North Point Fitness: Behind The Bells

We have moved

2011-07-30T19:05:00.000-04:00

Hey guys,

Sorry for the delay in getting this message out.

We have moved the blog to our new site.

Head on over and check out our latest post featuring loads of research on the most effective form of exercise. Spoiler alert- it involves strength training!! You won't be disappointed.

We are working on figuring out how to get our feed over to the new blog so you guys will get the updates. Meanwhile, jump on our Facebookpage for links to our posts.

Link to the article- click HERE

Leave It To The Kids

2011-06-05T21:16:00.000-04:00

...By Anthony

I've come to the conclusion that my son Deven will at least learn the game of golf and hopefully compete one day. I say this not because I am now addicted to the game but because of a recent experience I had that made up my mind hands down.

I recently had the opportunity to watch a boys and girls junior golf tournament at the Country Club of the South. I was immediately impressed, humbled and blown away by each kids that I saw. They all walked with a quiet confidence that I assume had to have come with the countless hours of practice that they have put in over the years. When any of them struck the ball it was incredible to see how powerful they were while maintaining a subdued excitement for the game. Even after some good to even incredible shots they all maintained a work-like demeanor toward their round and what they were trying to accomplish.

The other thing that I noticed and greatly enjoyed was the lack of "parental guidance" that was exhibited while the kids were playing. Many of us have heard the stories of the parents at a little league game coming to blows over what they assume to be an injustice toward their child. This completely takes the enjoyment out of the game for the children involved as well as other parents in attendance. At this tournament it was nowhere to be found. The golfers were on their own the moment they hit the tee box and some would check in with theirs parent(s) between holes. There was never a shout of instruction nor encouragement and the kids were left to "grow-up" on the course and deal with all of the positives and negatives that came with their round.

There was definitely something to be learned from this experience. Now I hope I can one day convince my son that he needs to learn how to swing a golf club.

Ruptured Rapture

2011-05-31T19:19:00.000-04:00

...By Anthony

Just over a week ago we were all supposed to be taken from this world and into another via the rapture. As hyped up as it was, the fact that nothing happened was quite the dud. But having the idea of the rapture come and go got me to thinking about what in the fitness industry has come and gone over the years. He is my list and I am quite sure I’ve forgotten many of them…

Richard Simmons and Step Aerobics

There was actually a time when people were obsessed with covering themselves with head to toe spandex and sweatin’ to the oldies. It was never my thing but god bless you Mr. Simmons and anybody still rockin’ it out.

Head Bands, Leg Warmers & Lycra

As mentioned above, this was the required uniform for women daring to participate in step aerobics classes. Good riddance!

Guido Workout Pants

Don’t worry fellas, we had our version of workout uniform and it was just as hideous as what women wore.

Fanny Packs

You may still be able to spot one here and there but for the most part they’ve had their run unless you start pedaling steroids in the gym.

I am sure that there are many that I left off of the list so feel free to keep them coming.

Organized Chaos

2011-05-22T20:16:00.000-04:00

...By Anthony

A few days ago during one of my training sessions one of our interns stopped me and asked, "Is every client here getting trained by a coach?" The question is one that I do not think about often and hearing it actually made me a little more intrigued by what we do and how we do it.

On a daily basis one of our busiest time periods at the gym falls between the hours of 8:00am to 11:00am. During this time frame many of our coaches are conducting semi-private training sessions with various clients all over the gym. Each coach is assigned up to 4 clients to train during a one hour period and that group freely moves around the gym during that time.

As I was trying to come up with an answer to the question that was asked of me I was forced to actually try to figure out what was going on in the gym. From the outside looking in it would seem like there is no way that every client in the gym at the time could actually be receiving personalized coaching during a training session but that is exactly what was happening. Every client (somewhere between 25-30) was receiving personalized instruction from their coach supplemented with the assistance of every other coach in the facility.

The club was as busy as it ever has been and watching everyone's performance was like seeing a hive of bees. Every person was either directing or being directed all while the queen bee (Laurie) maintained control at the front. And just like a bee's honey the outcome was saweeeet!

Where Do You 'Fit' In

2011-05-15T18:22:00.000-04:00

…By Anthony

Most of the clients that we train at North Point Fitness have some sort of weight or body composition related goal. It is very common as we more often than not equate how much we weigh or how we look with how healthy or “fit” we are. Unfortunately, society has determined for many of us what “fit” is supposed to look like.

