EFM Torrensville Health Club is not a gym! It is a Health Club that has members not clients and you actually know the persons name you are working out next to. My name is George Moustakas and I am your Coach who will supervise, guide and motivate you into the new fitter & healthier you! I hope you enjoy your time in my blog space and learn all about EFM Torrensville Health Club. Coach G
Friday, November 26, 2010
Member Profile - Jeff Penter
Member Profile - Tracy Roesler
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
2010 November Member of the Month - JEFF PENTER
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Time for a spring clean!
Traditionally this is also the time of year for a bit of spring-cleaning. This year, I propose you take that sentiment beyond your house to all areas of your life.
Spring is time to air & clean your bedding to reduce allergens, but also to change to lighter weight bedding. Overheating when sleeping will significantly reduce your quality of sleep, which can lead to sugar cravings, weight gain and grumpiness!
If winter has lulled you into the habit of TV, couch and munchies, now is the time for a kitchen purge – throw away those salty and sugary nibbles in favour of extra fruit, veggies and unsalted nuts. And try to shake off the habit of eating in front of the TV – unconscious eating is a deadly trap for extra calorie intake!
Now is a good time to visit your GP for your regular checks of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol (amongst others). All of these health factors can be improved through changes to lifestyle, so knowing what your numbers are can be a huge motivator for making some improvements!
Your exercise:
Spring is a great time to set a new goal for your training, whether to start an exercise program, to compete in a fun run or complete in a marathon. You will find your exercise much more enjoyable and easier to maintain if you have a clearly defined goal in mind… Perhaps committing to EFMs upcoming 8 Week Challenge is the thing for you?
2010 October Member of the Month - BRYAN SELLICK
The personal goals Bryan has achieved so far this year are sensational and he has already set his sights on completing a half marathon by July next year which would be an amazing effort.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Member Profile - Darren Ward
Member since: October 2008.
Reason why you joined: So George could have a matching bald brother in the club! Plus Aris' joke for the day! No It was really to lose some blubber and gain fitness in a challenging & supportive environment.
Reason why you have stayed: George might be lonely with only 1 baldy in the club! George is always challenging me and the workouts are always different which build engagement, plus George knows my strengths & weaknesses and can adapt my workouts to suit me whilst working within the workout on the board for the day i.e. doing all the cardio in 1 go to really get the heart rate up and about.
Favourite machine: Versa - followed very closely by the rower.
Favourite exercise: Chest press - followed very closely by squats.
Philosophy on exercising: Move it or Lose it.
Football team you support: There is only 1 team - Port Adelaide - We'll never stop, stop, stop!
Favourite drink: Water - with freshly sliced lemon or a slither of lime... followed very closely by Coffee - Soy Latte!
Favourite food: It's a Spanish dish from El Choto containing - roasted pumpkin & chick pea salad, fennel seed, parsley and goats curd. I'm not a cheese eater so I replace the Goats curd with flavoured Tofu to bulk it up a bit. It contains all of the essential nutrients needed and tastes refreshing. For those in the know and those who like "super-foods", I sprinkle Chia seeds and Turmeric over the top of it which provides energy, vitality and free radical fighting qualities and also aids digestion. After eating this you will feel like participating in the "Running of the Bulls"!
Quote: "Don't add to the world's carbon footprint, become lean & mean to live a healthier, sustained happier life."
Thursday, September 16, 2010
City to Bay - Tips for the big day
So for those of you competing in this years City to Bay here are a few tips that should help you get the best out of your performance. These tips come from my years of experience in running and competing in sport. They may or may not work for you but they can make big difference on the day!
THE DAY BEFORE
Hydrate well and eat a balanced diet. At least 2 litres of water, no alcohol & a nice big bowl of pasta the night before. Also get an early night and stay well rested throughout the day. Stretch if required.
IN THE MORNING
STAY HYDRATED: About 250 - 500ml of water in morning should do the trick
EATING: only eat if you normally do. Something light in the morning should be consumed if you feel like. Do not force feed yourself if you are not used to eating before a run as it will repeat on you and inhibit your performance. A banana, Up & go, muesli bar etc should do the trick.
