Electra Health Club and Spa

Salon & Spa Grand Opening!!!

2010-07-05T13:42:00.005-04:00

Grand Re-Opening on July 12, 2010 4pm-7pm
Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, raffles, discounts, and special offers!
Check out our newly renovated Salon & Spa,
introducing the most current trends in salon & spa services!

908 Riverside Dr, 3rd Floor
Palmetto, FL, 34221
941-729-6900

3 Month Summer Special!

2010-05-05T15:59:00.001-04:00

2010-05-05T09:46:00.001-04:00

Happy Mother's Day!

The Perfect Gift For Mom.

AGE Smart Treatment Facial $70 (reg. $80)
Treatment designed to help, firm, smooth, nourish, regenerate and energize while controlling the biochemical triggers that lead to skin aging.

Rose Petal Massage $80 (reg $85)
A tranquil Swedish massage, using essential rose oils and rose petals.

Mother's Day Package $199 (reg. $246)
AGE Smart Facial - Rose Petal Massage - Manicure & Pedicure
Shampoo & Blow Dry - Lunch

Call Today and Give the Gift of Love to Mom.

941-729-6900

Hip and Knee Injury Prevention and Exercise

2010-05-03T08:32:00.001-04:00

By Paul Boisvert NSPA Certified Conditioning Specialist

Understanding the relationship between the hip and knee joints will have a positive impact on your workouts and other regular activities. From my own observations as a personal trainer and a group fitness instructor, it is safe to say that the majority of us are not aware of the intended role for the hips and knees when it comes to basic movements of the body. Most neglect the use of the hip and over use the knees. The result is a very tight, weak hip structure prone to such issues as low back pain or sciatica. The knee joints also break down from overuse and improper weight distribution.

FREE Hip and Knee Injury Prevention and Exercise seminar

on Tuesday,May 18th at 10AM

Is designed to help you come to a better understanding of how to prevent or work around these problems for a better quality of life. As for effective workouts, the muscle groups involved with the hips and knees are large, powerful, and burn excessive amounts of calories when trained properly. Through demonstrations, I will show you how to apply these muscles for safe and effective strength and aerobic training.

Exercise is an investment of your time. Let me help you make the most of it.

You have nothing to lose except pain, fat, and calories.

Please contact me with questions or comments.

Paul Boisvert

(941) 729-6900/paul@electrahealthclub.com

Spa Month for Young Adults

2010-04-14T16:26:00.002-04:00

Spa Month for Young Adults, at Electra Health Club and Spa.

We got you covered with prom and graduation just around the corner, for the month of April and May!!

Dermalogica “Clean Start” Facial (for young adults)
Be blemish free and give your skin more clarity!!

$60

“Prom Package”
Updo, Pedicure, Manicure, Make-up

$115

“Graduation Package”
Shampoo/ Style, Manicure, Pedicure, Make up

$95

Add on a “mini Facial” for $15. Also get 15% off all Clean start products.

Call today to reserve your appointment!

941-729-6900

Offer expires May 31, 2010

Footwear and Fitness: Do you have the right match?

2010-04-14T10:47:00.002-04:00

By Paul Boisvert

NSPA Certified Conditioning Specialist/Group Instructor

A few years back (I won’t say how many) I helped manage the footwear department for a major sporting goods chain at the start of its expansion outside of its home state. Different reps from all the major brand names i.e., Reebok, Nike, New Balance, Wolverine, etc. would hold an occasional clinic on the use of their products. From hunting boots to basketball shoes, the theme remained the same from one brand rep to the next. Footwear should be used for the activity that it was designed for. While some differences in footwear may be obvious, there are others that are more subtle. I’ve noticed that running shoes are the most abundant sneaker at most footwear stores. Many people will purchase a pair of runners with no intention of running in them. Because of the wide selection, it’s easier to find runners that fit the style that you are in the market for. However, most running shoes are not a good fit for some of the lateral (side to side) movements performed in step classes, boot camp classes, and kickboxing classes. Their soles do not offer the lateral traction that training footwear have. This is important when it comes to performing side to side movements with agility especially as the momentum increases. More control means that there is less risk of injury. Runners and walking shoes generally only offer heel/toe traction for their specific use. In fact, the design of entire shoe is mainly focused on the heel/toe movement. A training shoe, on the other hand, will provide support for heel/toe and lateral movements.

The tricky part is to make sure that you are purchasing a training shoe. The best way to get around this would be to look on the internet for training shoes and make note of their model number. Stores don’t always label these sneakers as trainers.

If you have given up on activity because it did not feel right, you may want to take another look at your sneakers. They could be the culprit. Don’t throw them out. Keep them for that 5K that you’ve been putting off.

Speaking of Women's Health ® Event

2010-01-28T15:49:00.005-05:00

You are invited to the Eight Annual Speaking of Women's Health ®

This event will take place on Saturday February 13, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Manatee Convention Center in Palmetto, FL.

Speaking of Women's Health is much more than the "typical health fair". It is designed to pamper, empower and educate the attendees to make wise decisions about their health and well-being.

The event includes:
•20Health & Well-Being Breakout Sessions
•Formal Luncheon catered by Michael's on East
•Free Health Screenings
•Interactive Exhibit Area
•Gift Bags

Besides being Manatee/Sarasota’s premiere women’s health event, Speaking of Women’s Health is a fundraiser for the Manatee Memorial Hospital Foundation, a non-profit that offers nursing and medical scholarships.

At the event both Electra Health Club & Spa and The Blend Institute for Age Management and Wellness will be featured as guest speakers
.
First off, Timothy Blend, MD, FAARM will be conducting two seminars.

Title: Bioidentical Hormones: What Every Woman (and Man) Needs to Know

Description: Bioidentical hormone therapy has been available for many years, and has recently been popularized by the likes of Oprah, Suzanne Sommers, and Dr. Mehmet Oz. Yet many women still are not getting the correct information they need to enable them to make informed decisions concerning their health. Learn how natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help you maintain good health, feel great and help prevent disease at any age.

Title: Anti-Aging Medicine: Beyond Botox, The Real Anti-Aging Secrets

Description: Age management which is the preferred term, deals with maintaining an optimal metabolism, through the use of readily available testing techniques, and utilizing what we now know through recent advances in medicine to help all of us maintain a productive HEALTHSPAN. Besides preventing and treating disease we want to optimize the way you live and feel. Patients enjoy superior healthcare, a higher quality of life with increased physical and sexual energy while preventing or delaying the onset of age related disease.

Also fitness expert, Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT, will be talking about the benefits of fitness for today’s women.

Title: Women's Fitness: Looking & Feeling Good at any Age

Description: When it comes to your body, knowledge is power. Understand how exercise can help you stay healthy and look your best at any age. Learn proper techniques that you can do no matter how busy you are, and notice how these improve your posture, build better balance, boost your energy and sculpt a lean and sexy body.

For more information on the event please visit: http://www.speakingofwomenshealth.com/Events/florida_feb.pdf

We look forward to seeing you there.

Child Watch Hours Update

2010-01-23T16:35:00.002-05:00

We would like to announce the new change on the Child Watch Hours service.

Effective Monday January 25, 2010:

Monday through Thursday:

8am till 11am
4:15pm till 7:45pm

Friday and Saturday

8am till 11am

Sunday there is no Child Watch Service.

We welcome the opportunity to better serve you, our members. If you have any questions please call us at 941-729-6900 or ask at the Front Desk.

The Blend Institute for Age Management and Wellness

2010-01-20T14:01:00.002-05:00

Electra Health Club & Spa is proud to announce the arrival of Tim Blend,MD and Kim Blend, ARNP. They have moved their medical practice to our facilities here at Electra Health Club & Spa.

Dr. Blend and his staff at "The Blend Institute for Age Management and Wellness" believe the primary goal for health care should be the optimization of health and the prevention of disease rather than waiting until treatment is required. This preventive medical approach will continue to help all of us put an end to the aging effects caused by stress, toxins and poor nutrition.

The experienced Team at "The Institute", offer state of the art clinical services in the following categories:

Women's and Men's Health through Natural Hormonal Balancing

Anxiety, Depression and Insomnia testing and balancing

Physical Therapy

Weight Loss, Medical Aesthetics

IV Therapy and Chelation

Functional Internal Medicine

And along with Electra Health Club & Spa, Personal Fitness and Nutrition.

At Electra, we are very excited about this opportunity. And as you can see this goes hand in hand with the vision we share. Our commitment is to help improve the overall quality lifestyle of our members, by creating love for health and fitness. This is just another step in the right direction.

Soon you will see the start of the initial phase of their practice at our facilities. The "Institute" will be fully operational by the end of February 2010.

IT Difficulties... Sorry!

2010-01-19T12:25:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone just wanted to let you know we had some IT issues with some of our e-mails and our blog account.

That is the reason we haven't been able to post more frequently since December. Thankfully things have been fixed and everything is going well.

Besides that at Electra we are having fun and enjoying the start of the new year. So many new faces and some folks who come for the season, or have been away for a while from the gym are back!!!

We are glad to have you at our facilities and we promise to keep working hard to provide you with the best service.

Thank you!

Protect Yourself Against The Flu

2009-12-05T10:04:00.000-05:00

The flu season is here and with the arrival of the H1N1 influenza, its wise to take some extra precautions for you and those around you in order to ensure that you stay healthy.

There is so much that could be said about the flu and the H1N1 but you've probably already read or heard about it through the media. If you are concerned about the symptoms or need more information, I encourage you to go to the CDC website or to WebMD.com There is a recent blog at their website "2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Safety"... make sure to check it out.

From my personal stand point, I have never taken a flu shot and I don't know if I ever will. By taking the flu shot I can either feel better or get worse... you know there are side effects, as many people report they don't react well afterwards.

Most people that actually get the flu shot every year just do so as a preventive measure. I guess that's OK, after all it's a personal decision. But there is no guarantee that they will work.

However when it comes to staying healthy, what we put in our bodies truly makes a difference and can affect our daily actions. And while we can't avoid every germ we can prepare our body to fight the cold and flu viruses. So proper eating and a healthy lifestyle may help to fight the germs and boost your immune system.

Sometimes the combination of proper eating, supplementing, exercise and rest goes a long way in helping you to stay healthy.

There are a few things you can do to improve your chances of staying healthy:

WASH YOUR HANDS!!!!
WASH YOUR HANDS!!!! Yup its that important. Washing your hands is still the best thing you can do everywhere you go, especially if you are at the gym. This is a place where people sweat, sneeze, rub their eyes and this easily makes it a scenario to spread germs. At most gyms, like at Electra Health Club & Spa, there are hand based alcohol-based hand cleaners and cream.
If at the gym, wipe all the equipment before and after using it with a disinfecting or sanitizing wipe. It is important to do so in order to help stop the spread the germs.
If you are sick... stay home!
Eating healthy foods enriched with vitamins and minerals will keep your immune system up.
Load up on vitamin C, D and Zinc.
Get plenty of rest. Lack of sleep can weaken your body defense system to fight germs.
Drink water!!!
Exercise if you are feeling well enough. If you have body aches along with the rest of your symptoms, get some rest or go to the doc. If you exercise outdoors like we do at Boot Camp wear appropiate attire especially during cold weather or for when it rains.

This is by no means a miracle cure and it doesn't guarantees that you won't get sick. But it sure improves your chances of being healthy and staying fit.

Get fit - Stay fit!

Author: Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

CLEAN UP YOUR DIET

2009-11-10T08:45:00.000-05:00

Have you ever heard of term “Clean Eating or Clean Diet”? If you have then you’ve come to realize that in essence it’s not actually a diet at all, just a way of eating… cleaner and better.

Let me explain what it means to eat clean. It means to eat foods, as best as possible, in its natural state. Instead of thinking about this or that diet, it comes down to developing a smart approach, a lifestyle change on how we look at food and what we end up eating; which in turns lead to a healthier, fitter, leaner, sexier YOU.

There a many diets out there that perhaps to an extent will help you lose weight for a short period of time. In essence because any time you modify you calorie intake or deprive yourself of eating like most of these encourage you to do, you will lose weight. The issue with this is that your body will quickly catch up to it and will adjust itself to the low calorie intake. Not to mention that when you do lose weight its actually essential lean muscle tissue your body is getting rid off while storing on fat. And add to it the lack of nutrients that will make your body unhealthy, weak and saggy…

So instead of depriving yourself or starving, when you eat clean you are being mindful and responsible with your body. It’s not something you “will try and see”. You commit and eat healthy. I am not saying you’ll become a vegetarian, I’m not… but the foods you eat should be low in fat (you can’t eliminate fat entirely from your nutrition as they are essential for your body, you need fat to absorb fat soluble vitamins and nutrients, they also provide energy, protects your organs and bones, etc.), also you’ll eat foods low in salt, sugar and additives.Sodas, candies, sweets, processed, refined foods, refined flour, sugar, trans fats, fried foods and even alcohol, becomes your enemy. HEY! Before you jump out of your chair and scream at me for putting alcohol on this list, just remember that sugar-alcohol is a toxic substance that your body has difficulty processing. If you can eliminate it completely, the better, if not then use moderation and as best as possible eliminate the bad and unhealthy foods that aren’t part of your clean diet.

I understand that on occasions, if you’re like me, you will eat pizza and cheesecake and maybe have a drink here and there. But eating clean most of the time will make you feel better, look better, food even taste better.

Eating foods such as fresh fruits and veggies, oatmeal, whole grains, poultry, fish, beef, milk, peanut butter (organic or as natural and low in sugar as possible), beans, olive oil, flaxseed oil, eggs, low fat yogurt, nuts and natural spices and herbs are all great choices for your meals.

So this is my challenge for you: try going the next four weeks eating nothing else but these foods, while doing exercise and cardio. Take some measurements of your weight and if possible your body fat percentage. And to keep you in check, you will track everything from your daily meals to your workouts. Nothing fancy, just a notebook or on your PC, if you go online there’s a web site called http://www.fitday.com/ that is free and easy to use to track your meals.

After four weeks or during this period get back to me and let me know your progress report, also if you have questions regarding this or what your workout program should look like in order to achieve maximum results during this time frame drop me a line and I’ll get back to you or post it online to help everyone else.

Author: Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

Stay On Track During The Holidays

2009-11-04T19:19:00.002-05:00

by: Eduardo Lorenzo

Ok so the holidays are just around the corner (heck it’s already here!) and you need to keep your guard up if you plan to stay healthy and if your goal is to keep losing weight and getting fit.

Undeniably during these times you will eat more than often, and may I presume more of what you know you shouldn’t, but hey who can say no to family and friends…

So what you need is a plan to keep you at the very least on top of your game. There are many options to have healthy meals during the holidays, but I won’t get into meal recipes here. Tammy has already posted some great recipes we can all benefit from and I sure know she has something in store for the next couple of weeks.

So my goal today is to remind you of some simple things that if done right and consistently will help you avoid the pitfalls of holiday eating. This way when January comes up, you have no guilt feelings and instead of having: “lose weight” as your #1 goal… it could be stay fit, go extreme, do something new!