I agree for the most part that if it looks like a duck then it is pretty much a duck but there are many exceptions to this rule. I believe that “fit” should most definitely be defined by each individual person as what may look or feel “fit” to one person may not work for another. If we use a general measure like the BMI (Body Mass Index) it can be useful in many regards but fall short in quite a few as well.

Being a football fan I cannot help but use offensive and defensive lineman as a perfect example of exceptions to the ‘this is what fit looks like’ rule. If we saw someone on the street who was 6’5” tall and over 300 pounds we would probably think that they were out of shape or unfit. The men that play along the offensive and defensive lines are easily averaging 6’3”-6’6” with weights well over 300 pounds. They are some of the most athletic people on the planet with high levels of endurance. I wouldn’t call them unfit especially not to their face. The following chart is a great example of how NFL linemen have changed over the years with their numbers ever increasing.

We should all use some basic measure to determine how “fit” we are but it should only be your baseline. Define for yourself what level of being “fit” is best for you and shoot to maintain it for the rest of your life. After all, even with all of the advancements in medicine to date, you still only get one you.

The People Have Spoken

2011-05-08T21:35:00.000-04:00

...By Anthony

For those who do not already know, longevity in the personal training business is very referral based. The more positive your image is in the minds of your clients the more likely they are to share that sentiment with friends, family, co-workers and others in their immediate sphere of influence. We at North Point Fitness decided to find out exactly what our client base thought of the services that we provide.

We not only asked them whether or not they would refer our services to their friends and family but we dug a little deeper and asked why they would do so. Here is a sampling of their responses...

"Professional, pleasant personalities are abundant at North Point Fitness with both the staff and the clientele. I look forward to my workouts and the time I spend there. I have and will continue to recommend North Point Fitness to all my friends"

"it's simple. you know my name. and you provide the ongoing encouragement i need to keep coming. and that's the key to my success."

"The workouts are new and interesting each week. I enjoy the personalities of the trainers and other members. I get results. I get excited about all of that so I can't help but tell people."

"The relationship between the instructors and clients cannot be found anywhere else. Not only do you get to know your personal instructor but you also start meeting all of the instructors. It's really encouraging to go into the gym and feel confident with what you are learning and feel like you can ask anyone around if you are having trouble."

"Every single person is invested in your improvement. Everyone makes sure you feel welcome and makes a point to know your name."

"Because you treat your clients like family. You are honestly invested in their success and outcome."

"The results that I have been able to realize as well as my wife have confirmed to us that going to NPF is not only the best decision but the right decision for us. The staff is extremely professional. They truly care about you and helping you meet your personal goals. I have been going for over 3 and 1/2 years and have developed great relationships with the entire staff. They treat everyone like family."

"Because North Point feels like family to me......the environment, support, encouragement and caring is so obvious, genuine and heartfelt. I've never had that feeling at any other gym I've ever belonged to."

"I'm always so inspired by everyone and continue to be amazed at how much passion fills the room and how much effort goes into making everyone feel so successful in their own personal fitness journey."

"It's truly a unique experience and I feel very fortunate to have found this "family"

"Personalized training, friendly and helpful staff, genuine concern and dedication to assisting each person to reach their goals. You guys are the best."

"Your workouts are fun and always different. I can see results. The staff is very helpful and always so supportive."

"Results are amazing, the entire staff cares about you and helps you reach your goals. The workouts are fun, challenging and always changing. I love being a part of the NPPT family!"

"Perfect combination of a friendly/family type of atmosphere mixed with professionalism and dedication to health and fitness."

"Staff is outstanding. Programs are challenging. NPPT is a community focused on helping its members attain optimum health and fitness."

"I enjoy working out there. The focus on fitness and working out with the proper form comes first. The workouts are fun (training and afterburn both) and they are never the same from day to day. The people that work and work out at NP are amazing."

"Best workouts I've ever done. Fun. Trainers are caring and fun. Safe and effective workouts. Most knowledgable people in the industry that I've met. Focus on injury prevention. Bottom line is that I trust you all."

"You guys totally rock! You take each person and work on meeting individual goals. Your team is a family, and always support the members!"

