Plyometrics are an excellent way to develop strength, speed and agility and decrease body fat, using explosive, intense controlled movements. Plyometrics are often described as fast and powerful exercises that use maximal effort to increase the speed and power of specific movements. In sports, Plyometric training will help in increasing the height of a jump, or increasing the distance and speed of a throw. It also aids in how quick your first move is. For people who don’t participate in sports, plyometrics can aid in conditioning, decrease in body fat and increasing strength.

This Topic in Training will cover the basics of plyometrics: effects of plyometrics, safety considerations, and plyometrics for beginners. When done properly this method of training can be an effective tool for improved performance, decreased body fat, increased strength and an added challenge to any workout.

Thursday, September 30th at 6:00pm
Please sign up at the front desk for this workshop.

Plyometrics refers to exercises that enable a muscle to reach maximal strength in as short a time as possible. It is the link between strength and power and if trained properly enables an athlete to reach peak physical condition. If you play an explosive sport such as basketball, tennis or soccer, plyometrics will take your athleticism to the next level and allow you to produce the power necessary to excel. If you are looking to take your training to the next level and not necessarily training for a specific sport incorporating plyometrics will definitely help but it is crucial that you are smart about it. More injuries in plyometric training occur if the athlete is not properly prepared.

READ DANA'S BLOG POST

The Tour de SAC came to an end on Sunday, July 25th with a champagne celebration hosted by long time instructor, Whyle McConnell. This year we had 40 riders compete but only one rider crowned winner. Congratulations Linny Simkin, for the second year in a row! Last year Linny’s goal was to complete 40 classes. This year she knew she was going to be out of town for a few days so her goal was to win the tour knowing she would be missing those days. So there you have it, Linny was in for the two-a-days! On a regular basis Linny typically spins once per week and takes the BodyPump class twice per week. When the Tour de SAC comes around she gets extra motivated, “it feels good to exercise more”, Linny said. Since the Tour de SAC finished she continues her regular routine but has also added two more days a week of cycling. The Tour de SAC does wonders for providing that little extra push of motivation. Nice job everyone and thanks for participating!

Anyone who meets Floyd for the first time can tell he is not your average 84 year old. He is a regular here at the SAC, putting in a challenging workout 3 days a week. He has been training with me for almost 2 years now and is still progressing. He has improved his flexibility, posture and strength which help him lead an active lifestyle. In addition to his hiking and bird watching, he is an established actor in the region, having played roles in several recent productions, including a featured role in the soon to be released, “War of the Worlds: The True Story”. A made for TV movie in which he plays the role of H.G. Wells being interviewed, “Documentary Style”.

Floyd has been coming to the SAC for five years and an actor for fifty years. Before he came here he did some hiking, some pushups and sit ups at home, bought a bike that he never used and just didn’t take exercise too seriously. About two and a half years ago however, he did have an incident that made him take it a lot more seriously.

He was riding the exercise bike when he noticed the heart rate monitor give him a reading of 500. He thought that was odd so he went over to group health to get checked out and the next thing he knew he was in an ambulance to the ER at Virginia Mason. An angiogram done by his own cardiologist who happened to be working there when he came in, revealed a seventy percent blockage on one side of his heart and one hundred percent on the other. He underwent double bypass and valve replacement surgery the next day, and as soon as possible began a walking program to recover. About six months later he came to see me.

Floyd is now convinced exercise and eating healthy is the answer to maintaining the quality of life that he desires. He has been recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis as well and believes exercise is the solution to keeping it at bay and maintaining his function. It has been great to see him do so well with his program and succeed.

Ever wonder why your shoulders feel so achy and tense? Several reasons are probably at play, with two likely culprits being less-than-perfect posture (shoulders rounded forward, slumped posture) and tight pectoral muscles.

READ ALLYSON'S BLOG POST

Exercise video "Step Ups" demonstrated
by Personal Fitness Trainer, Crystal Kennedy.

ADULT GROUP SWIM LESSONS

Adult group lessons provide instruction for adult beginning and intermediate swimmers to increase their comfort level and efficiency in the water. These lessons will introduce and/or improve basic strokes, kicking, and side breathing.

September 14th and 21st
9:30-10:00am

Member: $16.00
Non-member: 20.00

BREASTSTROKE CLINIC FOR KIDS

This clinic focuses on introducing or assisting children in their skill levels of performing the breaststroke.

September 16th
7:00-8:00pm

Member: $10.00
Non-member: $15.00

Sign up at the Front Desk or contact Dan Lavin for more information.

If you’re looking for simple, effective cardio that you can do almost anywhere then jumping rope is the solution for you. A jump rope is all you need to improve endurance, speed, posture or just burn lots of calories and lose weight. Before you just pick up a jump rope and go to it, it's important to learn the proper technique, have a plan, and don’t overdo it.

READ PAUL'S BLOG POST

Protein is an important nutrient needed by everyone on a daily basis. Protein is made up of essential and non-essential amino acids, which are the building blocks for healthy bodies. Protein has a number of different roles in the body including but not limited to:

• Repair body cells
• Build and repair muscles and bones
• Provide a source of energy
• Control many of the important processes in the body related to metabolism