Why do we care about trends? Researchers study them, writers report them, teachers teach them, and tweeters tweet them. Although there are many advantages to being “in the know,” one of the most important reasons to pay attention to trends is that they can help us prepare for and adapt to changes ahead.
Over the past six years, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has identified trends in the fitness industry with their ”Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends” (you can view the full 2012 survey text here). Come January 1, some of the most popular resolutions will be health- and fitness-related, so let’s get a jump on meeting our goals by looking at what the 2012 fitness trends mean for us.
Educated, certified, and experienced fitness professionals are the core of a rapidly expanding industry. In spite of tough economic times, consumers still place a lot of value in getting and staying healthy. The fitness industry has responded to this need by employing qualified trainers and instructors.
What does that mean for you? You can breathe a little easier knowing that you can trust your fitness professionals to lead you in safe and effective workouts, helping you reach your goals faster and giving you more bang for your buck.
Strength training is here to stay. Having been near the top of the trends list for several years, strength training is the first training “type” on the trends list, accompanied by personal, core, functional, and group training.
What does that mean for you? Since most of us sit at a desk all day, adding a little weight-bearing exercise such as resistance training can help improve our energy levels, mood, and overall functionality. Expect fitness centers to continue to update equipment and training options to facilitate strength-training programs that meet the needs of all types of exercisers – a stronger body is yours for the taking!
No one will be left behind. Training options are becoming more population-specific, with new programs being tailored to the aging Baby Boomer population and the fight against childhood obesity (just to name a few). Your fitness professionals are trained specifically to work with a variety of individuals from athletes to people fighting obesity or other diseases.
What does that mean for you? The fitness industry is actively trying to meet you where you are to help you get the most you can out of an exercise program, regardless of your goals or fitness level. In other words, you don’t have to start off looking like Jane Fonda to make exercise a part of your life.
It’s all about energy. Zumba, boot camp, and spinning are growing in popularity. These group classes are high-energy and fun, and put the emphasis on pushing your physical limits.
What does that mean for you?Releasing stress through dancing, high-intensity training, and cycling will leave you feeling strong, accomplished, and ready to tackle life’s challenges. You just have to be willing to give them a try. And although not “trending” anymore, Pilates fans shouldn’t be worried that their favorite class is going to disappear; only time will tell whether these new arrivals and old favorites will continue on as actual trends rather than fads.
The key this year is to work with Midtown to customize a fitness program that will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuventated, and (hopefully) like you had a darn good time.
Now that you know what’s to come in 2012, it’s time to use this information to start doing something that will work for you.
Your 2012 motto shouldn’t be “once I meet my goal, I’ll be happy.” Instead, how about you take a chance on what the industry is giving you and say “it’s time to give myself knowledge, revitalizing energy, and a sense of accomplishment, and add some more fun to my fitness routine.” Now that’s a reason to work out today.
What do you think of these trends? Have you already tried any of these fitness programs or plan to in 2012? What are you going to do differently in your workout routine this year?
Personal Trainer Josette Lindsey is answering your questions this month. Exercise and fitness have always been a part of Josette’s life, whether she was preparing for an upcoming softball season or just working out to stay fit and healthy. She graduated from SUNY Brockport in 1990 with a degree in Physical Education and Sports Management, and then taught children’s fitness classes for four years.
She then transitioned to adult fitness and personal training, and has worked at Midtown for five years.
Her favorite part about her job comes from the satisfaction she receives when her clients tell her how much better they feel after their workouts. She takes great pride in encouraging them to take better care of themselves, and loves watching their progress over time.MORE
It’s the last “Ask the Trainer” post for the year, and Kim Myga is answering your questions this month.
Kim began her career in the fitness field nine years ago after working for many years as a nanny to four children. She was inspired to enter the field after creating workouts and dietary guidelines for a diabetic friend, who after months of following Kim’s protocol, was taken off her diabetes medication.
In addition to training, Kim is also passionate about Pilates and teaches classes as well.
