Try Fitness

REcycle, REnew, REuse

2010-04-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

Spring is here. I love it, the soft breezes, the flowering trees and plants. It brings promise and hope of things to come, and graduation. My very dear friend Bill will graduate this May with a degree in Sustainable Development. I’m so proud of him. He went back to school as an untraditional student, i.e. He was a little older. He even started his own company called “Sustainable Strategies”. It is about being green, conscientious, forward thinking when it comes to building. It got me to thinking about the motto – Recycle, reuse, renew. Being in the fitness industry for the last 15 years, I couldn’t help but try to apply it to the work I do – and voila, I did.

Just like spring is a time of renewal, it is also a time for us to re-evaluate our goals, seeing where we are, how far we have come in terms of the beginning of the year. Taking stock of our lives at the change of the season is a wonderful habit to get into. It forces us to step outside of our lives and re-establish what we want, need and who we want to become. Using the green slogan is a great way to evaluate our personal health and fitness goals.

RECYCLE: mmmmm… it is time to go through that closet and get rid of those workout clothes that are stale, don’t fit or are worn out. A great way to recycle them is to donate them to a local charity such as Goodwill, Big Brothers/Big Sisters or Salvation Army. There are plenty of people who would love your recycled clothes. Many people are not in a financial position to go and buy brand new workout clothes let alone a hot meal. Also, head to the garage or spare bedroom for any workout equipment that you haven’t used in years. Treadmills, bicycles, weights and other late night TV infomercial merchandise that has laid doormat for ever. Donate them to local schools, camps or the YMCA at Camp Erdman. You don’t need another clothes hanger, get rid of it, free up space and let some else have the benefit of your generosity.

RENEW: It is time to go through your phone and renew relationships with old workout buddies, people who are like minded and once shared your passion for walking, hiking, swimming, running or biking. Renew your membership at your local workout club. Or better yet, start something new. As we go along in life, our passions and interest change. Find that “THING” that you enjoy that will get you active and alert and go out and do it.

REUSE: Think about when you were in the best shape of your life….what did you do? What was your program? Who was your trainer? Does what you know work? Revive your friendships, workout routines and passion for the things you let slide. Your health is truly your ticket to quality of life and longevity. If you used to bike and loved doing it, then go take to your bike to your local bike shop for a tune up and get on it. Ride, run, walk, dance, laugh, swim, hike…Get out that old nutrition program that helped you lose 10 pounds 5 years ago for your reunion and get on it again. You don’t need to re-invent the wheel. If it worked and you feel good about it, use it.

Spring is in the air and it is never too late to get started. The past is gone and the future is yet to come. All we have is now, this moment to take control of our lives and live it to the fullest. That is what my friend Bill did. I’m proud of him and look forward to seeing him graduate and thrive with his new business. Going green is not only good for our physical environment; it is good for us in our physical beings as well. Enjoy the spring and don’t forget to recycle, reuse and renew in every way possible.

Try Fitness has been offering programs for the women of Hawaii for over 15 years. Check our website for a program that is right for you. www.tryfitnesshawaii.com

Look for our popular on-going BOOT CAMP Program and the all new Fitness BOOT CAMP training.

Short Getaways: Taking a Day Trip

2010-03-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

Care of the Daily Om

When vacations are not possible, consider a daytrip as an alternative forrenewal and feeding your soul.

We tend to think of a vacation as something that requires an enormous amount of preparation, but small daylong excursions can be just as refreshing and fulfilling as their lengthier counterparts. A short drive can be the channel that transports you into a world of novel experiences and blissful relaxation. Solo day trips can be a wonderful way to unwind from the stresses of routine existence while simultaneously feeding the soul. And when you choose to share your day trip with someone you care about, a leisurely drive becomes a chance to talk about childhood, recall favorite songs, or simply spend time enjoying one another's presence.