Things to keep in mind:

Consume whole foods that are high in fiber and low in sugar such as lean protein (lean beef, chicken, fish, and whey protein), fruits & vegetables (oranges, apples, strawberries, blueberries, broccoli, peppers, asparagus, carrots, nuts (almonds, cashews, & walnuts), and whole grains.
Eat low-glycemic carbohydrates such as vegetables, whole-wheat products and oatmeal instead of refined processed carbohydrates which usually come in a box or a bag.
Eat some type of lean protein at each meal. Protein helps to satisfy hunger and provide the necessary building blocks to maintain lean body mass while losing body fat
Don’t overeat. Don't eat anything your great grandmother wouldn't recognize as food. Eat meals. Cut out snacking, stick with structured meals.
If you have gatherings during the week… plan ahead your meals for the rest of the week. This way at the very least you ensure that you will eat properly 75 to 80% of the time. Hey – something is something.
Go easy on alcohol…. One or two drinks a party here and there won’t spoil your progress, but don’t over do it.
EXERCISE!! You can lose weight by just following a nutrition plan on its own but very few succeed at it and it takes much longer than when you eat properly as well as exercise. I am not talking about just getting on a treadmill for 30 minutes every other day. Though you can lose weight this way, it is not the most efficient use of your time, nor is it maximizing the ability to burn calories. The most effective way to lose fat is by strength training or some type of interval training utilizing strength training and cardiovascular exercises. A properly designed program can burn more overall calories in 20 minutes than 20 minutes on a treadmill. Also, the X factor in all this is that you will burn more calories per minute hours after you finished strength training because of the EPOC effect (Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption). Static exercise on a treadmill doesn’t produce this X factor.
Don’t forget your food journal. You will be amazed at what you consume and not even realize you did it until you right it down and reflect back on the day. Keeping a food log is critical to your success because if modifications need to be made you need something to be able to evaluate and analyze. If changes aren’t happening like you had hoped the answer can usually be found in the food and or exercise journal, plus it makes you more accountable of your actions.

There it is! Just remember to let yourself have some fun, balance is necessary in life. Enjoy!

I’ll post a few extra reminders and tips to help you stay on track and keep your waistline down during these next few weeks.

Let me know how it goes and if you have questions or issues. I’ll post my responses by e-mail and on this post.

Author: Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

2009-10-24T14:34:00.002-04:00

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Marsala Chicken
2 tsp olive oil
1 medium chopped onion
1 cup Marsala cooking wine
1 cup mushrooms
1 1/2lb chicken breast pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
1 tbsp cornstarch
3/4 cup fat free chicken broth
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground pepper

Heat oil olive over medium heat in frying pan. Add onion, mushrooms stir for 5 minutes. Add in chicken and cook thoroughly, 5 minutes both sides.Pour Marsala wine over chicken cook 4 minutes or until wine is syrupy.Add cornstarch stir till dissolved and cook for 2 minutes until sauce is thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste.

(Bested Served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes)

Nutrition Facts:
Calories 187.2
Carbohydrates 5.6g
Fat 3.1g
Saturated Fat 0.6g
Unsaturated fat 2.5g
Protein 30.2g

If you would like to post a recipe, send it to Tammy@electrahealthclub.com. Thanks and enjoy.

It’s Time To Get Cross!!!!

2009-10-01T17:26:00.000-04:00

by: Paul Boisvert - NSPA Certified Conditioning Specialist

Wednesday morning marks the start of Electra’s Cross Conditioning Class. The class is designed to take you to places that you would not go alone. Cross Conditioning constantly shifts from core training to aerobic training to weight training with 60 second intervals. This method raises the intensity level as it conditions your body for more overall strength and endurance. This will enhance your performance with all your workouts throughout the week. As I have said before, performance is what brings on the results. It’s not just a matter of showing up. Ideally the objective of each workout session is to set the stage for a stronger performance in the next workout. If you are not striving to take it up a notch with each workout, your fitness goals will remain a fantasy. The fact remains that your body adapts to the same workout pattern quickly so it is in your best interest to vary the way you train. A body that is well adapted to a fitness program does not reach its fat-burning potential. The Cross Conditioning class changes each week. Each class consists of continual transitions from one type of training to the next. Please check out our updated class schedule for Cross Conditioning and other changes.

When you attend:
Please bring a water bottle. A heart rate monitor is highly recommended but not mandatory.

Please use the following contact information regarding any questions or comments. paul@electrahealthclub.com (941) 729-6900

Five reasons to avoid too much sun exposure! Part 1

2009-09-28T13:40:00.002-04:00

By: Lindsey MacDonald

Most men and women don’t attribute there skin conditions, and/or ageing skin to the sun. People feel that it is an unavoidable result of time. Well, on the contrary, 90-95 percent of our “unavoidable” skin conditions and ageing is most definitely caused by the sun. Here are a some results to prolonged exposure to the sun: Pre-cancerous cells (actinic keratosis) and cancerous cells (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma), benign tumors, fine and coarse wrinkles, freckles, discolored areas of the skin, called hyper pigmentation, and Telangiectasias—the dilation of small blood vessels under the skin. There is an urgent need to consider the damage the sun has on skin. Here are my top five reasons for taking appropriate protective action.

Reason #5: Most skin ageing is caused by sun damage.

Only 10% is caused by time, when almost 80% is from prolonged sun exposure. The sun breaks down elastic tissue. The body has to work harder to replace this tissue, which is increasingly difficult as the body matures. Androgens naturally flow through our blood stream and go into the skin cells where they turn into Dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT. DHT stops the production of elastin. Anti-Androgens help balance out our DHT level and keep the skin’s elasticity. As we age, the production of our anti-androgens decrease and our production of DHT increases. Therefore, if we are continually exposing our skin to the sun, we are continually destroying our elastin tissue, which will have a domino effect. Our skin will never have time to recover from its last “beating” and will start to appear rigid, and prematurely age. So for men or women who are trying to repair skin which has already been damaged, I recommend Dermalogica’s Age Smart line. This unique product line combines salicylic acid; Vitamin C and Vitamin A. These ingredients help exfoliate and promote a rapid cell turn over rate. Your skin will feel moisturized, and keep that soft glow of youth.

Reason #4: People who have Rosacea will experience more break-out activity.

Rosacea is a vassal motor instability, where the skin is most often characterized by inflamed blood vessels and a red undertone in the skin. (Telangiectasias is another term for dilated or inflamed blood vessels.) You may also experience dry patches at times, itchiness, and break-out’s similar to acne. Rosacea affects approximately 13 million Americans and ranges in the ages of 30-50 year olds. If a Rosacea client goes out into the sun they increase the risk of having a Rosacea break-out, which in turn could cause fine capillaries in the skin to burst. Most of my clients notice there skin is most under control when they are using there Dermalogica sensitive skin products daily, receiving a monthly facial maintenance and avoiding over-sun exposure.

Reason #3: Increases the chances of hyper pigmentation.

Hyper pigmentation is also a skin condition both men and women can have, but women seem to be the prime candidates because of hormones. Women, who have been pregnant, are pregnant, are on birth control, going through menopause or are advent sun worshipers probably have or may experience some degree of hyper pigmentation. It is identified as darker/brown areas on the skin. These areas can be anywhere on the skin, and can even cover most of the surface area. Those who have hyper pigmentation should not have frequent sun exposure, because the sun increases the hyper pigmentation on the skin.

At Electra we carry the Dermalogica skin care line which has the most supreme products for hyper pigmentation, or any pigmentation problem; it is the ChromaWhite Trx. This line of products will have everything from the right cleanser to the right spot treatment for your problem areas.

Stay tuned and read Part 2 for the Top Two Reasons to Stay out of the Sun!

Work Cited for Part One and Two: Statistics done by the Country for Rosacea. August 14, 2009. <http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com>.
Web MD Medical Reference. Cosmetic Procedures: Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer. August 13, 2009. <http://www.medicinenet.com>.
Peter T. Purgliese. M.D Chapter 11 Elastin: The youth protein. August 14, 2009. http://www.ethocyninfo.com>.

Bigger IS Better for Losing Body Fat

2009-09-28T13:36:00.000-04:00

by: Paul Boisvert - NSPA Certified Conditioning Specialist

There is a common misconception about how to go about reducing body fat with exercise. Some people will obsessively focus on the areas of their bodies that are flabby or loose. Most people are very conscious of their abdominal area. Women tend to dwell on their thighs, hips, and upper arms. Some men are concerned about areas beyond the abdominals especially the chest area. It only stands to reason that the course of action would be to attack the muscles located in these areas, right?

With this line of thought we could say that side bends will melt away those love handles. Abdominal muscle training alone will give us a shredded mid section. Dumbbell kickbacks will firm up the back of our upper arms. Finally, the list would not be complete without those ever -popular inner/outer thigh exercises. While these exercises do contribute to an effective workout, they should not be the main areas of focus.

So what's a quicker, more effective way to a leaner body?

It should be obvious that nutrition is a giant factor. The concept is easy to understand although it often proves difficult to act on without result oriented coaching.

Aerobic or cardiovascular training is also necessary. It is usually not a hard sell. Most people understand the positive effects of regular aerobic exercise.

The science of cardiovascular training is also fairly easy to comprehend. Yet like nutrition, professional guidance may be needed to stay consistent.

That leaves strength/core training and stretching. The large muscle groups would be the main areas of focus as you start on your journey toward a shredded, cut, and ripped physique. (It might be easier to invest in some cutlery). Moving these large muscles through their full ROM (refer to my last blog) will promote more flexibility and a complete strengthening of the muscle body. When we train large muscles, several other muscles are used to assist with the movement and stabilization of the body. The large muscle groups include the upper back, chest, thigh, and gluteal muscles.

Our smaller muscles are usually located at the fat storage areas (oblique muscles, triceps, inner/outer thigh, etc.) They do not require as much assistance to move. Therefore, they do not need to expend as many calories as the larger muscles.

Large muscle training also lends to a more potent recovery as several fuel-burning chemical processes fortify our muscles in anticipation of the next challenging workout.

Effective training is not usually learned without interaction. Someone should be there to steer your mind through the workout and give you feedback on your technique. DVD's, Magazines, and other media fail to do this.

Performance is everything when it comes to results.

I am open to questions and comments so please feel free to contact me.

Email: paul@electrahealthclub.com Phone: (941) 729-6900

Back To Basics

2009-09-14T17:04:00.002-04:00

by: Paul Boisvert - NSPA Certified Conditioning Specialist

There comes a time in everyone’s workout program where the workout routine starts to feel stale. The exercises that initially challenged us no longer seem to be as potent as they once were. The cure for this could be as simple as revisiting the techniques that you learned at the start of your fitness experience.

Effective workouts rely heavily on basic skills. If you want results, just going through the motions will not cut it. The basics need to be applied with every repetition. I have seen barbell bicep curls that look like a poor attempt at an overhead barbell toss. I have witnessed some lifters do a fine job with their impression of a folding chair while attempting squats. There are some things I can’t see because of the intense speed at which the exercise is being performed. Unfortunately these common occurrences are more likely to get you into rehab before they transform you into a physical specimen.

The other side of the spectrum is occupied by fitness enthusiasts who don’t challenge themselves enough simply because they try to avoid the work part of the workout or they are not sure of their limits. There’s always that fear of turning into a muscular freak of nature too. That keeps me up at night.

There are a lot of factors that will contribute to fine tuning your basic skills.

Learning how to have your targeted muscle lead the movement is big. For example, you don’t want to tax your biceps with an exercise meant for the upper back.

Become more conscious of your muscular range of motion (ROM). When we go beyond a muscle’s ROM, we risk injury by overtaxing other areas of our body. A muscle must also be worked through its entire ROM. Otherwise it will become tight and injury prone. These considerations are especially important when it comes to the muscles that involve the hip and shoulder joints.

Practice proper body alignment while training. Most of us are out of line when it comes to our bodies. By maintaining proper alignment throughout your workouts, you’ll create a stronger support system throughout your body.

These are just three of the things I look out for when training my clients or instructing a class. There will always be exceptions to these rules depending on the circumstances. That’s what makes professional guidance so beneficial.

For a free consultation, please contact me at paul@electrahealthclub.com or attend my Power Play class on Wednesday evening at 5:30 and Saturdays mornings at 8:00.

Stay Healthy!!!!!!

This Month Food Recipe

2009-09-14T16:38:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone is Tammy once again with the recipe of the month.

This month recipe: MANGO SALAD AND GRILLED SHRIMP

Serve with baked tortilla chips - Make 4 Servings:

MANGO SALAD
2 table spoons dark brown sugar packed
2 table spoons fresh lime juice
1 fresh red hot chile, sliced thin, including seeds (4 inches long)
2 tablespoons fresh chopped mint
1 medium shallot, sliced thin
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
2 mango's firm-ripe, thinly sliced

Make mango salad: Whisk together lime juice and brown sugar in large bowl until sugar dissolves, whisk in shallot, red chile, mint and cilantro. Add mangoes, toss gently.

SHRIMP
16 Jumbo shrimp, shelled, leave tail on and devein (1 1/4 lb)
1 medium jalapeno pepper fresh, minced and include seeds
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cumin

Prepare shrimp: begin by inserting thick end of shrimp onto water soaked wooden skewer lengthwise, and put on tray.

Prepare the grill: Whisk together jalapeno, salt, oil and cumin, then brush on skewered shrimp. Grill shrimp, turning occasionally, you want the shrimp cooked through until lightly charred about 4 minutes.

Toss mango salad and divide onto 4 plates. Arrange grilled shrimp (4) on top of each salad and garnish with lime wedges.

Per Serving: 284 Calories, 1g Saturated Fat, 6g Fat, 27g Carbohydrates, 30g Protein, 3g Dietary Fiber

Hope you enjoy the recipe of the month, please e-mail me with your comments to our blogs. Keep working hard and thanks.

Tammy Bryant, ISSA, Fitness Specialist

Ladies Get in Shape this Fall

2009-09-10T14:04:00.002-04:00

by: Eduardo Lorenzo

You’ve probably been thinking all summer long you need more time in order for you to get your sexy back. I know with the entire summer craze and being a busy mom, it’s tough to get your workouts in during the summer with all those summer activities kids have these days like travel, sports, SAT classes, and anything else that comes up.

News flash: summer is gone, fall is here! This opens the opportunity to focus on yourself (since you have the extra time) no excuses ladies! Now is your time to get your sexy back and be in the best shape of your life… YESS! Before the holidays!!!

Your question might be where do I start? You are not alone, however depending on your fitness level and health status you might be a mere 8 to 12 away from your ideal body!!! Your program should be focused on intensity and progressive overload (meaning challenging the weight or speed at which you complete each workout).

A sample workout could be a 3 to 4 a day’s of 30 to 50 minutes of resistance training, core training and Plyometrics. You should also add a 3 to 5 days of high-intensity interval training cardio, depending on your conditioning. Focus on the exercises that challenges your body and speeds the fat loss process such as squats, lunges, deadlift, chest press on a stability ball, rows for your back and proper core training; which means challenge your body with more than just crunches, such as planks, hip extensions, bridges on a stability ball, etc.

Your high-intensity interval training cardio should be performed in series of 20 minutes workouts twice a week.

