Fabulous Fitness Finds for 2010

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Greg McBride of Anytime Fitness and Heidi Tumbarello of Geist Jazzercize. (photo by Brenda Staples)

It’s that time of year again to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. Some of us begin thinking ahead about what we want to accomplish, whether it be a personal goal or something job related. One of the top resolutions is to exercise and get into shape. And what’s the key ingredient to make this a success? YOU!

Getting started is the hardest part. We all know that just taking the initial leap is the most difficult part of the journey. Then there’s the decision of how to accomplish your goal. Should you take classes, tackle it yourself or maybe get a personal trainer? There are so many choices. Well, I’m here to try and make sense out of all this, and help you make a decision on what you want to do and where you want to do it. So let’s get started.

Close your eyes (well, not literally because then you can’t read this). Think about what makes you happy. Imagine you’re at a relaxing place. Deep breath in through the nose, exhale through the mouth. Sun salutation: inhale up, exhale lean back, inhale forward bend, relax inhale big step back into forward lunge, exhale. Front foot steps back into plank: hold. Slowly release exhaling your entire body in a reverse push-up position to the floor, inhale push up onto your elbows into modified cobra, exhale into downward dog, push the heels of your hands into the mat and away from your body. Welcome to Yoga.

Get ready, get set, and go! It’s bootcamp time. Feet on fire 30 seconds, GO! Shuffle-shuffle, two jumping jacks, run forward and back two times, 1-2-3 squat, 1-2-3 dive in the pool, lift those legs. Go again! Obstacle course: run to the line, ten jumping jacks, back peddle back, ten push-ups, high knees across the floor, feet on fire 30 seconds, Let’s go through two more times! You can do it! Push yourself. It’s only 30 seconds; anyone can do something for only 30 seconds!

Those are just two of several different types of fitness classes offered throughout Carmel and Geist. From beginner to advanced, relaxing to jolting, fun to serious, there is literally a class to fit everyone’s lifestyle and fitness goal. Whether you are ninety or nineteen, there is no age limit to working out and feeling good. Like anything though, your fitness routine should compliment your level and ability. A few of the latest and trendy classes offered in the area are Yoga, Pilates, dance classes including Jazzercise and bootcamps. Below I will highlight each of these fitness work-outs so you can decide what is best for you.

Let’s start with an oldie, but goodie, Yoga. Yoga has been around since the beginning of civilization, so they say. The word Yoga means “to unite or integrate” the body, mind and spirit. There are three structures of Yoga: exercise, breathing and meditation, Yoga is great for improving circulation and stimulating the mind.

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Melissa Webb offers yoga classes for a group of friends in Geist.

Melissa Webb, certified Yoga instructor for over seven years, says that Yoga benefits both the body and mind. “Working with yoga poses increases flexibility and strength, along with muscle tone and balance. Internally, yoga poses help cleanse and nourish the various systems of the body, including the nervous system and digestion,” she says.

Yoga is good for everyone. “Yoga is great for those who haven’t exercised much and who aren’t super motivated to ‘hit’ the gym,” Webb explains. “It is also good for those who have taken exercise ‘too’ far and need help to settle down, relax and stretch.”

Webb teaches Hatha Yoga at several local gyms and also offers convenient personal or group sessions. Visit her website at www.breathlifeyoga.com for more information on Yoga and her available classes.

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Sean Bartram, owner of Core Pilates and Fitness in Carmel, leads a Pilates class using the reformer.

Another mind and body, low-impact fitness class is Pilates. Pilates started gaining popularity in the 1980’s and in the last ten years has spread like wild fire. Pilates has some similarities to Yoga such as individualized breathing techniques and proper posture, as well as getting your mind in tune with your body. Pilates generally consists of two types, mat work or equipment based Pilates, using an apparatus such as the reformer. However, Pilates is still different from Yoga because it focuses more on the core. “The core consists of a large and vast set of muscles,” explains Sean Bartram owner of Core Pilates and Fitness in Carmel. “It includes muscles from mid-chest all the way to mid-thigh including muscles of the back, hips, legs and bottom, not just the abdominals.” Pilates creates a long, lean and limber body, Bartram added.

