Having said that, it’s a great way to see who’s doing what in Anchorage.

This morning, I did my usual log-in and saw this nonsense:

Weight-Loss Hot Pants!  

Seriously?!?!!

What’s more disturbing is that more than 240 of these ridiculous things have been bought before 9am.

Can you say, “ridiculous?”

I don’t often go on a tirade, and if you are one of the 240, I recommend calling now and getting your money back.

Cellulite happens…yes.

And, it is not necessarily a sign of aging.  I had a friend in college (we were 18-21).  She was (and still is) rail thin and has had cellulite thighs since she was 16.

Here’s the thing.

Regardless of the “hot pants” manufacturer’s claims, nothing actually changes cellulite.

However, in the never-ending quest for beauty, merchants know there is nothing you won’t try.

This “latest technology”  uses “infared rays” to help  you to sweat more and there by, rid the “toxins from your body that cause cellulite.”

Really?!

If you want to sweat more to lose cellulite, how about joining boot camp, building muscle and replacing the “jigglies” with rock-solid muscle?

Not as catchy as losing weight in your sleep by wearing “hot pants,” I know.  But here’s the thing…no matter how good the sales pitch, nothing actually “melts cellulite.”

To change your body, you have to change your life and your lifestyle! 

In study after study, this is the ONLY thing that really truly works.

It’s not easy, but nothing that we value ever comes easy, does it?

Ditch the hot pants!

Get your butt in boot camp and then show off your new butt in real hot pants.  

We can do that for you…

Results Guaranteed!!

Bring a Friend to Boot Camp  on Saturday.

Call 783-1241 or click the link below:

http://anchoragepersonaltrainer.com/client-appreciation-saturday/

I love having you as a part of the AlaskaFit family. Because of you, we are a successful business and your results are what keeps each of us going.

I am very proud of how all of our clients have changed their lives…one day at a time.

The staff and I want to thank you for being a part of our family.

So, we’re having a party:)

It begins Saturday morning at 10am with Bring a Friend to Boot Camp.

Click the link below to register you and your friend for Boot Camp at 10 or 11 am:

http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=23346&stype=-8&sTG=35&sVT=48&sView=day&sDate=5/19/2012

If you’re not a client and have never attended a boot camp before, now is the time to give us a try.  Come see us, enjoy some snacks and healthy treats and meet dozens of our success stories, live, in person.

You have been doing so well with our program, why not share that with someone you love and give them the gift of a healthy and fit lifestyle?

You know how powerful good health is.

You have seen how the small changes you make every day have changed your life.

It’s your turn to “pay it forward” as they say. We have the perfect opportunity for you.

Bring a friend with you to Boot Camp on Saturday at 10am or 11am.

Click the link to register now:
http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=23346&stype=-8&sTG=35&sVT=48&sView=day&sDate=5/19/2012

But wait!

There’s more:)

We will also have snacks and beverages for you on Saturday morning to make the day more festive.

And, we’re having a contest.

This was a big success last year (and a tasty experiment:)  Bring your favorite healthy snack or beverage (bring enough to share with about 20 people, pot-luck style). We will have tables set up for your treats. No names on the treats, please.

We will have cards for everyone to vote on their favorite snack/drink. Whoever gets the most votes wins a $100 AlaskaFit Gift Certificate!

Start looking at your recipes now…share & win!

But, that’s not all!

We are bringing back another favorite from last year’s event.

We call it:

“Torture Your Trainer!”

Yes, that’s right!

We will be selling raffle tickets at $5 per ticket (there’s no limit on the number of tickets you can purchase). Proceeds from the raffle will go to the local chapter of The American Heart Association.

If you win the raffle, it’s “payback time” for Emilio. You’ll get 5 full minutes to put him through his paces. You design the workout (I’ll help with this) and then you get 5 minutes to “torture your trainer.”

Remember, the more raffle tix you buy, the better chance you have to win:)

And, finally, one more bonus!

Right after we torture Emilio, we will announce the winners of Your Best Body Contest.