1. Start by performing sprints at an Intensity Level of 7-8 on The Perceived Exertion Scale of 1-10 (10 being maximum effort), for about 1 minutes.
2. Rest for about 1:00 minute or till your heart rate is down to your normal rate (usually you are able to perceive this is if you can carry out a conversation without hyperventilating).
3. Start again sprinting for 1 more minute and continue this trend till you finish your 20 minutes cardio workout.

Also you may want to perform a twice a week cardio routine at a steady pace or fat burning zone (low to moderate intensity Level of 5 on The Perceived Exertion Scale of 1-10 (10 being maximum effort) for about 40 to 60 minutes.

One way to ensure you are getting the best of your workouts is by joining the Boot Camp program. As you may know we have several times in the day you can do this and work around your schedule. Boot Camp will make you burn calories like crazy, plus I usually add a nutritional component to this and just recently we have added the Natural Detox program. There is no way this plan won’t work for you. We are hitting it aggressively to help you get in your best shape fast. If you’re interested keep in mind we have Ladies Boot Camp Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30AM and Afternoon Boot Camp 6:45PM at Rossi Park (just across the Green Bridge).

I realize this is not the only way to get in shape, but it sure is a great start on journey to a new you this fall. Keep in mind you have about 4 months left this year and 3 before the holidays…

I have a plan to get you in shape and ready for January.

Author: Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

FITNESS BOOT CAMP IN ACTION!!!

2009-08-23T19:00:00.004-04:00

Manatee County Premier Fitness Boot Camp and Personal Training for Men and Women of all Shapes and Sizes is here to help you get in the best shape of your life.

This time there is no excuses as our Boot Camp is now with an extended schedule and at different locations. You can train at Electra Health Club & Spa or join us at Rossi Park.

Boot Camp schedule is at convenient times like:
Project Boot Camp is Monday - Wednesday - Friday at 6:15AM
Ladies Only is Tuesday & Thursday at 9:30AM (FREE Child Care!!!)
Boot Camp Afterhours is Tuesday & Thursday at 6:45PM (Rossi Park, Bradenton)
Saturday Boot Camp at 9:00AM (Rossi Park, Bradenton)

Boot Camp will provide the following:
* Convenient Times and Locations to Train & Get in Shape
* 1 Hour of Full Blast Outdoor Workouts for Busy Men & Women
* Nutritional Guidance, Meal Plans, Jump Start Weight Loss Natural Detox Plan & Seminars
* Exclusive Inner Circle E-mail Newsletter focus on one thing... YOU!
* Boot Camp T-Shirt & Water Bottle

Expected Results When You Complete Boot Camp:
Body Fat Reduction - Weight Loss - Gain Muscle Tone & Strength - Enhanced Conditioning & Agility - Greatly Improve Posture - 100% Gain in Self Confidence - Look and Feel Your Best

Want a Taste of our Fitness Boot Camp See It In Action

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR, YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE EXCEPT FOR BODY FAT AND WEIGHT THAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK FOR FAR TO LONG.

JOIN ELECTRA FITNESS BOOT CAMP
"THE ULTIMATE FITNESS EXPERIENCE"

* There is a Pre-Camp individual evaluation before the start of the program

for your nutrition and fitness assessment.

Victory is Reserved for Those Willing to Pay the Price!

Exercise and Losing Weight

2009-08-21T16:14:00.004-04:00

by: Eduardo Lorenzo

I’m outraged… naaaa just a bit (I won’t give them the pleasure), it’s all because of an article that came out in Time Magazine about a week or two ago. I usually read the magazine, but before I had the chance one of my clients walks into the gym and greets me with “have you read the latest news: we are wasting our time with exercise”…

To my surprise this is a guy that in little over 6 months has lost close to 70 pounds and over 100 in the last year. So obviously I had to go online and read the entire article, which is called “Why Exercise Won’t Make You Thin”.

You know I love controversy, but the nerve of this guy is off the charts… or is it really? Maybe he is on to something… wait a minute!

I’m a guy who makes 100% of my living making people better. Put bluntly I know how to get you in shape, in a fast, reliable and healthy manner; all through exercise as one of the 3 main components of my training programs; all of which I have accomplished through years of experience, research, trial and error (and I keep trying to be better at it). So pardon me if I get all defensive, when some guy who doesn’t have a PHD in exercise, isn’t a RD, nutritionist, trainer, aka he is nothing in the fitness, health nor wellness industry, comes up with this conclusion and puts it out there, when he knows that millions of people will read it and probably take to heart, as it seems that most people just believe whatever they feel like it rather than go by reason and logic.

He believes that exercise makes us fat. To quote some of his work, he says (and he’s quoting from another researcher): “in general, for weight loss, exercise is pretty useless”… - Also he said: “pushing people to exercise more is contributing to our obesity problem”.

To his defense and those whom he quotes on his article, he says that the problem lays in the effect that weight training can have in your body… it makes you hungry and so you eat more. Plus there’s a psychological aspect to it that when you exercise you may feel inclined to eat more or bad stuff since you can probably work it off with sweat.

Yes there is an emotional aspect to our behavior; yet I for one can’t agree to this entirely. We’ve become a society that tries to justify everything and then blame it on someone or something else. We are at fault for our actions or lack there of.

Honestly, is a couch potato going to be in better shape, lose more weight and be healthier than hard working folks who squeeze in a workout in the early morning, at lunch time or at night, against all odds? I don’t think so!

Yet I am not blind and have to admit that many people who go to the gym, workout at home or are just plain active all the time, they don’t always lose weight. In fact, and I’m sorry to say it, some people look the same way I’ve seen them in the last 6 months. Others just can’t lose those extra 10 pounds that surrounds their mid-section. Some people are fine with this but for most it can be quite discouraging. So, why can’t you lose that weight? Is this journalist right? Does exercise makes us fat?

To lose weight the equation is quite simple, burn more calories than what you consume. So exercise “DONE PROPERLY & IN AN EFFECTIVE WAY” will help you accomplish this, as it will not only burn calories, but also help jump start your metabolism.

But losing weight is not that simple, if it where everyone would be losing it. It comes down to 3 factors, exercise, nutrition and cardio. Folks... without proper nutrition you won’t lose weight, plain and simple. And if you skip on your cardio program, then sorry you will never lose weight.

Interesting a while ago I wrote two articles about this: Why You Can’t Lose Weight and Weight Loss Guidelines. Neither was focused on exercise!!!... Funny!

If, I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again: YOU CAN’T OUT TRAIN A BAD DIET!

The truth: exercise alone, cardio alone, or even nutrition alone won’t make a better you. It will improve your overall physical self though, but if you made it to this part of this article you definitely want more than just average. You want to look good, feel good, you want to be sexy and in the best shape of your life, for whatever reasons you can imagine… I won’t judge!

Exercise will make you better, improve the quality of your life, reduce the possibility of contracting a disease, strengthen your muscles and bones, fight aging, help you reduce stress and improve your sleep patterns, improve your sex life (without pills)… OH! It will also help you lose weight, more importantly body fat.

Now a days anyone can write whatever they want (including me) but with all the information out there, it is our responsibility to communicate this in a manner that will motivate and help people get finally off the couch and do something with their lives. The fact is he slashed his own personal trainer(maybe on purpose) on national media; maybe this journalist should hire me as his trainer; I bet and I put my money on it that it will take me 90 days or less to get him in the best shape of his life.

He is far away and probably doesn’t wants my money, but if you’ve been struggling with your fitness goals or feel you’ve hit a plateau, or worse yet you’ve never done exercise: fear no more I am here to help you. I would love to hear your story and together see how we can improve your life and physique.

Call me, send me an e-mail or visit me at Electra Health Club & Spa.

Author: Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

Recipe of the Month

2009-08-21T13:23:00.004-04:00

Hello All,

I know that it has been a while since my last blog, I apologize for that. I do intend to send more on menopause and workouts, but for now I would like to get your reaction and recipes. I am starting a recipe of the month club, so start sending in your favorite nutritional recipes. I will post them so that we can all keep up with our healthy lifestyles. Nutrition is very important when we are trying to reach our goals. We should keep eating good meals to help with our hard workouts.

This month's recipe is: ALMOND-ORANGE CHICKEN

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 tbsp peanut or vegetable oil
4 skinless,boneless chicken breast
1/2 cup chopped shallots
3 oz mushrooms, sliced
1/3 cup orange marmalade
3 tbsp soy sauce
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
orange slices (optional)

Place almonds in large nonstick skillet, toast over medium heat, stirring for about 5 minutes, remove to plate. Add oil to same pan over medium heat, then add chicken to warm oil heating for 5 minutes or until no longer pink, occasionally turning then remove to plate.Add shallots to pan cook 5 minutes or until soft. Add mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms render their juices,about 5 minutesStir in soy sauce, marmalade, and pepper.Return chicken to pan with almonds and orange slices (if using), serve over toasted almond pilaf or rice.

Per serving: 265 calories, 20g protein, 26g carbohydrates, 10g fat, 46mg cholesterol, and 818mg sodium, 1g fiber.

Hope you enjoy the recipe of the month, please e-mail me with your comments to our blogs and get those recipes in, I would love to post them.

Keep working hard and thanks,

Tammy Bryant, ISSA - Fitness Specialist

PROJECT BOOT CAMP EXTENDED: NEW SCHEDULE!

2009-08-17T21:50:00.004-04:00

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO GET IN SHAPE?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ARE YOU READY? If you are then there are no excuses as BOOTCAMP is now available in a new schedule Monday through Saturday A.M. & P.M.

This is the break down for you:

PROJECT BOOT CAMP
(which currently runs Tuesday & Friday at 6:30AM) will now be MON - WED - FRI at 6:15AM - The program will run for 4 weeks in a row. Start up dates for this PROJECT BOOT CAMP is AUGUST 31st - SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 26 (Limited to only 15 SPOTS) Program Cost $180.00

LADIES BOOT CAMP will keep on Tuesday's & Thursday's at 9:30AM. The program will run for 4 weeks in a row. Start up dates for next program will be on SEPTEMBER 15 - OCTOBER 13 (We might have a special 4 day BOOT CAMP on NOV 10,12,17 & 19 -TBD) (Limited to only 12 Spots) Program Cost $120.00
NEW! EVENING BOOT CAMP will be held at ROSSI PARK in Bradenton on Tuesday & Thursday's at 6:45PM (The program will run for 4 weeks in a row. (Across the Green Bridge - 5 minutes from Electra) Limited to only 20 spots. Start up date is on September 8 - October 6 will run for only 2 periods of 4 weeks. Program Cost $120.00

OPEN CLASS SATURDAY BOOT CAMP will be held at ROSSI PARK in Bradenton on Saturday's at 9:00AM (Across the Green Bridge - 5 minutes from Electra) Limited to only 20 spots. This is an OPEN CLASS - (no shirts - no nutrition program - no prior fitness assessment, JUST HARD WORK & FUN FOR AN HOUR!) HOWEVER DUE TO LIMITED SPACE (20 RECRUITS ONLY) FOR SATURDAY BOOT CAMP YOU MUST RESERVE YOUR SPOT BY FRIDAY OF THE WEEK YOU ARE PLAINING TO ATTEND. YOU CAN PURCHASE IN ADVANCE A BLOCK OF CLASSES AND SAVE YOUR SPOT AS OPEN CLASS IS ONLY $15.00 EACH.

DO YOU A PLAN TO GET IN SHAPE BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS?

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OUR CURRENT SPECIAL IS: 3 months of Boot Camp for $297, that is $243 OFF....
There is NO WAY you will not see HUGE results from this plan......

If on PROJECT BOOT CAMP You can choose to start in August 31 through Nov 20 and you will be set.

From the time you start, you will get a total of 12 weeks of boot camp over the next 3 months.

You will get a BC T-Shirt, Newsletter and a Nutrition Program

We will start your first days off with a new NATURAL Detox Program (this is optional to do) and this alone is a $50 value. Most people will lose 5 - 10lbs in the first 10days. Great way to start it off.......

You will continue after the detox with a plan to keep it off and even see more off.

3 months of Boot Camp for $297, that is $243 OFF....
There is NO WAY you will not see HUGE results from this plan......

LADIES BOOT CAMP & THE EVENING BOOT CAMP

will have a special 2 month for $198.00 - That's $42.00 SAVINGS!!!

Plus you will get the same features from above....

HERE IS WHAT TO DO NEXT

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First send us an e-mail to confirm. Second print this information and bring it to the Front Desk at Electra, make your payment and fill out the registration if you haven't done so yet (Those currently on any Boot Camp program do not need to do this).

YOU ARE DONE AND READY TO GET YOUR
HOLIDAY READY BOOT CAMP BODY!

OH REMEMBER this offer has been extended to be good till Wednesday August 19, 9:00P.M. and spaces are limited, so do not wait..... NO EXCEPTIONS!

You can also purchase individual Boot Camp programs if you desire...

Boot Camp Rocks and we are ready for you.......

Be careful with diet pills

2009-08-04T15:15:00.004-04:00

by Eduardo Lorenzo

A friend of mine passed this article on to me from the New York Times and I thought that I should share it with any one who has or is currently taking any type of thermogenic, energy pill or fat burner. If you know me well enough then you would know that I've never been a huge supporter of diet pills, or any other extreme method available for weight loss.

Yeah, caffeine might be good for you in moderation, and there are some studies about the benefits of having caffeine before a training session; I sure have my cup almost every morning. But as far as fat burners are concerned, I've never really been a big fan. Some of my friends are professional bodybuilders, models, athletes, etc. and some of them have tried and still use some fat burners; some say it gives them an edge some complain it makes them feel jittery, nauseous and sketchy… I don’t want to go through that. So the issue is, are they safe? Well let’s use Hydroxycut as our example.

If you are not familiar with Hydroxycut, it is just another brand of fat burners and weight loss supplements and they have recently had some of their products pulled from store shelves because the FDA has received 23 reports of significant adverse health effects in people that have used Hydroxycut products, including tissue and liver damage, a liver transplant, heart problems and a possible death. 14 of their products have been recalled…hmmm… almost makes me speechless.

Obviously if you have been taking or are currently taking any of these weight loss and energy boosting products then you must stop immediately! Be sure to consult your physician if you experience any symptoms or side effects!

My concern is, that if you are trying these products it’s because everything else you have tried has either failed or you just don’t have a clear direction of how to reach your goals. Worst yet I worry you might jump into the next rip off gadget or weight loss fantasy program and end up either broke, sick and disappointed.

I realize all of us have our own reasons why we want to be in shape, look good, feeling good and be healthy. So if you are truly committed to reaching your goals do yourself a favor, contact me and let’s schedule your FREE fitness and nutrition consultation.

By working together and utilizing my unique and effective ways of training, through my APFIT Program along with sound nutritional guidelines, WE CAN AND WILL ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS!

My commitment to you is that I’ll create a solid integrated fitness plan tailored to your specific needs and help you all through the way to achieve your results and help you learn what you need to do to keep them and make it a part of your lifestyle.

Author: Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

DERMALOGICA OPEN HOUSE

2009-07-22T13:08:00.006-04:00

Come and Receive a FREE face mapping (skin analysis).

JULY 30 From 3:00PM till 8:00PM

Enjoy our complimentary refreshments in a comfortable atmosphere.

We want you to think about the health and beauty of your skin. We look forward to seeing you there and helping you reach your goals to a healthier and more radiant you!

