Weight loss resolution no quick fix

Paul Zizis, of Bonita Springs, works out at the Bonita Springs Recreational Center gym. He enjoys the spaciousness of the new gym and is looking forward to spending more time working out.


Melvin Milstin, 80, of Estero, works out his arms at the Bonita Springs YMCA.

A week into the new year, the Christmas trees have been taken down, Hannukah candles burned out and decorations neatly packed away.

The only reminder of the holidays is the weight around everyone’s midsection from eating that extra sliver of pie, sipping alcohol-laced eggnog and spending way too much time on the couch watching TV.

Now, in 2007, advertisements are reminding us to come up with new year’s resolutions to lead a healthy life — inevitably focused on losing weight.

But fitness professionals caution dieters bent on shedding the pounds by denying themselves sweets, working out for hours and buying in to schemes that promise quick, painless weight loss.

“Everybody is different and not everything will work all the time so people need to see what is good for them and stick with it,” said Ryan Timmerman, who works as a personal trainer at Precision Fitness in Bonita Springs.

He often asks his clients questions about their lifestyle, eating habits and exercise routine before suggesting the right plan for them.

“Everyone should maintain good eating habits and be aware of the sugars in food,” said Timmerman, who has been a personal trainer for seven years. “Gym time is great. It helps in all aspects of your life and it’s good for your health.”

But exercising and eating right for a few months won’t keep that new year’s resolution going until 2008.

“People have to realize that it’s a lifestyle change that they are doing for not just losing weight until they like the numbers they see on the scale,” said Alana Bouley, a personal trainer at the Bonita Springs YMCA.

Both Timmerman and Bouley caution the use of the word ‘diet’ because it is so restricting for some, especially those who are working out for the first time.

“Shooting for a well-rounded diet is the best thing to do. And, exercising regularly will always work well so you can reach the goal of that new year’s resolution,” Timmerman said.

Watching the scale is where dieters set themselves up for failure, says Bouley.

“Losing weight is one of those things that people think they need to lift weights to get that cut look and it doesn’t work like that,” Bouley said. “You have to find time for exercise and eating well. It’s not temporary.”

She tells Y members to keep two words in mind when working out: variety and intensity.

She often suggests trying different workouts and classes such as spinning, kickboxing or yoga.

“You need to mix up what you do so that a few months into your fitness routine you don’t hit a plateau,” Bouley said. “You have to really push yourself and go hard. The body is designed to do all sorts of things.”

Because the body was made to move, Dianna Colyott, owner of Pilates of Bonita Springs, teaches classes geared toward all ages and fitness levels.

“Pilates can help women and men from improving their posture to improving flexibility,” Colyott said. “It’s very easy to tailor pilates to the body and any injuries people have. You just have to keep doing it and you see an improvement.”

Committing to a new year’s resolution to lose weight or exercise isn’t easy but seeing the process as a permanent lifestyle change may lead to success.

“You need to see it as a change in the way you do things and it will be easier,” Bouley said. “The new year’s resolution is OK but you can’t quit and start next year. Work to make the change forever.”

Blog: Make up your mind to move it in 2007

I hate working out.

There is nothing enjoyable about jumping from machine to machine trying to work out one muscle and then the other.

I just don’t have that kind of patience or tolerance to force myself to walk into a gym, or sweat house as I like to call it.

But, now that the new year has been in full swing for a week, the “get fit NOW!” commercials have gotten me thinking.

I started working out regularly six months ago after years of failed new year’s resolutions to get fit.

So what changed in 2006?

I allowed myself to admit that I hate working out and even the thought of running around my neighborhood makes me nauseous.

But, it’s that admission that has freed me from years of guilt about not exercising and opened me up to see it’s something I need to do to stay healthy.

Even if I can only make it twice a week that’s better than seven days spent on the couch watching TV.

As people gear up to lose weight and exercise in 2007, I have no plans to change anything. I’m just going to keep going to the gym as I have been for six months or at least walk to the mailbox more often.

When you jump on that treadmill tomorrow morning, keep in mind that it’s OK to hate working out or eating healthy but you owe it to yourself.

So today, day six of 2007, I’d like to propose a challenge to all of you who have joined gyms, thrown out all of the junk food, and committed to new year’s resolutions to contact me and tell me your stories of success — or unfortunate failure.

