Blog

The Ultimate ENRGi Fit Test!

Want to see your results in action and track your progress from month to month? Once a month we will be offering The Ultimate ENRGi Fit Test, a timed trial of the skills you’ve been working on at ENRGi. The test features battle ropes, rowing, power lifting, pull-ups, push-ups, box jumps, leg lifts on the pull-up bar and running. Come prepared to give it your ALL!

We’ve scheduled the first trial for Saturday, June 1st from 2-4pm.  The workout will be timed and you will go in heats of four.  Most people will complete the test in 15-25 minutes, but we encourage you to stick around for the entire two hours and cheer on the rest of the participants.  It is a good idea to come a little warmed up, but we wouldn’t recommend doing another tough class or workout that day.  Save your energy and strength for the test to get the best results possible.

Levels will be provided, though some experience in our bootcamp/strength classes is recommended.  You’ll be able to track your progress not only with your overall time, but also with the level you are able to complete each exercise.  For example, if you can’t do a “real” pull-up this month, that’s ok! You’ll do a modified level for this trial and then maybe by July you will be able to pump out those pull-ups!

Questions? Shoot us an email at info@enrgifitness.com or ask Fred or Robert when you’re at ENRGi. There are only 20 SPOTS available for this trial, so sign up seven days in advance, this Saturday, May 25th!

categories: fitness, Goal

Short and Sweet: Why We Love High Intensity Interval Training

Here at ENRGi, many of our classes feature High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), or short spurts of extremely intense exercise followed by an interval of rest or less intense exercise.  You’ve probably noticed how this technique feels different than say, a thirty minute jog on a treadmill where you go at a steady pace for the whole workout.  While you’re gasping for air or trying to keep down your lunch during a tabata round, you might not really want to be thinking about the science behind this kind of training, but knowledge is power, so here’s a little background on the science of HIIT! (P.S. If you really love the science stuff, here’s the full article from the Journal of Physiology)

The changes in your body will happen in correlation to the kind of exercise and training you put your body though.  If you want to run a marathon, your training will consist of running long distances and if you want to be an Olympic lifter, your training will consist of, guess what? Lifting heavy weights.  When you put your body through a HIIT workout, where it’s working at close to it’s 100% max effort, your heart and lungs will learn that they have to get stronger to adapt to those conditions. You’ve probably noticed that these kind of workouts get easier the more you do them! That means your aerobic system is getting stronger! Just remember to keep pushing yourself past your comfort zone, even though that comfort zone will be ever increasing!

Studies show that HIIT training also improves your metabolism.  Since it takes so much energy (=calories) to do one of these intervals, your body is also learning that it has to burn more sugar (=calories) instead of turning these calories into fat right away.  In fact, your body will keep burning calories at this high rate, even after you are done with class, showered and home on your couch watching Netflix!


So come check out our High Intensity Interval classes, including INSANITY, Ropes Gone Wild, Velocity 360, and many others! Remember to push yourself to your 100% max effort and you will love the results!

categories: fitness

May Workouts On-the-Go!

We love seeing you all here everyday! However we understand that sometimes you need to be able to get yo’ workout on when you’re away from ENRGi.  Here are some great on-the-go workouts for you to try in May!  Each should take about 30 minutes, so do them individually or combine them.

200 Squats workout

In this workout you will do a total of 200 squats! This one is a killer so take breaks as needed, and if you can’t get all the squats in good form the first time, try to build up to it. Remember: keep your butt back, like you’re about to sit in a chair, your weight should be in your heels, keep your chest up and shoulders down and try to go down all the way so your thighs are parallel to the ground.  If your form slips a little bit, take a break! Go for quality over speed!

Warm up: 30 squats, 30 jumping jacks, 30 high knees

35 squats

Push-up and Jumping jack pyramid (start with 10 of each, then 9 of each, 8 of each, etc.)

40 squats (you’re at 105 now! More than half way!)

20 star crunches

30 second plank

25 squats  

20 star crunches

30 second plank

45 squats (You’ve got this!)

10 push-ups, 10 mountain climbers, 10 push-ups

25 squats

You’re done!

 

Outdoor Circuit Stations

Needed: Stop-watch or timer, 8 locations of your choice around a park, along the lakefront, or wherever you have some room to workout outside!

Warm-up: 20 jumping jacks, 20 squats, 20 high knees.  Repeat twice.

Assign each station a different exercise of the following:

1.  Squat jumps

2.  Jumping jacks or big star jumps

3.  Push-ups

4.  Low Squat hold (or wall sit if there’s a wall or fence nearby)

5.  Mountain Climbers

6.  Alternating lunges or lunge jumps

7.  Sit-ups

8.  Plank

At the top of the workout and between each station, do 5 burpees, run a full lap around all the stations, then go to a station and do the exercise for 45 seconds.  Keep going until you’ve done each station.  Don’t rest until you’re done with all the stations!

Take a 1 minute break and then repeat with 30 second intervals instead of 45 second intervals

 

categories: Workouts on the Go

April Workouts On-the-Go!

We love seeing you all here everyday! However we understand that sometimes you need to be able to get yo’ workout on when you’re away from ENRGi.  Here are some great on-the-go workouts for you to try in April!  Since we’re not doing any outdoor bootcamps this year, this month’s On-the-Go will feature some great outdoor workouts you can try on your own! Each should take about 20 minutes, so do them individually or combine them.

Workout 1: Suicide sprint bootcamp!

Need: Two trees (or benches or anything two things you can find outside) that are about 20 yards away from each other (you should be able to take about 20 paces running between them)

Warm-up: easy run or walk five times between the two trees.

One “suicide” = Start at tree #1, touch the ground, sprint to tree #2, touch the ground, run back to tree #1

Do one suicide, then 20 jumping jacks

Do two suicides, then 10 push-ups

Do three suidcides, then 20 squats

Do four suicides, REST for 30 seconds

Do four suicides, then 20 squats

Do three suicides, then 10 push-ups

Do two suicides, then 20 jumping jacks

Do one suicide.

 

Workout 2: The Music Workout

You’ll need: Space to move around, a park bench, an iPod and a playlist of your favorite upbeat workout songs! Should be about 20-30 minutes in length. Change exercises when the song changes!

Song 1: warm-up, keep repeating exercises until the end of the song!

20 jumping jacks

20 squats

20 high knees

20 butt kicks

Song 2: upper body, take breaks as needed, keep repeating until the end of the song!

15 push-ups, hands on the park bench

30 counts hold plank, hands on bench

15 triceps dips facing away from the bench

30 big arm circles from seated (do 15 front and 15 back)

Song 3: Legs, keep repeating until the end of the song!

10 step up on the bench with right leg

10 step up on the bench with left leg

20 squats or squat jumps

20 low pulses in squat position

3 laps running around the bench

Song 4: Cardio Blast! Keep repeating until the end of song!

15 burpees

15 jumping jacks

15 squat jumps

15 mountain climbers hands on bench

3 laps running around the bench

Then repeat the workouts for songs 2, 3 and 4 until the end of the playlist! Put a slow jam at the very end to stretch!

 

categories: Workouts on the Go

Ready…Set…ROW!

