Holiday Fit Tips

Holiday Fit Tips with Mary

As the holiday season begins, it's often difficult to find the balance between enjoying yourself and staying true to your health and fitness goals. To help keep you on top of your game over the holidays, ENRGi instructor Mary wanted to share a few tips:

1. Sweat a little each day

If you're missing your favorite ENRGi classes because you're out of town or there's a modified schedule, still prioritize moving some each day. Whether it's a run, a quick HIIT workout, or even a yoga video on YouTube, you'll almost always feel better getting that heart rate up with a little sweat! The earlier you do it, the more time you'll have to spend with loved ones, too. If you want more active social time, invite them to join you, even if it's taking a short walk.

2. Fill up on whole foods

While we all have our favorite holiday treats (you can find me at the dessert table!), try to first fill up on more nutritious dishes like vegetables. Fuel your body with the same wholesome nutrition you regularly do, and then fuel your soul with your favorite seasonal specialties. It's a marathon, not a treadmill sprint in SWAT, so remember that you can still try another dish later as a leftover. Avoid restricting yourself or shaming yourself -- you've earned it! At the end of the day, food is still fuel that will help give you ENRGi for your body.

3. Drink plenty of water

You may not have your Blender Bottle by your side at all times, but try to stay hydrated, especially before big meals. For every alcoholic drink, always alternate with a glass of water to stay feeling refreshed.

4. Enjoy this opportunity to sleep

Especially if you're a 6AM regular, take advantage of the holidays to sleep! You should always aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and cooler weather is a good opportunity to sleep earlier and longer. You need adequate sleep to keep your body in rockstar-mode, so if nothing else, know that sleeping more will help you recover and reset as you return from the holidays.

Above all, enjoy yourself! The holidays don't happen all year round, and they'll go as quickly as they sneak up. Before you know it, we'll be crushing 2018 goals! You can be happy and healthy throughout festivities, and I hope you take time to celebrate and reflect on the year.

Too Much Sugar? Stefanie's Story & Tips

By now, many of us are familiar with the newest nutritional research trend: sugar. We understand that too much sugar can be a bad thing; studies link it to chronic illness, fatigue, weight gain, amongst other detriments to our health. But how many of us know how much sugar we are really eating? Below is instructor Stefanie's story and tips she uses to overcome sugar overload.

Stefanie's Story & Tips 
In 2016, you could find me frequenting the coffee maker at my full time job- somewhere between 3-5 times per day. I was hospitalized for digestive problems that never fully went away and despite my healthy diet and extremely active lifestyle, I was gaining weight and “puffy”.

In January 2017, I decided to embark on my first ever Whole 30. The W30 is a 30 day “reset” for your body- completely eliminating sugar in any form, as well as grains, alcohol, and dairy. It was extreme but I was desperate. The reset eliminated my addiction to large amounts of caffeine and helped me find a gluten allergy I didn’t know I had.

However, the most important thing the W30 did for me was open my eyes to just how many things we eat every day that have added sugar in them. You don’t have to do an entire W30 to reap this benefit; the steps below will help you become aware of your intake, as well as make better decisions daily.

1. Read EVERY Label
This sounds meticulous, but if you don’t do it, you will never know exactly what you’re eating. Everyday things like salsa, ketchup, salad dressing, canned veggies and store bought guacamole can have added sugars.

2. Decide what matters to you
If you truly enjoy having a glass of red wine or a square of chocolate after dinner, don’t deprive yourself. Simply remove the unnecessary sources of sugar in your diet. Most of the time, you can find a different brand of salsa, dressings or anything named above without added sugar to decrease your intake without giving anything up.

3. Check in with how YOU feel
The most important thing when it comes to nutrition is listening to your own body. If you are still feeling the effects of sugar after making modifications, experiment with having your indulgences at a different time of day paired with a lot of water OR limiting the days per week you have sugar.

If you'd like to connect with Stefanie, email info@enrgifitness.com. 

Member Spotlight - October 2017, Eduardo S.

Eduardo comes to the gym ready to work. His energy is infectious, and he is continuously making strides towards his fitness goals!

What motivates you to workout?
Working out gives me the confidence and energy to challenge myself on a professional and personal level. I enjoy ENRGi's awesome environment and instructors. The staff's commitment to health is what keeps me coming back!

