Body Revolution

Sunday, October 2, 2011

First Week Down!

Hi guys,

We finished our first full week of the challenge.  As with every challenge I have done, the beginning of the first few workouts are exciting and fun.  The workouts get more challenging after the first 15-20 minutes of each workout.  The challengers go from being silly and happy, to quiet and concentrating.  This challenge is no different.  I love the enthusiasm the beginning of each challenge brings.  The trick is to continue that momentum throughout the challenge.  I am thrilled to have several "newbies" to the challenge.  Some of these individuals are new to working out at all.  They are all off to a great start.  I have had almost perfect attendance at each workout and some challengers are getting in extra on their own.  I always encourage them to come to the gym whenever they want to get some extra cardio in.  I am thrilled that I have been able to reach out to several new people.  My goal is to reach as many people as possible that have been struggling with their weight.  I want them to get the courage to take that big, scarey step to improving their health.  I know that it is intimidating for some people to start working out.  They are afraid they will look foolish and have people stare at them.  I want them all to know this: Every person starts off the same way.  We all have started out thinking that we are being watched and criticized.  I don't want anyone to ever feel intimidated to walk through the doors of Body Revolution.  I truly do this job to help people and want everyone to succeed.  I will work with you to get you to where you want to be.

I am excited for the first weigh in to happen tomorrow night!  Of course, this challenge is extra exciting because it is being followed weekly by the cable station.  It is broadcasted in the Taunton, Norton, and Bridgewater areas on channel 15 or 22 Thursday nights at 9pm.  If you live outside this area then you can check it out on their website: www.tcamtv.com.  Our first recorded workout went well.  I hope that the cameras really capture the effort and determination that everyone has during the workouts. 

Yesterday some of the challengers also participated in the McCourt Foundation Bike Ride for Alzheimers and MS.  It was a 25 mile bike ride to raise money for research.  They all did an awesome job!  I want to give a special shout out to Lisa Fucillo.  She decided to do this ride despite not working out for months.  I am so proud of the courage and determination she showed in doing this ride and in also completing it.  To the challengers who chose to do the spin class back at the gym instead: I am so happy and proud that you guys showed up and did the class and with such enthusiasm.  Keep up the great work!

I will see you all this week.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend :)

Corinne

12:01 pm est

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Happy Sunday!

Hi guys,

We officially start the Fall Challenge tomorrow!  I am so excited for it to begin!  We have a total of 9 people doing the challenge: 5 women and 4 men.  I purposefully kept this challenge smaller so that they could have more individual attention.  However, make no mistake, the challengers are ultimately responsible for getting themselves to the gym and changing their eating habits.  I can give them all the support and guidance and kick their butts in the gym, but if they go home and fall back into their bad eating habits they will not lose an ounce.  If they don't show up for workouts or don't give 100% effort during the workouts, they will not lose much either.  Every single person needs to take accountability for themselves.  I say this at the start of every challenge, I hope they all have tremendous success but if I only have 1 person that makes the permanent lifestyle change, then it will have been worth it in the end for me.

I thought I would write a small blog on diet.  It is the first thing that I will be discussing during the challenge.  First, diet isn't rocket science.  We all know how we should eat to be healthy.  Unfortunately, it doesn't come packaged in a pretty wrapper or bottle and isn't sold by some buff model or celebrity.  Guys, don't make it difficult and if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is!  You want to be eating lean proteins, all fruits and vegetables, and high fiber starchy carbs.  That's it.  Do your grocery shopping around the outside perimeter of the grocery store.  Read labels.  Look for protein content, fiber content, and calories.  If man has not made it, then it is good for you to eat!  Avoid fast food restaurants and bring your own food from home.  Plan ahead.  If you know you will be away from the house for 12-13 hours, make sure you have your lunch and snacks packed.  Invest in a cooler and bring it with you!  Try to stay away from eating out.  You can get healthier choices in restaurants but you have no control in how they prepare the food.  It is usually high in fat and/ or salt.  They usually give you 2 or even 3 servings.  If you are trying to lose weight, I recommend that you start by revamping your eating habits!  My next biggest gripe is supplements.  Again, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is!  I have seen a lot of weight loss clinics or programs pop up recently because our obesity epidemic is skyrocketing.  They are looking to capitalize on this and make money.  People are getting desparate and they are looking for an easy, quick fix.  They sell food replacments or supplements that promise you that if you try them, you will lose weight.  Some will try to tell you that the food we buy fresh in the grocery store or at the farmstand are deficient in nutrients.  I always tell all my clients and any potential clients this:  if someone is trying to sell you something and they stand to make money if you buy it, RUN!  My biggest concern and anger is with some doctors out there that are charging people thousands of dollars to do their weight loss program.  Some are selling packaged meal replacements and restricting their patients' calories to a mere 800 calories a day!  I am disgusted that they use their medical name and trust from the public to do this!  They will eventually face lawsuits or have their licenses revoked.  If you are really concerned about your diet and want someone to break down every meal for you, I recommend that you get a referral to a Registered Dietician.  Otherwise, eat your fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and high fiber carbs.  Eat a variety of natural, unprocessed food.  Watch your portions.  Up your physical activity and you will lose weight!  It is not an instant process though.  You must be consistent and eat like this for the rest of your life.  After a few weeks of eating this way, you will not miss the junk food and will be amazed at how good you feel.   This is the reality people.  This is how you lose the weight in a healthy way and keep it off for good.

I will see you all tomorrow!

Corinne

3:59 pm est

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Busy Week Ahead!