Call or visit and make your FREE appointment at the Front Desk.

ELECTRA HEALTH CLUB & SPA

908 Riverside Dr. 301 Palmetto, FL 34221

941-729-6900

The Truth About Cardio Part 3

2009-07-20T20:05:00.003-04:00

By: Eduardo Lorenzo

About a month or so I posted a couple of blogs on cardio and interval training for fat loss. If you missed them you can check them out here.

The Truth About Cardio Part 1
The Truth About Cardio Part 2

I did mention I would then write a Part 3, mostly about circuit training, cross training and Boot Camp; as a way to incorporate some real interval training into your program. However, in light of some questions I have received I either left something unexplained or I need to address this in a different way. (Plus I have taken like forever to finally follow up with it…)

Anyways, someone asked me, ‘when do I perform my cardio training’… Well for you let me start by stating that I hate cardio, I’m sorry to say it but I do… I mean I don’t know about you, but I don’t look forward to spending my time on the treadmill. For some folks it’s their passion and I respect that; just like exercise, weight training and sports is mine and not yours.

However you can ask anyone that knows me and has trained with me that I am always pushing the cardio issue, encouraging them to get started on their cardio program that I have laid out for them. See one thing is to hate and despise it, and another is to realize you’ll go nowhere without it, no major weight loss, no fat burning no cardiovascular conditioning, you get the point.

Essentially we need 3 things to be successful at our fitness goals: nutrition – exercise – cardio.

If you are like me then you must come up with ways to incorporate your cardio into your lifestyle. And let me tell you there are lots of ways to get this done and maximize your energy expenditure effect.

You can do regular cardio on the treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical, join a group fitness class if you need to move your hips, there is also indoor cycling; all of which you can accomplish at Electra. Some folks decide to take it outdoors and do some bike riding or practice some sports while spending time with the family – nice!

You can also do circuit style training, which is basically just going through a series of exercises (usually 4 to 6) one after the other with little to no rest till you finish it off, for a couple of sets. For some it’s a great way of training – just be aware that if the gym is crowded it is somewhat difficult to take over a few machines, dumbbells and space to do it all. With practice, a good program and some manners you’ll probably be fine.

Now I want to take the time and talk to you about Boot Camp. Both Project Boot Camp and the Women’s Only Boot Camp that I run at Electra are a results-driven conditioning program that usually run for 6 weeks. It is conducted in an outdoor environment, which utilizes to a degree some military-style format, coupled with the most progressive, innovative and creative exercises in fitness today.

There is a lot of running, sports conditioning drills and a lot of upper and lower body exercises. And there is nothing stopping you as you are challenged every single day to get the most out of it – now this is my type of cardio, I actually look forward to doing this every single time.

Trust me you’ll burn lots of calories in a single hour of boot camp. In general most campers usually lose 5 to 15 pounds and about 2 to 5 percent of body fat during the program.

If you want to see results, if you want to get in shape fast, if you need to get out of the boredom and need a challenging workout that will take you to the next level; then I encourage you to enlist in Boot Camp as you won’t regret it.

If you’ve been thinking about it call me at Electra 941-729-6900 or send me an e-mail and I can answer all of your questions, while helping you get in the best shape of your life.

If you want to know more about Boot Camp you can go to this link: What is Boot Camp?

I look forward to seeing you in my next Boot Camp!

Author: Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

WHAT IS BOOT CAMP?

2009-07-12T19:36:00.003-04:00

By: Eduardo Lorenzo

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about Boot Camp. What is it? Are you going to yell at me – is it intimidating – can I handle it and keep up?

Boot Camp is a dynamic program that focuses on high intensive outdoor exercises. We train outside rain or shine. It is a combination of resistance training, cardiovascular training, sport specific and military drills, flexibility, and core training, along with chanting, singing, and loads of fun! By far is one of the best ways to get in shape fast!

At Boot Camp, I am not going to stand over you and yell at you with intimidating tactics to do more. I will push and motivate you though. And I expect the very best from everyone that participates. You only owe it yourself – Like I always say “Victory is reserved for those willing to pay the price.” You will learn to push yourself, mainly because it’s only human nature to challenge yourself when you are in a group setting. Of course not everyone is athletically inclined, but by being surrounded by a group of people who support and encourage you; you’re naturally only going to do better.

My goal is to create an empowering environment that will challenge you and make you better. It is about getting in shape, but it’s also about nutrition and about being better at everything that you do. You will learn to take your body to its limit and beyond.

But make no mistake it is still Boot Camp and I do expect you to always show up in time, shut up, pay attention and give 100% as there is no slacking. It is about intensity, commitment, discipline, courage, effort, teamwork, sweat, dedication and PRIDE!!!

At Electra I run two Boot Camps: “Project BootCamp”, which is early morning at 6:30am Tuesday and Friday’s; and Women Only Boot Camp which is at 9:30am Tuesday and Thursday.

So what to expect when you enlist in Boot Camp – You will lose weight, lose body fat, tone and firm up your body, you will improve your posture, you will sleep better, you will gain confidence, and you will look and feel your best.

Just remember this: Any trainer can get you tired – but a true fitness specialist will make you better!

For more information on our Boot Camp program contact us at 941-729-6900 or send us an e-mail at info@electrahealthclub.com.

Author: Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

PROJECT BOOTCAMP IS ON!

2009-07-10T10:27:00.002-04:00

"PROJECT BOOTCAMP"

LOSE WEIGHT - BURN FAT - TONE MUSCLES

NO SLACKING - NO DOWNTIME - LOTS OF FUN

ENLIST TODAY! SPACES ARE LIMITED!

Be part of this intense outdoor fitness experience that includes military drills, sports - skill & strength training, cardio endurance, obstacle courses & much more.

6 WEEK BOOT CAMP * 1 HR/DAY * 2 TIMES A WEEK *.

TUESDAY & FRIDAY @ 6:30am * STARTS JULY 21 Program Cost: $180.00

Expected Results When You Complete Boot Camp:Body Fat Reduction - Weight Loss - Gain Muscle Tone & Strength - Enhanced Conditioning & Agility - Greatly Improve Posture - 100% Gain in Self Confidence - Look and Feel Your Best

"The Ultimate Fitness Experience"

Join Drill Instructor: Eduardo Lorenzo

* There is a Pre-Camp individual evaluation before the start of the program

for your nutrition and fitness assessment.

Victory is Reserved for Those Willing to Pay the Price!

The Road to Recovery

2009-07-08T15:40:00.003-04:00

by: Eduardo Lorenzo

Being injured is no joke, trust me. After seeing my performance go way down as I suffered from a strained oblique muscle, I know how it feels… It’s like something from your life is missing, at least for me it was.

For those of you wondering a strained oblique muscle is not your usual type of injury, yet now a day you can see it more and more in athletes, especially baseball players. What causes this injury - maybe some sort of movement, rotation on the torso, overtraining of some muscles in your body, and a lot of other stuff could be the cause (every case would be different). Regardless of the type of injury – if it’s not extremely serious that requires surgery, in which case get on the way to the doc – how can you prevent them or better yet recover properly from it?

Besides the need of some prescription or over the counter drugs to fight inflammation (again see your doc), there are two things that are essential: flexibility and self-myofascial release or SMR.

First: How does flexibility help overall recovery and results in a training program? Flexibility is an important component of achieving and maintaining healthy, full range of motion around the joints. It’s important to check the range of motion, and only stretch muscles when the fibers are short and tight as opposed to long and tight.

Second: what is self-myofacial release (SMR) and how it helps? Self-myofascial release (SMR) massage can be defined as an interactive soft tissue release technique that requires to put pressure on tender areas along the muscle tissue (fascia to the tissue that surrounds the muscle fibers), the golgi tendon organs also help trigger relaxation of the muscle spindles, helping dissipate the adhesions, increasing blood flow to the muscle fibers and thus enhancing overall movement. FEW... Did I lose you?

I know it can be complicated but when you understand how your musculoskeletal system works then it’s easy to understand most of what I just wrote. The simple explanation however, is that by performing self-myofacial release techniques on a simple piece of foam roll (you’ve seen these in the gym and no! they are not there for decoration only), they will help in the following ways:

improve body composition, flexibility, function, performance

reduce joint stiffness, muscle tightness and more importantly injuries.

Simply stated, use your own body weight to roll on the round foam roll, massaging away restrictions to normal soft-tissue extensibility. Furthermore, you can perform this program in the convenience of your own home – If you feel you look weird moving around the foam roll when everyone else is watching.

Try this sequence: Start by searching the tissues for tenderness. If tenderness is identified, hold foam roll on the “hot-spot” for 10-12 sec. Repeat by coming back to area 3-5 times or until tenderness has subsided ( I won’t lie to you depending on how tight you may be it can be painful). If it’s too much to handle, release some of tension or dispense body weight over a greater surface.

Don’t perform SMR foam roll technique if you are not feeling well, have unbearable pain, acute rheumatoid arthritis or painful varicose veins; and never perform this over your lower back area.

I know that some of you will go online and search for proper spots to perform SMR foam roll (as haven’t loaded a sequence of pictures). If you are truly interested send me an e-mail and I will send you for FREE a sheet that includes proper exercises to perform with the foam roll.

However sometimes you may still need the help of a professional, in my case I did go to my doc, I used the SMR foam roll technique and I used our very own Elizabeth’s Mondragon deep tissue massage therapy services. And I’ll tell you has helped a lot on my road to recovery. If you’re interested send me an e-mail or call the front desk and set an appointment.

Stay fit my friends!

Author: Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

Why You Can't Lose Weight

2009-06-29T15:26:00.002-04:00

By: Eduardo Lorenzo

Have you ever run into somebody who said ‘I just can’t lose weight no matter what I do’? You may probably be thinking about yourself, right? Obviously in my profession I get to hear this mostly everyday. But this is what I actually run into: a lot of people who SAY they can’t lose weight.

Sure there might be a relative small amount of people that due to hormonal and metabolic issues you are stuck at a weight for a period of time and require more professional guidance and attention than normal to get control of your weight and health.

Yet here’s the deal, most people will lose weight with the right plan for that person. Think about it for a second, if we were to put 10 people on a desert island for 60 – 90 days with no resources, no food, just being fed with worms, guess what… they would lose weight. NO! I AM NOT SUGGESTING THAT YOU EAT WORMS NOR DID I CREATE THE WORM DIET… DO NOT TRY IT AT HOME…

My point is that it is possible for everyone to lose weight, but you need to find the right strategy that works for you.

How much you can lose with any given plan for a period of time is sort of unknown. The reason being is that, there are way too many individual hormonal, metabolic, genetic and other factors that come into play which actually defines who we are (such as thyroid, diabetes, menopause to mention a few). For example I had 2 clients who when they started on a Integrated Fitness Program with me, had some similar body types, where in the same age range, had similar goals and to an extent followed sort of a similar structured plan in regards to exercise and nutrition. One lost more weight than the other, one gained more muscle, and so on. They both where happy, and most of the time everyone that I work with does feel the difference in their lives… it improves!!!

What you need to do is to find and understand what works for you and what doesn’t. Some people are sensitive to carbs and others to fat (one easy way to find this, is to ask yourself what do you crave when hungers strikes… carbs or fat). So if you crave carbs have a diet with more carbs in it and eliminate the fat, if you crave fat then do the opposite - you get the point. The main idea is that you start an eating plan that’s easiest for you to follow.

Obviously if you are going to eat carbs I am not suggesting that you eat pizza, burgers and beer. The high carb dieter should get their carbs from fruits, whole grains, and some starches. The low carb dieter should avoid any and all carbs from the diet. In essence, if you're on a low carb diet you should only eat green and fiber rich vegetables with foods that only contain protein and fat; good fats such as avocados, eggs, fish, flaxseed oil, almonds and nuts, peanut butter (no sugar added), and fatty acids such as the omega complex are just a few.

Take into consideration meal frequency and portion control, when you design a plan that is right for you. Also you should read my previous post with 4 keys to weight loss combine this with a sound exercise and cardio program and you should be on your way to looking your best.
Make this summer the season you finally take the weight off!

If you have questions and need advice regarding exercise and nutrition, I would love to hear from you. Send me an e-mail and I will gladly get back to you!

Stay fit my friends!

Author: Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

The Truth About Cardio Part 2

2009-06-17T13:12:00.004-04:00

by: Eduardo Lorenzo

O.K. Here I go again… more on cardio.

Last time I wrote to you about the different types of cardio workouts and the pitfall some of us end up in; without seeing actual results. This can be discouraging to some, so how can you avoid it?

Well I have great news for you. Despite what you might have heard, the best way burn fat is not by doing endless hours of long, slow, boring cardio. Instead, scientific research proves you can burn more belly fat in just half the time. (Let me clarify this before I get slammed by e-mails or comments stating that I am crazy– this is CARDIO TRUTH TO BURN FAT, so if you are running a 5k or 10k, a marathon or just enjoy running by all means you need cardio endurance, which leads to hours of cardio training – if you like that. However what I am referring to is about FAT BURNING CARDIO).

Here's why this type of training works…researchers have found that interval training - periods of harder than normal cardio exercise followed by periods of very light activity - burn belly fat faster than long slow cardio.

For example, in a study conducted at the University of South Wales, Australia; scientists had women do a 12 week workout program, using either interval training (for only 20 minutes) or slow cardio (for 40 minutes, meaning they had to exercise twice as long!). Each subject exercised only three times per week… The results, the women who used interval training lost more belly fat than women doing cardio – even though the cardio workouts were twice as long! And there are many more studies that have proven to be the same.

So if your goal is to lose body fat, better yet belly fat; then you need to drop the long, slow boring cardio from your routine. I know it may be hard to believe that if you cut down your time you will actually see better results. But that is the truth, and all I want is to help you get in shape and feel good. It’s up to you to do it or not; but if your current program is not working then you have nothing to lose… except belly fat that is!

Here's what you need to do instead. If you read part 1 of “The Truth About Cardio” you should already understand the concept of Interval Training, if not read it again. Always start your exercise session with a warm-up. Make sure you don't skip this. Then increase the intensity along with the proper rest periods during the core part of your cardio exercise, followed by a cool down of 4 to 5 minutes. This should not take you more than 20 to 25 minutes.

You can also opt to include some group fitness classes into your exercise program, but remember you gotta bring it in order for the workout to be beneficial. You can also spice up your resistance training program like in circuit style, cross training or join the Boot Camp program. Trust me there is no better way to spice up your workouts and take it to the next level.

I’ll take this one step further, I’ll write another post in the following days about how to incorporate proper circuit training, frequency and the benefits of Boot Camp.

In the meantime, if you have a specific question or would like to comment on this I would love to hear from you. Remember the best thing you can do to improve your fat burning cardio program is to give up long, slow boring cardio, and switch over to interval training to lose fat.

Author: Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

The Truth About Cardio Part 1

2009-06-05T16:39:00.002-04:00

By: Eduardo Lorenzo

Does cardio really help you lose weight, more importantly burn fat? I would say, yes and no. I know, I know I get on some people nerves every time I do that. I’ll explain why I answer this way in a few seconds.

First of all there are essentially two types of cardio: slow to moderate or steady state and high intensity or better known as interval training.