What are your favorite classes at ENRGi?
swat, warrior, and yoga core

What is your favorite quote?
"Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own." - Bruce Lee

How do you recover post workout?
Protein Shake, Cold Shower, and a Greek yogurt parfait

What is your guilty pleasure?
Pistachio Gelato with a big brownie and Mezcal cocktails

Personal Achievement
30 in. Box jumps

5 Tips to Stay Fit During Pregnancy

When it comes to working out during pregnancy, there’s often a ton of mixed opinions. While many women are worried that physical activity during pregnancy can harm their babies, our Lead Instructor, Theresa is happy to share that this is not the case at all. First, get the all-clear from your OB/GYN.  

Exercise at least 30 mins each day: Cardio will become more challenging but even movement at a slower pace is better than none at all. Strength based exercises tend to be more manageable and are just as important, so don’t skip the weights! No matter how hard it is to get started, remember that you’ll always feel better after working out. You are preparing your body for the biggest physical challenge of your life - train for it. 

Don’t start a new routine: While exercise each day is important, now is NOT the time to start an intense new fitness routine. Be consistent with whatever your fitness habits were prior to getting pregnant. If snatches, swings and box jumps were an integral part of your workout then there’s no reason you can’t continue to do them as long as you feel comfortable. However, if you’ve never even heard of those exercises then now is not the time to attempt them. 

Properly fuel your body: As much as we love to think we are “eating for two” that isn’t quite the case. Your daily calorie intake will probably increase about 200-500 calories a day depending on your trimester and starting weight...that’s not that much! Plan for smaller snacks and meals throughout the day to help maintain your energy levels and this will prepare your body for your fitness routine. Most importantly, drink plenty of water! 

Core training: It’s time to think of your core as more than that desired 6 pack. Pelvic floor, transverse abdominis, and balance should be your new focus. Strengthening your pelvic floor will help with a speedy recovery post delivery and a strong transverse will aid in reducing low back pain as your belly grows. Developing and maintaining balancing skills will also help as you grow larger and your center of gravity is thrown off by the little one. 

Listen to your body: Ultimately, you’re growing a human and that’s hard work! Make sure you take time to rest when your body needs it. Maybe that means you need to take additional recovery days between workouts or some workouts just aren’t your best effort...that’s okay! Take it one day at a time, get your rest and hop back on board as soon as you feel ready. 

Staying active during pregnancy will make you less likely to experience pregnancy aches & pains AND you will have more energy throughout the day. Your little one will also benefit as developing babies of prenatal exercisers have more efficient hearts than those of non-exercisers.

If you'd like to connect with Theresa, email info@enrgifitness.com. 

Member Spotlight - September 2017, Morgan S.

Longtime member Morgan S. is always up for the next challenge and continually inspires us! Morgan can be found in most of our gravity classes completing L3 advanced exercises with a smile. 

What motivates you to workout?

I love the way I feel both physically and mentally after a work out, it helps clear my head and calm down after a stressful day...also I really like cookies so I have to even that out somehow.

What are your favorite classes at ENRGi? 

Gravity yoga and gravity fit are definitely my top two, but I like to sweat it out in a S.W.A.T. or calorie class occasionally as well!

How do you recover post workout? 

Lots of water and stretching (and some wine)

What is your guilty pleasure? 

Any and all horror movies 

What is your favorite quote?

"Happiness isn't enough for me, I demand euphoria" - Calvin and Hobbes

We Almost Made It on Shark Tank!

This past May, our Owner & Founder went to Shark Tank blind auditions in Denver. Although we didn't make it, we made it to the FINAL round of auditions!! It was an intense process and incredible learning experience.

If you want to learn about our detailed background story & future plans, click here to watch our 9-minute Submission Video that almost landed us in the tank with the sharks. And feel free to contact us if you're interested in growing with us. 

Member Spotlight - August 2017, Erika & Nick

Newlyweds Nick & Erika have been putting in the work at ENRGi for over half a year! You can catch them at any of the nighttime conditioning classes pushing each other. Partner drills bring out some fun competition between these two!

What motivates you to workout?

Erika: I am motivated by knowing I am doing something good for my body! All the instructors are super helpful and want you to grow to become your best self.
Nick: Striving to be the best that I can be. Working out is a great way to clear your mind and focus on what your goals are.

What are your favorite classes at ENRGi? 

