Before starting to exercise, consider a fitness evaluation

Posted by Brenda Junkin/Plain Dealer Reporter September 30, 2008 08:48AM
Categories: Exercise and fitness, Impact, Living Impact, Plain Dealer
Before starting any exercise program, consider getting a fitness evaluation. And if you have health concerns, contact your doctor.

A fitness evaluation allows a trainer to learn the strengths and limitations of each person, said Debbie Dobson, personal training coordinator and program manager for the EMH Center for Health and Fitness in Avon. It includes a health history; an evaluation of endurance, strength, core stability, flexibility and body composition; weight-loss goals, blood-pressure check and posture analysis.

Based on the information gathered, you will be given an estimated aerobic-training zone or target heart-rate range, the rate at which your heart needs to pump to burn fat. For beginners, it's good to start around 50 percent to 60 percent of your maximum heart rate, building up to around 60 percent to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate to burn fat.

Most workout machines can read your heart rate while you exercise. But if you're working out without a machine, an inexpensive heart-rate monitor will do the same thing. The most accurate types use a strap that goes around the lower part of your chest.

Many gyms like Wellness Works Fitness and EMH Center for Health and Fitness offer fitness evaluations with their memberships. Some offer evaluations for nonmembers for a fee.


Life Time Fitness Resort Set to Open in Loudoun County, VA On Saturday, October 11


CHANHASSEN, Minn. - (Business Wire) Life Time Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: LTM) today announced that the Grand Opening of its newest sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and resort-spa center in Loudoun County, Virginia, will occur Saturday, October 11, 2008, at 6:00 a.m. This is the Company’s fifth location in the market, joining Life Time Fitness centers in Fairfax, Virginia, Centreville, Virginia, Columbia, Maryland and the recently opening Rockville Life Time Athletic center in Rockville, Maryland.

Life Time Fitness members, area residents and special guests are invited to take part in a VIP preview celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 9, 2008, beginning at 6:45 p.m. The event will offer tours of the distinctive, large new facility and feature opportunities to experience program demonstrations and activities.

In keeping with the Company’s commitment to help members achieve and lead a healthy and active way of life, Life Time Fitness’ Loudoun County center will offer a comprehensive array of family sports and recreation, health and fitness and resort-spa amenities, programming and services, supported by a team of certified fitness and nutrition specialists.

Life Time Fitness officials commented on its latest opening in Virginia. “Our new Loudoun County center location is uniquely designed to meet the health and fitness needs of the entire family,” said Mike Gerend, President and Chief Operating Officer, Life Time Fitness. “Our state-of-the-art equipment, classes and programming, large indoor and outdoor aquatics and child activity centers, café and full service spas provide the ultimate fitness resort destination for families. Life Time Fitness has set a benchmark for delivering comprehensive health and fitness centers, programs and services of the highest possible quality at an exceptional value.”

Among the multitude of Life Time Fitness Loudoun County amenities are over 400 pieces of state-of-the-art cardiovascular and resistance equipment, multiple group exercise, Pilates and yoga studios with free and fee-based programs, a cycle theatre, team of certified personal trainers and programming, wide selection of adult and youth programs and activities, indoor rock climbing cavern, two full-size basketball courts, and dry saunas. The facility also features large indoor and outdoor aquatics centers, complete with a two-story waterslide, large, zero-depth recreation pools, heated indoor and outdoor lap pools and children’s interactive play areas, two whirlpools and an outdoor bistro.

Families will appreciate Life Time Fitness’ large, interactive child center, featuring a play maze, junior basketball court, computer lab, children’s activity areas, and a separate infant playroom. Dedicated family locker rooms also are available.

Furthermore, members can take advantage of LifeSpa, which delivers a full range of hair, nail and skin care services, and therapeutic massage, and LifeCafe, which offers the best in healthy food and beverage services.

Life Time Fitness provides 24 hour access, complimentary towel and locker service and an initial 30-day money-back guarantee with no long-term membership contracts.

For more information about Life Time Fitness Loudoun County, please visit www.lifetimefitness.com/loudouncounty.

About Life Time Fitness, Inc.

Life Time Fitness, Inc. (NYSE:LTM) operates distinctive and large, multi-use sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and resort and spa centers. The company also provides consumers with personal training consultation, full-service spas and cafes, corporate wellness programs, health and nutrition education, the healthy lifestyle magazine, Experience Life, athletic events, and nutritional products. As of September 30, 2008, Life Time Fitness operated 77 centers in 17 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Utah and Virginia. The Company also operated one satellite facility and five preview locations in existing and new markets. Life Time Fitness is headquartered in Chanhassen, Minnesota, and can be located on the Web at www.lifetimefitness.com. LIFE TIME FITNESS, the LIFE TIME FITNESS logo, EXPERIENCE LIFE, and the LIFE TIME FITNESS TRIATHLON SERIES are registered trademarks of Life Time Fitness, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Note To Editors:

Life Time Fitness Loudoun County is located at, 44610 Prentice Drive Sterling, VA 20166. The center’s telephone number is 703-433-0256

Please contact Kent Wipf at 952-229-7211 or kwipf@lifetimefitness.com for all Life Time Fitness preview, interview, photography or video requests.

Life Time Fitness, Inc.
Kent Wipf, 952-229-7211
kwipf@lifetimefitness.com
or
Jason Thunstrom, 952-229-7435
pr@lifetimefitness.com