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Amanda Keller, 22, grew up very skinny but never strong and in shape.

When she fell pregnant, Amanda panicked at not gaining any weight during the first half of her pregnancy and went on over-indulge in junk, gaining three stone eight pounds, resulting in her highest weight of 13 stone six pounds and a UK dress size of 14.

After months of severe chest pains, visiting the hospital several times with high blood pressure and fearing for her and her daughter's health, Amanda decided to make a change.

She found Kayla Itsines' Bikini Body Guide (BBG), and followed her workout routine as well as lowering her junk food intake. Amanda lost four stone six pounds in just 21 months and landed on the slender weight of nine stone and a UK dress size two.

Since being introduced to BBG, an eBook containing 12 weeks worth of 28 minute resistance workouts, all aspects of Amanda's health have improved.

The Arizona, USA, local said: I felt really sluggish and unhappy with my body. I wasn't happy with how the weight made me feel; physically and emotionally. I also had no energy.

"I decided to lose the weight because of two reasons; one - I just didn't like being overweight. I was a stay-at-home mum when I started working out and before I was working out, I was very depressed.

"Another reason was that I was constantly having severe chest pain for months. I went to the hospital several times and I had high blood pressure, but they could never figure out the chest pain.

"I was really worried, since I had a young baby at the time, so I decided to try to become healthier to see if that would help - and it did. The chest pain went away after losing the weight.

"I'm so much more healthy now. I don't have chest pain anymore. It helped me get out of my slump of always being indoors and depressed. I have so much more energy to keep up with my daughter now.

"I feel more positive about myself. I am proud of what I've accomplished. I've always liked playing sports a bit but I never liked running or workouts.

"I feel like I'm a much healthier person than I've ever been in my life. I'm much more positive and I feel as though I can get more done every day because of the energy it gives me."

Amanda admitted changing her diet has been the most difficult part of the weight loss process.

She said: I don't diet but I just try and remind myself when I go to grab an unhealthy snack to find healthy alternative instead.

"I didn't workout at all before, even before my pregnancy. I wasn't overweight before I got pregnant, but I was weak and had no muscle.

"I was very out of shape and would be out of breath from the simplest of activities. Now I workout three times a week and I can handle a lot more.

"I think the hardest part of losing weight is watching what you eat. It's hard to change unhealthy eating habits.

"A lot of people are surprised at how much I've lost and will ask me what I did in order to lose weight.

"My husband and friends are proud of me. I always tell people that my goal now is not to lose more weight, but to gain muscle. I am aiming to be strong, not skinny.

"Ease yourself into it and expect a few fall-backs. I gave up and started back up again several times. It's OK to take a week break if you feel like you need it.

"Do not be too hard on yourself. Also, to stay motivated, take progress photos. When I am not feeling motivated to workout, looking at my progress helps me get back in the mood to workout.

"I would also say drop all fizzy drinks, juices and alcohol. I only drink a cup of coffee in the morning and water for the rest of the day. I very rarely ever drink alcohol. We don't have fizzy drinks or juice in the house."

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Weight loss: Woman shed over four stone with THIS simple diet plan - Express.co.uk

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While getting in shape doesnt take place overnight there is a quick way to slim down.

For those wanting to look and feel good in a short space of time this summer, Chris Wharton, Co-owner and Director at Better Body Group, has revealed how.

He said: The people you see looking ripped on their holidays get that way by carefully structuring their training plans, being mindful of what they eat and, most importantly, for fat loss, create a consistent calorie deficit.

That being said, the quickest way to get in shape is by including big,compound strength exercises, that recruit lots of muscle mass and subsequently raise the number of calories you burn throughout the day post workout.

Chris has three exercises for those looking to get in shape on a tight schedule.

Push press

The push press is a relatively easy exercise to learn, but packs a lot of bang for its buck. Not only does it target the arms, shoulders and trunk, but also the whole of the lower body. Its also a great exercise for adding practical strength for everyday life.

How to do it:

Perform the push press with either a barbell or pair of dumbbells. Start with the weights rested on shoulders (dumbbells) or collar (barbell)

Note - unless you are experienced in compound lifts like this, be sure to start light and perfect the technique before adding weight.

Deadlift

The deadlift should be included in pretty much every plan that aims to improve physique. The move targets many muscle groups in one single movement - the quads, calves, hamstrings, gluten, trunk, arms and upper and lower back. Its also great for improving posture and total body strength.

How to do it:

Note - this is a tricky move to perform correctly. Be sure to start light and ask for help if you need it. There is no quicker way to injure your lower back than by doing a dodgy deadlift.

