Exercise is for Life

The Key Is to Find Something You Enjoy Doing and Can Do Consistently

April 26, 2022 156 Views enjoy, fitness, key

Exercise Is for Life

By Drew McConaha

Movement is medicine, and exercise is a vehicle to living a longer, healthier and happier life. Exercise has been shown to improve all areas of our life — mentally, physically, and emotionally. Exercise, especially lifting weights, helps build strength, stronger bones and joints and more importantly, allows us to continue to do all the activities we love well into our later years.

Research on depression and anxiety shows the psychological and physical benefits that exercise can have on improving your mood and reducing anxiety while also decreasing stress and improving your quality of sleep. Exercise can help decrease stress and increase the quality of your sleep. Exercise can help build self-esteem and confidence. It’s amazing how doing something you didn’t think you would ever be capable of will do for your confidence.

I could go on and on about the benefits of exercise. Let’s talk about ways you can get started, be consistent with something you enjoy doing, and be able to do it your entire life. Exercise doesn’t have to be mundane and boring and it doesn’t have to leave your laying in a pool of sweat feeling like someone tried to kill you either. The key to a great exercise routine is to find something you enjoy doing and can do it consistently enough to make it part of your lifestyle…

Click here for the remainder of the article on Healthcare News Full Article

Don't Run to Get in Shape

Most people shouldn’t be running

Now this isn’t here to say running is bad or you should never run, this post is a reminder that running is actually an advanced form of exercise.

Because it’s a fairly easy exercise to start doing and relatively inexpensive to participate, many people turn to running to get in shape. With every mile run, there are about 1500 plus foot strikes. Think of how sore you were the last time you started a new workout routine and were extremely sore from 3 sets of 10!

So if running is something you enjoy or would like to start doing, create a plan. Here’s a few quick tips to consider before hitting the pavement as the weather starts to get nicer here in New England.

1. Have a plan - The Couch to 5K plan is one of the most well-known programs and is an incremental approach to slowly build up to your first 5K. While it doesn’t incorporate mobility, strength and recovery, it’s a good place to start.

2. Strength Training - Ideally you’re training should start here even before you start running. A strong foundational will allow you withstand the pounding running puts on the body and can help reduce the likelihood of injury. Once you begin running, continue strength training at least twice a week and you’ll feel better and stronger when you’re running!

3. Start Slow! Even after applying the first two steps, allow your progress to be slow and steady. Repeat workouts in the Couch to 5K program until the feel good! Don’t feel like you have to longer or faster if you’re not ready. Listen to your body and be patient. Your body will thank you and you’ll be more likely to be able to continue run and stay active for years to come.

Now that you have a few tips to get started. Grab your program, schedule in your workouts and start working your way towards your first 5K. Following this slow and steady approach to anything new in fitness will ensure that you’re able to do it well into your later years.

Transformation Challenge - Winter 2022

FIND A PARTNER!

YOUR CHOICE! 
There is no better accountability than when another person is depending on you to do your best! 
*If you need help finding a partner, let your coaches know and we will find a match for you!

MEASUREMENTS

500 Points to the first place person in each category, and points scale down from there

• Weight and Body Fat % will be taken at the beginning and end of the challenge.

PERCENT OF BODY WEIGHT LOST
The difference in bodyweight will be recorded and the percent of original bodyweight lost will be ranked greatest to least amongst all competitors.  

BODY FAT % LOST
The overall difference in body fat % will be ranked greatest to least amongst all competitors.  

• The points value corresponding to your place will be added to your team’s total for each category.

• POINT SCALE — Points value per place in standings
  500|400|300|250|200|175|150|125|100|90|80|70|60|50|45|40|35|30|29|28…

WEIGH-IN — Monday, 1/24/22 – Saturday, 1/29/22
CHECKOUT — Thursday, 3/17/22 – Tuesday, 3/22/22

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Before & After Photos

200 Points to the Top 5 Transformations

Before and After Photos will be taken at TFL during weigh-ins.  These are another way to measure true progress and earn points for positive physical change that isn’t always obvious on the scale.  

• These photos will be kept private. They will only shown to unbiased, unknown judges and the individual themselves.

