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Recent Posts
- Companies Encourage Fitness - Get Your Local Businesses to do the same
- Illinois Obesity Rates to Jumpe 12% in 2010 -
- Personal Trainers covered by Health Insurance? Wow!
- Mental Benefits of Working Out
- You Are The Next Fitness Trend
- The Holiday Obstacle Course
- Changing Behavior
- Twitter for the Fitness Business
- Visualizing Success
- Dangling The Carrot: Rewarding Healthy Behavior
December 07, 2009
Companies Encourage Fitness - Get Your Local Businesses to do the same
One of the best ways to change your community's waistline is through their employers. Employers want to increase productivity, absenteeism and their bottom line. Increasing health care costs are costing companies money as well as the employees to due to lifestyle diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, etc. You can approach these companies and provide wellness services to them with online training and meal planning as well as personal training services, bmi and body fat testing. Its up to you to put together a professional presentation and the courage to approach the company with a well thought out proposal.
See this article below I found to encourage you to get out there and do it!
Most mornings at about 6 a.m. Simon Hemus can be found in the gym with his personal trainer at Tupperware Brands headquarters, where he is president and chief operating officer.
But it's not just a perk of the executive suite. The company subsidizes the cost of trainers for all of its employees in Orlando and recently upgraded its gym, which offers aerobics, weights and spinning.
"We also run a 5k on campus once a month if it's cool enough," said Hemus, 60, who has improved his personal best time to a very respectable 28:40.
Tupperware's attitude about fitness and health was held up as an example last week by Florida Hospital, which kicked off a new campaign called "Healthy 100" designed to push more employers to encourage healthy behavior and, even more ambitious, increase the number of local people living past 100.
And the hospital run by Adventist Health System is starting with itself.
"We're a health-care organization, and we ought to be about not only treating illness, but about prevention," said Sheryl Dodds, the hospital's chief people officer. "We feel we need to lead with our employees through our pilot programs."
The promotion also goes to the hospital's long-term business model. In the future, executives hope to capitalize on wellness and prevention programs as much as caring for the sick and injured.
Tupperware hires its personal trainers from the hospital. Darden Restaurants, which recently moved into a new headquarters building that features a large gym, also offers its employees an on-site clinic staffed by employees contracted from the hospital.
The kick-off last week featured a lunch for 200 local movers and shakers, including Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton, Orlando Magic Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins and Tavistock Group Senior Managing Director Rasesh Thakkar.
The group listened to Dan Buettner, who wrote The Blue Zones about geographic anomalies across the globe where the number of people living past 100 exceeds the average. And posters for the campaign feature Florida Hospital President Lars Houmann, an avid runner, on a morning sprint.
December 04, 2009
Illinois Obesity Rates to Jumpe 12% in 2010 -
Found this article and had to share it. Its truly saddening and our Country is still going/growing in the wrong direction. As fitness professionals there is such a large market (no pun intended) to serve and improve quality of life. Make it your mission to reach your community today and be an ambassador for change and wellness. Have the courage to speak up, reach out, and train your community. Wouldn't it be amazing if one trainer in each city around the United States could make it their life mission to adjust the BMI of their community to normal and healthy? It could be done! Dream Big live healthy!
Here is the article:
St. Charles, IL -
Susan Eichensehr can’t believe what some people eat, not only during the holidays, but year-round.
“I just freak out on nutrition,” Eichensehr said. “I freak out on what people put in their mouths for the holidays. I really don’t think people (are aware) of the effect what they put in their mouth has on their body.”
Eichensehr, general manager and personal trainer at Tri-City Fitness in St. Charles, started a program at her gym called “Downsize.” The program has run four times, and in its most recent session, eight people lost more than 10 pounds and four lost 15 to 20 pounds.
“We don’t count calories. It’s all about education and awareness,” Eichensehr said. “And the cool thing is they keep it off.”
Statistics released by America’s Health Rankings in November said the prevalence of obesity in Illinois is expected to increase from the current level of 31.5 percent obese to 43.5 percent in 2018.
AHR estimates $3.6 million is spent annually because of obesity in Illinois. With the projected jump in obesity, the cost is expected to increase to $14.8 million in 2010, or about $1,538 per adult in Illinois.
According to numbers on AHR’s Web site, Illinois has about 294 yearly deaths related to cardiovascular disease per 100,000 people.
The Kane County Health Department said one out of every six children in the county, and 19.2 percent of the entire population are obese. Paul Kuehnert, executive director for the health department, said in less affluent parts of the county, the obesity rate goes as high as one in three.
“Kane County is similar to the rest of the state and the rest of the country,” Kuehnert said. “We (have to look at) what the barriers are to ... healthy living.”