DO NOT BRUSH YOUR TEETH: by all means scrub your teeth and have a chewy but do not brush your teeth with tooth paste as it will dry your mouth out when you are running. There is not much worse than running with a dry mouth.
WARM UP: Light stretching & a light jog of about 500 meters about 30 minutes before the run should be more than enough.
CLOTHING, MUSIC ETC...
CLOTHING: Do not wear new clothing! Wash everything before you run in it and wear it at least once before. New clothes will not be fitted to your body and not breathe as well as something that has been worn and washed. Also you need to wear it / run in it before Sunday to see if it is comfortable or not.
MUSIC: If you run with music then prepare a song list of good running music so you don't have to shuffle around trying to find a good song and stuffing up your rhythm. if you don't normally run with music then go for a run and try it before you decide to use it on the big day.
GEAR: If you don't run with a hat and sunglasses then don't wear them on the on the day. Always test something out in training before hand to see if it is comfortable or not and helps or inhibits your run.
DURING THE RUN
KING WILLIAM STREET: Stick to the left hand side and if you can run on the closed part of KWS. A much clearer run.
DON'T WASTE ENERGY: Don' waste energy zig zagging around people in the 1st 2 kms, you will tire yourself out, not be able to settle into a good rhythm and end up running further than you need to. Try and find a clear path and if need be slow down for 2 seconds to get a nice clear and settled run. It will pay off over the whole 12kms.
DRINK BREAKS FOR RUNNERS (NOT WALKERS): we haven't trained with drinks breaks so don't start now! They are time and rhythm killers. Avoid them at all costs and only grab a drink if you really, really, really need it! If you are going to grab one then head to the back of the table where it is less busy and only take a sip of water as a full cup load will sit in your stomach and not feel to great.
AFTER THE RUN
HYDRATE, STRETCH, MASSAGE & EAT... In that order and make sure you hydrate really well and stretch or you will not be in the club until Thursday as you will be to sore to walk!
The main thing with the city to bay is to prepare well, get in a good rhythm and do what works for YOU! If you don't like eating before then don't, if you don't like running with music then don't. Do what works for you, stay positive and make sure you run as hard as you can. Always have a goal in mind and stick with it. Get a watch and work out at what point you need to be at each kilometer marker. This will help with you running at a good speed and push you along without the help of Coach G. The point where most people struggle is from 7kms - 10kms so make sure you work really hard through that quarter of the race and never give up. Do me proud kids and I will see you at the finish line.
GOOD LUCK!!!
COACH G
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
50 reasons to exercise - continued
52. Helps you maintain proper muscle balance.
53. Reduces the rate and severity of medical complications associated with hypertension.
54. Helps to alleviate certain menstrual symptoms.
55. Lowers your heart rate response to sub maximal physical exertion.
56. Helps to alleviate low-back pain.
57. Helps to reduce the amount of insulin required to control blood sugar levels in type I (insulin-dependent) diabetics.
58. Improves mental alertness.
59. Improves respiratory muscle strength and muscle endurance - particularly important for asthmatics.
60. Reduces your risk of having a stroke.
61. Helps you to burn excess calories.
62. Increases your cardiac reserve.
63. Improves your physical appearance.
64. Offsets some of the negative side effects of certain anti-hypertensive drugs. 65. Increases your stroke volume (the amount of blood the heart pumps with each beat).
66. Improves your self-esteem.
67. Reduces your susceptibility for coronary thrombosis (a clot in an artery that supplies the heart with blood).
68. Helps you to relax.
69. Reduces the risk of developing breast cancer.
70. Improves mental cognition (a short-term effect only).
71. Maintains or improves joint flexibility.
72. Improves your glucose tolerance.
73. Reduces workdays missed due to illness.
74. Protects against "creeping obesity" (the slow, but steady weight gain that occurs as you age).
75. Enhances your muscles' abilities to extract oxygen from your blood.
76. Increases your productivity at work.
77. Reduces your likelihood of developing low-back problems.
78. Improves your balance and coordination.
79. Allows you to consume greater quantities of food and still maintain caloric balance.
80. Provides protection against injury.
81. Decreases (by 20 to 30 percent) the need for anti-hypertensive medication, if you are hypertensive.
82. Improves your decision-making abilities.
83. Helps reduce and prevent the immediate symptoms of menopause (hot flashes, sleep disturbances, irritability) and decrease the long-term risks of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and obesity.
