Thursday, May 27, 2010

Staying Healthy on the Go: Activity

Everyone is busy. Whether you're traveling for work, managing a household, balancing children's schedules or a combination of all three, people of all ages struggle with finding time to workout. However busy your schedule may be, it's crucial to find the time to take care of yourself both physically and mentally.

Exercise is synonymous with healthy living, and unfortunately, usually the first to be cut on the priority list. It is vital to incorporate at least 30 minutes of activity into your schedule each day.

If you can't find time to make it to the gym, use these tips around your home or office:

Park in a distant parking spot wherever you go and briskly walk to the entrance. This will get your heart rate up each time you walk to your car.

Take stairs instead of using the elevator or escalator.

Keep frequently used supplies in a drawer or on a high shelf so you have to stand up or get out of your chair each time you need something.

At the office, try visiting a coworker's desk when you need something, instead of relying on email or the phone.

Do ten jumping jacks or lunges throughout the day while you're waiting on something - the dishwasher, the copy machine or the fax machine.

Whether you're sitting at your desk composing an email or on the couch watching television, clench your stomach muscles and release. Repeat eight to ten times in succession throughout the day.

Opt to do active chores around the house, like vacuuming, cleaning windows, gardening or walking the dog.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Superfoods Defined

We hear about superfoods constantly and it seems every few months, magazines and health professionals are declaring the latest and greatest "it" health foods. But, what are superfoods and how can you make them work best for you (without spending hundreds of dollars and modifying your diet every other month)?

While there is no formal definition for superfoods, they can best be described as foods packed with the most significant nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Typically, if one food is deemed the "it" food of the season, foods in the same category share similar nutrient properties. Consider switching out different superstar foods to beat the monotony and prevent burnout.

An example of this: wild salmon. For several years, salmon has become a healthy, go-to option for "superfoodies" everywhere. Did you know that other fish share comparable levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids? Next time you're in the seafood section, try wild versions of mackerel, herring, albacore tuna or halibut.

Some other superfood alternatives include:

Almonds: all-natural almond butter, peanuts, walnuts or all-natural peanut butter

Blueberries: blackberries, prunes, raisins, strawberries or plums

Green Tea: white tea, black tea, oolong tea, plain coffee or espresso

Remember to pay attention to portions and buy seasonally to save money!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

DAC Success Story: The Haynes

Photo Courtesy: Lesley Young/Special to The Commercial Appeal

The Commercial Appeal recently profiled Brandi and Stephen Haynes, a couple who joined DAC in 2009 to lose weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Working with trainers Deb Speer and Gene Perepichay, Brandi has lost more than 110 pounds and Stephen dropped more than 90 pounds!

To read the Haynes full story and see before and after photos, click here.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

DAC Announces Southaven's 2010 Biggest Losers

Recently, DAC announced the 2010 winners of DAC's Biggest Loser in Southaven. For the fifth annual competition, DAC named an overall male, female and senior winner, which were all determined by the highest percentage of body fat lost over the course of three months.

Jody and David

David Shelley, who worked with trainer Jody Merrill, was declared the male winner by losing 52 lbs.


Susan

Susan Brackett was named the female winner by dropping 30 lbs.


David

David Hanson was named DAC's first senior winner by losing 30 lbs.

All winners were awarded $250 and a one-year DAC membership.

In the five-year history of DAC's Biggest Loser, DAC and DAC Fitness trainers have helped guide hundreds of participants to lose thousands of pounds. To see the winners from DAC Fitness Collierville, click here.

DAC Fitness Names Collierville's 2010 Biggest Losers

The 2010 DAC's Biggest Loser winners with their trainers in Collierville.

DAC Fitness in Collierville announced the winners of its fifth annual DAC's Biggest Loser competition, which is loosely based on the popular NBC program by the same name. This year, DAC Fitness named an overall male, female and senior winner, which were all determined by the highest percentage of body fat lost over the course of three months.

Shelly and Gray

Gray Carter, who worked with trainer Shelly Orman, was declared the male winner by losing 26 lbs.

Heather and Thelma

Thelma Laster, who was paired with trainer Heather Nichols, was named the female winner by dropping 25 lbs.

Gabriella and Mary

Mary Fryman, who worked with Gabriella Arellano, was named DAC Fitness' first senior winner by losing 28 lbs.

All winners were awarded $250 and a one-year DAC membership.


In the five-year history of DAC's Biggest Loser, DAC and DAC Fitness trainers have helped guide hundreds of participants to lose thousands of pounds. Congrats to Thelma, Mary, Gray and all the participants!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

DAC's Beach Body Bingo

Remember our three part swimsuit strategy series that outlined your plan, diet and activity level? If not, be sure to read parts one, two and three!

After you do, visit any one of the three DAC or DAC Fitness locations to participate in DAC's Beach Body Bingo event. To help prepare everyone for swimsuit season, all three fitness facilities have opened Les Mills
(TM) group fitness classes to the public now through May 29.

Heather Nichols leads an upbeat Les Mills class

Participants dance their way through the routine

Club guests can participate in any of the Les Mills classes offered, including BODYATTACK(TM), BODYCOMBAT(TM), BODYFLOW(TM), BODYJAM(TM), BODYPUMP(TM), BODYSTEP(TM), and BODYVIVE(TM).

For more information, contact the facility nearest you:

DAC Southaven
3146 Goodman Road, Southaven
662-349-0403

DAC Fitness Collierville
440 W. Powell Road, Collierville
901-861-2110

DAC Fitness Laurelwood
(Laurelwood Shopping Center)
426 S. Grove Park Road, Memphis
901-767-8437