Pilates mat work instructor for both Vibe Fitness and Lifestyle Family Fitness, Becki Bottoms says the number one reason people take Pilates is to get thin through the middle. “Pilates is a sequence of exercises that concentrate on the core of the body,” Bottoms reiterates. “Mat work Pilates is more difficult than using the reformer, but both are great Pilates work-outs.”

Sean Bartram is a certified Pilates Method Alliance instructor who opened his Pilates studio three years ago. With no more than three students per class, Bartram creates fun and diverse work-outs that change every two or three sessions. Bartram utilizes Joseph H. Pilates (founder of Pilates) reformer machines for his Pilates classes. The reformer is a spring driven platform operated by a pulley system. “We’ve adapted and modified with the times going beyond what Joseph H. Pilates created,” said Bartram. “At Core Pilates we take the principles of Joseph Pilates and build upon them, moving with the times to create an exciting new form of Pilates driven exercise.”

Having taken both Pilates and Yoga, here’s my two cents: Yoga is a great way to relax and regroup your mind and Pilates is a hard-core (no pun intended) work-out that can really be challenging.

In stark contrast to Yoga and Pilates, there’s bootcamps. They’re tough, they’re crazy, and they’re worth every penny if you want a good, no, great work-out. I have come to find that there are two types of bootcamp classes in the Carmel and Fishers area:the extreme, military method and the more traditional classroom format. The YMCA in Fishers offers the Extreme Bootcamp class. “Our bootcamp is a little unusual; it has a true military edge,” said Dave Desmarais, bootcamp instructor for the Y. “Starting at 5:15 am, we are always outside, rain or shine; hot or cold; snow or sleet.” Desmarais continued to say his class is not for the weak of mind or body. He starts the class with a 1 or 2 mile warm-up run, while carrying a weighted backpack and singing cadence. “Our class is not for many people,” Desmarais explained. “It is as much about your brain as it is about your body. It is a true test of their commitment.”

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Trish Delaby stretches before a run around Carmel.

Trish Delaby, a Carmel resident and YMCA member, started bootcamp in the Spring of 2009 after she realized she would need to buy a bigger pair of jeans. She refused, got serious and has since dropped four pant sizes and is beyond where she thought she would be. “I love bootcamp,” Delaby laughed. “It is hard physically as well as mentally. You keep growing and extending yourself more than you would on your own.” When I asked her how she could get up at the crack of dawn, Delaby said, “I’m back home around 6:30, showered, drinking my coffee and waiting for the kids to get up. The time works perfect for a mom of two toddlers.” Delaby also included running and a nutrition plan in her daily routine which helped her achieve her goals.

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Dance instructor for both the Fishers YMCA and LA|Fitness in Westfield, Shantel Morris (front) leads a group of Carmel residents in a dance routine (Left to right: Sheiletha McNeal-Smith , Jennifer Konesco and Becky Ding).

Not all bootcamp classes are this extreme. Shurell Robinson, an ACE Certified Group Fitness and bootcamp instructor says, “My bootcamp class takes your heart rate through peaks and valleys, which increases your cardio endurance and lean muscle mass and decreases your body fat. I also offer three different levels (base moves, level two and extreme level 3), so there is a fit for everyone.” Robinson also says that interval work-outs are so important for those who need to push through their plateaus.

In my opinion bootcamp classes are tough and challenging. They want to test your limits and they are great for those who want to burn fat and get their butts kicked. If you love to sweat, you’ll love bootcamp.

Moving right along, we move to the notorious dance classes. You think it’s not for you? You’re probably wrong. Try it, you’ll like it! The popular TV reality/variety shows, Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, helped dance turn exercise. Most dance classes incorporate dance moves into short, 2-5 minute segments choreographed to up-beat, fun songs. Zumba integrates latin dance moves, such as the Tango and Cha Cha, with latin music. Other dance classes might focus more on hip-hop moves and music or even belly dancing.

“It is so much fun,” said Becky Ding, Carmel resident and regular at LA|Fitness’s Latin Impact dance class. “It makes time go by so fast and I just love the instructor.” Shantel Morris has been dancing for over 20 years and is a dance instructor at both the Fishers YMCA and LA|Fitness. “Dance is a good way to start if you haven’t been to a class in while,” said Morris. “The nice thing, however, it is good for everyone … teens and seniors and at any size. There are no tools or gimmicks. Come as you are and do as much or as little as you want.”

