A Moment, A Change
On July 2, 2003 a tackle during a scrimmage game at football camp would forever change Logan Seelye’s life. He lay on the ground – motionless – as coaches and medical staff ran to his aid. He felt as if his whole body was on fire. He could see his left hand out in front of him, but he couldn’t move. Immediately, Logan was rushed to a local hospital, and given a steroid shot to quickly stop the swelling taking place in his body. He was then airlifted to a medical center in Seattle, WA to have immediate surgery. Following the surgery, Logan was faced with the heart-aching news that he would never have movement, or feeling, from his chest down again.
Logan was only 16 years old.
The Picture Perfect Life
By the end of his sophomore year in high school, Logan was voted captain of his football team, named “Rookie of the Year,” was a starting varsity player, excelling in his classes, being recruited to play at D1 universities, and had an amazing girlfriend in his life. It would seem as though Logan had it all, and then the life-changing, tragic tackle took place. Logan suffered from a broken neck and spinal cord injury.
Now, fourteen years later, Logan has turned his serious injury into a platform to help inspire others to view their situations in a more positive light. He refers to his life’s philosophy and mindset, as the “10 and 90.” His “10 and 90” approach stems from a quote by author Charles Swindoll, which states, “Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.” Logan shared that “this idea and mindset is about attitude, belief, commitment, discipline, grit, perseverance, positivity and choosing to not let life dictate who you are as a person.”
Making Progress
In 2009, after years of physical therapy, Logan joined LA Fitness. By then he had graduated college and was finally able to drive a car again. Initially, he was unable to hold as little as 5-pound dumbbells. It took him some time to learn how to figure out how to get himself onto certain machines, and once on the machine, how to perform the exercise. Eight years later and Logan still continues to train on a consistent basis at LA Fitness. His determination is unfailing as he pushes on, unable to give up.
“What is important, and what really matters is how you react to things. I have found that this mindset has allowed me to accomplish so much in my life, and I will continue to set goals and accomplish them with absolute positivity.”
Logan feels that working out leaves him both euphoric and energized. “It helps to set up your day for success because you can get your mind right,” he shared. His long term fitness goal is to one day be able to walk on his own again, and he vows that he will never stop fighting to get there. While Logan doesn’t have a trainer, he enjoys meeting others at the gym, some of whom are fighting their own battles, but continue to stay fit – much like Logan.
Where is he now?
Logan is now married to his junior high girlfriend, has a beautiful 5-year-old daughter, and works as a senior web designer. He is also an author and motivational speaker. His book, titled “10 and 90: The Tackle That Changed Everything,” shares a more detailed look at the events that led Logan to where he is today. Logan’s positive outlook on life helped grant him the opportunity to do a TED talk in which he shared his incredible story and refreshing outlook on life.
“Plain and simple: never give up. Approach life with an intense amount of positivity and grit, that the only option and outcome of anything you set your mind to is success. When you believe with so much of your mind, body and spirit that good things will happen, I firmly and 100% believe that they will happen. And when things undoubtedly get frustrating and challenging, just remember that it all comes back to my ‘10 and 90’ mindset: it doesn’t matter what happens that is important, what is important is how you react to it.”
Are you searching for “kickboxing near me”? Stop the search party because you’ve struck fitness gold with Kickbox Cardio classes at LA Fitness. These classes aren’t just a workout, but an experience. With classes designed to kick, punch, bob, and weave your way to...
Incorporating cardio exercises between sets, also known as ‘cardio-acceleration’, is a revolutionary way to maximize your workout efficiency. This technique involves performing short bursts of cardio exercises, usually lasting 30-60 seconds, in between your...
In today’s fast-paced world, finding balance and maintaining mental and physical health can be challenging. However, combining exercise and mindfulness offers a powerful approach to achieving holistic well-being. Let’s explore how these practices complement each...
Gym time, time to grind – do you have everything you need?
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most essential items to help you be your best when gym time calls. Check them out below!
1. Comfortable workout clothes – Having good quality gym clothes to work out in not only makes you feel better, but may also greatly impact your workout. Try light, breathable clothes if you prefer yoga, running, or dance. If you’re more in to cycling, try clothing that fits a bit more snug.
Shop LA Fitness clothing here.
2. Padlock – It is very helpful to have a strong padlock with you if you plan on leaving your items in a locker.
3. Lightweight sneakers – This can make a huge difference to your workout! Light sneakers help you feel less weighed down and therefore, may help you feel faster than a heavier shoe would make you feel.
4. Water bottle – Hydration is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Make sure to have a water bottle, so you can rehydrate and continue on your fitness journey.
Interested in this sleek LA Fitness stainless steel water bottle? Find out how it can be yours here!
5. Small workout towel/body towel –Keep a workout towel with you to help keep sweat out of your eyes and off your body. This way, you can continue to pedal, push, kick, and fight your way through your workout. If you plan on showering afterwards, don’t forget to bring a body towel with you too.
