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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.

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.”

Personal Trainers covered by Health Insurance? Wow!

We found this article this morning - if this isn't in your current marketing arsenal - it should be!Did you know that many health insurance plans include personal trainers as a covered expense. The reason is that the insurance companies know that people who train regularly at the gym make fewer claims. Check out your policy and make sure you are taking advantage of this coverage if you have it.

That said, even if your insurance doesn’t cover personal training, hiring one is a sure fire way to improve your workout and help you achieve your fitness goals. 
Fitness trainers can help people:
• Determine their level of fitness
• Figure out fitness needs and decide on goals
• Design a plan to meet fitness goals
• Learn how to use equipment
• Stay motivated
• Stay safe while working out
• Learn how to work more activity into a day-to-day routine

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the
biggest factors that help determine if someone will be active include:

1. Confidence: if a person believes that they can get regular activity
2. Enjoyment: if a person enjoys working out
3. Support: if a person gets support from other people
4. Beliefs: if a person believes that physical activity will benefit their health

When an individual retains a personal trainer they create a level of commitment that helps support all four of the highlighted items above. If you are part of the 60% of folks who are not getting enough exercise and physical activity in their daily life and just have not been able to make exercise a priority hiring a personal trainer is a great way to create that priority in your life.

Besides your exercise program here are a few easy ways to increase the amount of physical activity in your life:

• Use stairs instead of the elevator
• Ride a bike to work if you can.
• If you live within a few blocks of the store walk rather than drive.
• If you can’t fit in enough time at the gym for cardio, get a home treadmill or other cardio machine and do it at home.
Health Insurance reform is in the news right now.    Click on Dr. Oz   to hear what he has to say about the pending health care reform bill currently before Congress. WORLD GYM Personal Training Gift Certificates are a great Holiday Gift Idea. Only $65/session in blocks of 5 sessions, a 20% discount off the regular price.  Email Gordon at www.bodyarchitectsf@aol.com for details.

For more info: Contact Gordon at bodyarchitectsf@aol.com for information on this or previous articles or call 415.307.0439 to schedule a complementary one hour workout.  Also please visit Gordon's website. Clients are encouraged to visit the Body Architect Yelp page and submit a recommendation for Gordon.

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.

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

 

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:

 

1. Identify the behavioral goal and the obstacle.
1. 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.”
2. The goal is to maintain smart eating choices at social events and the obstacle is the dessert table.
2. Develop a strategy for dealing with the obstacle. Using the above example, list ideas for staying away from the dessert table, such as
1. Eat a healthy snack before the party to reduce hunger.
2. Socialize in another room.
3. Participate in a game or group activity.
3. Select a strategy to try.
1. Go to the social function with confidence knowing you have the plan in place.
2. Relax and have fun.
4. Assess the results.
1. Identify the strengths and weakness of the strategy. What worked and what didn’t. Can the strategy be revised to be more effective?
2. 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

 

 

 

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:

1. A signal reinforcer won’t appeal to everyone.
2. The reinforcement must be continuous and consistent for the behavior to be adopted or avoided. 
3. The individual views the emotional and/or physical cost of changing greater than the perceived benefit or threat of the reinforcer.
4. 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:

1. 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. 
2. Stages of Change Model or Transtheoretical Model (Prochaskia and DeClemente) – explores the readiness to change through six identified stages and incorporates stage-matched interventions.
3. Motivational Interviewing (Rollnick and Miller) – a client centered approach to behavioral change that encourages the examination of ambivalence and employs active listening skills.
4. 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

www.acsm.org

 

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

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

 

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