You may be surprised to see how many day-trip possibilities exist within a mere hour's time from your home. Forests, beaches, lakes, mountains, rivers,and deserts can serve as the perfect spot for a mini-vacation. The physical and mental rejuvenation you experience in an unfamiliar and engaging setting are enhanced by meditation, journaling, deep breathing, or just being still with nature. Though the cost of gasoline can make taking a day trip seem frivolous, and our commitment to environmental well-being may cause us to hesitate before utilizing our cars in this manner, there are numerous ways we can effectively offset our carbon signature while still seeing to the needs of ourselves on a soul level.

Since day trips tend to require much smaller investments of time and money than traditional outings, you can enjoy a diverse range of experiences day by day. On one weekend, you may be motivated by a need to connect with your natural heritage to explore a vast state park or nature preserve. On another, your curiosity can inspire you to visit a historical site that has long piqued your interest. In the end, where you go will often be less important than your willingness to broaden your horizons by removing yourself from the environment already so familiar to you. Each mini-getaway you take will imbue your existence with a sensation of renewal that prepares you for whatever lies ahead.

by Anam Thubten

Athlete Profile: Susan Heitzman

2010-02-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

1. Name: Susan Swaim Heitzman

2. Age: 65

3. Occupation: Wife, mother, grandmother. Staying in touch with family and friends in Alabama. Helping my husband with an exercise product to get it to market.

4. years training: and why): Since early1990's in Tuscaloosa, AL with a personal trainer. I had just sold a business and was "coming up for air", wanting to feel better, to lose weight, and to have more energy.

5. How/why did you get started?: I asked around town and found someone who was just starting out as a personal trainer. I wanted to get fitter and stronger as I was beginning to ride horses again (since childhood years)..."Dressage" is a style of riding that takes lots of core strength and quiet control from the rider. I was also volunteering with a horsemanship program that helped children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. I wanted to be strong and confident around the horses, as each horse had 3 volunteers-one to lead, and one of each side of the rider to make sure the rider stayed balanced.

6. Favorite sport (and why)?: since moving to Hawaii in 1995, my favorite sport is canoe paddling - competitive in 6 person canoes, and training in the solo canoe. Horse back riding is prominent in Hawaii, but paddling is something I could not do in Alabama, so my husband encouraged me to give it a try. Several 1st, 2nds, and 3rds later after competiting for 12 summers, he was right... it is a blast. I've made a lot of good friends and to be able to go out on the ocean on a gorgeous Hawaiian day is something really, really special.

7. Favorite workout (and why)?: I enjoy working out with KC Carlberg at the Honolulu Club. At my age I do not want to run the risk of injury, so the workouts give me the support and fitness for paddling. I am one of those people that need someone to be accountable to and to have a personal trainer who knows the right way to approach the workouts.

8. Pre-race ritual?: Nutrition, rest, and focusing on the strategy ahead, plus a good warm-up, of course.

9. Lessons learned from training and being active?: I know that I feel better, I have more energy, I enjoy being outside, it's fun to have goals when competing...the people you paddle with become your friends, the people you workout with become your friends. I like being part of a crew, or a team.

10. Future goals?: I know that paddling competitively will not continue for much longer, but to enjoy canoeing with my husband and friends will be the reward while I continue to focus on the importance of some kind of daily exercise to keep me fit and energized...when an opportunity comes up for paddling or walking or hiking. I'll be ready. And what about horses? hmmmm.

The Importance of Regular Exercise

2010-02-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

As we age, the body begins to slow down a little bit, affecting various aspects of our health. In particular, our muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility begin to suffer. In fact, once you pass the age of 25, your total body strength decreases by 4% every decade. This can make it more and more difficult to participate in daily activities and put us at greater risk for heart disease, obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle related diseases. Regular physical exercise can help to combat the loss of this muscle strength, and bring back much needed flexibility and endurance and improve quality of life.

Our health and fitness is an integral part of our quality of life. Have you ever heard the expression "use it or lose it"? It's true! If you don't use your body, you will surely lose it. Your muscles will become flabby and weak. Your heart and lungs won't function efficiently. And your joints will be stiff and easily injured. Inactivity is as much of a health risk as smoking!

