On the heels of Thanksgiving, I've been dragging my heels on sending this newsletter out. Granted, things are moving along as planned with our new location. I speak for Jon and myself when I say, we can't wait for you to see the new place. The excitement of expansion, greater visibility, complementary businesses as neighbors and the potential to touch and change more lives is beyond expression. I believe it's that "potential" that I wanted to speak on with this message. Rather than split off with a handful of different topics as I typically do, I thought I would take a different, possibly singular approach this time around.
In April of 2009, when I opened the Hudson studio, the motto of the business was:
Personalized, Privatized, Revolutionized:
Welcome To The New You.
I thought that it captured everything the business was about.
Did we offer personalized workouts? Yes.
Was it a private facility? Yes.
Was it particularly revolutionary? Not really.
And as for the "new you" part...well, you really have to work for that don't you?
I think we can all agree that getting down to a magical pant size isn't a new you, simply revisiting an "old you".
Allow me to back up for a moment.
When I originally named the business, Revolution was my attempt to pay homage to a band near and dear to my heart: The Beatles. In actuality, there was a double entendre which I wasn't cognizant of at first.
A definition of the word "revolution" can be found as
"a sudden, complete or marked change in something".
Now, that could speak volumes. Especially when you relate it to your health and wellness.
Since I opened, I've tried multiple ways to market and advertise the business. Many of those ways failing miserably and wasting a lot of money at the same time. However, something happened to unveil itself to me.
As I have watched my son grow and continue his challenges with autism, as I watched my father succumb to and eventually pass from bone marrow cancer, as I continue to watch and be inspired by my mother who has not only survived bone cancer, but is plagued by FSH muscular dystrophy as well, a new motto became apparent:
Be Fit For Generations.
It is this new tagline which has pushed me more and more as I become accustomed to it. I realize that this business and the service we offer is not for everyone. Either due to financial means or it doesn't fit the mold of the individual. I believe we as people have an obligation to those who love us and depend on us. An obligation to be healthier and more respectful of our bodies. To be more disciplined in our lifestyles so we can be role models to children, spouses, significant others, parents, friends, etc. To rid ourselves of toxic people and influence. It's not to detract from having a good time and enjoying life as we live it but to have the ability to live life with greater fullness.
It's the impression that I so dearly hope is transferred to our clients: both current and future. I would be lying if I said it was the driving force since the beginning. It wasn't.
This is essentially a message on two fronts:
1) A sincere thanks to the clients who continue to shape why this business thrives. Every decision I make is in efforts to see the best results for everyone who takes part in what we do.
2) A call-to-arms (if you will), for those who have not decided what to do with their lives. You have one shot. One body, one lifetime to figure out what you've done wrong or could be doing better. How much time will you let slip before you realize that some basic lifestyle changes could have brought you from point A to B in better fashion? How long will you wait trusting your own judgment of what's best for you before you realize maybe the way you've gone about things isn't beneficial anymore?
Most importantly: How does the way you live your life speak to the generation before you (your parents, grandparents, etc) or the generation after you (children, nieces, nephews, etc). Not to mention, the generation you have chosen to commit your life to? Are you inspiring those around you?
We would like to inspire you.
Sincerely,
Jason Leenaarts
Monday, November 26, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
H Is For Help
When Pride Becomes Your Enemy
Do you know someone who just can't admit when they need assistance? In fitness, that outlook can not only lead to injury but can stand in the way of your progress and your overall health. While it's easy for me to point for help in the way of a personal trainer that may not always be the solution for some people. Some can be properly motivated just by having a partner to train with or a support group. It comes down to what every individual is comfortable with. The ability to be humbled and allow yourself to learn or refresh yourself on your goals can be huge for steering you on the right path. Take a look inside yourself and at the areas of your health that need the most attention. Then ask yourself who you should call on to help you improve so you can be the very best you possible.