Hi guys,

The change in the seasons is bringing a lot of changes at Body Revolution!  This week we will be taping our individual trainer, running coach, and challenger profiles for the upcoming cable TV show, "Losing It."  It will run on the Taunton Community Access Channel on Thursday evenings at 9pm.  It will also be available on their website if you live outside of the Taunton area.  It will follow the journey of 7 individuals during the Fall Challenge.  It will capture the work, sweat, and tears that we will all be putting in to make a lifestyle change for the better.  I have already warned the past challengers that are signed up to do this challenge that I will be a little tougher during this challenge.  The excuses that I would get on a regular basis will not be tolerated.  Everyone will need to give 100% effort for this challenge.  The work will be tough, their bodies will get tired and sore, and following a healthy eating plan will be tough in the beginning.  I always say that the diet is the toughest part of the challenge.  I can monitor, encourage, and push them during their workouts but when they walk out of the doors of the gym, they have to fight the temptations and cravings for unhealthy food.  They all have unhealthy habits when it comes to food and need to relearn how to fuel their bodies properly.  I have also learned over the course of the last year and half that some of the challengers have emotional reasons for their unhealthy behaviors.  I will also have to use my knowledge from my psychology minor in college as well as my past experience to help them get over those reasons.  We will all have a lot of work to do but I am confident that we can do this!  I am looking forward to the challenge!

I also have some good and bad news to share with you all.  Unfortunately my former assistant trainer has decided to pursue another endeavor and will not be joining me after all for this challenge or at Body Revolution.  Good luck Evan, we all wish you well!

The good news is that I was fortunate enough to be contacted by a yoga instructor that is interested in teaching yoga at Body Revolution.  Her name is Ann Marie Brock and when I read her story I was shocked at how similar we both were.  She also left a corporate job and potential career as a school teacher to pursue her love of yoga.  She wants to share it with as many people as possible and wants to share it with the clients of Body Revolution.  Starting Sunday October 9th, yoga will now be offered at Body Revolution.  The classes will be held every Sunday morning at 9am.  The first class will be a free trial.  Again there is no gym fee, commitment, or contract at Body Revolution.  I don't believe in locking people in for a service if they no longer want it.  Please feel free to stop in and take a class for a per visit fee.  Spinning is $5 for a class based on bike availability and the cost for the yoga classes will be $50 for 8 sessions.  You have absolutely nothing to lose!

Hope you all have a great Sunday!  Get out there and do something active!

Corinne 

8:09 pm est

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Info Meeting!

Hi guys,

I just wanted to give all of you interested in the Fall Challenge a reminder that we are having an informational meeting tomorrow evening at 7pm at Body Revolution.  We will go over all the details of the challenge and also sit and meet with the executive director of  Taunton Community Cable and Media, Kim Mathews as well as the show's co-host, MaryEllen Yeo.  This is a very exciting time for everyone getting involved with this challenge!  I cannot wait to get started!

I also wanted to take this time to sit back and reflect on how thankful I am for the people in my life that have made all of this possible.

First I need to thank my mom and husband, Michael for giving me the support and encouragement to leave my stable, lucrative job at the hospital as a registered nurse to follow my dream.  You guys never doubted in me and I love you both!  Next, my good friends, Jen, Bob, Lisa, and Jeff for standing by me since my days at Norton Health and Fitness.  They have been with me through the good and the bad and have never once left my side!  I truly love you guys and don't know where I would be without you.  Next Beth Morrison for giving me that final "kick in the pants" to get certified.  The best sales person and business woman I know, Lynda Rose.  Thank you for encouraging me and giving me the freedom to stretch my wings and grow as a trainer and instructor.  Michelle Sylvia for putting that bug in my ear that I could go out and open my own facility.  Jerry and everyone that sweated and toiled to get Body Revolution up and running.  My children for believing in me and putting up with my crazy schedule.  You have both grown to be such independent, fine young adults and I am SO proud of you both!  Every single person whom I have had the chance to work with.  You guys have helped me mold my training and establish my business in so many different ways.  All my clients that have made the transition to my new place.  One of my "oldest" and most supportive clients who I am so lucky to have gotten paired up with back in March of 2010: Sandy Allen.  I am so happy and honored to have been a part of your life changing journey!

I have so much to be thankful for and am looking forward to putting in my absolute best effort to make Body Revolution grow and reach more people!

Have a great Sunday everyone!

11:36 am est

Monday, September 5, 2011

Looking Forward to Fall

Hi guys,

I hope you guys had a great weekend. I am sad to see the summer end but am looking forward to a great fall. The fall brings in cooler temperatures, leaves changing, apple picking, pumpkin, mums, and Halloween. Of course it also means that my Fall Challenge is right around the corner. I will be having an informational meeting next Monday, September 12th at 7pm. We will also be meeting with Kim Matthews, executive director of the Taunton Cable Access and Media. We will be going over the challenge and how it will be taped and followed by the local cable station. This is a very exciting time for me and the potential challengers. Just like the show "The Biggest Loser," it will allow the challengers to be followed along the process of becoming healthier and happier. The work will be tough, no doubt about it. But the rewards to those that stick it out through the rough spots will be great. Get ready for an exciting adventure! I know I am!
I also wanted to write a short blog on bad habits. I am like everyone else out there and can fall into bad habits. I had a super busy summer and found myself indulging more than usual in food and drinks that were not the healthiest. I finally took a step back and decided that NOW was the time to stop these habits once and for all. So, this past weekend I decided to get back on my healthy eating patterns. I have gotten strict with my diet two other times before: once when I was getting ready to do my figure show, and another time when I wanted to lean out. I can tell you that the first few days of super clean eating are tough. The cravings are horrible. But each day that goes by gets easier. I made some substitutions to "trick" my body. I have been making and bringing my own coffee to save on the sugar from the syrup that Dunkin Donuts uses to flavor their coffees. The result is that I still have my caffeine fix but save calories from not using the syrup. I switched from pizza with unhealthy toppings to pizza with healthier toppings on Friday nights and have cut down to having one less piece. The biggest change probably of all is deleting alcohol from my weekend diet. Alcohol which is something that a lot of us indulge in on the weekends is actually a double whammy for fat. You of course have the extra, nutritionally empty calories that lead to weight gain. Then the real kicker, alcohol is broken down to a substance called acetate by the liver. Acetate is then used as fuel by our bodies instead of fat. So by having those few drinks with the pizza, the body will break down the alcohol to acetate and use that as fuel, and store the pizza calories as fat! I decided that at this time I was going to eliminate these extra calories and this process and let my body get back to being it's efficient fat burning self. I share all this with you so that you can see that we all are human and have our slip ups. The important thing is to get back on track. We can ALL do it! Start today by eliminating some of your bad habits. It does get easier, I promise!
Have a great week!

