Better Gifts for Better Living – Our 2017 Guide to Health and Fitness Gifts!

By Better Living Staff Writer Dawn Weirauch

Finding the best health and fitness-related holiday gifts can be pretty difficult – after all, there are a lot of fads out there. Remember the Thighmaster? Not to mention the Shakeweight...

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Funny (and ineffective) fitness fads aside, this year our Better Living Fitness staff has come up with a number of great suggestions for the fitness buff (or would-be fitness buff) on your holiday shopping list.

Whether your friend or loved one wants to learn more about healthy nutrition, is interested in building their strength and cardio fitness, or wants to stay on track with their goals while out on the road, we've got the gift for you.

A Better Book for Better Eating: Better Living's Nutrition Counselor, Becca Body Kindness by Rebecca Stritchfield. “Body Kindness is about taking care of your body and treating yourself with compassion,” says Becca. “It discusses healthy eating, but also emphasizes the importance of allowing yourself to enjoy all foods and not go on crazy diets.”
Addison, recommends the book

A Creative, Budget-Friendly Solution for Better Wrist Strength: Wrist and forearm health aren't just essential for strength training but for daily living as well – and Better Living trainer Will Burchfield has the perfect do-it-yourself solution.
“Just pick up a para cord and a dowel from your local hardware store. It'll cost about $3, and them BOOM! You've got forearms for days!”

Here's a quick guide to creating a wrist roller from scratch.

Portable Strength, Cardio, and Better Balance In One: Better Living's Office Manager, Nina Carlson, recommends the TRX Suspension Trainer for anyone on your list who is both health conscious and frequently on the road.

According to Nina, “I love this product because you can do so much with it! Not only can you strengthen your whole body, you can add cardio elements and really work on your balance. The TRX is also small and lightweight. It doesn't take up a lot of suitcase space, and you can easily hook it up to your hotel room door for a great workout on the go. I've had several clients who wouldn't travel without their TRX!

Also, when you purchase the TRX directly from the company's website, you get access to a personalized app to guide you through different exercises and routines.”

More Fitness On the Road – Resistance Bands: For solid resistance training for a much lower price point than the TRX, Better Living trainer Eduard Font recommends this cost-effective four pack of resistance bands, which are just $9.99 from Amazon.
“Resistance bands are easy to use, lightweight, and you can take them anywhere,” Eduard says.

A Perkier Butt and Better Hip and Knee Health – The BootyCo Booty Belt: The Booty Belt may sound like the next Shakeweight, but according to Better Living trainer Mallory Ghrist this inexpensive product is a great gift to help your friends and loved ones build their glute strength – “...and everyone needs stronger glutes to support the health of their hips and knees.”

A Better Gift for Better Posture – Foam Rollers: Our trainer Josh Plonka swears by foam rollers, both to help with posture and to help ease tight muscles after a busy day. According to Josh foam rollers are, “inexpensive, yet versatile piece of equipment that anyone on your Christmas list can make use of. You can get foam rollers just about anywhere that fitness equipment is sold – here's a link to a nice, inexpensive model from Kohl's.

Better Hydration On the Go:  Better Living founder Mark Thiesmeyer recommends the Yeti Rambler because, “...drinking enough water and staying hydrated is so important, and water is a lot more delicious when you can keep it nice and cold all day long!” You can also use the Yeti to keep hot drinks hot, and – bonus – it's dishwasher safe.

Of course, no Christmas gift list would be complete without a gift from the Better Living Fitness Center. This year we've got something extra special: Purchase any membership or small group personal training package and receive a $100 FREE Service Package on us!

Buy the membership or small group training package for yourself and give the Service Package to a friend. Or, better yet, introduce TWO of your friends or family members to the Better Living Fitness by giving the membership to one and the Service Package to the other!

This year's Better Living Bonus is only available until December 23rd, so click here to get yours today!

If you're looking for even more health and fitness Christmas gift ideas, we've got you covered – check out last year's gift guide, which includes a look at wireless headphones and a comparison of the Garmin GPS watch vs. the Fitbit Blaze.

We're Running (and walking, and rowing and spinning) -- For Their Lives

Better Living's Cardio Relay event – helping DAV cut through the red tape for our vets

When a disabled American veteran comes home from serving our country, surviving the injuries they sustained during their service is just the first hurdle.