84. Helps to relieve and prevent "migraine headache attacks."
85. Reduces the risk of endometriosis (a common cause of infertility).
86. Helps to retard bone loss as you age, thereby reducing your risk of developing osteoporosis.
87. Helps decrease your appetite (a short-term effect only).
88. Improves pain tolerance and mood if you suffer from osteoarthritis.
89. Helps prevent and relieve the stresses that cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
90. Makes your heart a more efficient pump.
91. Helps to decrease left ventricular hypertrophy (a thickening of the walls of the left ventricle) in people with hypertension.
92. Improves your mood
93. Helps to increase your overall health awareness.
94. Reduces the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
95. Helps you to maintain an independent lifestyle.
96. Reduces the level of abdominal obesity - a significant health-risk factor.
97. Increases the diffusion capacity of the lungs, enhancing the exchange of oxygen from your lungs to your blood.
98. Improves heat tolerance.
99. Improves your overall quality of life.
100. Lifelong regular exercise may be protective against the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Does the "Fat Burning Zone" really work?
So, the percentage of fats you burn will be higher at lower levels of exertion (60% MHR) but the total number of fat calories burned will always be less working at lower heart rates than if you work at heart rates exceeding 75% MHR. For example, an average person might perform an exercise at 60% MHR and they may burn 1000 total calories, 70% of the total calories are derived fat - 700 fat calories burnt alone (the other 300 calories primarily come from carbohydrate). If this person performs the same exercise, but at a higher percentage (e.g. above 75% MHR), they will burn around 2500 calories. So at this higher heart rate the percentage of fat burned might be 40% e.g. 1000 calories of fat which is 40% of 2500 – so the total number of fat calories burned is higher even though the percentage is lower. So, the percentage of fat being used to fuel the body is irrelevant. You’re only interested in the total number of fat calories that you burn off and that amount will always be more when you train at above 75%MHR as opposed to at 60%MHR.
COACH G
50 reasons to exercise
2. Increases your level of muscle strength.
3. Improves the functioning of your immune system.
4. Enhances sexual desire, performance, and satisfaction.
5. Helps you to more effectively manage stress.
6. Helps you to lose weight - especially fat weight.
7. Improves the likelihood of survival from a myocardial infarction (heart attack).
8. Can help relieve the pain of tension headaches - perhaps the most common type of headache.
9. Improves your body's ability to use fat for energy during physical activity.
10. Increases the density and breaking strength of bones.
11. Helps to preserve lean body tissue.
12. Reduces the risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure).
13. Increases the density and breaking strength of ligaments and tendons.
14. Improves coronary (heart) circulation.
15. Increases circulating levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
16. Assists in efforts to stop smoking.
17. Reduces your risk of developing type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes.
18. Can help improve short-term memory in older individuals.
19. Helps to maintain weight loss - unlike dieting, alone.
20. Helps relieve many of the common discomforts of pregnancy (backache, heartburn, constipation, etc.).
21. Reduces your anxiety level.
22. Helps control blood pressure in people with hypertension.
23. Reduces the viscosity of your blood.
24. Reduces vulnerability to various cardiac dysrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms).
25. Increases your maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max-perhaps the best measure of your physical working capacity).
26. Helps to overcome jet lag.
27. Slows the rate of joint degeneration in people with osteoarthritis.
28. Lowers your resting heart rate.
29. Helps to boost creativity.
30. Reduces circulating levels of triglycerides.
31. Helps the body resist upper respiratory tract infections.
32. Increases your anaerobic threshold, allowing you to work or exercise longer at a higher level, before a significant amount of lactic acid builds up.