• Photos will be placed side by side for review and the top 5 transformations will be selected.

• Both members of each team have a chance at selection. It is not limited to only one per team.

PHOTO SPECS
MEN - Shorts and No Shirt
WOMEN - Sports Bra and Shorts / Two-Piece Bathing Suit

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MyZone Points

100 Points per Week

PASS/FAIL Approach – BOTH members of your team must individually complete 800 MEPs per week in order to receive points. If both members do not complete 800 MEPs, the team will not receive points for that week.  

*Calculations begin on MONDAY and end on SUNDAY each week.

+ 25 Bonus Points per Week

An extra 25 POINTS per week will be added to your total if your team average is over 1000 MEPs.

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Nutrition accountability

50 Points Each per Week

There will be 7 weekly nutrition “check-ins” to hold you accountable and create some good nutritional habits as we go into the new year. These simple, habit-building nutritional challenges will help you increase your water intake, promote calorie/macro awareness, provide tricks to stay on track and help you nurture a positive relationship with food.

• Instructions for each check-in task will be posted to the Challenge Facebook Group on or before Sunday evening and will need to be completed by the following Sunday @ 10PM to receive points for that week.

• These tasks can be completed individually.

• Points will be given to one or both of the contestants on each team. These are not all or nothing like the MEPs above.

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Post-Workout Nutrition

3 Points per Ticket

Members will receive a ticket for drinking a protein shake after each workout. Names will be written on each ticket and dropped into the raffle. Points will be awarded to your team for each ticket collected over the seven week period.

• Protein must be shown, and actively consumed at the time ticket is given. Photos after sessions or “forgetting a ticket” will not be accepted.  No exceptions.

BonuS RafflE

A name will be pulled from the overall raffle and the winner will receive a 4Pound GIANT Whey Protein ($80 Value)!

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Physical Challenges

100 Points per Week + Prize Wall

Contestants must complete the physical challenges each week to receive their points. Weekly points will be given regardless of where each team stands amongst the competition as long as the challenge is completed.

• Teams can choose any of the 7 challenges in any order they’d like but may only complete one challenge per training week.

  • Training weeks are Monday – Sunday, beginning January 31st

• The partner challenges must be completed when both members are present.

• Coed Teams – appropriate weights will be set up for each round based on the male/female performing specific legs/challenges, and we will be sure to account for all variables to ensure fairness prior to the event.

• All challenges must be completed POST-WORKOUT, so schedule sessions accordingly.

• Keep vacations in mind when deciding on a plan, substitutes will not be allowed.

• The challenges are detailed to ensure each team has what they need to establish a plan and strategize.

Individual Challenge details will be posted on Wednesday, January 12th.

1st Place PRIZE WALL >>

ONCE ALL CHALLENGES ARE COMPLETED, THE TEAMS IN FIRST PLACE OF EACH PHYSICAL CHALLENGE WILL BE ELIGIBLE PICK A PRIZE OFF OF THE PRIZE WALL!

*Team order of prize choices will be drawn at random.

2021 SUMMER STRONG TEAM CHALLENGE

TEAMS OF 4 >>

YOUR CHOICE! There is no better accountability than when 3 other people are counting on you to do your best! *If you need help finding or filling a team, let your coaches know and we will find a perfect spot or solution for you!

MyZone Points

100 Points per Week

PASS/FAIL Approach – ALL members of your team must individually complete 800 MEPs per week in order to receive points. If all 4 members do not complete 800 MEPs, the team will not receive the points for that week.

*MEPS ARE CALCULATED MONDAY - SUNDAY

Bonus Points >>

EXTRA 25 POINTS per week if your team average is over 1000 MEPs!

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Accountability Checks

25 Points per Person Each Week

There will be 8 weekly ”check-ins” to hold you accountable during the challenge.  

• Instructions for each check-in task will be posted to the Challenge Facebook Group on Sunday evenings and will need to be completed by the following Sunday @ 10PM to receive points for that week.

• These tasks can be completed individually.

• Examples of check-in tasks include small nutritional challenges like increasing your water intake, mindset exercises, and outdoor activities to name few.

