It's Finally Here...

Remember way back when I posted pictures of my basement and said I was going to improve it for an exercise studio? Well it's finally here. Of course I have a little more to do, but the big stuff is mostly done, and I am ready to take clients in my home. Since the client travels (and my basement is not exactly luxurious even now) I am charging less per session: $55. But we can do just about everything that doesn't involve machines: dumbbells, Bosu, stability ball, kettlebell, bands, etc.

Here's some photos:
First 2 are old photos, 2nd two are the new ones.



New Meetup Group

I created a Meetup Group called Arlington Healthy Bodies. Stay in touch with me, and stay updated with my plans, classes, events, etc.

Please go to http://www.meetup.com/Arlington-Healthy-Bodies/ to join.

I will post my exercise classes, both free and fee-based. I also envision building a strong community of women through the meetup group. So in addition to any new classes and workshops I will offer, I will also post social events as well.

And if you have any ideas for me, please let me know!

Danielle

If It's Good Enough for the Obamas...

I was in the doctor's office yesterday reading Web MD magazine, in which they did an interview with Michelle Obama. The first family has two routines that I love:

1. Bo Dance Party Night, where they turn the music up and get Bo all riled up as everyone chases each other down the hall. Michelle says its a great way to get everyone exercise together and that things get pretty sweaty!

2. Dessert on weekends only. You might be surprised to know that someone in MY house has dessert every single night. To be fair, it's between me and Chris. But I love the idea of setting up dessert as a special treat. If I know that Friday night is ice cream night, I'm going to be researching ice cream and gelato parlors as soon as Wednesday to plan how I will enjoy my treat. When treats are scarcer, research shows that we enjoy them so much more.

I already do a version of #1 -- Hip Hop Greyhound in da Club. Yes, Gracie mostly just stands there though I have tried to get her to do the moonwalk. But if I get her chasing me and the squeaky bunny, my heart rate is up in no time! Now, what to enjoy on Friday...

Canadians are pretty fit, eh?

We just got back from a trip to British Columbia, Canada. We hit the cities of Victoria, Vancouver, and Whistler. One thing I noticed (other than the totally bearable weather of 70's and 80's) is that Canadians seem to be very fit.

I first noticed this in the Westin gym in Victoria. The resort is surrounded by a local mountain community whose residents are allowed to join the spacious gym as regular members. I'm used to being the fittest woman and lifting the heaviest. However, these Candian chicks put me to shame. And they weren't large, bulky women with too much testosterone... they were slender, sometimes older, women who looked quite normal.

When we got to Vancouver, the streets were filled with throngs of people (that day was a BC holiday). Many were also biking and rollerblading. I looked but did not spot any significantly overweight Canadians. Sure, there were a few who could lose 10-25 pounds, but no one was obese. I'm sure it's partially because of all of the walking, just like in some European cities.

And in Whistler, the ski resort was still hoppin' in summertime. Between the hikers and mountain bikers (a crazy bunch of adrenaline junkies), everyone was fit.

Lastly, I also noticed that the dogs were very well behaved. They stayed at the hotels in each place we visited, and none of them barked, lunged at each other (or us) or exhibited any bad behavior. Chris tried to pet a few who were tied up outside stores, but they just looked the other way, patiently waiting for their owners. I also believe that the active lifestyle has a positive effect on them. As Cesar Millan says, most people in America give their dogs too much affection and not enough exercise and discipline. Looks like the Canadians have it figured it out when it comes to fitness and dog behavior.

What Are You Doing to Stay Fit in this Economy?

It's been a tough couple of years because of the economy and I have been very lucky to maintain a loyal clientele. However, I have had a difficult time gaining new clients. Many people tell me that they are interested in exercise classes, personal training, and/or group training, but then fail to follow through by actually attending or buying sessions. I know that the typical time frame from first thinking about something to actually doing it could be anything between a month and a year. But it's happening frequently and I'm wondering a few things...

1. Is money the top issue? If I were to lower my rates for classes and personal training, would you come?
2. If you are already exercising, I imagine you have found a way to stay in shape without dropping alot of cash. If so, what are you doing?
3. If you are not already exercising but want to, what is the main reason you are not pulling the trigger on hiring a trainer or signing up for classes?

Please take a moment to comment on any of the questions above. You can comment anonymously if you wish--Blogger does not allow me to see those who comment and choose anonymous.

Thanks!
Danielle

Strength and Core Class...Even I'm Seeing Results!

It's been a month now that I've been teaching the strength and core class at the church on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students bring a mat, water and 5-lb dumbbells and we work circuit-training style.
For example, we warm up, work on some balance, and then switch between upper, lower and abs. The constant movement keeps the heart rate up and the body weight resistance along with the dumbbells works the muscles.

In a recent class, we did:
1-arm, 1-leg rows
1-leg squats
planks with leg abduction
1-leg teasers
side planks with kicks
high step up
sumo squat concentration curl

While it's not boot camp, we definitely sweat! And because cardo is inevitably mixed in, I am noticing some small changes in my body, as are my students. I feel tighter, more toned and better endurance no matter what I'm doing.

If you're looking for an effective yet simple workout, come out and try the class. It's Tuesday and Thursday at 6 PM at 716 S. Glebe Road, Arlington. If it's too early, let me know and I can shift it and/or start another class on a different day.

Hope to see you!

Transforming Our Basement...

into the ultimate training studio!

We already had a fair amount of weights and equipment, but now we are taking the basement to the next level. We ordered a treadmill and bought a new plasma TV. We are also going to be cleaning up and organizing everything else. My goal is to be able to train down there should people want to come to me for a less expensive alternative.

Here are some "before" pics. I will share the "after" pics as soon as we are finished!