Fit to Print Volume 25 Issue 3 September 2016 | Page 22

GroupEx by Kelly Wallace Keep On Working... Taking The Summer Off? Nah. A nother summer is over, time to get back to your workout routine, right? The warm summer weather comes, and many people back off from their gym workouts. They say, “I'll do outdoor activities” but many don't. So after all the barbecues and cocktails it's time to hit the gym and start again! Why is this? The list of excuses is long kids, vacations, needing just to take a break…there are always reasons NOT to keep up with your exercise regimen, but…when all is said and done, isn't it worth keeping at it? Many people work so hard throughout the spring to get that “beach body.” Then summer comes, and they allow life to get in the way of their workouts which leaves them starting from scratch come September. So what about the people who NEVER get off track? What is driving them to make sure they continue their workouts through summer, holidays and all the other “excuses” to not workout. We asked some of the Fitness Incentive members whose attendance remains consistent summer, winter, no matter what, they are there. Maybe what drives them can help you to stay on track. Here’s what they have to say... Even in the midst of a summer heat wave, I don't miss a class! Results are what keep me coming consistently all year round. Once you start to see the smallest change in your body, there is no stopping! It's incentive to keep at it. I really enjoy the outdoor classes VIPR and Power X; I feel that these classes hit everything: shoulders, arms, legs, butt, back. You name it, we hit it! When I leave, I'm definitely tired and I know I’m going to be sore, but that's how I know I just had an incredible workout. There is no stopping me now! I have worked hard to let myself go, its part of my lifestyle, and I am committed no matter what the 22 season! Melissa Mariniello What drives me to get to the gym through the summer months and holidays is my strong belief in a healthy lifestyle. If the lifestyle is a part of who you are then maintaining consistency of the workouts is another piece of the puzzle toward feeling healthy. I also need to be physically fit for my job. As a school nurse, I need to be ready at a moments notice to tend to anyone, student or staff having an To the Wall: Monica Proto and Kristin Havdoglous emergency. I need to be physically fit enough to sprint up a set of stairs, run from one end of the building to the other, push people in wheelchairs or get up and down from the floor to teach CPR. Health and safety are a priority to me. In my opinion, it is also meaningful to show the students that being physically fit is important for ALL ages. Exercise is built into my everyday routine much like grocery shopping or going to Target! Not to mention that working out is a great way to relieve stress which happens ALL year round for most of us! Grace McHugh I have been a member at the Fitness Incentive for almost 25 years. I started working out regularly when I was a young mom with a husband who worked full time and went to law school at night. I was also working and Autumn 2016 FIT to Print needed an outlet to relieve my stress. I learned that if I could give myself one hour a day, I was a better wife and mom. When I joined Fitness Incentive, I was hooked immediately. My three children grew up in the nursery here at FI. Staying committed to exercise throughout the summers and holidays over the years has sometimes been a challenge, but I've created a few strategies that have worked for me. First, trying new things has helped me stay motivated. Next, I tend to take weekends off, so I don't get burned out. Lastly, I've trained with a trainer for many years; it has helped keep me committed, accountable and motivated. Having a scheduled appointment means I can't easily skip the gym. I started with Louis and have trained with Kelly for many years now. Working out is more than just physical for me, it's mental. Staying fit has allowed me to travel, remain active, and care for my new grandson. I don't see myself slowing down anytime soon! Laura Conboy Getting to the gym during the summer is just as important as getting there any other time of year: to maintain your strength and increase endurance at whatever it is you're doing. And it's a whole lot easier to get up and get out with the warm weather and longer days. Also, the classes held outside add fun to the mix. Outside with Kelly for Power X and VIPR, it's nice to catch the breezes, and the workouts are readily adaptable to anyone's level. Erin keeps me busy with sculpting-I especially love the Friday class at 4 pm. We call it our Happy Hour class. At 5:00 we're really happy. Kelly and Erin are masters at what they do- any time of year. Monica Proto The things that motivate me to get t