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Post-workout nutrition

3 Points per Ticket

Members will receive a ticket for drinking their protein shake after each workout. Names will be written on each ticket and dropped into the raffle. Points will be given to your team for each ticket collected over the 8 week period. 

• Protein must be shown, and actively consumed at the time ticket is given. Photos after sessions or “forgetting a ticket” will not be accepted.  No exceptions.

Raffle Bonus >>

An overall raffle winner will be drawn and receive a 4 Pound Whey Protein! ($80 Value)

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TEAM 56-Day Challenges

200 Points per Category

Each member of the team will be required to complete one of the four categories by the end of the challenge.  Members will decide these upon sign-up, and they cannot be changed.  200 points will be awarded to the team for each completed category.

# 1.  DAILY MOVEMENT – 10,000 STEPS PER DAY

Steps can be tracked any way you’d like as long as there is proof it was completed daily.  Examples include sport/smart watches, any type of pedometer, Fitbits, etc.  If your tracking device only records smaller date ranges and/or doesn’t have digital reporting capabilities, it is up to you to screenshot/print reports or photograph the device with proof of date (next to a dated newspaper for example) once the goal is achieved.  As long as it can be proven DAILY points will be given. 

We encourage you to test your device/recordings prior to day one of the challenge to ensure there are no issues with your plan.

# 2.  NUTRITION – FOOD JOURNAL 56 DAYS STRAIGHT

At the end of the challenge, members in this category must show they have had a consistent daily food journal throughout the 8 weeks.  We prefer these documented in an app such as MyFitnessPal but will allow dated, handwritten journals too as we know some prefer this method.  Again, as long as it can be proven DAILY points will be given. 

# 3.  ENDURANCE – 100 MILES ON THE AIRDYNE

These challengers will be responsible for putting in some work on the bike.  Miles can be completed in-house at any time and in any sequence.  As long as 100 miles are completed within the 56 days, points will be awarded to the team.  

There will be a folder in the lobby filing cabinet with a record sheet for each member in this category.  You must date it, record the miles and have a coach see your results and sign off to receive credit.

# 4.  STRENGTH – FIGHTER PULL UP PROGRAM

This is a 32-Day Program to increase strength and improve your chin ups and pull ups. You will follow the rep count and # of rounds listed for each day. This challenge should be completed by members who average 4 TFL sessions per week since all 32 days must be completed within the 8 week challenge.  You can expect these extra reps to take 10-15 minutes post-workout, and reps can be performed at any skill level as long as they are completed.

Like the Airdyne challenge, there will be a folder in the lobby filing cabinet with a record sheet for each member in this category.  You will follow the rep count and rounds listed for that day, and have a coach confirm and sign off to receive credit.  

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6 Physical Challenges

Points based on overall standings of each challenge

There will be a total of 6 physical challenges completed by all members of each team over the 8 weeks.  Some challenges will be relay style, and some can be completed individually.

BE STRATEGIC  >>

• Teams can choose any of the 6 challenges in any order they’d like but may only complete one challenge pertraining week.

  • Training weeks are Monday – Sunday, beginning June 28th

• The 4 relay challenges must be completed when all members of the team are present.

  • If there is a known injury preventing a teammate from completing any challenge, another member of the team may do a double leg.  Outside substitutes will not be allowed.  These injuries must be recent or chronic and the need for the change must be approved by a coach.

• Coed Teams – appropriate weights will be set up for each round based on the male/female performing specific legs, and we will be sure to account for change of position, adding plates, etc.

• The weeks and challenges are detailed to ensure each team has what they need to establish a plan and strategize.  

  • Keep vacations in mind when deciding on a plan, substitutes will not be allowed in this case.

  • Some of the events call for strategy, figure out who is best for what to earn the most points.

• Results of each challenge will place teams in order to scale points from greatest to least.

• All challenges must be completed POST-WORKOUT, so schedule sessions accordingly.

4 Relay Style Challenges

ALL 4 MEMBERS OF THE TEAM MUST COMPLETE THESE TOGETHER

#1.  MetCon Relay

Each member of the team completes one of the following parts of this challenge.  Once a member successfully completes their portion, they must tag the next person at their station in order to start the next leg of the relay.  Time stops when the final runner crosses the designated finish line.