Erika: SWAT, Calorie and warrior are my go-to classes! Anything to get a good sweat going! 
Nick: Warrior and SWAT. I always leave those classes with a good sweat going!

How do you recover post workout?

Erika: I usually try to foam roll after a good workout, but binge watching Netflix usually does the trick! 
Nick: Drinking as much water as possible and grilling out with some chicken! 

What is your guilty pleasure? 

Erika: Wine, pizza and ice cream or any dessert really :)
Nick: Beer and pizza!

What is your favorite quote?

Erika: "Have courage and be kind." 
Nick:  "Enjoy Today!" 

Member Spotlight - July 2017, Alex S.

Alex S. has been an ENRGi member for a year and has made serious personal gains in that time! If you are a pizza lover like Alex, you can find him in our noon classes to get recommendations.

What motivates you to workout?

Just generally being healthy and feeling strong. Also, to attempt to offset the amount of food I eat. 

What are your favorite classes at ENRGi? 

Warrior and SWAT are my favorites. They both have a great mix of resistance movements and cardio.

How do you recover post workout?

Foam rolling and sitting in the Normatec. I also drink a lot of water.

What is your guilty pleasure? 

Eating obscene amounts of pizza. And drinking. 

What is your favorite quote?

If you hear me say "I'll be right back" at a party, it usually means I'm leaving. -@GSElevator

Congrats Hayden & Julie!!

We have new captains leading our ship and they are a POWERHOUSE! We asked Hayden & Julie to share their fitness journeys so you can learn more about them.  

Hayden's Fitness Journey:

I was never sure what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I figured it'd hit me eventually. And boom- one day a kettlebell hit me. Well... it dropped on my foot as I was re-racking weights at my first gym job. I guess I'll deem that as my calling into the fitness industry. 

It wasn't always a gym, but my odd jobs always had an aspect of physical activity. I think if you grow up playing sports, you crave movement and exercise in your daily life. Whether it was pushing carts at Target, driving a pedicab, or helping move things around on a construction site- I just wanted to move. 

When I started my first gig at a gym in 2013, I knew right away it was the place I wanted to be. A place where heavy weights flowed like the rivers of ancient babylon, and the gains flourished under the downpour of sweat. The press to encourage people to feel the same way I did about fitness set in almost immediately. Got certified, started training, and the rest was history. Group Fitness ended up being the path I found a passion for, and I haven't turned back. 

"You're an athlete, kid." -My high school hockey coach, John Butler

Julie's Fitness Journey:

I got into fitness because my Mom was a gym coach. From an early age I was thrusted into competitive gymnastics, soccer, then cross country and track. My love of movement turned into a passion for dance and before I knew it I was off to college studying Dance. 

Post college I performed in various companies around Chicago and in 2013 I made the decision to embark on a great cross-country cycling adventure. The route began in Portland, Maine and ended in Santa Barbara, California. 26 initial strangers and myself averaged 70 miles a day totaling around 4,060 miles. We crossed 16 State borders, biked through the Poconos, many cornfields, the Ozarks, straight into the panhandle of Texas, through the White Sands of New Mexico to the Grand Canyon, monsoon in the Mohave and landed in California! I rode with Bike and Build, an organization that encourages young adults to participate in community enrichment by raising awareness and funds for the affordable housing crisis. On our days “off” we would volunteer with different organizations across America and help repair homes for people in need. 

I am intrigued by the body and what it can accomplish, maybe one too many parkour videos! I am extremely excited to keep learning as the industry expands and help pass along the knowledge!

Living with Tennis Elbow

It is quite common for those of us who are most active and aware of the importance of listen to our bodies to be the same ones who take our bodies for granted. We push it just “one more time”, or “one more race” only to put ourselves out of commission for longer than we would have been if we’d listened to our bodies the first time.  

Sue's Story:

My latest recovery story is one where I took those lessons from the “just one more time” mindset. 

In December of 2016 I woke up one morning to severe elbow pain. I couldn’t tie it back to a workout or injury, & figured it was the heavy load I’d been carrying around all week. The next morning, flexion and extension became difficult & I experienced numbness. Again, I thought, hmmm, slept weird. Once function returned I didn’t think much of it. 

Day three it hit me. When I grabbed my big glass of water in the morning, searing pain shot from my hand, through the tendons in my arm to my elbow. I dropped the glass to the floor and, well, expletives. At that moment the terms “carpal tunnel”, “tendonitis”, and “tennis elbow” all ran through my head. Basic things were suddenly painful- squeezing a bottle of Windex, brushing my hair, opening a jar, pulling wet clothes out of the laundry, even taking a picture with my iPhone! 