Do you know someone who just can't admit when they need assistance? In fitness, that outlook can not only lead to injury but can stand in the way of your progress and your overall health. While it's easy for me to point for help in the way of a personal trainer that may not always be the solution for some people. Some can be properly motivated just by having a partner to train with or a support group. It comes down to what every individual is comfortable with. The ability to be humbled and allow yourself to learn or refresh yourself on your goals can be huge for steering you on the right path. Take a look inside yourself and at the areas of your health that need the most attention. Then ask yourself who you should call on to help you improve so you can be the very best you possible.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
G Is For Genetics
Understanding What You Can and Can't Change
Whenever fitness is involved, it's easy to look at celebrities, friends, or even strangers and have some type of envy for those who can reach their physical attributes so easily. Maybe you've seen someone lose their weight post-pregnancy with little to no effort. Maybe there's someone who can hit the gym and see major strength gains and physique development with no recovery issues and no real plateaus. While the argument for a great program and great nutrition will always be in the forefront, genetics are a crucial factor as well. Look at the physiques of your family members. Broad shoulders? Thin frame? A steady pattern of excess abdominal fat? There are so many ways to consider you may only be able to slightly modify what your genetic predisposition will be. It's reasonable to consider that without pumping yourself full of unnecessary (or illegal) supplements or embarking on an extreme diet, you may only be able to achieve so much for your desired physique. Look in the mirror and determine what changes you believe you can make within reason and get yourself as close as you can, as safely as possible. This means you may never have lean, toned arms, you may never have a strapping chest, and you may never have a six-pack. Genetics play such a huge role in these otherwise minor details. Look at yourself as a complete package and give yourself the best opportunity to be fit all over. While the definition of "fit" may mean different things to different people, have the self confidence to say "I look and feel the very best I can with what I've been born with!"
Whenever fitness is involved, it's easy to look at celebrities, friends, or even strangers and have some type of envy for those who can reach their physical attributes so easily. Maybe you've seen someone lose their weight post-pregnancy with little to no effort. Maybe there's someone who can hit the gym and see major strength gains and physique development with no recovery issues and no real plateaus. While the argument for a great program and great nutrition will always be in the forefront, genetics are a crucial factor as well. Look at the physiques of your family members. Broad shoulders? Thin frame? A steady pattern of excess abdominal fat? There are so many ways to consider you may only be able to slightly modify what your genetic predisposition will be. It's reasonable to consider that without pumping yourself full of unnecessary (or illegal) supplements or embarking on an extreme diet, you may only be able to achieve so much for your desired physique. Look in the mirror and determine what changes you believe you can make within reason and get yourself as close as you can, as safely as possible. This means you may never have lean, toned arms, you may never have a strapping chest, and you may never have a six-pack. Genetics play such a huge role in these otherwise minor details. Look at yourself as a complete package and give yourself the best opportunity to be fit all over. While the definition of "fit" may mean different things to different people, have the self confidence to say "I look and feel the very best I can with what I've been born with!"
Monday, July 16, 2012
The Problem With Your Timeline
Lose Weight Now
I've always noticed, it's the people who "want" to lose weight that tend to be the most motivated to get weight off. That being said, people who are driven to look their best for a vacation, a swimsuit, a reunion, etc. seem to be more committed to results. The good thing in their case is they have found great motivation. The potential downside is the body rarely responds the way the heart and mind desire. Let's say you want to lose a modest and realistic 15 pounds in 10 weeks. By most accounts, that isn't too much to ask for. The problems creep up when your body just isn't "ready" to drop the weight. Some people become more desperate to drop the weight and go for more extreme and drastic measures to see that magic number on the scale or fit into that dream pant size. From literally hundreds of clients I have had the honor to work with, only a handful have been able to lose a significant amount of weight in a short timeframe. The more time you can give your body to adjust to a better diet, a formal exercise regimen, and a healthier lifestyle the better it will adapt and be less likely to rebel. When you get fast results in short time, your body has a greater potential to fire back with less than favorable results no matter how hard you train or how extreme your dietary measures become. Equip yourself with time, patience and consistency to the "plan" to get the results you deserve.
