Hydrate with citrus water at Better Living Fitness Center

 

by Penni Jones

Better Living staff writer

 

Water is the single most critical nutrient for health, growth, and development. Water is critical to the balance of all the body’s systems, including the heart, brain, kidneys, lungs, and muscles.

 

Dehydration can reduce endurance, decrease strength, slow muscular response, and cause cramping. Plus, mild dehydration is one of the most common causes of daytime fatigue. An estimated 75% of Americans have mild, chronic dehydration.

Drinking fruit infused water after a workout will help you do more than hydrate. Benefits of infused water, other than hydration, include:

 

·         Improved mood

·         Faster recuperation from workouts

·         Improved digestion

·         Reduced muscle fatigue while working out

·         Helps you fight off that afternoon slump

 

Stop by Better Living Fitness Center at 834B Phoenix Drive in Ann Arbor for a grand tour and a cold glass of orange-infused water. Call (734) 747-0123 or visit http://betterlivingfitness.com/ for more information.

 

http://www.loseweightbyeating.com/infused-water/

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/behar12.htm

 

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

Nine reasons you need a personal trainer

By Penni Jones

Better Living Staff Writer

 

Not sure you need a personal trainer? Here are nine reasons why you probably do:

 

1.       No more plateau: Fitness and weight-loss plateaus happen to the best of us. A trainer can help you revamp your routine and get you over the plateau.

2.       Learn proper form: Bad form can lead to injury.  A trainer will watch you and give immediate feedback on technique and form. Trainers pay attention, and help you improve your posture and increase your strength safely by teaching you to use the proper muscles and make a mind body connection.

 

3.       Accountability: Sometimes we all want to blow off exercise in favor of happy hour or a nap. But an appointment with a trainer gives you extra motivation to get to the gym.

 

4.       A routine that works: If you’re not exercising properly, going to the gym can be a waste of time. A trainer can help you develop a realistic routine that works specifically for you.

 

5.       Push your limits: A trainer will help you safely push your physical limits so you can get in better shape without injuring yourself.

 

6.       Gain a fresh perspective: There is an overwhelming amount of fitness and nutrition advice available. It can be too much for the average person to sift through. Your trainer is tasked with staying on top of health trends. They can sort through the information and tell you what applies to you.

 

7.       Maximize your time: You will get results faster when working with a trainer. Your trainer will develop a program that is efficient and allows you to pack the most into the shortest amount of time.

 

8.       Identify your goals: Not sure where to start? Not sure if you need to lose weight or only firm up? A personal trainer can help you identify your needs and goals, and help you attain them!

 

9.       Spend time with an objective eye: We all have areas we need to work on, but it’s sometimes difficult to see ourselves objectively. A trainer will let you know if your perceived problem areas are really a problem, and help you target specific muscle groups to work on the places that actually need improvement.

 

Better Living trainers aim to make at least one correction every minute of a workout. By keeping your form perfect, you will not only prevent injury but also build muscle and balance your body.

 

For more information on how personal training can benefit you, please call Better Living at (734) 747-0123.

 

Check out our website and like us on Facebook.

 

http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/10-Reasons-You-Should-Get-Personal-Trainer-15353629

http://www.healthworksfitness.com/3129-2/

Avoid holiday weight gain!

By Penni Jones

Better Living Staff Writer

 

The holiday season is officially here. Thanksgiving is only the beginning. Next come holiday parties, family get-togethers, and sugary treats everywhere! But don’t worry. You don’t have to pack on the pounds just because it’s party season. Here are 7 tips to help you keep your figure in check while celebrating:

 

1.    Eat before the party. Have a healthy meal before you leave the house so you’ll arrive satisfied. If you arrive hungry, you’re likely to overindulge in festive and fattening treats.

2.    Be smart at the buffet. If the party is a dinner party with a buffet, you probably won’t want to eat before the party. However, if you select a salad-sized plate instead of the larger dinner plate, you will automatically choose smaller portions. Just don’t go back for seconds!

3.    Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol not only adds calories, but you’re more likely to make bad food choices if you over-indulge.

4.    Be selective with your treats. You might not want to avoid the tasty offerings all together. But choose what you want the most instead of wasting calories on foods you aren’t that crazy about.

5.    Eat mindfully, even in social situations. It might take more effort when you’re socializing, but chew your food slowly and enjoy every bite. If every bite counts, you’ll need fewer to feel satisfied.

6.    Contribute to the party with a healthy dish. If you bring a tasty salad or vegetable dish with you, you know there will be a healthy option there!

7.    Don’t put off exercising. There is no reason to put off exercising until the New Year. Taking care of yourself is just as important right now as it will be in January. In fact, Better Living Fitness Center is offering discounted memberships if you sign up by December 25. Sign up for success right now!

 

For more ideas on making the most of your holidays without expanding your waist line, contact Better Living at (734) 747-0123.

 

Check out our website and like us on Facebook.

 

http://www.moneycrashers.com/avoid-holiday-weight-gain-statistics/

http://www.webmd.com/diet/10-ways-to-avoid-holiday-weight-gain?page=2