Spiderman press up

Any press up variation is a valuable addition to your training regime. As another great compound exercise, the Spiderman press up not only targets your chest, shoulders and arms but also adds an extra challenge to your abs and obliques.

How to do it:

Note - for beginners, its essential to master the standard press up first, as the Spiderman press up is far more challenging on hip and core stability.

While these three gym exercises are great to add to your summer training plan, Chris urges people to remember no single exercise alone will help you shape up for summer.

He said: Be consistent and focus on creating a calorie deficit in combination with plenty of activity.

Chris Wharton is the Co-owner and Director of the Better Body Group, a chain of gyms in the South East that specialises in body transformation, injury rehabilitation and improving fitness performance, all delivered by graduate-level personal trainers. Find out more on the website http://www.betterbodygroup.co.uk/

Another tip to lose weight is not eating at THIS time of day.

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Weight loss: THESE three moves will help you shed pounds fast - Express.co.uk

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Weight loss plan F45 claims it can change your body in just eight weeks, taking you to lean and toned in just two months.

The diet plan, which calls itself revolutionary, involves diet plans and advice, daily meal plans, and an app where you can track your progress.

Whats more, the Australian fad claims to be entirely free.

So are these claims too good to be true, or could Britons benefit from the diet plan hailing from Down Under?

The nine images show Australians who took before and after images - and the results are startling. F45, short for Functional 45, actually combines a number of the latest fitness fads to help devotees achieve maximum fitness.

It uses a mix of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Circuit Training, and Functional Training - designed to build muscle through everyday movements. F45 was founded in 2014, and now has 500 studios in Australia.

Jonathan Hawkins, Fitness Advisor at Discount Supplements, told Epxress.co.uk: "F45 is the latest craze to sweep the fitness world. It combines high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with healthy eating, to produce quick weight loss results.

"The system is made up of a combination of 15 exercises, performed in two 45-second sets (with two 15-second rest periods) and a timed water break in the middle of the circuit.

"The exercises are paired with a diet plan, designed to reduce water weight, and keep your sugar cravings at bay. The plan strengths lie in the timings, as the circuits are so fast and so intense, you dont have time to waste, so it feels like its over before you know it.

The company releases 45-minute workouts that fans follow, which is similar to the popular cross fit craze.

There are also strict meal plans designed to help the body get lean.

A standard daily meal plan during the challenge involves scrambled eggs for breakfast, a protein shake, courgette with bolognese and fish and letils for dinner.

According to reports the work out plan is used by Hugh Jackman and Nicole Richie.

While little can be done currently to prove or disprove the effectiveness of the workout, scientific studies seem to suggest that the HIIT style of exercise does aid weight loss.

A paper from The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness studying the effects of HITT on overweight women found tangible results and concluded that HIIT program is an effective measure for the treatment of young women who are overweight.

Currently, the plan is only available in the UK in London.

Carolyn Hartz, author of Sugar-Free Baking, recently revealed the secret to her slender and ageless appearance.

The 70-year-old Australian has wowed the public with her youthful appearance.

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Weight loss plan: What is the F45 challenge? FREE diet promises results in eight weeks - Express.co.uk

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When it comes to having a healthy body, ladies look up to Kapamilya stars as those who truly radiate health. For instance, Anne Curtis isknown for being an exercise advocateas seen on her numerous posts on Instagram. Meanwhile, Isabelle Daza, who is a firm believer in a healthy lifestyle,promotes the importance of exercise and proper nutritionthrough her indoor cycling studio Ride Revolution and nutrition service company Better Health.

While these "It Girls" often work with trainers to get strong and fit, there are other ways that you can get in shape in a healthy way, such as exercising at home, healthy eating, and intermittent fasting.

What is intermittent fasting?

Going on a diet is the norm for most people who are looking to shed the extra weight, but some fad diets can be bad for your health.Intermittent fasting is not a diet rather, it is a method of eating. You dont restrict what you eat, but you do control when to eat. By undergoing fast periods, your body doesnt only shed the excess weight, but it also burns fat more effectively.

The goal here is to lower the number of calories that you consume in order to encourage your system to burn through your fat stores. Fasting can be as simple as eating dinner, then not consuming anything but liquids such as coffee, tea, or broth until 1p.m. the next day. You then get to eat lunch and dinner normally before repeating the whole process all over again.

How intermittent fasting works

Some celebrities know that it takes a lot of hard work to get their body in good condition, hence the hours of workouts and the difficult exercises that they do on a regular basis. Some local celebs alsoadjust the way they eatto lose weight the healthy way.

Exercising and changing the way you eat requires willpower, and intermittent fasting will also require the same amount of discipline for it to work. But the results are definitely worth it, especially when the pounds start to fall off. But how does intermittent fasting work to melt unwanted fat?