I've always noticed, it's the people who "want" to lose weight that tend to be the most motivated to get weight off. That being said, people who are driven to look their best for a vacation, a swimsuit, a reunion, etc. seem to be more committed to results. The good thing in their case is they have found great motivation. The potential downside is the body rarely responds the way the heart and mind desire. Let's say you want to lose a modest and realistic 15 pounds in 10 weeks. By most accounts, that isn't too much to ask for. The problems creep up when your body just isn't "ready" to drop the weight. Some people become more desperate to drop the weight and go for more extreme and drastic measures to see that magic number on the scale or fit into that dream pant size. From literally hundreds of clients I have had the honor to work with, only a handful have been able to lose a significant amount of weight in a short timeframe. The more time you can give your body to adjust to a better diet, a formal exercise regimen, and a healthier lifestyle the better it will adapt and be less likely to rebel. When you get fast results in short time, your body has a greater potential to fire back with less than favorable results no matter how hard you train or how extreme your dietary measures become. Equip yourself with time, patience and consistency to the "plan" to get the results you deserve.
Friday, July 6, 2012
F Is For Failure
Can You Accept Less Than The Best?
I love working out. I don't mean the day-in/day-out of being in a gym with the ability to lift weights at any given moment. I mean I love knowing that exercise is the one place in my life where it's okay to not be perfect every time you do it. That's not to be confused with poor form. The gym is the place where you can have an off-day and still feel like you were productive. Some people never give themselves credit to get to the gym because they're afraid of how they look or how others might perceive them. Maybe they put on an extra couple of pounds and they're afraid that their social circle may think less of them. It bears reminding that nearly every single person who steps foot into a gym is there to better themselves, in whatever capacity. Virtually everyone around you is there because they see something/things that need improvement. You'll rarely have perfect workouts, or the perfect workout attire, or the best hair-day, etc. Failure, in it's best form, is inevitable. Can you accept it to help yourself move forward?
I love working out. I don't mean the day-in/day-out of being in a gym with the ability to lift weights at any given moment. I mean I love knowing that exercise is the one place in my life where it's okay to not be perfect every time you do it. That's not to be confused with poor form. The gym is the place where you can have an off-day and still feel like you were productive. Some people never give themselves credit to get to the gym because they're afraid of how they look or how others might perceive them. Maybe they put on an extra couple of pounds and they're afraid that their social circle may think less of them. It bears reminding that nearly every single person who steps foot into a gym is there to better themselves, in whatever capacity. Virtually everyone around you is there because they see something/things that need improvement. You'll rarely have perfect workouts, or the perfect workout attire, or the best hair-day, etc. Failure, in it's best form, is inevitable. Can you accept it to help yourself move forward?
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
No Sin, All Cinnamon
The Sweet Spice
Cinnamon has a remarkable quality of helping the way your body breaks down sugar. Before you get carried away looking for a Cinnabon, I'm talking about the spice itself not just the way it complements a dessert! If you're looking for just the right touch of sweetness to a snack add a sizeable dash to your food. For many people, it can help kill a sugar craving that might drive you to something less than healthy but be completely beneficial for you. At only 6 calories per teaspoon, you might just have the most guiltless spice on the market right at your fingertips.
Cinnamon has a remarkable quality of helping the way your body breaks down sugar. Before you get carried away looking for a Cinnabon, I'm talking about the spice itself not just the way it complements a dessert! If you're looking for just the right touch of sweetness to a snack add a sizeable dash to your food. For many people, it can help kill a sugar craving that might drive you to something less than healthy but be completely beneficial for you. At only 6 calories per teaspoon, you might just have the most guiltless spice on the market right at your fingertips.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
E Is For Execution
Finish What You Start Or Just Get Started!
With so many distractions in life: job, social commitments, reality TV, the internet, your obsession with your mobile device, how can you ever get anything done? How long is your list of things you "should" be doing? And how long are you going to wait before you get those "should's" accomplished? I recently saw a quote that said "Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments". So, you know what your goals are and you know how to get them done but you keep letting things get in the way. Everything in your life has a priority, whether low or high. At some point, you have to look at all those things you "should" be doing for yourself and make them happen. Realign your priorities and stop making excuses for what you aren't making legitimate time for. Chances are, you're letting things creep in that are sucking the life out of you! Once you've recognized what those virtual leeches are, it's time to execute a plan for the things that can actually benefit your life. Ready to start or to finish what needs to be completed? Now's the time!
