This isn’t a fitness blog … but you already knew that, right? But, since both Ash & I value a healthy lifestyle, why not continue to share things we learn along the way. Like 10 Ways to Get Fit in Orlando or our favorite new boot camp?

In July, I realized my own efforts toward getting fit weren’t enough.  I needed an expert.  Luckily, a friend of Pulse had long ago recommended his trainer at A Balanced Body in Winter Park.  Enter Rob Murray, whose name has more initials after it than most doctors I know!  Seriously … did you know someone could be certified as an athletic trainer, massage therapist and a health and fitness director?

Sure, picking a personal trainer is, well, personal, but what if you knew you could get:

• A workout tailored to your fitness goals
• Efficient workouts that yield visible results
• Nutrition counseling (this one is more important than I ever gave it credit for)
• One-on-one instruction from experienced trainers who actually want to see you succeed
  

  The Gym at A Balanced Body

I’ll be the first one to admit, I was extremely skeptical.  What could a trainer do that I couldn’t do on my own in a gym? After several months of ongoing sessions, it’s impossible to list the endless number of things you can learn from adding a trainer to your fitness routine.

A couple of the most important takeaways for me so far:

• No amount of exercise can make up for a crappy diet, and by diet I mean crappy eating.  Your body “starts over” every four hours, so no skipping breakfast so you can have a cheeseburger later … it doesn’t work that way ( … I thought it did!)
• You’ll never push yourself as hard as a trainer would — this one is a biggie.  Beyond just helping you with proper form, a trainer is there to convince you to do two more reps when you were ready to give up the moment it becomes uncomfortable.
• Having someone put you ‘in check’ when the scale doesn’t move as quickly as you’d hoped is invaluable.

So, if you’re looking for a new way to jumpstart an old fitness routine, check out A Balanced Body.  The no-frills gym is the perfect place to get fit … they also offer Thai massage and Pilates in their neighboring studio.  What more could you ask for?

Details:
A Balanced Body
1971 Howell Branch Road
Winter Park
407/644-5001

Disclaimer: This isn’t a sponsored post. This is my experience.

Get There and Get This Amazing Body! Do It!

What better time than now to drop everything and get started with a new fitness routine? Get There Boot Camp, hosted by friend of Pulse, Dena Davis, is sure to help you burn those extra holiday pounds in no time.

Held most weeknights and Saturday mornings at Lake Eola, this upbeat group boot camp is not only fun, but an awesome workout. Ash & I tried it ourselves a few weeks ago and Ash has already been back for seconds.

Bring $10, a towel and some water and be prepared to work hard for the full hour that follows … no wussies allowed! Boot Camp attendees meet at Lake Eola across the street from the downtown Publix on Central Avenue … to confirm, make sure to ‘like’ the Get There Boot Camp Facebook page. An added benefit of liking the page: daily inspirational messages and reminders to stay fit.

What are you waiting for? Get There!

I won’t necessarily say I’m the most fit person on the planet – I go through phases as I’m sure many folks do – but I plan on making 2012 one of the fittest years of my life! Gonna make it happen!

What better way to kick it off by participating in this Season’s 52 Park Avenue 5.2k presented by Florida Hospital? Seems like a good start, right? (I think I might’ve even talked Kim into doing it with me….) And what’s even more special about this particular race is proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and the Track Shack Foundation. Getting fit and healthy for a good cause sounds like the perfect combination to me!

Here are deets on time, date, and location:

Saturday, January 21, 2012
7:30 am: 5.2k (3.2 miles)
8:45 am: Healthy 100 Kids’ Run
9:00 am: Awards Presentation

Full details about the event and registration can be found on Track Shack’s website.

See you there?

She would probably never post about this herself, so I’ll do it on her behalf! As you all know “Pulse” co-Founder and my PIC (Partner In Crime) Kim Taylor is an avid rower. Yesterday I got to see her in action for the first time when she and her crew team rowed in the Head of the Giblet Regatta at beautiful Bill Frederick Park Turkey Lake.

Here is some video I shot accompanied by a couple of photos (yes, that is a turkey leg you see). Enjoy!

And in the news of “man it’s a small world,” “Pulse” Friend and Follower Matt Sokoloff was in Kim’s boat. They’re rowing mates!

Ever thought about rowing yourself? Have you ever been to a Regatta? Or a Regatta Gala, perhaps?

If you’ve been following Pulse for a while, you know I’m a rower. But, did you know my Rowing Club also has Dragon Boat crews?

Dragon Boating is so cool! Don’t believe me? Check out this video of the Second Annual Dragon Boat Festival in 2009.

Wanna be a part of the action? Head over to Downtown Disney October 15 for the Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival!

It’s a great event for the whole family to enjoy. Races will run from about 8-6. For full event details, check out the official Dragon Boat site.

This weekend I had the chance to use a Groupon for Stand Up Paddleboarding in Cocoa Beach. One of the great things about Groupon, besides the great discounts, is that it introduces you to cool places like 321 Kiteboarding & Watersports.

Not only did the guys at 321 let us use our Groupon after it’d expired, but they were super-friendly, knowledgeable and made it worth the hour drive over from Orlando.

Next time I'm bringing my camera so I can get shots like this!

So, if you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend an hour or a half-day, or even the whole day, check out 321 Kiteboarding & Watersports!

Feels like 100! Yowzers!!

With “feels like” temperatures of 100 Degrees, we know you must be anxious for ways to beat the heat, so how about 5 ways to stay cool?

1. Head over to one of Central Florida’s beaches (New Smyrna Beach, Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach).

2. Don’t wanna drive? How about jumping into one of the city’s community pools?

3. If you can swim and you’re not afraid of what might be swimming in there with you, how about joining the ever-famous Lucky’s Lake Swim?

4. Hate the water? Why not soak up some of the finest air conditioning in Central Florida with a stroll through the beautiful Mall at Millenia?

5. Slather yourself in FroYo at one of Orlando’s bazillion frozen yogurt shops … and maybe eat some, too.

Saturday, June 4!

National Learn to Row Day is this Saturday!

If you’ve ever wondered about rowing and wanted to learn, this is a great opportunity to stop by the Orlando Rowing Club between 8:30 a.m and 12:30 p.m. to get an introduction to indoor rowing, sweep and sculling.

The event, being held at boathouses across the country, is FREE and open to the public.

Register Here!

Savage Race | August 27, 2011

You saw the headline and now you’re curious … What’s a Savage Race?

Quite simply: It’s the race built to kick your ass!

What happens when you combine challenging and creative obstacles (can you say fire, mud and barbed wire?!?!) with a 5K run and top it off with BBQ, music and beer? You get Orlando’s first Savage Race!

This race is not for the faint of heart and if you’re afraid of a few bumps and bruises maybe you better hang by the sidelines. But, if you think those “other races” are too wimpy, Savage Race promises to top them all.

Still wanna learn more? Check out a preview of the race location below:

Ready to prove you’re a Savage? Register here, check them out on Facebook or follow them on Twitter!

We’ll see you at the Race on August 27!

I have a cat. I think he may’ve made an appearance a time or two here on the blog. Admittedly, it’s been many, many years since I’ve taken him to the doctor; he’s an indoor cat – don’t judge. Recently, though, I thought it time for him to get a check-up, and I decided to visit the newly opened Varsity Veterinary Centerupon the recommendation of a good friend (who’s in the vet field).

Varsity Vet and The UPS Store are NOT one-in-the-same!

Pets are appreciated!

Veterinarian's Oath

Quality Pet Food and Products