Plaza Fitness at Stuyvesant Plaza E-Newsletter

March 2009

Around the Plaza Continues!

If you're participating and progressing in our "Around the Plaza" event, keep it up through March 31st. There's still so much to win, not the least of which is the benefit of a fit and healthy lifestyle! And if you're not participating, it's not too late to sign up.

We have other great events planned for later in the spring as well. Check out several upcoming events on our Plaza Fitness Social Calendar. And check out the link on our website homepage to become a Plaza Fitness Facebook Fan! We're trying every way we can to reach out and help you stay motivated, active, and connected to your health and fitness. All you have to do is answer the call... :-)

Personal Training Success Story

Jim joined Plaza Fitness last October, bringing goals to which many people who join a fitness facility would relate: weight loss, better health, and greater muscle tone and shape. But knowing that many people who join a fitness facility tend to give up the effort before they ever see measurable progress -- especially those who embark on a self-guided routine -- Jim chose to receive twice-weekly guidance and support from our fitness professionals, namely Kyle and James.

Most members get started on their path to optimal health with the assessment session, as did Jim. He completed a Functional Movement Screen, weight and waist-to-hip-ratio measurements, body composition, as well as cardio-vascular and muscular endurance testing. After three months of customized personal training, Jim says, "I feel incredibly more energetic, rested and empowered in my daily life." It's little wonder, since he's lost 13 pounds, decreased his body fat composition nearly 5%, increased his estimated VO2max (a predictor of cardio-vascular and metabolic fitness) from a rating of Fair up to Good, improved his biomechanical performance in 6 out of 8 Functional Movement Screen patterns, and increased his muscular endurance in all 4 categories -- in fact, doubling his performance in 3 out of 4!

Think the recommendations we work on together can help you meet your goals? If so, please call us today at 482-2266 or email us at info@plazafitness.net to set up your personal training session.

Benefits of Home Cooking Part II

Brianna Harrington, Certified Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselor

Food prepared at home by you or a family member possesses a very important ingredient that you can't find at the buffet - Love. The loving energy that you put into your food will come back to you and your family when you eat the food, nourishing you in a different way. We are all familiar with the phrase, "Just like mom used to make." This line has been used in food advertising for decades because food companies know that associating their product with mom's cooking triggers an emotional response in the consumer. They want to simulate that energy, even though it's impossible.

People think preparing their own meals requires a lot of time and a lot of ingredients, but with a little planning that need not be the case. Here are some strategies to simplify your food prep:
     Use a timer - Just because a recipe takes 30 minutes to cook doesn't mean it takes 30 minutes of your time. A timer allows you to break out of the kitchen to tend to chores and activities.
     Simplicity - Learning to pair simple whole foods with simple condiments (herbs, spices, sauces) will make meals flavorful and easy.
     Packaged Whole Foods - There is certainly nothing wrong with using frozen vegetables or canned beans. As long as they don't contain additives or preservatives, they are a wonderful addition to home cooking.
     Cook Once, Eat Multiple Times - Make big batches of vegetables and whole grains to incorporate into future meals.
     Ask For Help - If you are cooking for a bunch of people, get them involved in some way. While you make the meal, someone else can assist with setting the table, and another can clean the dishes. It's neither fair nor very productive for one person to do everything by themselves.

It is most important to remember is to give yourself a chance to learn. Even though food prep can be simple, it is still a new experience for many people. Be patient, and in no time you will be enjoying food which will help you and your loved ones thrive.

Pilates Playground News

Spring Raffle and More

Make sure you check the schedule on our www.PlazaFitness.net website for new Pilates sessions beginning in March. We are especially excited about presenting Monday and Wednesday 6:00 PM group sessions to fit your busy schedule!