After eating a big meal, your body is in a fed state and it absorbs all the nutrients from your food. Once the food is digested, your body is in a post-absorptive state that can last up to 12 hours after eating. During a fasted state, your bodys glucose levels go down, your insulin levels rise, and this causes your body to burn through its fat reserves for energy.

Why you should try intermittent fasting

We all go through periods when we feel heavy and sluggish, or perhaps youd just like to lose the last few stubborn pounds from your body. With intermittent fasting, you not only get to lose weight in the simplest way, but you also learn a new way of eating to benefit your overall health and lifestyle.

Workouts can become more effective when you exercise on an empty stomach as your metabolism works hard to burn excess fats to give you energy. Moreover, you can stave off emotional eating, and because youre eating fewer calories, you begin to make better choices when it comes to the food that you eat. Restricting calories may even help you live longer, which is always a plus.

If youre in good health, you can certainly try intermittent fasting to shed the weight in a healthy way. But just to be on the safe side, consult your doctor before fasting to see if its right for you.

ALSO READ: The Six Fix: Been Single For A While But Now Ready To Date Again? Here Are Your 'First Date' Tips!

Jane Sandwood is a content manager for a small fitness and nutrition site and a professional freelance writer with over 10 years experience across many fields. Jane has a particular interest in issues relating to diet, nutrition and fitness.

Photos courtesy of Anne Curtis and Isabelle Daza on Instagram

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In Focus: Seriously, No Need To Starve Yourself Aiming For A Luscious 'It Girl' Bod! Just Try This! - ABS-CBN News

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Even people who are the picture of health need to let loose once in a while.

A new generation of fitness pros is finding ways to party and drink while still rising at dawn to maintain their muscled physiques and motivate celebrity clients.

As a trainer, I want to be healthy and be a good example. But I cant cut out all enjoyment.

I definitely drink, and I definitely go to clubs because its part of a human beings need to be social and to have fun, says Nicole Winhoffer, a trainer who splits her time between NYC and LA and has worked with celebs such as Madonna and Ellen Pompeo. As a trainer, I want to be healthy and be a good example. But I cant cut out all enjoyment.

Longevity nuts such as Bulletproof Diet creator Dave Asprey whos aiming to live to 180 like to imbibe, too. No one wants to eat sticks and twigs and sip a little bit of decaf tea, says the professional biohacker. Come on; weve gotta live.

Fortunately for wellness junkies and civilians alike, the human body is pretty well-equipped to deal with booze on its own provided youre not hitting the bottle too hard. If youre having one drink per hour along with water to replenish lost fluid, and maybe a meal, youll probably have very few hangover symptoms the next day, Charles A. McKay, M.D., medical toxicologist and board president of the American College of Medical Toxicology, tells The Post.

But for nights when you might or already have had a few rounds too many, wellness experts swear by these natural fixes.

New York Pilates founder Heather Andersen doesnt hate on the partying lifestyle. In fact, she hosts evening meetups that bring together clients and instructors over kicky cocktails. Mezcal and tequila are the NYP alcohols of choice, Andersen says. Gem & Bolt, her preferred mezcal brand, is infused with damiana, an herb said to have crankiness-calming effects. She uses it to make mezcal mules, mixing the mezcal with lime juice and a tummy-soothing reduction of fresh ginger.

Drinking the right kind of tequila can make a difference in how you feel, too, notes gastroenterologist Partha Nandi, M.D., author of the forthcoming book Ask Dr. Nandi (Simon & Schuster, out Sept. 12). Blanco and silver tequilas are the healthiest, he says. Unlike darker, aged tequilas, these types tend to have fewer sugars, which can help make a hangover less likely. Plus, the cold-pressed OJ in Andersens tequila sunrises delivers a feel-good dose of vitamin C.

That said, Andersen admits she occasionally feels parched when her alarm goes off at 5:45 the following morning. Sometimes shell rehydrate with an electrolyte-drink mix called RecoverORS. Its sort of like Pedialyte but without all the sugar, she says.

Or, she knocks back a big ol glass of milk. Sounds weird, but research has found that moo juice is uniquely effective at restoring the bodys fluid balance.

Saladino, who runs Drive health clubs in Soho and Murray Hill, and trains Blake Lively, Jake Gyllenhaal and more, says a great night out is all about pacing himself. He grabs a slow-sipping beer like Guinness even though it contains gluten, which he tries to avoid in his daily diet. Its better for me to consume some wheat and gluten and have a light buzz than to get completely trashed on tequila cocktails, he says.