6. Facial wipes – Guys, girls, this is important for both of you! While it is a good thing for our bodies to sweat, letting the sweat sit on our faces too long can often do more damage than good. Sweat typically “carries with it the grime of what’s built up in your pores and what’s on your face.”1 If you let it settle back into your skin that can cause skin irritation and breakouts.
7. Post Workout Snack – Staying properly fueled is almost as important as staying hydrated. Make sure to carry a snack with you, in case you’re lacking the energy your body needs pre- or post-workout.
How Soon Can You Eat Pre and Post Workout
What Are The Best Foods to Eat Before & After a Workout?
Did you forget to bring a snack? Many LA Fitness clubs have a juice bar. If your local club is one of those, grab a smoothie or health juice shot to keep your body feeling its best.
8. Change of clothes & Shower Essentials – Keeping a fresh pair of clothes with you could come in handy if you feel like rinsing off in the showers after a hard workout. It wouldn’t hurt to also have a reusable canvas bag to store dirty clothes in and sandals for the shower.
9. Body spray – It never hurts to smell nice, right? A little body spray could be the perfect pick-me-up after a quick workout. Not a fan of body sprays? Opt for another kind of protection against odor, with an added benefit of sweat protection. Deodorant can help quickly freshen you up after a hard day’s workout.
10. Toiletries – If you plan on showering at the gym, keep with you a little travel-size bag of shower toiletries. Ladies, don’t forget about feminine products. You never know when the need for these products may arise. Keep some extra feminine products in your gym bag, so you’re never left in a tricky situation. Also for the ladies, hair pins and ties are a nice addition to carry in your toiletry bag. Having a few extra hair pins on hand can help keep those pesky little fly-aways out of your eyes, and off of your face, so you don’t end up with sweaty hair after your workout ends.
11. Headphones – Music can help distract from the fact you’re working out. So make sure not to forget your headphones on your next visit to the gym!
Want to make these yours? Find out how you can earn them here!
Now that you have your gym bag packed and ready to go, do you know what workout you’ll conquer today? LA Fitness offers over 20 types of Group Fitness classes, so why not mix it up and try something new? Find a full list here!
Why conquer a class alone? Refer a friend or family member through our VIP Rewards program and earn some cool prizes along the way!
Sources:
1. “The Effects Of Sweat On Your Face After A Workout.” Into The Gloss. Into The Gloss, Inc., 2015. Web. 08 May 2017.
Are you searching for “kickboxing near me”? Stop the search party because you’ve struck fitness gold with Kickbox Cardio classes at LA Fitness. These classes aren’t just a workout, but an experience. With classes designed to kick, punch, bob, and weave your way to...
Incorporating cardio exercises between sets, also known as ‘cardio-acceleration’, is a revolutionary way to maximize your workout efficiency. This technique involves performing short bursts of cardio exercises, usually lasting 30-60 seconds, in between your...
In today’s fast-paced world, finding balance and maintaining mental and physical health can be challenging. However, combining exercise and mindfulness offers a powerful approach to achieving holistic well-being. Let’s explore how these practices complement each...
Goals, Commitments, Community
Welcome to a very special edition of Commit to Fit – the Dad Edition! These incredible fathers are dedicated to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reaching their fitness goals.
Father’s Day Club Hours will remain the same.
Satish C.
Satish hopes to have a six pack by the time his daughter goes to college (3 years). You’ve got this, Satish!
Jim S.
Jim’s goals are to keep his muscles toned, cardio strong, and to stay as active as possible as he ages. We know you can do it, Jim!
Ryan C.
Ryan’s fitness goals are to live healthy and lose weight so he can be around to see his grandkids. What a sweet goal. We believe in you, Ryan!
Hartzell A.
Hartzell has been an avid runner since the 1960’s and wants to be able to keep running well into his 80s!
Tony L.
Fitness is Tony L.’s life! He wants to maintain his overall health for his family, 9 children & future grandchildren!
Joshua S.
Josh hopes to be 20 lbs. lighter by the end of summer! We believe in you. Keep up the hard work!
Kevin F.
Kevin wants to look younger & hopes to lessen his knee pain so he can enjoy riding the waves more often!
Are you searching for “kickboxing near me”? Stop the search party because you’ve struck fitness gold with Kickbox Cardio classes at LA Fitness. These classes aren’t just a workout, but an experience. With classes designed to kick, punch, bob, and weave your way to...
Incorporating cardio exercises between sets, also known as ‘cardio-acceleration’, is a revolutionary way to maximize your workout efficiency. This technique involves performing short bursts of cardio exercises, usually lasting 30-60 seconds, in between your...
In today’s fast-paced world, finding balance and maintaining mental and physical health can be challenging. However, combining exercise and mindfulness offers a powerful approach to achieving holistic well-being. Let’s explore how these practices complement each...
