Fitness Together Studios Honored

Fitness Together Announces Annual Award Winners

Stoneham, MA, January 17, 2013 — Fitness Together Studios, a worldwide franchiser of personal fitness training, held its second annual awards dinner on Thursday, January 17 at Montvale Plaza in Stoneham. Studio owners and guests gathered to celebrate the past year’s successes and honor those distinguished for their exceptional service and business practices.

Among those recognized was Steve Lichtman, owner of Fitness Together studios in Cohasset, Dedham, Norwell and Westborough. Lichtman, who is also president of Lichtman Marketing Group, was given the Fitness Together Brand Commitment Award in recognition for his dedication to marketing, public relations, and commitment to building a mutually beneficial relationship between Fitness Together New England and the American Diabetes Association.

“Steve is that guy you can always count on,” says Benjie Moser, area director for Massachusetts and New Hampshire. “He never lets the FT name down and is always looking for solutions, not focusing on complaints. Steve has a great ability to balance multiple projects and still be able to focus on the little things. His marketing background has helped FT nationwide and I look forward to continued progress with Steve for years to come.”

Tom Lavoie, owner of Fitness Together Reading, distinguished himself this year as “Revenue Winner of the Year.” Lavoie’s studio is very proud of the achievement, announcing on their Facebook page, “Owner and Manager, Tom Lavoie, would like to thank the hard working trainers and dedicated clients that have made all this possible. Great work everyone, all around!” Says area director Moser, “Tom won our revenue award this year for being the highest grossing studio in Massachusetts. He continues to improve and stay consistent. The Reading studio is an amazingly fun place to be!”

Also recognized for the second year in a row was Jessica Phaneuf, owner of Fitness Together in Amherst and Northampton. Recognized as “Most Improved” studio owner last year, this year Phaneuf was given the Franchisee of the Year Award.

This year’s Most Improved Owner of the Year Award went to Bob Savin, owner of Fitness Together in Ashland and Southborough. “Bob has been in the system for 12 years and has fought to get to where he is today,” says Moser. “He is always willing to help and lend a hand to me and other owners. Bob has shown improvement in all areas including staff development, product deployment and community networking.”

Congratulations to these and other award winners for their special achievements in promoting the standard of excellence in personal fitness training Fitness Together has become known for throughout the world.

Our Award-Winning Studios
FT Cohasset
FT Dedham
FT Norwell
FT Westborough
FT Reading
FT Amherst
FT Northampton
FT Ashland
FT Southborough

To find a Fitness Together near you go to FTGetsResults.com

Josh Rosenfeld: Obesity & Diabetes Maintenance

Josh Rosenfeld, MS, CSCS
Owner: FT Sudbury, FT Wayland , FT Natick.

Josh talks about talks about the Fitness Together program as a sane solution to our nation’s exploding costs of obesity and diabetes care.

Josh has over a 15 years of experience in the field of health and fitness, and has worked in various settings including rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and general fitness training. His educational background includes a BS in Biology from Hobart College and Masters degrees in Exercise Physiology and Sport Psychology from Ithaca College. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a Certified Health/Fitness Instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Josh has also worked as a presenter and examiner for the ACSM certification preparatory course.

Josh opened the doors to Fitness Together Sudbury in January of 2002, and also currently owns Fitness Together Wayland and Natick.

FT Natick

FT Sudbury
FT Wayland

For more information on Fitness Together and to find studios in Eastern New England, please go to FTGetsResults.com

Tom Lavoie: Health & Fitness The FT Way

Tom Lavoie
Owner Operator Trainer FT Reading, MA

Tom lost 70 lbs and changed his life by following the program he now uses to train others at Fitness Together.

All our FT Trainers are here to help you achieve your fitness goals and have fun while you are doing it! I have learned first hand what kind of impact fitness can have on your life, having lost over 70lbs of “baby fat” myself. From being able to run faster or jump higher, just get out of bed without pain in the morning, or increasing your overall health, Fitness Together trainers want you to feel comfortable with your experience and with each individual studio’s intimate design. Every trainer at our Fitness Together studios are eager to start you on a journey that will change your life forever. Contact us at any time to start your journey!

FT Reading

Find a studio near you at FTGetsResults

More about me:
I am a graduate of Salem State College with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine. I have earned certifications through the National Athletic Trainer’s Association (ATC), as well as the National Strength and Conditioning Academy (CSCS). I spent the early part of my professional career as an athletic trainer for high schools and various semi-pro sports teams. For the past 12 years I have been working with clients one on one to achieve their fitness and life goals. I have extensive experience working with young children, elite athletes and the elderly achieve these goals.

Cathy Schaum of FT Tyngsboro on The Friends Of Kevin Radio Show

About Cathy: I have been the owner of Fitness Together in Tyngsboro, MA since 2005. The convenient location of our studio, allows us to serve clients from many areas, including the greater Tyngsboro-Dunstable, Lowell, and North Chelmsford areas, as well as, Nashua & southern, NH.

