Tag: #PersonalTrainer

Christmas Fitness Gifts

December 29, 2022 / Jill McCauslin / 0 Comments

It’s a few days after Christmas and I’m enjoying my fitness gifts. This year I received personal training sessions and some passes to a new (to me) yoga studio in the area. Isn’t that a great way to go into the new year? Chris and I discussed what we want to accomplish in 2023 in our recent podcast so perhaps these Christmas fitness gifts will help out.

Yoga

I’m excited about the yoga classes because the studio appears to have a wide range of classes. I used to only want advanced yoga but these days I’m happy to indulge in some gentle yoga or restorative yoga. I can’t wait to sample a bit of both types. A bit more strenuous and a bit less. Sounds ideal.

I also saw that the woman who owns this studio used to run a yoga program at a local gym. When I went there many years ago, she had a class that I loved. It was a strength training yoga class, though it was called a Mind-Body class. It was yoga with some Pilates mixed in and some dumb bell work. I see that she teaches a Strength Training class at this new studio so I’m eager to try it out.

I’ll keep you posted on my adventures at a new yoga studio.

Personal Training

The personal training sessions are with my usual personal trainer at my gym. I was feeling a bit uncomfortable with how much I spend on personal training so getting some sessions as a gift is wonderful. I’m really grateful for such a thoughtful gift.

Some years I’ve received gear for my various activities and that’s been great. This year, though, I don’t really need anything like gear so receiving gifts that allow me to do things is excellent.

Let me know in the comments if you received any good Christmas fitness gifts. It’s great when people recognize the work you’re putting into being fit and strong.

Pros and Cons of the Elliptical

September 10, 2018 / Chris Brown / 0 Comments

Podcast Episode 17 – Pros and Cons of the Elliptical

Controversy surrounding the Elliptical was started inadvertently in Episode #5 when Brian Kennel mentioned his thoughts on the Elliptical. In Episode #17 of the Becoming Elli Podcast, Chris and Jill look for answers when they interview a series of experts on their opinions about the use of the elliptical for women over 50.

In this episode you will hear:

The pros and cons of the Elliptical Machine
What to use instead of the elliptical
Mistakes people sometimes make
How to get a great workout on the elliptical
Why some people do not recommend the elliptical for women over 50

Experts interviewed include:

Sara Renard has her Group Fitness Instructor Certification from AFAA (the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America), Personal Trainer certification from NETA (National Exercise Trainers Association.) She is responsible for all of the group fitness instructors at LifeCenter Plus.
Andrew Oravec is a personal trainer, exercise specialist, and group fitness instructor at Summa Wellness Center and has a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from University of Akron. He is a Certified Exercise Physiologist by the American College of Sports Medicine.
Jennifer Stefanik is President of Central Wellness and has her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from Kent State University. She is a Certified Group Exercise Instructor and Certified Health Coach through American Council on Exercise.
Maria Stadelman is a personal trainer at Summa Wellness Center and has a bachelor degree from Ohio University in Exercise Physiology. She has been an athlete her whole life. Maria was interviewed on Episode #1 of Becoming Elli and many women are still downloading and enjoying listening to this episode.
Suzanne LaChance is a fitness specialist, personal trainer and group exercise instructor. She is also a certified Zumba instructor and is Certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Exercise Physiologist. He holds a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Akron. She works at Summa Wellness Center.
Jacob Weatherbee is a fitness specialist who has a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Akron and has a certification in Exercise Physiology through American College of Sports Medicine. He also works at Summa Wellness Center.
Mark Feakes is the Director at LifeStyles North at Cleveland Clinic Akron General. He has a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Akron and has many years of experience as a certified personal trainer as well.

Prices for various Elliptical Machines vary. Here are some elliptical machines that may be workable for home use.
Disclosure: these photos link to the Amazon affiliate program, where a portion of a purchase might help offset the expenses associated with the podcast and website.

Interview with Brian Kennell – Healthy, Fit and Active – Episode #5 of Becoming Elli Podcast

March 13, 2018 / Chris Brown / 7 Comments

In episode #5 of the Becoming Elli Podcast, Jill and Chris talked with Brian Kennell, personal trainer & business owner, about:

Muscle Mass
Interval Training
Strength Building
Cardio Training

He said that he used to get questions from his clients about how to lose weight, but in recent years the questions have changed.

“Instead of focusing on losing weight to be healthier — yes, that is part of it, but there is more to it than that…

The things my female clients over 50 are asking me are more performance based, more health based, more fitness based instead of just ‘Can you help me lose weight?”

‘I want to be able to run a 5K with my kids, and not be in pain during or after.’ or ‘I want to go skiing with my husband this winter. Can you get me in shape for that?’ It’s what your podcast is all about.

If you want to lose weight, it’s a different formula. If you want to be healthy, if you want to be fit, if you want to be active, it’s a different formula than weight loss.”

He shared some “don’t miss” exercises that all women over 50 should be doing and ways to stay fit when you only have 15 minutes to work out.

You may be surprised to hear that he also mentioned some exercises that probably are not appropriate for women over 50. (Bet you can’t guess which ones!)

http://becomingelli.libsyn.com/brian-kennell-personal-trainer-and-business-owner-of-bkennel-fit

Background:
With more than 15 years working in the fitness industry, Brian Kennell has worked at sports performance facilities and a medically based fitness facility – as both a trainer and manager. He now has his own personal training business, BKennellFit, where he will travel and meet people to train on location – at a park, on the trails or their home.

Brian has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology/Adult Fitness, both from The University of Akron.

He wrote his Master’s thesis on a popular supplement ingredient and also had a poster presentation at ACSM National Conference.

Certifications:
ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
TRX Certified

Background:
While he was not very athletic as a kid, he loved sports but felt that he didn’t really excel at anything. After he began lifting weights in college, it all came together. Since then, he has competed in natural bodybuilding competition, started training for powerlifting, ran a half marathon, and is training for a full marathon.

How to contact Brian Kennell:
website: https://www.bkennellfit.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/B-Kennell-Fitness

Stay in touch with us! We love to hear from you. Either leave a comment below or send an email to Chris chris@becomingelli.com or Jill jill@becomingelli.com.
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