Not only do we believe in what we do, but our clients greatly appreciate how we do it. Our successes will always be determined your successes.

Foam Roller Series- Banjo Hamstrings and Tacky Calves

2011-05-02T19:25:00.001-04:00

The Mrs is back with a little work on the back of the legs. This time we are looking at how to work on the hamstrings and the calves. Believe me when I say it's all connected, so you need to work the entire backside of those gams.

Make sure to work a little cross-friction at the top of the hamstring near the glutes. I actually heard this area referred to as the "bu-thigh area" on a cheesy infomercial. I suppose that's where the butt meets the thigh. Anyhoo, it's an important spot and needs some attention.

Spend some extra time on the lower part of your calves (soleus). This can do wonders for everything from ankle mobility to plantar faciitis.

Remember, unless the tissue is healthy, you can stretch all you want and you aren't going to make a difference. Work out the knots and adhesion's and now you're fixing stuff.

Get Rollin

Keep It Simple

2011-05-01T21:32:00.000-04:00

…By Anthony

I recently had a client come to me and very happily exclaim that she had lost 5 pounds since she began running. Her normal routine has been to train with me once a week and workout on her own 1-2 times per week. She had hit a plateau with her weight loss and decided to add running to her program. To HER surprise, her weight loss was jump started.

I was of course very happy for her but she was under the distinct impression that running is what made her lose the weight. Without totally killing her high I let her know otherwise. The equation is simple and goes like this:

Eat Less + Move More = Weight Loss

She simply maintained her eating habits but when she added more activity to her lifestyle she began burning more calories resulting in weight loss. She could have added high intensity hop-scotch and she would have begun to lose weight in her situation. It is not necessarily a specific activity that helps you lose weight, it is making sure that there is consistent activity taking place. Even though its practice may be very difficult at times, the theory of how to lose weight is relatively simple.

“We all know what we need to do to live healthier, fuller lives. We just need to decide that today is the day to start.”

You Don't Know Squat

2011-04-24T20:49:00.000-04:00

...By Anthony

The world of fitness changes every day. Sometimes the change takes the form of a new piece of equipment or even a new and often times safer way of performing an exercise. At the same time, many of the foundation exercises that you perform in many of your workouts are those that you've learned many moons ago.

The squat is an exercises that never gets old but we 'teach' it every day. From the time that we can stand on two feet we blessed with the ability to squat with our butts almost to the floor.

Even more incredible is that fact that we can stay in that position for quite some time simply playing with toys or anything else we find interesting on the floor until we are no longer interested in it. I've actually tried squatting that low and stayed there as long as I could stand it. I have to say that on the way up I began wondering if my knees would be back in working order by the time I was fully standing again.

No need for everyone to all of a sudden try to squat down to the floor but being able to at least squat down to where you quads are parallel with the floor (90 degrees) is a great way to tell if you are working with a healthy range of motion.

Here is an example of good squat form

For many of us, if you squat down to where your butt is close to the ground you might as well park it there and figure out something to do while you are down there.

Foam Roller Series- IT Band Bliss

2011-04-19T18:42:00.001-04:00

What up rollers?

This week I reveal a big secret and show you guys how to take care of those IT bands. If you are a runner, you have more than likely had issues with this area. Lateral (outside) knee pain? You gotta loosen up those thick sheaths of tissue along the outside of your legs!

Give me 2 x 60 seconds on each side every day this week and you'll be a new animal in no time.

Oops, almost forgot- Ya lublu tebya my little Nikita!

Get rollin!

TMI

2011-04-11T20:47:00.001-04:00

...By Anthony

The human body is meant to move in only so many ways but the fitness industry has been introduced to so many tricks gadgets that trying to complete an effective exercise structure program has become a daunting task for many. In general, we pull things, push thing, bend at the knees and bend at the hips. A simple exercise structure can be designed as follows:

• Pulling (Rowing or Pull-ups)

• Pushing (Bench Press or Push-ups)

• Bend at the Knee (Lunging)

• Bend at the hip (Deadlift)

If you maintain this basic exercise structure while adding in safe core exercises each time you train, you will get an effective full body workout.

We as trainers have come to suffer from the gift and the curse of having too much information. We know so many ways to get an effective workout that if we do not have a plan for what we want to get done in our workout we end up wandering around the gym trying to throw something together.