Working out is not something that you do once a week, once a month or whenever your schedule will allow, it is something that should be done regularly, CONSISTENTLY.

I like to tell my clients that working out is like putting money in the bank. The fitter we are, the better able you are to handle illness, aging, and other stresses in our life. I was very fit when I was diagnosed with cancer. The surgery and treatment were rather grueling, but I believe that my fitness helped me in my recovery.

What we do today to maintain health and fitness is going to pay dividends in the future. Like life itself, it is how we handle the setbacks in our life that define not only how sweet the victory but how well we succeed. A fitter YOU will be a stronger and happier YOU.

“Accomplishment – like life – will prove to be a journey, not a destination.”

I really love this quote. It serves to remind us that although our goals, dreams, and desires, are in the future, what is important is the NOW. It is our daily, regular exercise routine that is important. In order to make your journey of life a little easier, start working out today.

Holiday Mixer at Brasserie Du Vin

2009-12-15T13:42:00.000-08:00

We know there are lots of you active ladies in and around Honolulu, and we want to make sure you all know how to find each other (besides at Try Fitness training sessions). Meet other like-minded women, enjoy light pupus and a no host bar, and learn what Team Try Fitness is planning for 2010.

Join us for our **Holiday Mixer** at Brasserie Du Vin
Thursday, December 17 from 5:00-7:00pm
Receive a free complimentary Sampler Card - a $60 value!
RSVP to 808.946.0346 or tryfitness@hawaii.rr.com

Plus, bring a friend! We're offering all new clients a FREE sampler card to try three of our spring programs for free (a $60 value!)

All the best to you during the holidays, and hope to see you on the 17th.

Eating Healthy Through the Holiday

2009-11-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

For most of us, the holidays are a time of both celebration and dread. A celebration of family, love and togetherness, but also the worry of putting on all those extra holiday pounds.

Want to have a good time and enjoy yourself without gaining weight? When you aren't at a party, eat moderately and follow these tips:

Fill up on veggies before you hit the dessert table
Don't go to a party hungry
Eat a small nutritious snack before you arrive to avoid overeating
Make wise eating choices from a variety of foods
Exercise regularly with one of our training programs

Remember: Taking control of your health is empowering.

Echoes of Happiness: Belly Laughs

2009-11-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

Try Fitness puts the fun in fitness. Laughing is an integral part of health and happiness.

As children, we laugh hundreds of times each day, delighted by the newness of living. When we reach adulthood, however, we tend to not allow ourselves to let go in a good belly laugh. Inviting laughter back into our lives is simply a matter of making the conscious decision to laugh. Though most of us are incited to laugh only when exposed to humor or the unexpected, each of us is capable of laughing at will. A laugh that comes from the belly carries with it the same positive effects whether prompted by a funny joke or consciously willed into existence. When our laughter comes from the core of our being, it permeates every cell in our physical selves, beginning in the center and radiating outward, until we are not merely belly laughing but rather body laughing.

Laughter has been a part of the human mode of expression since before evolution granted us the art of speech. Through it, we connected with allies while demonstrating our connection with people we didn't know. In the present, laughter allows us to enjoy positive shared experiences with strangers and loved ones alike. Yet solitary laughter carries with it its own slew of benefits. An energetic and enthusiastic bout of whole-body laughter exercises the muscles, the lungs, and the mind in equal measure, leaving us feeling relaxed and content. When we laugh heartily at life's ridiculousness instead of responding irritably, our focus shifts. Anger, stress, guilt, and sadness no longer wield any influence over us, and we are empowered to make light of what we originally feared. Laughter also opens our hearts, letting love and light in, changing our perspective, and enabling us to fix our attention on what is positive in our lives.

It is easy to laugh when we feel good, but it is when the world appears dim that we most need laughter in our lives. Our laughter then resonates through our hearts, filling the empty spaces with pure, unadulterated joy. We regain our footing in the moment and remember that no sorrow is powerful enough to rob us of our inborn happiness. When we understand that uninhibited laughter is the food of the soul, nourishing us from within, we know instinctively that life is worthwhile.