The next day, he hops in his at-home infrared sauna for at least 30 minutes and sips a liter of water spiked with Celtic or Himalayan sea salt.

Growing evidence suggests that infrared saunas designed to gently raise the bodys core temperature using radiant energy may bring down blood pressure and relieve pain. And McKay says that adding a dash of salt to your H2O could conceivably speed recovery: Sea salt has a number of ions in it, which can replace those lost from drinking alcohol.

In addition, Saladino sometimes books IV sessions, which are said to replenish fluids while delivering nutrients like vitamin B and magnesium at the Ash Center on the Upper East Side. But not all experts are on board with opening veins. Its a medical treatment for a nonmedical condition, McKay says. Not to say that its always bad; its just unnecessary.

At any rate, Saladino likes solid food, too. When hes at home on Long Island, he preps a low-carb recovery breakfast of eggs cooked in coconut oil, a green veggie such as spinach, and avocado.

The author of best-selling book Head Strong (Harper Wave, out now) says he hasnt had a hangover since probably 2005.

Its not because I dont drink I can have three glasses of wine if I like, Asprey says. I just drink the good stuff. European wines are Aspreys choice because they have fewer sickness-causing mold toxins than domestic varieties do, he says. (Research on this matter is inconclusive.)

Asprey also developed a supplement made with finely ground activated coconut charcoal to aid the body in processing alcohol, which he takes after all his boozy evenings. [Activated charcoal] the stuff that doctors use in the emergency room when youre poisoned, he says. Supplements deliver a smaller dose.

Just be sure to check with your doctor before popping a charcoal supplement, McKay advises, as activated charcoal can upset the stomach and negatively affect the absorption of certain medications and micronutrients.

Asprey has also had success with a supplement called glutathione, an enzyme that aids the liver in processing alcohol. If you can add some of that into your system, your liver has more of what it needs to detox, he explains.

While theres probably little harm in trying glutathione, McKay says supplementation is rarely necessary: Most people make adequate supplies of glutathione for daily purposes, even to handle alcohol.

Winhoffer, creator of the NW Method, relies on a healthy pre-gaming regimen to avoid the effects of too much booze. Before going out, I do a supplement set of turmeric which is good for circulation along with magnesium and cinnamon, which are really great for sugar metabolism, she says. Her preferred dose: 1,000 milligrams of each, taken with a liter of plain water.

While theres not much evidence to support turmerics hangover-fighting powers specifically, the existing science is promising. The anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric alone make it worth adding to your diet, Nandi says. Other benefits of turmeric include anti-oxidant activity to fight off free-radical damage, as well as general support for detoxification. Cinnamon has a proven an anti-inflammatory effect, as well, and may help keep blood sugar on an even keel.

McKay is less sold on magnesium. Its important for a lot of body functions, but unless you have chronic kidney disease or something, youre probably getting plenty from your diet, he says.

On the other hand, Winhoffers post-party bedtime treat of seaweed snacks earns praise. Plant compounds in seaweed can help nourish, detoxify and restore the bodys cells after alcohol intake, Nandi says.

Winhoffer says when all else fails, she likes to sweat out the booze the old-fashioned way. I just went to my client Kate Hudsons Fabletics party, and even though people were drinking, everyone was dancing, she says. Its helpful to stay active and keep your energy up.

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Fitness nuts reveal secret hangover hacks - New York Post

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There was a time when I struggled to make fitness a consistent part of my life. I had a repertoire of excuses that seemed totally legit at the time: I was too busy, I had to work late, I was too tired, or fitness was just too expensive.

I now realize that my reasons for avoiding fitness were just a front and a mask that concealed my own fear of fitness.

But what was I afraid of? And why is engaging in fitness so scary for some of us?

I had fear of judgment. None of the gym advertising or websites I visited showed anyone who looked like me. To me, this sent a subconscious message that I wasnt really invited and I felt I would be judged. I thought I needed to be thinner or fitter before I was deemed worthy enough to enter to the gym. What the hell?

I had fear of failure. At the time there were seldom women of my size represented in fitness mediums and I didnt have any role models who looked like me, so how could I truly know that someone of my size was actually succeeding at achieving their athletic greatness?

It left an element of the unknown, so subconsciously I avoided it with my go-to excuses. What I didnt realize is that I was amongst thousands of women who felt the same way. Gym anxiety is real.

Sport England did an extensive study of women for the popular fitness campaign This Girl Can. Their findings revealed a huge difference in the number of men and women playing sport. And it's wasnt because females didnt want to get active. Millions of women and girls were afraid to exercise because of fear of judgement.

My excuses served a purpose: They protected me from stepping outside of my comfort zone. But what they really kept me from was living to my highest potential.

