FUEL: Move then FUEL

MOVE...then FUEL...

"stronger, happier people through better health"

In mid 2012 we decided it was time to take our programs geared for the adult population to the next level of specificity, and not only embrace the element of "MOVE" to improve strength & fitness (and ward off sickness & disease), but to act upon "MOVE" in such a way that would help clients to do so more efficiently....correctly and more freely...without pain...and with a continual focus on preventing injury.  We knew that if we could further incorporate some of the knowledge & experience our PT's had, and find a way to develop more specific programs, geared to the individual, even in a group model...we could continue to drive training innovation and greater results!

Of course, like any good evidence-focused group would...our team knew the critical nature of assessing the situation, and starting with a small pilot group, prior to rolling out and incorporating more globally into our training mix...and after promising results in the pilot, in late 2012, we encouraged (strongly twisted a few arms on occasion) all of our adult clients to complete a newly improved annual assessment, inclusive of the Functional Movement Screening (FMS)...a tool developed by physical therapists to identify movement efficiency...or lack thereof....and objectify injury risk...thereby allowing us to further develop more-specific programs based on the findings.

That year, and upon annual assessments entering 2013, we were a bit surprised to find almost 58% of our adult population to be in the high injury risk zone.  Fast forward two years with consistent individual progress checks and program modification...and we are incredibly pleased to announce a 25% reduction in the number of high-injury risk individuals in our adult client population! And although our work isn't done (it never is)..maybe it's not just about "moving"...but "moving in the right way...and in the right amount"..aka specificity of dosage!  An achievement for sure, but not time to celebrate just yet...

Earlier this year, as our team continued to dive into the data, we realized that it was time to really double down our efforts on "FUEL", as the results from this year's annual assessment uncovered that the metabolic health of our adult clientele was unfortunately no better off than that of the US population.  In fact, slightly more than 50% have (or in some cases had...more on that in a bit) at least one significantly elevated risk factor associated with poor metabolic efficiency (blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, BMI, waist circumference).  And since we've long known it's darn near impossible to exercise your way to total metabolic health....and that Fueling in the right way...and in the right amount...aka specificity of dosage...is the right way to tackle metabolic risk....we decided this would be the year!

So, in the first quarter of 2015, we decided we would repeat what has become a successful formula...assess regularly and start small.  And although most of you heard a piece of it when I visited your sessions last week and we discussed upcoming and consistent progress checks / re-assessments (I'll reach out to those who were MIA that day)...what we didn't get to talk about was the progress made on the other component of the formula....and the results of our pilot  "Metabolic Health Coaching" program...a 10 week initiative that focused on evidence-supported, whole-food & plant-based fueling strategies...INclusive dietary guidelines (vs. exclusive "diets")...learn-by-doing cooking demos...and unwavering social support.  We are incredibly excited for the progress this group has made, and although some are still finishing their initial 10 weeks, the results thus far have been nothing short of extraordinary....and inspiring!

Avg. Total Lbs. Lost	Avg. % Weight Lost	Avg. Total Cholesterol Reduction	Avg. LDL (Bad) Cholesterol Reduction	Avg. Triglyceride Reduction
10.04	4.32%	15.47%	11.35%	7.51%

But maybe most powerful is personally knowing so many of these participants who are literally fueling themselves from high risk to minimal...real people just like us...people that you train with...people you know...people that you too care so much about...people who are getting results and have developed a new outlook on what's ahead...and in their words....

"Down another pound! This program has given me a new healthy relationship with food.  After years of dieting there is something freeing about knowing nothing is off limits...The great support and helpful conversations made a huge impact and has helped me to make healthy choices" - Elizabeth Z.

"At first I was skeptical about becoming a plant based eater, but I found that if I prepare and make sure I always have fresh vegetables and fruits on hand, I can eat this way.  My red line numbers have dropped considerably and I no longer have a pain after eating." - Patti D.

If you or someone you care about is ready for the next phase...one that moves you to metabolically fit....and one that FUEL's so GOOD...I hope you'll consider spreading the word that we are too, and we're anxious to get started!  Click Here to get moving (and fueling).

Happy Training,