The next is the one that the system has placed between the veterans and receiving the benefits they're entitled to.

On October 14, Better Living Fitness Center is holding a cardio relay event at our Ann Arbor location to help the people who specialize in making this next hurdle a smaller one. 

You can sign up to participate -- and receive $20 off select athletic shoes from Tortoise and Hare Running & Fitness Center (and the chance to win additional fabulous prizes!) -- here.

According to Jim Dempsey, a former state commander for the Michigan Department of Disabled American Veterans, disabled US veterans face an almost literal mountain of paperwork before they can receive the benefits that they have earned – and that our government has promised them.

“A claim can very easily run as much as 200-300 pages of total documentation that the veteran has to complete, have others fill out, then collect, scan into a computer and file electronically,” Jim says.

Not only that, but it's not unusual for a veteran to have to file more than one claim in order to have all of their injuries recognized and qualified for treatment -- and all of the paperwork is so complex even trained specialists can have trouble understanding it.

Worse yet, the government agency that is supposed to serve our veterans – the Department of Veterans' Affairs – prohibits their employees from helping vets wade through all the paperwork.

Fortunately, our vets have DAV on their side.

As we said in our first blog post about our Cardio Relay event, Disabled American Veterans has been around since 1920. They are experts who guide our veterans, step-by-step, through the process and help insure our vets receive the treatment and financial support they're entitled to.

On Friday, October 14, we're going to be running – and walking, rowing, and spinning – to make the lives of Michigan's disabled veterans easier.

We'd like you to join us. In return for your 15 minute or more workout and donation to Disabled American Veterans, we'll make sure you get a great cardio workout, enjoy tasty treats, and receive a 20$ off coupon for select athletic shoes from Tortoise and Hare Running & Fitness Center. 

Here are the Cardio Relay event details again. You can pre-register in person at Better Living Fitness Center, by phone, by email, with this online form, or during your next session with one of our trainers.

It's easy, it's going to be a BLAST, and you're going to leave Better Living knowing you've done something to make yourself healthier -- and to make a disabled veteran's life easier.

Sign up today, and we'll see you on October 14!

Better Living Fitness Center Cardio Charity Relay event details

When: Friday, Oct. 14, 6:30 am – 5:30 pm
Where: Better Living Fitness Center, 834B Phoenix Drive in Ann Arbor
How to Participate: Pre-register to work out for 15 minutes or more on any of Better Living Fitness Center's cardio machines. While at the center, make a donation to the Michigan Department of Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Cash, checks and credit/debit card donations will be accepted.

How to Register:

Online: Click here

By Phone:  734-747-0123

By email: Click here

In Person at Better Living Fitness Center, 834 B Phoenix Drive in Ann Arbor during business hours, OR

Register with your Better Living trainer either at the center or at the Merri Lou Murray Recreation Center.


*** Photo courtesy Phil Parker via Flickr.

Get Fit, Have Fun, Save $20 on Workout Shoes – and, Veterans Save 10% at Better Living!

Last week we announced our first charity event – a cardio relay for the Michigan Department of Disabled American Veterans, which will take place at the Better Living Fitness Center on October 14.

This week we've got two more exciting announcements:

All Cardio Relay participants will receive a $20 off coupon for athletic shoes from Tortoise and Hare Running & Fitness Center in Ann Arbor.

Tortoise and Hare has joined Better Living Fitness Center and Between The Lines to sponsor our cardio relay. We're thrilled to have them on board as we get our sweat on to raise money for disabled veterans here in Michigan.

...and, while we get ready for the Cardio Relay event, we also have a special offer for ALL Ann Arbor-area veterans:

10% off on all training memberships, now through the October 14th Cardio Relay event!

If you have served our country as a member of the armed forces and you live in or near Ann Arbor, we'd like to serve you with this special offer. From now through October 14, you can join any Better Living Fitness Center membership plan at a 10% discount.

As a member, you'll be able to join our trainer-led Full Body Fit sessions, do high-energy cardio classes, or elongate your muscles with our various Yoga offerings – and join our weekly community walk.

Better Living Fitness Center group workouts are customized on the spot so people of all ages and physical abilities can take part and get fit; this means that, even if you have mobility issues or haven't exercised in a long time, we can still help you achieve your health and fitness goals.