We have a new rowing challenge here at ENRGi and our members and staff alike are stepping up to row! We challenge you to row 3000 meters, three times per week on our C2 Concept rowers.  That’s it! After each row, just put an X on our big white board and go for three X’s per week.  3000 meters takes most people between 12-15 minutes to complete.  We encourage you to row as quickly as you can and to go for your personal best times, however, for this challenge it doesn’t matter how fast or slow, just ROW, ROW, ROW!

Rowing is a great workout for total body strengthening and cardio endurance.  Unlike running, it is both low impact (great if you’re recovering from an injury) and works both your upper and lower body simultaneously for a super efficient calorie burn!

Rowing Studio

Need more incentive? Everyone who completes the Row Challenge and gets at least one week of three 3000m rows will be entered to win a three day juice cleanse from Element Wellness ($185 value!) This fabulous prize is brought to you by Iamselfless.com

Come in before class, stay late after class, or sign up for a daytime Cross Training Trio spot. Rowers are available most of the day, as long as there is not a TRX, Core Burn or Warrior Conditioning Class going on.  Check our schedule to see availability.

categories: fitness, Goal, Promotion

March Work-outs On-the-GO!


We love seeing you all here everyday! However we understand that sometimes you need to be able to get yo’ workout on when you’re away from ENRGi.  Here are some great on-the-go workouts for you to try in March!  Each should take about 20 minutes, so do them individually or combine them!

March Madness!
Don’t just watch the games, workout like a bball player!
Need: Enough space to take about four small steps left and right
Warm up: 30 jumping jacks, 30 double high knees, 30 squats, repeat X2!

25 mini basketball suicides (take 4 quick little steps right, touch the floor, take 4 quick little steps left, touch the floor, that’s one rep)
25 push-ups (in as few sets as possible!)
50 crunches

20 mini basketball suicides (take 4 quick little steps right, touch the floor, take 4 quick little steps left, touch the floor, that’s one rep)
20 push-ups (in as few sets as possible!)
40 crunches

15 mini basketball suicides (take 4 quick little steps right, touch the floor, take 4 quick little steps left, touch the floor, that’s one rep)
15 push-ups (in as few sets as possible!)
30 crunches

10 mini basketball suicides (take 4 quick little steps right, touch the floor, take 4 quick little steps left, touch the floor, that’s one rep)
10 push-ups (in as few sets as possible!)
20 crunches

St. Patrick’s Day Irish Step Dance!
Need: 1 chair and 1 clock with a second hand
Do each exercise for 30 seconds and each round of exercises  3 times in a row before moving on to the next pair!  You can take a 30 second break between each round.
Note: Make sure your chair is stable!
Warm up: 30 seconds jumping jacks, 30 seconds high knees, 30 seconds squats, repeat X2!

Round 1. Move one: Step up onto the chair with the right leg only, keep your right leg on the seat of the chair the whole time as you go up and down!

Move two:  quick toe touches on the seat of the chair

X3

Round 2. Move one: Step up onto the chair with the left leg only, keep your left leg on the seat of the chair the whole time as you go up and down!

Move two:  plank jacks with your hands on the chair

X3

Round 3. Move one: Stand on the chair and step off the side of it, right and then left alternating

Move two: plank walk (go from a forearm plank up to a high plank, one arm at a time) with arms on the chair (Harder option! put your FEET on the chair and your walking plank arms on the floor!)

X3

Round 4. Move one: alternating step ups onto the chair

Move two: burpees on the chair

X3

Round 5. Move one: Sit-ups, back on the ground, feet up on the chair

Move two: hold plank, feet on the chair, arms on the floor. (Easier option: hands and feet both on the floor)

X3

 

categories: Workouts on the Go

Meet Our New Staff!

A few lovely ladies have joined the ENRGi family! You’ve probably seen them around the gym, now learn a little more about them!

Andrea is a health and exercise enthusiast! She is a Certified Personal Trainer and Board Certified Holistic Health Coach. Andrea received her training and certifications through the American Council of Exercise – PT and Healthy Mom’s – Pre/Post Natal PT. She is also founder and partner at Busy Bodies Fitness and Nutrition in Chicago. Andrea loves helping people achieve their best self with a little sweat and a lot of fun.
Look out for Andrea’s classes starting this March!

Kristen is a Brand Ambassador by day and fitness enthusiast by night. With a degree in Musical Theatre she has always loved dance and discovered a passion for Zumba upon joining Teamifit, now Enrgi. She is certified in both Turbo Kick and Zumba and hopes to continue her group exercise education and simply encourage people to move and have fun doing it. Other interests include Bikram yoga, tap dance, creative writing and anything on Bravo.
Kristen will be teaching Zumba on Sunday’s at 11am

Jen was introduced to Turbo Kick about 5 years ago and has been obsessed ever since! She started teaching Turbo Kick / Group Exercise around 3 years ago and it has become a passionate hobby/side job of hers! She absolutely loves the group exercise setting and to see members push each other and themselves by just being surrounded in that motivating atmosphere.  She is AFAA certified and is currently teaching Turbo Kick, strength classes and PiYo and she loves it all!!
Look out for Jen’s classes starting this March!

Ashley is one of ENRGi’s front desk coordinators! Ashley is a working actress in the Chicago theatre and comedy scene. She is a recent graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in drama and can be seen performing around the city. Ashley loves meditation and yoga and looks forward to the wonderful classes here at ENRGi!

categories: fitness

Workouts On-the-Go: February!

We love seeing you all here everyday! However we understand that sometimes you need to be able to get yo’ workout on when you’re away from ENRGi.  Here are some great on-the-go workouts for you to try in February!  Each should take about 30 minutes, so do them individually or combine them!


A Workout for Two!
Get sweaty with your sweetie (or a friend!)
You’ll need: A partner, one stable chair, a clock
Warm-up: 20 jumping jacks, 20 squats, 20 lunges X2
Section 1 (8 minutes on the clock, move to section 2 after 8 minutes)
Partner A: 25 step-ups on the chair, then tag out your partner.
Partner B: 6 push-ups, 6 Mountain Climbers (right and left), 6 jumping jacks, repeat over and over until partner A tags you out, then move to the chair
Each time the partner on the chair gets 25 step-ups, you’ll trade places.  Keep going until 8 minutes is up!
One minute break!
Section 2 (8 minutes on the clock, move to section 3 after 8 minutes)
Partner A: 25 burpees, then tag out your partner.
Partner B: 10 triceps dips on the chair, 10 sit-ups with feet on chair, 10 chair hop-overs (stand to the side of the chair, squat with one foot on chair, then hop over the chair, landing on the other side with foot on the chair) repeat over and over until partner A tags you out, then move to burpees.
Each time the burpee partner gets 25 burpees, you’ll trade places.  Keep going until 8 minutes is up!
One minute break!
Section 3 (8 minutes on the clock, then you’re done!)
Partner A: 50 toe taps on chair, then tag out your partner
Partner B: 6 squat jumps, 6 butt kicks, 6 lunge jumps. repeat over and over until partner A tags you out, then move to chair toe taps.
Each time the toe tap partner gets 50 taps, you’ll trade places.  Keep going until 8 minutes is up!

