Member Spotlight | How Pilates by LAF® Changed This Woman’s Life

Member Spotlight | How Pilates by LAF® Changed This Woman’s Life

by | Aug 20, 2018 | All, Home, Member Stories | 1 comment

The idea of exercise being a chore or challenge to get done is sadly a common consensus among many, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Meet Shayla W. of Riverside, CA who wanted to be healthy but was struggling with finding the drive to maintain the healthy lifestyle she wanted to live.

You see, six years ago Shayla wanted to be healthy by her 40th birthday.

She missed that mark by well over 100 lbs.

Between 2012 and 2016, Shayla lost 80 pounds and then regained 102 lbs. She struggled with feelings of being a failure. Her doctor referred her for bariatric surgery.

At first, she was not convinced that the surgery was necessary. Instead, she buckled down and changed her eating habits and started exercising regularly.

It didn’t work.

Shayla had gastric sleeve surgery in May of 2017. While most people believe that bariatric surgery is an easy way to lose weight, that’s not necessarily the case. The surgery does help with reducing the amount of food your body wants to eat, but it’s imperative that you are consuming the correct foods.

While every person’s own nutrition needs vary, Shayla is currently consuming 5 – 6 small meals daily. She eats about every 3 hours. The mornings are typically started with a green smoothie, and she makes sure to have at least one salad a day.

Exercising also plays into a big part of the equation, especially after bariatric surgery when you can lose fat and muscle. Wanting to build her muscle, increase core strength, and correct her posture, Shayla was searching for a Pilates studio. She learned about Pilates by LAF® studios from her co-workers who had attended an introductory workout and enjoyed it.

She decided to give the introductory workout a chance herself, and she loved it! She was also impressed with the small class set up and decided to join.

“It is the highlight of my day. I leave work and go straight to the classes. It has become my stress reliever. I am so glad that LA Fitness added Pilates by LAF workouts.”

Shayla W.

Pilates by LAF® Member

Shayla’s current goal mirrors the same one of her past, and that’s staying healthy. “I firmly believe that being healthy is not one size or someone’s visual perception of what is healthy or attractive,” says Shayla.

Shayla’s Advice?

“Take pictures as you drop and tone. It will document your journey to good health.”

Shayla W.

Pilates by LAF® Client

Exercise doesn’t have to be so difficult. If you find yourself lacking the motivation to get moving, try switching up your routine until you find something you truly enjoy doing. If Pilates isn’t for you, consider participating in group fitness classes, playing in club leagues, or perhaps booking a session with a Pro Results® personal trainer to help figure out just what it is you like to do.

Get moving to get healthy! We believe in you, you just have to believe in yourself – and we can help!

Pilates by LAF is available to individuals 18 years of age or older (or at least 14 years of age and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). Paid-in-Full Pilates by LAF memberships are only available to LA Fitness members. Non-LA Fitness members must provide valid I.D. and sign a waiver of liability to use Pilates by LAF studios.  Separate membership agreement and fees required to access Pilates by LAF services. Please visit a Pilates by LAF studio for more information, including membership options and pricing.

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Stop Doubting Yourself

Stop Doubting Yourself

by | Aug 15, 2018 | All, Home, Wellness

Let’s start with the facts.

Statistically speaking, you have a greater chance of getting struck by lightning than winning the lottery. (Almost 4 times more likely, actually).

Still, chances are you’ve tried your luck at it a time or two –

So, why not take a gamble on yourself? Whether it’s fear of failure, lack of motivation, or countless other reasons that have held you back from hitting the jackpot on your life, let’s make the conscious decision to cross that bridge together today.

Unlike the lottery, when it comes to fitness and nutrition the odds are in your favor.

I’m sure some would argue this point, but here’s why it’s true:

  1. While genetics could be against you, you are ultimately in control of your fitness and nutrition habits.
  2. While unhealthy foods are more easily available, you are ultimately in control of your fitness and nutrition habits.
  3. While time may not be on your side, you are ultimately in control of your fitness and nutrition habits.
  4. When doubt screams louder than confidence, you are ultimately in control of your fitness and nutrition habits.
  5. If the lack of health knowledge has held you back, STILL you are ultimately in control of your fitness and nutrition habits.