Check out our membership plans to see what we have to offer. When you're ready to join, please contact us at: 734-747-0123 or: office@betterliving.biz to arrange your veterans-only, 10% fitness center discount OR, click here and enter Promo Code: Vets4BetterLive.

Better Living Cardio Relay Event for DAV – Event Details

Friday, Oct. 14 ~ 6:30 am – 5:30 pm
Better Living Fitness Center
834B Phoenix Drive ~ Ann Arbor

• Enjoy one of our state-of-the-art cardio machines for 15 minutes, ½ hour, or more
• Make a donation to the Michigan Department of Disabled American Veterans
• Receive a certificate for 20% off athletic shoes from Tortoise and Hare Running & Fitness Center in Ann Arbor
• Ask your friends, family, and co-workers to sponsor your workout
• From now through October 14, all Ann Arbor-area veterans save 10% on Better Living Fitness Center memberships!

Pre-registration required: Call 734-747-0123 or email: office@betterliving.biz

Running shoes photo courtesy Josiah MacKenzie via flickr
Piggy bank photo courtesy Tax Credits via flickr

The 5 Worst Stretching Mistakes You May be Making

1. You bounce: Bouncing at the end of your stretch (when done vigorously enough) can cause the muscle and tendon to tear. This "ballistic" stretching can trigger a reaction within the muscle that prevents it from relaxing and ends up defeating the purpose of the stretch. Instead of bouncing, focus on gradually elongating and holding the stretch for 10-15 seconds, release and repeat.
2. You stretch before warming up: This is one of the most common stretching mistakes that people make. Contrary to popular belief, stretching is not "warming up". You should always warm up before you stretch because stretching cold muscles increases your chance of injury. Take 5-10 minutes to get a sweat worked up through exercise, stretch for 3-4 minutes, then re-engage in exercise.
3. You are in the wrong position/have incorrect form: If you don't feel the stretch where you are expecting to feel it, you may be doing it wrong. Improper body positioning can cause you to miss the muscle you are aiming to stretch. Use a free hand to feel the muscle you are stretching to ensure that it is being engaged. 
4. You stretch too hard: Similar to bouncing, pushing a stretch too hard can also cause a tear in the muscle. You should feel a little bit uncomfortable during a stretch but it should never be painful. If you still feel tight, repeat the stretch multiple times, making sure to stay within your range of motion. Additionally, if you do have an injury, stretching can make it worse. If that is the case and the pain doesn't go away in a few days, it would be wise to consult your doctor.
5. Stretching? What's that?!: Perhaps the second most common stretching mistake: not stretching at all. Let's face it, life is busy and often times we are trying to exercise within a specific time frame. Stretching can easily get overlooked. Although this may not be harmful initially, over time you will notice the negative effects of not stretching your muscles. Flexibility is a key component of overall health and stretching is one critical tool in increasing both flexibility and strength. Remember to take 3-4 minutes after warming up your muscles to stretch and don't forget to do it again after you've exercised. It truly will be to your benefit!

3 Ways to Make Running More Enjoyable

Running. A word that often stirs up two polar opposite emotions: love or hate. Whether you wake up every morning excited for a long run, or would rather do anything but run, we can all agree that there are definite benefits from this particular exercise. So, how can we make it more enjoyable? Here are 3 simple ways.

         1. Take Walk Breaks: Yes, you can still be a runner and take walk breaks! A recent study posted in the New York Times found that regular walking intervals throughout a run can actually help you maintain the same pace as if you ran the entire way, while being gentler on your body. Walk breaks can also provide the mental break you need to help you divide the longer distance into smaller, more conquerable pieces.

        2. Try Intervals: If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “When will this be over?!”, this strategy may be for you! With intervals, you can get the same cardio benefits in less time. If you’re running outside, measure your intervals in telephone poles: Every five or so poles that you pass, pick up the pace from one pole to the next. If you’re running inside, run two minutes at a moderate pace on the treadmill, then turn up the speed for one minute before returning to your previous pace. Repeat. And don’t forget your music! Picking a good playlist to accompany your training certainly helps the time pass more quickly and be more fun.

    3. Exercise with a Friend: If you need extra accountability, pair up with a friend. Before getting started, make sure that you’re on the same page about your goals for a run in order to ensure that it’s beneficial for both of you. Not only will you be kept accountable by your friend, you’ll also have good company, making the time (miles) fly by!