We finished up our April Challenge last week and today is the deadline for all essays, after pics and final weigh-ins.

On Saturday, (drumroll please), we announce our winners.

In addition to our Big 3 winners, we will have lots of other prizes for Challengers and clients, too.

You must be present to win.

So, even if you’re in for an early workout, make sure you’re back at noon for Torture your Trainer and the winner announcements…and bring your favorite healthy snack for more prizes.

Thank you again for being a part of our family.

I look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

Cheers,
Ginny

P.S. Remember to click the link to register you and your friend for Saturday 10am or 11am class.
http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=23346&stype=-8&sTG=35&sVT=48&sView=day&sDate=5/19/2012

P.P.S.  Not sure how to work all of this technology?  Just call us at 783-1241 and Jesse or Bobbi Jo will get you all taken care of.

I do, however consider this a successful week.  Why?  I maintained my good eating and I still got 2 workouts in.

I also accomplished a HUGE goal!  I successfully moved all of my stuff into Anchorage:)

Not a minute too soon, either.  It was pouring rain in Girdwood on Sunday, and while it wasn’t sunny and beautiful, it was not raining in Anchorage and it was about 10 degrees warmer.

More importantly, I will now have about 12 extra hours added to my week that I won’t be spending on the road.

Just in the 24 hours I’ve been living here, I can already feel a tremendous difference in stress levels and my energy.

Getting up this morning, knowing I didn’t have to high-tail it into town allowed me to sleep in, have a leisurely morning and even have time to do some recreational reading…something I haven’t done in months.

What does all of this mean to you?  A few lessons to be learned.

1.  Being perfect is an illusion.  Yes, I’m in Bridal Boot Camp mode, but I don’t have to get my workout in EVERY day.  Focusing on what I accomplish (maintained healthy eating habits, got in two workouts) is much more motivating and keeps me in a positive state of mind.  This is a high-stress time in my life and I don’t need to add pressure where there’s already plenty.

2.  Don’t wait to make your life more efficient.  And by efficient, I don’t mean boring.  When I think about what I could have done with 12+ hours per week for the last 6 months…well, let’s just say it doesn’t make me happy.  Time is the ONLY thing we can’t buy, manufacture, create or save.  We have it and it’s gone and we never know how much of it we have, so budgeting doesn’t work either.  Simply creating short-cuts for tasks can add minutes, which add up to hours.  Look at your “regular” day and figure out where you can “add” time.  You won’t be sorry you did.

I’ve had a few folks ask me how they can join me for Bridal Boot Camp. The best option right now is to take advantage of our “Sizzlin’ Summer Deal!”  Get 3 months of Boot Camp (that’s all summer long) for $598 (that’s about $199 per month or $100 off each month, all summer long!)  The best way to take advantage, just give us a call at 783-1241 or Click here to find out more and to sign up.  This deal is only available until May 29.  Get yours now!

Happy Monday,
Ginny

P.S.  Got in plenty of sleep last night and made it to 10am Boot Camp today…it’s going to be a good week:)

P.P.S.  Join me for Boot Camp…just $598.  Call 783-1241 now or  Click here

Nothing worked…High Carb, Low Carb, the latest and greatest “2 week diet” in Cosmo.  She had tried them all.  Even gaining weight on plans that were supposed to help her lose weight.

She joined our Nutrition KickStart Program 6 weeks ago and has had fantastic results!

She has lost 6 pounds of body fat, gained 1.5 pounds of muscle, changed her body fat percentage by 2% points, and lost an amazing 11.5 inches!

For the first time in her life, she understands how to eat, when to eat and what to eat.

Click her video below and let her tell you all about it.

She has some insightful, real-life advice for you at the end of the video, so be sure to watch it all the way through.

Ready for your own transformation?
Get the started with the program DeAnna used by clicking the button below.

P.S.  Our KickStart is included in all of our Boot Camp and Small Group Training Programs.
We give you the only COMPLETE solution to reaching your health and fitness goals!