6:49 pm est

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Fall Challege is Coming!

Hi guys,

I wanted to update you all on what will be going on in the Fall Challenge.  First it will start on Saturday September 24th.  The group workouts will take place on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings at 6pm.  The group "outing" workout will take place on Saturdays at 10am.  The weigh in will take place on Monday evenings.  Last but not least, the entire challenge will be followed weekly by the Taunton Community Access channel!  I have been busy brainstorming on how to make this the best, most successful challenge ever!  I am happy to announce that past challenger and graduate, Sandy Allen will be the running coach.  She was an original challenger back in March 2010.  She has completed 6 challenges and has lost a total of over 80 lbs doing the challenges.  She started the first challenge not being able to run from one telephone pole to another and recently completed the Providence Rock n Roll half marathon August 2011!  Wow what an accomplishment!  She will provide guidance, support, and  encouragement, and will be my eyes and ears out on the road running and walking with the challengers.  She has a very important job making sure that the challengers stay on task during the runs but I am more than confident that she is up for the job!

Next I would like to announce that fellow trainer at Body Revolution and my assistant trainer for the past two challenges, Evan Crochiere, will be again teaming up with me for the Fall Challenge.  Evan is a great trainer with a positive, energetic personality that will bring a lot of energy and "freshness" to the challenge.  He is an expert boxer and MMA fighter and I am so lucky to have him be part of the Body Revolution team. 

I am very excited to bring this team to the challenge.  Also, I am looking forward to working with Kim at the Taunton Community Access Channel and having each challenger followed through this process.  This will provide a "face" and personality to each challenger and also will help other people who are in a similar situation relate to the challengers.  I can't help but be excited because the local population will be able to watch the challengers transform themselves and may even know or have seen around some of the challengers.  We are in the midst of an obesity epidemic and every single person that I am able to touch and help is a huge accomplishment to me.  I am so humbled and honored to have been able to have been a part of the amazing clients that I have that have bettered their lives.  They are healthier, happier, and have more energy than they can remember in most cases.  To just get a sense of how far some of these people have come just look over my 'before and after' and 'testimonial' sections. 

Everyone stay safe during the upcomming hurricane Irene.  Hope to see you all next week :)

6:35 pm est

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Whew what a Month!

Hi guys,

As I sat here to gather my thoughts on what I should write about today, I was suddenly bombarded by all the things that are going on!  What you might say is going on?  Well today we have the Falmouth Road Race and I have one client running her first race of that distance.  She is also new to racing.  Good luck Katie!  I know you will do awesome!  I also have another sort of client running it.  You see she takes my spin/ sweat classes on a regular basis.  Good luck Lisa P!  I KNOW you will kick some serious butt!  I am sure there are many other friends that I do not know are running it and I wish everyone who is good luck!

Okay, so today also happens to be the day that my husband, Michael, and 2 other clients are going to get spin certified.  Have fun today guys!!  I know you guys are going to do well when you start teaching!  They will be getting certified by Mad Dogg Athletics, the original and most respected indoor cycling program.  I will be proud to be able to add them to my class schedule when the time comes!

I also would like to give a shout out to Carley and Sema who are doing my current Summer Challenge.  I haven't talked about it much but it is still going on strong!  We are into week 4 and Carley is rocking an 8 lb current weight loss and Sema, who did NOT gain an ounce in between challenges by the way, has lost almost 4 lbs.  You guys are doing great!  Keep up the great work!  We started this challenge with the understanding that most of the challengers wanted to maintain or lose a little bit of weight this time around.  This is a tough time of year and I have people that were away last week on vacation and some away this week on vacation.  I hope you guys enjoy yourselves!  You certainly deserve it!  I want to make a comment on the current small but steady weight losses.  I know we all like to see the challengers pull big numbers at the weigh in.  There is nothing better than when a challenger pulls a 7 lb or more weight loss in one week.  However, I want to make a note that the ideal weight loss for lasting success is 1-2 lbs a week.  That's it guys!  If you consistently lose 1 lb a week for a year, that is 52 lbs in a year!   That is nothing to sneeze at!  The slower and steadier it comes off, the more likely you are to keep it off.  Remember this guys and strive for that 1 lb every week!

Okay so I have some new exciting stuff to share with you all: first, I have a Body Revolution page on Facebook.  Please "like" that page to keep up to date on all the happenings at the gym.  I update that much more frequently than this blog.  Second, I am pleased to announce that due to rapid growth, I will be adding another evening spin class.  It will held on Wednesday evenings at 7pm and will be taught by my husband Michael.  He has over 5 years experience with spin at the former Norton Health and Fitness and also Fitworld in Cranston RI.  This class will officially start August 31st.  Don't worry honey you will do great!  I also have two other clients on standby for classes that I KNOW will be awesome!  Congrats Sara Call (aka the Machine!!!) and Jerry Sylvia on your soon to be certs!  This is just the beginning for you guys!  Last but not least, due to my super busy training schedule, I am bringing in fellow trainer and my partner in crime for the Winter and Spring Challenges, Evan Crochiere.  He will be taking new clients for personal training.  He is NTI personal training certified and has an extensive boxing and MMA background.  So glad to have you aboard Evan! 