Kuehnert said the department has tried to focus energy on improving children’s health with the “Fit For Kids” initiative, which supports a culture of wellness for children. Kuehnert said one idea is to have more safe bicycle and walking routes to school for children, instead of busses.
“If we focus on children, everyone can really get behind that,” Kuehnert said.
Leslie Reed, who worked out with Downsize, said she lost 40 pounds since she started learning more about nutrition and better ways to work out.
“I think people need the information,” Reed said. “I think people think that even if they are working out, they think ‘Oh, I can just work out and eat what I want to eat and lose weight’
“That happened to me. When I started working out, well, I gained 10 pounds. I think that would be the one thing that would help people. I think they’re misled.”
Tom Peterson, head personal trainer at St. Charles’ Norris Recreation Center, said he isn’t sure whether the problem is more about motivation to work out or education.
“I think that’s the problem,” Peterson said. “Nobody has figured it out.”
Peterson said one big problem he sees is office workers who stay stationary for most of the day thinking a 30-minute workout is enough.
“You still need more than that,” Peterson said. “Not only do you have to do your 30 minutes of exercise, but you have to be somewhat physically active during the work day. ... You get an hour (for lunch). You can’t get in a half-hour, 45-minute workout at lunch at the same time, it just doesn’t work. Without a social change, I don’t see it (changing).”
Eichensehr said that no matter what the solution is, the numbers are telling and the problem must be fixed.
“This is public knowledge now, it’s not a secret,” Eichensehr said. “(The numbers) really show us why its important to (increase) our awareness.”
December 03, 2009
December 01, 2009
Mental Benefits of Working Out
For many gym-goers, working out is a way to get in shape physically. The bonus
for the time logged on a treadmill is the mental benefits that result from
breaking a sweat.
My Brain Releases What?
During strenuous physical activity the brain releases endorphins, which are
basis for the “runner’s high.” When these endogenous opioids, or “feel good”
chemicals, are released in the brain during strenuous activity they cause a
sense of well-being. This release, in turn, results in reduced stress and
anxiety and an overall improvement in mood.
How Do I Look?
Not only does a good workout release endorphins, but a person’s self-image is
greatly improved after exercising. Who doesn’t feel proud about his or her body
after finishing a 5k or doing a few extra reps when lifting? By working out, you
can significantly improve the way you feel about yourself physically, which in
turn can help improve your mental self perception.
That Pink Bunny’s Got Nothing on Me
Do you ever think that you’re too tired to exercise? Great news! Exercise
increases your energy, allowing you to be more productive, focused, and active
throughout the day, not the other way around. Because of increased energy from a
good workout, you can be more focused during the day as well as get better sleep
at night. Also, by getting your heart rate up when exercising you increase your
metabolism, which continues to work throughout the day, meaning you can eat more
to keep up your energy and still
maintain (or even lose) weight.
Meditation, Ohmmm…
Though many typical exercises at the gym have the added bonus of mental benefits
without requiring much thinking, there are some exercise techniques that require
more controlled thoughts. Mind/body programs, such as Pilates and yoga, require
a person to focus on controlling his/her body with precise movements designed to
lengthen and strengthen one’s muscles. This focus on control creates a more
acute awareness about the body and its movements.
The next time you’re reluctant to go to the gym after a long, stressful day of
work (especially if you’re contemplating eating a chocolate bar or sitting on
the couch instead of putting on your running shoes) remember all of the
benefits, both physical and mental, you’ll be missing out on. The chocolate bar
can wait till you’re done.
About Hyperstrike
HyperStrike’s mission is to be the premier training and nutrition resource on the web for fitness professionals. The company offers custom online fitness and nutrition services for gyms and personal trainers that generate new revenue opportunities and improve member/client satisfaction and retention. HyperStrike provides fully managed and hosted solutions with Private Label options available. Learn more today at http://www.hyperstrike.com.
November 30, 2009
You Are The Next Fitness Trend
You Are the Next Fitness Trend
According
to an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) survey of Fitness Trends for
2010, educated and experienced fitness professionals are ranked #1. Yes, You
are the next fitness trend for 2010. The survey identified 37 possible trends
and the ACSM ranked and published the top 20. Educated and experienced fitness
professionals are #1 for the second year running; moving up from third place in
2007.
Understanding Your Target Audience
Surveys,
such as this one, are an important tool for understanding consumer needs, and
can also be used to identify a possible niche market. According to Scott
Gerber, the founder and CEO of Gerber Entertainment, niche businesses have
tremendous potential. The key is to capture the hearts and minds, not to
mention the pocket books, of your target audience. This is an important point.