I went immediately to my expert resource, a Facebook Post. In all seriousness, the number of friends I have who had “been there” or are in the healing arts, I knew I’d get excellent feedback.

My routine quickly shifted to Epsom salt baths, massage, yoga (my body has been screaming MORE YOGA for years) and in particular, locust pose. Being consistent, I saw great improvements. I could also see the impact of skipping a day or two of some kind of recovery effort.

After teaching at ENRGi, my arms craved a deep stretch (there’s some serious arm action in WERQ!). Hanging from the bars in the SWAT room, or deep stretches using the yoga hammocks did wonders.

I learned more about foods that cause inflammation, thereby increasing pain & hindering progress. As a cheeseaholic, I was saddened to find dairy a prime culprit. But the reduction in inflammation I felt just a week into avoiding it quickly changed those desires.

I did officially get a tennis elbow diagnosis and PT routine. While I’m still improving, my pain level is drastically reduced and my function greatly increased. It has truly been a lesson in the importance of recovery and consistency. A happy body is definitely worth the dedication.  

If you'd like to contact Sue about her story, email info@enrgifitness.com and we will connect you.  

Member Spotlight - June 2017, Mayumi M.

Mayumi W. has been an ENRGi member since 2010.  She's always smiling, working hard in class, and never misses a workout. Best of all, her attitude towards life is inspiring!!! 

What motivates you to workout?

Staying fit while eating and drinking what I want.  

What are your favorite classes at ENRGi?

WERQ! Shredded, Suspension, Gravity Barre

How do you recover post workout?

Drinking Coconut Water and Kombucha

What is your guilty pleasure? 

I don't feel guilty at all - drinking lots of really good red wine and eating copious amounts of chocolate covered nuts.   

What is your favorite quote?

"We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once." Nietzscheat  

Member Spotlight - May 2017, Karli B.

Karli B. has been an ENRGi member since early 2016. Karli shows up ready to work and is continually making impressive progress. Way to rock those pull-ups!! 

What motivates you to workout?

It's exciting to see changes in my strength like lifting heavier weights or doing pull-ups without the band (which I NEVER thought I'd be able to do)!  

What are your favorite classes at ENRGi?

SWAT and Shredded but Hayden's Wednesday night Calorie is in the running now that the stairs are off limits.

How do you recover post workout?

Sleep! I usually take the last class of the day so dinner and bed is all there is time for.

What is your guilty pleasure? 

Craft beer and cheese.  

What is your favorite quote?

"That's all for today" -Any trainer at the end of class 

Overcoming Plantar Fasciitis

Many of us take recovery for granted... until we get injured! This month, our Assistant Manager and Instructor-In-Training, Amanda, tells her story about conquering plantar fasciitis. While many told her it would never go away, she proved them wrong! "My injury has taught me how important stretching is, given me great appreciation for yoga and taught me that recovery does not happen over night, so do not get discouraged." 

Amanda's Story:

In March of 2015, I was getting excited for spring and to go to New York to work the Tribeca Film Festival. I was running on the treadmill everyday, as I had done since I was 17, and suddenly started noticing a shooting pain in my right heel. I didn't think much of it however, and arrived in New York, very eager to run along the Hudson River, my favorite thing to do when I used to live there. I made it a couple minutes before I realized my form was out of whack and started feeling pain in my right hip, as well. I spent the next two months working long festival hours on my feet, and running around the streets of New York in sandals, with no idea it could be a chronic injury.     

I moved back to Chicago that summer and decided to Google it, diagnosing myself with plantar fasciitis. I made an appointment for a consultation at Athletico, and after seeing an orthopedic specializing in sports medicine, my diagnosis was confirmed and I was prescribed to physical therapy. I was instructed to start each session with about 10 minutes of foam rolling. I had to hold back tears as I foam rolled my IT band, because my plantar fasciitis was causing me to limp, causing pain to my hip and entire lower body. My physical therapist focused on gaining strength in my glutes and ankles, in order to release pressure from my heel when walking. 