Keep that body movin’ and groovin’ in 2007 and come March I’d like to see how many of you are stickin’ to it.

You can reach me by calling 339-1032 or e-mail me at adiaz@news-press.com.

I’d love to hear your stories and, who knows, maybe I’ll bump into you at the gym someday.

Bonita rec center opens bigger gym

Jerry Kropp of Bonita Springs lifts weights at the new gym. He is thinking of switching his membership from the Bonita YMCA to the Recreational Center.

The Bonita Springs Recreational Center is seeing an increase in it’s membership thanks to the opening of a new gym.

“We have more members now and some of it is that people like the new gym. It’s much better than the old one,” said Patrick Lippy, of the Bonita Springs Recreational Center.

The new gym boasts three times the space of the old gym that was located in a small and cramped room.

“It’s great and such an improvement over the old one. There is just more space,” said Diane Mallow of Bonita Springs, who has been a member of the center for six years.

The new space includes more cardio machines, a freestyle weight machine and better placement of the equipment.

“We’ve added eight new pieces of equipment and it gives members a variety of ways to get an effective workout,” said Jeff Schroeder of Berry’s Barbell and Total Fitness, the company that set up the equipment for the center.

Schroeder was on hand during the gym’s official opening and showed members how to use some of the newer machines.

“There are 16 machines in all but the biggest thing is that everyone is extremely pleased because there is just more they can do,” said Schroeder, whose company has been in the area for 14 years.

The gym also has disinfectant wipes for patrons to clean the machines, a blood pressure machine and a scale to watch those pounds.

“I’ll be able to get a better workout now without a doubt,” said Paul Zizis of Bonita Springs.

Zizis was trying out the new dumbbells at the gym and was happy to have more space.

“There is more equipment and more space so less chance of accidents,” said Zizis, who used to work out at the old gym.

The center may also be seeing an increase in membership because Bonita Springs residents now buy their beach decals at the center.

“People walk in to buy the tickets and they see the new gym and start asking about pricing,” said Lippy, who has sold more than 200 decals.

Jerry Kropp of Bonita Springs walked into the building and liked what he saw.

“I like it. It’s the first time I come here but I got a one-day pass to try it out,” said Kropp, who was a member of the Bonita YMCA but is seriously considering getting a center membership. “I have to bring my wife to see it but it really like it.”

Precision Fitness gives ’07 running start

Scott Adamson, 45, works out his arms at Precision Fitness Center in Bonita Springs. Adamson is from Toronto but visits the Naples area.

The first couple of months in a new year usher in resolutions about getting fit, leading a healthy lifestyle or losing weight.

That’s where Precision Fitness Center in Bonita Springs wants to offer patrons a chance to stick with their goals in a friendly and welcoming environment.

“We offer a wide variety of classes for all ages and we have a very non-intimidating atmosphere,” said Chris Luckenbill, general manager.

Precision Fitness offers a combination of free weights, hammer strength training and cardio machines that give gym buffs and newbies everything in one place.

“We offer personalized service and our equipment is state-of-the art,” said Luckenbill about the gym that has been in Bonita Springs for five years. “There is something for everyone to try and you won’t have big muscular guys working out only. There is a good mix of people.”

Precision Fitness members have access to the latest in fitness equipment because the gym sells equipment in its retail store, which is connected to the gym.

Luckenbill said the equipment can be installed commercially or in homes. “We sell everything from the machines to the cushioned padding if people want it.”

Having the added benefit of new machinery will help many reach their fitness goals, but Precision Fitness also offers personal trainers for those needing an extra boost.

“Personal trainers help those that need encouragement or want to learn new ways to work out their bodies,” said Ryan Timmerman, a personal trainer at Precision Fitness.

Timmerman is a contracted trainer with the gym but says it’s one of the best around.

It allows him to work closely with his clients to get them to achieve their fitness goals.

“It’s a good gym for people to try it because it’s clean and everybody is very friendly,” he said.

Having a friendly environment is important to Luckenbill because it makes people want to come back.

“We have clientele of all ages and types and they feel comfortable here so they come back,” said Luckenbill.

Precision has about 1,000 members.

The gym also offers fitness class for seniors or classes for those with a need for more movement.

“We have a class for every day of the week like low impact for seniors and the hot new trend of Zumba,” Luckenbill said. “We give personalized service and that’s what our members want.”