Before & After School Care Program Offers Daily Rates

Looking for something different for your kids to do after school? Pearce's Before & After School Care program offers daily rates so you can participate only when you need or want to.

The program provides a safe and fun place for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade to go during the before and after school hours. The program is held every day Illinois Valley Central District #321 is in session. Before School care is provided from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. After School care is provided from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The program includes homework time, snack time, organized games, physical education, exergaming, and free play.

Bus service for the Before School portion of the program is provided to CEC and South School. Bus service for the After School portion of the program is provided from CEC, South School, and Mossville. St. Edward’s School staff escort students to Pearce after school.

The weekly cost for Before School care is $31.50 for Foundation members; $35 members; and $45 non-members. The daily cost is only $7.87 for Foundation members; $8.75 members; and $11.25 non-members.

The weekly cost for After School care is $63 for Foundation members; $70 members; and $80 non-members. The daily cost is only $15.75 for Foundation members, $17.50 for members; and $20 for non-members.

The kids are back in school, summer vacations are over, and the weather will soon turn cooler. It’s time to think about getting back to the gym.

If you’re looking for a low impact exercise routine after work, we’ve got you covered!

Monday: Aqua Fit from 5:30-6:30 and then Yoga from 6:45 to 7:45

Tuesday: Choose Hip Hop Dancing from 5:15-6:15 or BODYFLOW from 5:35 to 6:35

Wednesday: Aqua Fit from 5:30-6:30 and then Yoga from 6:40 to 7:40

Thursday: Choose Hip Hop Dancing from 5:15-6:15 or BODYFLOW from 5:35 to 6:35

Friday: CELEBRATE FRIDAY!

Saturday: Choose BODYFLOW from 8:00 to 9:00 or Aqua Fit from 8:30 to 9:30

And if you’re looking for a high energy burn, we can keep your heart pumping all week long.

Monday: Zumba from 4:45 to 5:30, BODYPUMP from 5:35 to 6:05, AND BODYATTACK from 6:10 to 6:40

Tuesday: Choose BODYPUMP from 4:30 to 5:30 or Hip Hop Dancing from 5:15 to 6:15, and then Boot Camp from 6:40 to 7:30

Wednesday: BODYPUMP from 4:30 to 5:30, and then choose BODYATTACK from 5:35 to 6:35 or Pearce Cycling from 6:00 to 6:45

Thursday: BODYPUMP from 4:30 to 5:30, and then choose Hip Hop Dancing from 5:15 to 6:15, Pearce Cycling from 6:00 to 6:45, or Boot Camp from 6:40 to 7:30

Friday: BODYATTACK from 5:00 to 5:30

Saturday: We now offer TRX Suspension Training from 7:00 to 7:45, Pearce Cycling from 7:15 to 8:15. Too early? Join us a little later for BODYPUMP from 9:05 to 10:05 or Pearce Cycling from 9:00 to 9:45.

Be sure to pick up a copy of our new fall group exercise schedule next time you're in Pearce to see all the land, water, and cycling classes we offer!

Protein Power: Should You be Using It?

By Megan O'Reilly, AFPA Certified Nutritionist and Wellness Consultant 

One of the most common questions Pearce trainers are asked is about protein powder.  People want to know, what is protein powder?  Do I need it?  Which kind should I buy and what do I do with it? This article will answer those questions, so you can decide for yourself if you might want to try adding protein powder.

First, what is it? Protein powders are simply concentrated forms of protein extracted from a food and processed into a powder form. The main foods proteins are taken from are whey (a by-product of cheese making), soy, eggs, and casein (from milk). Other sources are rice, hemp, pea, brown rice, goat milk, beef, or wheat. The powder is similar in consistency to a hot cocoa powder and can be similarly added to liquids such as water or milk to be reconstituted. Additional flavorings such as chocolate or vanilla are often, but not always, added at the time of production. While brands vary greatly, usually one serving (or scoop), contains around 20 grams of protein.

Do I need it? If you compare the current USDA protein recommendations with the current average protein intake, the answer is no, you probably do not need protein powder. 