I was very discouraged at times because most people I talked to told me that plantar fasciitis never goes away. I had signed up for the 2015 Chicago Triathlon, but couldn't do it as I was unable to run. I decided to try yoga, and after about a month I was starting to see the pain slowly slipping away. I did hot yoga almost everyday and that combined with physical therapy started to make me hopeful that I may run again.  

After a one year break from running, physical therapy and hot yoga, I ran along Lake Michigan in May of 2016, sending pictures to my family along the way, and was able to do the 2016 Chicago Triathlon. Looking back, I am very proud of myself for being so patient, and not allowing myself to return to running until I was pain free, and for dedicating at least an hour out of each day to do my physical therapy exercises. My injury has taught me how important stretching is, given me great appreciation for yoga and taught me that recovery does not happen over night, so do not get discouraged. 

If you'd like to contact Amanda about her story, email info@enrgifitness.com and we will connect you.  

Member Spotlight - April 2017, Michal K.

Michal K. has been an ENRGi member since early 2016. He's attended almost every format ENRGi has to offer and has even brought his fiance in on the fun!!!  

What motivates you to workout?

I like how I feel both physically and mentally after a good workout. Now, I feel guilty on days that I don't workout.  

What are your favorite classes at ENRGi?

I enjoy every class I take but my favorites are SWAT, Boxing, Bells & Bags, and Gravity Yoga.

How do you recover post workout?

I make sure to stretch, drink a lot of water, protein shake and 8 hours of sleep.

What is your guilty pleasure? 

Reese's peanut butter cups.  

What is your favorite quote?

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." -Robert Brault 

Yoga Poses to De-Stress Before Bedtime

Before bed use your pillows as props for to create yoga poses to ease physical tension, help with sleeplessness and even release anxiety. These poses could be done on your bed, couch, or on something comfy on the floor. Our yoga instructor Natalie has you covered.  

Sleepy Side Stretch: sit up straight on your bed with your knees bent and tucked to one side, so your knees are pointing forward, your toes are pointing behind you, and your seat is on the ground. Place a pillow next to your hip so that it's pointing lengthwise away from you. Lie your chest flat on the pillow. For a lighter stretch keep your gaze forward in the direction your knees are bent, for a deeper stretch turn your head so you're looking backwards. Watch TV, read a book or just chill - around 5 minutes on each side, just make sure to keep the sides even. 

Sleepy Child's Pose: on your knees in bed, put your toes together and separate your knees so you can fit one or multiple pillows lengthwise between your knees. Rest forward onto the pillows, either facing ahead or to the side (if to the side just be sure to switch sides halfway). Also option to put a pillow between your heels and glutes widthwise if you're not comfortable resting hips to heels.

Half Pigeon Pose: from your hands and knees, bring one knee to your wrist on the same side and your ankle as close as you can to your other wrist - trying to make the calve parallel to the head of your bed (but it doesn't have to be completely parallel). Make this typical yoga pose more comfy by adding a pillow, maybe folded over for more leverage, below your seat on the leg you bring forward. This will help to square your hips, allowing you to safely recline forward with your upper body. Pile pillows below your upper body as high as is comfortable, rest your arms on the pillows and your chin or forehead on top of your hands. 

Release tension by using pillows as props while you sleep: If you sleep on your back, place a pillow lengthwise below your knees. If you sleep on your side, put a pillow lengthwise between your knees. This helps to even out your posture while you sleep so you awake feeling less tight and tense.  

If you'd like to contact Natalie to inquire about this article, email info@enrgifitness.com and we will connect you.  

Molly's 3 Ways to Recover Each Day

Stretch!  My hips and hamstrings are really tight, so I stretch these out every morning. It just takes 5 minutes. I do a quick figure 4 on both sides, a 30s pigeon on both sides, stretch out my quads, then stand up and just try to touch my toes. I have a pretty bad back injury, and if I stretch out every morning, I usually go pain free for the rest of the day! 

Water, Water, Water... I feel like any type of fitness list includes water, but there's a good reason for it. When I'm well hydrated, I feel really good, not sluggish. Shout out to Hydroflask for keeping my water cold all day! According to NASM, how much we actually need to drink is very individualized and depends on many factors. Generally, the recommended fluid intake for men is 125-130 oz/day (approx. 16 cups) and 91-95 oz/day (approx. 12 cups) for women. Fluids from all food and beverage sources count towards these amounts. Typically about 20% will come from foods (especially fruits and vegetables) and the other 80% from beverages.