Most people don’t really understand the concept of high intensity cardio training. Most think ‘I hit 2.5 incline at 4.2 miles for 30 to 40 minutes; uff! this is a workout’…. Hmmm, reality says: nope, even if you sweat. High intensity or interval training would be so “intense” (see the word why its high intensive interval training) that you wouldn’t be able to keep up for more than 1 minute to 2 at the most, and would required the same or even more time to recover your heart rate in order to allow you to go over it again, in spurts. This type of training would last no more than 20 – 25 minutes.

Now that you understand this, you need to also realize that cardio is an essential component to helping you burn calories, thus you should lose weight. So to answer the original question, can cardio help you on your weight loss goals: yes!

Obviously a cardio respiratory workout has the main benefit to keep your heart and lungs healthy. Cardio is also a stress reliever. But let’s focus solely on the weight loss and burning fat aspect of it.

Those who usually start on a fitness journey A.K.A. weight loss plan, almost immediately jump onto the treadmill and do cardio for an hour. And surely since you’re more active you are burning more calories per day you see some results on your weight loss goals. That’s nice! Ah!!! but 3 months later I see those same people on the treadmill for 1 or 2 hours doing the same and guess what, they haven’t lost more weight; some have actually gained. OUCH!

Truth is that if you don’t see results within 6 weeks (at least something) then ‘something’ isn’t right. Which prompts some of you to take drastic measures and increase cardio to 3 hours a day and then starve to death by going on an extreme diet plan, that will only - if it actually works – give you the illusion that you are losing weight but it’s essential muscle tissue you are losing and in order to survive your body is stacking up on body fat. So once you get off the diet and realize your body can’t take no more the load of 3 hours a day of cardio, you gained more weight than before.

This is the same yo-yo diet and boring cardio plan that unfortunately most people succumb to.

Then how can you get the most out of your cardio plan and start losing weight body fat which should be the main focus of any weight loss plan?

My next post will address the truth about fat burning cardio.

Author: Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

Father's Day Special

2009-06-03T10:27:00.004-04:00

Dad Is Worth It!

Give him the gift of health!

With Electra's staff of professional trainers, Dad will experience:

Reduced Stress
More stamina for his heart, lungs, and joints
A reduced risk of injury and disease
More self satisfaction

For only $150, Dad will receive one fitness assessment and three one hour personal training sessions.

Act today!!! This offer will expire on Sunday, June 21, 2009

Call for more details 941-729-6900

Maintain Fitness Through an Injury

2009-06-03T09:53:00.002-04:00

By: Tammy Bryant

Before doing any exercises after an injury, it is very important to get the approval and recommendations of your physician or therapist before you resume your workouts. They may recommend working with a fitness trainer to make sure that proper technique is being done at the beginning or until you are strong enough to return on your own.

There are many things that figure into injuries. One of which is caused from weak muscles which are not ready to handle the specific demands of your workouts. For example, when a person starts a running program for the first time, they often do very well for the first few weeks. When they start to add the mileage on, they suddenly develop problems in their ankle and feet. Hamstring soreness and or perhaps even lower back pain also occur. Their body is telling them that it is not strong enough for the demands of the increased training load. If you add a resistance training workout to your running program, it will help condition your body to better handle the running and other daily demands. Weight training can fortify muscles and joints and make them less susceptible to injury.

If you have injured a body part or joint, there are ways that you can still workout. One of which is through a process called cross-training. A proper technique such as full range of motion is very important to preventing injury or re-injury to connective tissue, joints, and muscles. The exercises should be done in a manner that simulates the actual activity. This may require a modified use of some exercise equipment.

To prevent injury, some common tips are necessary to follow. Avoid training when you are tired, increase carbohydrates for heavy training periods, introduce new activities gradually, and always warm up and cool down. These are just a few tips to help. If you are still experiencing problems then it might be wise to set up some time with a personal trainer for some professional guidence.

For a free consultation, I can be reached at 941-729-6900 or e-mail at tammy@electrahealthclub.com.

I wish you all the best of luck with all of your fitness goals.

WOMEN ONLY FITNESS BOOT CAMP

2009-06-03T08:37:00.006-04:00

BOOT CAMP FOR WOMEN!

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO GET IN SHAPE FAST?

ENLIST NOW! SPACES ARE LIMITED!

6 WEEK BOOT CAMP * 1 HR/DAY * 2 TIMES A WEEK
TUESDAY & THURSDAY @ 9:30am * STARTS JUNE 16

- Highly Effective Total Body Conditioning Program –

Expected Results When You Complete Boot Camp:

Body Fat Reduction - Weight Loss - Gain Muscle Tone & Strength - Enhanced Conditioning & Agility - Greatly Improve Posture - 100% Gain in Self Confidence - Look and Feel Your Best

JOIN TODAY SPACES ARE LIMITED ONLY 12 RECRUITS SPOTS AVAILABLE.

Don’t miss out on the most perfect weight loss and body sculpting program available!

Program Cost: $180.00

There is a Pre-Camp individual evaluation before the start of the program, that includes nutrition guidelines and fitness assessment.

Author: Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

Soda leads to muscle loss...

2009-05-28T18:04:00.002-04:00

By: Eduardo Lorenzo

I hate to say it; but I told you so... "Clean up you diet". Poor nutrition habits will not be beat by just some workouts. And In case you need more evidence to substantiate this, read this article about things that could lead to muscle loss:

http://health.yahoo.com/news/healthday/toomuchcolacancausemuscleproblems.html

I hope you all keep yourself busy at the gym and eating healthy.

Enjoy your weekend.

Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT, specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective, exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

Boot Camp Update

2009-05-20T10:44:00.011-04:00

Wow! This has certainly been an awesome beginning for our Fitness Boot Camp. Last week we tipped off with our teaser class Boot Camp to get everyone started and warmed up for what is headed their way in the following weeks.

I have to be honest and tell you that I’m super exited for some of the things I have in store for everyone at Boot Camp.

Yesterday… we couldn’t have wished for a better start on our official Boot Camp day with the rain and cold weather hitting us hard. But these guys stood strong and tall and endured the cold, the rain and the pain. Everyone is starting to pull together well and I am proud of all the effort the guys are giving.

Boot Camp is all about making you strong, fit and capable of doing things you never thought possible. It’s having to face your challenges through discipline and exercise which in turn delivers results in a way that affects not only your physique (which those enlisted will be rocking and in top condition pretty soon) but also the way you see life and approach things knowing that you are capable of overcoming anything that gets in your way. It’s a combination of our physical, mental and spiritual state; because you need to dig deep within yourself and realize you are much capable than what you think, and that all things are possible if we have the right attitude.

Wrap-up: For those of you enlisted in the Boot Camp, hang in there. For those of you thinking about it; registration is still open till May 22, 2009 for our final 3 spots. After that you will have to wait for our next Boot Camp program.

Some pictures from Boot Camp:

Author: Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT Specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

What if I gave you the F-Word...

2009-05-13T11:21:00.002-04:00

by: Eduardo Lorenzo

What if I gave you the F-Word...

The new F-Word… or Failure that is, and it’s a word you should be familiar with if you are trying to build your best body ever.

Yet reality tells us different, now a days most people are afraid of failure; hey! Even I think it’s now the new “F” dirty word. This shouldn’t surprise you unless you’ve been living in a cave for the last 20 years. Take a good look at the economy, failure is exploding in frequency. The financial distress, corporate and consumer debt, foreclosures at record highs, banks and manufacturing companies going out of business; in other words: failure.

The quick fix to all this: bailing out banks, homeowners and aiding companies at large to stay afloat, only to see them keep practicing the same type of business that put them in line to bankruptcy or failure.

We seem to forget that most business ventures fail, and from those failures is that we as a nation have learned acute lessons that have helped us be prosperous and build good businesses that actually make sense and profits.

Do you see the similarity in regards to your fitness goals?

You need to train to failure. "Well not always" but from time to time failure training should be used to motivate you to try harder and in return you will build a great physique.

Let me explain this; failure refers to performing a set until the point of being unable to complete one more rep, despite all effort you "fail" to complete the last rep.

Training to failure is, however, a controversial topic. Some expert’s say you should always train to failure, others don’t even see a relationship of training to failure with real life activities… let’s say you are washing and waxing your car, failure in this case would mean you would do this till your arms drop, not very likely is it.

The argument is that training to failure is mainly considered a hypertrophy training technique, as muscular strength, power, and endurance gains can still be made without training to failure. However one might argue that if you can physically do more, then you are not training at your optimum level, so it may be considered a general principle for any aspect of training, even cardio/aerobic training such as running or cycling (until you physically cannot continue), but again this increases the risk of injury, of collapsing, and of feeling extreme discomfort for several days.

Various studies have been done, showing that training to failure does not substantially improve muscle development, but many thousands of hardcore weight trainers disagree based on their personal experience.

For many, they just compromise in some way. If they are doing three sets of a particular exercise during their workout, they only train to failure on the final set. In some ways, this compromise is a bit illogical. If training to failure is worth doing, why only do it once? If training to failure isn't worth doing, why do it at all?

Do I sound like I am contradicting myself? I can see my inbox flooded with countless e-mails from our avid readers. But it’s O.K. like I mentioned earlier this is a controversial topic.

Does it work? It’s a personal decision one must make. I for one, use this system from time to time, not always… there is no one such program that will do it all.

With that in mind these are my suggestions:

If you hit a plateau, then training to failure is an option because it will help you break that pattern. Remember the business strategy we spoke at the beginning; if you keep bailing out your body as with the financial system, you’ll only end up doing the same time after time with little to no results.

Mix it up from time to time to keep yourself out of the boredom and to challenge your body.

If you are training to failure, safety is always first. Try to get a spotter or use common sense; don’t get injured while trying to show off.

Take home message: training to failure is an option… quitting however is not.

Author: Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT
Eduardo Lorenzo specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

2009-05-07T14:51:00.004-04:00

By: Eduardo Lorenzo

My weekend at Motor-GT Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL; is one to remember. Between the drama, the weather and all the controversy surrounding the race, Armando Ferrer and “TeamHurtByAccident.com” came on top.

Most of you have seen me training Armando at the gym the last 3 weeks. We’ve been working on an endurance and strength type of training. In just three weeks Armando added about 7 pounds of lean muscle mass and gained knowledge on sports nutrition, sleep, and proper exercise.

After all the hype on the race, Armando, who rides the No. 69 TeamhurtByAccident.com bike, slid off the course and into the gravel at Turn 14 near the entrance to pit road, and was hospitalized on Friday after crashing during his qualifying session. He was at the hospital till midnight, yet thankfully he didn’t have broken bones or internal bleeding.

I arrived at the track Saturday morning and checked on Armando to see how he was doing. He didn’t look that good though, so after a series of pep talk, stretching and massage (a lot of pain in his muscles and joints), Armando decided he wasn’t going to throw away all of the effort he had put into his conditioning. He suit up and decided to race. WOW! I mean it was raining, we had lightning, tornado watch in event, the race was postponed for a while and all the drama with him and the team was crazy.

The result, the team decided to play a strategy along with our second racer #64 of the Motor-GT2 category. IT PAID OFF!!! We won both races!!!

Armando went from the ER all the way to the podium… incredible! Now more drama came into the weekend when for a weird and controversial “ruling” they stripped TeamHurtByAccident.com of the win and placed them on second place. The team took the news really bad but as professionals everyone kept their cool, and decided to submit an official protest. The other teams and the media where congratulating the team on the win, even the supposed winning team knew we had the race.

All said and done, I’ve just heard that the official review of the race is that TeamHurtByAccident.com is still pending, however, as of now the team is tied for first place in the championship standings.

My proud moment was when Armando acknowledged that his training program was the key factors that helped him overcome the obstacles he faced and realized that by working your body and your mind at high levels the impossible is nothing.

I am most appreciative of the privilege provided by owner of TeamHurtByAccident.com C.J. Czaia, to work with the team and be a part of this success. I look forward to keeping close ties with team as they are in the hunt of this year’s championship.

I’ll post some pictures on Facebook (I got a few but there is more to come soon, as I get them): http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=757805649&ref=profile#/album.php?aid=254049&id=757805649

For more information on the race and news you can follow the links provided:

http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=21818

http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=36383

http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=21853

http://blog.al.com/blogoftomorrow/2009/05/motorcycle_rider_hospitalized.html

Author: Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT Eduardo Lorenzo specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement and weight loss programs.

BOOT CAMP IS BACK!

2009-05-07T14:33:00.002-04:00

BOOT CAMP IS BACK!

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO GET IN SHAPE FAST?

ENLIST NOW! SPACES ARE LIMITED!

8 WEEK BOOT CAMP * 1 HR/DAY * 2 TIMES A WEEK

TUESDAY & FRIDAY @ 6:30am * STARTS MAY 19

- Highly Effective Total Body Conditioning Program –

Expected Results When You Complete Boot Camp:

Body Fat Reduction - Weight Loss - Gain Muscle Tone & Strength - Enhanced Conditioning & Agility - Greatly Improve Posture - 100% Gain in Self Confidence - Look and Feel Your Best

JOIN TODAY SPACES ARE LIMITED ONLY 12 RECRUITS SPOTS AVAILABLE.

Don’t miss out on the most perfect weight loss and body sculpting program available!

REGISTER TODAY & SAVE YOUR SPOT
SIGN IN AT THE FRONT DESK
OR CALL 941-729-6900

Program Cost: $240.00

Join Drill Instructor: Eduardo Lorenzo

* There is a Pre-Camp individual evaluation before the start of the program. Also expect our Teaser class for those enlisted on May 15 @ 6:30am.

Author: Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT
Eduardo Lorenzo specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

Why we need to be consistent

2009-04-23T10:41:00.003-04:00

By Eduardo Lorenzo

In the words of Claude Bristol: "It's the constant and determined effort that breaks down all resistance and sweeps away all obstacles".

In other words, you control your own destiny with your mind! Sometimes we must tap into that inner self and realize what our potential is. And sometimes it's just about trying to make it and survive.

Sure we all have our days, or sometimes weeks--that it seems nearly impossible to make it to the gym and eat the right stuff. Sometimes--life just gets in the way! Yet on a constant basis we allow other things in our lives to take priority over our own health and lifestyle. In order to live our lives well we must get things headed in the right track. It's like a vicious cycle that if done right things come easy on their own; you start going to the gym, you eat properly, and you even sleep better. If left ignored then it just sneaks up on you with 10 to 20 pounds added, you start to feel sluggish, along with other health risk.

In order to inspire and motivate yourself, think about the commitment you have made to your health and to your loved ones.

Believe in yourself and you can make it happen!

Write down some realistic goals and work until you reach them!

Understand there will always be obstacles and road blocks to overcome.

The key to succeed at this is to be CONSISTENT, even when you feel you are not at your best. In turn this will help to build up from one workout to another over a period of time your body will get back on track with some noticeable results.

I had a trainer friend who always said: "NEVER MISS A WORKOUT". It sounds easier than getting it done. But with a simple strategy you can make this happen. How about bringing your workout down to 20 or 30 minutes? Or work on the muscles and movements that make you feel better and that you perform the best. Do some interval cardio for just 15 to 20 minutes.