Last week was a good week for my own personal bridal boot camp.  I ran on Monday (you may remember my sprint to pick up my car after having my tires changed over).  I followed this with Boot Camp classes on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

I’ve been keeping up with my snacks, making sure I’ve got my lunch with me every day and keeping up with my Physique post-workout and Cinch in between meals.  Energy levels have been pretty good, although I do have to confess to having afternoon coffee as the week wore on.

It’s amazing what just a little planning and forethought can accomplish!  Marq and I started moving some of my stuff down to his place in Kenai last weekend in anticipation of my move to town.  We have a place we’re moving into in July, and are staying with a friend for the 6-8 weeks before it’s ready.  This will cover the time from now til just after the wedding.

This weekend we made some real progress.  My little home in Girdwood is now lacking in some of the things that gave it my personality, but between now and next weekend, I think I’ll be fully moved into town.

Packing one box per night was a great start.  This week it’s packing and moving stuff as I come into town and sorting through the “thousand and one” little things.  You know…receipts, old paperwork (there’s a bonfire in my future), and other random junk I’ve accumulated in the past two years.

I’ll continue to get my workouts in, either joining my 10-amers or going in mid-day when no one else is around.  We’ll see.

Oh, and in the midst of all of this, I have two fun announcements for AlaskaFit.

1.  We are still taking applications for our Girls Program.  If you haven’t heard about this yet, click here to find out more.  We are holding a FREE Boot Camp for Girls ages 14-16.  We’ll be teaching them how to take care of themselves, how to eat well, how to exercise and live a fit and healthy lifestyle.  We start May 22 and the deadline to apply is May 11.  If you have a daughter or know a 14-16 year old girl, you must read about this program.

2.  We are holding a Summer Sizzler! sale on Boot Camp.  Join before May 29 and get 3 months of Boot Camp for just $598!  You save $300!!  Click here for details.

(For just $598!)

I know what you’re thinking.  Great.  Another quick-fix weight-loss plan that I’ll sign up for, never go to, won’t see any results and I’ll just waste my money on.

And that is a valid concern.

You may have tried every diet, joined every gym in Anchorage, and purchased every gimmick on every infomercial you’ve ever watched and never been able to lose weight, get fit and stay that way for more than a month or two…if that long. You’re frustrated (maybe even a little bit pissed off [excuse my language, but I'm guessing it's accurate]).

Oh, and I’m sure you’re waiting for me to tell you why we’re different.

I’m not going to do that.

I’m going to let my clients’ results speak for themselves.

But before we get to that, I want to tell you a secret.

The health and fitness industry does NOT want to see you succeed in reaching your weight loss and fitness goals.  

Surprised?  Think about it.  Health clubs offer you cheap (or in some cases, very expensive) “memberships” for the privilege of renting their treadmills and their equipment.

If everyone who purchased a membership showed up at the health club, guess what?  No one could use the club.  It would be too crowded.

The business model for a health club is to have waaaay more members than they can accommodate.

They know that a full 60% of members will never set foot in the gym.

They thrive on you paying your monthly fee and never walking through the door again.

What’s even more insidious is that with a lower price point (say $19 a month), the gym owners know that you will gladly pay that fee for the rest of your life, because, hey, it’s only $19. And if you stop paying, then you’ve really given up.  So you keep paying, hoping some day you’ll get back there, knowing you never will and they keep collecting.

When thousands of people line up to pay $19 per month and never set foot in the gym, that’s a sweet pay day for the gym owner.  And if it’s a national chain, it adds up to millions of dollars for them and zero results for you.

OK, so now you won’t ever pay for another gym membership.

What other alternatives do you have?  

How about a weight-loss center?

They make big promises (like lose 30 pounds in 30 days).

They have all of the “before” and “after” pics you ever want to see.  Smiling people who have been successful.

And yes.  They are right.  While you are on their program (at the cost of $150 per day!) you will lose weight.

But what happens when you stop paying $150 per day?  What happens when you want to go back to living a regular life and eating real food?