1st collector for Cathy Schaum of FT Tyngsboro on The Friends Of …
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FT Gets Results: Tracy Simpson (The Full Story)

Tracy Simpson: Client FT Reading
Achievements: Tracy lost 50 lbs and dropped six dress sizes.
Tracy completed the Tough Mudder challenge last spring, a grueling 10-mile military-style challenge.
Trainer: Tom Lavoie

Tracy first came to Fitness Together when she realized the baby weight she’d put on three years prior wasn’t going to come off without some major changes to her lifestyle. Tracy committed to her training and nutrition program and saw greater results than she ever imagined. “My trainers are amazing. They are the primary reason why I come here.” Since starting at FT Tracy has lost 50 lbs. and went from a size 14 to a size 2. She also increased strength and flexibility and has competed in the incredibly demanding Tough Mudder challenge. Trainer Tom Lavoie says, “She really has kicked up her strength in a big way. She’s continuing to grow, as far as her strength, flexibility, and improving her overall health.”

 

For more info about Fitness Together and other success stories go to FTGetsResults.com and our channel on YouTube

Check us out on Facebook

 

FT Gets Results: Dave Norden (The Full Story)

Dave Norden: Client FT Burlington.
Achievements: Lost 40 lbs.  gained energy and confidence. Hopes to run the Boston Marathon
Trainer: Brendan Stapleton

Dave Norden came to Fitness Together 40 lbs. overweight and suffering from back pain. Says trainer Brendan Stapleton, “When I first met Dave, he was lacking the confidence he needed to get fit and live a healthier life. He wasn’t ready to take that step without a trainer.” Dave began with private one-on-one training and now does Pack Small Group Training four times a week. In 8 months, Dave lost 40 lbs, gained strength and confidence and is seeing improvements with every workout. “He’s much stronger and fitter,” says his trainer, “but at the same time he’s definitely gained a lot of the confidence that he needed to live a healthier lifestyle.” Dave’s next goal? The Boston Marathon.

For more info about Fitness Together and other success stories go to FTGetsResults.com and our channel on YouTube

Check us out on Facebook

FT Gets Results: Tracy Simpson (The 60 Second Story)

Tracy Simpson: Client FT Reading
Achievements: Tracy lost 50 lbs and dropped six dress sizes.
Tracy completed the Tough Mudder challenge last spring, a grueling 10-mile military-style challenge.
Trainer: Tom Lavoie

Tracy first came to Fitness Together when she realized the baby weight she’d put on three years prior wasn’t going to come off without some major changes to her lifestyle. Tracy committed to her training and nutrition program and saw greater results than she ever imagined. “My trainers are amazing. They are the primary reason why I come here.” Since starting at FT Tracy has lost 50 lbs. and went from a size 14 to a size 2. She also increased strength and flexibility and has competed in the incredibly demanding Tough Mudder challenge. Trainer Tom Lavoie says, “She really has kicked up her strength in a big way. She’s continuing to grow, as far as her strength, flexibility, and improving her overall health.”

 

For more info about Fitness Together and other success stories go to FTGetsResults.com and our channel on YouTube

Check us out on Facebook

 

This Year I Will…Make Small Changes

Consider these tips to help you keep your new year resolution. Not all of them will apply to you, but they are direct pieces of advice that can help in your journey. Try them out, see what works, and take stock that little victories–like tracking foods or exercising 3 times in a week–are more important than the scale. After all, you need to change your behaviors before you can change your wardrobe. And doing so will keep you motivated and inspired for the long haul. Start small to win big.

JUMPSTART WEIGHT LOSS
If you’re struggling to lose weight, don’t eliminate any single macronutrient (proteins, carbs, fats). It’s a recipe that makes sticking to your diet harder than it needs to be. However, replacing some carbs and fat for protein will help jumpstart your weight loss. Why? The process of digesting protein burns significantly more calories and keeps you fuller.

PROTEINS
Not sold on the protein thing? How about this: When you bump up your protein intake, you eat fewer calories, says University of Missouri researchers. Doesn’t mean you just need to eat protein, but make a conscious effort to include more in each meal, or as a replacement for a carb source like pasta. Try eating any of these protein-rich foods: eggs, chicken, fish, protein powders, cottage cheese, pork, Greek yogurt, or turkey. If you don’t like meat or dairy, go for tofu, seitan, beans, lentils, quinoa, and nuts/nut butters.

SNACK LESS
Some people love eating 4 to 6 meals per day-it’s a perfectly healthy diet strategy. But it doesn’t work for everyone. In fact, research shows that snacking actually causes cravings. So if you struggle to control your appetite, it might be better for you to eat larger meals, less frequently.

NO DECAF
Do you hate exercise? Maybe try taking caffeine. Research indicates that taking caffeine (coffee works) makes exercise seem more enjoyable.

GOOD MUSIC
Not a caffeine person? Then bring your iPod to the gym (or ask your FT trainer to hook it up to the speaker system). Here’s why: The bad music at the fitness center can actually make your workout feel worse, according to the journal Perception of Motor Skills. So do yourself a favor and play the music you love. It’ll make a difference and help the time pass, whether you’re lifting, running, or just going for a walk.

