September/October, 2010
In This Issue
TOP STORIES
- Fall Updates for Charcuterie
- Don’t Miss Our 3rd Annual Kids Pumpkin Run and Carnival!
- Wine Country Half Marathon Volunteers Needed
KIDS STUFF MASSAGE & FACIAL MEMBER & STAFF SUPERSTARS
CALENDAR
TOP STORIES
Fall Updates for Charcuterie
Now that members and staff alike are addicted to the healthy, organic food and beverages and enjoying the friendly service from Patrick and his staff at Charcuterie, we are thrilled to say they will continue to operate the café!
The hours of the café and menu may be altered as of September 1st. Any changes in hours of operation will be posted soon.
It has been a pleasure to have such good food options under our roof and we look forward to the upcoming seasonal changes to the menu including soup and other goodies!
Merci Patrick!
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Don’t Miss Our 3rd Annual Kids Pumpkin Run and Carnival!
Looking for a fun-filled local Half Marathon?
October 30th, 2010
Parkpoint Health Club and Francis Ford Coppola Winery are hosting a Great Pumpkin Run and Carnival for kids! Kids will enjoy a fun-run through the beautiful vineyards as well as FREE carnival games, face painting and much more at the Harvest & Halloween Carnival!
We also need volunteers to help with the Wine Country Half Marathon. Whether you want to run in the marathon or volunteer by helping out on the sidelines, it will be an event you don’t want to miss.
Pumpkin Run Details:
Kids ages 4-12 years (course lengths vary by age group)
Cost: $20 – each child will receive a t-shirt and goodie bag
Races start at 12:30 pm
Located at Francis Ford Coppola Winery
300 Archimedes Lane, off Highway 101 in Geyserville, CA
Register for the Pumpkin Run online at: www.destinationraces.com
Questions? Contact Amy Newton at amy@parkpointhealthclub.com
Harvest & Halloween Carnival Details:
Admission and carnival games are free of charge
12:00 – 2:30 pm
Beverages, snacks, and wine will be available for purchase
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Wine Country Half Marathon Volunteers Needed
Want a front row seat for one of the best races in the country? Become a volunteer for the Healdsburg Wine Country Half Marathon! The Wine Country Half Marathon series prides itself on the enthusiasm of its volunteers, who are integral to the success of the event. Over 100 people volunteer each year to help with key duties such as registration, product distribution, and course monitoring. Each volunteer receives a goodie bag, plus a cool event shirt designed by French artist Jean Pierre Got.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact Amy Newton at 385-2500 or amy@parkpointhealthclub.com.
For Healdsburg Wine Country Half Marathon race information, go to www.destinationraces.com.
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CLUB SPECIAL EVENTS
It’s Time for our Fabulous
Fall Member Mixer!
Join us on Tuesday
October 19th, 2010 5pm – 7pm
Stop by the lobby to catch up with your Parkpoint pals – mingle, enjoy some complimentary finger food and the good company of your fellow members!
Sign up at the front desk.
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Join Parkpoint’s Book Club
for Some Extra Reading!
From September, with Music on the Plaza concerts finished, we will revert to our regular evening for meetings – the last Tuesday of each month. Our meeting on Tuesday September 28th at which we will discuss The Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri will be our 1st Anniversary! Thanks to all participants for a really great year of meetings and discussions and here’s to the coming year! Any readers out there who would like to join us are welcome to simply come along to a meeting or email niamh@parkpointhealthclub.com.
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GROUP EXERCISE
Group Exercise Class Announcements
Labor Day Club Hours: Monday, September 6th club hours are 7am to 5pm. Modified Group Exercise Schedule will be posted soon.