Morris also went on to say, “In one minute of dancing you probably hit every muscle group. Dance is considered a high-velocity work-out, in addition to low-impact and smooth on the joints.”

This is one of my favorite types of classes. Dance classes are truly fun. I don’t consider myself that coordinated, and I keep coming back. In fact, one Monday morning I went to the gym and worked out. I went back that Monday afternoon just to dance. Call me crazy, but it was worth it!

Jazzercise is another dance fitness program that is a fusion of jazz, dance, yoga, kickboxing, strength-training and stretching. “Jazzercise incorporates a little bit of everything,” said Heidi Tumbarello owner of Geist Jazzercise. “Jazzercise is a one hour class comprised of 30 minutes cardio and 30 minutes strength and stretching. We offer not only the traditional Jazzercise classes, but also a Body Sculpting Class with no cardio and a Step Jazzercise class that utilizes step routines in the cardio portion.”

Most clubs have several different types of classes to choose from such as step aerobics, senior fitness, cycling, weight resistance, conditioning, water aerobics and kickboxing just to name a few. Not looking to take a class, but still want to join a gym and get in shape? Check out the chart of clubs I created to help you decide what gym is best for you. From small, boutique clubs to large gyms with lots of space, I’ll highlight a few for your review.

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Alicia Wood started Vibe Fitness to offer a holistic approach to fitness.

Vibe Fitness is a “boutique” fitness club that just opened their doors in May of 2009. Following a holistic approach, Vibe offers all the elements of a health and fitness club in addition to various spa services. “We have personal trainers, a nutritionist and massage therapist on staff,” says Alicia Wood, owner of Vibe. Vibe also has a vast selection of unique classes, including several dance classes, some of which are taught to “live” music. “The one-on-one personal attention makes us unique,” explains Wood. “We cater to each person individually. We find what approach is best and help them achieve the desired results.”

Heather Hewitt and Terri Casey, both Geist residents and Vibe patrons, say they love the individualized assistance from the instructors, trainers and owner. “They look at me as an individual, not just another number,” explained Casey. “They are all just lovely women – like family.”

Another type of gym that is becoming more popular are places open 24/7 like Anytime Fitness. With our busy lifestyles, convenience is a number one priority. Along with a great monthly fee and easy access day or night via your personal key, there are no excuses to starting your New Year’s Resolution.

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Greg McBride of Anytime Fitness.

“With over 1200 locations nationwide, you can work-out any time of the day even when you are on vacation,” explains Greg McBride manager of Anytime Fitness at Geist. “Our facilities have up-to-date cardio and weight equipment and access to ACE certified personal trainers.” McBride says there are three main factors in joining a gym: location, time and money. Anytime Fitness caters to all three factors by offering neighborhood locations at both Geist and Hazel Dell Crossing in Noblesville, 24 hour access and an extremely affordable rate of about $1 a day.

Mainstream gyms (or big box gyms) such as Lifetime Fitness, Cardinal Fitness and Lifestyle Fitness are more well-known and are attended by many. So why are these clubs so popular? More than likely it’s because of their convenience. As a LA|Fitness member myself, I joined for a few reasons: 1) they have great classes 2) they have child care 3) it is affordable and 4) it is close to home.

Carmel resident Michelle West also says, “Convenience and price are the main reasons I joined Lifestyle Family Fitness. The Kids Zone was a must as well.”

Want to play tennis? Join Five Seasons. Want to involve your kids in activities? Join the YMCA or Lifetime Fitness. Want to just lift weights and do some cardio? Join Anytime Fitness. Want just a Pilates or Yoga class, join Core Pilates or Vibe Fitness. Each club is unique in their own way, offering a little less or a little more. I can truly say there is a gym to fit everyone’s lifestyle, that’s because I’ve been a member of the YMCA, Lifetime Fitness, Five Seasons and now LA|Fitness. You can say I’ve gotten around. We are very lucky to live in an area that offers so many choices. Go Carmel! Go Geist!

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