Member Spotlight | When Enough Is Enough

Member Spotlight | When Enough Is Enough

by | Jun 11, 2018 | All, Home, Member Stories

August 2016

Barrie, Ontario, Canada – Meet Debbie E., a member who was quite unhealthy for the longest time. You may ask yourself, what makes a 49-year-old woman suddenly change her relationship with health and fitness? Was it someone else’s idea? Was it something that happened? Why the change? Why now? Well, much like the beginning of a grand novel in which our protagonist is unaware of life-changing self-discovery laying ahead, it started off as a day like any other… Our story starts in September 2016, when Debbie went to watch a group of friends participate in the Toronto Tough Mudder. Simply walking the spectator course nearly did her in! Eventually, the course was completed and the group of them were able to sit together and celebrate – and that is when it hit her. As if the world around her suddenly stopped, Debbie looked up and in a moment of craziness or clarity, Debbie announced that she wanted to complete the Tough Mudder the very next year.

Silence.

The teamed looked around in disbelief; shock across their faces, before shouting a resounding “Game on!” And so the story begins.

Game On

Debbie describes herself as having always been a strong-willed person, focused and determined with an all or nothing attitude. However, she never seemed to apply that attitude directly to herself. After a few false fitness starts later, a friend asked Debbie if she would like to join a gym with her. Me, in a gym…Ha!, she thought. But, with the goal of completing the Tough Mudder still gnawing at her, Debbie decided to make the move and join. She realized she really had nothing to lose except weight and bad habits. The physical and emotional efforts of years of unhealthy living were finally getting to her.

A Nervous Heartbeat, A Chance Taken

Walking through the doors of the gym was one of the most intimidating things Debbie admits she’s ever done. Yet she knew it was the beginning of challenging herself, and the start of a whole new way of life. Consistency became her new best friend. She set small goals along the way which helped her tremendously. At one point, Debbie began identifying one thing every day that was a marker of a positive change, whether that was climbing a flight of stairs without stopping, doing one more rep at the gym, walking someplace instead of driving, or choosing veggies over chips.

Trainer Talk

In an effort to continue along the path of success, Debbie started working with a trainer who walked her through workouts step by step, answered any questions she had, and provided tips and strategies that helped hold her accountable.

They say change doesn’t happen overnight. Learning new things and letting go of old habits can be scary, but it can also be exciting and empowering. Being patient can be frustrating, however patience is essential if the journey is to be enjoyed.

Debbie E.

LA Fitness Pro Results® Client

Like every heroine in their journey to success, there were times when Debbie felt like giving up. She recalls days of sitting in the parking lot thinking of all the reasons why she could or should leave. There were days she really wanted to give in, but with the steadfast support of those around her, she pushed through. Through those trying times, finding guidance from the right sources was essential. She notes that “There have been many who have come along with me and pushed me. It was and continues to be helpful to find like-minded people who have been there and are continuing to work at it.”

Debbie E. and Pro Results® trainer Ian W. 

Debbie’s Typical Workout Routine Cardio – Treadmill or Stairs – 45 -60 minutes /day Weights Workout /Machines – 45 – 60 minutes /day- Push / Pull/HIIT-Core rotation.

My trainer has taught me that the basis of a successful training program relies mainly on resistance training with compound exercises, supplemented with core and accessory work as well as cardiovascular training. Form is priority number one, with intensity being a close second. We continually switch up the program and focus on constant progression, but allow patience when it comes to managing injury or illness and when life gets in the way.

My fundamental workout goal remains to get to the gym every day. I stay the course, enjoy the process, push past challenges and celebrate the successes.

My final words to those who are just beginning their journey are that you should never be afraid to try new things and don’t ever think it’s too late! I have achieved more than I ever would have dreamed possible, and I have a whole new lease on life because I dared to take that first step.

Be brave and make a change.

The Moment of Truth On August 20th, 2017, 8 months after joining LA Fitness, Debbie completed the Tough Mudder Toronto course with the support of an amazing team and trainer. She climbed, ran, pushed, pulled, fell, rolled, swung, carried and swam through 10 miles of mud and obstacles. Debbie describes the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment as being unparalleled to anything she had ever felt before. For Debbie, the overall experience has been transforming. She’s noticed that as she sheds the pounds, she feels stronger and more capable physically, mentally and emotionally. She’s also been better able to manage the juggling act of work and home. The changes have brought her a newfound sense of confidence and she knows she has added quality years to her life.