There could be a million reasons not to start something, but if you can find one reason to begin that’s all you need.

That small step in the right direction is your way of taking control of your life and getting one step closer to winning life’s jackpot.

If someone else could win the lottery, why can’t you? If someone else could turn their health and fitness around, why can’t you?

You can do it and if you feel like you can’t, LA Fitness will help you get there. Try us out and see what you think. And if you’re already a member who is struggling to stay on track, talk to a Pro Results® certified personal trainer for what the best option would be for you.

Taking chances can be scary, but taking a chance on yourself could be the greatest gamble you ever make.

Need a little extra motivation? Check out some of the additional articles below.

  1. The Common Misconception of Getting Fit Before Joining a Gym
  2. March to LA Fitness
  3. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
  4. The Happiness Factor: How Happiness Affects Health

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AAT: Ep. 27 – Are the Weight Loss and Heart Rate Zones on Ellipticals Reliable?

AAT: Ep. 27 – Are the Weight Loss and Heart Rate Zones on Ellipticals Reliable?

by | Aug 10, 2018 | All, Ask A Trainer, Fitness, Home, Workouts

Ask A Trainer: Featured Question of the Week

LA Fitness Pro Results® Master Trainer, Stone T., and get his expert advice on whether or not heart rate training zones on fitness equipment are an accurate way to monitor your workout.

Do you have a fitness question? Ask one of our certified Pro Results® trainers here! Your question may be featured in an upcoming Ask Our Trainer video.**

15 + 7 =

**Selected submissions will be featured on the LA Fitness blog and possibly other LA Fitness digital media entities & websites. By making a submission, you hereby grant LA Fitness a non-exclusive, perpetual, worldwide, irrevocable license to use and make copies of the contents of such submission for any purpose and in any medium whatsoever, and you hereby waive and relinquish any copyright or other intellectual property right you may have in the contents of such submission and your right to pursue any claim for LA Fitness’s violation of those intellectual property rights.

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Egg in an Egg with Morels and Asparagus From Michelin-Star Chef Patrick O’Connell

Egg in an Egg with Morels and Asparagus From Michelin-Star Chef Patrick O’Connell

by | Aug 8, 2018 | All, Home, Nutrition, Recipes

Chef Patrick O’Connell. All photos courtesy of The Inn at Little Washington.

This year, The Inn at Little Washington is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Just weeks after the Inn opened in 1978, a DC restaurant reviewer wrote: ”Once in a great while there comes along a restaurant so good that you worry. You ask yourself, was everything that happened a series of fortunate flukes? Or, if it’s that good, will it crumble under the pressure of success?” Since then, the Inn and Chef Patrick have won five James Beard awards, two Michelin stars and this year became the longest tenured 5 Star and 5 Diamond restaurants in the world. For information about 40th-anniversary events, go to theinnat40.com or to make reservations, go to theinnatlittlewashington.com. 

Egg in an Egg with Morels and Asparagus

Ingredients

  • ½ bunch asparagus, cleaned and cut on a bias
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup (about 6-7 ounces) wild morel mushrooms, thoroughly cleaned and roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon diced shallots
  • 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
  • Salt and white pepper to taste
  • 7 eggs
  • 3 tablespoons crème fraîche
  • Freshly grated nutmeg to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of finely chopped chives

Method

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Drop the bias cut asparagus into the boiling water and cook, uncovered, until tender – about 45 seconds. Remove the asparagus immediately and refresh in the ice water until completely chilled. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: In a medium-sized skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped morel mushrooms and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the garlic, shallots and blanched asparagus and sauté for 1 minute more. Remove from heat, season with salt and white pepper.

Step 3: Using a sharp pairing knife, slice off the top of each egg. Pour the raw eggs into a chinois or fine mesh strainer. Save the shells, rinse carefully, and set aside.