Please note the following classes that will be returning to our fall schedule again as of Tuesday, September 7th:
- Aqua Aerobics @ 5:30pm with Alan
- Zumba @ 5:30 (6 Week Series with Katie Philbin)
- Studio Cycling @ 5:30pm with Scott
- Yumuna Body Rolling @ 5:45pm with Jacque
- Tigerkick @ 3:30pm – 4:15pm ages 4 to 6yrs
- Tigerkick @ 4:15pm – 5pm ages 8 to12 yrs
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Congratulations to our Le Tour de France at Parkpoint Winners!
Parkpoint created its own version of Le Tour de France from July 3rd – July 24th to promote Studio Cycling. Here are our top three winners who took the most classes in our July timeframe:
- Grand Prize – Janet Reed ( Prize – 1 Hour Personal/Pilates Training Session)
- 2nd Place – Lorraine Rorabaugh (Prize – ½ Hour Massage)
- 3rd Place – Mimi Barclay ( 4 Guest Passes)
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FITNESS NEWS
FITNESS TIP
Will Toning Shoes Really Give You a Better Body?
Parkpoint Personal Trainer Lilli Inman researched this question and here is what she found: "You've seen the ads, you've seen people wearing them, and you're curious: would wearing these shoes give me that extra edge in stability and leg tone? Recently I found this article by the American Council on Exercise about a study done regarding the effectiveness of the claims made by the manufacturers. Before you make the investment ($79 current sale price for Sketchers brand, to $249 for MBT brand), have a look at the article and come to your own conclusions. "American Council on Aging : BY JOHN PORCARI, PH.D., JOHN GREANY, PH.D., STEPHANIE TEPPER, M.S., BRIAN EDMONSON, B.S., AND CARL FOSTER, PH.D., WITH MARK ANDERS
“Burn more calories, tone muscles, improve posture, and reduce joint stress.”
—Well, who wouldn’t want all that?
“Train muscles your trainers never knew you had.”
—Sign me up.
“It’s the shoe proven to work your hamstrings and calves up to 11 percent harder. And tones your butt up to 28 percent more than regular sneakers just by walking.”
—A better body without putting in any extra effort? That sounds good.
Or maybe too good to be true? All of the above are publicized claims marketing the latest toning shoes from Skechers Shape-Ups, MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) and Reebok EasyTone. The shoes, each of which uses uniquely shaped rounded soles and extra cushioning to alter the wearer’s normal walking gait, are currently all the rage in footwear. A quick Web search reveals many blogs touting the shoes and NFL great Joe Montana has even been hired as a pitchman for one of the brands.
With all this buzz about toning shoes, it was time to put their claims to the test. So we enlisted a team of exercise scientists from the Exercise and Health Program at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, to study each of the shoes.
The basic theory behind how they are supposed to work makes sense to consumers, so it’s easy to see why many are quick to embrace—and purchase—the shoes, which range in price from $100 to $245. The common denominator is that they all have an unstable sole design, which forces the wearer’s body to constantly struggle to find an equilibrium or balance point. The MBT and Skechers have rounded sole designs, while the Reebok shoes have 1 cm-diameter pods built into the forefoot and heel.
“It makes sense,” says John Porcari, Ph.D. “People say, ‘I can feel them working my muscles more because I’m unstable.’”
To make the shoes even more enticing to consumers, Skechers, MBT and Reebok each cite their own studies “proving” the results one can expect from wearing their shoes. What they fail to mention, however, is that these studies are not peer-reviewed, and most are of questionable design. For this reason, ACE’s Chief Science Officer Cedric Bryant Ph.D., urges consumers to beware of studies sponsored by manufacturers. “Depending on how they conduct the study, they can prove anything they want to prove.”
To test the effectiveness of the shoes and evaluate their claims, a team led by Porcari, John Greany, Ph.D., Stephanie Tepper, M.S., Brian Edmonson, B.S., and Carl Foster, Ph.D., designed a pair of studies, one evaluating exercise responses to walking in traditional athletic shoes (a New Balance running shoe) versus the popular toning shoes. The second study evaluated muscle activation when walking in regular athletic shoes compared to toning shoes.