AIRDYNE X 20 CALS
ROW X 20 CALS
SKI ERG X 20 CALS
RUN TO THE END OF THE BUILDING + BACK

#2. Sled Push Pyramid Relay 

Every member of the team will push the sled 50ft.  Once all members have pushed the sled, one plate will be added.  This will continue for 4 Rounds  Time will stop when all members have pushed the sled 50ft at each weight.

MEN – Begin with 3 plates on sled and continue until 6 
WOMEN – Begin with 1 plate on sled and continue until 4

#3.  6 Mile Airdyne Relay Ride 

Each member will complete half a mile at a time and then rotate with their teammates.  Teams will stay in thesame order throughout and rotate 3x each to complete a total of 6 miles for time.

#4.  Farmers’ Carry Relay 

Four different sets of weights will be set up at one end of the turf.  Each member will carry their weight from one end to the other.  Once they place their bells down, they will run back and tag the next teammate. Each member will complete 2 total carries of their set.

• Weights cannot be placed down until the member themselves pass the cone.  A 10-second penalty will be addedif weights are thrown/dropped down.

2 Individual Performance Style

THESE CHALLENGES ARE STILL SCORED AS A TEAM, BUT CAN BE COMPLETED INDIVIDUALLY. THEY MUST STILL BE COMPLETED BY ALL 4 MEMBERS IN THE SAME TRAINING WEEK UNLESS TRAVEL EXCEPTIONS HAVE BEEN CLEARED AHEAD OF TIME.

#5.  Trap Bar Medley

Each member of the team will compete in one of the weight categories from the list.  All 4 categories have to be filled by the team.  Each member will be given 60 seconds to complete as many reps as possible. Final team scores will be placed in order from greatest to least and scaled points based on where your team places will be awarded like all other challenges.

BE STRATEGIC — Points are multiplied based on how heavy the category. 
For example, 15 Reps in the lightest category scores the same as 5 reps in the medium.  Discuss with your team to achieve the highest score possible!

HEAVY – Men @ 305  /  Ladies @ 225  
# of Reps x 4 Points

MEDIUM – Men @ 265  /  Ladies @ 205
# of Reps x 3 Points

LIGHT - Men @ 225  /  Ladies @ 165  
# of Reps x 2 Points

LIGHTEST - Men @ 185  /  Ladies @ 135  
# of Reps x 1 Point

#6.  Prowler Suicides

The prowler suicide will consist of 4 evenly spaced cones.  Members will push the high handles passed the first cone and the low handles back to start.  This will repeat until the final cone has been crossed and the prowler is passed the starting line. 

Each member of the team will perform one suicide as fast as possible, and the fastest 3 of the 4 times will be averaged for a final team time.  Final team scores will be placed in order from fastest to slowest and scaled points based on where your team places will be awarded like all other challenges.

MEN – Prowler + 90 Pounds
WOMEN – Prowler + 50 Pounds

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100 Bonus Points Per Team

This optional challenge will be held at either of these times…
Wednesday, August 18th after the 6:00pm session
Saturday, August 21st after the 8:30am session

40-50 USB Clean & Press Reps in 5 Minutes

USB Standards are based on bodyweight

MEN
Under 170 Pounds — 60# Strength USB x 50 Reps
170-210 Pounds — 80# Burly USB x 40 Reps
Over 210 Pounds — 100# Burly USB x 40 Reps

WOMEN
Under 150 Pounds — 40# Strength x 50 Reps
150 Pounds and Over — 60# Strength x 40 Reps

>> Bonus Workshop for Challengers

A USB Clean & Press Test Prep Workshop will be held for all competitors. There will be a poll posted in the Challenge Facebook Group during week one to vote on a date/time for the workshop.

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TFL 42 HARD -- New Year Challenge

January 11th - February 21st

Sign Ups — January 4th thru 9th

*Virtual competition available via Zoom and socially-distanced weekly appointments!

30-Minute Daily Workout

1 Point per Day

Contestants are required to record 30-minutes of DAILY activity on their MyZone belts.

• Minimum of 50 MEPs per day.

• Contestants will receive 1 point per day.