Off to Kona for Ironman

2009-10-07T13:14:00.000-07:00

I’m headed off to Kona tomorrow to watch the Kona Ironman World Championships.

One of our clients, Lori McCarney, will be participating in her first ever Ironman distance race. She qualified at the Ironman 70.3 race this last spring. I also get to volunteer at the finish line.

This is the mack daddy for many triathletes, to compete in this exclusive event. Most triathletes participate in triathlons for other reasons as well. I think that no matter who you are, no matter what your level, no matter how big, how small, how fast or how experienced, everyone who pariticpates is a champion. It changes lives and I’ve seen this many times.

It is the commeraderie, and the challenge to be the best that I can be, that has given me over 20 years of fun doing triathlon. I can’t wait to see the race!

TF Teammate Leah Completes the Ironman 70.3 in Germany!

2009-09-27T22:59:00.000-07:00

Here's what friend and Try Fitness member Leah Lauderback had to say about completing her first triathlon in Germany:

"This race rocks! The course is great and the German spectators are even better.

The swim was in a harbor right off the Rhine - temp was @ 74 degrees - I was one of three ladies (out of about 260) that didn't have on a wet suit - funniest thing when everybody is in black and you aren't!

The bike - crap there are a ton of hills around here! There is no flat ride - EVER! But the cool thing about going up - you get to come down! I got up to 42 mph. Anyhoo, bike was @ 3:50 - a great challenge and I'm happy to say I made it!

My goal on the run was to not stop and that's just what I did. I thought my legs would be toast for the run but they felt amazingly okay - funny, it was more my mind that was wavering. The Germans were complaining of the heat - it was 85 in the shade and with a breeze. I thought back to Honu and laughed! I finished the run in 2:09 for a race total of 7:00:32. Yippee!"

Coolest things about this race:

Our race numbers had our names on them so the spectators kept yelling your name - very cool!
There were so many local Germans watching the race - they were out there sitting on their lawn chairs cheering everyone that went by the villages. They had cow bells and noise makers and posters - they kept chanting "up up up up" as they would sit at the bottom of one of the many hills and motivate you. They were all over the run too - just the greatest feeling ever!
As much free beer as you wanted at the end of the race. In the "athlete's garden" after the finish you got a huge meal and all the good German beer you could drink without having to take your wristband off!
The entire bike course was shut off to traffic - you could go as fast as you wanted down the hills and not worry about getting hit by a car - you did have to watch out for the turns that were lined with bails of hay - that's right, hay to stop you from slamming into the guard rails.

Okay - that's it - my next race is a half marathon in Amsterdam! Tschuss!

International Na Wahine Triathlon

2009-09-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

It was a gorgeous late summer day in Honolulu, perfect weather for a triathlon.

6 friends from up north decided to come to Hawaii to participate in our premier all women’s triathlon the Na Wahine Sprint Triathlon. Long story short, they couldn’t make it for the Aug. 30 event so we decided to put on the first annual International Na Wahine Sprint Triathlon for them.

See More Photos Here

I couldn’t turn down Trish, who is also a cancer survivor. She and her 5 friends have been buddies for years and Try Fitness wasn’t about to let them down. So, we called on the rest of the Team who happily agreed to help us put on the event. All of the Try Fitness’s coaches were out to make sure everyone was safe and each of the Canadians was paired with a Try Fitness woman to be her buddy and race along side her.

We swam in the beautiful waters of Kaimana Beach, cycled around Diamond Head, through Kahala and back to Kapiolani Park for the 5k run. We learned that they call a swim cap a “squid lid”, which we of course thought was wonderfully humorous. 2 of the Canadians were designated cheerleaders and one dressed in a grass hula skirt with a coconut shell bra to complete the experience.

We had an award ceremony afterward and ate great food at our Pot Luck to celebrate the day. It was truly rewarding to see them so excited and appreciative of our support.We have new friends in Canada and we look forward to our second annual event next year.

