It’s official – Aquagirl has been signed for a second year of fitness fun! In fact, yesterday I stopped by for an official WF photo shoot. Seven takes and 3.1 miles later, I left Worcester Fitness feeling confident and accomplished.

I spent most of February vacation in the California desert on long, slow runs – so my treadmill speed work came as a welcome departure. I’ve been gearing up for a 13.1 mile tour of New York City on March 18th,  and I’m feeling remarkably healthy.

This time around I took Bob’s advice and decided to supplement my milage with consistent cross training. Once a week I train with the Boston College master’s swim team, clocking about 3,500 yds in the ancient BC rec-plex. I love splashing around with some other serious swimmers, but attending practice means that I roll into my driveway around 10 p.m. In addition, I try to squeeze in pool workouts at Worcester Fitness’ beautifully renovated pool each week, but I could seriously use some local swim buddies.

It’s no secret that I struggle to concoct my own productive workouts without the help of massive moral support. Thankfully the half-marathon training team starts up on Saturday at 9 a.m. sharp. I can’t wait to meet some new training partners and run my little heart out!

Now playing on Aquagirl’s ipod:

“All Day Today” – Hospitality

“Somebody That I Used to Know” – Gotye

“La Grande” – Laura Gibson

“Bounce” – Calvin Harris

“Don’t Run Wild” – The Del Fuegos

If you have ever walked by the small studio and seen some yellow and black straps hanging from a wall mount  and wondered what they are used for. Now is the time to find out.

The straps are part of a workout system called the TRX.  The TRX Suspension trainer was developed by Randy Hetrick and his Navy SEAL  teammates. It was a way for he and his teammates to workout during their missions in places where there was no equipment  and very limited space.

The TRX started out as a few lengths of parachute webbing hand-stitched together with rubber boat repair tools. Today it is made of durable nylon webbing, heavy gauge nylon thread,non-slip cam buckles, club grade grips and foot cradles. It will support up to 350 pounds.

Suspension training is a collection of unique body weight exercises . The exercises are different than others  because the user’s hands or feet are generally supported by a single  anchor point while the opposite end of the body is in contact with the ground.

Professional athletes such as Drew Brees and Kendrick Perkins use the TRX as part of their training and have found it very helpful and challenging at the same time.

During the week of March 5th through the 9th I will be offering  20 min  introductory classes.  If you are interested please sign up at the front desk.  Only 3 people are allowed in each class so sign up now and get the time slot that works the best for you.

I know you will get hooked on this workout just as I did. When you come to class bring water and lots of energy because you will need it.

Michele BEFORE picture

Michele AFTER picture!

I first met Michele a little over 6 years ago. Michele and her 10 year old son AJ were part of my evening water fitness class. I have to admit it was the first time  I had ever seen a Mom and her young son work out together. It was great to see. The fact that her son was allowed into the club was the deciding factor in Michele’s decision to  join Worcester Fitness.

Michele works for the Department of Children and Families in Worcester.  She is the Supervisor for the foster care unit. Some of Michele’s hobbies are hiking, indoor rock climbing, cross country skiing and target shooting. She also likes to canoe. For the last 13 years she has been a “Hockey Mom”. Her next goal is to become a Mom that plays hockey. When she starts playing I will be sure to go watch a game.

Over the past year, Michele has lost 96 pounds. It has taken a lot of hard work and discipline.  Getting to the gym 4 times a week is Michele’s goal. Stretching, strength training and core work are all part of her routine .  45 to 90 minutes are also spent in  the cardio area each visit to the gym.  She loves to watch the Bruins games while doing her cardio workouts because it makes the time go by faster.  When she can’t make it to the club, she finds some activity to do at home.

Michele’s goal is to loose 4 more pounds by her birthday April 1st. She plans on sticking with the dietary changes that have worked for her. Carbs,white rice, pasta and  white bread are no longer part of her daily diet. Large servings, going to buffets and second servings are now a thing of her past. Although this takes a lot of will power, Michele knows what needs to be done and simply does it.

The Worcester Fitness Team  and fellow members are her favorite things  about the club. She finds the Team helpful whether she  is asking about a piece of equipment, a certain exercise or just showing her how to change the station on one of the TV’s.  Although she has not gotten to personally know any of the other members she finds them very approachable. Michele hopes to overcome her shyness and go into MacDonald’s Tavern and watch a Bruins game with some of her fellow members.

Michele’s words of wisdom to fellow members are “Don’t ever give up.  Get up and get moving! “ Even when you are tired from a long day at work GO to the gym you will feel better for it.”

Worcester Fitness wants Michele to know we are proud of her and will be happy to assist her with anything she needs to help her reach her goal.  Good luck Michele and keep up the good work!

To whom shall I bestow my Worcester Fitness Access Pass? I understand that the offer expires on 2/29, so time is of the year-leaping essence. I’ve narrowed the list of possibilities down to five finalists:

1. Dianne Williamson – I’ve never been brave enough to change the channel in the TV Garden, but this fellow Bravo loving blogger might have the gumption. We could trot on treadmills and banter snarkily – every Worcester girl’s dream!

2. Rachel Bilson – Go ahead, try to tell me that you don’t watch Heart of Dixie – not to mention RB’s recent splash on Funny or Die. We’ll be bffl’s yet…

3. Channing Tatum – I think he’d be a stud in the Zumba studio. Did you know he once appeared in a Ricky Martin video?

4. Parul Sehgal – NPR’s divinely sharp new books editor. We could pump some iron while we ponder the The Marriage Plot like the finest fitness nerds in all the land.

5. Wes Welker - On second thought, he’d probably drop the pass.

Final decision TBA. In the mean time, bribes are encouraged.

In simple terms, this program will provide coaching and guidance in how to train for the Worcester Half Marathon on June 3, 2011.  The following is a summary of what will be included in the Half Marathon Training Program.  All the workshops and group runs will take place at the Grove Street club.

Program Workshop – February 23rd at 7:30pm: This workshop is the official start of the program.  The program fee must be paid and registration/waiver from must be completed before the workshop.  This will be a two part presentation.  First, the running programs and training guide will be handed out and reviewed.  A program starting with a 3 mile long run will be provided.  After taking questions, the second part will cover the topic of selecting Running Sneakers.  Experienced runners and last years participants do need to stay for the second part of the workshop.

12 Group Runs - Starting March 3rd: All group runs will take place at Grove St. on Saturday mornings at 9:00 am.  The distance of each run will follow the Long Runs of the 3 mile long run base program.  The 14 week program begins with a Long Run of 3 miles and progresses to a Long Run of 10 miles.  The progression is designed for first time half marathoners and less experienced long distance runners.  More experienced runners are encouraged to start with the group, and then add extra miles to the run to meet their needs.

Online Coaching: As runners encounter obstacles in training, they may email Bob Bourassa with questions and receive guidance on how to adjust their training.  The running program and information will be organized and presented by Bob, a Worcester Fitness Master Trainer and USA Track & Field: Level One Coach.  He will also use the Team Training blog to post information to aid runners in overcoming obstacles in training.  Last year’s posts included: Proper Running Form, Fighting Friction, and more.

Worcester Fitness Race Shirt & Race Day Workshop – May 3rd at 7:30pm: All participants will receive a Dry Fit Worcester Fitness Shirt.  The workshop will focus on the last weeks of training and the specifics of preparing for race day.

Sign-up at the Front Desk by Feb. 23rd

For more information or questions, contact Bob at bbourassa@worcesterfitness.com