**Note: If you want to do this workout by yourself, just start with the partner A part, time yourself, then do the Partner B part for the same amount of time it took you to do Partner A, keep going back and forth for each 8 minute section!**

 

When life gives you snow, make a snowball!
You’ll need: nothing!
Warm-up: 20 jumping jacks, 20 squats, 20 lunges X2
For each set of exercises, do 1 rep of each, then 2 reps of each, then 3 reps of each, until you “snowball” up to 10 reps of each, then move to the next set.  For a harder workout, go up to 15 reps of each!
Set 1: Push-ups and star jumps
Set 2: Plank jacks and burpees
Set 3: Sit-ups and mountain climbers (right and left)
Set 4: front kicks (right and left) and butt kicks (right and left)
Set 5: push-ups and burpees

categories: Workouts on the Go

Drink Your Veggies at the Green Smoothie Workshop!

Mark your calendars! On Saturday, February 2nd at 12:15pm we’ll be hosting a Green Smoothie Workshop brought to you by two Certified Health Coaches from Real Food Real Love, Andrea Hassberger and Julie VanEenanaam. Drinking your greens in a smoothie is a delicious way to get your daily vitamins, minerals and fiber!

Even if you don’t like greens, they taste great when you mix them with your favorite fruit.  A smoothie made of fruits and vegetables makes an awesome low calorie breakfast or pre- or post-workout snack that will fill you up, give you energy and provide you with the anti-oxidants and vitamins you’ll need to protect you during flu season.

At our workshop, you’ll learn expert smoothie making tips including how to extend the life of your blender and how to store your veggies to make them last longer! Andrea and Julie will share their favorite recipes and even prepare some samples for you to try. You can even win some healthy prizes in a raffle! The workshop is FREE to members and you can sign up on mind body starting this upcoming Saturday, 1/26.  Please sign up in advance because we bet this workshop will fill up quickly.  We hope to see you there!

categories: Nutrition

January Workouts On-the-Go!

We love seeing you all here everyday! However we understand that sometimes you need to be able to get yo’ workout on when you’re away from ENRGi.  Here are some great on-the-go workouts for you to try in January!  Each should take about 15 minutes, so do them individually or combine them!


Stair Cardio Training! (15 minutes or as long as you want!)
This one is great for your lunch break if you work in a tall building with a stairwell! When you’re going UP the stairs, go as quickly as you can, then use the way down as your recovery and slow down a little.  Great for a training workout if you’re signed up for Hustle Up the Hancock!
Warm-up: Easy walk down to a lower floor with several floors above you
Workout: Start on the bottom landing
1 jumping jack, go up 1 floor, then back down to where you started
2 jumping jacks, go up 2 floors, then back down to where you started
3 jumping jacks, go up 3 floors, etc.
For a very tall building, just keep going as long as you can, write down what floor you got to, and then try to go higher next time!
For a smaller building go up to the top, then work your way down the pyramid (so if your building has 5 floors, go up to 5 jacks and 5 floors, then go back to 4 and 4, 3 and 3, etc.) See how quickly you can get through all the floors, then try to beat your time the next day!


Circuit Stations Duck, Duck, Goose! (15 minutes)
Needed: Stop-watch or timer, 8 random household objects placed around a room (doesn’t matter what they are!)
Warm-up: 20 jumping jacks, 20 squats, 20 high knees.  Repeat twice.
Assign each object a different exercise of the following:
1.  Squat jumps
2.  Jumping jacks or big star jumps
3.  Push-ups
4.  Low Squat hold
5.  Mountain Climbers
6.  Alternating lunges or lunge jumps
7.  Sit-ups
8.  Plank
At the top of each minute do 5 burpees, run to each object and touch it (“Duck, Duck…”), then go to a station (“GOOSE!”) and do the exercise for the rest of the minute.  Keep going until you’ve done each station.  Don’t rest between minutes!
After you’ve done every station once, take a 1 minute break and then repeat with 30 second intervals instead of minute intervals


Abs 50’s! (about 15 minutes)
The Goal is to get 50 reps of each exercise, 300 reps total!  Level 1 do just 10 reps of each, but 5 whole sets.  Level 2 do 25 reps of each exercise, 2 sets through, Level 3 do 50 reps all in a row of each!
Exercises:
Crunches
Seated, Leaning Back knees in and out
Leg Lifts (Back flat on the floor, hands under your behind, lift legs over your head, then put back on the floor, level 2 go down without touching the floor!)
Russian Twist (seated, leaning back, touch the floor on one side, then the other)
Full Sit-ups
Slow Air marches (Back flat on the floor, March legs slowly without resting on the ground.  Level 2 should keep legs straight!)

categories: fitness, Workouts on the Go

Keep Your Fitness Resolutions!

January is here in full force! We have been seeing so many new faces here at ENRGi in January.  We love the enthusiasm that comes with New Years Day and we hope that it sticks around past Superbowl Sunday, straight through the Fourth of July and all the way until the ball drops NEXT New Years Eve! Whether your new workout schedule is part of you new years resolution, your effort to lose some holiday pounds, or just a result of a more free time in January, we hope that you make your fit lifestyle a habit!

Here are some tips for keeping a regular fitness regimen part of your goals for 2013 and beyond!

Set realistic goals- If you say you’re going to work out seven days a week, lose 50 pounds in a month and never eat your favorite food again, chances are you will have a hard time keeping that goal.  Set the bar for something attainable and then once you get there celebrate and set a new goal!

Schedule Schedule Schedule!- Plan out your whole week in advance.  Put your workouts in your calendar.  Set an alert on your phone. Treat your appointments to workout as seriously as all the other appointments and meetings in your calendar.  Remember, your favorite ENRGi classes might be a little more full than usual at this time of year, so be safe and book seven days in advance!

Talk it up- If you have a fitness goal or start a new workout routine, tell lots of people! Post about it on Facebook and Twitter (you can like and follow us while you’re there) and your friends and family will help you stay accountable.

Keep Trying!- Maybe you slip up and “forget” to come in for a week.  It happens! Just get right back in it and don’t beat yourself up over a small step backwards! The only remedy is to take two steps forward!

Need more help staying accountable or planning out your workouts? Sign up for a Fitness RX and one of our expert trainers will give you guidence! Good luck and Happy New Year!

categories: fitness, Goal

Stay Healthy this Holiday!

We know this year you’ve been working hard in your ENRGi fitness classes, you’ve probably been good about watching those calories you eat and drink and you’ve been living a healthy lifestyle, but now it’s time to go to a week’s worth of holiday parties and completely undo everything! What???? NOOOOO!!! We know it sounds crazy, but unfortunately, most Americans fall into this pattern and gain a pound or two during the holidays that they never end up losing. If this happens every year, then after ten or fifteen years, those one or two pounds really add up!

It doesn’t have to be this way! Go into each party and event this holiday season with a game plan!