Even if you have an excellent idea, as well as the experience, knowledge and
passion to execute the service or product, success is doomed if it does not resonate
with your target audience. Here are the top five predicted trends for 2010 to
help you identify potential niche business opportunities.
Top five predicted trends for 2010:
1)
Educated and experienced fitness
professionals
§ With rising health care costs and
stronger evidence supporting greater health benefits with improved physical
fitness and more frequent physical activity, the ACSM survey predicts more
discerning consumers will seek the assistance of highly qualified
professionals. Degrees, credentials, and experience in disease prevention and
management through exercise will be initial to professionals interested in this
growing area of the fitness industry.
2)
Strength training
§ Not only is strength an important
component to improved physical activity performance, greater evidence has
accumulated supporting the health benefits of strength training for controlling
disease. Improved muscular fitness has been associated with decreased health
risks linked to obesity, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and metabolic syndrome, just
to name a few. Strength training, and
the need for strength and conditioning specialists, is predicted to continue to
gain importance to health and fitness consumers.
3)
Children and obesity
§ Childhood obesity is a serious medical
condition that promotes the development of type II diabetes, high blood
pressure, and high cholesterol in adulthood and is now seen in childhood. More
resources tailored toward our youth will be needed to encourage physical
activity and healthy nutrition to combat this epidemic.
4)
Personal trainers
§ What was once considered an adjunct
service is now predicted to become an integral component of health and fitness
organizations. The need for professionals with an educational background in
exercise science and proper certifications who act as personal trainers is
predicted to grow.
5)
Core training
§ Strength training specific to the
muscles that support the spine is predicted to remain important to health and
fitness consumers. Core training can reduce the risk factors associated with
low back pain, enhance proper posture, and improve the over all stability of
the spine and the transfer of strength to the upper and lower body. Because of
these benefits, core training can enable individual’s to successfully meet the
demands of daily activities as well as improve sport performance.
To see
all 20 predicted fitness trends for 2010, go to
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/170066.php.
In my next post I will explore how to make your niche business successful.
Karen
Moreno, MA Candidacy Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology
BA
Social Science/Education
References:
ACSM
Survey predicts 2010 fitness trends. Medical News Today.. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/170066.php
Gerber,
S. 5 steps to building a successful niche business. Entrepreneur. http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/youngentrepreneurscolumnistscottgerber/article202900.html
November 23, 2009
The Holiday Obstacle Course
The
holidays have always reminded me of an obstacle course. Dodging boxes of candy
at the reception desk, shuffling around plates of cookies in the break-room,
and sprinting past the cheese puff trays and dessert tables at parties. Let’s
face it; the holidays are abundant with Calorie laden goodies. I am not one to
advocate deprivation, rather to promote moderation. In order to have one treat
and not the whole tray, a plan must be put into place.
An
action plan is a detailed agreement between you and your client to achieve a
specific goal. A plan can also be used to effectively address obstacles that
might sabotage progress. Here are four steps to crafting an action plan to
navigate the holiday obstacle course:
- Identify the behavioral goal and
the obstacle.
- For example, your client might
say “I am making smart eating choices at home, however when I am at a
social event I tend to gravitate to the dessert table and camp for the
evening.”
- The goal is to maintain smart
eating choices at social events and the obstacle is the dessert table.
- Develop a strategy for dealing with
the obstacle. Using the above example, list ideas for staying away from
the dessert table, such as
- Eat a healthy snack before the
party to reduce hunger.
- Socialize in another room.
- Participate in a game or group
activity.
- Select a strategy to try.
- Go to the social function with
confidence knowing you have the plan in place.
- Relax and have fun.
- Assess the results.
- Identify the strengths and
weakness of the strategy. What worked and what didn’t. Can the strategy
be revised to be more effective?
- If the first strategy didn’t
work, try another.
Finding
the most effective strategy may take some brainstorming as well as trial and
error. Encourage your clients not to give up and utilize their resources, such
as friends, family, and professionals. Establishing a support system can be
very helpful. Make this years holiday obstacle course a team event.
Karen
Moreno, MA Candidacy Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology
BA
Social Science/Education
November 18, 2009
Changing Behavior
Exploring the Theories of Behavior Change
In a previous post, Dangling
the Carrot, I discussed corporate wellness programs that used incentives
and disincentives to motivate lifestyle changes. This technique, also known as
behavior modification, is based on the principles of operant conditioning
developed by B.F. Skinner (considered to be the father of behavioralism). The
basic idea behind operant conditioning is to strengthen a specific response
through reinforcement (positive or negative) and therefore increase the
likelihood of the response re-occurring. In the example of corporate wellness
programming, monetary rewards were given if a specific behavior or task was
completed, for example participating in a health risk assessment or a fitness
program. This type of incentive is considered a positive reinforcer. Some of
the programs also used negative reinforcers or disincentives in the form of a
surcharge or a higher insurance rate to discourage behaviors such as smoking or
unhealthy weight gain.