• ALL MEPs must be uploaded to MyZone accounts weekly by Sunday at midnight.

3 Bonus Points per Week

• Contestants who attend 3 Train For Life workout sessions during the week will receive 3 bonus points for that week.

• These can be completed both at TFL, via Zoom check-in for at-home contestants, or a combination of both.

• Weeks are calculated Monday — Sunday.

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Percent of Bodyweight Lost

25 Points to the Top 10 Finishers

If the FINAL Results of the challenge end in a tie, the person who ranks highest in this category at the end will win.

• Weight will be recorded during sign-ups and again post-challenge.

  • SIGN-UP: Monday, January 4th – Saturday, January 9th

  • CHECKOUT: Monday, February 22nd – Thursday, February 25th

• The difference in bodyweight will be recorded and the percent of original bodyweight lost will be ranked greatest to least amongst all competitors.

• The TOP 10 Finishers will receive 25 POINTS.

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Weekly Weigh-In

7 Points per Week

• Contestants must check-in once per week to earn their weekly points. Points will be given regardless of what the scale says as long as the contestant checks in. This is to add a level of accountability to the challenge and encourage consistency.

• The same time of day/week is encouraged to accurately track progress, but not mandatory in order to receive points.

• Contestants competing virtually and/or prefer extra social-distancing guidelines will need to schedule an appointment with a member of the staff that can recur weekly throughout the challenge.

• Weeks begin on Mondays and end on Sundays.

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FOOD JOURNAL ACCOUNTABILITY

7 Points per Week

You cannot outwork bad eating habits.  In order to instill some accountability to what you are doing outside of the workouts, members will be required to journal their food.

• Food journals will not be scored based on what’s in them.  The goal is to actively complete your log each week to create better eating habits and awareness of what you’re putting in your body.  As long as the log is turned in, points will be awarded.

• Members may log their food via any food log app, such as “my fitness pal”, or in a notebook, whichever is preferred. 

  • To make beneficial changes to one’s eating habits, it’s best to record the time you’re eating, what it is, the amount eaten and when you workout.

A copy of your food journal from the week prior must be emailed by the following Monday @ 6pm.

EMAIL — ashley@trainforlifema.com

Points will not be adjusted for contestants who turn their logs in late.

*EXAMPLE: Food Logs from Monday, 1/11/21 – Sunday, 1/17/21 must be turned in by Monday, 1/18/21 @ 6pm.

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GRATITUDE POSTS

1 Point per Day

It’s hard to remain hopeful and stay positive during times of stress and uncertainty. The state we are all currently living in, although challenging, can teach us a lot about gratitude.

• Contestants will be required to make a daily post to the Private Challenge Facebook Group.

• Posts are simple and can include as many or few details as you wish about something that you are grateful for that day - big or small, a positive story or something informational that you’d like to share with the group.

• These must be posted to the group by 10PM to receive a point for that day.

3 Bonus Points per Week

Help us spread positivity beyond our community!

• Contestants who make one post per week on their Facebook page will receive 3 extra points for that week.

• Posts must be public and include…

  • Check-In to Train for Life

  • The hashtag #TFL42HARD

• As long as the hashtag is included in your post, you do not need to repeat the post in the challenge group that day. We will search the hashtag while calculating daily points.

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WEEKLY PHYSICAL CHALLENGES

7 Points per Week

• Contestants must complete the physical challenge each week to receive their points. Weekly points will be given regardless of where one stands amongst the competition as long as the challenge is completed.

• Challenges will be completed at an appointment time that can recur weekly to ensure a staff member is available and stay within the COVID capacity guidelines.  Challenges DO NOT need to be completed post-workout. 

• Contestants competing virtually and/or prefer extra social-distancing guidelines will need to schedule an appointment with a member of the staff, and will be done at the same time as the weekly weigh-in.

• Physical Challenges will be demoed by video and thoroughly explained on the Challenge Facebook Group the week prior to each challenge with all rules and guidelines.

*Contestants in need of modifications for a specific physical challenge will still be granted the 7 points for completing the challenge for that week, but they not be allowed to use points towards the overall physical challenge standings to get credit for Male and Female First Place prizes.