  • Eat before you go to a party.  We know it’s tempting to say “I’m going to binge on that buffet tonight, so I won’t eat anything all day” but this is just a self-fulfilling prophecy! Eat normally and healthily throughout the day and do not arrive to the party starving and ready to shovel food in your mouth.  Once you get there, have a drink and wait at least 30 minutes before you touch any food.  That way you can scope out what you really want and what will be worth your calories.
  • Plan activities that don’t revolve around food.  Here are some awesome games you can play at your holiday party (most of these actually sound hilarious and awesome, especially after a glass or two of wine) but anything that will get you and your guests away from the food for a while will work!
  • Freeze and separate holiday leftovers.  If your mom insists that she send you home with a plate of Christmas cookies, a bucket of leftover dip and three tupperware containers of other goodies, you may be tempted to go home and keep binging until it’s all gone. As soon as you get in your kitchen, separate everything into small, single serving containers or freezer bags, then put it all in the freezer.  Then, you’ll have to defrost just a small portion at a time so you won’t eat more than you would normally.  Plus, it will last longer! You can still enjoy mom’s cooking well into the spring!
  • Keep your eyes on the prize. Buy yourself an amazing New Years outfit and then make sure you can fit into it. Sign up for a 5k in January that you know you’ll have to train for through the holidays.  Remember that you earn that summertime body by working hard in the winter!
  • Don’t let a vacation keep you from your workouts! Check out our Workouts On-the-Go and keep gettin’ yo fit on!


Have a safe, happy and healthy New Years and we can’t wait to work out with you in 2013!

categories: fitness, Goal, Nutrition

What is TRX?

We’ve added suspension training (TRX 60 and TRX 30) to our fitness programming and we couldn’t be more excited! If you’ve walked by the rowing room at ENRGi lately, you may have noticed some strange looking straps hanging down or tied up on the pull-up bars. This lightweight and easy to use system can give you a total body workout and leave you the “good kind” of sore the next day!

Why is TRX totally awesome?

Versatility You can get a total body workout, often using multiple muscle groups at the same time for an incredibly efficient burn!

Easy to adjust for all levels with just a slip of the strap the device is easily adjusted so that all fitness abilities can get a great workout.

Helps you reach any goal Many athletes use TRX regularly to train for sports performance of all kinds.  TRX can be great if you’re recovering from an injury because it is a low impact workout that encourages functional movement.  If you’re trying to lose weight, it is a great circuit training-style workout that will raise your heart rate, and get multiple muscle groups involved at once, perfect for a good calorie burner!

Simulates functional movement TRX is easy on the joints, as you will be moving in a natural range of motion for most exercises.  Functional movement exercises help prevent injury and train you for the functional tasks of daily life!

Crazy core workout!  Those straps are designed to move around as you work, forcing you to use all of your core stabilizers to keep from shaking and swaying! Not only will suspension training improve your core strength and balance, but all those little adjustments and shakes you make will burn crazy amounts of calories!

Not convinced? Give it a try! Try TRX 30 on Mondays at 6:00 pm with Saul, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm with Fred or Thursdays at 6:35 with Fred.  Try TRX 60 on Mondays at 6:30 pm with Robert, Fridays at 8:30 am with Fred, and (starting 12/22) Saturdays at 9:30 am with Dri and 12:15 pm with Tony!  Sign up EARLY because these classes will be very popular! Reservations open seven days in advance.

categories: fitness

Workouts On-the-Go: December!

We love seeing you all here everyday! However we understand that sometimes you need to be able to get yo’ workout on when you’re away from ENRGi.  Here are some great on-the-go workouts for you to try in December!  Each should take about 30 minutes, so do them individually or combine them!

Holiday Hundreds each exercise will get 100 reps total! For an easier workout, take 30-60 seconds rest between each round, for a harder workout, do 2 minutes of jump rope (or imaginary jump rope) between each round!

Warm up: 20 jumping jacks, 20 high knees, 20 arm circles X2

Round 1: 10 push-ups, 25 sit-ups, 10 push-ups, 25 sit-ups, 10 push-ups

Round 2: 20 front kicks, 15 squat jumps, 20 front kicks, 15 squat jumps, 10 front kicks

Round 3: 25 mountain climbers, 10 push-ups, 10 squat jumps, 25 mountain climbers, 10 push-ups, 10 squat jumps

You’re at 50 reps each! Now repeat rounds 1, 2, and 3!


Santa’s Step-up Supersets

Need: 1 chair and 1 clock with a second hand (or a 30 second timer)

Do each exercise for 30 seconds and each round of exercises ( a pair of exercises, one naughty and one nice!) 3 times in a row before moving on to the next pair!  You can take a 30 second break between each round.  Note: Make sure your chair is stable!

Warm up: 30 seconds jumping jacks, 30 seconds high knees, 30 seconds squats, then repeat!

Round 1.
Naughty: Step up onto the chair with the right leg only
Nice: hold plank with arms on the chair
X3!

Round 2.
Naughty: Step up onto the chair with the left leg only
Nice: push-ups with arms on the chair
X3!

Round 3.
Naughty: Stand on the chair and step off the side of it, right and then left alternating
Nice: mountain climbers with arms on the chair
X3!

Round 4.
Naughty: triceps dips with hands on chair
Nice: burpees on the chair
X3!

Round 5.
Naughty: Sit-ups, back on the ground, feet up on the chair
Nice: Fast toe taps to the chair
X3!

categories: fitness, Workouts on the Go

Give Thanks! A Bonus Workout-on-the-Go!

How wonderful that we have a special day every year when we take stock of what we have and feel thankful for all the good things in our lives. We here at ENRGi are so thankful that we have the most dedicated, positive and generally awesome members and instructors around. We hope that our members feel thankful that we are in their lives as well.

We might be hard on ourselves sometimes and we all look at our bodies as works in progress, but take a moment this holiday to reflect on how awesome you are.  Maybe you ran your first 5k this year.  Maybe you’re finally able to do pull-ups, you’ve lost a couple pounds of body fat, or you can get through a whole leg set without taking as many breaks as you used to.  Hopefully you’ve started to realize how totally awesome the human body is and the endless possibilities of what your body can do.  Take pride in your body and be thankful for how great it is! Too often we can focus on our bad habits or the less-than-perfect parts of our health.  Give thanks for your health, your good habits and that you are able to do all the things you can do.

And as a thanks from us to you, here’s a bonus Workout-on-the-Go, for those of you who are travelling for the Holiday and want to burn off that second helping of pie! Have a very happy Thanksgiving from all of us at ENRGi!

Don’t Burn Your Turkey, Burn Some Calories!

Needed: A clock or timer (maybe the one in your kitchen you have set as your Turkey is cooking!)

Every time the minute changes on the clock, switch to the next set!
Set 1 (warm-up): 10 jumping jacks, 10 high knees, 10 squats, repeat
Set 2: 10 push-ups, 10 mountain climbers, 9 push-ups, 9 mountain climbers, 8 push-ups, etc. all the way until 1 or until the clock changes
Set 3: Lunges with the right leg
Set 4: Burpee challenge! (Count how many you can do in a minute!)
Set 5: Lunges with the left leg
Set 6: Mini-suicides (run a few small steps to the right, touch the floor, run a few small steps to the left, touch the floor.  Even if you don’t have a lot of space, you can still try to move as fast as you can!)
Set 7: Bungee challenge! (Count how many you can do in a minute!)
Set 8: 20 triceps dips, 20 sit-ups, repeat
Set 9: Hold plank
Set 10: REST

Then repeat the whole 10 minute round one or two more times! Try to get more reps each time you go through it!

categories: fitness, Workouts on the Go

Exercise Away the Winter Blahs!