Do Something You Enjoy... Recovery isn't just about recovering your body, but I think its also for your mind. If you go to work everyday, go to the gym, head home and make dinner before going to bed, you're going to burn out. Make sure you throw in something that you really, truly enjoy. For me, I love getting outside, even if its just a walk around the block after dinner or taking a book outside. 

Molly's Story:
My recovery story started in September of 2015. I was out training for my third marathon when I felt a slight twinge in my back. Thinking nothing of it, I finished my long run and went on with my day. The next day, I hopped on my bike, and could barely sit from the pain...but not knowing any better, I rode on my merry way. Later that day, I was doing a few box jumps, and stepping down from one, my foot hit the ground and the entire left side of my body lit up. I had never felt such pain before.

Thinking it would go away with a little bit of rest, I stayed away from the doctor and put my trust in heating pads and Advil. Fast forward a few days and the muscle spasms and pain had gotten worse. I finally caved, went to see my doctor, had a few tests run on me, and was told I had a bulging disc between my L4/L5 vertebrae. I went through the whole gamut of rest, PT and pain killers with nothing working. 

A few months later, I started teaching barre classes. I was doing barre almost every day, and slowly but surely, my pain started to fade. I was able to get off the pain meds and my sciatic pain almost completely disappeared. Amy, ENRGi's owner, had a similar injury, and we chatted about adding stretching into my daily routine, something that helped her.  A few months later, after daily stretching and strengthening my core through barre, I was able to head outside for a run (definitely thought my running days were over)! 

Throughout all of this, I've learned that recovery is a process. I used to go for long training runs and never stretch, leave classes before the cool downs were over, but I've learned what my body needs. Of course, there have been times when I've been feeling too good and I've re-injured myself (unfortunately jump lunges are not my friend), but I have a good grasp now on what I can and cannot do. As much as I would love to do a burpee or a box jump, I know those just aren't in the cards for me anymore...and I'm ok with that. To me, recovery is about learning to listen to my body, and it took me a while, but I think I finally understand what its saying.

If you'd like to contact Molly to inquire about her recovery journey, classes, and/or personal training, email info@enrgifitness.com and we will connect you.  

Member Spotlight - March 2017, Liz M.

Liz has been an ENRGi member since early 2016. Not only has she tried almost every class, but you can catch her working out morning, noon, and night. Need a class suggestion? Liz has you covered!

What motivates you to workout?

My full time gym buddy, Nikkie. You guys making this such a fun place to get tortured everyday. And all the pizza I eat.

What are your favorite classes at ENRGi?

Literally all of them. I started listing them and I realized I was listing all of them. This is a great place for someone with workout ADD. No class is boring and I really appreciate how much thought you guys put in making every workout exciting... and sometimes a little mean. Hayden made everyone do 27 burpees on my birthday when I lied and said I was 27.

How do you recover post workout?

Those early morning days I usually go to work and sleep under my desk. Don't tell my boss.

What is your guilty pleasure? 

I don't feel that guilty about it, but right now my husband and I have two TVs set up in our living-room so we can play simultaneous Zelda. 

What is your favorite quote?

"Are you gonna finish those fries?" -me

Will You Be My Swole Mate? 14 Minute Partner Workout

#1. Partner Get Up - 2 minutes

Alternate arms each time.

#2. Partner Hamstring Curls - 2 minutes, 1 minute each

Make sure the partner doing the work has their toes flexed versus pointed.

#3. Partner Ball Toss - 2 minutes 

If you don't have a ball, substitute for high fives.

#4. Partner Leg Throws - 2 minutes, 1 minute each

#5. Partner Reaction Lunges - 2 minutes, 1 minute each 

Push your partner forward so they have to react and catch themselves in a lunge. Make sure to push your partner on their upper back. Alternate each time.

#6. Partner Walking Wheelbarrow - 2 minutes, 1 minute each 

#7. Repeat one of the above exercises - 2 minutes.

Member Spotlight - Feb 2017, Brian J.

Brian J. is a a regular "nooner" at ENRGi. Always walking in with a smile on his face, he's always ready to push himself! With 2 kids, a commute from the suburbs, and lots of traveling, Brian still finds time to commit himself to a healthy lifestyle!

What motivates you to workout?

Being the best version of me I can be. I strive for consistency. When I can be consistent with my workouts and combine that routine with healthy eating, I feel physically and mentally strong!