Get yourself to an Electra Group Fitness class or go for a bike ride or some other outdoor sports.

Maybe it's about packing your meals the night before, or setting up your gym bag at the door so that way there’s no excuse on your way out.

Choose one thing to do that will help you to feel good, and stick to it. It might take a few days, or even a few weeks, but you’ll find out that consistency is the key!

That is true when you take a look at some the folks that have been consistently coming to their personal training sessions for the last couple of weeks even against the odds. I can think of CJ who has finally master his pull-ups (un-assisted by the way), David has dropped over 30 pounds in about 8 weeks (even with the adversities we had to face, he's getting the job done), Jill feels confident in her bikini again. I could keep going on and on but the message is clear. They've all overcome their fears and obstacles and have made it.

The key: Consistency!!!

Eduardo Lorenzo – NASM-CPT; specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement and weight loss programs.

The Essence of Core Training

2009-04-22T14:30:00.003-04:00

By: Eduardo Lorenzo

Building a strong mid-section requires more than just the typical ab exercises. Sure everyone would like to have six pack abs to show off, but there a many reasons why someone should and needs to be training their ab muscles in a proper way.

First of all the term Core Training relates to the strengthening of the muscles that stabilize your skeletal structure; meaning the muscles of the spine, your pelvis and shoulders in order to provide a solid foundation for movement in the extremities. Properly training your Core is essential in the treatment and prevention of spinal pain and other musculoskeletal aches.

If your core muscles are strong they will aid in the following:

Proper movement of your torso – if your core is not strong you will likely suffer from back problems and increase your chances of injury, “even if you are an active person or consider yourself fit”.
Good posture and body stability - These muscles all work in harmony to provide stabilization for your body and to transfer power from the legs to the upper body and vice versa.
They will also protect your vital systems, improve body fluids and enhance your circulatory support.
YOU MAY ALSO LOOK SEXY!!!!

Some of the best core training exercises you should be performing are planks, hip raises, reverse crunches, woodchops and even compound exercises that will involve proper engagement of your core muscles. You can ask any of the members I’ve been training and surely they’ll tell you how sick and tired they are of listening to me constantly reminding them to “draw in” their abs, stabilize their abs, engage their core and hold it for the duration of their set of exercise. The main idea behind these exercises, is that it will strengthen your ab muscles a lot better than any other crunch you could ever do.

In essence, core stability benefits everyone, from older people to top professional athletes. Exercises for core stabilization should be part of every conditioning program, along with flexibility, strength, and aerobic training.

All the parts of your body are connected to one another, directly or indirectly. Think of a chain as the connection; for example, imagine a chain starting at your foot and running through your ankle, calf, knee, thigh, and hip to your pelvis and spine. This is called the kinetic chain, and it means that moving one part of your body can affect another body part. Your trunk is where the kinetic chains come together.

So the next time you think of ab training, forget doing basic crunches only. Remember your body needs all the support it can get.

Eduardo Lorenzo – NASM-CPT; specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement and weight loss programs.

WORKING OUT THROUGH PERIMENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE

2009-04-16T12:26:00.003-04:00

By Tammy Bryant

We can start to feel the changes in our bodies at the age of 35, but menopause is a life changing experience for many women. We exprerience mood swings, weight gain and other symtoms due to drops of estrogen levels. Some women are at risk of heart disease and osteoporosis, but studies have shown that by exercising, eating right and keeping fit we can alleviate or stop some of the symptoms from happening.

BONE LOSS: Resistance training during menopause can help to diminish the effects of bone loss caused by estrogen reduction, aging or inactivity. Exercise that strengthens your muscles helps to lessen the severe effects of bone density loss, which is an issue during menopause.

HOT FLASHES--MOOD SWINGS: Increasing estrogen levels is key to reducing the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings. With regular exercise it appears to be for some a promising alternative for hormone replacement therapy. A study showed increased levels of estrogen in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women aged 40 to 56 years after the women participated in weight and cardiovascular training programs. Exercise can also reduce fatigue, irritability and sleep loss associated with menopause.

WATER INTAKE: Hot flashes can cause severe sweating, which can lead to dehydration during exercise, so keep hydrated.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE: When you do cardiovascular exercise, you sustain an elevated heart rate for a period of time, which when done consistently, will make your heart healthier and stronger. Studies have shown that women over 40, who are overweight and menopausal, have a higher risk of heart disease. So, do your cardio and hit those weights to keep your estrogen up, your weight down, decrease your total cholesterol levels and keep your heart happy and healthy.
BALANCING YOUR FITNESS PROGRAM: During menopause your body needs a balance of cardiovascular training, resistance training and stretching, because the three are important for your changing body.Some options include low-impact classes, walking or strength training with weights, machines, bands, or hand weights. Training both the upper and lower body are very important. Keeping the muscles of the upper back and chest strong may prevent the onset of spinal changes such as dowager's hump. To work on these issues and more come in and utilize our other classes. If you're not sure where to start, than a personnal trainer might be right for you and your needs.

If you have any questions on this subject contact me at tammy@electrahealthclub.com

Essential Weight Loss Guidelines

2009-04-06T13:27:00.004-04:00

By Eduardo Lorenzo

Most people are familiar with the concept of eating 4-6 small meals per day, but many ask why this is necessary. There are several reasons, and this method of eating works for people trying to lose weight as well as those who are trying to put on muscle. However, I’ll focus more on weight loss, since most people are after this as a goal.

To be fit, trim, healthy, and have lots of energy, you’ve got to feed your metabolism! That means eating every two to three hours. Skipping meals or drastically cutting calories is never the answer because it tricks your body into storing fat rather than shedding it!

That is why you may see yourself lose some weight the minute you start on a certain diet program and most start doing some type of cardio. Yet after a while you hit a plateau, stop losing weight or just can’t gain muscle (whichever may be the goal you’re after). This could be discouraging; but don’t lose hope or motivation. Building a fine physique takes time, determination and continuous effort.

In order to understand this concept, below are several reasons why this way of eating works and delivers results:

1. Metabolism- By eating 4-6 small meals per day, you are taking in some food about every 3 hours. This means your body has to digest something every 3 hours. The process of digestion actually uses a fair amount of calories, so you are increasing your metabolic rate by doing this! If you eat five small meals or snacks throughout the day and at roughly the same time each day, your body will soon get into a new rhythm of eating. In essence, it will begin to trust that it will be fed regularly. It will begin to trust that it does not have to lock down what is held in storage within your fat cells, and it will begin to release body fat naturally. Your body will adjust so that it expends what you eat for fuel rather than conserve or store away nutrients for later use. This is the process of speeding up your metabolism!

2. Losing Body Fat-Through a physiological process called “Starvation Mode”, your body, after four hours or so, doesn’t know when it will get its next meal and “partitions” more of your next meal into fat cells than it would if you simply ate more often. Without a constant supply of small meals, commonly known as “grazing”, you’ll find yourself drowsy in the afternoon, fighting cravings, making impulsive food choices, bingeing, and, worst of all, gaining fat!By eating smaller meals, more frequently, you are hopefully taking in enough calories to cover immediate energy requirements and rebuilding muscle, without taking in excess that would be stored as body fat.

3. Level Blood Sugar- By eating more frequently, you maintain a more even blood sugar level. This means a fairly steady energy level, without all those highs and lows most people experience when eating only 3 large meals per day, with a long time between meals. (Anybody who works 9-5 and has indulged in a large lunch knows that sleepy, fatigued feeling that hits about 2:30pm)!

4. More Protein IntakeProtein builds and repairs muscle, and an ample intake is absolutely necessary if you are working out and challenging the body. But, like anything else, if you take in too much at once, the excess will be stored as body fat. By eating 4-6 small meals per day, you have more opportunities to increase protein consumption, without having too much at one sitting!

The whole idea is to make your body a fat-burning, muscle-building machine. By increasing lean muscle, you will burn more calories, even at rest (muscle is more metabolically active than fat).
Try to incorporate these methods of eating and see how it all comes together. I have found that by also starting a food journal you make better choices and are held accountable for what you eat.

Try to get it done, and let me know how it’s going for you. I would love to hear about your progress report. Enjoy your healthy eating!

Eduardo Lorenzo – NASM-CPT; specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement and weight loss programs.

Benefits of a Fitness Assessment & Why You Need It

2009-04-03T10:33:00.005-04:00

By Eduardo Lorenzo

What is a Fitness Assessment? A proper fitness assessment consists of a series of measurements that will help determine your level of physical fitness. These tests can identify your strengths and weaknesses in relation to your physical needs and fitness goals.

There are several standard tests in a fitness assessment. Depending upon the assessor, other tests may be added to achieve a greater picture of your fitness level or lack thereof.
Bear in mind that a Fitness Professional should be able to explain to you the benefits of a comprehensive fitness assessment before developing any kind of fitness program. And I say this because the main reason to perform an assessment prior to any exercise regimen is to help educate and motivate regardless if you do personal training or not. These tests and screening processes will establish a baseline or blue print that will allow for monitoring your performance and progress throughout your exercise regimen; remember fitness is not a one size fits all. Like the old saying says: “If you’re not assessing, you’re just guessing”.

So a proper assessment should include a Health History Review, followed by measurements of Cardiovascular & Muscular Strength along with a comparison of the anterior and posterior muscles and even exercise technique. There should also be a screen process that will allow measuring any muscle imbalances, body movement and alignment patters. A ROM (range of motion) assessment along with either a Body Fat Analysis or a BMI and Body Composition Measurement are also suggested. Further assessment may also be performed of an individual's dietary habits.

Most of this assessment process is already part of an orientation for first timers at Electra Health Club & Spa; which also includes equipment set up orientation to show you how to use and operate cardio and weight machines. The assessment process will vary slightly depending on your fitness level and even perhaps your health background. If you haven’t taken advantage of this program or feel you have hit a plateau in your exercise regimen, go ahead and approach a personal trainer or the front desk personnel to set this up.

In summary a fitness assessment is beneficial for both personal trainers and their clients. By following the guidelines described in this article, personal trainers can remove the guesswork of exercise design, and provide sensible starting and progressing points for resistance training programs. With follow-up evaluations, members will see measurable improvement that may help them maintain interest in the program, but most importantly maximize your results.

If you’re interested in learning about proper technique and are a results driven person, contact me by e-mail or at Electra as I would like to help you build a better body.

Eduardo Lorenzo – NASM-CPT; specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement and weight loss programs.

Gain Without The Pain

2009-03-26T11:19:00.002-04:00

By Paul Boisvert, NSPA Conditioning Specialist, Electra Personal Training Director

It is hard to believe that anyone would commit to regular exercise intent on inflicting injury on themselves. Yet, the general population seems to display a strong inclination to avoid the basic foundations of proper exercise techniques.

Of course, no one is intentionally looking to hurt themselves. In fact, most people may think that the poor technique that they are applying will actually benefit them in some way. In other cases, proper form may raise the bar on the effort level. It is easier to cheat with sloppy form.

It is important not to confuse discomfort with pain. Without getting too scientific, there are chemical processes that are needed in order for our muscles to continually contract. One by-product of this occurrence is called lactic acid. The lactic acid produces the “burn” or discomfort that results from high intensity training. Sharp, shooting pain or numbness is usually caused by compressed nerves, over-used muscles, hyper-extended joints, or hyper-flexed joints. Improper body alignment and other bad training habits are usually the culprits. There may also be a pre-existing condition that you were not yet aware of. That’s why it is important to stay on track with your regular visits to the doctor.

Here are some things to think of when you workout.
1.Posture: Do you know what good posture actually means? Do you know how to apply it to your own body?
Start by keeping your ears in line with your shoulder. Your shoulders should stay down and back without exaggeration. Next, align your shoulder joint, hip, knees and ankles.
You will be using your upper back, hip, abdominal, and low back muscles to maintain this position. If you have poor posture, this alone will give you a workout. Apply this to strength training, aerobic workouts, and stretching. Practicing proper alignment will help the muscles throughout your body work the way they should without being pushed beyond their limits.

2.Muscle range of motion: This is a big factor in injury prevention. It is important to know the limits of the muscles you are targeting.
For example, a bench press should be performed with the range limited to a 90 degree elbow angle at the bottom of the movement. The top of the movement should be limited to the full contraction of the chest. Going beyond these ranges induces the risk of shoulder or back injury. Also, the chest does not get trained to its fullest potential. Each exercise has a primary muscle of focus. Getting to know the feel of the primary muscle and its limitations will greatly increase your overall strength and control.

3.Using the right muscles to stabilize your body:
Learn how to train the muscles of your trunk or core more effectively. They are your foundation when the intensity of an exercise picks up. Too many people call on the muscles of the upper back and neck, often causing injury. This leads to unnecessary pain that will bring about sleepless nights and missed workouts.
If this is the case, you could use the services of an Electra personal trainer to set you on the right path with more core awareness. Once you learn to call on these muscles as your base, you will benefit from less pain and more results.

There are still several other techniques that can be mastered for safer and more effective training. However, these three areas are the best places to start.
Exercise should be a major priority in your life. Without it, all your other priorities will suffer. Your health, productivity, and overall quality of life will decline at a faster rate without it. A fitness program is a worthwhile investment. A wise approach can only help you reap from the benefits and avoid setbacks.

Proper Gym Manners

2009-03-13T15:33:00.001-04:00

By Eduardo Lorenzo

Have you ever come in to the gym all hyped up to train only to find your favorite exercise equipment covered in a puddle of sweat? Yuck!
Ever spent part of your workout time removing weights from machines so you can put yours on? Or searched all over the gym for a bar, pulley handle or weight plates and dumbbells that aren't where they're supposed to be?
Why can't people at the gym be a little bit more courteous?
With so many people coming through the door everyday, being decent and having good manners is key to making everyone's workout time rewarding; not disturbing. Not everyone has two, three or five hours to train. Members all have real needs and goals, whether they are losing weight, putting on some muscle mass, increasing performance, or de-stressing from daily activities.
The main idea is to show respect and consideration. It’s all about proper etiquette and general decency.
With that in mind, there are definite things you want to avoid in order to keep our gym manners at a high level at all times. Let’s go over a few examples:

1. It’s always nice to get along with other gym members; but don’t become a social butterfly. Most people go to the gym to train, not socialize (that’s what Facebook is for). Don’t be screaming, grunting or talking too long to those who are focused on their workout. Don't disturb those who are reading, watching TV or listening to their iPod as they exercise; all of this can be irritating to some members.
2. Keep your sweat to yourself. Wipe down equipment when you're done. Remember Electra Health Club & Spa offers paper towels with sanitizing spray bottles to clean. Also, some gym goers do bring towela: use them!
3. Pick up after yourself, we’re talking food, water bottles, paper and whatever else including the weights.
4. So put your weights back on the rack. Once you're done with weight plates, dumbbells or barbells, put them back. My rule is: “If you can’t drop then nicely, and put them back, don’t even dare to pick up the weight.”
5. Loud grunting, or singing along to your iPod are no-nos, I mean seriously; I once heard this dude singing his heart out to “time after time” by Cindy Lauper… I mean, come on!!! Not in the gym. Turn off your cell phone for courtesy purposes. If you can't miss a call, take your conversation outside.
6. Don't hog the equipment. Many gyms have a 30-minute limit on cardio equipment that is enforced only when people are waiting. At Electra we have not set a 30-minute limit; however we still want you to be polite with other gym members.
7. If the gym is not busy, stay on that treadmill as long as you want. If it's packed, respect the rules. When working with weights, alternate sets with people who want to use the same equipment.
8. Wear clothing and footwear designed for exercise. It’s not a fashion place but at least don't wear pajamas and torn clothing. But do wear undergarments that provide support and cover areas others don't want to see. And if you're going to lounge in the sauna or steam room, please do not go in there wearing gym or street clothes and sneakers, bathing suits or towels are basics. Remember some of our members are children who shouldn’t be exposed, for crying out loud, to certain areas of the human anatomy.