One more thing before I post this blog, I have really taken an interest in fundraising and charity events.  I will be doing a 25/50 mile bike ride October 1st in Hingham to help raise money for alzheimers disease and Multiple Schlerosis.  If you are interested in doing it with us and helping this great cause, please get in touch with me.  I plan on doing this with my Fall Challenge group as well.  The next event will be October 30th in Falmouth.  We will be doing the Cape Cod Marathon Relay.  I have 2 teams ready to go but would like to have alternates or even add a 3rd team.  Again if you are interested, please get in touch with me.

Have a great day everyone!

10:11 am est

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Official 1/2 Marathon Time!

Just got my official race time... 2 hours and 56 seconds!  Couldn't be happier!  Should have sprinted more at the end but my cramped up left calf wouldn't hear it.  Happy with that time though :)  Also, one of my clients ran it in 2 hours 22 minutes beating her goal of 2 hours 40 minutes.  Great job Sandy!!!  Two of my other clients rocked it in 3 hours 4 minutes.  Great job Jerry and Michelle!  Michelle also ran this with a migrane that was related to her MS and a completely numb right leg!  You are my hero!!!  Great job guys!  Told you, we HAD this!

1:18 pm est

Back from Vacation and Ready to Go!

Hi guys,

I am officially back from vacation.  I had a great week on the Cape.  I was able to sleep in a little, get some running in, and also get some reading in.  What was I reading about?  Fitness, fitness, and more fitness!  I have some new stuff to share with you all!  We also took a day trip over to Martha's Vineyard and biked around the island.  That is one of my absolute favorite things to do!

Of course my first day back was spent running the Providence 1/2 Marathon.  I had a few clients that had signed up to do it and was talked into doing it too back in April.  It sounded like a good idea at the time.  I was going through a difficult time at both of the gyms that I used to work at and felt that the 1/2 marathon would give me something positive to focus on.  I had no clue back then that opening my own personal training studio and spinning facility was going to be happening and so soon.  I started looking at leasing space because one of those same clients had put the bug in my ear that I could go out on my own.  I was also growing rapidly training out of my house.  I was able to find a space to lease that had the exact set up that I needed and by doing all of the work ourselves, we could afford.  So, fast forward to the end of May and the lease was signed and we were beginning construction.  The month of June was spent working every spare minute available to get the place ready to go.  I had until the middle of June to get everything done.  July 1st, the doors of Body Revolution Personal Training were officially open.  My training for the 1/2 which had been going so well had to be put on the back burner.  I crammed in runs whenever I could often going out in the middle of the hot summer afternoon or even at dusk.  I was able to get a couple long runs in on Sundays which I started to have off the middle of June.  When my spin bikes finally arrived the middle of July, I found myself teaching 5 spin classes a week and my legs were always so tired and sore.  By this time, I was only running on Sundays but was able to make them longer runs.  I went into this race knowing that I was not fully trained properly, only running this distance one time in my life back in high school.  I had initially wanted to run it in under 2 hours but adjusted my expectations to in at least 2 hours and 15 minutes.  I am thrilled that I finished this run in one piece and with an unofficial time of 2 hours and 7 minutes.  I am hoping that the "wave start" that they do will make my time closer to 2 hours and 4 minutes.

I am sharing all this with you because as my clients will tell you, my brain never stops.  As I am running along, I am thinking of all the different variables that can make a huge difference in a race of this length.  You have training of course, nutrition, sleep, speed work, hill work, tempo work, etc etc.  I am intrigued by what an individual can do to have a better race and a better time.  Having a strong running background since high school and also reading everything I can get my hands on helps a lot.  But I can't help but think of things each person can do that will help them and maybe not make as much of a difference to someone else.  That is what always fascinates me most about fitness.  It is not an exact science and research is always changing.  As a result, times in races of this distance are always improving.

I have to say though that there were a lot of runners that could be made even better runners if they were able to train with a personal trainer experienced in running and racing.  If you are considering entering a race, think about purchasing a few sessions with me to help you improve.  There are so many things you could work on besides running that will make you a better runner.  My goal is to make everyone better at what they want to do, bottom line.

Have a great Sunday afternoon and see you all this week!

12:58 pm est

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Week 1 Summer Weigh In

Hi guys,

We finished out our first week strong in the Summer Challenge!  Everyone that weighed in lost weight, great job!  Special congrats to Carley who lost 3.8 lbs.  You are off to a great start girl!  This challenge will be more of a low-key challenge.  Most of the challengers want to maintain their past weight loss or lose just a little bit more.  They know that this time of year can be tough because of vacations, cookouts, etc.  So instead of stressing out over it, they have chosen to enjoy the summer in moderation and continue with small weight losses.  I look at it this way, a loss is a loss and an improvement in one's health.  I always say that I work for the client and value their input.  So I agreed to change the weigh in to Friday evenings for this challenge only.  I also am more inclined to call this a Maintenance program instead of a Challenge.   In any case, the challengers will be aware of what they are eating and will be able to alter their diets so as not to put on any pounds.  You have to learn how to live in a regular world with moderation.  If anything, this challenge will help the challengers recognize when they have overindulged and help them get back on track.  It will help them learn how to "cheat" in moderation and not gain weight. 

