Fitness enthusiasts are always looking for new ways to challenge themselves. Tier System Strength Training is yet another way to do so. The great thing about this method is that it can be adapted to a variety of ability levels. Tier training isn’t just for the experienced enthusiast or athlete, but its origins are in elite athlete training.

Common courtesy is something that should be learned from an early age and continually practiced. One aspect of common courtesy is being thankful. More than making one a better, more personable human, being thankful can enhance health. As you might assume, the health benefits from gratitude are rooted in psychological health. An improved mental state, however, does spill over into physical health.

Walking is one of the basic modes of exercise without equipment. When the weather is cool, there is no better time to enjoy a brisk walk. Physical activity of any kind, including walking, has many benefits. Designing a walking program and realizing its benefits versus other modes of exercise might help you decide to go for that brisk walk when you can’t get to the gym.

As 2020 rolls on, more and more things are being cancelled. Things, in a ‘normal’ year, that would remove us from reality even for a brief moment are missing. Entertainment outlets of all kinds have vanished. These are not just fun things to do every now and then, they are essential in relieving stress. Not only have these types of stress releases been taken away, they have been replaced with additional stressors. Anxiety over the “Big C”, families and schools adapting to a new/temporary way of education, everyone adjusting to rules and regulations that are ever changing, and the financial strains many are experiencing are just a few. There is no other way to put it…...stress has been amplified. Although much of what relieves our stress levels is being cancelled, don’t cancel your health. There are ways to improve attitude and decrease stress all while improving physical health.

When it comes to exercise, fitness, active lifestyles, or any other way one would describe taking care of our bodies through physical activity, consistency is the most imperative factor. Consistently performing the behavior is only one aspect. What the behavior should literally consist of in the way of specific exercises and intensity is a secondary factor that can cloud the picture for some. 

Before you get too excited (or disappointed) about this month’s installment, it is not about the latest extreme sports. The age of social media has validated what we have known about humanity since the dawn of time…...everyone has an opinion. It has also confirmed that opinions, many times, differ to the point of blinding one’s ability to consider the ideas of others. Welcome to the world of extremism. The good news is exercise belongs in the lives of every person. No opinion or philosophy can refute the benefits of exercise.

Discussions on disease has focused almost solely on communicable disease over the past several months. It is important to be reminded of just how devastating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are, particularly in the United States. The numbers are staggering and most importantly, much of what will follow is preventable. 

Spring cleaning metaphors are abundant this time of year. It’s time to clear out the debris, get organized, and focus. Let’s dig into this metaphor and look at ways to spring clean your workout routine.

Home activities have become the theme in 2020. No matter what type of activities (work, social, recreation), finding ways to perform them from home is currently the ‘new norm’. Exercising from home has always been a topic of interest, but primarily for time management reasons. Now, exercising from home has become even more important than ever. 

Alex has been a consistent member of The Pointe since 2014. Before that he recalls using The Pointe in middle school under his family’s membership. And before that he recalls taking swimming lessons at the Ballwin outdoor pool before North Pointe was built. Alex has practically been a lifelong patron of Ballwin Parks and Recreation facilities.

March marks a pivotal moment in your fitness New Year’s resolution. It is the time of year when fitness centers begin to thin out and the regulars breathe a sigh of relief because all the newbies are giving up. This year why not become one of the regulars? Exorcise those thoughts of “I can’t keep this up”, “I don’t have the time”, or “I’m not getting the results I expected, so why waste my time?” This is your first quarter pep talk. Here are some tips to exorcise those negative thoughts and keep your resolution going so you can make jokes about New Year’s newbies instead of being the joke.

Donna has been a member of The Pointe since the summer of 2001! Needless to say, she is a worthy member of the month candidate. She originally sought out a facility that she and her family could grow with. She remembers her 6am workouts upon first joining. This routine has since evolved into a later morning start, but she hasn’t let her fitness habits waiver.