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Functional Fitness Training

by Michael Brazeal, M.A., Director of Fitness, and Laurie Streff, Exercise Specialist

September 04, 2009 - 11:00AM

What is Functional Training? Simply put, it is exercise training that helps prepare you for your everyday functions, activities and movements of life. Do we really need washboard abs or buns of steel? This cosmetic approach has more to do with looks rather than function and performance. Most of us certainly don't have the enormous amount of time and energy it would take to achieve for a body builder's physique.

Simple Strategies for Weight Loss

By Paulette Lambert, R.D., CDE, Director of Nutrition

September 21, 2009 - 1:00PM

Now that summer is over, we're getting into the swing of fall routines. The kids are back in school. Work might require an increase in business travel or other demands before the end of the year. Cooler weather and shorter days offer fewer hours to enjoy the outdoors. These changes in routine from summer to fall, combined with swimsuit season being a distant memory, can often affect eating habits which could contribute to weight gain.

Heart Disease Awareness

By Michael Brazeal, M.A., Director of Fitness

February 26, 2010 - 9:16AM

February is Heart Disease Awareness Month. To remain heart healthy, one of the areas you can proactively address is lifestyle change. At the forefront is exercise. It is well documented that regular exercise has powerful benefits and is proven to be effective at reducing health risk.

With aggressive exercise, heart disease can be held in check (and even reversed).

Shape Up Snapshots: Floor Plank

By Laurie Streff, Exercise Specialist

April 05, 2010 - 5:00PM

Try this exercise that you can do anywhere to strengthen the power-house of your body, your core. Core exercises are essential for maintaining good posture and spinal integrity. Start with performing 3 planks a day, 4-5 times a week, for 10 seconds at a time. Progress gradually so that you are able to hold your planks for up to 30 seconds. You may also add a balance challenge while performing your planks by lifting one leg off the floor at a time.

Shape Up Snapshots: Bridge

By Laurie Streff, Exercise Specialist

August 10, 2010 - 3:19PM

Add this easy-to-do-anywhere stabilization exercise to your core routine, and you'll quickly feel the benefits, especially in the low back and hips. The bridge targets and strengthens the important deep tissue muscles that enhance your spinal alignment and lumbar region. These muscles are especially important when bending forward and when lifting. Start by performing the bridge 3 - 5 times, for 2 - 3 sets, holding each bridge for a count of 5.

No Weights, No Gym - No Problem!

By Michael Brazeal, M.A., Director of Fitness

October 01, 2010 - 1:00PM

There is no excuse not to exercise! It’s not necessary to use weights or machines to gain muscular strength - you can use your own body weight as resistance and get the same benefit that you would by lifting weights. Push-ups and pull-ups are great examples of unsupported exercises that use body weight as resistance and replicate movement patterns that we experience in everyday life.

Shape Up Snapshots: Quadruped

By Laurie Streff, Exercise Specialist

January 21, 2011 - 5:00PM

Core stabilization is an important part of the foundation of your fitness program and fortunately, can be done anywhere you go!

Incorporating this easy-to-execute exercise improves the muscular structure in your lower back (the spinal erectors), your abdominals and helps strengthen your deltoids. Start by performing 5 - 8 repetitions of the Quadruped, holding each rep for a count of five, for 1 - 3 sets.

Getting to the Core of the Matter

By Michael Brazeal, M.A., Director of Fitness

April 05, 2011 - 4:00PM

The latest buzz in the fitness industry is core training, or spinal stabilization. Despite this recent gain in recognition, very few people understand what the core really is or how to properly and effectively train it. Loosely defined, the core is described as the body minus the extremities (arms and legs), and is made up of several different muscle groups which can be divided into two parts: the outer core and the inner core.

Target Heart Rate: A Reliable Measure of Exercise Effort?

By Michael Brazeal, M.A., Director of Fitness

August 25, 2011 - 5:00PM

Most fitness enthusiasts have heard the term “Target Heart Rate” or “Training Heart Rate Zone”. These interchangeable terms refer to the intensity of cardio or aerobic exercise training. In other words, the effort and physical exertion as measured by taking your pulse or heart rate during aerobic exercise.

Stay in shape over the holidays, California-style with Four Seasons Westlake Village

By Vaughn Kastor, MA, Exercise Physiologist

December 22, 2011 - 12:00PM

It’s the holiday season—hooray! What a great time to enjoy family, friends…and put on a few extra pounds. That’s right, why do you think we all make New Year’s resolutions?

Here’s an idea: make your promise a bit early and have it include fun and family time, mixed in with a bit of exercise.

Earth Day Can be Every Day

April 24, 2012 - 12:00PM

It’s that time again - Earth Day! For many of us, the hustle and bustle of everyday life can override the actual date to celebrate (which was Sunday the 22nd for those that missed it). However, Earth Day doesn’t have to be restricted to just one day of the year. The sentiments involved with this one recognized day can easily be expressed anytime! Check out a few of the most powerful messages associated with Earth Day and how you can be involved any day of the year.