On another different note, I would like to remind anyone that reads this to please, please keep their animals restrained and out of trouble!  I had a little dog jump out of an SUV at me while I was running this morning.  It was on a busy street and his owner was probably driving at 40 miles an hour which is the speed limit.  The poor baby definately broke his leg but hopefully did not suffer internal damage.  That absolutely ruined my long run this morning!  Last year I had another little dog break his tie out chain and run after me in the street.  He was not so lucky and really got whacked by a car.  I still can hear the loud crack of the car as it hit him and his constant crying while I frantically tried to find his owner.  Guys please keep your animals securely tied out or safely in your house with you.  They absolutely rely on their owners to keep them safe!

7:00 pm est

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Summer Challenge

Hi guys,

We started our Summer Challenge this week at my new facility.  We actually have a pretty good turnout for a Summer Challenge.  I plan on doing more weights this time around since most of the challengers do my spin classes 3 times a week.  For those that are not able make the spin classes, I recommend doing any type of cardio that gets the heart pumping and one sweating.  We will also be training to run a 5k sometime in September.  We have 7 returning challengers and a new person.... welcome Carly!  So glad to have you join our wonderful group!  You are sure to have fun while getting fit!  I am looking forward to being able to do different types of workouts.  We will also be doing a bike "field trip" to Martha's Vineyard. 

Also, it's been 2 weeks since Body Revolution Personal Training has been officially open.  All my equipment has come in.  I am just finalizing some touches in the spin room.  I have black walls and black lights in the spin room.  I am waiting to get some glow-in-the-dark street signs made and also to put some graffiti on the walls.  I plan on having the clients write on the walls with glow pen.  I am also waiting to have fans intalled on the ceilings.  I am very happy with how everything is turning out.  I feel that it has a very good vibe in the room.  The bikes are awesome and the room size is perfect.  I will be debuting my "Sweat" class Saturday morning at 9am.  It will be a combo spin/ bootcamp class.  I had the opportunity to teach it at one of my former gyms and it was very well liked.  I look forward to sharing it with my Raynham crew. 

I must say that I am very excited and pleased by how well I have been received by my neighbors in the plaza and the new clients that are finding my place and starting to train.  I couldn't have wished for a better start!  If you haven't had the chance to stop in and check it out please come by!  I am open Friday 7am to 1pm and will be back in the gym around 5pm for my group training.  Saturdays I am there 7am until 2pm. 

Have a great weekend everyone and hope to see you soon!

9:26 pm est

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Summer Challenge Starting!

Hi guys,

We will be starting our Summer Challenge tomorrow at 6pm.  If you are interested and I have not spoken to you, please go to the Contact section and send me a message.  I will be able to answer questions tomorrow afternoon.  We are meeting tomorrow night at 6pm for our weigh in and before pics.  The group workouts will be on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings at 6pm and will take place at my new facility, Body Revolution Personal Training located in the Raynham Marketplace.  I have 9 people set to take on this challenge and change their lives!  You could do it too!!!

Also, I would like to post that I will now be offering spin classes at my new facility.  The classes will be on Monday and Wednesday mornings at 9am.  The evening classes will be held at 7pm on Tuesdays and 6pm on Thursdays.  Saturday mornings at 9am will be a "sweat" class which is a combo spin and extreme bootcamp class.  It is guaranteed to make you sweat!  For questions and to sign up, please see the contact section.  There will be a $5 drop in fee on available bikes.  They are available on a first come, first serve basis. 

Hope to see you all this week :)

9:23 pm est

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Happy 4th of July!

Hi guys,

I cannot believe we are into the holiday weekend!  This is my favorite time of year.  I love being able to get outdoors more.  Whether it is a nice, long run by the lake, roller blading, biking, cookouts with family and friends, going to the beach, or just walking my dog around the neighborhood, I absolutely live for this time of year!  Summer please slow down!

I wanted to let everyone know that I will be having an 'Open House' next weekend at my new training studio.  Come on down Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and check out my new facility!  I will be there at 7am Friday and Saturday until about noon and Sunday from 10-2.  If you cannot make those times send me an email and I can set something up with you!  I am looking forward to sharing my new studio with you all.  This studio was created to better serve you, the client and customer.  I now have the freedom to set up my own classes, use ALL of my workout toys, and charge my own prices which will not only give you TONS of variety, but will also make it very affordable.  Everyone should be able to afford fun, safe, and effective training.  Even if you are only interested in spin classes, I will offer a fun, intensive workout using the absolute best spin bikes on the market at an affordable rate.  You have absolutely nothing to lose!!!

On a side note, I thought I would write a small blog on why I chose to go into personal training.  As some of you might already be aware, it can be a tough career.  The hours start very early in the morning and often end late in the day.  My typical day starts at 6:30am and goes until 8pm at night.  Saturday morning hours are a must. Your hours are not set in stone and cancellations happen.  Income can be very unpredictable.  So why do I love this job so much?  Because what other job out there allows you to work with  1) elderly or disabled people trying to maintain or improve their health or quality of living, 2) young adults trying to find their way through the rocky adolescent years and find their self esteem, 3) athletes rehabbing from injury or trying to improve their game, 4) people who have struggled their whole lives with their weight FINALLY lose the weight and gain their health 5) peeple that have numerous disorders help prevent injury, illness, or disease 6) and finally, people that have been working out but are bored, not seeing results, or simply want someone to regularly kick their butts!  I love the challenges that every client presents me with!  Being a nurse, I also like to take care of people and 'fix them.'  I also love teaching a brand, spanking new client how to weight train effectively and properly.  Everyone can benefit from a structured exercise routine! 

Have a great holiday and I hope to see you next weekend at my open house!

Corinne

5:22 pm est

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Post Challenge Dinner and Party!