With so many distractions in life: job, social commitments, reality TV, the internet, your obsession with your mobile device, how can you ever get anything done? How long is your list of things you "should" be doing? And how long are you going to wait before you get those "should's" accomplished? I recently saw a quote that said "Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments". So, you know what your goals are and you know how to get them done but you keep letting things get in the way. Everything in your life has a priority, whether low or high. At some point, you have to look at all those things you "should" be doing for yourself and make them happen. Realign your priorities and stop making excuses for what you aren't making legitimate time for. Chances are, you're letting things creep in that are sucking the life out of you! Once you've recognized what those virtual leeches are, it's time to execute a plan for the things that can actually benefit your life. Ready to start or to finish what needs to be completed? Now's the time!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
D Is For Dedication
Do You Have What It Takes?
What are you really good at? Did it come to you naturally or did it take a lot of hard work to achieve it? Ask anyone who's known me long enough and they'll tell you: growing up, I was far from an athlete. Fitness was something I drifted into and personal training was another endeavor that I took for granted until the passion developed. When the fire started, there was no turning back for me. How about you? What drives you? More importantly, what will it take for you to get where you want to be? When you accept the fact that your life will always be busy, chaotic, unpredictable and work against you in more ways than one, how will show your dedication to get what you want? Your health and fitness goals are lifelong journeys, not mini-vacations. You'll be tested constantly to stay on the path and plenty of obstacles will be placed before you to make it seem like you'll never accomplish what you want for yourself. These challenges are what make the truly dedicated thrive!
What are you really good at? Did it come to you naturally or did it take a lot of hard work to achieve it? Ask anyone who's known me long enough and they'll tell you: growing up, I was far from an athlete. Fitness was something I drifted into and personal training was another endeavor that I took for granted until the passion developed. When the fire started, there was no turning back for me. How about you? What drives you? More importantly, what will it take for you to get where you want to be? When you accept the fact that your life will always be busy, chaotic, unpredictable and work against you in more ways than one, how will show your dedication to get what you want? Your health and fitness goals are lifelong journeys, not mini-vacations. You'll be tested constantly to stay on the path and plenty of obstacles will be placed before you to make it seem like you'll never accomplish what you want for yourself. These challenges are what make the truly dedicated thrive!
Monday, April 30, 2012
C Is For Circle
How's Your Circle Of Influence?
Your environment: be it work, friends, family, etc. can shape and mold every decision you make. Imagine that you have a goal of losing a specific amount of weight and you tell your spouse and friends to support you in your efforts. Everyone emphatically agrees to stand by your side to help you along the way. However, while you're on your journey a few things may happen. Your spouse, for instance, doesn't need to lose any weight therefore has different dietary needs than yours. All of a sudden the willpower to stay away from certain foods becomes to hard to maintain. Around the same time, your network of friends start to sabotage your efforts too. They want to keep the social aspect of the friendship alive and well by asking you to indulge in just one more drink of this, one more small bite of that. Before you know it, your weight-loss journey has stalled and in the worst of cases you could be gaining again. Remember that you, and only you can make the decision which can guide you to success. And while you might enlist the help of a personal trainer, exercise DVD, bootcamp, etc. the only person controlling what you do after you finish exercising is you. Know where to set your boundaries and when to allow luxuries to creep back in that might otherwise be counterproductive to your goals. When you've tasted the sweet success of hitting your goal, it will still truly be because of the decisions YOU made.
Your environment: be it work, friends, family, etc. can shape and mold every decision you make. Imagine that you have a goal of losing a specific amount of weight and you tell your spouse and friends to support you in your efforts. Everyone emphatically agrees to stand by your side to help you along the way. However, while you're on your journey a few things may happen. Your spouse, for instance, doesn't need to lose any weight therefore has different dietary needs than yours. All of a sudden the willpower to stay away from certain foods becomes to hard to maintain. Around the same time, your network of friends start to sabotage your efforts too. They want to keep the social aspect of the friendship alive and well by asking you to indulge in just one more drink of this, one more small bite of that. Before you know it, your weight-loss journey has stalled and in the worst of cases you could be gaining again. Remember that you, and only you can make the decision which can guide you to success. And while you might enlist the help of a personal trainer, exercise DVD, bootcamp, etc. the only person controlling what you do after you finish exercising is you. Know where to set your boundaries and when to allow luxuries to creep back in that might otherwise be counterproductive to your goals. When you've tasted the sweet success of hitting your goal, it will still truly be because of the decisions YOU made.