Step 4: In the top of a double boiler or in a stainless steel bowl which will rest securely on top of a pot of simmering water, whisk together the eggs, 1 ½ tablespoons of the crème fraîche, salt, white pepper, and nutmeg

Step 5: Place the bowl over a simmering pot of water and stir the eggs with a rubber spatula until they are very lightly scrambled.

Step 6: Remove the eggs from heat. Gently fold in the sautéed morels and asparagus and chopped chives. Pour the scrambled eggs in a pastry bag and pipe into the reserved egg shells. Top each shell with a dollop of the remaining crème fraîche. Serve immediately.

Serves 6 as an appetizer and 4 as a first course.

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Member Spotlight | I Felt Like a Broken Man

Member Spotlight | I Felt Like a Broken Man

by | Aug 6, 2018 | All, Fitness, Home, Member Stories

The sun rises and a new day begins. You get up, get dressed, and take on the day’s varying tasks. Some days are good, and some days are less so, but nonetheless, the day passes. You get ready for bed, close your eyes, and the cycle continues.

Until one day – a question hits you and breaks you from the routine of your everyday life. It’s as if the ticking of a grandfather clock suddenly stops. You’re left standing in the middle of a typical day, and yet it’s like your eyes have abruptly opened. You ask yourself, where has the time gone?

Meet Michael R., of Baton Rouge, LA, who joined LA Fitness in September 2016 after suddenly realizing that he felt like a broken man. He had let himself go, ignored the problem, and procrastinated until it all amassed to a breaking point. He knew it was up to him to take action. And so, the change began.

While the beginning of any journey has its uphill climbs, Michael was lucky enough to find support and motivation through the team of staff at his local LA Fitness. He began by sharing exactly what it was that he wanted to accomplish, and the very next day he met with another associate named Kale.

Kale listened intently, took notes during their meeting, pictures, and measurements that very same day. Michael recalls Kale saying “You will never look like this again”, which helped fuel a fire in him and generate an excitement knowing that his goals were obtainable and that he had a team that was confident in him.

In exchange for Kale’s confidence and support, Michael committed to listening and doing everything in his power to do his part, even outside of the gym. This included making changes to his current diet. Michael recalls that this is when the fun began.

He was teamed up with an LA Fitness Pro Results® personal trainer, who knew exactly what Michael was wanting to accomplish. She had him engaging in a variety of weight training exercises, isolating specific muscle groups on designated days, and HIIT (high-intensity interval training) and cardio on non-weight training days.

After some time, Michael was then paired with another Pro Results® trainer who took training to the next step. Patrick V., Michael’s current trainer, made sure to have Michael focus on form, positioning, and the mental aspect of working out.

“The thing I like about Patrick is that he understands what I am wanting to accomplish and he is providing me exercises to get me there. Some mornings, I may not like his methodology, but I know he knows best and I trust him.”

Michael R.

LA Fitness Pro Results® Client

When Michael first began this journey in September 2016, he weighed in at 238 lbs. He knew he was overweight, and he felt out of shape. Cut to just a little over a year later in December 2017 –  Michael weighed in at 195 lbs. and is leaner than ever!

By working day by day, week by week, and month after month, Michael’s goal of becoming a healthier version of his old self has finally come true. There’s no turning back now. Michael has made his new healthier routine a lifestyle and he shared how overjoyed he is with the success he has achieved with LA Fitness.

“Much of [my] journey consisted of exercise and making smart food choices and the incorporation of fresh fruits, vegetables, and berries as part of my meal plan.”

Michael R.

LA Fitness Pro Results® Client

“If nothing changes, then nothing changes! Dare to get out of your comfort zone and take suggestions from trusted people who have done what you are trying to do so you can create your own success story! Now, that I have accomplished just a few goals, health and fitness wise, I feel confident sharing my experience with others.”

Michael Roberts

LA Fitness Pro Results® Client

Social Handles:

Before: September 2016

After: August 2017

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