Tag: gym alternative

Perfection Fitness Studio – Best Gym Alternatives

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The Perfection Fitness Team: Bottom – Karen, and owner, Melissa. Top – Marissa, Sherwin, Jason, Codean, & Jessica.

I have had a personal trainer twice in my lifetime, both from 24 hour fitness.  One I hired after my cervical fusion (neck surgery) to act as continued physical therapy.  The other time was 6 months before my wedding.  I, like many other brides, wanted to be in the best shape of my life and look incredible in my wedding photos.  Both times I thought the training experience was o.k.  But, six months with a 24 Hour Fitness trainer was 5 months too long. I used the trainer for motivation, rather than results.

A friend of mine and her husband have been clients at Perfection Fitness for quite some time.  My friend initially started training there for their expertise on post baby body revamping and continued through another pregnancy.  Her husband went to bulk up and help with a neck injury.  After seeing their results, two of their family members have started training there as well.  Positive reviews and visible results from each one.

I’ll be honest, I’ve seen the beginning, middle and end of each person and their progress is pretty incredible.  Even during my friend’s third pregnancy she was fit and healthy.  We went out one night after her baby shower and a man stopped her to tell her how wonderful she looked.  I know she is beautiful, but I think the fact that she was incredibly fit and 9 months pregnant made her stand out even more.

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I needed to have Perfection Fitness in my gym alternatives series.  If you are like me and have only experienced the 24 Hour fitness trainers, you need to give private training a try.  It’s a whole new world.  I’m not trying to knock the corporate gym trainers, but there is something different about the personal attention and knowledge of the Perfection Team.

In 2004 Melissa Maher opened Perfection Fitness to make a difference in people’s lives.  She grew up watching close family members struggle with extreme health conditions, including cancer.  She knew that many of these conditions could be prevented by diet and exercise and committed her life to helping herself and others beat the odds.

Ten years later, Perfection is going strong and our community continues to benefit from her passion. Not only does Melissa help clients through her studio, she also teaches workshops, heads a Relay for Life Team, partners with our local Healthy RC News and was a trainer to a contestant on Extreme Makeover:  Weight Loss Edition.

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Owner & Trainer, Melissa Maher.

Each of the six trainers at the studio brings an educational background in their field, including a Masters in Kinesiology.  They are all experts and it shows in their training style and client results.  To read about what each trainer brings to the table, click here.

From the moment you walk into Perfection you know customer service is their number one priority.  From the fresh flowers to the fruit infused water, to the smiling helpful faces everywhere and complimentary towels.

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When I trained with Jason at Perfection I was the only client there, which is a typical experience.  He gave me a tour of the space and then sat down with me to address my needs and goals.  With a regular client he would take measurements and do an initial weigh in.  This information is used to create meal plans and decide which exercises will help clients reach their goal.

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Not only do I work out regularly, but I push myself pretty hard.  I worked out with Jason for an hour, and could not walk for 5 days afterwards.  I had what is called a workout hangover.  I loved it.  Since I work out regularly my body has been in a plateau for quite some time, not changing.  In that one session with Jason he broke the plateau and my body reacted by changing.  My sore muscles proved it.

Thank God Melissa, invited me back two days later for an hour of the Ultimate Stretch, PNF stretching.  What is PNF stretching?  Ashley Black, a fasciologist, describes it this way, “PNF causes the brain to go ‘I don’t want that muscle to tear’ and sends a message to let the muscle relax a little more than it would normally”.   Stretching is essential to not injuring your body when you work out, but PNF takes it one step further.  You feel a release that regular stretching doesn’t do.

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Enjoying my ultimate stretch with Melissa.

At Perfection they offer PNF stretching to their regular clients, but you can also go in and have an hour-long PNF session just like receiving a massage.  Even if you don’t feel you need a personal trainer, you should go to Perfection for their PNF stretching.  After the workout hangover Jason created, I needed that stretch badly.  After the stretch my body would have yelled “hallelujah!” if it could.

My experience at Perfection Fitness was what I had hoped for in the two training experiences I had previously.  There is an innate difference in the two.  I believe their experience and education has everything to do with it.  If you are looking for motivation, or to make a change, big or small in your physique, I would highly recommend visiting Perfection Fitness.

What it is:  A private personal training studio staffed with six fit and knowledgeable trainers.

What to bring:  Yourself.  This is an all-encompassing experience.  They have water, towels, butt kicking trainers and all the equipment you will need.

Where:  9125 Archibald Avenue, Suite D
              Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
              Phone: (909) 477-3000

When:  All private training sessions are by appointment only.  Some group classes are drop in, others you must RSVP for.  Please click here to find out more information.

What I love:  That every trainer is an expert in their field.  Your goal is their mission.  They will get you there through training, nutrition, stretching and will help you eliminate mental road blocks.  Even if private training isn’t in your budget, their group training is another option. Their groups are not the large standard gym class sizes either.  You still receive personal attention with this option.

Bonus:  Mention this blog post and you will receive two complimentary training sessions!  Click here or call Melissa at (909) 477-3000 to schedule.