The Results
Across the board, none of the toning shoes showed statistically significant increases in either exercise response or muscle activation during any of the treadmill trials. There is simply no evidence to support the claims that these shoes will help wearers exercise more intensely, burn more calories or improve muscle strength and tone
The Bottom Line
“Don’t buy these shoes because of the claims that you’re going to tone your butt more or burn more calories. That’s absolutely wrong,” says Porcari.
Then how do researchers account for the anecdotal evidence (found on blogs, etc.) from those who wear the shoes and claim their muscles get sore, which must mean the shoes are working?
“Do you feel different when you’re wearing these shoes? Of course you do because you’re walking on probably an inch worth of cushioning,” explains Porcari. “They feel different, and that’s why when people first wear them they’re probably going to be sore because you’re using different muscles. But if you wear any sort of abnormal shoes that you’re not used to wearing, your muscles are going to get sore. Is that going to translate into toning your butt, hamstrings and calves? Nope. Your body is just going to get used to it.”
Bryant isn’t surprised by the findings: “When you think about it, it’s kind of the same old song and dance,” he says. “People will still fall prey in their search for the quick-and-easy fitness solution. These shoes are just another attempt to find that magic bullet.”
Bryant says he’s also concerned that extended wear of these toning shoes may alter the walking gait mechanics of wearers and, in some cases, potentially cause problems for those who may already be at risk for lower-extremity issues. But to evaluate that will require another longer-term study. And although the toning shoes don’t deliver on their advertised claims, Porcari mentions there may be potential that these shoes could improve wearer’s balance over time, but that too will require a long-term training study.
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POOL NEWS
Attention Swimmers:
Effective Tuesday, August 31st there will be a reintroduction of Dan Greave’s Masters Swim Class:
Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:45a to 12:45p (3 lap lanes)
This class is a seasonal class and will occur through May. The class takes a summer break from June through the end of August.
Don’t miss out on our other fantastic Masters Swim Classes on Mon/Wed/Fri at 6:30a with Karen Pfeiffer and Wednesdays at 6:30p with Lorna Hayman.
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New Upcoming Swim Clinics
with Dan Greaves!
Saturday, September 18th
Saturday, October 9th
Saturday, November 20th
Beginners 10a – 11a on all clinic days
Intermediate 11a – 12p on all clinic days
Members: $20 per clinic
Non-Members: $30 per clinic
(Price is for 1 one hour long clinic on the above listed dates)
If you swim often, have you ever asked yourself any of these questions?
Where can I find someone to watch me swim and give me tips on how to improve?
How can I become more efficient in the water to help avoid nagging shoulder/neck/ back pains?
I love swimming but am I doing it right?
If you have one or any of these questions, these clinics are for you!
Dan Greaves will be offering clinics designed to introduce beginner & intermediate swimmers to the most cutting edge teaching techniques in competitive swimming. Minimal swimming experience needed. This should not be viewed as a learn to swim program, but an enhancement on what you're already doing in the water or a nudge to help you overcome your anxiety about training the inner swimmer that's hiding in all of us.
Clinic #1 Beginner
FREESTYLE will be the primary focus with time spent working on the following:
Body position
Breathing properly
Kicking efficiently
Arm placement & position
Timing of all components
Goal by the end of this clinic: each participant should feel empowered with a new skill set to swim balanced - efficient freestyle and begin to have the tools necessary to begin diagnosing & fixing problems with their stroke when things start to fall apart.
Clinic #2 Intermediate
FREESTYLE will be primary focus with time spent working on the following:
Body position
Breathing properly
Kicking efficiently
Arm placement & position
Timing of all components
Minimum number of swimmers per clinic – 5
Maximum number of swimmers per clinic - 8
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YOU. FIT. NEWS
Now that summer is coming to a close, it is time to start getting back into that gym routine! To help motivate you, we have our You.Fit.Rewards program! For those of you that do not know about this program, here are some details: If you work out at least eight times during the month, you are eligible for the monthly drawing which consists of a different prize each month. To sign up either go online or sign up at the front desk! Also, at the end of your year, add up all of your visits to choose from a whole list of prizes! Check out the brochure at the Front Desk!