33. Reduces medical and healthcare expenses.
34. Improves ability to recover from physical exertion.
35. Helps speed recovery from chemotherapy treatments.
36. Increases ability to supply blood to the skin for cooling.
37. Increases the thickness of the cartilage in your joints.
38. Gives you more energy to meet the demands of daily life, and provides you with a reserve to meet the demands of unexpected emergencies.
39. Increases your level of muscle endurance.
40. Helps you sleep easier and better.
41. Improves posture.
42. Improves athletic performance.
43. Helps you to maintain your resting metabolic rate.
44. Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.
45. Increases your tissues' responsiveness to the actions of insulin (i.e., improves tissue sensitivity for insulin) helping to better control blood sugar, particularly if you are a Type II diabetic.
46. Helps to relieve constipation.
47. Expands blood plasma volume.
48. Reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer.
49. Helps to combat substance abuse.
50. Helps to alleviate depression.
COACH G
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Member Profile - Alan Wood
Member since: I joined EFM (located within the FH Faulding complex on Hardys Road) on 3 December, 2001 and transferred to the current location on 1 July, 2002 following the takeover of FH Faulding by the Mayne Group.
Reason why you joined: I was sweet talked into joining EFM while still a member of the Perfect Fit at Mitcham.
Reason why you have stayed: It’s not the location (I live at Coromandel Valley). I’ve had two Head Coaches during my membership of the club and it’s been a privilege to be associated with both of them - both top coaches - both quality people.
Favourite machine: none really
Favourite exercise: group work
Philosophy on exercising: I like to push myself as hard as I can as often as I can. I am not interested in just going through the motions.
Football team you support: Sydney Swans (AFL), Norwood (SANFL)
Favourite drink: a good red wine in the presence of good company
Favourite food: steak & salad
Quote: Exercise, healthy eating and compassion are fundamental components of a quality life
Friday, August 6, 2010
Coaches Profile - Aris Moustakas
Name: Aris Moustakas (EFM Casual Coach)
Member since: 2003.
Reason why you joined: To be forever young.
Reason why you have stayed: As I'm getting older, I'm getting bolder.
Favourite machine: Rower.
Favourite exercise: Ab cycle.
Philosophy on exercising: Do as much as you can, then a little more.
Football team you support: Port Adelaide Power & whoever is playing the Adelaide Crows.
Favourite drink: Pepsi Max.
Favourite food: Pizza & Chocolate.
Quote: "If you can't be on a machine you love then love the one you're on."
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Nutrition downfalls - Does this sound like you?
Problem? You are down at EFM 4-5 times a week so there is no need to worry about the diet— in fact you tend to indulge in a little extra sweet thing to reward your good efforts. Unfortunately it is easier to consume 500 cal than to burn it!
Solution? Keep an eye on the calories if you want any real weight results from all the exercise. Don’t eat more on those days you have worked out—fill your body up with energy from your own storage! Get out of the bad habit of rewarding yourself with bad food and watch the calorie intake directly after training.
Watch out for? After a workout the blood sugar is low and you will naturally seek out sweets—have a piece of fruit! Don’t have a chocolate bar as it will easily give as many calories as you just burned!
Problem? You are fairly healthy during the week, but you ‘celebrate’ too much on the weekend. Liquid calories, junk and hangover sweets are your main ingredients, but since it is only weekend it doesn’t feel as bad. However the weight stays still, so something is not right.
Solution? You have too control your weekend binging. Start by reducing the consumption in an achievable way and define a number of days where you deviate from the healthy living. If you want less weight, then aim for 1-2 days ‘off’ every fortnight.
Watch out for? It is especially alcohol that adds on too many calories. They are fattening and will make you lower your ‘guards’ and forget all about the healthy living.
Problem? You never eat breakfast, lunch is moderate, no snacking and for dinner you don’t think you do too bad. But you are still the same weight? The reason is that dinner is very rich and without food all day, the body is starving and there is no limit. Very often you will be standing looking in the cupboard later on trying to satisfy that mysterious need you still have. So even though you only really eat from 6pm until 11pm, you are really consuming more than you need.