Weekly Physical Challenges

SPIRIT WEEK 2020

OCTOBER 26th - 31st

We hope you are looking forward to spirit week just as much as we are!

Get your outfits ready!

Members who participate in Spirit Week will be placed in a raffle to win prizes daily throughout the week. A raffle will be pulled at the end of each day on Facebook Live to announce the winner!

MONDAY - PIRATE DAY

Ahoy, Matey! It's a pirates life for you. Come dressed in your best pirate attire!

PRIZE: $20 GYM BUCKS CREDIT

TUESDAY - FLANNEL DAY

Wear your favorite flannel!

PRIZE: FREE TEE OF CHOICE WITH UPCOMING APPAREL ORDER

WEDNESDAY - NEON DAY

Come dressed in all of your brightest and crazy colors!

PRIZE: $20 GYM BUCKS CREDIT

THURSDAY - ROCK-N-ROLL DAY

Channel your inner Rock Star, and ROCK ON!

PRIZE: 5 FREE NORMATEC SESSIONS

FRIDAY - TFL SPIRIT DAY

Show some TFL PRIDE in green and black. Wear a TFL shirt and/or get flashy in our signature colors from head-to-toe.

PRIZE: FREE TEE OF CHOICE WITH THE NEW APPAREL ORDER.

SATURDAY - HALLOWEEN

Show us your best Halloween Costumes!

PRIZE: Free 1-Hour Massage!

Outdoor Group Training

We have finalized the schedule for Large Group for next week and MindBody is ready to rock! Please read the details in the attached PDF about outdoor sessions starting on Monday, June 1st. Classes will be limited to only 10 people per session. If this schedule fills quickly, we are prepared to add to it, but would like to see how they are filled and attended before doing so.

Outdoor classes will be held:

Monday - Friday: 5AM, 9AM, 4:30PM and 6PM

Saturday: 7AM, 8:30AM and 10AM.

Again, please BE SURE TO SIGN UP ASAP as classes will most likely fill quickly, and to ensure fairness our cancellation policy of 1 Hour will be strictly enforced.

We will be continuing with our live Zoom sessions:

Monday - Thursday: 6AM and 5PM

Friday: 6AM

We will also be starting with Semi-Private sessions:

Monday- Friday: 9AM

Monday - Thursday: 6:30PM.

Effective 6/01/2020

1. Members must register in advance using the MindBody app. Classes will fill quickly! (If you have previously suspended your membership and cannot register online, please e-mail us ASAP to reactivate your account.)

2. Upon arrival, each participant is screened for Covid-19 symptoms and a temperature check will be completed with a no touch thermometer.  All participants MUST fill out an updated waiver before the completion of their first class back at TFL.

3. Please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early to ensure adequate time for screenings. Due to this we highly discourage signing up at the last minute. Members who arrive late will not be able to be properly screened, and as such will not be permitted to workout. 

4. Coaches will direct members to their designated station to ensure social distancing of at least 6 feet which must be maintained throughout the session.

5.  Participants should either wash their hands with soap and water if available or use hand sanitizer before and after each session.

6. Class size will be limited to 10 plus the instructor.  Please sign up in advance!

7.  Participants are encouraged to bring their own towel, mat, water and any other equipment needed.  Please limit your belongings as access to inside of the facility will be limited only to the use of the restrooms, purchasing pre and post workout supplements, or the use of our bottle filler.

8. All participants should wear face coverings upon arrival and wear it for all interactions when social distancing is not maintained. It is not mandatory to workout wearing a face covering.

9.  Equipment is not to be shared amongst participants. 

10.  Disinfecting wipes and other products will be available.

11.  In the event someone needs to use the bathroom, 1 person at a time may be directed to the bathroom.

 12. Sessions will be subject to cancellation due to weather, up to 15 minutes before the scheduled class time.

MEMBER OF THE MONTH - May 2020

Chris Watton

Member Since January 2013

We are excited to honor Chris Watton as our Member of the Month for May 2020! Chris has been a dedicated member at Train for Life since 2013.  Ever since joining us back in 2013, she has been an avid cycling instructor and teaches a handful of classes each week at multiple local gyms.  Between that and her dedication to her 7:15PM crew, she is consistently our resident MEP leader.  

