When Fitness is a Lifestyle

Spring is such a beautiful time of year! It is nice to be able to go and do those fun outside activities again. One such activity for me is riding my bicycle. As some of you know, I have formed a Functional Conditioning team to ride the MS 150 on June 28th and 29th. So far, I have been able to raise over $1,000. Thank you to everyone who has been able to help! If you would like to contribute you can make a donation online at http://bikecoc.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR . Or, you can mail a check to the office. Please make the check payable to the National MS Society. Every amount helps!  We have received amounts from $10.00 up to $250.00.

My two favorite classes growing up were physical education and recess. Kids now do not even have to take either one of those classes. My youngest daughter only gets PE one week per month. That is PATHETIC!!! Wonder why our kids are fat? Yeah….So the point I will make in this newsletter is just because you are a grown up does not mean you cannot have recess.

I can hear you already saying “I am too busy to leave my desk for lunch or recess”. What if I told you that you will be more productive by taking 30 minutes to play. When my wife worked at MatchLogic, they had an outdoor sand volleyball pit, an outdoor basketball court, a great gym, and indoor games. The work environment was very upbeat and had great energy.

How does your work environment feel? If your work does not have a suitable place for you to have recess, here are some ideas:
1. Go for a walk at a nearby park.
2. Go to the golf course and hit a bucket of balls.
3. Go for a bike ride. Make sure and wear a helmet.
4. Play basketball outside at a park.
5. Bring a friend and throw a Frisbee or football.
6. Take a yoga or Pilates class at your gym or recreation center.
7. Go to the batting cage and hit a few softballs
8. Go for a jog or run.
9. Go to a gym or recreation center and play racquetball.
10. Go to the park with a friend and play tennis
 

These are just a few suggestions. Try to do something at least two times per week, and notice how much better you feel. I guarantee that you will not feel sleepy at 3:00pm. If you don't want to be stinky, and don't have time to shower, just bring some baby wipes. To find out where parks are by your work simply visit the website of the city where you work. If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to share them with me.

Client of the Month

Jennifer started working out at Functional Conditioning in November 2007. Since that time, she has lost over 86 pounds. Her energy level has increased, and she feels much better. Every time she comes in for a workout, she has boundless energy and gives it 110%. To celebrate her success, Bob and I met her parents, who flew in from Arkansas, and we had a pizza party at Old Chicago. Who says you can’t celebrate great accomplishments with pizza! It was the first time in many months that she had pizza. Bob and I are so very proud of Jennifer. We know that she will be a long-term success story…. Here is what Jennifer has to say:

"I had been heavy for a long time and never bothered to do anything about it. I always watched friends and family struggle with battling 20 pounds and figured if they’re having that much trouble with 20 pounds, what are my chances? Besides, I always thought I’d rather be fat and happy, than miserable battling my weight up and down and beating myself up for it. Not sure what changed that but I think I just got to a point where I was done being fat and wanted to do something about it before my doctor was telling me I had health issues related to my weight. Figured it was better to do it on my own terms then wait and be told I had to do it."