Well, they don’t tell you about that.  All of those people who lost 30 pounds in 30 days?

They gain back 45 pounds in 30 days when they leave the weight-loss center.

How do I know?  Because after they “lose 30 pounds in 30 days,” they come to see me for long-term, lifestyle transformation.

There are many reasons you will gain the weight back and then some.

• They don’t teach you how to maintain your results.
• It’s impossible to maintain the program forever.
• There is no support once you leave their facility.
• You lose muscle mass and slow your metabolism.
• There is no telling what the long-term effects of the center’s program are because there are no long-term studies on their programs.
• After being on an extremely calorie-restrictive diet, it is natural for the body to binge.  It was starving and wants to prevent starvation from happening at all costs…because that’s how we die.  The “bounce-back” effect is to over eat, gain back more than you ever lost and feel worse than ever.
• It is the weight-loss center’s hope that once you gain the weight back, you’ll return to what “worked” in the past…come back and go through the starve-binge program all over again.  As a matter of fact, some centers “maintenance” program requires you to periodically return and use their pills, programs and potions every few months.  Great for the weight-loss center owner.  Tragic for you.

So, what is the real answer to your problem?

I’m not going to tell you.

I’m going to let my clients tell you.

They “get it.”  They’ve been exactly where you are.

They’ve tried everything, been there, done that.

Gained it, lost it, gained it again, lost it again.

They were tired of it and just wanted to find a way to get healthy once and for all.

We’ve helped them to do just that.

Meet April Serjeant.  April is a single mom.  She came to us because her doctor wanted to put her on Metformin (a drug for Diabetes).  At 30-something, she said, “No way!”  She had joined every gym in Anchorage and saw zero results.  She joined AlaskaFit and lost 30 pounds of body fat, gained 15 pounds of muscle and changed her life.   Watch her video below and see what she has to say about her life, her results, how she continues to maintain her results.

Meet Val Cooper-Brown.  Val is a proud grandma.  And for a while, she was feeling more like “grannie.”  Someone who was old, out of shape, had no energy and no joy in life.  Val lost 13 pounds and 13 inches in 8 weeks.  That was over 2 years ago and she’s still looking amazing.  She’s used the tools we gave her and the lifestyle change we’ve taught her to keep up with the grandkids and love every minute of her life.

Meet Faye Sullivan.  When Faye joined us, she was overweight and had a myriad of health problems, including being pre-Diabetic, elevated triglycerides, blood pressure and cholesterol.  Was on meds to treat these problems and feeling just plain awful.  She thought she wouldn’t be able to do our Boot Camp classes.  But she came anyway.  She found that she could make our workout work for her.  She pushed herself to her maximum every day she was in Boot Camp.  And guess what?  She lost over 50 pounds, came off all of her meds and her latest success story is that at 63 years old (she looks fantastic, doesn’t she?) she increased the bone density in her spine by 10% and her doctor attributes it entirely to her coming to Boot Camp.

Meet Mike Cox.  He’s our latest success story.  Mike joined us in November and he’s been shrinking ever since.  He has now lost over 55 pounds of body fat, completely changed his lifestyle and eating habits and is an inspiration daily to our other clients.

What if you’re just getting started?  Our results begin immediately.

Gloria Truitt started with us just 2 weeks ago.  She has lost 3 pounds of body fat and gained 5 pounds of muscle.

Leslye Langla has lost 5 pounds of body fat and gained 5 pounds of muscle in just 4 weeks.

Jared Tuia lost 11 pounds of body fat and gained 7 pounds of muscle in 14 days.

They are just beginning their journey to a healthy and fit lifestyle that they will maintain for the rest of their life.

Will you join them? 

For an extremely limited time (you have until May 29 to join), you can join AlaskaFit Boot Camp for just $598 for 3 months this summer. Click the button below if you’re ready to join us now!

But wait! 

You’re thinking, “What do I get for $598?”  I’m glad you asked.

Here’s what you get.