That is when our minds start to wander and we end up doing some interesting looking exercises just because we can. This ultimately is a waste time and turns out to not be very effective at all. Having a plan of action will always be your best bet which is why even trainers need a trainer.

Foam Roller Series- Sticky Buns

2011-04-11T16:32:00.000-04:00

Today we look at how to unglue those sticky buns. This mobility exercise will do wonders for your piriformis and medial glutes. You may get the pirate eye when you first work on this area, but this will soon become one of your favorite foam roller movements.

and no, it won't roll the chub off of those buns. So sorry "diane0167"

Get rollin!

Knowledge Bombs from Last Week

2011-04-08T16:08:00.000-04:00

Whew! Last week was a whirlwind of activity and learning.

It started on Wednesday when we hosted a Program Design Seminar. We had ten folks from five states come to learn how we write programs for clients. It's so good to see these bright coaches/club owners investing in their craft! If you travel to these areas, make sure to train with these guys. They know what their doing! :)

Jacksonville FL- Atlantic Beach Performance
Greer SC- Greer Athletic Club
Birmingham AL- Drake Fitness
Forest City NC- Lifestyle Wellness and Spa

Thursday I attended day one of the NFBA 3 day business summit. My mentor, Thomas Plummer, was hosting around 40 fitness business owners. As usual, Thom delivered big and gave us all a little kick in the pants and some invaluable tools for our business tool boxes. I have seen Thom present nearly 10 times in the last few years and he never disappoints.

Friday morning I joined our peeps over at Fleet Feet Johns Creek for a seminar with New Balance. Olympic runner and founder of Good Form Running, Grant Robison presented some simple and effective techniques for efficient running and more importantly, injury prevention. Grant ran on arguably the most talented track team ever assembled at Stanford. While training in college, in the Olympics and professionally, Grant was afflicted with the same nagging injuries that we see with our recreational runners. Through trial and error, Grant devised a simple yet effective running technique. Check out his site in the link above for details.

The most eye opening part of Grants presentation was the running form video analysis. We simply ran one pass with our shoes on and then one pass with them off. Wow! Barefoot running is really self-correcting/limiting. Everyone's running form improved drastically when we kicked of our shoes. Now before you go all Born to Run on me, Grant did explain that we should train a little without shoes, but that we need shoes to protect our feet from the concrete jungle that we live in. BTW- you guys know I highly recommend no shoes or minimalist footwear in the gym (watch this video), but I have to laugh when I see people running a 10k on the street in their Five Fingers. Really?

Friday afternoon we hosted kettlebell guru, Brett Jones, and Delaine Ross from Condition kettlebell gym. Brett is one of the best KB instructors in the world and we were lucky to be able to get him over to NPF for a few hours. He gave us some fantastic tools for training and teaching kettlebells. It's always an eye opener to learn from someone with so much knowledge. Though we were doing pretty good with our training/teaching, Brett showed us that there is always room for improvement (sometimes vast!)

Brett giving me some arm bar tips

Saturday morning came quickly and I was back to the Westin and the NFBA seminar. I was fortunate enough to be asked to speak and I was slotted in as the last speaker of the weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing some stories from my 20 + years in the business and hopefully the attendees learned a thing or two.

All in all, it was a pretty awesome week!

RM

Foam Roller Series- Take Care of Those Nasty Shoulders!

2011-04-05T05:57:00.001-04:00

by Rick

OK happy rollers, let's take a look at how to keep your shoulders unrestricted and pain free. Getting the roller into this area can be a little painful so expect to get a little of the "stink eye" at first. There is a massive convergence of tissue in this spot and things can get pretty jammed up.

If you find any hot spots, don't forget to work a little cross friction. Excuse my bedroom voice (we're actually in the bonus room)

Get rollin!

Client Negotiator

2011-04-03T19:35:00.002-04:00

...By Anthony

Most people know that our job is one that is very much goal driven. The setting and accomplishment of individual health and fitness goals continuously validates what we do. From time to time though, we are forced out of our role as Trainers/Coaches and into the role of Client Negotiator.