Through a lot of trial and error, Ive learned strategies for managing my fear and Ive coached thousands of women to do the same. If you relate to any of this, its time to kick fear to the curb and get in the game. So, are you ready?

Being prepared isnt just for the Girl Scouts. Implementing the know before you go strategy can level fear to a mere flicker. I recommend doing some in-depth research so you know what to expect before attending a gym or fitness class. Id even go as far as touring the facility, viewing where you will be working out, and meeting the trainers. The more familiar you can be before you start, the better.

Finding fitness that fits your ability, needs and your version of health is vital to reducing fear. If you have never exercised, or you havent exercised for 20 years, intimidating or intense fitness programs will only amp up the fear factor. If you are smothered with too much fear before you even start, it becomes difficult to sustain and people often quit. Start slowly, allow yourself to get (re)acquainted with exercise, build your confidence and then move on to more. This is all about fear management and biting off what is palatable, step by step. Rather than jumping into a high-intensity interval training class (HIIT), maybe you want to start with walking or jogging in the park, or using the stationary bike at the gym and doing stretches and bodyweight work on the mat.

Even now, I still have fitness fear. I can remember waiting to get into the pool at a triathlon and my heart was racing, my fear amplified. I didnt have a great swim because my heart rate was too high and I went out of the gate too fast. I now implement breathing to combat the pre-race jitters. Find a quiet corner, close your eyes and just breathe. Deep breaths in through nose, out through the mouth until you feel calmer.

When I first started running I was terrified to join a run group, but when I arrived on the first night my run leader was a plus-size woman with a body type just like mine. Everyone in the group was a beginner runner, just like me and I immediately felt like I belonged. Their likeness to me took my fear from a 10 to 3 in a quick second. If you see a fitness group or class that resonates with you, find out morefinding your tribe truly changes everything!

When we are trying something new there will likely be some degree of fear. I now see fear as a part of the athletic process and I no longer allow it to rule my life. Someone once told me that fear is just energy very similar to excitement and that helped me diminish its power. We must remember that our instinctual fight or flight reactions to danger are ingrained in us because in ancient times our lives were often at risk. However, I am happy to report that when Ive joined a gym or entered a race I didnt die or combust. Remember, part of athleticism is feeling the fear, managing it, and doing it anyway. Harness that energy and use it in your workout!

Often fear can erupt when were not feeling worthy and sometimes we have to fake it till we make it. I recommend daily mantras. Similar to physical training, mental training is key for dissipating fear. Maybe youve heard the saying "If you think you can, you can." When we have a strong sense of self-efficacy, our fear is lessened greatly. Here are some of my go-to mantras:

I am an athlete.

My body will do whatever I train it to do.

I am strong and capable of anything I put my mind to.

Find some phrases that feel authentic to you and chant them till the cows come home!

If you have been away from fitness for a long time, I would recommend having very little expectations around physical performance at first. Disregard what you used to do in high school, or even two years ago, and embrace where you are today. If you enter the game with high expectations it beckons our fear of failure and sometimes were defeated before we have even started. Remember, take it slow and go!

It takes great bravery to step forward and take control of your health. I always ask my clients, What is the worst thing that can happen? You might have to walk during the run, you might have to stop and catch your breath or you might have to sit down for a moment. But I can assure you, you wont explode or combust during fitness. Just knowing that can give you the power to bust through your fear, rock it out, and do it anyway!

Louise Green is a plus-size trainer, founder of the fitness program Body Exchange, and author of Big Fit Girl: Embrace the Body You Have. Follow: Instagram @LouiseGreen_BigFitGirl, Twitter @Bigfitgirl, Facebook @louisegreen.bigfitgirl

Our model, Alisha Sheperd, is wearing a New Balance Studio Crop (NewBalance.com, $65), Stella McCartney for Adidas Running Jacket (adidas.com for similar styles, $180), CALIA Essential Crossover Heather Fitted Capris (CaliaStudio.com, $65), and APL TechLoom Phantom Sneakers (AthleticPropulsionLabs.com, $165).

You might also like: Meet the Plus-Size Pole Dance Fitness Instructor Whos Redefining What It Means to Be in Shape

Excerpt from:
7 Strategies for Conquering Gym Anxiety at Any Size - SELF

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NEWBURYPORT Its said that theres no gain without pain.

But those who work out in the morning here dont seemed pained by the process and they say they are gaining valuable exercise time designed to keep them fit.

One of Yankee Homecomings daily programs is the Free Morning Waterfront Workout Series.

It starts at about 8 a.m. in front of the bandstand on the riverfront, and draws from a dozen to 25 each morning.Today (Wednesday) and Thursday, there are two sessions per morning.