Reader Question: I read somewhere that the metabolic benefit of exercising in the morning or the evening depended upon your body weight. Is this true? What are the benefits of morning vs. evening cardio workouts?
Kim: I haven’t read any evidence that supports this. As for what time to do cardio workouts, keep in mind that it’s consistency and completion that’s most important. Your training needs to involve a routine that works for you. If you have more energy in the morning, get it done early. Just be sure to eat something before. If you’re an evening person, train later. Exercise does help with achieving better sleep; however make sure you leave enough time for the body to settle before going to bed.
Reader Question: I’m finding it difficult to find enough time to do cardio, weight training, and stretching/relaxation exercises each week during this busy holiday season. Is there a particular class or group of classes that you could recommend that would incorporate all these activities?
Kim: First, pencil yourself into your schedule. Just as you may plan a lunch date, plan a workout. Fortunately, we offer a variety of classes that combine activities. These include Spinyassa, Cardio Strength Conditioning, boot camps, Total Body Conditioning, Cardio Kickboxing and more. Or, treat yourself this holiday and check out our 30-minute classes, which include Kinesis and Pilates.
Reader Question: I have no fewer than 12 holiday parties to attend in the next month. Weight management is high on my list of priorities, and I don’t want to backslide (I’ve lost 30 pounds this year). Besides the usual advice of never going to a party hungry and not overdoing the alcohol, how can I make certain I don’t have 10 pounds to lose in January?
Kim: Weight management and mingling this time of year can be challenging. Try scheduling a complementary fitness evaluation so you are aware of your current progress. Then, write down your goals and read them daily. Stay focused and enjoy the company of your family and friends more than the cocktails and dinners.
Reader Question: My 14-year-old daughter is overweight and her pediatrician has encouraged me to assist her with healthy eating and exercise. I am cooking more healthfully at home, but what do you recommend in terms of exercise? Are there any machines she can safely use at the club?
Kim: It’s so important to teach children a healthy lifestyle, including nutrition and exercise. Midtown offers a “Teen Permit.” This includes a free orientation with a fitness professional. He/she will teach your child how to use the equipment safely. Also, check the schedule for kids after school classes as well. They are interactive, motivational, and fun.
Reader Question: I have friends who use Hydroxycut for weight loss. I know it’s dangerous, but I have to admit that they look pretty good. What is your professional opinion on using it?
Kim: It sounds like you’ve answered your own question. Your body is an incredible machine. Use your body and your mind to achieve your fitness goals. That’s all you need.
Reader Question: I have used a particular Midtown trainer a few times now to develop new weight-training programs. I have been very pleased, but I am starting to see some repetition in the programs and am considering trying a different trainer to change things up. Is this considered poor form? I don’t want to offend the original trainer but I also want to get the most out of my sessions.
Kim: Your trainer shouldn’t feel offended. I believe it’s important to have variety. Personally, I like my clients to work with other trainers when I’m out of town. Each trainer has different knowledge and skill sets. We can all learn from each other. I do advise you to speak with your current trainer before working with someone new. As a trainer, we want all of our members to get the most out of their sessions. Your goals are our goals too.
Thank you, Kim!
Do you have a question for one of the trainers? Post your question as a comment to this post, or email it to me at kristi@meetme-atmidtown.com. If you email the question, I will ask it anonymously on your behalf, and post the question and answer (but not your name) on the next “Ask the Trainer” post. You do not need to be a member to ask a question.
You can find past “Ask the Trainer” posts here.)
Personal trainer and fitness instructor Laura Regna is answering your questions this month.
Laura started working as a trainer at Midtown over six years ago. An accomplished dancer with Biodance, Laura holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from SUNY Brockport and a Master’s degree in Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Buffalo. Laura also has a national certification and has attended several other certification programs in a variety of exercise programs, including Pilates, yoga, aqua, flexibility and Kinesis training.
Kristi: What’s your favorite part of your job?
Laura: I love meeting and working with new clients and going to a work environment knowing that I am going to help others and myself to get or stay fit.