• Up to 6 Boot Camp Classes per week: you can come an unlimited number of days, but just one time per day ($299 value)
• Priority Status in our 6pm and lunchtime (noon and 1pm) classes. (Priceless:)
• Monthly nutrition class: learn how your body uses food and how easy it is to unleash the power of your metabolism to give results you never thought you were capable of. ($897)
• Supermarket Tour ($79)
• Tuesday night hikes with our AlaskaFit Family ($247)
• Step-by-step guidance to transform your life (priceless:)
• Accountability: Yes, we do call you when you miss classes (priceless:)
• Unlimited food & fitness journal checks ($189)
• Body Composition Assessment ($49)
• Baseline weigh & measure ($37)
• Bi-Weekly re-assessment and tracking towards your goals ($177)

Total value of this 3-month package is

$1,872

Until March 29, it is yours for just

$598

 One more thing before you go!  Here at AlaskaFit, we like to reward people who take action.  They are the ones who get the best results.  If you are ready to transform your life once and for all.  If you’re tired of waiting for your “real life” to begin.

Then click the button and register for our Summer Sizzler before Wednesday, May 9,  you will also receive Max Burn ($129) and our Top Secret Report on Protein Powders ($79).

Max Burn tells you exactly what to eat before and after your workouts for maximum results! It’s scientifically tested and proven to work with thousands of athletes all over the world.

Our Top Secret Report on Protein Powders reveals the ugly secrets of what is really happening when you buy just any protein powder and make the dangerous assumption that, “they’re all the same.”

On Monday, I read a scary article in the Anchorage Daily News.

(The link to the article is at the end of this.)

It was also picked up and was run on the first page of the Anchorage  Daily News on Monday.

And it breaks my heart!

Kids and Diabetes.  It’s becoming epidemic in our society.  A full 30% of our kids are overweight and/or obese.  

“So what?” you say.

“It just means they’re not ‘pretty.” you scoff.

This issue is so much bigger than fitting in, being teased or having low self-esteem.

This is the reason that the next generation won’t live longer than their parents.

This article brings to light a whole host of issues that we, as adults, ignore.

–Type II Diabetes used to be so rare in children that it was called ”adult onset” diabetes.

What this means: The complications from Diabetes include heart disease, stroke, blindness and the eventual loss of fingers, toes, legs and arms.

Children won’t only live shorter lives, they will have smaller lives.  They won’t be able to pursue their dreams becasue their bodies won’t let them!

–Kids don’t do well with drugs.
The findings of the study indicate two things about the drugs doctors are prescribing for Diabetes.

1.  They don’t work on kids as they are on adults.  They are also not approved for use in children.

What this means:  Kids are being used as guinea pigs to test medications that are not approved for them in the undocumented hope that this will “cure” the problem.

Drugs will NEVER cure Diabetes.   Lifestyle change will. There are zero long-term studies done on children and the use of these drugs. There is no telling what the long-term side effects of taking tem will be.

2.  Kids don’t take their drugs regularly.  Kids are kids.  Routine and discipline do not come naturally to them.  (How many times have you asked your son/ daughter to take out the  rash or put their dishes in the sink or dishwasher?)

Even adults don’t take their meds when they should.  They forgot this morning, ran out and didn’t refill a script.

How can we possibly expect a kid to take their pills every day when the adults don’t do it?

What this means: Drugs are not the answer.  There is no way to “enforce” compliance with a medication regimen. And, I am not in any way advocating for a way to make this happen.

What I am advocating for is education, movement and fun.

Education:  Teach kids about their bodies.  How do they function?  What’s a calorie?  Why does it matter if you’re eating too much sugar?  What’s the difference between processed food and natural food?

The overwhelming majority of kids have no idea what they’re eating or why.  This means they are incapable of making healthy choices for themselves.

Movement: Not every kid is an athlete.  But every kid can feel good by making their body move.

Maybe they like to walk, maybe it’s running, or Zumba, or playing tag.  Maybe it’s just playing.
Let them run around. Get them outside to play. Teach them how they can get movement into their day all day long and then let them choose what they like to do best.