Hi guys,

We had our post challenge celebration dinner last night at Pasta Bene in Brockton.  The winner of the Spring Challenge was announced.  Drum roll please.......the winner is......Sandy Allen!  It was a close race!  Nancy Coelho and Karen Harnois came in second and third.  Great job guys!  Your consistency and dedication have really paid off!  I am so happy to have been a part of your makeovers.  I am looking forward to moving on with you guys in the Summer Challenge!  The other challengers should not feel bad about not winning because you guys are all winners.  You took the first step in trying to change your lives for the better and put in a lot of blood, sweat, and tears.  Keep up the fight!  The end of the challenge is just the beginning for you to practice what you have learned the past 10 weeks.  I will be seeing some of you in the Summer Challenge and some of you for 1:1 training.  In the meantime, get your workouts in and keep those diets tight!

Okay so I have really big news to share with you all.  I have been super busy the past 3 weeks getting ready to open my own personal training facility.  The name will be Body Revolution Personal Training and it will be located in the Raynham Marketplace next to Royal Pizza.  I hope to be up and running full steam ahead the first week of July.  It will offer 1:1 personal training, spin, and of course the challenges.  It is a 2029 sq foot facility that offers all commercial grade gym equipment as well as the top of the line and number 1 rated spin bike, the Star Trac NXT.  I hope to have the spin classes up and running as soon as the bikes roll off of the delivary truck!  I will keep you all updated!

By opening my own facility, I needed to leave the Raynham Athletic Club which has been my home away from home for the past 1 1/2 years.  I would like to thank everyone at the RAC for all your support, enthusiasm, and friendship.  I will miss you all!  Of course you are all welcomed to stop in and visit me anytime you want.  I would like to thank the owner of the RAC, Doug Steinberg for bringing me into his wonderful gym family.  It really is a great, friendly gym for families and has a top notch pool and aerobic program.  I would also like to thank Lynda Rose, former general manager of the RAC.  Thank you for the encouragement and support to get certified, teach classes, and yes undertake the challenge solo when it fell apart last summer.  You were right, I CAN do this!  Kathy Tierney for bringing me on desk and getting my foot in the door, Beth Trout for ALL your help, support, and encouragement.  Beth Morrison for giving me the "kick in the pants" to finally get certified and all the other trainers that are still at the RAC or have moved on.  Jason Caldas who opened his own Crossfit facility in March in Bridgewater.  I have the ultimate respect for you and your knowledge.  All the members at the RAC, thank you for your energy, support, enthusiasm, and for making the RAC such a fun place to work.  You guys are a great bunch!

My plans for the summer are to get my facility off and running, and to get certified in kickboxing as well as nutrition.  Of course, to also have the best challenge yet... the Summer Challenge!  I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting busy, LET'S DO THIS!!!!

12:06 pm est

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Final Weigh In

Hi guys,

We had our final Spring Challenge weigh in this morning.  We had some big total losses of 27.3 lbs by Nancy, 21 lb by Karen, and 19.8 by Sandy.  Way to go guys! I am so proud of you all!!!!  Everyone else, I am also proud of your hard work and effort, keep at it!  I am looking forward to continuing working with you guys as you continue on the road to a healthier, happier you. 

We had several obstacles that needed to be overcome during this challenge.  We had a wedding (congrats Mikey G!  We look forward to your return :) and several illnesses that interrupted a couple of challengers.  I hope that you guys affected will continue to strive toward a healthier lifestyle.  We had some space availability issues at times at the gym and had to rework workouts last minute.  We also had a couple of challeners that wanted to do 1:1 training but because of manager and policy changes at the gym, found themselves doing the challenge again.  We found a way to adapt, change workouts last minute, and accomadate illnesses and individual workout goals.  This was easily the toughest challenge mentally for me but I can say that I am super proud of how it ended.  We have challengers that have lost 87 lbs and 100 lbs since the Fall Challenge started and also have one challenger that has lost over 100 lb since her very first challenge with me spring of 2010.  I have several currently training to run a half marathon and others training for 10ks.  I also have a challenger that is pursuing a career change to become a personal trainer himself.  There is no doubt in my mind that this challenge is worth the blood, sweat, and tears that is at times required to get the job done.  There is absolutely nothing more rewarding than this challenge!  I love all you guys and am thankful to have become a part of your lives!

The next challenge will start Monday, July 11th.  It will be a condensed summer version.  The workouts will take place at 6pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights.  The challenge will last 9 weeks and the cost is $375.  If you are interested, please go to the contact section and send me an email. 

I wish you all a safe, healthy, and happy next three weeks off until we begin again!

Corinne :)

8:57 pm est

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Week Nine Weigh In and 5K

Hi guys,

We had our week nine weigh in this morning.  Nancy rocked a big weight loss this week... 7.4 lbs, awesome job lady!  She is a testiment that hard work, determination, and a tight diet can bring terrific results!  We have one week to go, who is going to win this?!

Next we carpooled over to the Attleboro YMCA for our 5k road race.  We ran the Sensata Technologies race for the cancer cure.  The course was mainly flat except for one slight incline.  The weather was perfect for a race, cool and overcast.  Several challengers ran PRs.  I had told the challengers before the start of the race that my plan was to run in with each challenger.  I would go out with the fastest challenger, finish with them, then run back for the next.  I started the race with Jen W and Sandy A.  Jen took off like a rabbit!  We ran our first mile split in 7:45!  We were up there with the eventual winners of the race the first half mile or so!  I must say, Jen, you really made me work the beginning of this race!  I can proudly say, Jen W ran a PR by 3 minutes... her time of 26:44 was 3 minutes faster than her previous record.  Great job Jen!  The next 5k will be in 25 minutes, you can do it!  Next up was Sandy.  Sandy also ran a PR in 28 minutes.  Great job girl!  Nancy and Selena were next in 35 minutes which was 3 minutes faster than Nancy's 5k time she ran last month.  Woohoo!!!  Jen S also ran a great race in 36 minutes.  Sema, who was late to the race by 10 minutes, also did well in completing the course in 34 minutes.  Unfortunately, we had several people working today and they had to miss the race.  We'll get it next time guys!  Also, a big congratulations to Mikey G who got married yesterday!  Wishing you guys a great honeymoon and lots of luck!  I'll see you when you get back :)

We are in the final week of the challenge, time to kick it into high gear guys!  It's now or never!!!