SLEEP THE FULL EIGHT
Seriously, it’ll make a massive difference in your appetite. When you’re tired, scientists have found that it’s harder to resist foods that are loaded with calories. The more tired you are, the less control you have over your hunger. So don’t place yourself at a disadvantage.

EAT REAL FOOD
Listen, a lot of trainers enjoy protein shakes (we know, weird). But there is nothing magical about the powder before, during, or after your workout-or at any time of the day, for that matter. Actually, whole food sources are ALWAYS a better option. Powders are just lower quality. So reach for the real protein sources first. But if you’re in a bind, go with the powder over fast food or a meal that completely lacks protein.

TRACK YOUR CALORIES
Use a website like LiveStrong or our new 360FT integrated nutrition tracking program to track your calories. It works, and here’s why: Even when you exercise, you can’t eat whatever you want. Research shows that we overestimate how much we exercise and underestimate how much we eat. So by logging your foods, you have a built-in system of accountability that helps prevent you from making mistakes that will crush your weight loss goals. But the added bonus: When you log foods, you actually start learning serving sizes. It empowers you to take control of what you eat no matter where you are, and you learn what foods are bad for your health and what you should avoid. It all starts with education.

AND PLEASE…
Stop doing crunches and situps to lose your belly. It doesn’t work, and science proves it. A better way: Lowering your calories and starting a workout program with a direct goal. We’ve found that weight training is the most efficient way to drop pounds, but walking or playing sports is a great way to start being active. The crunches will only frustrate you and possibly hurt you.

Try some or all of these out and stick to your resolution in 2012!

Fitness Together programs provide a 360 degree approach to weight loss, for more information on our Personal Training Sessions, or our new economical Group Sessions, go to FTGetsResults.com

ACT NOW: Free Week Of Sessions For Diabetes Awareness Month

As the ADA notes on their website: With nearly 26 million children and adults in American living with diabetes, and another 79 million at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, the disease is taking a devastating physical, emotional and financial toll on our country.  Yet, most Americans don’t consider diabetes a serious matter. They feel it is someone else’s responsibility; someone else’s problem.

Recent numbers by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention paint a desperate situation of where we are at, and where we are headed:

• Every 17 seconds, someone is diagnosed with diabetes.
• Diabetes kills more people each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined.
• Recent estimates project that as many as 1 in 3 American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take steps to Stop Diabetes.

Now is the time to act.

Become Involved in American Diabetes Month® 2011

Fitness Together Dedham, Cohasset, Norwell & Westborough want you to ACT NOW. If you suffer from diabetes you can get a FREE week of small group training in the month of November for you and a friend at any one of our four studios.

FT Dedham

FT Cohasset

FT Norwell

FT Westborough

More On PACK Training from FT Middleton

(FT Middleton created this great video to explain how PACK Training works, but they are not part of our Become Involved Free Sessions. They may be running other specials, so please contact them directly at FT Middleton.)

To find an FT Studio near you and find out more about their individualized and small group Fitness programs please go to FTGetsResults.com

Super Paleo Pad Thai

Recipe clipped from TheClothesMakeTheGirl

This recipe is super healthy, a Paleo –– no grains, no dairy, no sugar, no soy, no legumes –– version of pad Thai, which we all know is tasty but not friendly to our bodies.

Ingredients, per person

• 1 cup cooked spaghetti squash
• 1/2 cup snap peas, slivered
• 1/4 onion, sliced thin
• Grilled chicken thigh or breast, diced (whatever amount you usually eat)
• 1 egg, scrambled with 1 teaspoon coconut aminos (a soy sauce substitute)
• Coconut oil
• 1 batch sunshine sauce, minus the water

Directions

1. Heat some coconut oil in a pan over medium-high heat (I use about 1 teaspoon). Saute the onion and snap peas until crisp-tender, but not too long! Then set aside.

2. Heat a little more coconut oil in the pan. Pour in the egg, and let it spread out into pancake. Cook until the egg is set and beginning to brown. Then flip to lightly brown the other side. Cut the egg into strips and set aside.

3. Heat a little more coconut oil in the pan. Add the spaghetti squash, snap peas/onions, egg and chicken. Stir fry until heated through.

4. Add the sunshine sauce and stir fry until everything is well-blended and hot.

Top with any or all of these:

• Chopped cashews, almonds or sunflower seeds
• Chopped scallions
• Chopped cilantro
• A squeeze of lime juice

Sunshine Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Sunbutter
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon chili-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons water, as needed
• Pinch dried ginger

Directions

1. Blend all ingredients except water in a food processor or blender. Add water slowly until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

2. Eat.

Note: The organic Sunbutter contains ONLY roasted sunflowers seeds, so if you’re very committed to avoiding added sugars, go for the organic. The “natural” and “crunchy” versions list dehydrated cane juice among the ingredients, which means it’s got a little added sugar. There are several online sources for organic Sunbutter, if you want to be hard routine about it. Prices range from $5 to $9 per jar.

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Fitness Together Studios aim toward a full 360 degree, meshing nutrition with exercise regimens. For more information and to find a Fitness Together Studio near you, please go to FTGetsResults.com