…But The Story’s Not Over

Debbie wants more of what a healthy life brings and to ensure this, her work continues! She continues to train a few times a week with her Pro Results® trainer, Ian W., and maintains the structure and routine that has led to her success. She’s also begun trying new things like Zumba® group fitness classes, and she waterskied for the first time in 30 years this past summer. In September 2017, Debbie made it to the top of a mountain that had previously done her in (she had only made it ¼ of the way before) 3 years ago, and she enjoys clothes shopping more than ever!

Future Goals

  1. To become as strong and healthy as I can, and to minimize the risks of age-related health concerns. Aging is inevitable. But I believe that being as fit as possible will help me to look and feel my best.
  2. To become the best version of myself, inside and out. I want to be an amazing role model for my children, my family, and my friends. I want to be an inspiration to others who are also on the journey of fitness. Now that I know what it is really like to feel healthy and good about my life choices, I know that I could never go back. I want to show people that if I can do it – anyone can!
  3. To continue to work with my trainer to develop new skills (and muscles). There is nothing like the sense of accomplishment you get when you are finally able to do something you never dreamed you would be able to do! I will continue to evolve and challenge myself while maintaining an active fitness program.
  4. To continue to use fitness as a way to combat mental and emotional fatigue. I have found that taking your frustrations out on the treadmill works better than anything else I have tried, and leaves you feeling much better than other less healthy coping methods.

Left: December 2016 | Right:January 2018

Debbie’s Diet She follows a meal plan that emphasizes balanced and healthy eating, focusing on lower carbohydrate intake. This was a huge change for her and over the course of 14 months, her diet has helped her lose over 175 lbs. and 48.5 inches (from a size 26 to an 8). She now eats smaller portions 6-7 times a day and includes vitamin supplements. She’s learned that food is fuel and that she needs to properly fuel her body so that it can perform how she wants it to.

A Special Message to LA Fitness Staff from Debbie E. Of special note, all the staff at my LA Fitness deserve a huge thank you and recognition for what they do and how they do it. Whether they know it or not, reflecting on my experience thus far, they have played a large part in why and how I kept going and keep coming back. They have been the smiling faces when I enter the gym (when I’m not so sure I was in the mood to smile back), they have offered words of encouragement and listened, they are knowledgeable, approachable and professional. I owe them all a tremendous debt of gratitude.

LAF, LA Fitness, Pro Results training, muscle logoSign up for a complimentary Pro Results® fitness assessment today! Only you can take the first step to completely transforming your life into what you’ve always dreamed it could be.

Do you have a fitness goal you’d like to share with us? What are you working towards? How do you plan to live out your life story? Commit to being fit today!

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.

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Pre-Workout Snacking

Pre-Workout Snacking

by | Jun 7, 2018 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Home, Nutrition

Question:

If I eat 1 package of sugar-free instant oatmeal with 16 blueberries for breakfast at 6 am, is it okay to eat 8 whole wheat crackers and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter an hour before I work out with my trainer at 10 am?

– Michelle

Answer:

Yes! The early morning meal restores glycogen and primes blood sugar, while the pre-workout snack would help maintain a constant fuel supply. However, together they may provide less than 500 calories to sustain you for 5 hours (6 a.m. – 11 a.m.) which may not be enough to really push through a tough workout. I’d recommend a post-workout snack such as a yogurt cup, hard cooked egg with pretzels, or hummus with pita and carrots unless you’re going straight for an early lunch. Good options would be vegetarian chili, a turkey sandwich or salad niçoise (greens, tuna, potato and string beans).

– 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.

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 + 3 =

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Oaxaca Tacos with Black Bean Stew and Tangy Swiss Chard from Cafe Flora

Oaxaca Tacos with Black Bean Stew and Tangy Swiss Chard from Cafe Flora

by | Jun 6, 2018 | All, Home, Nutrition, Recipes

Owner Nat Stratton-Clarke. Photo credit: Chustine Minoda

Meet owner of Cafe Flora and Floret by Cafe Flora, Nat Stratton-Clarke.