Women Drivers Golf Tournament

2009-09-03T18:07:00.000-07:00

KC and the Office Pavilion team participated in the Women’s Fund – Women Drivers Tournament at Mid Pac Golf Club on Aug. 24.

We got second place. It was fun!

Join us on Facebook

2009-08-23T15:03:00.000-07:00

See race photos and get in touch with other active women in Hawaii by joining our crew. It's the quickest - and easiest - way to keep up with Try Fitness news.

Cycle 4 Life

2009-07-10T16:47:00.001-07:00

We raised over $5,000 for the Hawaii Bone Marrow Registry, and had over 100 cyclists spinning for awareness and support. The Honolulu Club hosted the 2nd annual Anne Keating Cycle 4 Life, a 4 hour spin event. People donated money and or gave a swab to become part of the Bone Marrow registry. A Silent Auction raised over $5,000. KC Carlberg and Erika Eberhart were the spin instructors for the event, guiding the participants through 4 hours of challenging fun. Join us next year for our 3rd annual event.

Summer is Here!

2009-06-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

Try Fitness is rolling into our summer. Tinman has been under way and the Team is working really hard. A challenging brick workout on Sunday is helping everyone get ready for the hilly Olympic distance course. With 5 weeks to go everyone is fit and strong.

Try Fitness summer programs are starting in July with our Na Wahine Triathlon Training – a great way to help you prepare for Hawaii’s premier all-women’s triathlon on August 30.

Be sure to have some fun and join us.

North Shore Tri

2009-06-11T13:39:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to the Team Try Fitness members who participated in Sunday's North Shore Triathlon. A beautiful day, starting bright and early. The swim had some shallow reef, and a run through the sand to transition, but a flat run and a great performance from our team!

Melissa, Siobhan, and Leah finished 1st in the Relay (see results) and Kim Weidie finished 2nd in her age group. Check out the results here.

We also have a bunch more photos on our Flickr page.

Honu Photos

2009-05-31T13:13:00.000-07:00

We've finally posted photos of this year's Honu, along with some favorites from training. Thanks so much to all the Honu girls who participated, and who made the months of training so special.

Check out more photos here.

70.3 Ironman Hawaii

2009-05-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

Team Try Fitness is off to Kona today for the 70.3 Ironman Hawaii, better known as the Honu Half Ironman. The Team is ready after 12 long weeks of training.

We have 8 women who willbe competing this weekend on the hot, windy, voggy and unpredictable course of Kona.

Wish us luck! Go Team Try Fitness!!!

2009-05-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

Boot Camp: it's not just running, jumping, push-ups, and squat thrusts (although there are lots and lots of those). Occasionally, on Friday mornings, it also includes some fun and games. This past Friday, May 8, our boot campers took time out from their drills for a game of Ultimate Frisbee.

Why Ultimate Frisbee? It still fulfills the 5 components of boot camp training:
1. Burn Calories
2. Have Fun
3. Train Outdoors
4. Be Efficient (you work your whole body in a short period of time)
5. Improve your metabolism
It also increases agility and coordination, and gets us moving and working together.

More than anything, we had a blast, and started off our weekend right. Thanks, boot campers, for a great game!

Stacey Acma: Lanikai Studette

2009-04-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

My times were not posted by the time I left but maybe it is better off that I just remember the day rather than the results....

Prep: Although looks don't count, a big Thank You to Kim who shared her tri gear, all the little things made a difference and had everything I needed and looked like I knew what I was doing. I was fortunate to have #25 so had lots of space and time to setup. Kim and Virginia gave me great instructions on how to layout my stuff and I was so glad I didn't have one of those metal pans to fuss with.