Instructors are workout leaders from fitness centers in the area.

The participants are morning people, mostly women, who rise, stretch and sweat before many people in the community are awake.

As organizers say, Try a new class to kick-start your healthy regimen.

On Tuesday, the 9 a.m. session was run by Ilene Harnch-Grady, health and wellness director at the YWCA of Greater Newburyport.

Her hour was titled, YWCA Barre Fusion, and it was the second session of the morning. The first was MotivateCardioBarre.

Barre is a form of physical exercise, usually conducted in group classes in gyms or specialty studios.

Authorities say it is distinguished from other group fitness activities by its incorporation of movements derived from ballet.

Barre classes typically focus on small, pulsing movements with emphasis on form, alignment and core engagement. Participants hold their bodies still while contracting specific, targeted sets of muscles in isometric exercise.

After a session that featured up-tempo music that included the old hit Stayin Alive, participants seemed ready to attack the day.

You cant beat working out in this weather and at this site, said Marianne Gasbarro of Newbuyport. I walk maybe five days a week, and I saw information about this fitness program so I came down. I enjoyed it.

Tricia Hering of Methuen said, I drove over here for the workout, and then I go to the beach.

The free morning workouts are hosted by Anna Jaques Hospital.Kelley OBrien, a spokeswoman for the hospital, said, This is our third year with the morning workouts, and it has been successful. One Sunday, we had close to 60 in the class.Its a good way to start the day, and work at staying fit.

Different studios have hosted morning sessions, including Riverside Yoga, Fuel Boot Camp, MotivateCardioBarre and the YWCA.

Wednesdays sessions are being run by Newburyport Yoga (8 a.m.) and Guy Chase Academy of Newburyport (9:15 a.m.)

On Thursday, Natural High Fitness Club will lead the troops from 6:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. and the Latitude Pound Class will supervise from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

On Friday, Latitude Boot Camp will lead from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m and on Saturday, Crossfit Full Potential takes the reins from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Stephen Mills, the only man in Tuesdays class, said he enjoyed his hour.

I liked the stretching, and I found the class pretty forgiving, meaning, if you cant do a certain move, you can stop, said Mills, a middle-aged Newburyport resident.

I need to exercise, and getting out in the morning on a nice setting along the river is a good way to start the day.

Dyke Hendrickson can be reached at 978-961-3149 or at dhendrickson@newburyportnews.com.

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Yankee Homecoming fitness classes on waterfront for muscle tone - The Daily News of Newburyport

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NEW YORK, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Anytime Fitness, the fastest-growing co-ed gym in the world, recently announced plans to introduce over 150 locations in targeted areas throughout the state of New York. The community-focused brand will ramp up growth through strategic franchise partnerships and aims to open the new locations within the next five years.

There are currently 20 thriving Anytime Fitness locations open throughout the Empire State. Kicking off this development push, Rochester and Newburgh locations are slated to open within the next 12 months, with another eight in various stages of development. With a diverse, active population, an open real estate market and multiple successful existing franchisees, New York is an obvious and attractive area for continued growth. Targeted markets throughout the state include Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers, among several others.

"We're looking to grow where we can make a difference in people's lives, and there is immense potential throughout New York to do just that," said Tom Gilles, Vice President of Franchise Development. "With proof of concept in the region and a neighborhood-focused culture that resonates perfectly with the supportive atmosphere of our gyms, we're poised for explosive growth in the state."

Anytime Fitness has been the fastest-growing fitness club franchise in the world for 10 consecutive years. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Anytime Fitness offers convenient and affordable exercise with supportive coaching and community events. When members join one gym, they gain access to all of the 3,500+ Anytime Fitness gyms worldwide, at no extra cost. Gyms are equipped with state-of-the-art strength training and cardio equipment, offer personal training sessions and small group programs. Through support and guidance from trainers and staff and encouragement from a community of members, Anytime Fitness aims to motivate individuals on their journey to Get to a Healthier Place, no matter where they live or what their physical fitness level is.

"We're not looking to simply grow a franchise brand we're looking to grow and help individuals reach their specific goals and achieve a healthy, happy lifestyle," said Chuck Runyon, co-founder and CEO of Anytime Fitness. "We're searching for local entrepreneurs who share our passion for building relationships and helping others so that we can achieve that vision in communities across the state."

For more information on the Anytime Fitness franchise opportunity, please visit http://www.anytimefitnessfranchise.com or call 855-211-5839.

