Pearce Members Compete in Festivus Games

Pearce Community Center was well represented in the men’s and women’s novice division of the spring Festivus Games held April 19 at Peoria CrossFit Gym in Peoria. Novice and intermediate CrossFit athletes at gyms across the country competed in this one day event, all on the same day.

Pearce member competitors included Mindy Daum, LouAnn Harms, Allison Irvin, Brooke Kitts, mother and daughter Carol and Erica Larson, Sarah Miller, and Kassie Williams. Allison Irvin finished fourth of 27 local competitors. Brooke Kitts won first place locally, and ranked sixth in the nation against 1,062 competitors.

In the men’s novice division, Pearce members Tony Oedewaldt, Brian Ramseyer, and Nathan Webster competed. Webster won the local competition and ranked fourth in the nation against 372 other competitors.  

Brooke Kitts weight lifting

Brooke Kitts Wins Women's Novice Division

Nathan Webster Rows His Way To First Place

Nathan Webster Wins Men's Novice Division

Summer Drop-In Personal Training Available

Pearce Community Center will offer drop-in personal training every Monday through Saturday May 12 through August 14 for ages 12 and up. Personal trainer Sean Gillen will create a beginner, intermediate, and advanced daily workout that will include strength training, cardio, circuits, plyometric, and stretching. He will provide individualized training to all participants to help them reach their fitness goals. This program is an excellent on-ramp for the monthly Pearce Strong CrossFit-style training program.

Drop-in personal training will be available Monday through Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Foundation members pay only $7.50 per visit. Members pay $10, and non-members pay $12. 

Personal Trainer Sean Gillen

Zumba Instructor Training at Pearce

Pearce Community Center will host Zumba Instructor Training presented by International Presenter and Zumba Education Specialist Jenna Bostic.

Bostic will lead Zumba Basic 1 Instructor Training on Saturday, May 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Along with a Zumba certificate of completion, participants will receive a three DVD set, music CD, and instructor manual. Register for this course at www.zumba.com. The cost is $225 if registered by May 10; $290 until May 24; and $315 after May 24.

On Sunday, June 1, Bostic will lead the Aqua Zumba Instructor Training course. Participants must be a current ZIN member to register for this class. Along with the Aqua Zumba certificate of completion, students will receive a review and choreo DVD and CD box set, and an Aqua Zumba instructor manual. Visit www.zumba.com and log into your account to register for this class. The early bird cost for the class is $200 until May 11; $230 until May 25; and $260 after May 26.

For more information about these classes, contact Bostic at (727) 492-3450. To learn more about Pearce Community Center, call (309) 274-4209.

Day Camp Cancelled

School's Out Day Camp for Friday, April 18 has been cancelled due to low registration.

Pearce Dominates Registration for Festivus Games

Pearce Community Center will be well represented at the 2014 Spring Festivus Games, Saturday, April 19, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at CrossFit Peoria at 2601 W Lake Avenue in the Westlake Shopping Center. Spectators are welcome, so come out and cheer on our 15 member team including:

Gavin Sullivan
Sean Gillen
Rob Ordaz
Sara Miller
Kassie Williams
Brian Ramseyer
Allison Irvin
Anthony Oedewaldt
Marissa Benavidez
Carol Larson
Erica Larson
LouAnn Harms
Brooke Kitts
Mindy Daum
Nathan Webster

The Festivus Games are a national CrossFit competition for the novice and intermediate CrossFitter.

Fittest Women in the World

Here's a great story about the Fittest Women in the World Annie Thorisdottir who won the 2011 and 2012 World CrossFit Games. She missed the 2013 games due to injury, but will attempt to take back her title during this year's games July 25 in Carson City, CA. 

http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/annie-thorisdottir-fittest-woman-crossfit-champion/#1

Eliminate Side Cramps During Running

Excellent article! Thanks Bill Holmes, leader of PCC's Running Club

http://www.active.com/nutrition/Articles/4-Ways-to-Ditch-Side-Cramps-on-Your-Next-Run.htm?cmp=291&memberid=134089603&lyrisid=43086167&email=bh26.2m%40gmail.com

Tiny Tots Mini Session Offered

Pearce Community Center is a mini session of Tiny Tots, a series of six-week classes for ages two to five years, beginning April 16 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tots will enjoy three weeks of Big Fun Gym and three weeks of Play 'N Learn. Adult participation is required. Children should wear gym shoes.

Foundation members pay only $18.75; $25 for members; and $30 for non-members. 

Ryan made a campfire crown in Play 'N Learn

Takin' a swing during Big Fun Gym

Pearce Instructors Earn Additional Certification

Congratulations to Pearce group exercise instructors Liz Thorp, Bill Holmes, Megan Rupiper, and Kelly Buffum who successfully completed the all-day Practical Pilates workshop held at Pearce on Saturday, April 6. The train-the-trainer workshop was offered by the American Fitness Aerobic Association. The AFAA provides comprehensive cognitive and practical education for fitness professionals. Pearce fitness professionals continue to learn and development in order to offer best-in-class fitness leadership to our members. Thank you, and congratulations!

Blastball Offered at Pearce

Pearce Community Center is offering a six-week Blastball program for three and four-year-olds. The program begins Monday, April 14, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.  Gym shoes and adult participation are required.  Weather permitting, the program will be held outside.

Please register at Pearce by April 13. Pearce foundation members pay only $18.75; members $25; non-members $30.

AARP Safe Driver Course Offered at Pearce

Pearce Community Center will host the AARP Safe Driver course on April 8 and 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In Illinois, if an individual is 55, the primary driver of a vehicle, has a good driving record, and takes a course approved by the Secretary of State, all automobile insurance companies must provide a discount on automobile insurance premiums. Participants must attend both days to receive credit from their automobile insurance company.

The course fits the needs of anyone older than 50; however, those under 50 are also invited to attend. The course is a total of eight hours offered in two four-hour sessions.

AARP membership is not required; however, AARP members pay only $12; non-members pay $14.

To register, call Pearce Community Center at (309) 274-4209.