Netting around $4.7 billion yearly, the protein powder industry tries to persuade us that protein powder is a need, that we all need protein powder to be our most healthy, lean strong selves. (And no, adding protein powder does not lead to magical weight loss.) Statistics tell us different. Studies report the average US adult already meets their daily protein recommendation through the foods we eat such as chicken, eggs, meat, beans, nuts, seeds, and more. Depending on age and activity level, the USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend between 46 and 56 grams a protein for the average adult. Our bodies need protein for growth, repair, energy, and many regulatory roles including hormones, antibodies, fluid and acid/base balance, nutrient transportation, and more. 

Looking at protein powder from a needs versus want stand-point, you might not need it, but you might still want it. It can be a tasty and convenient way to add some protein variety to your diet. Most protein powder containers have a simple protein powder shake recipe written right on the container, generally as simple as adding a scoop to water or milk and shaking it up. You can take it a step or two further by adding yogurt, fruit, flax, or other ingredients. Countless recipes can be found online. 

Which kind should I buy? Since there are many personal variables involved, there is really no one-size-fits-all recommendation. Most will end up with a creamy whey isolate or blend. Certain health conditions or sports specific goals may require a more specific recommendation. (For example, a soy-based protein powder might not be advisable for some.) 

What are Pearce trainers using? Fitness enthusiasts and trainers are known for using protein powder, probably because protein needs increase as we increase activity level and pursue muscle growth. Trainer and fitness manager Rocky Herron has a can of the Cookies and Cream Flavor of Whey CorPerformance on her work desk, and Peanut Butter Marshmallow flavored Cellucor protein powder at home. Personally, I currently have a plant based Vega Clean vanilla flavored powder in my cabinet, but I frequently try new brands. 

As you experiment with flavors and personal preferences, keep in mind that most protein powders contain a small amount of sucralose, aspartame, or other artificial ingredients to create a flavorful product. Since it is a good idea to limit these ingredients, you might consider reading and comparing labels closely. Fitness instructor and trainer Megan Rupiper also has an excellent point when she recommends being aware of the amount of protein you take in at once, keeping in mind that the body can only absorb 20 grams in one sitting.

Here in Chillicothe, Kroger and CVS have a surprisingly large variety of protein powders. Online sources are plentiful as well, with Bodybuilding.com being my go-to for frequent sales on a flavorful brand called Syntha-6. Rob Ordaz says Cookies & Cream is his favorite Syntha-6 flavor. While I do not personally consistently use powders sold by companies such as Xyngular, Beach Body, Juice Plus, or other such businesses, their ingredient labels and tastes are impressive.  Go ahead and give protein powder a try and see if you find a recipe or combination that works for you!

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!

Group Exercise Instructor Earns Additional Zumba Certifications

Caterpillar digital project manager by day, Zumba instructor extraordinaire by night. Either way, it's safe to say James Haywood is dynamic, diverse, and always searching for ways to make things better. 

James has spent his summer honing his Zumba skills at a variety of conferences and trainings to deliver that absolute best Zumba classes to his group exercise students. 

In June, he traveled to New York City to attend Zumba Basic 2 Training in order to take the level of excitement in his Zumba class to the next level. The training focused on the core steps for rhythms including flamenco, samba, belly dance, soca, tango, and quebradita. The training also provided resources for professional education and industry/business essentials.

Next up, Atlanta where James attended Zumba Pro Skills Training. This advanced training is designed to enhance teaching techniques and presentation skills while learning how to strengthen bonds within your student community. The training helps Zumba instructors develop their own unique strengths and professional leadership skills. 

James also received his certification in Aqua Zumba this summer. Look for Aqua Zumba with James to be offered as special events during the fall and winter!

James also achieved the honor of being selected as an assistant to International Zumba Education Specialist Michael Thomas in Dudes vs. Divas Master Class at the 2017 Zumba Instructor Convention in Orlando, FL. The class received a 98% approval rating from class attendees, tying for first place among the more than 50 classes offered during the convention. 

Closed Labor Day

Pearce will be closed on Monday, September 4 for Labor Day.

AARP Safe Driver Course Offered at Pearce

 Pearce Community Center will host the AARP Safe Driver course on Thursday and Friday, September 14 and 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In Illinois, if an individual is 55 or older, 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 $15; non-members pay $20.