Vital Signs

A large number of clients come to me because they want to lose weight – however – there are so many more benefits to starting a fitness or strength training program than just losing weight.  It is also important for clients to understand that weight is not always a reflection of your health or wellness level.

Weight loss:  Remember — these shows nowadays where people are losing 10 pounds a week are not realistic.  Number one, that kind of weight loss is simply not healthy, secondly it is not sustainable over time.  A healthy and sustainable weight loss is 1 -2 pounds a week.

Inch loss/body fat loss:  As I previously stated, many of my clients find themselves dropping inches around their waist, bust, arms etc, Notice that their jeans fit better.  This is important to pay attention to – as the scale does not always reflect the full story.

 Increased bone density:  Studies have shown that strength training increases bone density – which is a great benefit for older women, especially those suffering from osteoporosis.

Improved Immune System:  People who are healthy and participate in a consistent exercise routine get sick less.  Boost your own immune system with exercise!

Increased Energy:  This is one of the biggest benefits I think most of my clients reap from strength training and cardio is a boost to their energy level.

Sleeping:  Get a better nights sleep with a regular exercise program.

Improved Mood:  It’s true – exercise can make you happier!  Exercise releases endorphins, or happy hormones. And has been used in clinical settings to help patients combat depression.

Feel Better About Yourself:  I find that many of my clients get a boost of self confidence.  When clients see success, whatever form it comes in, they feel positive and overall feel better about themselves.

These are just a few of the many reasons why you should start an exercise program and stick with it.  Whether that means working with a personal trainer or going it alone or with a friend. 

To learn more about Vitality Fitness and Nutrition in-home personal training services, please visit: http://www.vitalityfitnessandnutrition.com/personaltraining.html or contact Scott Chasse at 860.707.3158 or scott@vitalityfitnessandnutrition.com.

Are you a busy professional with limited hours to yourself during the day? Or perhaps you are a stay at home mom, and can’t possibly cart the kids back and forth between home and the gym. But you know you need to exercise and find time to focus on your health and fitness. Many people in your shoes choose to go the route of hiring an in-home personal trainer – there are many reasons to do so.

Convenience. One of the biggest excuses I hear is that “I don’t have time to work out.” Well, having a personal trainer come to your home to work out with you – can’t get much easier. Most trainers are willing to accommodate you at anytime that is convenient. I often see clients at 5 and 6 am prior to their work-day starting. Having an in-home personal trainer also eliminates the time traveling back and forth to the gym, waiting in line to use equipment etc. So all in all you are able to condense you work-out, do it without leaving your home – and as an added bonus, you are not adding more miles to your car!

Privacy. Some people also prefer the privacy of working out in their own homes. Many of my clients are a bit self-conscious when starting out, and do now want to be working out in front of a bunch of strangers. Being able to train in your own home gives you the privacy you need and desire.

Comfort. There are also added comforts of training at home – especially when trying to work it into a busy schedule. No gym bathrooms and showers to worry about. You can get ready for work or your day right after. No need to pack a gym bag etc. Put on your own music, watch what you want on the TV – whatever makes the experience good for you – you can do – because it is in your own home.

Keep in mind, that as long as you have some available space in your home, most traveling personal trainers have some key pieces of equipment that they can bring with them to your training session. However, those that are looking to incorporate a serious cardio routine and utilize different equipment may consider purchasing and planning a home gym. There of course are costs involved in purchasing home gym equipment – but I believe the benefits outweigh the costs. Plus – if you find a professional that can help you select the right equipment, within your budget, you will find you can get a lot more for your money.

To learn more about Vitality Fitness and Nutrition in-home personal training services, please visit: http://www.vitalityfitnessandnutrition.com/personaltraining.html or contact Scott Chasse at 860.707.3158 or scott@vitalityfitnessandnutrition.com. Vitality Fitness also offers home gym planning services.

Perhaps you have tried many different diets or exercise programs and are ready for something new .  Or you are tired of not getting the desired results whether they be weight loss or strength gain – or you just need the motivation that a personal trainer can bring.

Hiring a personal trainer is a great step – but it is important to find a wellness provider that can provide you with what you are looking for.  You need to find the right personal trainer to help you achieve your wellness goals.  Below I have outlined some questions that should be part of your initial discussion with a fitness trainer that can help guide your decision.