Solution? Divide the calories evenly throughout the day. Even though you “can’t get breakfast down” you have to try and learn to have more meals throughout the day. 5-6 small meals instead of 2 huge is better for your calorie control. Keep the portion sizes small and use fresh vegetables to top up with if you need.
Watch out for? It is tempting to skip a meal to avoid taking in calories but experience tells us that you will take them in sometime and frequently more then you need because you skipped before. A better solution is to have a meal roughly every third hour.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Coaches Profile - George Moustakas
Member since: September 16th 2002
Reason why you joined: As part of my work experience through TAFE I had to complete a weeks worth of training with a Health Club. I chose EFM Torrensville and then never left!
2010 August Member of the Month - AMELIA LESTER
Recently in the Spin Bike Challenge Amelia was on top of the female leader board with 53kms and 7th overall. A great last few months at the club; Amelia has really stepped up the intensity during her workouts.
Upping levels on machines and completing programs alot quicker it is great to see the increase in her fitness and confidence around the club.
It is a real pleasure to see the changes she has made and I am very proud and happy with her progress.
Great work Amelia and keep it going for the remainder of 2010. Congratulations!
COACH G
Coaches Profile - Mat Maidment
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Member Profile - Michelle Sorensen
Reason why you joined: I wanted to loose some weight, tone up and increase my general fitness prior to having children. Being fit and healthy made my pregnancy, childbirth and recovery exceptionally easy and enjoyable.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Member Profile - Jody Satala
Reason why you joined: I wanted to get healthy and lose weight.
Reason why you have stayed: With the fantastic help of the Torrensville Team I have achieved my weight loss goals! So now my fitness goals are endless so I’ve stayed to see how far I can push myself and to hopefully be an inspiration to others with weight loss.
Favourite exercise: Any ab exercises, they nearly make me pass out from not being able to breathe so hopefully that means they are working.
Philosophy on exercising: I’ve had to make exercise a priority not just an option and the benefits of that have definitely paid off – ‘no pain, no gain’
Favourite drink: Water and green tea with mint.
Favourite food: I would be lying if I said that chocolate was my least favourite food, BUT only in moderation.
Quote: “Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can” - C.W Longenecker
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
City to Bay 2010 - Ease into running...
The cardinal rule of the new runner is Be Patient. Your body needs time to adapt to this new activity you're asking of it. It may be uncomfortable at first, but you'll begin to see results fairly quickly. All the same, it's important to build gradually. Newcomers should follow these three rules:
- Run more slowly than you think you should.
- Don't run as far as you think you should.
- Run more often than you think you should.
Ease into running...
If you start by running too far, too fast, you'll wind up burned out at best, injured at worst. Possibly both. Take it easy, and give yourself time to learn to love to run. It doesn't happen immediately, and you'll probably experience a few aches and pains starting out. This is natural, and it will pass. It takes your body time to get used to what you're doing. Give it the time it needs. Like so many other things in life, running can be difficult and discouraging if not undertaken properly.
Use the "talk test" to figure out if your pace is appropriate. You should be able to talk comfortably while running; slow it down if you're running out of breath. Don't hesitate to alternate running and walking; if you feel lousy, take a breather and walk for a while. It's not a sign of weakness, just common sense.
The aim is to "train, not strain." If you are already fit from another sport, such as cycling or swimming or EFM workouts, it is still important to go a little easier at first than you might want to. It is too easy to push yourself past what your muscles and joints can stand at first.
NEED A MASSAGE??? XY skin body health...
Then come try our treatments that are proven to relax, de-stress, improve skin & health!
Take advantage of our special offer... Just $30!!!
• Back masssage, Foot massage, Scalp massage and FREE Dry Body Exfoliation!
See me next time you are in the club for a voucher and visit www.xyskinbodyhealth.com.au for more information about XY skin body health.
COACH G
Monday, June 28, 2010
2010 July Member of the Month - KYM & KAREN HOLMAN
Averaging just under 5 sessions per week they have now made regular exercise and healthy eating a habit which is excellent.
