​It was such a pleasure to welcome JOGA to the studio tonight!  Our Inspired Warriors were led by our new instructor, Dori Hishon, in a movement system made up of the benefits of yoga combined with the biomechanics of sport.  The sequence of JOGA is designed in a way to follow the pattern of a fitness regime but still adhere to the sequencing of a traditional yoga session.  The sessions will leave participants feeling stronger, more flexible and re-energized while providing all of the other physiological and psychological benefits of the practice.  This fabulous weekly program begins on Thursday, January 3rd from 5:20 to 6:05 pm.  If you are looking for a workout that provides structure, challenge and results, this is it!

​For the past six weeks, Inspired by Fitness members made small lifestyle changes to accomplish big results in the Fit For The Holidays Fitness Challenge.  They competed to win half the pool collected from registration fees, but more importantly, adopted or maintained healthy lifestyles.  We are incredibly proud of everyone who took part in the challenge and hope that everyone has taken something positive away from the last six weeks.  We look forward to helping you continue on your fitness journey!
 
And now, the winner of the Fit For The Holidays Fitness Challenge is LEANNE KRESKY!  Leanne lost 18.6 pounds and 32.5 inches – a total percentage loss of 20.39%!  Congratulations, Leanne!
 
Our next fitness challenge, which will begin in May, is the Summer Slimdown Challenge.  Stay tuned to our social media sites for more information.

​We all know that exercise is key to good health; however, we tend to limit ourselves to only the few activities that we enjoy or feel are the most effective, so some aspects of exercise and fitness are ignored.  Varying the type of exercise you engage in is essential for achieving overall fitness and feeling your best.  Below we list what you need to know about the three most important types of exercise and what classes at the studio you should check out if you’re looking for a balanced fitness routine.
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Cardio
For a healthy heart, lungs and muscles, it is important to get in regular cardio workouts.  These will also improve your overall fitness level.  Combined with a balanced diet, you’ll be on the right track to maintaining a healthy weight as well.  You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio training per week.  Adjust the intensity of your exercise depending on your personal goals, your motivation and the level of fitness you want to achieve.
 
Recommended classes:  Bounce, CORE DE FORCE, Spin, STRONG by Zumba, Zumba.
 
 
Strength
Strength training involves moving your muscles against some form of resistance.  Regular strength training will help you to improve your strength/posture/balance and keep your bones/blood pressure healthy.  You should aim for 2-3 strength training sessions per week to work all the major muscles in your body.  If you haven’t done this type of exercise before, please ask your instructor for advice so they can help you with proper form which will prevent injury.
 
Recommended classes:  Boot Camp, Butt & Gut, Circuit, Weights.
 
 
Flexibility
Flexible muscles allow you to keep mobile and active which is important to improve your range of motion.  Besides helping you relax and improving your balance, flexibility exercises can assist with lower back pain, high blood pressure, anxiety and depression.  You should aim for 3-4 flexibility sessions per week to stretch all the major muscles in your upper and lower body.  This type of exercise shouldn’t hurt, so if it does, it could be a sign you have injured yourself.  Remember to be careful and take things gradually.
 
Recommended classes:  JOGA, Yoga.
 
 
The main point is this – cardio training is good for your heart, strength training is good for your bones and muscles and flexibility training is good for everything in between!  Each type of exercise serves a different purpose, and altogether, they are key to your optimal health and well-being!