See you all tomorrow!

4:59 pm est

Sunday, June 5, 2011

First Sunday in June Workout

Hi guys,

I cannot believe that we are well into the month of June!  Where does the time go?!  I must say that the last couple of weeks have been rather tough for this challenge.  We have had graduations, weddings, and end of the school year activities.  A lot of challengers have been MIA lately due to these comittments.  Like I have stated before however, one needs to make time for fitness and health.  Perhaps you could get up a half hour earlier and get in a cardio session.  Lunchtime presents a great opportunity for a power walk.  Lunges, squats, and jogs can be done around baseball fields while the kiddies are at practice.  The point is this: you need to squeeze in a half hour of cardio most days of the week.  Even two 15 minute sessions are better than nothing.

As I was typing in this week's weight loss and total weight losses to date, I noticed a trend.  Those challengers that have been faithfully attending most group sessions are well on their way to a 20 lb weight loss.  There is an exception to this rule however.  Karen has a great weight loss despite having to miss several group workouts due to work and family comittments.  Great job Karen!  I am so proud of your dedication and determination to this program!  Keep up the great work!

Today we went over to Raynham "poor farms" or baseball fields for our workout.  We ran the Bridgewater-Raynham and Taunton High cross country course.  I was very surprised at how challenging it was.  My son ran cross country for Taunton High (he graduated last year).  I was surprised at how hilly, rocky, sandy, and full of tree roots it was!  Trail running burns more calories and also challenges the core and leg muscles due to the uneven terrain.  After, we did a workout utilizing the soccer fields and benches.  I enjoy having an even, grassy area for workouts for a change.  We are able to do certain exercises and activies that are not possible on the gym's floors.  We did wheelbarrels, crab crawls, and commando crawls.  It's always nice to work outside in the fresh air.

We are in the final two weeks of the challenge, time to kick it up challengers and finish this thing!  Let's go!!!

9:16 pm est

Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day Track Workout

Hi guys,

Today we went to the Bridgewater-Raynham High School for a track workout.  First we did a half mile warmup.  Then we did a bootcamp style workout utilizing the benches, a rock, and the grassy infield of the track.  In between each round of circuits, we would do a 400 yard interval run.  We sprinted the staight away of the track and jogged the turns for recovery.  While we were there, a nice lady named Peggy joined our workout.  She stated she was from Raynham and has been trying everything to lose weight.  Of course, not one to turn away a potential client, I encouraged her to join us.  Peggy, I hope you are reading this blog and will think about joining us for the summer challenge.  I know you would do great!!

Anyone who committs to this program, makes the workouts, and follows the nutritional guidance, has lost a tremendous amount of weight.  We are talking 78 and 100 pounds in 8 months, and 100 pounds in 1 year.  Those are the numbers that are possible if you are committed to the program.  I won't lie, it is a lot of hard work and a tremendous amount of self discipline, but the program does work.  The toughtest part of this job for me is providing the constant emotional support and encouragement that is necessary in order to keep some challengers focused.  I tell challengers that try to quit or back out of the program that I am like a bad cold, you cannot get rid of me.  I look at it this way, by signing up for the challenge, you have taken the first important step in changing your lifestyle.  You recognize that your current lifestyle is unhealthy and are looking for help to change it.  I also try to focus on each person to see what a good goal would be for that person.  The standards that the challengers want are: to be healthy, feel healthier, live longer, lose some weight.  Today I gave two potential challengers goals of this: to stop smoking, drop weight, and wean off of high blood pressure medication.  The other potential challenger's goal: to have less back pain and become stronger so their acitivities of daily living (or ADLs) are easier.  It should not always be about looking good in clothes or getting skinny.  Those are good, admirable goals on their own but there is more to being fit, healty, and having a normal BMI or body mass index.  The most important part of this lifestyle is to be healthier overall.  To be thinner or look better are simply positive side-effects of this lifestyle.  Your health is the single most important reason to adopt a healthier lifestyle.  Anyone can improve their health no matter what their obstacles or starting point.  Anyone can become more fit.  I hope to reach more people with this message.  This website and blog are just a starting point.  If anyone reading this blog knows of someone who could benefit from this challenge, please pass along the address to this website. 

Have a great week everyone and hope to see you sweating soon!

Corinne

5:06 pm est

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Week Seven Weigh In

Hi guys,

We had our week seven weigh in this morning.  There are several people away this holiday weekend and stlll 2 out with medical conditions.  We had a small group this morning.  It was suppose to be a nice, warm, sunny day so we had decided beforehand that we would carpool to the Cape Cod canal for our workout.  The challengers were given a choice to walk/ run, bike, or rollerblade the canal.  Half chose to bike it and the others either walk/ ran or rollerbladed it.  We had originally decided to stay on the mainland side of the canal but there was a 5k race going on so we switched to the island side.  The weather which was suppose to be nice was actually foggy and misty.  Needless to say, we had a lot of obstacles in our path to our workout.  There was even a really bad accident on the highway on the way to the canal.  We made do with the weather, crowds, and traffic, and had a great workout.  Time goes by fast when you are in good company.