Yes, that was real life snow coming down from the sky last night.  Winter is here, maybe not officially, but we can all agree that we’ve felt a huge change with the end of daylight savings time, the sudden onset of the cold weather and of course those red cups at Starbucks.  We all react to the change in different ways, but many of us feel that the coming of winter weather negatively affects our health in one way or another.  Here are a few ways you can fight the winter blues (spoiler alert: exercise helps everything!)

Joint Pain
Though scientific studies are inconclusive as to why, many people report knee and other joint pain when the weather gets cold.  This could be due to inflammation caused by the change in barometric pressure, the joint fluid reacting to the cold temperature, or possibly just stiffness from the lack of activity in the colder months.  Make sure to keep moving throughout the day and keep up with your workouts to avoid the stiff joints! Keeping a healthy amount of Omega-3 (fish and nuts) and Vitamin K (dark green veggies) in your diet may help ease inflammation and keep pain at bay.

Seasonal Depression/ Sleepiness/ Catching the Sniffles, etc.
Why do we feel so blah when the winter arrives? For goodness sake, we all know that it’s coming, we live in Chicago! The lack of sunshine and therefore vitamin D can have a huge effect on our mood and the increase in melatonin from the dark afternoons can make us get sleepy more quickly.  Daily exercise is a great way to keep your spirits up and your energy high! Getting those endorphins in your bloodstream will counteract those other chemicals that make you just want to curl up under your down comforter until June. Exercise also boosts your immune system, helping to fight off those pesky winter cold germs that seem to be lurking everywhere this time of year.

Weight Gain, Change in Appetite
Feeling yourself reaching for the pita chips and cookies more often in the winter? A major symptom of Seasonal Affective Disorder (yes, that’s abbreviated SAD) is the craving of carbohydrates, particularly at the end of the day, when it gets darker. This is an unconscious effort to boost your serotonin and therefore your mood. Carbohydrates can cause water retention, weight gain and if you’re eating them mindlessly, you could be consuming way more calories then you should.  If you know you’re going to be eating more carbs in the evening, try avoiding them in the morning and at lunch time. If you are eating more carbs, make sure you’re also getting some good cardio in to burn it off!

Let’s recap. Even though you’re not going to be showing off your bikini any time soon, exercise is just as important (if not MORE so) in the winter.  So keep those joints warm, those spirits high and those calories burning and come in soon for your next ENRGi Fitness Workout!

categories: fitness

Workouts On the Go: November!

We love seeing you all here everyday! However we understand that sometimes you need to be able to get yo’ workout on when you’re away from ENRGi.  Here are some great on-the-go workouts for you to try in November!  Each should take about 30 minutes, so do them individually or combine them!

Workout #1: The Music Workout

You’ll need: A playlist of your favorite upbeat workout songs! Should be about 30 minutes in length. Change exercises when the song changes!

Song 1: warm-up, repeat exercises until the end of the song!

20 jumping jacks

20 squats

20 high knees

20 butt kicks

Song 2: upper body, take breaks as needed, repeat until the end of the song!

15 push-ups

30 count low plank (from forearms)

15 triceps dips

30 big arm circles from seated (do 15 front and 15 back)

Song 3: Legs, repeat until the end of the song!

10 lunges on right leg

10 low pulses in that lunge position

10 lunges on left leg

10 low pulses in that lunge position

20 squats or squat jumps

20 low pulses in squat position

Song 4: Cardio Blast! repeat until the end of song!

15 burpees

15 high knees (left and right count as 1)

15 jumping jacks

15 squat jumps

15 mountain climbers (left and right count as 1)

Then repeat the workouts for songs 2, 3 and 4 until the end of the playlist! Put a slow jam at the very end to stretch!


Workout #2: Jump Rope and Abs!

You’ll need: Jump rope (though this is OPTIONAL! Can work just as well with an IMAGINARY jump rope!), clock with second hand

After the warm-up, do the workout in this order:

Jump Rope Set

Abs Set

Jump Rope Set

Jump Rope Set

Abs Set

Jump Rope Set

Jump Rope Set

Jump Rope Set

Abs Set

Jump Rope Set

Abs Set


Warm-up: Jog in place 30 seconds, jumping jacks 30 seconds, squats 30 seconds, arm circles 30 seconds.

“Jump Rope” Set (practice each type of jump first before you begin the timer!)

30 seconds jump rope jog: alternating landing on one foot, then the other, as if you’re jogging in place

30 seconds jump rope with feet together: landing on both feet at the same time, on your toes and a little bounce after you land.

30 seconds jump rope jog

30 seconds jump rope with feet together

15 seconds double under: whip the rope around 2 times for each jump

15 seconds rest


Abs Set:
20 sit-ups

20 mountain climbers

20 crunches

20 left and right seated twists

categories: fitness, Workouts on the Go

Best and Worst Halloween Candy

Halloween is tomorrow and we know that you’re going to be tempted to indulge in some sweet treats.  Remember, everything in moderation! The American Heart Assosition recommends no more that 20 grams of sugar per day for women, 36 grams for men. A couple of these “fun size” bars and you’re going to hit your recommended daily amount! Check out this list Halloween Candy calories and sugar counts according to Eat This Not That and Fitsugar.com:

Reeses Pumpkin Snack Size: 170 calories, 16 g sugar

Brach’s Milk Maid Caramels (4 pieces): 160 calories, 16 g sugar

Twix minis (3 pieces): 150 calories, 15 g sugar

Airheads (3 pieces): 140 calories (and made with trans fat), 19 g sugar

Butterfinger Fun Size: 100 calories, 10 g sugar

M and Ms Fun Size: 90 calories, 11.5 g sugar

Reeses Peanut Butter Cup, 80 calories, 7 g sugar

Dum Dums (3 lollipops): 77 calories, 10.5 g sugar

Kit Kat Fun Size, 70 calories, 6.7 g sugar

Snickers: 72 calories, 7 g sugar

Tootsie Roll (3 pieces): 70 calories, 9.5 g sugar

Brach’s Candy Corn (11 pieces): 70 calories, 14 g sugar

3 Musketeers: 63 calories, 10 g sugar

Now and Laters (4 pieces): 53 calories, 10 g sugar

Nerds fun size box, 50 calories, 12 g sugar


Are you going to be indulging in a sweet treat tomorrow? What’s your favorite Halloween candy? Let us know!

categories: Nutrition

Wrist Pain? Give Them a Stretch!