What are your favorite classes at ENRGi?

Shredded, SWAT and Calorie. I love the variation that each of these classes gives me and I love seeing the different class styles of all the instructors.

How do you recover post workout?

Drinking a lot of water along with a product called AMPED Recover - it helps in muscle building and recovery for fatigued muscles.

What is your guilty pleasure? 

Without a doubt, cheesy reality TV shows with my wife - Bachelor/Bachelorette, yup! 

What is your favorite quote?

"When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down "happy". They told me I didn't understand the assignment, and I told them they didn't understand life." - John Lennon

Members Spotlight, Jan 2017 - Eliana & Abby

Eliana and Abby joined ENRGi in early 2016 and have been hooked ever since. Although they are die-hard morning attendees, you can see them Wednesday evenings knocking out two-a-days!

What motivates you to workout?

Eliana: Feeling good and seeing results! Also, having Abby as a gym buddy has made me much more motivated to get to the gym every morning.
Abby: The fact that i've lost 2 pant sizes since I started last January. resulting boost in mood and energy afterward, plus a desire to maintain my health.

What are your favorite classes at ENRGi?

Eliana: SWAT and Warrior are great because they break up the workout so time flies by. Hanging upside on a hammock in Gravity Fit has become my new favorite thing.
Abby: Anything Fred because he takes my complaining and he's so nice about it.

How do you recover post workout?

Eliana: Lying on the couch and watching the Bachelor (probably not the right answer)
Abby: Brunch with Eliana and Mike after SWAT on Saturdays. 

What is your guilty pleasure?

Eliana: Wine and donuts.
Abby: Anything hello kitty! 

7 Ways We Can Help You Stick to Your Resolutions

As another year closes it's time to evaluate this one and set endless goals for the new one! Many of you may have the same goal, and it may be the exact same as last year: to improve your level of fitness. Whether you've been working out for years or you're new to the game there's always room for growth - the trick is sticking with it! 

Here are 7 ways we can help you stay committed to your 2017 fitness goals:

Time:

One of the most common factors that leads to dropping out is the misconception that "getting in shape" requires hours at the gym. FALSE. There are several studies now that prove it's not about the duration, it's all about the intensity. ENRGi offers 30 min classes that are sure to spike your heart rate... and your fat burning metabolism.

Map out your workouts in advance:

Classes open at 6am one week in advance. The earlier you sign up the more likely you are to keep that commitment! Plan around the workout rather than planning your workout around everything else.

Compliment your classes with personal training:

If you're seeking help with a specific goal one of ENRGi's trainers might be a great resource for you. Personal training provides a workout specific to your needs but also gives you the one on one guidance and push that may be hard to receive in a group setting. Don't be afraid to ask your favorite instructor about personal training options! Love them all? Email info@enrgifitness.com and we can connect you with our available trainers.

Join the Workout Challenge:

Offered for a limited time, this unlimited membership is an awesome option if you need an extra push and money is a key motivator. While it's the cheapest option for unlimited classes each month, you need to come at least 16x to avoid additional charges. This membership can be your best friend or worst enemy. Look online or ask the front desk for more details.

Create SMART goals:

Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely elements attached to your goal will help you take the necessary steps towards actually reaching your goal. For example, instead of saying "this year I will live a healthier lifestyle" take time to quantify what "healthy" means to you. Is your goal to lose weight? Gain muscle? Improve nutrition? Add more daily activity? Once you've decided your specific goal think about what key elements will bring you closer to it. Then give yourself attainable and realistic guidelines with a close ended time frame (that also needs to be realistic!). Need more assistance with this? See the previous section about Personal Training.

Grab a friend or meet someone new:

Attending classes with a friend is a great way to hold each other accountable...and have way more fun! If you already have a workout buddy - awesome! - check out the next section for our private group class options. For those of you trying a new gym solo take this time to meet someone new! Group activities provides a great opportunity to introduce yourself to others in class, give out a few high fives, and cheer someone on during an exercise.

Grab a friend...or ten! 

Looking for an active business event, bachelor/bachelorette sweat before the big night, or just want a more personal atmosphere to workout for you and your friends? Any of our instructors are available for private group classes. Look online or ask the front desk for more details. 

-Written by ENRGi Lead Instructor, Theresa. Email info@enrgifitness.com if you'd like to inquire about personal training, memberships, and/or private group classes.