About Anytime FitnessRanked #1 on Entrepreneur's prestigious Top Global Franchise list, Anytime Fitness is the fastest-growing gym franchise in the world, with more than 3,500 gyms serving nearly 3,000,000 members on five continents. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Anytime Fitness prides itself on providing its members with convenient fitness options and friendly, personal service in well-maintained facilities which feature top-quality exercise equipment. Gyms are now open in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, The Republic of Ireland, Wales, Grand Cayman, Poland, the Netherlands, Spain, Qatar, India, Chile, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Belgium, Italy, Sweden and the Philippines. All franchised gyms are individually owned and operated. Join one gym and use them all. For more information about Anytime Fitness and its franchise opportunities, please visit http://www.anytimefitness.com.

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SOURCE Anytime Fitness

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As a lifelong runner, Ive become adept at predicting the best times, routes, and strategies to jog in cities while avoiding street harassers. From circumventing stops at traffic lights to steadfastly avoiding eye contact with passersby, Ive adopted behaviors that are unfortunately standard practice for a lot of urban women. But recently, when using the social fitness tracking app Strava, I noticed a different kind of potential threatone I wasnt prepared for.

After Id completed my usual 5-kilometer loop near my London flat, a stranger I didnt know liked my workouteven though I had enabled stricter privacy settings, which I thought would shield my workouts from public view. This happened several more times while I jogged the same route, and then again when I was on vacation in Barcelona. Alarmed at the idea of that strangers could see the routes I run on two or three times a week, I embarked on an investigation into the privacy settings of Strava. What I learned wasnt reassuring for an urban womanor anyone concerned about location-based privacy.

It should be said that for many Strava users, the whole point of the app is to receive kudosStravas equivalent of an Instagram likefrom strangers. Indeed, for the (mostly male) users who dominate Stravas feature discussion forum, the public and granular nature of Stravas user data is what allows them to compare, compete, and quantify their performance with rigorous attention to detail. Tracking everything from speed and elevation to calories burned and personal records, Stravas users can see how they are progressing against their past performance, and compared to users who run or cycle the same routes.

This social aspect is appealing to me, too, but with a crucial caveat: I only want people who Ive allowed to follow me to see where I run. When youre a woman whose personal and digital space is invaded with alarming regularity, you think carefully about how your digital life intersects with your real oneespecially when the data youre sharing is quite literally close to your front door.

I soon learned that the first problem was my assumption that Enhanced Privacy on Strava meant that my data and running routes were viewable only to my approved followers. In fact, it means no such thing. Stravas Leaderboard function ranks the pace of all athletes who complete the same Segment, or a set distance on a given route that has been mapped by a user and added onto the app. Though I had Enhanced Privacy on, I hadnt enabled Hide from Leaderboards, which is a separate toggle on the privacy settings in the app.

This meant that if I ran a particularly fast 200-meter segment in the park, landing me temporarily on a Leaderboard, anyone who was examining that segment in the appwhether or not Ive allowed them to follow mecould see my workout that day. Troublingly, this also would allow them to see my first and last name and the photo attached to my profile.

With Leaderboards enabled (which is the default setting, even with Enhanced Privacy on), going for a run in the park is the opposite of private or anonymous. In effect, its like having a private Instagram accountand then finding your photos are viewable on Instagrams Explore page.

Failing to opt out of Leaderboards was admittedly my blunder. But from there, it seemed like there were an ever-increasing number of things I needed to opt out of to avoid strangers finding out my first and last name based on where I run. In the privacy settings, I needed to toggle on Group Activity Enhanced Privacy, so my data wouldnt be shared if I happened to run with other Strava users. I also needed to switch on Hide from FlyBys, which allows users to see other athletes (with picture and full name) they crossed paths with on a given route. Furthermore, if I chose to join a Challengefor example, run half marathon in August, which has more than 52,000 digital participantsthat data would be public no matter what. (Theres no disclaimer when you opt in, either.) This, as Stravas support told me, is in the interest of maintaining athletic and competitive integrity.

Strava communications lead Andrew Vontz noted that the three levels of privacy that Strava offerstotally public, the aforementioned Enhanced Privacy, and the Private by Default option, which strips the app of any social aspect whatsoeverare designed to balance protecting our members data but also creating a community that is engaging and social. But in practice, it feels like there are more like six levels. Even if all the above parameters are met, there is still a chance the specifics of a users run could be viewable publicly if, as Vontz said, youve shared it directly, shared it on other social media channels, or one of your followers has shared it in some way. It is also unlikely but possible that someone could find it through random sampling.

