Change: it’s inevitable.  Change keeps the world going around.  Without change, tranquil winter would never evolve into rejuvenating spring.  Change: Some need it, some want it.  There are those that are afraid of it.   

Below is an article written by one of Access Fitness’s wonderful personal trainers, Kathy Painter.  It’s the story of how she brought fitness and martial arts into her life, how it changed her and how she can do the same for you.  Her passion and commitment are downright contagious.  Read on…… 

“Over 10 years ago I joined a Karate class to get back into shape.  I never imagined that it would bring me to where I am today.  I changed careers, went back to school and graduated with honors from the Humber College “Fitness Leadership Program”.  I am currently a Personal Trainer and Fitness Consultant with certifications from Can-Fit-Pro, the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) and have been a Personal Trainer at Access Fitness now for 4 years.

I successfully graded for my Nidan (2^nddegree) black belt in Shorin-Ryu Shorin-Kan Karate this past June and hold a Shodan (1^stdegree) black belt in Kobudo (Weapons).  I am a Sensei at Laurel Martial Arts Club and teach Karate and Kobudo.

For the past 5 years I attended a Karate-Kobudo camp in North Carolina where Black Belts from all over North America attend to practice their art with the top ranking Kyoshi’s.  It is always a great learning experience and keeps me on top of my game.  This year was extra special as I was invited to travel with our (8^thdan) Kyoshi to Okinawa, Japanto train withour Grand Master Shugoro Nakazato.

Karate has given me the drive and determination it takes to accomplish my goals and the passion to help guide my clients and students to go for theirs.  It’s never too late to start down the road of health, fitness and happiness.

Did you know as you age you lose muscle size and strength much faster than you lose endurance or co-ordination? 

Here is a challenge for you; let’s do an easy test of your leg strength.  All you have to do is a “Wall Sit”. Stand with you back to the wall, feet hip width apart.  Press your head, shoulders, back and hips against the wall, and then lower your hips until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Hold as long as possible.

Fitness Score:

Aspiring: 30 to 59 seconds

Solid: 1 minute to 1:59

Strong: 2:00 minutes plus “

What was your score?  Call the club or come in and let us know.  Maybe it’s time for a change, huh?  Just remember, no matter how insignificant it may same, all change is great.  Change your life, your way of thinking or even just your cardio machine!

-Janice 

**This article originally appeared in the November 2009 edtion of Snap Dufferin Magazine.** 

Joining a gym and living a healthier lifestyle does not begin and end with lifting weights and running on the treadmill.  Consider a complete overhaul of how you treat your body, inside and out. 

Alexandria Brackett is one of Access Fitness’s on staff Nutritionists.  Below is an article she wrote for  Snap Dufferin magazine.  Read on for Alex’s amazing insight and expertise.  I know you will find her words as inspirational as I do! 

-Janice

“Consider this time of year a new opportunity, start fresh.

Spring if approaching and often at this time of year as the snow starts to melt we think of shedding the bulky coats and spring cleaning.  It is a good time of year to also start considering cleansing the body of toxins as well.  Toxins develop in our body for all sorts of reasons, but one of the biggest is eating “dead” foods or those that are highly processed or “fast” foods.  Toxins lodge in your cells, soft tissues and muscles and overwhelm your entire immune system.  There are all different methods of cleansing, some gentle and some harsh, but there are some small steps you can take to get the process started.  First and foremost INCREASE your daily water consumption. You hear it everywhere but you must practice this. Second, increase your consumption of fresh (or frozen at this time of year) fruits and vegetables, never canned. Eat them raw or steamed. Also choose lean protein and non-gluten grains (e.g. quinoa, brown rice).  Try to exclude from your diet as mush as possible the following things: dairy and eggs, butter, alcohol, caffeine and refined sugars. Choose high quality fats only: nuts & seeds, avocados, olives, cold-pressed oil’s. Avoid baked goods, especially those made with refined flours and oils.  Consider adding some spices to your foods that you cook, such as turmeric, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, ginger and cumin. These are well known for there healing powers. There are many different ways to cleanse the body, hopefully some of these ideas will get you thinking or get you off to a fresh start.”

 ∞Alexandria Brackett, Registered Holistic Nutritionist

*You will find this article as it originally appeared in the March 2010 edition of Snap Dufferin.*

The decision to join a gym is a different experience for everyone.

For some it’s a careful, thorough conclusion, not unlike purchasing a car. Maybe it took weeks or months or of weighing the pros and cons, perhaps some comparison shopping was involved. Even though you know you need to be healthy and exercise, and that doing so on a regular basis will help you “lose that last 10 lbs…..but it’s such a big commitment…”

For others, it’s a no brainer….an impulse buy, like a magazine at your grocery store checkout counter. Once you realize you’ve paid for it, you know you’ll use it, so what’s the big deal?

My point is this; no matter how long it took you, or for what reasons, you are here, you’ve got your membership in your hand.

Me? I was the impulsive gym membership purchaser.

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