What are your qualifications?
You should be sure that any trainer you work with carries an accredited certification for personal training.  ACE (American Council on Exercise) is one of the most well-known and well-respected personal training organizations. 

What is your experience?
How long have they been a personal trainer?  What types of clients have they worked with during their career? Have they worked with and gotten results with a client that has a similar story or similar fitness goals to yours?

Can you provide me with references?
Don’t be afraid to ask for these.  If a trainer refuses or won’t give you any – then this is likely someone you do not want to work with.  

What is included with the cost or training package?
Personal trainers offer different programs and packages from trainer to trainer. Be sure to find out what you are getting for the cost.  One trainer may be half the cost — but did you ask how long the training session is?  Many gyms today are offering great rates on training, what you don’t realize is that the sessions are often only a 30 minute training session, or may be a semi-private session with a trainer.

Does the training or training package include a nutrition program?  If not what is the cost of the nutrition program and what does it include?  Training and nutrition go hand-and-hand, so if it is possible you should always opt to do both.

Do you offer an initial consultation?
It is important to meet ahead of time with a trainer to get to know more about them and their qualifications, to help determine if the trainer has a personality that would mesh with your own, and to talk about your current fitness level, your goals and how you can reach those goals. 

These are just some of the questions you should be asking a personal trainer, before purchasing training sessions.  Make sure whoever you decide to work with has the experience and qualifications to get you to where you want to be.  And when looking at personal training prices — before making a decision, make sure you are comparing apples to apples – remember – you get what you pay for!

To learn more about Vitality Fitness and Nutrition personal training services, please visit: http://www.vitalityfitnessandnutrition.com/personaltraining.html or contact Scott Chasse at 860.707.3158 or scott@vitalityfitnessandnutrition.com

We’re having our best garden yet this year.  So far, we’ve picked summer squash, lots of gigantic cucumbers and although not ready yet, the carrots and onions are gonna be prize winners.  The only problem is that the tomato blight is rearing it’s ugly head.  Hopefully we can salvage some.

Learn more about Vitality Fitness And Nutrition Personal Training Services

Approaching ten years in the fitness and wellness industry, I’ve worked with scores of people and have seen many great successes. Unfortunately, along with the successes, I’ve seen my share of individuals who for various reasons have not been able to achieve their goals. Given that it is my job ,or more accurately, my responsibility to promote change in my clients lives, witnessing someone fall short is probably the least fun part of my job.

Usually, when a prospective client contacts me it’s because they want to change how they look on the outside. They want to be thinner or more muscular. Or maybe they want to look younger. No matter what the goal is, there is one critical factor that determines their success or failure. Interestingly, that factor has nothing to do with the training program or nutrition regime.

When I look at all of the great success stories I’ve been honored to take part in, the one factor that they all have in common is the change that took place within them. Sure, they worked their butts off and that certainly plays a part, but the one thing that separates them from the rest was their willingness to examine their lives from the inside.  In doing so, they create an inner change that fuels the outer transformation.

Changing how you think changes how you feel.  It also changes how we act.

The longer I stay in this game, the more I see how important it is that before anything can change on the outside, there needs to be a change on the inside.  It is said that a persons outer appearance is a reflection of their inner state.  I’ve found this to be true for myself and in my experiences with others.

So, if you’ve been having trouble finding success in your fitness and wellness goals, perhaps its time to stop focusing on the things you do on the outside and start focusing on the inside.  That is where the real change begins.

Learn more about Vitality Fitness And Nutrition Personal Training Services

I thought I’d share some personal info about what we’re doing “around the house” here at Vitality to enhance our own family’s wellness.

Every year when spring rolls around, the whole family gets involved turning the soil, planting seeds and growing vegetables.  We’ve been doing it for 5 years now, making some mistakes, but always learning along the way.  Last year was tough dealing with too much rain and a tomato blight and we lost a lot of stuff.  So this year we are prepared.  We have a great garden planted, and I can’t wait until we can pick and eat our own fresh home grown veggies.

Even better, this will be our first year juicing!  Now there’s a wellness enhancer.  I have been sucessfully applying my new years resolution to eat more vegetables and this will let me take it to the next level!  Keep an eye out for updates on my juucing experience.  Cheers!

Vitality Fitness and Nutrition provides in-home wellness services including personal training and group fitness classes to client throughout CT, focusing in Bristol, Southington, Burlington, Litchfield County, Avon and Farmington Connecticut.