Kym and Karen during our calorie challenge week truly exceeded expectations and put in two of the biggest efforts I have ever seen in a week in my 8 years here. Kym was the Overall Winner burning 7,254 calories for the week plus got the record for the most calories ever burnt in one day with 2020 calories. Karen’s achievements were also sensational: Overall highest Female with 6,124 calories burnt which included the highest amount burnt by a female in one day 1750.
Over the last month Karen has started Personal Training sessions with Matt just to push herself that little bit extra with her Resistance Training and mix up her normal EFM routine which is great.
Well Done Kym and Karen on not only a great month but a great year so far. Keep up the Good Work!
COACH G
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Member Profile - Rose Day
Member since: December 2007
Reason why you joined: I was seeking a more balanced life style, I wanted to do some regular exercise and knew that I needed help, and the monthly payment system at EFM was an incentive.
Reason why you have stayed: the constant encouragement and support from our exceptional coaches George, Matt and Aris and their endless supply of challenges keeps me coming back for more; the friendliness of other members is another source of encouragement for me; as my fitness slowly improved I had a real hunger to learn as much as I could about fitness and I am still keen to have a go at everything; the variety and balance of the programs offered at the club; the regular communication from our coaches - newsletters, health tips, etc; and finally the absolute enjoyment I get from the challenge of working hard and discovering what I can do.
Favourite exercise: jumping jacks - much more fun than burpees.
Philosophy on exercising: never say can’t - I don’t know what I can do until I try.
Football team you support: the losing team
Favourite drink: water, just plain tap water
Quote: “Some of the world’s greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible”. Doug Larson
Friday, June 18, 2010
Member Profile - Greg Hawke
Member since: September 2009
Reason why you joined: Regain lost fitness
Reason why you have stayed: I feel better. Great bunch of members and the staff are alright too.
Favourite machine: Matt
Favourite exercise: Boxing
Philosophy on exercising: Do as I’m told and try not to quit.
Football team you support: Usually the Crows but this year Central Districts.
Favourite drink: Coopers Pale Ale
Favourite food: Lassagne
Quote: Don’t take life too seriously... it isn’t permanent.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Personal Training Article - Breaking winter habits...
Night-before muesli - Mix a cup of rolled oats with a cup each of apple juice and skim milk and half-a-cup of yogurt. Stir in a grated apple and a handful of chopped nuts. Soak overnight in a sealed container, then eat with fresh berries.
Mediterranean fish - Set two white fish fillets in an ovenproof dish. Cover with a can of chopped tomatoes, a little chilli, splash of soy sauce, honey, garlic salt and oregano. Bake at 180°C for 10 minutes. Serve with boiled baby potatoes. A recipe that won't tax your mind, with oils to boost your brain - it's like having a PhD on a plate.
Tuna-bean wrap - Mix together canned tuna, diced onion, half a can of cannellini beans, olive oil and pepper. Mix well. Stuff the mixture into wraps with tomatoes and lettuce.
Member Profile - Andrew Billows
Member since: Feb 2005
Reason why you joined: To get fit and healthy
Reason why you have stayed: Its a great club. Very friendly and George rocks!
Favourite machine: Spin bikes
Favourite exercise: um...um...riding a spin bike?
Philosophy on exercising: You’re never too old to start.
Football team you support: The Eagles in SANFL...and anyone playing the Power!
Favourite drink: A good shiraz
Favourite food: A good shiraz
Quote: From the great man...”Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever” - Lance Armstrong.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Beat the Winter Blues @ EFM Torrensville
Winter can frustrate the most motivated exercisers. If you're not so motivated, it's all too easy to pack your workout gear away with your summer clothes. But keeping up your exercise routine in cold weather can be rewarding.
For one thing, it increases energy, which can be sapped by gloomy weather. Exercise also bolsters your immune system — studies show that moderate exercisers get 20 to 30 percent fewer colds than non-exercisers do. Plus, you won't have to scramble to get in shape for swimsuit season.
There are also many other benefits to exercising in the cold. You use more energy in winter, which equates to burning more kilojoules and as you're burning more energy, you sleep better at night.