Q: What is it about Café Flora that makes it unique to alternative healthy dining experiences?

Nat Stratton-Clarke: Cafe Flora has been a local favorite since we opened in Seattle in 1992. At that time vegetarian dining was seen as just brown rice and vegetables, we flipped that and showed our guests how textural, interesting and delicious vegetarian cuisine is. Our chef team has always worked creatively to bring in flavors from all types of cuisines, this keeps things interesting and so flavorful.

With Floret by Cafe Flora now open at Sea-Tac International Airport we have the exciting opportunity to do the same thing with travelers and share with them our delicious variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner items for both sit down and grab-and-go. They can enjoy real, healthy foods that taste amazing and just happen to be vegetarian. Also just because we are located at the airport doesn’t mean we changed our ways, we worked hard to get our farm partners “badged” to deliver to the airport so we can offer the same fresh, local produce our guests have come to know and love.

Q: How often does the menu change at Café Flora?

NSC: Our menus change seasonally so about four times per year. This allows us to plan with the seasons and for our local farmers to showcase what is fresh from their farms right now.

Q: What would you like our readers to know about adopting a more plant-based diet?

NSC: It is easier to do than you think. Dining at Floret and Cafe Flora gives our guests inspiration for when they are cooking at home. Our chef team is incredibly creative and people leave realizing there are easy ways to make delicious food that doesn’t involve animal products but is filling and packed with flavor.

Q: Why is it important for people to buy local and use sustainable ingredients versus buying from bigger grocery chains?

NSC: We have worked with local farmers and purveyors since the beginning of Cafe Flora. You not only support these hard-working folks but you support a whole community of jobs in your backyard when you buy local. And of course, it’s good for the planet. I grew up in Berkeley, CA during the Alice Waters farm-to-table movement and my family made weekly trips to the farmers market to purchase food for the week. It was what you did and it felt so natural to support what was being grown, baked and prepared right in our community. It’s something I’ve always been passionate about and it excites me to do this on a larger scale with Floret and Cafe Flora and really help other small farms and businesses thrive.

Q: What is your current favorite dish at Café Flora?

NSC: I love our Oaxaca Tacos available at both Cafe Flora and Floret. They are the most brilliant combination of flavors and textures from the cheesy mashed potatoes in crisp corn tortillas to the black bean stew, fire roasted salsa, and lime sour cream. Also, our vegan cinnamon rolls are a crowd favorite and we’ve brought our same recipe to Floret for travelers to enjoy on the go!

Photo credit: Belathee Photography

Cafe Flora is located at the following location:

Cafe Flora

Floret

LA Fitness Ballard

Distance to closest LA Fitness: 6.2 miles to Ballard LA Fitness

Cafe Flora is located in Seattle’s Madison Valley neighborhood at 2901 East Madison Street. Open Monday-Friday at 9 a.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner with weekend brunch from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m. Menus and additional details at cafeflora.com.

Floret by Cafe Flora is located at Sea-Tac International Airport between A and B Terminals and is open daily for grab-and-go from 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. and dine-in from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. both offering breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Full menus available at floretseattle.com.

 

 

Oaxaca Tacos with Black Bean Stew and Tangy Swiss Chard

Ingredients

For the Tacos

  • 1 ½ pounds (about 3 medium) russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (about 2 ounces) smoked mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (about 2 ounces) cheddar cheese, shredded
  • A big pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Vegetable oil for preparing the tortillas
  • 8 thin corn tortillas
  • 1 small red or green pepper, seeds removed, finely diced
  • Toothpicks

For the Black Bean Stew

  • 1 cup dried black beans, soaked for 8 hours, or 1 (15-ounce) can black beans
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and ground
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ tablespoon brown sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon salt

For the Chard

  • 1 big bunch red or green Swiss chard, most of the stems removed, leaves left whole
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Garnish, to taste: crumbled feta, crème fraiche, Pico de gallo salsa

Method

Step 1: Cook the beans. If using dried, soaked beans, drain them and put them in 5 cups of boiling water. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partly covered until the beans are tender, but still hold their shape, about 1 ½ hours. If using canned beans, drain and replace with 1 cup cold water. Combine the cooked beans with the corn, garlic, cilantro, red pepper flakes, cumin seeds, chili powder, oregano, brown sugar and salt and simmer until the flavors are blended, about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the potatoes in just enough boiling water to cover until they are tender, about 20 minutes. Then mash the potatoes with butter and salt and keep warm. In a small bowl, combine the cheeses and red pepper flakes and keep them nearby.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and have ready a baking sheet or roasting pan to hold the tacos. Heat 1/8 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and soft-fry the tortillas, without allowing them to become crisp, one at a time. (The tortillas should be oily and soft so they will crisp in the oven after they are filled.)