In an effort to reach any goal clients may take steps forward as well as backward during this process. The backward steps usually cause the most alarm, surprise and disappointment. Clients begin getting worried that what they are doing is not working or that it has worked in the past and no longer does so. That is where we have to step in and basically “talk them down from the ledge.”

The solution can be as easily as refocusing your efforts and/or realigning your goals after having fallen a little off track. Simply journaling your daily consumption can get you back to where you are more aware of how important choices and food quantities are.

We’ve become pretty good at getting clients down from the ledge, even the Trainers/Coaches with little or no compassion. As long as you don’t jump thinking that you can fly we can get your mind right and back in the game.

The Dash

2011-03-29T07:52:00.000-04:00

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matter not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
With your life's actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how your spent your dash?

Linda Ellis

How to Foam Roller Series- T-Spine

2011-03-27T18:59:00.002-04:00

By Rick....

OK guys. I'm finally getting off of my butt and filming some "how to" videos for the foam roller. I'll be covering the rest of the movements over the next few weeks. I decided to enlist the help of Andrea so that you guys will get a welcomed distraction from my ugly mug.

First up- the thoracic spine, arguably the most important of the foam roller movements. As I have written about over 1 gazillion times, we all sit a bit too much and need to work on mobilizing into the opposite position of sitting.

I would like to see you guys work on this daily! It only takes a few minutes, but man can it make a difference.

Get to rolling!

Cheers

2011-03-20T18:28:00.000-04:00

...By Anthony

At North Point Fitness we pride ourselves on staying abreast of the latest research in the fitness industry. This allows us to be able to provide the safest, most effective training programs possible for our clientele at all times.

At the same time, this is not what sets us apart from the other fitness businesses in our area and quite possibly the country. We’ve worked very hard to establish ourselves as the Cheers of fitness industry. We make a point of not only learning but also using the first names of all of our clients any time we get the chance. Our commitment to getting to know each and every person who walks through our doors has inevitably rubbed off on our clients as well. Some clients have known each other before joining the gym but many have become friends through shared workout times, classes, or the camaraderie developed via tough training sessions.

We also make it a point to let each client know that they are actually getting trained by EVERY coach in the gym each time they come in and not just the coach they are scheduled to train with that day. If an exercise they are performing does not look safe or correct any of our coaches will step in to make sure that corrections are made and injuries are avoided.

Our way of doing things can be a very eye opening experience for many but once you come through that door even for the first time, you are now part of our dysfunctional fitness family.

The Early Bird Saves the World

2011-03-13T09:54:00.000-04:00

...By Anthony

One recent Sunday I just happened to sleep in until just after 5:00a. I know, it sounds crazy but when you routinely get up at 3:30a or 4:00a then 5:00a is about all my body will allow me to get. I turned on the television to pass some time since the rest of the family was sound asleep. While trying to find something to watch I noticed that many of the channels were showing some kind of product or service that you just couldn’t live without so I decided to count them.

I found that most of the world’s problems could be solved between 5:00a and 6:00a on any Sunday morning. I was able to break down the products/services into the following categories:

• Male Enhancement
• Home Cleaning Equipment (x3)
• Nutritional Pyramid Scheme
• Anti-Aging Products (x3)
• Health & Fitness Products (x12)
• Back Pain Cure
• Increased Cash Flow (x3)
• Kitchen Products (x4)
• Child Learning Tools (x2)
• Get more/better sleep
• Personal Emergency Response System
• Buy & Sell Real Estate (x2)
• Putt Better
• Cut Home Heating Bills
• Relieve Joint Pain
• Remove Body Hair
• Quit Smoking
• Debt Cure
• Reduce/Eliminate Anxiety

The most striking number from the list to me was that there were 12 different Health & Fitness products being peddled that early on a Sunday morning. From a marketing standpoint I am assuming that they were going after the out of shape/overweight insomniac market. I guess I know where I will be marketing that matrix-like one pill perfect body solution I am working on!

Ever Tried Swinging??

2011-03-10T06:57:00.007-05:00

Hi honey, I'd like you to meet our new neighbors......

No not Swinging, I mean literally swinging, as in from the ceiling. This is one of those exercises that looks more like play than work, which is exactly what makes it so effective with our clients. Every time we demonstrate these we get a big smile and a "really?" reaction. Surely, if looks like fun, it can't be effective.

Oh contrare, my little Tarzan want-to-be's, these are tougher than they look!