Group classes are growing in popularity in every gym.  But with summer approaching, gym attendance falls off because people want to seek activities outdoors.   Also, when you belong to a gym you’re at the mercy of the class schedule and you pretty much have to accept what they offer.

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to pick the kind of class you want and take it when you want to?  How about doing it outside in the beauty and privacy of your own back yard?  Well now you can!

I’m proud to announce another innovative solution for wellness inside and outside the home.  If you have two or more friends willing to join you, then you can sponsor an outdoor group class right in your own backyard.  You tell us what you want, when you want it and we’ll bring it right to you.  At Vitality Fitness and Nutrition, we network with high quality instructors of all kinds – Zumba, Boot Camp and Yoga are just a few.

So grab some friends and give us a call. Tell us what kind of class you’re looking for.  Remember- A minimum of three people is all it takes to bring a high energy outdoor class to your back yard.

Learn more about Vitality Fitness And Nutrition Personal Training Services

Vitality Fitness and Nutrition provides in-home wellness services including personal training and group fitness classes to client throughout CT, focusing in Bristol, Southington, Burlington, Litchfield County, Avon and Farmington Connecticut.

If you live in the Torrington area, and are looking for someone you can trust to provide the best quality equipment at a price you can afford, then stop by Brumells Cycling and Fitness on East Main ST in Torrington CT. Owned and operated by Randy Brumell a man with a well established reputation in the area. Randy currently serves the needs of the torrington police department, and Is also a trusted source for Vitality fitness and nutrition when we get a client looking to invest in quality home exercise equipment.
Christmas is coming and we all know what follows! Stop by and see Randy and get ready to succeed with those New Years resolutions!

Learn more about Vitality Fitness And Nutrition Personal Training Services

Gene therapy is coming. Get ready for some mind blowing stuff…

This certainly blows my mind. Last week scientists from The Institute for Healthy Ageing at University College in London published a study that showed how researchers were able to successfully extend the lifespan of mice by up to a fifth and reduce the number of age related diseases overall by manipulating their genes to stop producing a special type of protein called S6 Kinase or, S6K1 for short.

Researchers have long studied the effects of reducing calorie intake and its relationship to longevity. By reducing calorie intake by 30%, rats, mice and more recently primates, have been shown to live much longer healthier lives and have far less incidence of age related diseases. Those smart people in London have in essence produced the same effect through genetic manipulation with…are you seated?? NO REDUCTION IN CALORIE INTAKE!

This truly is revolutionary stuff. My favorite quote comes from a researcher in an article written by Jean-Louis Santini, “The mice lived longer, were leaner, more active and generally healthier than the control group. We added life to their years as well as years to their lives.” You can read the full story here:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091002/wl_uk_afp/healthscienceusbritainbiology/print

 This does raise some interesting questions though. Surely this has potential to help increase the length and quality of life. Once again though, I must sprinkle in some truth here. The lazy person’s pill is a few more years down the road. In the mean time, get yourself in shape. Personally, when medicine perfects this technology- and they will as long as we don’t destroy ourselves- I want to be waiting in peak condition. What would you do with an extra 50 to 75 years to live? Hmmm…

Join Us at the Jane Kinney Wellness Fair on 9/12/09!

Do you live in the Bristol area and want to learn more about how to enhance your own personal wellness? Then come down to St. Paul High School on Stafford Avenue in Bristol, CT. There will be a host of activities and games for young and old, and Vitality Fitness and Nutrition will be there to discuss performance nutrition and individualized nutrition programming. We’ve even donated a free nutrition set up for a lucky individual on our exclusive My Vitality Online Nutrition System. This is our secret weapon in the weight management war. The My Vitality system is customized specifically to your individual needs and can be tailored to fit your goal; whether you’re a student training for a school sport or an active parent wanting to set the right example for your kids.

The event will be held at St. Paul High School in Bristol, CT on Sept 12, 2009 from 10am to 3pm. There will be many local wellness providers attending with yoga demonstrations by Inner Quest Yoga, and sports evaluations by Parisi Speed School. Also, Michelle Bonner, anchor from ESPN will be in attendance to sign autographs and there will be prizes given away all day.

Come join the fun and bring the kids! There will be a bounce house, face painting and a dunk tank. Not to mention lots of fun and games. And don’t forget to stop by and say “hi” at the Vitality Fitness and Nutrition Booth. You can pick my brain with your nutrition questions, or ask about the many wellness services we offer!