Eduardo Lorenzo – NASM-CPT; specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement and weight loss programs.

March is the National Nutrition Month

2009-03-10T15:38:00.003-04:00

By Eduardo Lorenzo

National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
I can understand there is an overflow in the market for products, publications on diet, nutrition and health. Then where can you find some sound information that is not biased? Surely at the ADA website: http://www.eatright.org/.
They have tons of articles that range from basic health to sports nutrition, diabetes, special needs and children’s nutrition. I recommend you go there and inform yourself the best possible way.
In the mean time, I would love to hear from you on, what are your nutrition habits? Any special recipes worth sharing? How are you doing with your fitness and weight management goals?
Send me an e-mail and let us know how it's going for you!

Yours in health and fitness,
Eduardo Lorenzo – NASM-CPT; specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement and weight loss programs

Be FIT with Daylight Savings Time!

2009-03-07T07:42:00.002-05:00

This Sunday, March 8, 2009; at 2a.m., marks the beginning of daylight savings time—when clocks spring forward and Americans are cheated out of an hour of quality sleep. So with that in mind, don’t find yourself napping this weekend. Adjusting your clock may result in more than just a deprived day of 1 hour sleep. DST actually doesn’t save any daylight. But by moving ahead an hour it facilitates extra daylight mainly for our commute from work.

Yes! We’ll get an hour less this weekend to sleep, however there is a bright side to daylight. First of all DST will allow us to use less energy at home, thus helping us save money so necessary in this economy. It can also have a positive spin on our health. The more light on the outside provides a better path to safety driving reducing the amount of car accidents. It also provides more time to be fit and healthy. During DST there is no excuse to not hit the gym or be active with outdoor activities. Do the things you enjoy the best, go for a bike ride, a jog, play a pickup game with the guys, or hit the afternoon golf range and no need to rush through it.

What I want you to do is to think about those fitness goals and resolutions you set for yourself at the beginning of the year. Have you accomplished them, or are you at the moment still striving for them? Have you even started yet? If you have, then you have plenty of resources and light to keep at it. If you haven't, then now is the time to start and “spring forward” with DST.

If you still need some motivation this spring, take a trip. Hot places such as Hawaii, Arizona, US Virgin Islands and my all time favorite Puerto Rico don’t observe DST; mainly since daylight hours are similar during every season (some places are even closer to the equator); therefore there is no advantage to shift the clock forward.

It’s always sunny in my home town of Puerto Rico!

If you need advice on your fitness program you can visit me at Electra Health Club and Spa or e-mail me with questions/comments. I would love to hear from you!

Eduardo Lorenzo – NASM-CPT; specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement and weight loss programs

What Is The Equation For Fitness Success?

2009-03-06T12:37:00.002-05:00

If there is a question I get every single day from gym members, family, friends, different folks at the grocery store, it almost always comes down to one thing; and I’m telling you even from the newbie trainees to those who’ve been in the gym for some time: what is the secret to rapid results? Is there any magic trick or quick fixes to get there fast?

Truth be told, we all want that beach body overnight. Women want to wear their bikinis; men want to bench press 300 pounds or so, deadlift 3 times their bodyweight in two weeks of beginning their training program. Let’s face it. Everyone wants six pack abs without having to count calories… right?

The problem is that most are lost in this sea of information and the hype that is floating around about this diet or that one; do I eat carbs, more protein, is fat bad for me? etc, etc; that most just go from one program to the other with little to no knowledge. Some say, “I’ll eat what I want but, how about interval training, or 1 or 2 hours of cardio… is a mile or two long enough? Why aren’t I losing more weight?

Although there are many supplements and treatments out there that claim to get you there, most of them will just “supplement” whatever you are currently doing. If you are not doing well on your own or doing nothing at all (meaning doing proper exercise and eating healthy for weight loss) then forget it they won’t even work. The fact is that there is no secret to getting that sexy physique or building muscle and losing fat. It takes commitment, consistency, hard and smart work, plus common sense to not over do it; and by this I mean healthy eating and consistent physical activity, whether it’s at the gym or outdoor recreation.

Building an incredible physique takes time and determination. It's actually quite simple, and for the regular fitness enthusiast, 3-4 training sessions per week is going to be all they really need to achieve their physique and or fitness goals. Combine a good training routine of basic compound movements with a healthy dietary approach, and I can just about guarantee your success.

Usually 6 to 12 weeks is plenty of time to start noticing some real results. Of course everyone has a different body composition, health and goals of your own, but depending on your fitness level you can probably finally see your abs, increase your performance and energy levels, lose weight and gain lean muscle tissue. You should manage and see some good results “IF” you are consistent. If you don’t see results, chances are you are missing on something or probably just need a little help to push over that plateau.

If you need advice on your exercise, cardiovascular and nutrition programs you can visit me at Electra Health Club and Spa or e-mail me with questions/comments. I would love to hear from you!

Eduardo Lorenzo – NASM-CPT; specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement and weight loss programs.

Heart Healthy Seminar Feb 28th

2009-02-20T12:50:00.002-05:00

Open to members and non-members:

When: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 28
Where: Electra Health Club & Spa Group Exercise Room
What: Learn how to maximize your workouts and cardiovascular goals with the use of a heart rate monitor. Also, learn about Healthy Secrets for Weight Loss through proper exercise and nutrition.

Please RSVP at 729-6900 or info@electrahealthclub.com if you're planning to attend.

Partner Training Can Improve Your Performance!

2009-02-15T13:05:00.002-05:00

By Eduardo Lorenzo

Every time we do something in the company of good people we feel better and more motivated. So it makes sense that when you are training in the gym with a friend, your performance can greatly improve. You will see better results, get more motivation, work harder than if you were there alone. Your gym partner, however, needs to be hard working because if he/she is lazy you will also become lazy and find yourself spending two hours at the gym just talking. You should also ensure that your gym partner at least shares some of the goals as you do when it comes to fitness and health.

This way you can establish some positive competition between you and your friend. This is because positive competition usually acts as a motivator; you will be able to push each other to achieve more and more.

If you get the right partner or buddy to train you will be able to accomplish the following:

Boost your level of motivation.
Create accountability of yourself. If you know they will be there and you have an appointment you won’t let them down and therefore won’t skip on your workouts or be late. This in turn keeps your consistency in high gear!
Keep an eye on nutrition, including how much liquor you might imbibe when at social gatherings. Your partner will always keep you on track with your goals.
You will train safe!!! If done properly, a good spotter will help you push a few more reps and sets on your workouts, but also make sure you keep proper form, technique and avoid injuries.

What if you can’t seem to find that right partner to train? Well don’t give up on your fitness quest just because of that. Training alone allows you to focus more on your own training, your strengths and weaknesses. Hence, choosing the right training program will be key to your success.

You can always explore the option of hiring a Fitness Specialist who in turn will be able to assess those strengths and weaknesses, tweak your training, nutrition and cardio programs. Investing in you is the best way to stay healthy, especially in tough economic times. The better our health is, the less we need to spend in healthcare and other related issues.

A Fitness Specialist will definitely keep you motivated and accountable with your fitness goals; but most importantly will help you maximize your efforts and time while at the gym, delivering faster results that everyone will notice.

Like the old saying says: two are better than one!

Eduardo Lorenzo – NASM-CPT; specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement and weight loss programs.

FITNESS AT ANY AGE: Older People Who Diet Without Exercising Lose Valuable Muscle Mass

2009-01-29T12:54:00.002-05:00

By Eduardo Lorenzo

Participating in exercise related activities can do wonders for your body and mind at any age. However, increasing your level of activity after the age of 50 has even more significant health benefits.

Here's why: a recent study published at Science Daily (sciencedaily.com) showed that a group of sedentary and overweight elderly people placed on a four-month exercise program not only became more fit, but burned off more fat, compared to a group of elderly sedentary people who were placed on a diet but did not exercise.

The new study also showed that when older people diet without exercising, they lose more lean muscle compared to those who exercise, said senior researcher Bret H. Goodpaster. When they combined weight loss with exercise, it nearly completely prevented the loss of lean muscle mass.

The results are important because older people tend to lose muscle mass as they age and too much muscle loss may interfere with activities of daily living.The 64 participants were 60-75 years of age and were either overweight or obese. All of the participants were sedentary at the outset of the study.

The researchers divided the participants into three groups:exercise onlydiet onlyexercise plus diet. The exercise only group could either walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bicycle, although most chose to walk. The diet only group reduced their caloric intake to achieve a 10% weight loss by the end of the four-month study period. The final group combined both the daily exercise and the diet. Exercise increases efficiency, burns more fat.

"The take-home message is that, even among older people and during a fairly short period of time, exercise produces metabolic changes that require the expenditure of fewer calories during physical activity," Goodpaster said. "Exercise also allowed older people to more preferentially burn fat, which may be healthier metabolically."

At Electra Health Club & Spa we offer a variety of services and programs that are tailored to everyone and every age. We are proud to offer Silver Sneakers™, a program that is designed especially for Seniors.

Our personal trainers all enjoy working with the senior population, as the progress can be achieved so quickly. Our programs can improve joint stability, range of motion, and overall strength, in addition to promoting weight loss.

Yoga at Electra

2009-01-23T15:06:00.001-05:00

Yoga may seem like a newcomer onto the fitness scene, but yoga actually began in India more than 3,000 years ago. In the ancient language of India, Sanskrit, yoga means to unite or join. This union or joining, if you will, refers to the union of body, mind and spirit.

The typical yoga session is a blend of strength, flexibility and body awareness through various postures, body positions and movement. Although a myriad of styles and philosophies exist within yoga, most yoga practitioners and teachers agree that yoga is built on three major foundations: exercise, breath control and meditation. How far a person wants to delve into each of these is obviously an individual choice. Ideally, some degree of each will be incorporated into a session.

Many health clubs, and fitness centers provide yoga instruction in their class offerings, and of course, yoga studios specializing in yoga offer classes throughout the day. In many studios, yoga is offered on a pay as you go basis, or as a package with a slight discount. That pricing ranges widely, from $7 per class up to $15 per class in some locales. Typically the discount for buying a package is approximately 10%. This can cost hundreds of dollars per month.

We are proud that at Electra, we offer yoga in our group classes six days a week. For the cost of a low monthly membership (less than half of a typical yoga studio), our members can take a yoga class almost everyday. Our members can attest to the quality of the classes, our yoga instructors are fantastic!

Come on in and take a yoga class, you will gain flexibility, strength and balance; a winning combination for a healthy and fit life!

Is a Personal Trainer Right For You?

2009-01-16T11:51:00.006-05:00

By Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT

If you are not satisfied with your health and fitness level and are tired of just going through the motions on your own, never really accomplishing any of your goals, then it’s time to realize you need help.

Perhaps you may think, hiring a personal trainer is expensive, or you may have some other valid concerns. I personally feel the same way!

However let me address the first issue; is a personal trainer expensive? Gareth Lynch-It’s not expensive when you compare it to surgery, liposuction, and other alternatives; that besides being expensive may not be safe as well. While at the same time you learn nothing on how to prevent your body from getting to the same place again after a couple of months or years.

True, that in today’s economy we need to plan ahead and be smart buyers. However you either invest in yourself today or regret it tomorrow and pay a bunch more in costly health issues or by being deprived of enjoying your life with those you love. (By the way Personal Training is not a lifelong commitment… being fit and healthy is!)

Reality is that personal training fees may vary from one location to another and from the experience and expertise of the trainer. But remember you are investing in yourself. Ask yourself, what price tag do you put on a healthy and fit body? Keep this in mind, how you treat yourself today will define you tomorrow… what goes around comes around!

Now comes your concerns: how do I know if I hired the right trainer? This is where I like to highlight the differences between any old personal trainer and a true Fitness Specialist. In my opinion any personal trainer might take your money, count repetitions and get you tired. A true Fitness Specialist, will motivate you, guide you through the right path, work hard with you in order to inspire and educate you and get you in the best shape of your life.

A true Fitness Specialist will be able to understand your background. He would consider whether you'd had surgery, or been injured, or even whether you wanted to compete in a Figure, Fitness or Bodybuilding show. A true Fitness Specialist is able to explain his methods of training and why they are effective and how they relate to you. Is there an assessment process? How long will it take to see realistic results? You get the picture.

What you are looking for is a reflection of trainer credibility and expertise. Anyone can print a business card with a muscle head or fit girl as their logo, and call themselves a trainer. SO… if the trainer makes cliché'd quips like, "I kick my clients’ butts…No pain, no gain, dude," thank them for their time and move on. Be an intelligent consumer. Ask for specifics and clarification if you don’t understand something. It’s your life you are trying to regain or looking to improve.
Also you should never base your selection solely on physical appearance.

A person with a flawless-looking body may not know the first thing about safely teaching proper exercise techniques or how they relate to your body. The person you hire will be teaching you skills and lifestyle habits and doesn’t need to look like a model in a fitness magazine. But trainers do need to practice what they preach. Let’s face it. Are you really going to respect someone’s opinion if you’re in better shape than they are? Probably not.

Above all, make sure you choose a trainer with whom you feel comfortable and whose personality is a good match with yours. Chemistry will go a long way towards your goals. Remember this…

ANY TRAINER can get you tired.

BUT A TRUE FITNESS SPECIALIST KNOWS HOW TO MAKE YOU BETTER!

ARE YOU READY TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE?

Eduardo Lorenzo specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement and weight loss programs.

Cardio Kickboxing - Versatile and Effective Calorie-Burning Workout

2008-12-28T10:02:00.003-05:00

By Robert Vecchioni

Cardio Kickboxing is truly a full body workout. The class involves both upper and lower body work, combining punches, kicks, simulated rope skipping and a variety of other drills designed to increase your cardiovascular fitness, as well as your overall strength and fitness.

The American Council on Exercise (ACE), a leading organization and certifying body in the field of fitness, notes that during a one hour kickboxing class, an individual can burn up to 800 calories!

At Electra Health Club and Spa, our own cardio boxing/kickboxing class “takes it up another notch” by utilizing free-standing punching bags. The addition of actual contact with a bag adds a great deal of intensity to the class, and by using strikes such as punches, kicks, elbows and knees with both power and speed, it is very possible to not only burn a large amount of calories but also to sculpt, build and tone muscle.

Another element of this class is that it provides a tremendous stress relief. Of course, any class that raises heart rate and releases endorphins is a natural stress reliever, but there is something about punching and kicking an object (and not hurting anyone!) that absolutely relieves stress in human beings. Sort of like a high energy pillow fight that goes on for an hour; who doesn’t feel great after that?!