Reader Question: I missed the chance to sign up for a kettle bells orientation. Some of my friends had one, and seem to love the kettle bell workouts, but I am slightly intimidated. We’re all women in our 60s. Are kettle bells a good workout choice for us?
Laura: Kettle bells can benefit all age groups including women and men in their 6o’s. However, it’s hard to say that kettle bells are good for everyone, especially if you have had past injuries or you currently have a health condition, such as hypertension. I would recommend that you talk with a personal trainer to see if it is a good fit for you.
Reader Question: I took up outdoor cycling this year and love it, but once the snow arrives, I won’t be able to ride anymore. I’ve heard there’s a big difference between indoor cycling and outdoor. Should I transition to a spinning class, or ride the recumbent bikes to best mimic my outdoor cycling?
Laura: I would highly recommend Doug Rusho’s cycling class or any other cycling class that would match your schedule. Also, I would suggest that you mix up your workouts with our cycling bikes, and seek the advice of a personal trainer who instructs a cycling class, but has outdoor cycling experience, to help increase your workouts over the winter.
Reader Question: I am a 45-year-old male in good health, but I need to lose about 30 pounds. I play basketball in the gym a few times a week, and I think this is enough to get me in shape over time. My wife thinks otherwise and believes I need more cardio. I need a professional trainer’s advice to settle the score!
Laura: Basketball is a start, but basketball is an anaerobic activity, or a workout lasting anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes . An anaerobic activity is a shorter-duration workout than an aerobic workout. Although you might play basketball for an hour your heart rate will not stay in the target heart rate zones needed for an aerobic workout, because of the amount of stopping involved in the sport.
For fat loss, the USDA recommends that an individual get at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily moderately intense physical activity, while eating a properly balanced diet. A few examples of moderately intense physical activity include jogging, brisk walking, bike riding, most sports, yard work, and swimming.
The USDA also suggests that you should work in your target heart rate, which is between 60 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate per minute. The way to find your target heart rate zone is based on your age. Subtract your age from 220, and you will have your estimated maximum heart rate. Multiply by 0.60 through 0.85 to find your low and high end of the target heart rate zones.
Sorry, your wife is right! You need more physical activity to drop the 30 pounds.
Reader Question: Which is the better ab workout-Pilates or yoga?
Laura: Both Yoga and Pilates classes have benefits to working on your abdominals. If you have taken both of these classes before, I would recommend you continue with the class that you enjoy the most. If you enjoy both, and it’s a time issue, then take one Yoga class and next time you’re at the club, take a Pilates class, and so on.
Reader Question: How many clients does each trainer work with? Does each trainer have a specialty? I have one particular trainer in mind, but I’m worried he won’t be able to work with me during the times I need him. I work hours that vary from week to week.
Laura: The trainers have their own schedules and each one of our personal training team has an hourly goal. We are all certified personal trainers here; however, each of us has different strengths that may align with your needs specifically. I would approach this trainer because our hours change from week to week, and he will most likely be able to fit you into his schedule.
Thank you, Laura!
Do You Have a Question for One of the Midtown Trainers?
Post your question as a comment to this post, or email it to me at kristi@meetme-atmidtown.com.
One lucky current Midtown member who submits a question will win a high-quality Midtown Sports Bag (pictured on the sign in the lobby of the club)!
I will select one winner via Random.org on Tuesday, December 7th, at 5pm, and post the name of the winner on our Facebook page and here on the blog on December 8th.
If you email the question, I will ask it anonymously on your behalf, and post the question and answer (but not your name) on the next “Ask the Trainer” post. You do not need to be a member to ask a question, but you do need to be a member to win the sports bag.
So, what do you want to know?
*Congratulations to Aimee Bohn! She won the Midtown logo sports bag because Random.org selected her name from all those who emailed me questions for our next “Ask the Trainer” post! Thanks to everyone who sent in a question (or two!). We have even more giveaways on the way, so keep reading here and the Facebook page.