ENRGi members who take our conditioning classes regularly do a LOT of push-ups and pull-ups.  Push-ups are an awesome exercise that work your whole upper-body and core, but for a lot of people, they can lead to issues, particularly pain in the wrists.  We love our pull-up bars in the rowing room and our barre instructors love to challenge you with floor supported pull-ups on our custom made barres, but the day after some good pull-ups, your wrists and forearms might be screaming at you. Do you spend a good part of the day typing away on a keyboard?  Holding the wrists stiff while typing might also be aggravating the discomfort. Prolonged wrist pain (even after stretching and a day or two of rest) may be due to a more serious issue that you should discuss with your physician, but for normal wrist soreness try some of these tricks:

  • For push-ups, try pushing up from your knuckles with straight wrists, instead of your palms with bent wrists.  If there’s a set of dumbbells nearby, push-up while holding the dumbbells on the ground to take the pressure off your wrists.
  • Stretch out the top of your wrists before and after push-ups.  To stretch the top of your right wrist, hold your right hand up in front of your face, palm towards you. Put your left hand behind it, palm also towards you, so the back of your right hand is touching your left palm.  Push your right hand away from you, bending your hand at the palm and push your fingers towards your wrist with the left hand.  Repeat on the other side.
  • Stretch your forearms before and after pull-ups or gipping heavy weights. Hold your right arm out in front of you, palm away (STOP! In the naaaame of love…) as you push your right hand away from you, pull your fingers in toward you with your left hand.  Repeat on the other side.
  • Watch this video demonstration. And make sure to tell your doctor if you have prolonged pain.

Recovering from a wrist injury and not sure what classes to take or how to modify your exercises? Sign up for a Fitness Rx with one of our amazing trainers today!

categories: fitness, Healing

What’s Your Motivation?

If you are succeeding in your fitness goals, you must have a drive that gets you through the door to the ENRGi fitness center, even on those days when you just feel like hitting the couch. You have that voice in your head that tells you to push through those last few seconds of the set, even when every muscle in your body is screaming at you to stop. What is that voice saying to you? Everyone has a different motivation to push through the hardest parts of their workout. If you have been struggling lately in your workouts, maybe it’s time for a new motivation! Here are some motivational thoughts our members and instructors use to help them keep going:

  • Remembering how good you’ll feel after the workout is over
  • Picturing someone who bullied you in middle school and knowing how much stronger than them you are now
  • Thinking about that extra piece of chocolate cake you’ll get to have
  • Pretending that everyone in the room is watching you, so you have to finish strong
  • Just telling yourself “I love this! This feels great!” (even if you don’t and it doesn’t)
  • Giving yourself a very specific long-term goal. Do you want to be able to do 10 pull-ups by the end of the year? To lose eight pounds in the next eight weeks? To run the marathon next fall? The more specific the better!

Are you still struggling with motivation? Have you hit a fitness or weight loss plateau? Sign up for a Fitness RX with one of our amazing personal trainers! We offer three different options to help get you on the right track and keep you accountable!

Fitness RX $85

  • 45-60 Minute Fitness RX Session w/ Trainer
  • Customized 4 week plan based on your fitness goals (trainer will register you for all classes for 4 weeks, all you need to do is show up)!
  • Measurements and weight taken (optional)
  • Email support w/ trainer: schedule emailed to you, follow up after two weeks and follow up at the end of the 4 weeks
  • 10 minute weight and measurement meeting at the end of 4 weeks

Fitness RX PLUS $99

  • Everything from the Fitness RX
  • One 60 minute personal training session

Fitness RX Ultimate Challenge $125

  • Everything from the Fitness RX
  • Two 60 minute personal training sessions

We hope we can keep you motivated and keep you moving towards all your fitness goals! Let us know if there’s anything else we can do to help!

categories: fitness, Goal

Featured Class: WERQ®

Sometimes you just want to dance.  Don’t you wish there was a way to avoid waiting until the late night hours, standing in a line in the cold and paying an expensive cover charge at a club just to get yo’ boogie on? Our dedicated members agree, WERQ® is the best way to bust a move, break a sweat and burn a ton of calories doing it!

No dance experience is necessary! The WERQ® warm-up demonstrates the moves you’re going to need for the rest of class, as well as warms up the body and gets the blood pumping. During class you’ll listen to all the top dance, pop, and hip-hop songs you love. You’ll follow along with the instructor as they lead you through some awesome choreography inspired by the real music videos.  Before you know it, you’ll be sweating like crazy and getting a great cardio and toning workout! You’ll even get a chance to work on your balance and flexibility (essential skills for a dancer!) in the yoga-inspired cool down.

We love seeing dancers of all types and abilities in our WERQ® classes.  In any given WERQ® class at ENRGi you’ll see men and women, 20-year-olds and 60-year-olds, experienced trained dancers and newbies.  All you need is a desire to shake, move,  and drop it like it’s hot and we guarantee you’ll have a blast doing it! Check out WERQ® at ENRGi, 6:45pm every Thursday and 10:00am every Saturday!

Want to learn more? Check out the official WERQ Website!

categories: fitness

October Workouts On-the-Go!

We love seeing you all here everyday! However we understand that sometimes you need to be able to get yo’ workout on when you’re away from ENRGi. Here are some great on-the-go workouts for you to try in October! Do them individually or combine them!

“Book” yourself some great abs!
You’ll need: One heavy book, like a text book or dictionary, and one glossy magazine
Do 25 reps of each exercise! Go through the whole sequence two times!
Crunches- Hold heavy book with straight arms over your head and crunch up or sit-up
Twist- Sit on the floor leaning back with chest out touch the heavy book to the floor on the right, then the left and repeat! For more of a challenge, lift your feet off the floor.
Lower Ab leg lift- lie on your back, squeeze the book between your knees and lift it off the floor. For more of a challenge, try holding the book between your feet and lift with straight legs.
Plank sliders- Put the glossy magazine on the floor somewhere it will slide around. From standing, put your hands on the magazine on the floor. Slide it away from you until you are in a high plank or push-up position. Walk your feet in and repeat.
Plank reaches- get in a plank position and put the book about 12 inches in front of your head. Keeping the rest of your body as still as possible, reach forward and tap the book with your right hand, then your left.

Cardio Pyramid!
Needed: stop-watch or timer
Do each exercise for 15 seconds, go back to the beginning and do each for 30 seconds in the second round, then 45, 60, and 90. Do not rest for more than 15 seconds between any exercise or set!
High knees
squat jumps
jumping jacks
mountain climbers
burpees

Push-up challenge!
How many push-ups can you do in a row? Use this workout to test and improve your push-up endurance!
Warm-up by doing 20 jumping jacks, 20 high knees, 20 arm circles front and 20 arm circles back
Do as many push-ups as you can, chest going all the way down below your elbows. If you can’t do more than 3 this way, then push-up from your knees. Once you can’t possibly do another one rest your arms and do this:
10 sit-ups
20 squats
20 lunges
Then repeat the push-ups and try to do 1 more than you did in the last set!
Do the whole thing five times! Write down the maximum number of push-ups you could do in a row and then try for more next time!

categories: fitness, Workouts on the Go

A New Class Format Your Body Will LOVE

We are so excited to announce a brand new, trademarked format coming this October to ENRGi! There’s nothing like this class anywhere around and it is going to revolutionize the way people think about fitness and wellness. Knead to Stretch® is a class led by our highly trained and licensed massage therapists. The therapist will lead you through a variety of deep muscle stretches and techniques to knead warmth and flow back into your muscles. This class feels as good as getting a massage and will often include hands-on bodywork from one of our incredible therapists, but is done in a group setting and is a more affordable option then a private treatment session.

