"The Weight of the Nation" on HBO

The other night I was channel surfing and decided I couldn't watch another show with a commercial break, so I ended up on Verizon's On Demand programming and found this show on HBO: The Weight of the Nation.

As someone who spends a lot of time, thinking about health and fitness, I thought this documentary presented a very interesting and science driven depiction of how we as a country became so unhealthy over the last 20 or so years.  One stat they pointed out was that 2/3 of the Nation is either overweight or obese (leaving only 1/3 that maintains a normal weight).  Of course there are various reasons for how the Nation got to this point, but what's even more profound to me is how do we fix it?  While there are no simple answers to this, one theme that does get repeated in this documentary is the importance and impact of a healthy diet and regular exercise.    So, when you have some downtime, check it out.  And if you feel compelled after watching (like I did), think about what you could do to help change the weight of our Nation.

Have a great week and hope to see you soon.

-Barb


Group Workouts this week:
Friday: 9:30am - Group Circuit - 5 person min to run.  Email me to save a spot

3 Week Intensive - Coming Soon:
I'm kick starting another 3 week Intensive.  Days will be Wednesday & Friday @ 9:30am.  I will need a min of 5 people/day to run the Intensive.  Let me know if you would like to join us!  Start date TBD, based on the group's availability.

1-1 Personal Training:
I would love to help you meet your health & fitness goal email me to schedule your first session.  I have some availability on my calendar but it is filling up so hope to hear from you soon!

Don't forget to check out my blog for past posts on Health & Fitness at barbfit.blogspot.com .

Did you get your cardio in this week?

I post a lot about circuit training and core training and a lot of different types of exercise and while all of this exercise is good for you, you still need to get your cardiovascular exercise in.

Here are 7 reasons from the article  Cardio 101 from About.com  why cardiovascular exercise is so important:

1. It burns calories and helps you lose weight
2. It makes your heart strong so that it doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood
3. It increases your lung capacity
4. It helps reduce the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and diabetes
5. It makes you feel better
6. It helps you sleep better
7.  It helps reduce stress

As the article states, the list of benefits goes on but just the reasons above are good enough for me.  If you have a crazy busy schedule, then start off this week by carving out 1 day that you can get 30-40 mins of cardiovascular activity.  You can go for a brisk walk, or hop on a stationary bike (my fav cardio activity is spinning especially when the music is good!)  Then aim for reserving yourself 2 days next week and then 3 days of cardio the following week.  So schedule it in and if you need to round out your workouts with some Core work and/or circuit training, you know where to find me.  ;-)

Have a great week and hope to see you for a workout soon!


Group Circuit Training Drop-In Session this week:
Thursday: 10:15am (4 person min to run, email me to save a spot)


3 Week Mini Intensive:
The group started last week and we are moving into week 2.  This group is currently closed, but would love to see you in the next one.  Email me if you want to get on the list for the next intensive.  Dates TBD.

1-1 Training Sessions
I have a few spots open on my schedule and would love to fit you in.  Email me for more info and to schedule your 1st 1-1 session


Don't forget to check out barbfit.blogspot.com for past posts on health and fitness

Resistance Bands, Medicine Balls, and other Fitness Gear

When I first started working out with you all, I scoured my house for every mat, block, resistance band and other gadget that I could find to build out a workout routine that was not just good for you all, but also fun and creative for me to teach.   Since then, I've learned a ton of ways to use all of this workout "stuff" in a way that helps drive real results.  While I know it's not always convenient to join one of my workouts,  I'm sure all of you have fitness gear in your house.  So, take a quick inventory of what you have.  An old jump rope could be dusted off and provide a great cardio workout.  2 to 3lb dumbbells are great for toning your arms.  Even if you find nothing, you can use household items for working out as well.  My favorite is a thin beach towel.  You can use it for stretching as well as toning.  Also, check out this article from Health Magazine The Best Gadgets to Make you Slim to help give you some tips on how to use some of the workout equipment that may already be in your home.

Have a great week and hope to see you for a workout soon!

Barb

Core Workouts this week:
Wednesday 10a
2 person min to run, email me to save a spot

1-1 Training:
I have some openings in my training schedule and can fit you in, so email me for more info and to set up your first 1-1 Session.  Looking forward to creating a custom workout program for you.

Another 3 Week Intensive
Back by popular demand, we are getting ready to start another 3 Week Intensive.  We will met 2x/week on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30am starting next week.  We need 5 persons to run the intensive, so email me quickly if you are interested.  Proposed start date will be Wednesday, March 6th.


Don't forget to check out barbfit.blogspot.com for previous posts on health and fitness.