By staying fit during winter you'll be able to avoid gaining weight, have a head start on swimsuit season, and avoid losing strength and stamina caused from inactivity. Just as tulips need winter nourishment from the Earth to strongly bloom in spring, humans need to continue to nourish their bodies during winter so they too can bloom come spring.
Here are a few things to be aware of when you're exercising in the cold:
• Get warm first. A proper warm-up is critical. Cold temperatures can make your muscles tight and therefore they are more prone to injuries. So, it's important to get them warmed-up prior to engaging in intense physical activity.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Drink water before, during and after your workout — even if you're not thirsty. You can become just as dehydrated in the cold as in the heat from sweating, breathing and increased urine production.
• Stay motivated. When it's cold outdoors, there's no need to hit the couch. With a little knowledge and fortitude, you can meet the challenges — and reap the rewards — of winter exercise. For many people, the solitude and quiet alone are reason enough to brave the elements.
• No sweat. Don't assume that you have to sweat in order to get a good workout.
COACH G
Want to keep your skin healthy?
Researchers have discovered that human sweat contains an antibiotic called dermacidin that is capable of limiting disease-causing bacteria such as those responsible for skin infections such as impetigo.
Not only that but sweating opens up the pores allowing toxins to be released. So it keeps you healthier from the inside meaning that your skin looks and feels more radiant…. Not to mention that fantastic pink afterglow after a session!
COACH G
This advice is general in nature only and you should seek the advice of a trained professional before embarking on a weight loss, nutrition or exercise program. For further information relating to your health and fitness needs, contact the onsite EFM Health Club on 1300 336 348.
Your 12 week path to the new you!
Week 2 & 3: Focussing on establishing levels, coaching on new exercises and techniques, possibly increasing your levels of exertion as your body begins to increase its efficiency.
Week 4: Around the fourth week, your body begins to go through changes at a cellular level. In simple terms, your cells within your muscles and organs are ‘learning’ how to become more efficient during exercise (resulting in increased ‘fitness’). While the cells are learning and changing, your body is using energy even while at rest i.e. at your office, while sleeping etc. During this process, you may feel ‘flatter’ in terms of energy levels and motivation. Be assured though that this process is normal and indeed a significant step forward in achieving your results i.e. a faster metabolism which will play a major role in weight loss, increased fitness etc.
Weeks 5 & 6: Having persevered through the ‘tough week’ at week four, during the ensuing weeks you may begin to see and feel the results of your hard work. In general, the first improvement you will notice is increased general fitness i.e. you are able to work at a higher intensity than when you commenced exercise and your current levels and speeds on machines will now feel comfortable, so your trainer will set new levels and speeds for you. Your clothing is likely to be looser fitting due to shrinking girth measurements, you now notice some visible changes to your body shape and your motivation increases simultaneously.
Weeks 7 & 8: Your overall fitness continues to improve. You will also notice ongoing body shape changes i.e. body fat reduction and increased lean muscle mass (muscle definition and toning).
Weeks 9 & 10: You may notice a significant improvement in your recovery i.e. you are able to move from one exercise to the next with less ‘break time’ between. Your overall fitness continues to improve at a steady rate.
Weeks 11 & 12: Congratulations, you have now formed an ‘exercise habit’ and you are well and truly on your way to living your best life!
COACH G
* General guide only. May vary from person to person. Speak to your fitness coach for further information.
2010 June Member of the Month - VICKI MARKOS
When training Vicki in boot camp I learnt a few traits about her character, Dedicated to her change of lifestyle, committed to her goals and the ability to increase her limitations each session. Completing two blocks of boot camp sessions was sensational but what was more impressive is that she was always first one to be warmed up and ready to go.
During the Biggest Improver Challenge Vicki managed to lose 5% of her bodyweight by making those subtle changes to her diet and increasing her visit per week average from 3 to 5. Her dedication to her health and well-being is fantastic and I know that she is feeling really good about herself. I look forward to watching Vicki achieving more of those challenges that I set for her but more importantly the one’s that she sets for herself.
Congratulations Vicki Markos
COACH G