Limitations to Using Behavioral Modification for Lifestyle
Change
There are several limitations to using behavioral
modification to motivate lifestyle changes, including but limited to the
following:
- A signal
reinforcer won’t appeal to everyone.
- The
reinforcement must be continuous and consistent for the behavior to be
adopted or avoided.
- The
individual views the emotional and/or physical cost of changing greater
than the perceived benefit or threat of the reinforcer.
- The
underlining issues that lead to the behavior are not addresses, and
therefore the change may not result in long-term adoption.
Exploring the Human Psyche
Human behavior is extremely complex. There are many models
or theories that contribute to the exploration of the human psyche and each adds
a different dimension. Just to name a few:
- The Health Belief Model
(Rosenstock, Becker, Kirscht, et al.) – was developed to ascertain the
perceived threats and net benefits of behavior change, specifically in
relationship to disease and prevention measures.
- Stages of Change Model or
Transtheoretical Model
(Prochaskia and DeClemente) – explores the readiness to change through six
identified stages and incorporates stage-matched interventions.
- Motivational Interviewing
(Rollnick and Miller) – a client centered approach to behavioral change
that encourages the examination of ambivalence and employs active
listening skills.
- Social Networks/Social Support Theories
(Eng, Israle, et al.) – recognizes the important role of social networks
and social support in the successful adoption of lifestyle changes.
There is no one model or theory that is superior. Each have
benefits and limitations and all should be valued for contributing to the on
going exploration of human behavior. Many wellness programs use a multi-theory
approach to developing behavior change interventions and strive to promote
self-efficacy and improved quality of life. To learn more, check out your local
college for an introduction or survey course in psychology, or take a specialty
workshop or certification program for behavior change. Here are a couple of
resources:
ACSM
Behavior Change Strategies for Optimal Client Outcomes Workshop
Wellcoaches
Health Coach and Wellness Coach Certification Program www.wellcoach.com
Karen
Moreno, MA Candidacy Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology
BA
Social Science/Education
Reference:
Behavioral
Theory – Part 2: Operant Conditioning http://teachnet.edb.utexas.edu/~lynda_abbott/Behavioral2.html
Campbell,
C. (2001). Health Education Behavior Models and Theories – A Review of the
Literature – Part 1. Mississippi State University.
Rollnick
& Miller (1995). What is MI http://www.motivationalinterview.org/clinical/whatismi.html
November 10, 2009
Twitter for the Fitness Business
Hi all - I hosted a Twitter for the Fitness business introduction webinar last week. I recorded it and posted it here for you to watch. Enjoy!
Download 2009-11-05 13.01 Marketing Workshop _ Twitter For Fitness Business
Visualizing Success
A TOOL FOR LIFESTYLE CHANGE: by Karen Moreno
I had an interesting session with a client this week. We
were working on a strategic plan for successfully navigating a weight loss
program through the holidays when I noticed she kept asking her family for
permission to make healthy food choices. After further discussion it became
evident that her confidence waned in the presence of her family. The need to
justify her decisions and gain their approval was almost overwhelming.
It’s easy to slip back into old behaviors
Family dynamics are always challenging, particularly when
one person is making significant lifestyle changes. Our thoughts and attitudes
about self, as well as food and activity are important factors in adopting new
behaviors and overriding old responses. It is easy to slip back into old
thought and behavior patterns during family gatherings. Visualization may be a
beneficial tool for integrating new lifestyle changes into old dynamics.
Visualization as a Tool for Lifestyle Change
Visualization has been used for stress management, athletic
performance and even motor learning. The purpose of imaginary or visualization
for behavior change is to picture success and practice new behaviors. This can
be done privately or as a guided visualization with someone prompting the image.
For example, the client I referred to earlier used a private
visualization exercise to practice interacting at family gatherings with
confidence and self-efficacy and carry out her weight loss strategies.
The 5-10 Minute Visualization Exercise
Visualization does not need to be time consuming; 5 to 10
minutes can make a significant contribution. This can be done as either a
private or guided exercise.
1)
Relax
- find a quite place, close the door, and turn off the phone
ringer. Close your eyes and take a slow deep breath. Feel your abdomen and
chest expand as you breath in and deflate as you exhale. Spend a few moments
focusing on your breath. Feel tension leveling your body.