Step 4: Fill each tortilla with 1/3 cup of the mashed potatoes, 1/8 cup of the grated cheese mixture and a generous tablespoon of the chopped pepper. Roll the tortillas around the filling and secure them with toothpicks. Arrange the tacos in a single layer on the baking sheet or roasting pan and bake until the cheese has melted and the tortillas are crisp, about 18 minutes.

Step 5: While the tacos are baking, steam the chard in a covered pan over a small amount of boiling water until just tender, about 5 minutes. Puree the garlic with lemon juice and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper, then toss it with the steamed Swiss chard.

Featured Recipes

Weight Loss for Diabetics

Weight Loss for Diabetics

by | Jun 5, 2018 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Home, Nutrition

Question:

I’m 67 years old and weigh 208 pounds. I would like to lose a lot of weight. I’m a diabetic and take insulin 4 times a day. I can’t afford the trainers at LA Fitness. Any advice would be appreciated.

– Candace B.

 

Answer:

Ask your endocrinologist for a referral to a certified diabetes educator (CDE®) which may be covered under a health insurance plan. These specialists help you understand how medication, exercise and diet all play a role in weight and blood sugar control and can provide advice tailored to you.

In general, I will say that regular exercise helps lower blood sugar so that less insulin may be needed. It’s like training your cells and tissues to be more metabolically active and efficient. In combination with a mild to moderate reduction of intake and shift to lower glycemic load (blood sugar response) meals, an increase in exercise should induce weight loss. Raw, unprocessed fruit, legumes, popcorn, non-starchy vegetables and whole grain products tend to be lower glycemic carbohydrate foods. By switching to these in managed portions and incorporating nuts, lean meats and healthy fats, you can lower the glycemic load of a meal.

The American Diabetes Association is a host of information on meals, recipes and fitness tips. Check out their resources at www.diabetes.org. In addition, www.diabetes.ca and www.diabetesaustralia.com.au are credible sources offering nutrition and healthy living resources in English.

– 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.

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!

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Cycling: Is it Right for You? – Podcast Ep. 2

Cycling: Is it Right for You? – Podcast Ep. 2

by | Jun 4, 2018 | All, Fitness, Home, Podcast, Workouts

Welcome to the 2nd episode of the Living Healthy Podcast, presented by LA Fitness!

On this episode of Living Healthy, Andrew completes his first ever Cycle class. We also speak with LA Fitness Cycle instructor, Valerie W., and we fight through the sweat to help you better understand what you can expect when taking a seat in the saddle.

Cycling isn’t just for the experienced, all fitness levels are welcome, and we plan on bringing you the tips and tricks you’ll need before taking your next ride.

Listen to our latest episode now and let us know what you think!

How Are We Doing? 

Timecard Markers – Cycle – Podcast Ep. 2

Introduction:

Podcast Begins at 0:48

Check out what it’s like to be in a Cycle class

Halfway through Cycle class – Interlude

Begins at 2:40

Last 30 minutes of class.

Begins at 3:14

Cycle class ends.

Begins at 3:58

LA Fitness Cycle Instructor, Valerie joins the program.

Begins at 4:20

Cycle Overview – What can people expect?

Begins at 4:45

What’s ‘in the saddle’?

Begins at 5:13

How can people get comfortable going into their first Cycle class?

Begins at 5:39

Cycle Basics

Begins at 6:05

Group Cycle Energy

Begins at 7:57

Benefits of Indoor Cycling

Begins at 8:24

Cycle Variety

Begins at 8:44

What experienced cyclists should know

Begins at 9:35

Reserve a bike

Begins at 11:54

How to read your bike monitor

Begins at 12:36

Cycle Necessities

Begins at 15:28

Ending of episode

Begins at 17:59

This podcast 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.

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