A caveat is that this class is a high impact, intense class, so in the classic textbook definition, may not be for everyone. However, by making appropriate modifications both for your fitness level and your body limitations, it is a class that should be suitable for just about everyone.
Lastly, while this class does involve using a combination of kicks, punches and other strikes, it is not a class in which a person will necessarily develop self-defense skills. It is an aerobic based class, in which you will have fun burning calories and building muscle!

Electra does have a martial arts program onsite that is specific to the skills and techniques of self defense, and we encourage anyone who is interested in such to come in and visit our martial arts offerings.

Want Fast Results? Stabilize Your Cardio Workout

2008-12-11T15:23:00.003-05:00

By Paul Boisvert

When thinking about losing body fat, most people automatically turn to aerobic exercise. Aerobic acivity occurs when a large muscle group is involved in a rhythmic movement for an extended period of time. In most cases, the hip and thigh muscles are the main muscle groups involved. Taking cycling, step, and kickboxing classes, as well as exercising on treadmills, stationary bikes and elliptical trainers are all considered aerobic exercises. The heart and lungs work together to supply the oxygen needed to sustain the exercise. The body also turns to its fuel stores of glycogen and fat to process energy for the activity.

All of these factors make sure that regular aerobic activity conditions your heart, lungs and muscles for more strength and endurance. It will also evict some of those body fat stores in the process. These facts are widely accepted by the general public.

However, one important factor is consistently overlooked. It is most noticeable when you look over to the treadmills and elliptical trainers and see their users slumped over the display board or leaning into the front handles.

This shows a lack of core strength and can cause workout results to drag at a snail’s pace. It may also put your lower back out of commission. The core muscles make up the body’s trunk and hips. Their job is to maintain a strong base while other muscle groups are involved in movement. These core muscles keep the base strong by enforcing proper body alignment or posture. For treadmills and elliptical trainers, it is more effective to let go of the handles and remain upright with your shoulders down and back. You will notice an increase in the intensity level as you include your core muscles in the workout.

All of Electra’s group fitness classes rely on core strength for effective workouts. One example is our indoor cycling class which depends heavily on the stabilizer muscles of the trunk for effectiveness. Without them, the legs would do more work than they need to. It’s better to start all classes at your own pace as you progressively learn how to use your core muscles more efficiently.

Consider this new factor as positive addition to your aerobic workout. Your metabolism will get a boost as new muscles develop and strengthen, the added intensity level will burn more calories, and maintaining proper alignment will help you gain more control of your body for better workouts.

Please Remember This:
Regular aerobic training, regular weight training, and a healthy meal plan are all needed to bring on the results.

Martial Arts Program at Electra

2008-10-27T13:58:00.006-04:00

We are proud to be partnering with Ancient Ways Martial Arts, the premier martial arts school in Manatee County. Ancient Ways will start offering martial arts classes at Electra on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Nov. 4. Follow this link to view the class schedule and fees.

Want to meet the instructors and learn more? Come to the club this Saturday, Nov. 1, 1 pm -3 pm to preview Ancient Ways' teaching style.

Here's what Master Boon Brown, founder of Ancient Ways, had to say about his school's method of teaching:
"Ancient Ways was founded with the idea of teaching martial arts techniques that will work, and the best way to do that is to teach each student as an individual. This is the core fundamental ideal behind the Celtic Martial Arts and Ancient Ways. We won’t teach you what we are great at doing, we are going to teach you what you can be great at doing. We believe what helps any art to grow is its exposure to the expressive difference in the artists. Martial Arts are no different. We have many students that have trained in other systems and found them to be impractical, too easy, or the instructor was too dogmatic. They now are our biggest advocates."

About The Instructors:
Master Boon Brown, founder of Ancient Ways, was raised learning the Celtic Martial arts from his family and is currently the only Professional Instructor in the country that teaches in this method. He was a World Champion in Tae Kwon Do earning a 4th Degree Black Belt in that discipline. He also earned a Black Belt in Hapkido. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Recreational Therapy. He worked for 2 years as a Recreational Therapist in a psych hospital where he had hundreds of real life self defense encounters. He learned in that environment which techniques his instructors had taught him were worthy and the ones that weren’t.

Sensei Phil Penticost has been a student of Master Brown’s for many years and an assistant instructor for two years now. He is a certified Ancient Ways Instructor and has completed all the course work for the Professional Martial Arts Teachers College as well as the American Top Team Instructor Training Course. Before training with Master Brown he trained for ten years in Tae Kwon Do and Jujitsu in Ireland. His presentation and presence is always uplifting, motivating and inspiring.

For more information, call Electra Health Club & Spa at 729-6900 or you can call Ancient Ways directly at 756-0800 or visit their website at http://www.awmaa.com/

Free weight vs exercise machines

2008-09-12T11:58:00.010-04:00

By Robert Vecchioni

First of all, what does the term free weights even mean?

In the American Heritage dictionary, the definition of free weights is a weight, such as a barbell or dumbbell, that is not attached to another structural device and is raised and lowered by use of the hands and arms in weightlifting.
Basically, in everyday lingo, free weights are barbells, dumbbells and other weights that are not machine driven or attached.

Many people who have never used free weights may be intimidated to do so, and that is unfortunate, because free weight workouts add an entirely different dimension to strength training.

One of the major health advantages of lifting free weights is that the muscles have to work harder to stabilize your body because you have to control the weight throughout space. This requires the use of more muscle per movement, which equates to a more challenging workout.
In contrast, when you use a machine, also known as pin loaded or selectorized equipment, the movement throughout space is pre-determined by the design of the machine, and thus your muscles move the weights through a predetermined angle and range of motion. Stabilizing muscles are much less involved.

Another major advantage of free weight training is that the range of motion and angles of the movement can be adapted specifically to a person's anatomy. A machine will have more restrictions, because again the movement/range of motion is determined by the machine itself and not the person's body. In this regards, often times a fuller range of motion is achieved by using free weights, which is also beneficial, as a greater range of motion will involve the use of more muscle fibers and create more flexibility.

Lastly, free weights allow you to more effectively perform compound movements; those exercises that move the body through more than one joint movement, thereby utilizing more muscle. (In contrast, isolation exercises only move the body through a single-joint movement. ). Compound movements use more muscle, including more core and stabilizer muscles, which will in turn burn more calories, to perform the movement. A great example of a compound movement that is easier done with free weights than machinery is a dumbbell squat and press, in which a pair of dumbbells are held at shoulder level, a squat is performed and at the top of the movement, the dumbbells are pressed overhead. This compound movement requires the use of at least 90% of the muscles of your body!

Still, with all of the benefits of free weight training, using strength training machinery does have a few advantages when compared to free weight use.

One of the major benefits of using exercise machinery is safety. When using a machine, since a predetermined angle and range of motion is utilized, the movement is less complex, and therefore there is less possibility for error and injury.

A second major benefit is that when using machinery, all that is typically required is a pull of a few knobs to set up the seat and hand positions, and inserting a steel pin in a slot. There is no loading up of plates required!
Most circuit training involves the use of machinery for exactly these two reasons, ease of set up and use and safety.

Lastly, machines can allow for an easier isolation, which makes it easier to target a specific muscle. This is particularly true for someone who is new to strength training and has not had much experience with isolating muscles during exercise. A great example of this is the seated leg extension. To isolate the quadriceps (frontal thigh muscles), the leg extension is more effective than a compound movement with free weights such as a squat. If you have ever experienced the burn from that last few reps of leg extensions, then you have a pretty good idea of what isolating a muscle can feel like!

The debate of which is better, machines versus free weights is like asking which is better for me, eating broccoli or eating carrots? Both are good for you and each play a role in your diet. One may have more appeal, but if you can manage to get both into you diet, then all the better.

Remember, you owe it to yourself to exercise!

Robert Vecchioni, co-owner of Electra, is a Florida licensed acupuncture physician. He also is a certified personal trainer who has worked in the fitness industry for more than 20 years.

Expanded Fitness Center

2008-08-28T17:45:00.005-04:00

Electra has been expanding since March, and we've finally reached the last phases of our expansion/renovation plans. You might have been confused this week to see your favorite machines missing from their usual spots. Don't worry, they've just been moved to the newly opened fitness area downstairs on the 2nd floor.

Starting this week, members can use two workout rooms downstairs (just go towards the salon/spa and turn right into the stairwell. Follow the signs to the new rooms)
In the next two weeks, we also expect to have a variety of new strength training equipment delivered to the club.

If you have any questions about the upcoming machines, please ask one of our friendly staff members.

We appreciate your patience as we reconfigure our fitness center layout. We're almost done! We hope by mid-September, we'll have finished all the last touches to complete the expanded fitness area.

Reach Fitness Goals with Personal Training

2008-08-01T13:57:00.003-04:00

Personal Training- An efficient and effective boost to your fitness success
By Robert Vecchioni

Have you ever wondered whether or not you should use a personal trainer? The answer is most often an unequivocal YES!

Here are a few typical scenarios in which a personal trainer can be a great boost to your fitness success:
1. You are just getting started again with an exercise regimen and need some initial guidance
2. You are in a rut and beginning to lose interest in your current routine
3. You are the type of person who continuously starts and stops an exercise program
4. You are just not getting the results that you want from your current routine
5. You have been doing the same routine for several months without changing it up.

A trainer fills many roles in a client's fitness regime; he or she is a coach, a motivator, and a teacher. As a coach, a trainer sets up a specific "gameplan" or exercise program designed to meet the needs and goals of their client, and then holds their client accountable to meeting those goals.
Also, the "coach" will do a baseline assessment, including a body fat analysis, measurements, and take blood pressure and pulse.

As a teacher, a trainer will demonstrate proper exercise technique and form, teaching the client the need for rest and recovery days, and the importance of using the two of these factors to prevent over training and other injuries.

The trainer/teacher is crucial in demonstrating and supervising multi-joint exercises, known as compound movements. These movements include squats, bench press, dead lifts, etc.. and performed incorrectly can be a sure road to injury. However, performed correctly these movements can really make the difference in providing noticeable results.

As a motivator, a trainer will be with you during the workout, pushing you to do that "one last rep" that is so hard to do on your own. Also, the motivator/trainer will be sure that you are adding constant variety to your routine.

If you perform the exact same exercises workout after workout, your body will become very efficient at performing that routine. That may sound good, but it isn't. Your muscles will adapt to the monotony, and stop responding. Varying your program-both the exercises and weight levels-not only keeps you mentally interested, but also ensures that your body keeps progressing.

Robert Vecchioni, co-owner of Electra, is a Florida licensed acupuncture physician. He also is a certified personal trainer who has worked in the fitness industry for more than 20 years.

Myths About Personal Training

2008-08-01T13:53:00.004-04:00

Here are three misconceptions about personal training.
By Robert Vecchioni

Misconception- Using a personal trainer is too expensive.
Truth- This is the most common misconception. Hiring a personal trainer does not need to break your bank. In both Sarasota and Los Angeles, I have had clients train with me as many times as five days per week. Obviously, this was a very effective method to get into great shape, but not everyone can financially afford this approach.

I have also had clients who train with me only once per month. Members who have a tight budget can ration their personal training packages by setting appointments once per week, once every two weeks or even once a month.

Another option is partner sessions, in which a member splits the cost of a personal trainer with a friend, and they train together with the trainer. In any of these scenarios, our members can benefit from having the guidance of a personal trainer, regardless of their financial abilities.

Misconception-I already know what to do, and so I don't need a trainer.

Truth- This is a ridiculous myth, because even professional powerlifters and professional body builders use personal trainers. Powerlifters and body builders definitely know what they are doing, they are professionals and make a living out of fitness. They know that having a great personal trainer can make the difference in their success.

Misconception- A personal trainer is merely a luxury.

Truth-Personal training is no longer a luxury for only the "rich and famous" . Most anyone can utilize a personal trainer, it is just a matter of sitting down with a qualified professional and discussing fitness goals and available budget.

A personal trainer is not a luxury, it's a great investment in your health and well-being! At Electra Health Club and Spa, we are very proud to offer some of the best certified personal trainers in the region! Please come in and speak with us if we can answer any questions regarding the benefits of using a personal trainer.

Robert Vecchioni, co-owner of Electra, is a Florida licensed acupuncture physician. He also is a certified personal trainer who has worked in the fitness industry for more than 20 years.

Weight Train Like a Rock Star

2008-07-19T16:10:00.003-04:00

By Paul Boisvert

A new class will be added to Electra’s schedule Wednesday, July 23.
It’s not an aerobics class. It’s not pilates or yoga.
It’s Power Play!!

Power Play is one hour of fun, high-energy weight training. Dumbbells and body weight are the primary tools. Power Play promotes strong, lean bodies with emphasis on postural and core strength. All exercises are designed for safety and effectiveness to support everyday functional movements.

The legs, butt, upper back, chest, biceps, triceps, shoulders, and abdominal muscles are Power Play’s target areas. The exercise movements are classic weight room gems that have been modified for safety and effectiveness.

Each muscle group is represented with a powerful rock or dance track to keep the motivation level high. Throughout each track, participants are challenged with speed and range changes. Recovery and stretching are offered between each track in preparation for the next big calorie burning song. Power Play ends with cool down stretches. This is your reward for a great workout.

Power Play will be here before you know it. Don’t miss this great experience.

What you will need:
-Energy
-Heart and Soul
-A step with 2 to 3 risers/side (Electra has them in the room for you)
-Water
-Towel (You will sweat)

Paul Boisvert is a certified personal trainer at Electra. He will be teaching Power Play starting July 23.

What is Indoor Cycling?

2008-06-29T12:19:00.004-04:00

A lot of our members are new to Indoor Group Cycling, the newest aerobics class offered at Electra. And many have been asking what it's all about. We thought we'd share with you this nicely researched piece written by one of our members, DJ Borbidge, who is the editor of the Terra Ceia Island Newsletter.

About “Indoor Cycling”… (published in June in the Terra Ceia Island Newsletter)
Indoor Cycling is a group exercise class done on stationary bikes. During the class, the instructor simulates a ride. Together, you travel on flat roads, climb hills, sprint and race! It is truly a fantastic cardiovascular class.

The beauty of indoor cycling is that you can do it even when it’s raining or too hot outside! You are kept motivated by the instructor, the people around you and by the music! It's lots of fun.
The benefits of indoor cycling, both physical and mental, can be enjoyed by almost anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Perhaps this is why indoor cycling workouts were the most significant new fitness trend of the 1990s, and continue to gain in popularity today. And, while the many benefits may be enough to convince you to try this form of exercise, another equally enticing quality of indoor cycling is that it’s fun! Participants report that time spent during indoor cycling workouts seem to fly by, as opposed to other forms of cardio, and that they gain a real sense of accomplishment after completing a “ride.”

North River News Article

2008-06-07T21:22:00.003-04:00

Local reporter Charlie Miller of North River News visited our club in early June and wrote about Electra's new emphasis on fitness and wellness education. Through article photos, the paper also featured members as they worked out on some of the new cardio and strength training machines, particularly the video-game inspired Expresso bikes. Thank you North River News for such a wonderful article. We're proud to be a part of the community.