Fall In Love...with Fitness!

by Raquel "Rocky" Herron, Fitness Manager

	Raquel "Rocky" Herron

For most of us, Labor Day traditionally marks the end of summer.  That means the end of lazy days at the pool, a return to school for the kids, and the slow fading of our bronzed skin.  

I don't mean to depress you, but the end of summer isn't necessarily a bad thing.  Often times, the summer brings inconsistency regarding our workout sessions.  I often look forward to fall so I can reset and refocus, and I'm sure many of you reading this feel the same way.    

With that being said, I'm challenging you to redirect your efforts in the gym and rededicate yourself to exercise. Whether that means consistent weight and cardio sessions or group exercise, make a promise to yourself that you'll get back on track and get in your exercise groove long before the holiday trifecta hits (think Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve?).  

I think I have a few ideas that can help get you started. 

If summer meant vacation time for your exercise sessions, it's ok, I've got you covered, or should I say we at Pearce have you covered.  

If you haven't exercised in a while and you're not sure where to start, why not start with group exercise?  There's really no prep work, no workout logs, no nothing!  Just show up and one of our amazing instructors will lead you through your choice of many different classes.  Whether you want BODYPUMP™ to add some much needed muscle or you're feeling like some HIP HOP with James to get your dance on, we've got you covered!  In addition, group exercise is a great place to be social and meet up with friends so you can sweat together!

Wanting more?  We're offering FEWL starting the week of September 18th and Challenge for Change the week of September 11th, two great programs aimed at helping you reach your fitness goals.  

FEWL will be taught by our very own Audrina Kingen. FEWL is a program designed specifically for women to help them conquer weight room fears and learn about strength and muscle building.  This program is perfect for women of all ages.  

Challenge For Change, taught by yours truly, is a program designed to change the way you think and feel about exercise.  I'll address common myths surrounding exercise and help you get started on a lifelong path of exercise! And if you're not sure if this is right for you, come to one of my informational meetings. Both start at 6:00 p.m.: one on September 5 and another meeting on September 7.

To complement each program, we'll be offering a nutritional component, Food Choices Matter, led by nutritionist Megan O'Reilly.  Megan will teach you about proper portion sizes, what to eat when, and how to incorporate healthy choices into your lifestyle.  Still on the fence?

If you're still not sure what direction to take, what fitness path you should choose, why not try a trainer?  A personal trainer will be your very own exercise coach.  He or she will help you reach your fitness goals through different training modalities.  You can even grab your best friend and do group personal training.  Sometimes having a partner in sweat is more motivating than doing it by yourself.  We can train you on land, in the pool, outside...you name it, we can probably think it up!

Did my ramblings get you motivated and fired up to get back in the gym and sweat?  Are you ready to "fall" in love with fitness (yes, pun intended)?  We've got everything you need to get started.  My door is always open if you need any help.  Happy sweating!

FEWL Class

Pearce will offer FEWL, Females Embracing Weight Lifting, a new class specifically designed to teach women the essential foundation of strength training and proper lifting technique. FEWL instructor Audrina Kingen gears the class to help women overcome fears often associated with free weights. FEWL will provide more curve, more capability, and more confidence.

The class will be offered each Monday and Wednesday 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for five weeks from September 18 to October 18.

The cost of the program is $112.50 for Pearce Foundation members; $150 Pearce members; and $187.50 non-members.

Food Choices Matter, a new nutrition class, is available to add on to FEWL. To get the best results, this add on class allows participants to pair their class with a solid nutrition plan that will help them customize the diet plan that is right for them, provide accountability, and develop specific eating habits that will help them break through to their goals. The nutrition add on class will be taught by Megan O’Reilly, AFPA certified nutritionist and wellness consultant. Megan will bring her advanced education, multiple certifications, and years of experience to the class.

As an add-on class to FEWL, Food Choices Matter will meet on September 18 for one hour from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and then again for 30 minutes on September 27, October 4, 11, and 18 from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.

The cost to add on Food Choices Matter is $56.25 for Foundation members; $75 for Pearce members; and $93.75 for non-members.

New FEWL Class Coming to Pearce

Pearce Community Center will offer FEWL, Females Embracing Weight Lifting, a new class specifically designed to teach women the essential foundation of strength training and proper lifting technique.  FEWL instructor Audrina Kingen gears the class to help women overcome fears often associated with free weights. FEWL will provide more curve, more capability, and more confidence.

The class will be offered each Monday and Wednesday 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for five weeks from May 22 to June 26 with no class on Monday, May 29.

The cost of the program is $112.50 for Pearce Foundation members; $150 Pearce members; and $187.50 non-members.

Food Choices Matter, a new nutrition class, is available to add on to FEWL. To get the best results, this add on class allows participants to pair their class with a solid nutrition plan that will help them customize the diet plan that is right for them, provide accountability, and develop specific eating habits that will help them break through to their goals. The nutrition add on class will be taught by Megan O’Reilly, AFPA certified nutritionist and wellness consultant. Megan will bring her advanced education, multiple certifications, and years of experience to the class.

As an add-on class to FEWL, Food Choices Matter will meet on May 22 for one hour from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and then again for 30 minutes on May 31, June 7, 14, and 21 from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.

The cost to add on Food Choices Matter is $56.25 for Foundation members; $75 for Pearce members; and $93.75 for non-members.