Swim: I was happy to see all the Try Fitness girls positioned in the best spot. A great way to start - friendly faces and well wishes. Even saw Yvette who was the one who encouraged me to sign up in the first place. The water was calm and actually warm but I wish I would have done some sort of warm up and stretching before the race started. Took a while to get the limbs moving like I wanted and found a rhythm too late and maybe too far outside for such calm water. I didn't want people crawling over me but without surf or distance it was silly to be out by the lifeguards. About half way to my left inside was a woman in a red cap doing the backstroke, yes backstroke and she was moving. I wasn't sure if she was horsing around or if it was a new tri technique? - so my goal was to stay even with her and at minimum pass at the last buoy. Linda's suggestions and reminders to" reach out" carried me through. I would actually meet the lady in red later at the finish when she was introduced to me as an "elite" swimmer so I had to ask about the backstroke. She said she got kicked really hard a couple of times at the start and had a charlie horse she couldn't shake - so never underestimate the backstroke.

Bike: Transition went great but how do you know what is fast enough? Felt like I came in and out and kept pace with a gal a couple stalls down so I guess okay. Hated that you had to run from transition to the street. Running in bike shoes on the bike path sucked so I jumped on the grass so I wouldn't slip and crack my head open but not comfortable. Did like the age on the right calf. Got passed by a couple of people on the first corner but saw a 23 and a 55 so figured okay since not in my age group. About 1/2 way down Kalaheo I hear "I got your number - on your left" as Virginia passed with a smile in her aero bars. YET NO ONE TOLD ME ABOUT THE HILL... Thursday's workout helped me mentally make it through, I just kept saying "it is not Round Top" over and over in my head. Heard Crazy laughing as she sped by me on the downhill so I knew it would be okay. With time I'll figure out what gear I should be in but with my history of popping the chain I didn't want to fight with it.

Run: The strangest thing during the bike and run is that I felt like no one was around me. - In front or back I could see/hear no one? I would get the random pass and they would disappear in the distance but I sure hope I wasn't last. I did run/walk with a guy who was doing the race for the first time and every time I would catch up he would bolt out ahead. Good rabbit but I need to work on my running. I kept moving but had to walk up the hills since I couldn't seem to keep a good pace. The run on the sand was great and cheers from the beach was great motivation.

Overall a great morning, after it ended I stopped for a shower and some food and then spent 2 hours at Lanikai Beach for sun and a swim and all done before noon. Thanks to everyone who has helped me get this far. I started training just to do something new to help me get into working out and as KC says eventually I will have to get off the fence and do it. Thanks for helping me "do it", mahalo Stacey

Try Fitness All-Star: Michelle Regn

2009-04-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

"Carrying a 35 pound pack over 22 steep miles is a form of cross training I suppose." - Michelle, as she hikes Kauai's Na Pali coast.

The Try Fitness Story

2009-04-21T01:14:00.000-07:00

Group training has been the cornerstone of Try Fitness and is designed to encourage, support and educate women on exercise, to help them find an activity that they enjoy, a routine that they can stick with and to develop lifestyle changes that they can follow. All training takes place outdoors, where we swim, walk, run, hike, stretch, do strength training, nutrition counseling, meditation and more. We teach proper form and technique, the how-to’s and the why’s of fitness.

A typical training day: On a beautiful Hawaii afternoon, in one of Honolulu’s public parks, you will see KC and her gals gathering for their workout. They greet each other with smiles and genuine enthusiasm, discussing their days and congratulating each other on just showing up. They are all have different reasons for training—to reduce stress, to find a routine, to learn workout basics, to lose weight– and they realize the importance of fitness in their lives. They have made a commitment to themselves and with the help of the group they will create habits that will stay with them for a lifetime.

Tonight’s workout is hills. Team Try Fitness works on strength and endurance as they make several trips of the park and surrounding streets. Coach KC runs along with each of the women, encouraging, correcting form and inspiring them to do their best. After the last repeat the team meets at the top, each woman waiting, clapping and encouraging her fellow participants. After push-ups and tricep dips (strength training is an important part of any workout), they gather in a circle just in time to watch a spectacular sunset, to stretch, and to discuss personal goals for the week. They all say goodnight and head to their respective lives, feeling stronger, happier and healthier. And so it goes for 12 weeks, three times a week, three times a year.