Think you know everything there is to know about Midtown? Whether you’ve belonged to the club for years, or you’re enjoying your first month as a member, I think at least one thing on this list will surprise you.
I asked Midtown managers and staff about the services, amenities, classes, and general features of the club that they feel are under-utilized simply because members might not know about them.
Here’s what they had to say.
Category: Pool
Secret: You CAN Find a Quiet Reading Spot
If you’re like many Midtowners, you choose your spot on the pool deck based on where the sun is shining (or isn’t shining) and where the crowds are (or are not). However, that much-sought-after quiet spot to read or catch a cat-nap is sometimes elusive.
However, what many don’t know is that the club uses Sonos, a highly advanced music system that divides the pool deck into zones. Members in each zone can hear different music played at different noise levels. According to Tim Auerhahn, Aquatics Director, those in search of a serene place to read should head to the East deck (near the apartments) or the South deck (near the tennis courts). The music in these zones is generally much quieter.
Category: Pool[singlepic id=16 w=320 h=240 float=left]
Secret: Workouts in the Water
If you’re looking for a way to mix up your daily workout, train for a triathlon, or swim more laps in less time, look no further than the Adult Fitness Swim program. Your coach will put you through a competitive-style practice in the pool. You’ll receive individualized attention because the group is small, and your coach will put together your entire week of water workouts. This year’s coach has a great pedigree in swimming. The session begins on June 2nd, and you can sign up at the front desk.
Category: Mind/Body
Secret: Pilates Reformer Training is All About Results
Want to strengthen your core and transform the way your body looks, feels and performs? Check out Pilates Reformer Training, which is gaining in popularity because of the results achieved by those who have taken it. Check out the information wall for the schedule, and then sign up at the front desk.
Category: Mind/Body
Secret: Start Your Weekend Off Right with Guided Meditation
Before you pitch the office printer into an open field or begin harassing your co-workers about your missing stapler, you might want to try a little meditation. Every Friday morning from 8:20 until 8:40, you can attend a guided meditation class. No experience is necessary, and you can either wear your workout gear or your professional clothes.
Category: Front Desk
Secret: Yet Another Use For Your Cell
Keep misplacing your membership keytag? Check into the front desk with your cell instead! Simply take a photo of the barcode on your membership card with your cell phone’s camera, and then use the image on your phone to check in at the front desk.
Category: Housekeeping and Facilities
Secret: Keepin’ It Clean and Orderly
If you’ve ever been crushed upon finding your favorite treadmill out of working order, you can help bring it back to life sooner simply by picking up the phone. Members can dial #264 from any public phone at the club to access the voicemail box of the Housekeeping and Facilities Hotline. Let staff members know of an area in need of housekeeping attention, a broken piece of equipment, or a rack that requires towels. Messages are checked three times a day.
Category: The Spa at Midtown[singlepic id=13 w=320 h=240 float=right]
Secret: Package Makes Perfect
It’s shower, wedding, and graduation season, and a gift of luxury and relaxation from The Spa at Midtown is sure to please. You can purchase a soothing massage, rejuvenating facial, or a stylish nail service, or package them together and save 10%. And don’t forget to stop in for a treatment for yourself. You’re worth it.
Category: Events
Secret: First Tri’s a Charm
Competition will be fierce among the triathletes competing in Midtown’s very first Mini-Triathlon. You’ll swim, spin, and run for 15 minutes each (kids ages 7-14 will compete in three 10-minute sections), and then you’ll get to see where you rank among the club’s tri-stars. Tim Auerhahn says this event will sell out, so sign up early.
Category: Business Office
Secret: My Kids Bought How Many Bagels?
Curious about the price of that cafe smoothie, or want to double-check your monthly Midtown expenses? Your up-to-the-minute club transactions are just a few clicks away. Head to midtown.com/rochester, and click on Member Login in the upper-right corner. Log in with your username and password (or create an account if you haven’t already), and you can not only check your daily purchases, but also your past statements as well.
Do you have a lesser-known aspect about the club you’d like to share with fellow members? Let’s hear it!
