Nothing But Sweat

Nothing But Sweat

by | Jul 3, 2017 | All, Community, Fitness, Home

Club League Basketball is not for the weak-hearted. These men come to play.

Sneakers, sweat, and no regrets – it’s a mindset, an attitude, and the thrill of competition that drives the men of LAF’s Basketball Club League to give it their all. As the refs were suiting up, the players were hard at practice as the basketball court at Irvine Michelson was quickly filling up with friends and onlookers, eager to watch the championship game.

As the scoreboard lit up and the whistle blew, the basketball was tossed high in the air, and quickly smacked down into play. The game was fast-paced and booming with intensity, layups, and 3-pointers. The first basket of the game was made by #47 Lane C. of Team C. By the end of the 1st half of play Team C led 27-23.

As the second half began, Team O (last year’s champions) knew they were up against a team who wanted the win just as badly as they did. The ball was tossed from player to player, back and forth across the court, seemingly picking up speed as the clock quickly clicked down. Both teams gave it their all, but the final score was in favor of Team C with a win of 68-57.

With a win for Team C, and last seasons’ win from Team O, who will take it next season? Keep training, guys!

Club League Member Experiences: 

Dean A. #1, of Team C, heard about club league basketball through his friend Lane. He enjoys how well-organized the league is and that the games start on time, especially with everyone’s busy schedules.

Frank Z. #5, of Team O, has been a part of the basketball clubs leagues since they first started. He enjoys how the people he plays alongside are friends of his both on and off the court.

It was Charles B.’s #4, of Team O, first season participating in club league basketball, and he said he will definitely be back next season! He had originally heard about the league while he was shooting hoops in the basketball court and a few people approached him and asked if he wanted to join their team – it’s a great way to become more social at the gym while getting a great workout!

If you’re interested in joining an LA Fitness Club League, click here for more information.

See League Schedule

Secure your spot for next season today! We offer basketball, volleyball and racquetball leagues – see you on the court!

Our Club Leagues both competitive & recreational are open to members of all skill levels who are 18+.

Recommended Reading

Member Spotlight | The Man Who Learned to Stand Again

Member Spotlight | The Man Who Learned to Stand Again

by | Jun 26, 2017 | All, Community, Fitness, Home, Member Stories

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 S.

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.”

- Logan S.

Recommended Reading

Having Trouble With Body Definition? | Q+A

Having Trouble With Body Definition? | Q+A

by | Jun 22, 2017 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Home, Nutrition

Question:

When I work out, my body feels pumped and shows definition. On my off days, my body looks flat and undefined. I want my body to show definition all the time, it’s like two different bodies. Please help.

– Joey

Answer:

Your personal experience intrigues us, Joey. We wondered how that could be. Lean and fat mass don’t make rapid shifts, leaving water fluctuations as the possible culprit. The cause of a temporary “cut” look may be the shift of water from outside the cells to inside. Potassium helps to do this, as do carbohydrates.  Big enough changes in carbohydrate consumption can affect muscle glycogen stores. Water is bound with glycogen. So when you’re in a deficit, you lose the plumpness. During a subsequent carbo boost when glycogen and water refill, your muscles may seem to perk up.

It’s not uncommon for eating habits to change on workout days, not to mention any supplements you might be taking on those days, many of which may contain diuretic components like caffeine. For the most consistent physique, I’d recommend a very routine diet with stable sodium intake and to only increase fluids on workout days.

– Debbie J., MS, RD

This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

LA Fitness Living Healthy subscribe button

Want more? SUBSCRIBE to receive the latest Living Healthy articles right in your inbox!

Ask our Dietitian

Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!

Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!

8 + 1 =

Recommended Reading

How Laughter Improves Your Health

How Laughter Improves Your Health

Laughter can encourage blood flow, heighten your immunity, increase your intellectual performance, and even improve your quality of sleep.

When Cutting Carbs Becomes Extreme | Q+A

When Cutting Carbs Becomes Extreme | Q+A

by | Jun 20, 2017 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Home, Nutrition

Question:

I have a question regarding cutting carbs. I have attempted to drastically cut carbs and as a result, went through a rough period just not feeling well. I suspect it’s because I went too extreme.  What is the proper way to cut carbs and what is the best way to reduce body fat?

– Gary K.

Answer:

It’s important to maintain your calories when you omit a large portion of your normal diet! Replacing the missing items with equivalent energy from protein and fat sources is key. Often a shift from starches such as bread, pasta and potatoes also means you’re also missing what normally goes on them – butter, jelly, oil, marinara sauce, sour cream, etc.

If you take away 2-3 slices of pizza, for example, and replace it with a couple of roasted chicken breasts, you’re losing hundreds of calories. You could obtain the equivalent calories without the carbs by having the chicken (light and dark meat) with cream sauce or mushroom gravy.

Your brain and nervous system prefer blood sugar as their source of energy. Be sure to consume at least the recommended minimum of carbohydrates to fuel your body properly. The United States Institute of Medicine recommends 130 grams of carbohydrates per day for adults, which is reflected in the 2015 U.S. Dietary Guidelines. (That equates to only 520 calories, typically less than 25% of actual energy consumed.)

– Debbie J., MS, RD

This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

LA Fitness Living Healthy subscribe button

Want more? SUBSCRIBE to receive the latest Living Healthy articles right in your inbox!

Ask our Dietitian

Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!

Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!

13 + 7 =

Recommended Reading - Q+A

Gym Bag Essentials for Men and Women

Gym Bag Essentials for Men and Women

by | Jun 16, 2017 | All, Fitness, Home

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.

Recommended Reading