Fit to Print Volume 22, Issue 4 : December 2013

S t a f f Pe r s p e c t i v e by Phyllis Genova Say No to “Jingle Belly” And Say Hello to Phyllis and Joe to use your time in the gym wisely. We are here to help you get through the holiday season and beyond. A scheduled appointment can make the difference between going to the gym and not. Knowing someone is waiting for you keeps you on track. We design a program based on your fitness level, goals and medical history. For some, weekly weigh-ins, are helpful, for others we may need to take the focus off the number. Although not everyone wants to lose weight, most wish to maintain or improve upon the shape they are in. Joe & Phyllis Genova A s we approach another holiday season, many people are apprehensive or concerned about holiday weight gain. A planned approach is the key to a successful, enjoyable and healthy holiday season. The average American gains eleven pounds throughout the holidays. Just a few years ago that number was seven pounds. Although we are privileged with a surplus of information on nutrition and exercise that number is still increasing. Without a doubt, we need to consider proper time management and organize a plan. One key word that must be emphasized is lifestyle. Christmas, Hanukkah and New Years come once a year. The key is not to make everyday a holiday. When overindulgence occurs on these occasions we tend to continue these habits. If we are not careful, it continues for days and weeks. Furthermore, it is okay to enjoy the holiday with no guilt, as long as we return to our normal lifestyle the following day. After all, they are not called “holiweeks” or “holimonths.” To think we are never going to enjoy a holiday pie or dessert is unrealistic. During the holiday season, time management can become an issue for many. As holiday shopping, gatherings and parties accumulate, we tend to have less time to exercise or we skip it altogether. A shorter work out is more effective than no exercise at all. Brief, intense bouts of cardio (HITT intervals) or super setting resistance training allow you 14 The average American gains eleven pounds throughout the holidays. Just a few years ago that number was seven pounds. Remember to include your protein. Protein curbs your appetite and reduces desire for those unwanted carbs. We need to take in protein within a half hour to an hour after a workout. Your goal is to put back and rebuild that muscle. Protein shakes are great for quick metabolizing. The skylight café has a tremendous selection of protein shakes to choose from. You can't beat the convenience of the freshly made shakes on the way out the door. However, we can't just eat what we want because we have exercised that day. In the same manner, we can't skip the gym because we ate fewer calories yesterday. The full picture is made of pieces to a puzzle. When done correctly that puzzle is a picture. At this point, an introduction is probably in order. We are Phyllis and Joseph Genova of Contours Fitness Inc., and we have just recently joined the Personal Training staff here at Fitness Incentive. We are both (ACE) American Council on Exercise certified Personal Trainers. We approach each and every client individually and with a serious plan. Although new to Fitness Incentive we are not new to the fitness industry. Our experience includes over thirty years in Holidays 2013 FIT to Print the fitness world and includes many areas of individual expertise. I myself, specialize in weight management, weight loss, nutrition, lifestyle, kid's fitness and post rehab. I have specialized in bariatric patients for many years, pre and post surgical to ensure long term results. I also teach a weight management / nutrition course for Lindenhurst Adult Education during the fall and spring. I hold many additional fitness credits in pre and post natal fitness and pre and post menopause. Many of my clients have overcome illness, obesity, genetic disorders and trauma induced injuries. Whether injuries occurred from a car accident or a work related incident, rehab should be continual. Exercising safely creates a better quality of life. My motto is “The gym is a positive place to leave negative energy”. Joe, my husband, is also well experienced in fitness. He is a former natural competitive Bodybuilder. Additionally, he was a college football player and coach. He has coached various college level sports and has trained many athletes to prepare for their upcoming seasons. Joe has a Bachelors degree in physical education while holding additional credits in nutrition, sports specific training, cardio boxing and kid/ senior fitness. He enjoys utilizing the outdoors when weather permits to run drills and stations. Our training philosophies are not about how much you can lift or

Fit to Print Volume 22, Issue 4 : December 2013 | Page 14