We would also like to give congratulations to our You.Fit winners so far this year:
January: Bill Garner- 3 Personal Training Sessions
February: Pamela Everson- 1 Month’s Free Dues
March: Theresa Burke- Wells Fargo Center Tickets
April: Heli Wetzel- Trip for Two on the Napa Wine Train
May: Joy Camilli- REI Gift Card & Regional Park Pass
June: Cynthia Burgess- Sailing Cruise in SF Bay
July : Marie Bramble - $100 Cash
The prize for September will be an hour and a half Parkpoint massage. The prize for October will be a $100 Spa Treatment.
Make sure you are signed up for You.Fit and enter the monthly drawing! You could be the next winner!
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KIDS STUFF
Kids Night Out
Check out our upcoming Kids Night Out dates for September and October!
September 17th 5-8 pm: Howdy Partner! Mosey on over to Parkpoint for a Wild Western themed Kids Night Out!
October 22nd 5-8 pm: Calling all astronauts! Join us for an Out of this World evening at our Space Themed Kids Night Out!
Join us for an evening full of fun and adventure! There will be exciting activities, a fun craft, a movie and yummy food for your child to enjoy! Kid’s Night Out provides an opportunity for kids to socialize in a positive and healthy environment, while giving their parents a night out of their own. We hope to see you there!
Ages 2-12 years
Cost: $20 for the first child, $15 for each additional sibling (Members)
$30 for the first child, $25 for each additional sibling (Nonmembers)
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Tigerkick Schedule Changes
Please note that kids’ Tigerkick will return to the fall class schedule of:
Tigerkick @ 3:30pm – 4:15pm ages 4 to 6yrs
Tigerkick @ 4:15pm – 5pm ages 8 to12 yrs
Tigerkick is a Tae Kwon Do program for children. Learn, train and grow in a hip and happening, fun and high energy way! Contact Scott Butler for information at (707) 849-0380 or scott@tigerkick.com
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MASSAGE & FACIAL
When was the last time you had a massage?
If you hesitated, then that means it has been too long! Massage therapy, once regarded as a luxury, is now considered to be an integral component in creating a healthful state of mind and body. It is the goal of every Parkpoint Massage Therapist to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Click here for information about our amazing Massage Therapists so you can schedule your next appointment today!
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FALL SPECIAL – Four-Layer Facelift Facial
$85 or 3 treatments for just $200
It’s time to repair your skin from the summer sun! Daria uses this special treatment right before weddings to give brides that special glow.
In just one treatment you will see a change in your skin:
- Imagine the look of a mini facelift without surgery
- Pharmaceutical grade glycolic exfoliates your skin
- High doses of active Vitamin C Enzyme penetrates to lighten, brighten, and speed up cellular turnover
Offer valid September 1 – October 31st
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MEMBER & STAFF SUPERSTARS
We have two members we would like to acknowledge for their amazing determination and accomplishments!
Bob Boardman was one of a group of Parkpoint members and employees to ride in the 2010 AIDS ride. Diane Anderson has lost 65 lbs in the past 9 months!
The AIDS Ride Experience
Bob Boardman
“This was an amazing ride. 1800 riders raised ten million dollars that goes directly to AIDS and HIV patients. There were 500 volunteers that helped make this event a once in a lifetime ride. We went 550 miles in seven days and during that time there was an outpouring of support along the way. I've never experienced so much kindness and compassion among so many people. Two folks at the club were very supportive of my riding as this was my first ride. Jennifer Hampson, who helped people train for the ride and Richard Burg who I met with prior to the ride were both very helpful. I am glad that Parkpoint recognizes this event and I would encourage more folks to ride next year. I could not have done this without my wife, Laura being my personal roadie."
