and he was later hired as a personal trainer. He has been training individuals and groups at Midtown for the last four years and is certified by the American Council of Exercise (ACE-CPT). Paul specializes in training a wide range of individuals witha special interest in strength and conditioning, weight loss, and bodybuilding.
Fun Fact: Paul also works for his father, assisting him in running a dairy farm.
Email: Paul.Torcello@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Ext. 277
M2
Brian started his fitness career at the age of seven, swimming for a competitive swim team in Jamaica. At the age of 10, he made it onto Jamaica’s National Swimming Squad and competed at an international level until age 17. During that time he continued to swim for his club and for his high school. At age 13, he started playing water polo for his high school and continued to play in college. Brian started Body Building after his aquatics career ended at the age of 18 and started personal training then as well. He competed in body building until age 24, and won the NPC Amateur New York State Championships for his weight class. Shortly thereafter, Brian wrote a book entitled Slim and Trim,which has since been published by Amazon Books. Having moved to Rochester in 1990, Brian started teaching swimming at a local healthclub and then moved from aquatics to the fitness department. He eventually led the strength training department, and he also managed the aquatics department for a brief time. After becoming certified by The American College of Sports Medicine as a Health Fitness Specialist (HFS) and having had several certifications prior, Brian worked in a medical office as a health fitness specialist for six years. Brian joined the Midtown personal training team in 2000, and his current fitness quest is Seidokan Karate.
Fun Fact: Brian is a Licensed United States Coast Guard Master Captain for vessels up to 50 tons.
Email: Brian.Wilmot@midtown.com
Phone Number: 461-2301 Ext. 259
Kristi Gaylord est la directrice, média sociaux pour TCA. Auteure prolifique, elle se passionne pour la course longue distance et la nutrition des enfants.
Allison Ford est une instructrice de Pilates et la coordinatrice marketing de Midtown Windy Hill. Fanatique de sports, elle adore encourager ses équipes favorites : les Braves et les Falcons d’Atlanta, et les Hurricanes de la Floride. Allison essaie aussi de passer du temps à la plage dès qu’elle en a l’occasion.
Tim is the Head Lifeguard at Midtown Bannockburn. He is a big Chicago sports fan, loves to play sports, and hopes to learn how to play Paddle Tennis in the near future.
Millie Minton est la coordinatrice aux communications de Midtown Tennis Club. Originaire du Sud des États-Unis, elle apprécie la vie urbaine de Chicago. Elle a hérité sa passion pour le tennis de son papa et a récemment découvert la course de fond.
Jacaudrey Charbonneau est la directrice médias sociaux de Midtown Le Sanctuaire à Montréal. Parmi ses champs d’intérêt, on retrouve l’entraînement à la corde à sauter, la planche à neige et le théâtre.
Kristen Schumacher est la directrice médias sociaux de Midtown Oak Park et une entraîneuse personnelle. Lorsqu’elle ne s’entraîne pas pour sa prochaine course de fond, elle aime cuisiner, chanter et passer du temps avec sa famille et ses amis.
Marichi Racela-Smith est la directrice médias sociaux de Midtown Overland Park. Lorsqu’elle n’est pas sur un court de tennis, on la trouve en train de faire de la photographie, d’enseigner la danse ou de voyager.
Robyn Kove est la directrice des médias sociaux et des relations avec les membres de Midtown Forest Grove. Native de New York, elle aime le vélo, les Schnauzers et le Pinot Grigio.
Carole Wood est la directrice médias sociaux de Midtown Weston. Elle adore brûler les calories en enseignant ou en participant à des classes de Spinning, et on la retrouve aussi souvent dans le studio de Pilates sur table Reformer. Carole est native de la Floride, dont elle apprécie tout spécialement le climat qui lui permet de jouer à l’extérieur à l’année!
Nicole Duval est une entraîneuse personnelle passionnée par la cuisine santé. Elle bannit l’ennuie de ses routines de mise en forme et apprécie passer du temps avec son fils et son mari.
Kristi Gaylord est la directrice, média sociaux pour TCA. Auteure prolifique, elle se passionne pour la course longue distance et la nutrition des enfants.
Allison Ford est une instructrice de Pilates et la coordinatrice marketing de Midtown Windy Hill. Fanatique de sports, elle adore encourager ses équipes favorites : les Braves et les Falcons d’Atlanta, et les Hurricanes de la Floride. Allison essaie aussi de passer du temps à la plage dès qu’elle en a l’occasion.
Tim is the Head Lifeguard at Midtown Bannockburn. He is a big Chicago sports fan, loves to play sports, and hopes to learn how to play Paddle Tennis in the near future.
Millie Minton est la coordinatrice aux communications de Midtown Tennis Club. Originaire du Sud des États-Unis, elle apprécie la vie urbaine de Chicago. Elle a hérité sa passion pour le tennis de son papa et a récemment découvert la course de fond.
Jacaudrey Charbonneau est la directrice médias sociaux de Midtown Le Sanctuaire à Montréal. Parmi ses champs d’intérêt, on retrouve l’entraînement à la corde à sauter, la planche à neige et le théâtre.
Kristen Schumacher est la directrice médias sociaux de Midtown Oak Park et une entraîneuse personnelle. Lorsqu’elle ne s’entraîne pas pour sa prochaine course de fond, elle aime cuisiner, chanter et passer du temps avec sa famille et ses amis.
Marichi Racela-Smith est la directrice médias sociaux de Midtown Overland Park. Lorsqu’elle n’est pas sur un court de tennis, on la trouve en train de faire de la photographie, d’enseigner la danse ou de voyager.
Robyn Kove est la directrice des médias sociaux et des relations avec les membres de Midtown Forest Grove. Native de New York, elle aime le vélo, les Schnauzers et le Pinot Grigio.
Carole Wood est la directrice médias sociaux de Midtown Weston. Elle adore brûler les calories en enseignant ou en participant à des classes de Spinning, et on la retrouve aussi souvent dans le studio de Pilates sur table Reformer. Carole est native de la Floride, dont elle apprécie tout spécialement le climat qui lui permet de jouer à l’extérieur à l’année!
Nicole Duval est une entraîneuse personnelle passionnée par la cuisine santé. Elle bannit l’ennuie de ses routines de mise en forme et apprécie passer du temps avec son fils et son mari.