Its true that as a user, its my responsibility to know what Im opting into when I use a service, especially when its free. But the fact that it took me three rounds of emails with a support rep, a call with a Vontz, and a follow-up email round with him to fully understand how to prevent strangers from seeing my running routes is troubling. To borrow a phrase from English law, a man on a Clapham omnibusor an average ordinary and reasonable human beingwould likely not assume that their first and last name would be broadcast so indiscriminately despite having an apps enhanced privacy enabled.

Indeed, when I polled a few other female friends who use the app, they too were not aware of the need to opt out of Leaderboards or FlyBys to maintain total control over who can see their workouts. Women both online and in the support forum have also complained about random people following and giving kudos, as well as the concerning nature of FlyBys when it comes to revealing first and last names to strangers, often unbeknownst to the user.

Vontz stressed that Strava takes athlete privacy and safety very seriously, and its true the company has introduced other features to address the issue. In addition to their clever Privacy Zones featurewhich allows users to block out areas where workouts commonly begin and end, like home or officethe Beacon tool in their premium version will send live links of a users activity to chosen contacts. I understand that Strava is a social network as much as a fitness tracking tool, and they must balance those functions accordingly. But the multi-layered, opt-out heavy, and rather unclear nature of their settings still seems like a problem.

If you dont like something, you can opt out of it is something we hear a lot in the consumer-facing tech worldwhether its Facebook newsfeed spam, incessant push notifications, or location-tagged posts. The problem with this attitude is that it puts the onus on consumers to ensure that theyre being respected, and lets companies off the hookthe assumption being that they can bank on a good number of users being too lazy, confused, or negligent to opt out. Thats an unsustainable approach if companies want to retain the goodwill of their users. And in cases where privacy is a concern, it can be downright dangerous.

Learn how to write for Quartz Ideas. We welcome your comments at ideas@qz.com.

Excerpt from:
Using a fitness app taught me the scary truth about why privacy settings are a feminist issue - Quartz

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The Class: I took the hour-long Ashtanga class at 9:15 a.m. on a Tuesday at Super Yoga Pallas in East Dallas.

The Appeal:Ashtangayoga is an original lineage practice thats considered a modern-day take on classical Indian yoga. It synchronizes breath with movement which makes for a mentally and physically renewing workout. Its the type of workout that would be perfect to start or end a long and fast paced day.

The Instructor: Jessica Jordan (SYPs owner) was the instructor for this class. Shes been been practicing Ashtanga since 2005 and became an instructor in 2009. Her love for the practice and teaching of healing inspired her to open her own studio. She had a calm, yet motivating vibe about her, which made yoga (something I usually dont do) fun and rewarding.

The Space: The one-room studio is on the second floor of a shop, so you have to go through the front door of the shop to get to the studio but youll know youre in the right place because the staircase has a cute little saying: Namaste Right This Way. The room has a simplistic bohemian feel to itan ideal environment for practicing yoga.

Whos There: Both men and women in their mid-thirties. Some attendees, like myself, were beginners, and some were experienced yogis.

What to Wear: All you need for this class is clothing that you can move freely and comfortably in and a yoga mat. The entire class is done barefoot, so no need to bring your sneaks, and if youre new to this type of class and are giving it a try, you can rent a yoga mat at the studio before deciding to buy one.

How It Went:Like I mentioned before, I am not an avid yogi, but in comparison to the classes Ive gone to, this one takes the cake.Rather than mindlessly going through the movements of each sequence, you are constantly engaged and focusing on your breathing. In each sequence there were a few movements that I was familiar with like chaturanga, downward facing dog, and warrior one, but many that I had no idea how to do. I was a bit lost at times, but thats typical for trying out a new workout or studio. When we finished the closing sequence we laid on our backs with our eyes closed as Jessica came around with essential oils to help us achieve an even deeper relaxation.

The Aftermath: The feeling you have after you get a really good massage is what I would compare to the feeling I had after completing this class. Your mind and body are both so relaxed, putting you in a state of what feels like meditation. My arms do feel a little bit Jello-like after the multiple chaturangas, but thats just a sign of a good workout.

Loved: The vibes in the studio are positive and uplifting, and I am all about feng shui and having a balanced lifestyle, so I was a huge fan of the atmosphere.

Didnt Love: Because the room is small, I had a hard time seeing Jessica illustrate the movements, so I would look around to see what other people were doing.

Difficulty Level: Within the first 15 minutes I was breaking a sweat, but I wasnt dying of exhaustion. There is basically no time for rest between sequences, so you are constantly going until its over. It was hard, but a different kind of hard, especially for someone who doesnt do yoga often.

Bottom Line: Super Yoga Palace is a must try for anyone who is interested in combining a muscle toning and stretching workout with mental clarity and relaxation.

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Fitness First Take: Super Yoga Palace - D Magazine

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