2)
Recall
- a place, situation, moment, or event when you felt
comfortable, peaceful, strong and confident. Spend sometime exploring how you
feel, and what the situation is. Notice your surroundings. Notice how you hold
yourself, act and think.
3)
Visualize
– picture yourself at the stressful or tempting event while
feeling comfortable, peaceful, strong and confident. Begin to incorporate the
behaviors you wish to adopt. How are you responding differently to the
situation? How does your body feel and move? Focus on how you are feeling and
thinking about your wellness?
4)
Conclusion
- think of one key word to sum up this experience and your commitment to
health, fitness and wellness. Use this word to begin and end each subsequent
visualization exercise and as a touchstone
during stressful or tempting events.
5)
Finish
– bring your awareness back to your breathing. After a moment, open your eyes.
Take an opportunity to jot down significant thoughts and feeling experienced
during the exercise.
This is just one sample visualization exercise. Many stress
management and sports psychology books have imaginary and visualization
techniques and tools that can be incorporated into private or guided exercises.
Take a moment and help your clients visualize their success.
Karen
Moreno, MA Candidacy Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology
BA
Social Science/Education
Reference:
Moore, M., & Tschannen-Morean, B. 2010.
Coaching psychology manual. In E. Lupash (ED.), Coaching relationship skills (pp. 22-24). Baltimore, MD:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Visualization
helps to reinforce behavioral change and leads to a healthier lifestyle.
http://www.collegesportsscholarships.com/visulization-success-sport.htm
November 05, 2009
Dangling The Carrot: Rewarding Healthy Behavior
Dangling
the Carrot: Rewarding Healthy Behavior
I recently read a review of a wellness program based on goal
setting, progress tracking and social networking with monetary incentives to
promote healthy behaviors. The concept was to pay people to make healthy
choices.
The premise assumes that people will do better if promised a
reward. The limitation of this assumption is that offering incentives, what is
know as extrinsic motivators by Behavioralist, is usually more successful with
short term or temporary compliance to change. There is limited research
available to support the use of incentives to promote long-term behavioral
change. However, this program does not seem to just reward healthy behaviors.
Rather, the program could be viewed as enhancing goal setting and other
behavioral change strategies with monetary rewards placed at incremental
progress points. When we set up a goal-setting program, don’t we encourage our
clients to celebrate benchmarks with rewards?
Who
is using incentives?
Using incentives to promote behavior change is not a new
concept. According to the Harvard Public Health Review, IBM, the State of
Alabama and Scotts Miracle-Gro all use some form of an incentive program to
encourage healthy behaviors and some use disincentives to discourage unhealthy
behaviors. For example,
- IBM offers
employees $150 twice a year if they complete an internet-based assessment
and meet specific weight loss and fitness goals.
- Employees of
the state of Alabama receive health insurance discounts for not smoking
and meeting standards for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and BMI. Employees
that use tobacco pay an additional monthly premium.
- Scotts
Miracle-Gro refunds fitness center membership fees after 120 uses, and
provides free health coaching, medical services and generic prescriptions.
Employees that do not participate pay an additional insurance surcharge.
Do
incentives work?
In 2007, ABC News reported positive results for a study
examining monetary incentives for weight loss. Eric Finkelstein, a health
economist, and researchers at the University of North Caroline-Chapel Hill
recruited more than 200 overweight and obese employees in North Carolina and
randomly assigned them to one of three groups: no monetary reward for weight
loss, $7 for every 1 percent reduction in body weight, and $14 for every 1
percent lost. The participants were not giving a structured diet or exercise
program. At the end of three months, the group receiving $14 for every 1
percent decrease in body weight lost an average of 5 pounds, the $7 group lost
an average of 3 pounds and the group receiving no money lost an average of 2
pounds. Finkelstein concluded that the participants in the $14 group were more
likely to lose 5 percent of their body weight, which is the recommendation for
health benefits. However, whether or not
the participants could maintain the weight loss was not examined.
I must admit I still have reservations about the use of
extrinsic motivation for successful behavior change. Still, there is evidence
that incentives produce short-term results even though the long-term effects
still need to be investigated. This does present an interesting idea; how can
incentives be used to promote healthy behaviors in our personal training
businesses? What carrot can we dangle?
Karen Moreno, MA Candidacy Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology
BA Social Science/Education
Reference:
Hand,
L. (2009). Employer health incentives. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hphr/winter-2009/winter09healthincentives.html
Hellimich,
N. (2007). Financial incentives can encourage weight loss. Abc News
Technology & Science. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/TenWays/story?id=3585618&page=1&page=1
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