Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Tip of the Week: Strength Training

We all know strength training is important and that the Curves circuit provides overload to the muscles. But are you truly getting the most benefit from the machines? When we make our muscles work against a resistance they aren’t used to, we overload those muscles and this is the goal of strength training. When we consistently overload our muscles, there are several positive benefits we receive! Strength training produces lean muscle tissue that’s metabolically active, so this means we can increase our metabolism and burn more calories throughout the day…even while at rest! Lean muscle tissue also gives us that toned appearance which I’m sure we all would love with the summer months here! Not only that, we increase our strength! We all have kids, grandkids, nieces or nephews we enjoy playing with….well building lean muscle will help us keep up with them!

So now that you know the benefits, how do we ensure we get these benefits! Well, it’s all about the work we put into those machines! Really push HARD on those strength machines…this is where the real work is done. Then, truly recover on the recovery boards so you are ready for that hard push on the next machine. I recommend asking a Circuit Coach to check your form on each machine periodically. It’s one thing to simply use the machine, but if we aren’t using correct form, full range of motion and 100% effort….you aren't getting the full benefit! You’ll really feel and see the results and will be a great inspiration to your friends and family!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

7 Tips for Cleaning Fruits, Vegetables

Posted By Dr. Mercola
June 07 2011

Nearly 48 million people are sickened by contaminated food each year in the United States. Many people don't realize that even produce can sometimes be the culprit in outbreaks of food-borne illness. 
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers the following tips for protecting yourself:

1.Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce

2.Cut away any damaged or bruised areas

3.Gently rub produce while holding it under plain running water

4.Wash produce before you peel it

5.Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce

6.Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel

7.Throw away the outermost leaves of a head of lettuce or cabbage

Sources:
FDA May 23, 2011
Time May 30, 2011

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Curves Becomes a SCENT-FREE Environment

Did you know that many people become physically ill from scents?  We have an increasing number of members and staff that have allergies and/or a sensitivity to many scents.  This can cause them to get headaches, nausea, anxiety, a change in mood, and more. 

When I learned that the chemicals in perfumes, colognes and scented lotions can have this affect on people, I knew we had to make Curves a scent-free environment.  No one wants to to inflict physical discomfort to someone else, so I knew when I made this announcement, our members would be willing to comply. 

So we ask that you please refrain from applying anything with a scent before coming to Curves.  Thank you for your understanding!