Execution- Start with the straps at the top of the ears. Place an obstacle (taller and wider = harder) under the TRX, rings, etc. Jump slightly and lock the arms to the chest. Your momentum will carry you over to the other side of your obstacle. Simply reverse the process to get back. Over and back counts as 1 rep. We shoot for sets of 8-12. To make it harder, add a weighted vest.

If you should find the need to quantify this move, chalk it up as a vertical pulling motion (pull-up) and a little core from the leg raise.

So go ahead and throw your watch in the bowl and give these a try!

The Gift & The Curse

2011-03-06T09:49:00.000-05:00

...By Anthony

For the most part, receiving a gift from someone for whatever the occasion may be is a very good thing. But when it comes to giving the gift of fitness there is a stigma attached to it that forces people to steer clear of the subject.

So many people feel uncomfortable giving a fitness related gift because they are not sure how it will be received. Thus, they opt to not give a gift related in any way to fitness. On the other hand, I am sure that if I polled 100 people they would all agree that they would want to live a healthy lifestyle. I would also bet that a large percentage of the same people would not want to receive a gift certificate to a health club.

Unfortunately, for so many people fitness is such a sensitive subject that constructive criticism is not taken very well. They would more often than not feel offended that someone may be suggesting that they are out of shape or do not look good if they are given such a gift certificate.

I am of the opinion that if something is wrong I would want to know about it even if it means that I am not perfect. For me, receiving a fitness gift certificate would mean that the person on the giving end really cares about how healthy I am, enough so that they chose to spend their hard earned money on a way to get me started.

I know I may be reaching if I am hoping to live in a world where the gift of fitness can be looked at as favorably as a gift of wine. But hey, I guy can dream.

These Shoes Were Made for Lifting and that just what they'll do....

2011-03-03T08:41:00.001-05:00

I'll bet you don't give much thought to the shoes you wear to the gym. Most folks don't. While it's certainly not THE most important aspect of your fitness program, I'd like to make a few points about your footwear.

First, when you are lifting, you want to wear a shoe that has a relatively low heel. The lower heel height will allow you to keep your feet firmly "rooted" to the floor. When we coach dead lifts, kettlebell swings and other hip dominant movements, we cue folks to press through the heels. This helps to keep the hips (butt) as the main mover and the lower back in an optimal position. This is nearly impossible in a shoe that looks more like a high heel than an athletic shoe.

Wearing a shoe that has too much cushioning will provide instability. We used to think that training on unstable surfaces was ideal, but we have long since proved that theory to be incorrect. Wearing cushioned shoes or those goofy butt toning shoes only serves to make you unstable and thus you won't be able to lift as much weight (produce results). And no, it does not "tone" your core to stand on a wobble board or Bosu ball!

Actually, the best shoes for lifting would be no shoes at all. The only problem with bare footing is that most gyms do not allow it. It's probably for the best- I really don't want to look at gnarly, hairy toes all day. So, what to do?

Well, you could go with the Vibram Five Fingers. While these have developed a cult like following (I bought the first ever model a few years ago), there may be evidence to support wearing these increases the likelihood that you are still a virgin and play Dungeons and Dragons in your mom's basement. They are that goofy looking.

A better option- my peeps over a Fleet Feet Johns Creek recently hooked me up with a sweet new pair of the New Balance Minimus. I think these guys are a great mix of form and function. I get the barefoot feel and I get to keep my man card.

Check em out

G. T. L.

2011-02-27T17:07:00.001-05:00

...By Anthony

Even though I am originally from New Jersey, I am not referring to the how the cast of Jersey Shore spend their days. I live in the Metro Atlanta area where GTL does not mean Gym, Tan & Laundry but instead Golf & Tennis Leagues. This post is meant to inform those who may have lived here for a while as well as any newcomers to the area of a few of their available options for golf and tennis. If I have left anything out it is only because I was in a hurry to get back out onto the golf course myself.

Golf Leagues

Atlanta Golf League
• Now, golfers of any age, sex, or ability can play golf in an affordable, competitive and flexible format! To ensure that all matches are competitive and played between members of similar ability AGL will have a rating system. The rating system is AGL's way of making sure you are in the proper flight.