Even during this tough time Chris is determined to keep up with her fitness goals. She has been jumping on our live Zoom sessions, attending all of our chats, and keeping us on our toes during Happy Hour with her fun backgrounds.  Every Saturday lately she’s even been coaching many of you to push your limits and finish off your workout with a good burn.

The gym is Chris’s happy place. She always arrives ready to work with a smile on her face, even though she tries to hide it under her black hats!  Chris’s friendly and outgoing personality make her a joy to have in class. She’s always quick to take suggestions and try new things to improve her form and how well she performs in the gym.  If you ever get a chance to work-out alongside her don’t rush off, Chris always stays to get her arm pump on! Every day is ARM DAY when she’s around!

Congratulations Chris and thank you for being such a special part of our Train for Life family. Never forget how many people you inspire each and every day.  We look forward to pumping up our arms together again soon!

““Chris doesn’t think she is motivating people during her workouts, but she is. She is one of the main reasons why we come here. She is constantly motivating everyone around her.”

— Aurora Vicente, Fellow TFL Member

MEMBER OF THE MONTH - APRIL 2020

ALEXANDRA HOLLOWAY

Member Since FEBRUARY 2019

We would like to recognize Alex Holloway as April’s Member of the Month. Alex has been a member at Train for Life since 2019 and can be found in our Semi-Private sessions with a smile on her face and ready to work. 

Alex has made major changes in both her lifestyle and mindset since joining TFL, especially in 2020.  Through her consistency and dedication, she has lost 15 pounds since January, has drastically increased her strength, and has so much more energy throughout her days! Alex conquered her weight loss so far by setting small goals which she often posted on her Instagram each month. Since January, Alex has shared her goals online from not drinking alcohol to making sure she gets enough water each day to coming to the gym 3x a week!

Alex’s fitness journey is an inspiration to many others. She utilizes her social media platforms to share stories about her career as a hairstylist, her fitness journey, and to help encourage others to accomplish their own goals. Alex has overcome a lot and isn’t afraid to share the stories to go along with it so of course, she is not letting COVID-19 stop her either! Even in this challenging time, her goal for this month is to stay on top of working out, 5 days a week minimum with no excuses!

We are so proud to be a part of your journey! We can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for you. Thank you for being such a special part of Train for Life!

“The one word that comes to mind when I think of Alex is determination. From the time I met her during her intro session last year until today she has always had goals in mind and was determined to achieve them. Nothing was going to stand in her way!”

— Harry Melendez, fellow TFL member

MEMBER OF THE MONTH - March 2020

CHRIS O’DONNELL

Member Since OCTOBER 2015

We would like to recognize Chris O’Donnell as March’s Member of the Month! Chris and his wife Kate joined Train for Life in 2015, and we can’t imagine this place without them! If you don’t know Chris, he is a perfect mix of humor and concentration in class. He stays focused but is extremely motivating at the same time. You can always count on him to pump up the class with a quick “WOO!”  

Chris embodies everything we look for in a TFL member. He is hard working, friendly, positive, and never gives up. Chris is always one of the first people to introduce himself to new members. He is the type of guy who will come up to you individually and give you the positive feedback you needed to hear to continue crushing your workout!

Chris shows up consistently, is eager to learn, improve, and perform each movement to perfection. He appreciates corrections and always follows it up with a quick “Thanks Coach!” Chris pushes members around him to reach their fullest potential. Have you tried keeping up with his body weight squats during the warm up?!

As a husband and father Chris is not only committed to his fitness goals but is a huge supporter of his families. You can often find Chris in class, working out alongside his wife and daughters. If you’ve been lucky enough to work out alongside them, you know they always bring the energy! 

Congratulations Chris! Thank you for always having a wonderful attitude and cheering us on! We are so lucky to have you as a part of our TFL family! 

““Chris always gives 150% in every workout and encourages other members to do the same. He looks for new members, always introduces himself, and offers help to them. I am so proud of all the progress he has made since we started at TFL almost 5 years ago and count on him to keep me motivated and inspired.””

— Kate O'Donnell, Wife and Fellow TFL Member