Tomorrow we will be continuing our "away from the gym workouts" and will be going to the BR high school track to do a track workout.  I have several surprises in store for the challengers.

So we are closing in on the end of the challenge, time to step it up guys and do some work!  We will put our heads down, sweat, watch that diet, and make these last few weeks the best yet!

Have a good holiday weekend and make sure to get out there and get a workout in!

6:04 pm est

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Week Six Weigh In

Hi guys,

We had our week six weigh in this morning.  Overall, we had a great week.  Most lost over 2lbs this week!  Great job guys!  We still have a few out on medical issues that have not been cleared to resume the challenge.  We are here anxiously awaiting your return!

After our weigh in, we ran our 5k inside and then did a circuit weight training workout.  A few challengers had entered a local 5k road race so they did that instead of the group workout.  I can proudly say that all 3 that ran the road race set new PRs for themselves, way to go guys!  You rock! 

We did a weight workout today because we had a smaller group.  We did a full back and chest workout.  Since we have to work around space in the gym, we are not able to do many weight room workouts.  So whenever we have a smaller group, I like to take advantage and get some weight training in.  Weight training is important because as one starts to lose weight, muscle can also be lost if a client is not doing strength training and consumming an adequate amount of protein.  Plus, muscle is more metabolically active than fat and requires more energy (calories) just to exist than fat.  Muscle also takes up less space than fat.  After the age of 25, we start to lose muscle mass unless we weight train.  A loss of 0.5% is normal in an inactive, nutritionally compomised adult.  That can add up to 12 lbs of muscle lost in 10 years in a 120 lb adult!  It doubles to 1% after the age of 60.  A loss of muscle decreases the metabolism, adds to weight gain, increases the risk of injuries, and also increases the risk of disease.  Weight training truly is the fountain of youth!  You guys did a great job today and I expect we will have some sore muscles tomorrow!

Have a great Sunday everyone and see you all tomorrow!

3:04 pm est

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Week Five is Under Our Belt!

Hi guys,

We have made it a full five weeks!  We also had some bad weigh ins this week.  I know that this is historically a tough time for some challengers.  The newness of the challenge has worn off and the challengers are tired, hungry, and sore.  Guys, stay with me!  Put your head down and push!  You can do this!  Make the workouts, record that food intake, ask me for help, support, whatever to help you keep going!  I am here for you guys.  We did have another milestone reached by one of our challengers this week though so that is a bright spot.  Yes she only lost 1 lb but she will be entering another weight level within the next couple of weeks.  I am so proud of this lady... Sandy you rock!  I am so happy for you!  Keep it up!  For everyone else, I want you guys to look back at where you started and how much you have lost thus far.  That is a great accomplishment.  Put the bad week behind you and focus on making the next week better.  Remember how far you have come with the workouts.  Things that seemed impossible or extremely difficult just a little while ago are getting more manageable.  I am proud of what you guys have done and positive you can continue to make those losses.  Stay with me!

Okay so we have a couple of people out with medical issues.  They have been given a couple weeks off from working out and weighing in until they get clearance from their doctors.  I am wishing you guys a speedy recovery so that we can back to this healthy lifestyle.  In the meantime, watch what you eat and take care of yourselves.  I am here waiting patiently for your return.

Today we did our workout in the gym because of the rainy, cool weather.  We did our triathalon workout which consists of a 20 minute swim, 5k run, and 45 minute spin class.  Since I do not usually ride for this spin class, I was able to make sure that we all worked in our correct exertion levels and had good form :)  Yes you guys worked hard, good job!

Have a good night and see you all tomorrow night for boxing!

Corinne

3:46 pm est

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Happy Mother's Day!

Hi guys,

Happy Mother's Day to all the hardworking moms out there!  We all appreciate all the work you do to keep the family happy and healthy. 

Today was our week four weigh in.  Again, half of the challengers had to work today or had family committments.  I hope you all managed to squeeze in a workout on your own if you were unable to make it to the group workout.  You need to make sure you take a half hour out of each day to take care of your health.  I know a lot of mom's feel guilty taking time away from their families to do something for themselves but I want you to think of this:  A happy, healthy mom is THE best present you can give to your family!  If you have the strength, energy, and health to give 100% plus to your family, they will be so much better off.  Plus, by taking care of your health, you are teaching your children how important it is to take care of their health.  The obesity epidemic is sky rocketing.  You certainly wouldn't wish for your children to develop adult-onset diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia when they are in their teens.  Here is the thing though, it IS starting to develop in kids as young as their preteens!  We NEED to get a handle on this now or they are going to have a short, medicated life.  For the first time ever, children nowadays are not predicted to outlive their parents!  Even with advances in medical care!  So please, never feel guilty over taking care of your own health.  Your children are watching and learning. 

Today after our weigh in, we carpooled to Massasoit State Park for our 5k and group workout.  As you know, I like to do different activities on Sunday that burn calories, are fun, and break up the monotomy of working out in the gym.  Each challenger brought a sturdy backpack and 15lbs was placed in the backpack.  We did an hour and a half hike in the woods.  It was a great workout in the outdoors!  Plus, the uneven terrain and hills made for a great core, glute, and leg workout.  What I love most about this challenge is how supportive and positive this challenge is.  Every challenge I bring another person over to this lifestyle.  This challenge is no different and I do believe I have brought at least 3 so far.  You guys are all doing awesome!  Keep up the great work!  Every single milestone you guys hit with your weight and weight loss I celebrate with you!  I am so proud and happy to be a part of this with you all :)

Have a great Mother's Day and enjoy the day with your family!

Corinne

3:45 pm est