350 Calorie Recipes from Health Mag

As I've mentioned before, I'm a fan of food.  I like eating, so I have to come up with creative ways to enjoy eating without adding unnecessary calories.   So, when I have time, I try to find low calorie recipes to try out.  I found these from Health Magazine 350-Calorie Meals and hope to try some of them out soon.  Let me know if you've tried these out before or share some of your own recipes for tasty low-cal meals.

Have a great week and hope to see you for a workout soon!

Workouts this week:

Group Circuit: Thursday 10:15a
Group Core: Friday 10:30a

2 persons needed to run.  Email me to save a spot


Intensive:

The 3 week intensive started last week and we have a really strong group.  Already thinking about another intensive for the spring.  Let me know if you'd like to join for the next one.  


1-1 Training

If you've never tried 1-1 training, there's no better time than now!  ;-)   I have time on my schedule and would love to work with you.  Email me for more info and to schedule your first session.  Looking forward to developing a customized workout plan for you!


Don't forget to go to barbfit.blogspot.com to check out my previous posts on health and fitness.

TRX Suspension System Qualified Trainer

I just completed a full day course to better instruct all of you on the TRX Suspension System.  So I am now a Qualified TRX Suspension System Trainer.  If you haven't trained on a one yet, you should definitely try it out.  2 years ago I was referred to it by a good friend and I have been hooked on it ever since.  Email me for more info about training sessions that involve circuit training with the TRX Suspension System.  I would love to be the person who introduces you to a new and challenging workout.

Have a great week and hope to see you for a workout soon!

Barb


Sessions this week:
Thursday: Group Circuit Training - 10:15am

3 Week Mini-Intensive
Starts Wednesday, January 30th.  We will workout 2x/week for 3 weeks with a combination of group core work and circuit training.  I have a group of 5 confirmed and may have room for 1 more.  Email me quickly if you want to take the last spot.  If you missed this Intensive, I can set up another after this one finishes up.  Contact me for more info and to lock in dates for the next Intensive.

1-1 Training
It's never too late to commit to a new workout program for the year.  I have room on my schedule and would love to workout with you.  Email me and we can set up your first session and get started on making this your best year for health and fitness.

Don't forget to check out barbfit.blogspot.com for previous posts and links to articles on health and exercise.

Fit Foods Lunch and Sessions this Week

Hello,

Just a couple quick reminders.  For those of you who RSVP'd, the free Fit Foods lunch will be at my home at noon tomorrow.  Looking forward to having you!  Also, for those who are still interested, I have a few spots left, so email me quick to grab those extra seats.

Sessions for this week are below.  Looking forward to seeing you all and working out with you soon!

Barb


Sessions this Week:

Thursday: 10:15am - Group Circuit Training
Friday: 9:15am - Core Group Session

All sessions need a minimum of 2 persons to run.  Email me to save your spot.


1-1 Training Sessions

Email me for info about 1-1 Training Sessions.  Now is a great time to start an individual training program so that you can set your goal for the year.  I have a few spots open on my schedule and would love to develop a program just for you!


Don't forget to check out my blog for previous posts and links to article and health and fitness at barbfit.blogspot.com

What's your plan for 2013?

Although it's been a few weeks since I last posted, I haven't stopped thinking about more ways that I can help you get the most out of your workouts and help you develop a plan for getting and staying in shape in 2013 and beyond.  With the fattening holidays behind us, we can finally focus on how to live healthy.   So, what is your plan?  Have you started a new diet?  Any new workouts you're trying?   If you haven't started, no worries, there are tons of resources around that can help.   If you need a quick jumpstart, here's a great article from Shape that will give you a head start 31 Days to a Fitter Healthier You.  

And here's another boost for your health and fitness plan for the year.  I just won a free lunch for my office from Fit Foods, so since I work(out) with all of you, I wanted to share the free lunch with you.   Woo Hoo!  So, if you are available on Tuesday, January 15th at noon, I have room for 12 for lunch at my home.   So, the 1st 12 to RSVP are welcome.  No strings attached, just come on over and enjoy.   (My only requirement is that you must have taken at least 1 session with me in the past).

I'm looking forward to seeing you all and helping you to make this the year that you hit all of your health and fitness goals.   Have a great week!

Barb


Workouts Week of January 7th

Tuesday - Group Circuit  - 10am
Wednesday - Group Core - 10am

Minimum 2 persons to run.  Email me to save a spot.


1-1 Training

Looking for a personal trainer to help get your plan developed?   I still have some availability and would love to work with you.  Email me for more info.


Mini Intensive - Starting in January

I'm looking to start a mini 3 week intensive in January.  We would workout 2 days a week for 3 weeks straight with a combination of circuit training and core muscle conditioning.  Dates and times TBD based on the group's schedule.   Email me if you are interested.  I will need 5 people minimum to run.

Don't forget to check out my blog for past posts on health and fitness.  barbfit.blogspot.com