Feeling any better about that word, “running”? Join the Better Living Walk/Run group as we train for the Dexter/Ann Arbor 5K. Find out more information about the Recliner Athlete Program here.

Looking for the PERFECT workout between your Personal Training Sessions?

"You'll get a great workout whether you're just starting out, already an athlete, or even if you're recovering from injury!" 

 ~Dawn, Better Living Fitness Center member

Do you ever find yourself lost in the gym between your personal training sessions? We have the perfect solution to keep you safe, give you a great workout and take the thinking out of your next gym visit. Let a Better Living trainer guide you through a Full-Body FIT routine to help you get to your health and fitness goals faster.

Full-Body FIT is a full-body strength training, cardio and flexibility routine with customization to your fitness level. It's included FREE once or twice weekly, depending on your membership level. Here is what Dawn, a loyal member, has to say about this class:

"I've been attending Full-Body FIT since the classes started in January. Mark is a fantastic trainer who knows how to keep the energy flowing! Best yet, Mark customizes the routine to fit people with different levels of fitness and ability. You'll get a great workout whether you're just starting out, already an athlete, or even if you're recovering from an injury. I'm so happy with my results, I've upgraded my membership!"

If you'd like to try Full-Body FIT for FREE, call 734.747.0123 to schedule your first session or stop by the Better Living Fitness Center for a tour. We are at 834B Phoenix Dr. (access from Varsity on the north side of Ellsworth Rd.). 

Why you should use our StairMaster

By Penni Jones
Better Living Staff Writer
 

I love a good step mill workout. Here are five reasons you should love it, too:

1.   Strengthening: Because of the climbing motion, step mills strengthen the major muscle groups in the lower body. The calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, and gluteus maximus are all used.

2.   Low impact: Although running is a wonderful way to get cardio, the high intensity can cause strain on the knees. A StairMaster has significantly less impact on your body than running on a treadmill.

3.   Burns calories: Just because an exercise is low impact doesn’t mean that it doesn’t burn as many calories. A step mill actually burns more calories because you have to lift your entire body weight with every step. This allows for a higher rate of calories burned in less time than other exercises.

4.   Aerobic conditioning: Using the step mill is great for cardiovascular exercise due to its ability to raise your heart rate right away. The level you set dictates the intensity, but even at low levels the heart is getting a workout.

5.   Helps with natural movements: Moving up an incline is a natural action in many fitness routines. Consistently using a StairMaster to work out will help train your core, and allows you to hike and climb more efficiently. It also increases overall stamina and endurance, so daily activities will be easier.

 

Come by Better Living Fitness Center to give our new StairMaster a try, and for a tour of our new facility. Call Penni at (734) 747-0123 for more information.

Visit our website and like us on Facebook.

 

https://fitnessequipmentprofessionals.com/blog/5-benefits-stepper-stepmill/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/18927-workout-benefits-stairmaster/

How I turned my vision into reality

Sixteen years ago I set out to open a company to help people avoid heart disease, cancer and diabetes. I had been working in consulting helping companies figure out how to decrease their health care costs and keep their employees healthier. Back then it dawned on me that the health problems people were facing were preventable with lifestyle changes. That is how Better Living Fitness was born.

We have evolved over the years to provide the best personal training and nutrition counseling around. We've built a team around incredibly talented and personable trainers and dietitians. Last year, I decided to expand the business to encompass more aspects of fitness - posture, flexibility, stress management, sleep, and balance. And I decided to work to make the personal training experience more cost-effective. I started looking for a space to expand Better Living and create the Better Living Fitness Center.

We signed a lease in late October and began the ambitious (some say impossible) task of renovating and opening a fitness center in 8 weeks! The first step was ordering equipment. I needed the equipment to be exactly what people need to reach their strength and cardio goals. With over 20 years of frequenting and working in gyms, I had a pretty good idea of what to buy. Secondly, I chose a color scheme to make the facility a place people would want to come. Finally, I designed the layout to create spaces people would want to gather and socialize. It is so important to our wellness to have community and I want the Better Living Fitness Center to be part of that.

The 8 weeks flew by!! I barely slept and I would still be painting and renovating now if it hadn't been for all the trainers and my family working nights and weekends to make it possible. We finished renovating on January 3rd and opened our doors on January 4th! We have a beautiful, bright, airy fitness center.

If you haven't had a chance to check out the Better Living Fitness Center, please call to schedule a tour. 734.747.0123