Fun:  Kids can play together and learn together and have fun.

Let’s face it.  After a certain age, kids go from thinking mom & dad are the coolest people in the world to thinking, “Mom and Dad don’t know anything.”

This is where we can help!

AlaskaFit is holding a “For Girls Only” (ages 14-16) Boot Camp.  (We are planning a for Boys only camp later this summer).

It’s FREE and it addresses all of the issues in this article.

This article is also why it’s FREE!  Too many kids are suffering and will be dying waaaaaay too young.  If I can help just one girl to make healthier lifestyle choices…it’s all worth it!

We are only taking 10 girls into the program and we’ve already filled 4 spaces.

To find out more or to apply, call us at 783-1241.

Deadline to apply is Friday (that’s the day after tomorrow!)

Help us to save a child from disaster!

Cheers,
Ginny

P.S.  To read the article, click here.

P.P.S.  Call 783-1241 to enroll your daughter, niece, friend. They can have a better life and you can be the one to give it to them!

This morning, I dropped my car off at Continental Volvo for the semi-annual tire change and less frequent than recommended oil change.  They very kindly dropped me off at my office via the shuttle and I realized that they are only about 2 miles from AlaskaFit.

They called this afternoon to let me know the car was done and I did what any good trainer would do.  I ran to pick up my car.

True, it wasn’t a long run (proud to say I got there in 16 minutes), but it sure felt good to get out in the sunshine in the late afternoon (car exhaust notwithstanding) and stretch my legs and lungs.

You can make any day and any mundane chore into a workout…just think about what you would do if you had no transportation.  How would you get from point A to point B?

Or, if there were no elevators or escalators…the extra two minutes you take to climb the stairs could, in the long run, save your life.

More great stuff tomorrow.  Tune in!

So, as of Monday, I’m experimenting with a 60-day Bridal Boot Camp.  It will include some better eating…kick-butt workouts that either I will design, or I’ll let my own trainers torture me with.  I don’t have a lot of weight to lose in 60 days, so for me, that’s not my goal.  Yes, I’d like to drop 7-10 pounds, but if I don’t, it’s not big deal.

The most important part of a Boot Camp though is knowing what you want to achieve.  What are your goals?

My goals are to:

1. Regain control of my time and regain my work/life balance
2. Eat more regularly
3. Get better definition in my arms and increase core strength.
4. Give up coffee…this will probably be the most difficult of all of it all.  I’m not sure when, exactly I’ll start this, but trust me, you will all know.
5. Get my workouts in EVERY day…yes, it’s true, even us fitness pros sometimes miss a workout.

Oh, and finish planning the wedding, move to Anchorage, sell our property on the Kenai and launch a few new programs at AlaskaFit.  Can I do it?  I have no idea.

Tune in…I’ll keep you posted.

P.S.  If you want to join me in my quest and you’re already a client, I’ll probably be mostly attending the 10am workouts (don’t tell Emilio…it’s a surprise and I don’t want him thinking up new ways to torture me).    If you’re not a client, you can join AlaskaFit and come to our Boot Camp classes with me. Our regular programs are longer than 60 days, so once you get through my wedding, you’ll have plenty of time to continue on your own journey towards your own goals.

You’ll have to join before Monday, May 1 to get the full 60 days in.  And, if you join before Monday, I’ll give you two bonus gifts…a copy of my Amazon #1 Best-Selling Book 3 Steps to Your Best Body in Record Time and  copy of my Max Burn Report that tells you exactly what to eat before and after your workouts for maximum results.  It’s the way I’ll be eating for the next 60 days.  Just call 783-1241 and ask for Jesse or Bobbi Jo and they’ll get you set up for my Bridal Boot Camp and Beyond.

And, here’s a pic of the last bride I had in Boot Camp…at the time, I didn’t call it Boot Camp, but I figure if I can make her look fabulous, I can make me look fabulous, too.