Monday, April 23, 2012
B Is For Balance
What's Your Happy Medium?
When I say balance, I don't mean if you can do exotic exercises on a Bosu ball or a stability ball. I mean, can you find the balance in your busy life to reach your health and wellness goals? Is it simply about eating appropriately and exercising? Absolutely not!! So many factors play into your ability to succeed. Not only do food and exercise play a role but one has to consider levels of stress, hours of restful sleep, genetic predispositions, and social support. Can you imagine eating well, exercising hard, getting adequate sleep, keeping stress in check but having a spouse or significant other who doesn't share or support your efforts to better yourself? That type of emotional duress can create excess cortisol (think abdominal body fat) and keep you behind your fitness goals. It's important to remember there are so many factors to consider when shooting for a wellness goal. Is it possible to be perfect?Definitely not. But everyone has their happy medium and we're here to help you find that proper balance. As many cards as you can stack in your favor, the better. The road to better overall fitness is a never-ending one. Are you ready to shape the factors to help you be the very best, balanced you ever? We are!
When I say balance, I don't mean if you can do exotic exercises on a Bosu ball or a stability ball. I mean, can you find the balance in your busy life to reach your health and wellness goals? Is it simply about eating appropriately and exercising? Absolutely not!! So many factors play into your ability to succeed. Not only do food and exercise play a role but one has to consider levels of stress, hours of restful sleep, genetic predispositions, and social support. Can you imagine eating well, exercising hard, getting adequate sleep, keeping stress in check but having a spouse or significant other who doesn't share or support your efforts to better yourself? That type of emotional duress can create excess cortisol (think abdominal body fat) and keep you behind your fitness goals. It's important to remember there are so many factors to consider when shooting for a wellness goal. Is it possible to be perfect?Definitely not. But everyone has their happy medium and we're here to help you find that proper balance. As many cards as you can stack in your favor, the better. The road to better overall fitness is a never-ending one. Are you ready to shape the factors to help you be the very best, balanced you ever? We are!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
A Is For Atrophy
Feed And Use Or Lose!
Think about your last hard workout. If that memory doesn't come to mind quickly enough, think about the time you spend doing nothing. Your muscles, those precious commodities which need continual stimulation need a way to thrive. If you've become too sedentary, chances are you've lost a lot of muscle. If you have a habit of not getting the proper nutrients into your system after a good workout, guess what? You could still lose a lot of muscle! The good news is this: for all of you sedentary people, it's NEVER too late to get things going again to regain the muscle you may have lost, rev up your metabolism, and give yourself a routine worth sticking with. And for those of you who already have the exercise portion under control, you have a delicate opportunity (roughly 30 minutes) after your workout to get enough protein and carbs back into your system so your muscles don't eat themselves in efforts to recover and rebuild! If you need help with either one of these situations, come see us!
Think about your last hard workout. If that memory doesn't come to mind quickly enough, think about the time you spend doing nothing. Your muscles, those precious commodities which need continual stimulation need a way to thrive. If you've become too sedentary, chances are you've lost a lot of muscle. If you have a habit of not getting the proper nutrients into your system after a good workout, guess what? You could still lose a lot of muscle! The good news is this: for all of you sedentary people, it's NEVER too late to get things going again to regain the muscle you may have lost, rev up your metabolism, and give yourself a routine worth sticking with. And for those of you who already have the exercise portion under control, you have a delicate opportunity (roughly 30 minutes) after your workout to get enough protein and carbs back into your system so your muscles don't eat themselves in efforts to recover and rebuild! If you need help with either one of these situations, come see us!
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