Our fitness members can take this class at no additional cost. Non-members can purchase a regular class drop-in ($8 for first class, $20 after that) or opt for our new healing center only membership, which includes unlimited access to all of our yoga, meditation and healing classes, including Knead to Stretch®, for $69 a month. Here are all the healing center class offerings. You could get a massage treatment at a spa three times a week, which would cost you easily over $1000 a month, or you can come to Knead to Stretch® three, four or even five times a week and pay only $69. Click here to purchase this membership!

Our therapists come from all different backgrounds and have different specialties, so make sure to try all of their classes. Elements of Thai massage, deep stretching, deep tissue massage, medical massage and yoga will be explored. The more you come to this class, the more you will be able to understand your body and see how every aspect of your fitness, wellness and overall health are interconnected.

categories: Healing

The Magical Squat

Have you ever noticed how many squats you do in your ENRGi Fitness classes? Why are our instructors so obsessed with this simple exercise? Experts agree that the squat is probably the most important strength exercise you can do. No matter what your fitness goals, the squat will help you.  Trying to lose weight? Since the squat primarily uses the biggest muscles in your body, you have to use a high amount of energy and using energy means burning calories. Trying to build muscle? The squat is such a physically demanding, total body exercise that it encourages muscle growth.  Trying to stay healthy for the functional activities of day-to-day life? Having a strong squat will help you pick up and lift heavy things without injury and get up from seated easily, a task that becomes harder as we age. Just want to look nice as you’re walking away? The squat will give you that booty! Here are some tips to make sure you’re squating properly:

*Stance: Make sure your feet are far enough apart. Jump up in the air as high as you can and then land.  Check out where your feet naturally land to catch you.  That’s where your feet should be for your squat.

*Weight distribution: Weight should be back in your heels.  You should be able to wiggle your toes.  Make sure you butt is going back as you go down like you’re about to sit in a chair. This should protect your knees by keeping them from going past your toes.

*Breathing: Inhale down, exhale as you come up.

So pop a squat, or two, or twenty! The more you do, the stronger you’ll be!

categories: fitness

Four Questions to Ask Before You Eat or Drink Anything

Are you lifting a can of soda to your lips right now? Are you about to reach for a mid-day candy bar? Wait! Ask yourself these questions first before you eat anything!

How will it make me feel right now?

Ok, most of us don’t have a problem asking this one.  Basically, will it taste good? Will it satisfy my craving of the moment? Though it is important to enjoy your food, this is sometimes the only question we ask and answer.  Read on!

How long will it make me feel full?

Are you going to feel full enough to stop eating? In half an hour are you going to be hungry again?  What about in an hour or two? Fruits and vegetables take up a lot of space in your stomach and you digest them slowly. You’ll feel full for longer without needing to eat a lot of calories. A little bit of “good” fat (think olive oil, nuts or avacado) can help trigger a “full” feeling as well.  Recent studies show that having a lot of artificial sweeteners can actually cause you to become hungry soon after consuming them.

How will it make me feel during my next workout?

Ever crash during cardio? Felt muscle weakness while you lift weights? You may not be fueling your workouts correctly.  A small carbohydrate snack before a workout can give you the energy you need to get through.  Too heavy a meal before a workout and you may feel bloated, slow, get a cramp or feel nauseous.

How will it make me feel 10-20 years from now?

Let’s be honest, most of panic when we see Christmas decorations in September.  We don’t want to think three or four months into the future, so why think about a decade or two from now? The fact is that Americans have a one in three chance of getting heart disease sometime in their lives. This percentage goes down dramatically when you eliminate risk factors like an unhealthy diet.  In addition current research also shows that the foods you eat can lower your risk of getting cancer, alzheimer’s and all kinds of other diseases.  Let the food you eat today make you strong today and strong for life!


So can you answer these questions about your next meal? What are other reasons you choose to eat the foods you eat? Let us know in the comments!

categories: fitness, Nutrition

September Workouts On-the-Go!

We love seeing you all here everyday! However we understand that sometimes you need to be able to get yo’ workout on when you’re away from ENRGi.  Here are some great on-the-go workouts for you to try in September!  Do them individually or combine them!

Workout 1: Sweaty Solitaire!
You’ll need: Deck of cards, 30 second timer

Shuffle the deck, go through the whole deck and let the cards tell you what to do! Pick a new card every 30 seconds! Should take you exactly 31 minutes

Diamonds: Push-ups
Hearts: High knees
Spades: Squat jumps
Clubs: Crunches (or sit-ups)
ALL Aces: Burpees
ALL Kings: Hold plank

Workout 2: Running Pyramid
You’ll need: A watch and the great outdoors! Can also be done on a bike or stationary bike or treadmill. Each “easy” is twice the length of the “hard” section that precedes it.  Go up the pyramid, then down. About 25 minutes.
Warm up 2-3 minutes walking.
15 seconds hard run – 30 seconds easy run or walk
30 seconds hard run – 60 seconds easy run or walk
45 seconds hard run – 90 seconds easy run or walk
60 seconds hard run – 2 minutes easy run or walk
90 seconds hard run – 3 minutes easy run or walk
60 seconds hard run – 2 minutes easy run or walk
45 seconds hard run – 90 seconds easy run or walk
30 seconds hard run – 60 seconds easy run or walk
15 seconds hard run – 2-3 minute cool-down walk

Workout 3: Beat your time!
After a 2 minute warm up of jogging in place, doing jumping jacks and easy squats, go through the workout twice and time yourself.  Try to beat your time from the first set in the second set!

10 burpees, 1 squat jump
9 burpees, 2 squat jumps
8 burpees, 3 squat jumps
7 burpees, 4 squat jumps
6 burpees, 5 squat jumps
5 burpees, 6 squat jumps
4 burpees, 7 squat jumps
3 burpees, 8 squat jumps
2 burpees, 9 squat jumps
1 burpees, 10 squat jumps

10 push-ups, 1 star jump (BIG jumping jack)
9 push-ups, 2 star jumps…(repeat pattern as before)

Finish with 100 high knees

Stop the timer and do it again!

 

 

categories: fitness, Workouts on the Go

How to Pick Your Classes

One of our most common questions we receive here at ENRGi is “What classes should I take?” With over 140 different class offerings each week and a schedule that’s constantly being updated and upgraded, we know that deciding on a workout schedule can be more confusing than picking out IKEA furniture! Here are some tips that we hope will help with our classes! If you’re at IKEA, just go with the KNUTSTORP.

Balance your strength and cardio each week
Research shows that the most effective workout plans incorporate both strength training and cardio.  Make sure that your week includes a healthy balance of both for the best results! Many of our classes give you both the strength and cardio in a single class period (Shredded, Ultimate Conditioning and  Abs fusion, just to name a few)

Mix it up!
Have you hit a weight loss or fitness plateau? Do you always hit the same two or three classes every week? It may be time to mix it up and try something totally new for a week! Don’t worry, you can always go back to your standing date with Zumba or Turbokick  next week, but you may find that your body responds in awesome ways to throwing it a new challenge.  Muscle confusion is a key element to improving your fitness so give your muscles a confusing week of new classes!