Disclosure:  I was not compensated for any portion of this post.  I was given one free training session and one free stretch session to gain information for this review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

 

Pure Barre Review – The Best Gym Alternatives Series

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It’s that time of year where the resolutions have been broken and you might be contemplating never making one again.  Chances are, working out or eating healthy was one of those resolutions.  Before you give up, you should figure out the reason you are giving up.  For instance, maybe getting up at 4:15 a.m. isn’t for you.  Or a gym membership is too expensive.  Even better, you don’t want to be a part of the meat market atmosphere in a standard gym.

I stopped my gym membership last year.  Not only did I hate the meat market atmosphere, but also waiting for a treadmill, and fighting for a spin bike.  I’ve been working out at home since then. Trying to figure out what I wanted to trade the gym out for.

In December I had a brilliant idea, a metaphorical lightbulb went off.  Why not try all of the different options out there?  From there I can decide what works best for me, my schedule and my body.

I know I am not the only one trying to figure out what works for me.  I’m sure everyone reading this has the same issue.  The guilt from a stagnant gym membership is probably killing you.  Your unkept resolution still haunting you.  I’m sure you would love to find your ‘thing’.  So why not share my experiences with all of you, making your decision easier as well.

In this series of posts I will write about my experience at each of the non-gym establishments I visited.  I will give you an idea of what to expect, the price point and my take on it.  I have and will be attending a full variety of establishments from barre classes to personal trainers to free options.

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The first non-gym facility I checked out was the new Pure Barre located in Rancho Cucamonga.  Lets just say I was ecstatic when owner Ashley Sinkeldam enthusiastically agreed to be a part of this series.  Ever since I heard there was a Pure Barre opening five minutes from my house I’ve been dying to try it out.

Ashley recently opened the Rancho location in October of 2014.  Even though the gorgeous studio is still in it’s infancy, she and her instructors are well seasoned vets to the Pure Barre way of life.  They are a cohesive unit of *ledge sculptors that take their job seriously.

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The Pure Barre Rancho Team – top: Courtney, Ashley (owner), Michelle R. , bottom: Jamie, Michelle G.

I’ll be honest, I had pre-conceived notions about what to expect.  Almost all of them were completely wrong.  I thought the fact that there was ballet barre in the room meant that there was some ballet involved.  Technically, no.  I thought that it would not be as hard as it was.  It was harder than I could have ever expected, and I LOVED that.

Each class is 55 minutes of booty burning, lifting, toning goodness.  There are no breaks, so you are getting more than your moneys worth for the short time you are there.  It takes a class or two to get used to the lingo and the movements, but once you do, you will be tucking, shaking and squeezing to perfection. There is a ‘Breaking Down the Barre’ class once a month that I would suggest to all newbies, (next one is January 17th @11 a.m.).

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Don’t be scared to try this out, yes the pictures above show every girl in Lululemon attire, but that is only because the entire Lululemon staff came in to take a class together the day I was taking pictures.  I have been to four classes so far, and there are all shapes and sizes in each class.

Don’t be scared to get the technique right away.  The amazing instructors are very hands on and will correct you in a loving way.  No one will even notice.  All the other members are too busy embracing their shake (it means change is happening), and maintaining their own technique.  There are modifications for newbies.

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Do make sure you go in early on your first class to talk with the instructor about the lingo.  Knowing how to tuck properly makes a huge difference.

Do ask questions if you have them.  Like “when you say to move an inch is it really an inch?”. Small isometric moves people.

Do keep going even though the first class might be overwhelming.  You will get stronger and more knowledgeable with each class. Set a goal for yourself, to hold a move longer, or lose the modifications eventually.

Do go at your own pace, everyone has different skill levels and strength.  You are only in competition with yourself.  Repeat that to yourself.

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What it is:  Pure Barre is a mesh of pilates, and yoga, utilizing isometric movements to “lift, tone, and burn” (#LTB) every inch of your body without any high impact moves.

What to bring:  Just yourself in pants (no shorts allowed) and a tank, socks and some water.  They sell grippy socks for $12, which I would recommend, so you don’t slide all over the place.  All the equipment is provided.

What to expect:  Each class starts out with a warm up, then stretching.  From there you will head to the barre where you will earn your shake.  Figuratively and literally.  Expect to stretch right when you need it most.  After the barre you will head to the floor for targeted excercises. that will lift your ledge and tone your abs.  All followed by a much needed final stretch.

Where:  8792 19th Street, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701.  Click here for a location nearest you (there are 200 locations).  To call the Rancho location, dial (909) 944-4978.

When:  There are classes seven days a week.  Click here to find a time that works for you.

Cost:  $25 a class, if you buy them as a single class.  Each studio has a special price your first month $99 unlimited classes, this is what I reccomend..  It’s a an awesome deal!   BONUS:  If you mention Decadently Fit you will get a bonus week free**!  Click here to sign up!

Why I really love it:  Pure Barre targets muscles that I never work out on my own.  I was extremely sore the first time, and I work out quite a lot.  In just four classes I am are already seeing signs of the infamous *ledge.  I love the fact that all of the exercises are low impact.  I can’t wait to see what a month of classes will do!

Ready to join me at the barre?

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*ledgeadjective –  the lack of space between your booty and the top of your thigh.  a.k.a. an extremely lifted and toned booty.  LOVE.

**Must purchase one month before adding the free week on.

Disclosure:  I was not compensated to review the classes at Pure Barre.  The fee for four classes was waived so that I could experience and review them for purposes pertaining to my blog series.  My absolute love for this type of exercise and the opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.