Baby Steps
Coming out of high school, Sylvana M. of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, didn’t quite feel like herself. She felt as if her body “had been stuffed into a tight shell and [she] just didn’t fit.” Weighing in at 156 pounds, and standing at roughly 5’6″, she wanted to feel comfortable in her own skin again. Unsure of where to begin, she started adding walks to her daily routine and watching YouTube fitness tutorials. She cut her calorie count down to 1,000/day and began running. Not before long, the weight slowly started to come off – until she plateaued.
May 2013
May 2013
A New Horizon
Sylvana realized that she wasn’t eating the right amount of calories for what her body needed, and admits that her exercise routine was at times, inconsistent. After years of trial-and-error, with varying diet and exercise routines, she came across a bodybuilding website that seemed to help. She started noticing that she was gaining muscle, but with that, came a good amount of fat due to poor dieting.
“I was [consuming] whatever I wanted, full pints of ice cream, bottles of wine, medium fries – and it was showing,” shared Sylvana. With that, the familiar feeling of not fitting into her own skin began to come back. She started feeling insecure and lethargic, and with that, decided something had to be done. In June of 2015, Sylvana walked into an LA Fitness and was determined to make a lasting change.
“I was never the ‘fit’ girl. No one ever ran to me with questions or to seek advice in the gym. But I’m getting there! I’ve lost 10 pounds since last May (2016) and my confidence has soared. Not just from how I look, but how I feel. I know what I put into my body and I know what I put into my workouts. My body is mine and I finally feel at home in it.”
Her original fitness goal was to lose fat, with the intent to become “bikini ready”. However, since first joining LA Fitness, Sylvana shared that she has gained a lot of perspective on what makes her truly happy and comfortable in her own skin. She realized that for her, it wasn’t the way she looked or a goal number on the scale, but how exercise made her feel inside. Although, she did joke that losing over 20 pounds wasn’t a horrible side effect of her newfound exercise routine.
Her goals today are a lot more strength driven. She hopes to become better at burpees, improving her sprint speed on the treadmill, while also tackling pistol squats and pull-ups. She appreciates that her newer goals are not as aesthetically centered, but instead, more focused on how she’s pushing her body into becoming stronger than ever.
Tasty Talk
Having made strong advances in her fitness routine, Sylvana understood that it was only half the battle. In order to achieve her overall goals, she was going to have to adjust her eating habits too. While diet varies from person-to-person, Sylvana noticed that what worked for her was increasing her veggie and lean protein intake, while completely cutting out dairy, and drastically decreasing her intake of junk foods and red meat. She has noticed a remarkable difference in her body’s health since she made those changes.
A Word of Advice
“My one piece of advice to others on their fitness journey, or just starting out, would be to do what you love. I tried so hard to like spin classes and 6 AM jogs when I started out because I believed those to be the best workouts. But I found it difficult to get myself out of bed knowing that’s what I had to look forward to. I’ve found that I love weightlifting and interval body-weight exercise (like push-ups and jumping squats and even burpees) and that’s what gets me excited to hit the gym! Find what works for you and work it!”
BEFORE – July 2016
AFTER – February 2017
Where Is She Now?
Sylvana continues to work out and eat healthily and credits her boyfriend for helping push her to get out of her sweatpants and into the gym. While Sylvana doesn’t have a trainer, she does appreciate the encouragement from her boyfriend, who oftentimes works out with her at the gym. (Multiple studies have shown that working out with a partner can better increase the chances of you reaching your fitness goals, read more here).
Are you searching for “kickboxing near me”? Stop the search party because you’ve struck fitness gold with Kickbox Cardio classes at LA Fitness. These classes aren’t just a workout, but an experience. With classes designed to kick, punch, bob, and weave your way to...
Incorporating cardio exercises between sets, also known as ‘cardio-acceleration’, is a revolutionary way to maximize your workout efficiency. This technique involves performing short bursts of cardio exercises, usually lasting 30-60 seconds, in between your...
In today’s fast-paced world, finding balance and maintaining mental and physical health can be challenging. However, combining exercise and mindfulness offers a powerful approach to achieving holistic well-being. Let’s explore how these practices complement each...
Do you have a fitness goal? Let us know here! To learn more about Commit to fit, click here.
These are our most recent members who have committed to their fitness goals.
Carlie B.
Carlie is training for her first fitness competition! We wish you the best of luck!
Kathleen M., Cathy R., Terri M.
Friends who workout together, stay together. Looking great ladies, keep up the hard work!
Denise A.
Denise is committed to becoming fit – and it shows when she works out with her trainer!
Are you searching for “kickboxing near me”? Stop the search party because you’ve struck fitness gold with Kickbox Cardio classes at LA Fitness. These classes aren’t just a workout, but an experience. With classes designed to kick, punch, bob, and weave your way to...
Incorporating cardio exercises between sets, also known as ‘cardio-acceleration’, is a revolutionary way to maximize your workout efficiency. This technique involves performing short bursts of cardio exercises, usually lasting 30-60 seconds, in between your...
In today’s fast-paced world, finding balance and maintaining mental and physical health can be challenging. However, combining exercise and mindfulness offers a powerful approach to achieving holistic well-being. Let’s explore how these practices complement each...