Schedule healing time
Though we LOVE your dedication to daily fitness, doing a hard workout seven days a week can actually be counter-productive.  The down time between workouts is essential for your muscles to rebuild and for your body to adapt to the exercise so that you can return to your workouts stronger.  Check out our healing and meditation class options to help you focus, relax and renew sore muscles effectively!

categories: fitness, Goal, Healing

Acupuncture: We’re Letting You In On This Ancient Secret!

We now offer Massage and Acupuncture Treatments in our brand new 3rd floor healing center.  Most of our members have experience with massage but are unfamiliar with acupuncture and what it can do for you.

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that has been around since ancient times.  Your acupuncture practitioner will stimulate points on the body by penetrating the skin with thin needles.   When these points are stimulated, energy can be properly restored to its correct flow throughout the body.  The needles used are very small, only pinch slightly when going in and are disposable.  Fresh ones are used for each patient and each treatment.

Acupuncture can be used to treat disorders and ailments all over the body.  Everything from sore throats and hay fever to PMS and Infertility.  It can even help you quit smoking and help with insomnia!

Sounds too good to be true, right? Many people who have tried various drugs and traditional Western Medicine for their conditions/ailments have found that acupuncture has treated their maladies better, for usually a lower cost and with fewer side effects.

A few things to know before your treatment:

You should eat something small about 2 hours before and treatment and you should avoid exercise for at least 3 hours before and after your treatment.  Some people feel slightly dizzy or light headed right after treatment.

Brush your teeth, but not your tongue.  Avoid coffee, juice or anything that might stain your tongue.  Looking at your tongue is an important part of the diagnostic process for the practitioner.

Relax after your appointment.  Avoid caffeine and alcohol and drink plenty of water!

We hope that this sparks your curiosity and answers some of your questions about acupuncture! If you have further questions, e-mail us at info@enrgifitness.com and we can put you in touch with one of our amazing acupuncture practitioners.  Even if you’re unsure or skeptical, go into your appointment with an open mind.  Maybe you’ll begin to think about how your body works in a whole new way!

categories: Healing

Fitness Trackers to Help You Succeed!

Many of our members and instructors use various heart rate monitors and wearable fitness trackers.  These devices can be great if you’re monitoring your calories, if a doctor has told you to monitor your heart rate or if you just want to know more about how your body behaves in a workout! Most of these toys now come with training guides, personal stat tracking software, and even ways to integrate your training with social media. There are many types of these devices, so before you buy you should figure out which kind is right for you!

Pedometer Watch/Device

Through motion sensors, these watches/devices track your steps to give you an estimate of calories burned (based on your weight) and distance traveled (based on your height/stride).  Some also monitor heart rate for a more accurate read of level of exertion.

Pros: Relatively inexpensive, can use all day long to track activity

Cons: Not as accurate when recording distance.  Not great at tracking activities such as biking or weight training.

Check out: Fit Bit (www.fitbit.com) very small and lightweight.  Can also monitor your sleep levels with included wrist band.  About $100.

GPS Watch

With GPS technology, these watches can tell you down to a hundredth of a mile how far you’ve traveled.  They estimate calories based on distance and weight or from a heart rate monitor. Great for biking, walking and running.

Pros: Incredibly accurate, a must-have for distance runners and bikers

Cons: Can’t use indoors.  Not intended for fitness classes.

Check out: Garmin Forerunner 310XT (www.garmin.com) this particular model is waterproof so you can take it in the pool and can easily be mounted on a bike. About $250

Wearable Calorie Management Systems

These nifty little devices are meant to be worn all day and night, usually on the upper arm, and monitor total caloric burn with extreme accuracy.  They calculate calories based on Galvanic Skin Response (sweat), skin temperature and heat flux and motion/steps.  With their online and smartphone guides you can log food intake as well to give you a thorough record of your progress.

Pros: Highly motivating, can track all kinds of activity including fitness classes, daily activities, even sleep.

Cons: The only way to access the data for these devices is to buy a subscription to their online tools, which is an extra monthly fee.

Check out: BodyMedia Fit System with LINK armband (www.bodymedia.com)  this armband is Bluetooth enabled, getting all the data to your smartphone in real time.  About $200 (plus $10/month subscription to smartphone app/online tools)

 Do you use a fitness tracker? Have you tried one in the past? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

categories: fitness, Goal, Uncategorized

ENRGi Challenge Membership

The ENRGi Challenge membership is the coolest gym membership around! With this discounted membership we challenge you to come in for 16 visits every month and for every visit you miss, you’ll be charged an additional $10! 

We’ve had a couple questions come up about how this membership works, so here are just a few reminders/FAQ’s.  All of this information can also be found in the membership contract, which you can access from “My Info” tab on your account.

**The Challenge Membership CANNOT be put on hold.  The idea is that you are committed to the challenge EVERY MONTH.  There is a minimum commitment of four months for the monthly challenge members.

**EVERYONE’S visits are counted from the 1st of the month to the last of the month, regardless of when your auto pay date is.  So for example, last month we counted all the visits between April 1st and April 30th.  Again, if you’re ever confused about this, you can confirm it in your contract.  You can also check to see how many visits you have for the month, by clicking “Visit History” under your profile page.

**One visit means one DAY of coming in to ENRGi for classes.  So if you come in on a Wednesday and take Turbokick and Chisel, that counts as ONE visit.

**Remember, we’ve added some healing classes to our schedule, which also count towards your visits! So if you’re feeling crazy sore, come in for a stretching or yoga class!

Finally, we don’t want you guys stressing out about these visits or your membership with us.  Remember, even if you get some under visits charges every once in awhile, you’re still saving money overall with this type of membership! Let us know if you ever need recommendations on what classes to take, requests for new classes to add to the schedule or any other feedback to make our facility even better!

categories: fitness, Promotion

New Format: Power Shake!

GOTCHA…April Fools!!!

categories: fitness

Workshop: Spring Sugar Cleanse

Are you ready for bathing suit season?! It will be here before we know it! Join us for the Spring Sugar Cleanse Workshop, an informative, creative learning experience with Health Coaches, Kara Stout (of K.I.S.S. Health and Wellness) and Christine Fikany. They will help you explore a holistic approach to understanding cravings and making lifestyle choices that will take your eating experience to a new level. This workshop will be all about sugar, sugar cravings, how sugar is negatively affecting your health and waistline, and easy action steps for you to take to satisfy your sweet tooth in a much healthier way.

Mark your calendars! The workshop will be Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 1pm.  It is free to members! The extra FUN part… there will be treats, prizes and healthy, tasty recipes!

Space is limited! You can begin making reservations seven days prior, this Saturday, March 30th.

categories: Nutrition

Check-in and Win!

Next time you’re at ENRGi, check-in on facebook on your smart phone!  Rack up enough check-ins and you can get rewards! 

5 check-ins: free water or power bar
15 check-ins: 1 drop-in for a friend
20 check-ins: $10 off your next Auto Pay
50 check-ins: Free towel rental for life
100 check-ins: Free Fitness RX or personal training session

Just show your check-in to the front desk and record it on our tally sheet.  Limit one check-in per client per day. Limit one of each reward per client.  ENRGi reserves the right to cancel this promotion at any time.

Get yo’ Facebook on!

categories: fitness, Promotion