-Bob Boardman
65 Pounds Later… Losing 65lbs in 9 months
Diane Anderson
People want to know the “secret” to losing that amount of weight in nine months. ANSWER: Priorities, choices and lifestyle. Easy enough right? Well, kind of…. Hard work? Sometimes…
I had tried all kinds of “diets” at one time or another and all of them resulted in short term weight loss that never stayed off. When the weight came back it always exceeded the original amount lost. Do you really wonder why? Not one of these “diets” really incorporates an element of exercise.
Weight loss requires both physical and emotional changes. Most importantly, you must believe weight loss is possible. So when you finally look into the mirror and don’t like what you see and you’re willing to make lifestyle changes then you’re really ready to begin your journey.
And that is exactly where I was April 2009, when I headed off to South Carolina to the Hilton Head Health Center to get a jump start on a lifestyle changes that both addressed food and exercise. In 10 days, I learned that I can survive on 1200 tasty calories a day and do not have to be hungry. I also found it isn’t impossible for an extremely overweight out of shape person in their 50’s.
At the beginning every part of my life was about weight loss.
It is important to have a support system. My family made huge sacrifices to help support my efforts. My co-workers made changes in our lunch routines. My friends began to train for a 10K with me. I owe my success to my family and friends, they were my rock believed in me more than a I believed in myself. Thank you, you have helped me take back my life.
Understanding obstacles and finding ways to get around them. I knew if I exercised in the afternoon more often than not there would be some pressing issue that would prevent me from working out. So I decided I should work out first thing in the morning and began working out with the 5:30am groupies. They have seen physical transformation firsthand and I will be forever grateful for their words of encouragement, laughter and harassment during the process.
Keeping motivated is probably one of the most challenging parts of weight loss. After you lose 30 pounds, you’re feeling good and the desperation is gone so keeping motivated can be a problem. To address the issue, I tapped my competitive side and began to incorporate various running and biking events to help give my exercise purpose.
For me going to the gym must have a purpose, if not for me it just gets dog gone boring. So from the moment I step into the gym, I always have a purpose. Sometimes it’s as simple as just burning calories, sometimes it’s about serious training for a biking or running event and sometimes it’s surviving my trainer, Dahdri.
I found as I began to lose the weight, being in my 50’s the body just wasn’t responding the way I wanted and I couldn’t motivate myself to weight train by myself so I incorporated accountability by working with a personal trainer. Dahdri and I now have the 6am morning show on Tuesday and Friday’s. I run around trying to keep up with her whining and complaining throughout the half hour ordeal while providing morning entertainment for the 5:30 groupies. But this is where I believe most of the physical transformation has occurred. As I lost the weight, Dahdri helped tone me from the inside out. So as the outside shrank the core strength built and by the time I had met my weight goal the two sides collided to form the new leaner body. Dahdri thank you for your incredible patience, humor and constant pushing to find just a little more within.
For years I always said “I just don’t have time”. Oh yes I did, it was just a matter of priorities. I had to take myself off the bottom of the list and put myself at the top. This may sound selfish but it’s just the opposite because my health and happiness transcends into every aspect of my life thereby directly benefiting my family and friends. I think they will confirm they are the real benefactors.
Instead of care taking, start taking care. Weight loss is not about losing weight, it’s about regaining your happiness and LIVING instead of EXISTING.
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CALENDAR
September 1 to October 31 - Fall Facial Special
September 6 - Labor Day Hours, 7am – 5pm
September 7 - Group Exercise Classes Fall Schedule Starts
September 17 - Kids Night Out
September 18 - Swim Clinics with Dan Greaves
September 28 - Parkpoint Book Club
October 9 - Swim Clinics with Dan Greaves
October 19 - Fall Member Mixer
October 30 - Kids Pumpkin Fun Run
October 30 - Wine Country Half Marathon
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