Since acquiring Fisique over two years ago, we have experienced a slow but steady increase in membership. First and foremost, Fisique will always prioritize member experience.  We want to assure that you never have to wait for machines and that the gym and locker rooms are never overcrowded.  As someone who uses the gym three to four times a week, I think we are now approaching our capacity.  As a result, Fisique will soon put a cap on the total number of members that can belong to Fisique at any given time.

Thus, on March 31st we will institute an initiation fee for new members and use this device to maintain a level membership.  If the club is at or near capacity, the initiation fee will rise or a waiting list will be established.  As memberships become available, the initiation fee will be reduced.

If you have a friend or a colleague who would like to join the gym, this initiation fee will be waived during the month of April.  The new member must mention your name at the time of enrollment.

At Fisique, we are proud that we have been able to increase our membership and thank you for your loyalty.  We also encourage your input regarding your experiences at the gym.  Our goal will always be to provide the best possible experience for all of our members.

Thank you.

Jim Smith
Owner

DO THIS
Perform 11 pushup jacks, 22 squat jacks, and 33 seal jacks in a row. Then repeat. Test yourself by doing two rounds as fast as you can. Rest whenever you want, but keep the clock running the whole time. If that’s too difficult, try the modified challenge by removing the pushup from the pushup jack.

Pushup Jack
Assume a pushup position, your hands slightly beyond shoulder width. Your body should form a straight line from your head to your ankles. Jump your hands and feet out a few inches wider, while bending your elbows and lowering your body until your chest nearly touches the floor. Then push up with enough force for your hands and feet to come off the floor. Land in the starting position. That is 1 rep. Do 11.

Squat Jack
Stand with your feet together and your hands at your sides. This is your starting position. Jump your feet out to shoulder-width apart and lower down into a squat, reaching your arms straight out in front of your body at shoulder level. Immediately jump back up to the starting position. That’s 1 rep. Do 22 total.

Seal Jack
Stand with your feet together. Your arms should be straight out in front of your body at shoulder level  and your palms together. Simultaneously squeeze your shoulder blades together, pull your arms out to your sides (they should still be parallel to the floor), and jump up just enough to kick your feet out wide. Without pausing, quickly reverse the movement and repeat. That’s 1 rep. Do 33 reps.

Are you fit enough to beat BJ or Jill? Watch the video above to see them perform the Get Jacked Up challenge. BJ finished 2 advanced rounds in 2 minutes and 14 seconds, and Jill completed 2 modified rounds in 2:09 seconds.  What was your time?  Drop by our Facebook page and let us know how you did!

These New Year’s Tips should help decrease the likelihood of getting injured and increase the chances of a happily fulfilled New Year’s Resolution:

Doctors know best. Check with your doctor first to make sure you’re ready for an exercise program.
Follow the golden rule. Start slow, and build on to it. Don’t just start with two hour workouts, 30 minutes is enough for beginners.
Rest in between days to allow your body to recover.
Wear the right gear. Those fashionable “urban sneakers” won’t cut it in the gym.
Speak up. If you don’t know how to use a machine, ask a professional how to do so. It’s better to ask and avoid injury.

Fisique Personal Trainers are available as a resource to you and would be glad to answer equipment questions. Plus, all members can receive a complimentary fitness evaluation where you can have your equipment or training questions answered. Trainers work with you to create realistic, results-producing programs.

Never ever wear one of those plastic suits. They can cause overheating and dehydration and just aren’t necessary.
Avoid ankle weights and wrist weights. They can alter your normal movement patterns and cause injury.
Don’t ignore pain. Feeling soreness or pain after working out is normal. Feeling pain during is not. If you are experiencing joint pain, Joint Ventures‘ physical therapists, are available on-site for injury screens and information.

Treat your body right. You treat your car right (hopefully). So treat your body right and give it the food, water (lots of water), and rest it needs.
Warm-up first, then stretch. Be sure to break a sweat before stretching. Stretching cold muscles can actually be harmful.
Warm-down. End workouts with a cool down of light cardio and stretching to stay flexible, and to keep the blood from pooling in the muscles, which can increase soreness.
Mix it up. Doing the same routine can lead to boredom and injuries.
Get a personal trainer or find a buddy for motivation, to vary your workouts, and for support.

Make it fun. Try to do fitness activities that you enjoy. Getting in shape can be accomplished by all sorts of activities like group exercise classes, watching tv on the elliptical, spinning, hiking, etc.

Outside Interactive, a Boston-based startup and developer of forward motion video software technology for treadmill runners, has released its Virtual Runner app for the iPad that allows viewers to run popular running routes virtually all from the safety and comfort of a treadmill. The high definition videos are shot from a runner’s point of view and allow the runner to interactively view different virtual running routes as if they were on the course itself. The Boston Marathon course can be purchased for those training through the winter months for the big event on April 15. Neat stuff!

Thanks goes out Dana for coming in and speaking with our members about JOOS cleanses and nutrition. We hope everyone enjoyed the event. Also, tonight is the last night to take advantage of JOOS’s Last Hooray Special (5 JOOS & 5 JOOS 2 O) for $59. The last Hooray Special comes in 2 deliveries, set for Wed (12/19) & Fri (12/21). JOOS will be taking orders until 8:00 p.m. tonight.

After this week’s deliveries, JOOS will be on break from 12/22 – 1/1 for the holiday week and will reopen on Wednesday, January 2, 2013. You can go to http://www.drinkjoos.com/ to take advantage of the Last Hooray special, for gift certificates, for cleanse information, or to order JOOS products.

JOOS is in the Boston Globe and also partnered with Fisique. We’re always looking for healthy products and offerings for our members. You can now order JOOS products online and pick them up at Fisique, as Downtown Boston’s main JOOS Depot. Plus, Dana Young, Certified Health Coach from JOOS, will be in tomorrow from 11 am – 2:30 pm for a JOOS tasting and for product / cleanse information.

Members can select the following links to:  LEARN MORE or to ORDER JOOS® products.

Weekend Diet Tips

The latest issue of our newsletter is out with nutrition tips from personal trainer, Sarah Casey,

along with holiday gift ideas, 10 superfoods for your holiday health, free injury screen information, and more! Enjoy!