Golf Channel Amateur Tour
• Golf Channel Amateur Tour is the preeminent amateur golf tour in the world. The mission of the Tour is to provide the most professional Tour and tournament experience to players of all ages and abilities, while providing customer service and hospitality comparable to that of the PGA TOUR.

Senior Golfers Association of Atlanta
• Dedicated to Good Golf and Fine Fellowship

Tennis Leagues

USTA
• A non-profit organization founded in 1980, the mission of the Atlanta Community Tennis Association is to promote the development of USTA programs and tennis within the metropolitan Atlanta area, to establish and maintain rules of fair play and high standards of sportsmanship, to organize and oversee local tennis league play, and to represent Atlanta as a community tennis association and as a member organization of the USTA.

ALTA
• The Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA) is a non-profit organization devoted to the development of tennis for recreation and physical fitness and is pledged to maintain the rules of play and high standard of sportsmanship. The primary function of ALTA is scheduling league play for adult teams and junior teams in the five-county metro area.

T2 Tennis
• T2Tennis is America’s premier flexible tennis league for women, men, and juniors. It's designed to meet the needs of today’s player's busy lifestyle.
T2Tennis combines structured organized league play and flexible scheduling to provide a convenient, fun tennis experience.

Ultimate Tennis
• Founded in 1990, Ultimate Tennis is the original flex league. Ultimate Tennis provides singles, doubles and mixed doubles league play for men and women ages 20 and up. The league features up to 13 skill levels and the most accurate rating system in the industry.

Peach Tennis
• We provide adult players in the Atlanta area an easy way to play competitive, fun matches at their skill level, in their part of town, and at their convenience with just one e-mail per week. Our goal is to create a friendly atmosphere while making the league as convenient and enjoyable as possible.

With the number of options I have given to you I am sure you can find a league that will fit your golf or tennis needs. I am off to practice for my first season in the Atlanta Golf League. So good luck, play hard and most importantly, stay injury free!

Shirtless Trainer?

2011-02-20T16:20:00.000-05:00

...By Anthony

Many times after I leave work I have errands to run or other appointments to make. Since I am already in uniform I usually just keep it that way. But I am often saddled with having to make the decision as to whether I should keep the work shirt on, logo and all, or take it off and get things done.

I have found out by that simply having the words ‘Personal Training’ on your shirt, since that is what people seems to read first, has varying affects on people.

It is a great marketing tool for the studio
It immediately makes you an authority on all things health and fitness related
It will make people avoid you all together or explain their current actions as if they are being interrogated

Now I am all for creating more buzz and awareness for the club. Any new clients for the gym are new clients for me as well, and clients are the life-blood of what we do. So wearing my logoed shirt is more often than not the way I go.

At the same time, I have had instances where wearing the work shirt has made me a target of someone’s most pressing health or fitness questions. While shopping in a warehouse club I was stopped by a man looking for some vitamins and asked which ones are the best. The question was easily handled and off he went. On the other hand, when you get the person who wants to ask you whether or not a piece of ‘As Seen on TV’ equipment is good then things get kind of hairy. They often do not take the simple answer and run with it especially when you shoot down their hopes and dreams by telling them that their soon-to-be-purchased item is crap. I am then stuck trying to explain what works best for my clients and where the studio is located as quickly as possible so my most recent meat purchase does not go bad in the process.

On rare occasion I come across a current or former client and recognize them before they recognize me. This interaction has ended with them making a bee-line to the other side of a store or to their car or doing their best to explain to me that the cookies/cake/wine and anything else they feel is damning is not what it seems. It is quite comical and I make sure to further embarrass them by letting them know that I will take it out on them in our next training session.

Wearing my work shirt is not the worst thing in the world to have to deal with and it is even quite entertaining. As long as I do not have to start demonstrating exercises on the spot nobody gets hurt.

Monthly Minute- Hips Don't Lie

2011-02-14T16:32:00.003-05:00

Hip mobility is pretty nasty in most of our new clients. It's no wonder in our sitting centric society that we aren't very flexible. We can change that, but it's going to take a little work. Below is one of the stretches that we recommend daily (more than once, if you're on your butt all day).

This stretch will help you squat deeper and keep your hips moving normally. Remember, if your hips are moving well, your back can relax.

Learn it and do it daily. Your spine will thank you!

RM