Pro's and Con's of Virtual Training

I don’t think Live Fit ever imagined a day when all of their training sessions would be performed via Zoom or FaceTime! Covid-19 has forced us to change our business plan from majority face to face training to Zoom training during the Stay at Home order in Johnson County. Since the Stay at Home order has been lifted we have found that several of our clients still want to continue Virtually Training; so today I wanted to chat about the pro’s and con’s of Virtual Training.

Pro’s of Virtual Training:

• Can be performed anywhere! Business trips are no longer an excuse.

• Limit’s the time needed to get in your training session. (no drive time)

• Customized Workout from the comfort of your home.

• Continued support and technique guidance via video chat.

• And let’s be honest, the most important one….you can workout in your pajamas!

Con’s of Virtual Training:

• No hand’s on correction.

• Limited access to equipment.

• Prevents ability for stretching assistance and massage.

I am thankful we have discovered how well Virtual Personal Training can be performed during the Stay at Home order. I do not think it is for everyone but I think it can be extremely beneficial for so many people! If there is a positive I can take away from Covid-19 is my comfort level of Virtually Training. I have so many business moms/dads, or busy professionals that are forced to skip workouts because they cannot make it into the gym. Virtual Personal Training has limited those issues!

Starter Story: Live Fit

Have you ever wonder how Live Fit was started? Well, it’s your lucky day! Chris was excited to share the story of Live Fit with Starter Story. Starter Story shares expert insight on how successful businesses are started around the world. Continue reading below to learn a bit more about the start of Live Fit

Who are you and what business did you start?

Hey everyone! I am Chris and in March 2011 I started Live Fit. Live Fit is a personal training company that was created to change the standards in the personal training industry. Early on I focused on building a company that is not only based on results, as most fitness companies are, but that is also focused very heavily on relationships. Relationships create trust, trust creates buy-in, and buy-in leads to the accountability and dedication it takes to get results.

What's your backstory and how did you come up with the idea?

I started Live Fit because I felt I was running out of options in the industry I loved so much. Personally, I felt the misses in the personal training industry and wanted to change that. Personal Training, as well as all types of fitness, can be very intimidating to most people. And honestly, the people that are most intimidated by fitness are often the people that need it the most. I set out to create a company that provided the same types of exercises, programming, and results as generally all fitness companies, but I wanted to make it a comfortable experience from the moment a potential client stepped through our doors.

All our processes, our studio layout, our team of trainers we have hired, and our entire mission are based on making clients feel comfortable, appreciated, and valued. We do things differently and over the past 10 years, I have seen other companies in our area follow our lead. Long gone are the days of slamming weights, extremely loud music, and uncomfortable gym environments. People want to go where they feel comfortable and respected.

We would not be where we are today without our amazing clients! Thank you to each and everyone of you!

Reopening Protocols at Live Fit

Covid-19….go away! So much has happened in our world over the last few months; first off, we would like to thank each and everyone of you for standing by us during this trying time. Live Fit is continuing to make changes as we focus on reopening while keeping our trainers and clients safe. Below are the new protocols that have been put into place for the foreseeable future; protocols will continue to update as new information is released.

Reopening Protocols:

• Clients will be asked to wash or sanitize their hands before and after their workout session.

• In an effort to keep our studio as clean as possible we are requesting you only bring the necessities into the gym. If you must bring additional items please be aware of others belongings and keep your distance.

• Trainers and clients are asked to thoroughly wipe down each piece of equipment after use. Please use additional attention while wiping down every part of your equipment.

• Masks and gloves are not required for clients but trainers will be wearing masks while training.

• Please respect social distancing protocols, trainers will limit hands on correction when possible.

• Trainers will limit the amount of equipment utilized in each session to prevent equipment sharing between clients.

• Live Fit will limit high touch areas in the gym. Please bring your own water bottle and towel until the threat of Covid-19 has been contained.

• We are asking both our clients and trainers to stay home if they feel ill or have a fever.

If we have learned one thing during this time is community is important! We are so thankful for our Live Fit community and hope to see you all in person very soon!

Don’t forget Virtual Training is still a great option for anyone that is immune compromised, feels uncomfortable entering the gym, or just prefers Virtual Training.

Importance of Emotional Health During "Stay at Home" Order

Welp…we are still (trying) to stay healthy at home. I am extremely thankful that our family is able to stay on track with our nutrition and fitness and I do not take that for granted! We know many people are understandably struggling with their new “normal” when it comes to health and fitness, please know that Live Fit is here to help you in anyway possible!

What has been more difficult to regulate in our household is our emotional health! We are trying to all be respectful of each other’s space and time but let’s be honest I am use to talking to people all day and this quarantine is making me crazy! I have found a few things have helped me mentally feel better. Check out the list below and let me know what you are doing to stay sane during this time!

Meditation: I have started using the Calm app, it’s only 5 minutes a day and I am trying really hard to make it part of my routine

Yoga: I am thankful to practice yoga with a few clients , and on the days I don’t I try to spend 15-20 minutes stretching on my own.

Routine/Schedule: I still wake up at the same time each morning, make my bed, and then start my day.

Exercise: I have found that spending time on my own workout is essential! The first few weeks I was only working out with my clients (which I love) but found that I wasn’t getting the “me time” I needed from my own workout!

Time Outside: I am so thankful the weather has been fairly nice, taking a daily walk gets us out of the house and helps us shake out our legs!

Taking a Break of the News: We have stopped watching the news on TV in our house. I check a few sources in the morning and then after that I try to avoid it at all cost.

Check in with Family/Zoom: We are so thankful for Zoom! Not only does it allow some sense of normalcy when it comes to training our clients but it allows us to see friends and family. The HouseParty app allows you to play games which is so much fun!

I hope a few of these suggestions can help you! Don’t forget Emotional health is just as important as physical health. We hope to see all of you soon! We miss you so much!

What to Use for an At Home Workout

We are two weeks into this “Stay at Home” order and man I miss the gym! We are working very hard to continue our workout routine with the equipment we have. Thankfully we have a quite a bit of equipment in our house but I know many of you have literally nothing! During our Virtual Personal Training sessions we have had to get creative in the equipment we can use! Check out the list below for a few house hold items that have come in handy!

• Dumbbell Options:

  • Soup Cans

  • Milk Jug

  • Your child or dog!

  • Your Body Weight (there are many exercises utilizing only your body weight!)

• Cardio Equipment:

  • Children’s Jump Rope

  • Stair Case

  • Chase your Children

  • Dish Towel as a Glider

• Stretching Options:

  • Dish Towel as a Yoga Strap

  • Countertop or Banister as a Bar

  • The Wall, put those feet up and just lay there!

How have you been getting your workout in? We would love to see pictures! Tag @LiveFitkc in your photos or your at home workouts. If you’re getting bored with your workout routine make sure to check out our Virtual Personal Training option. Bring your personal trainer home with you!

At Home Workouts with the kids!

Tomorrow marks one week since the Stay at Home Order was put in place! Can you believe it has only been one week, it seems like a lifetime. During a few of our virtual personal training sessions clients have talked about the struggle to get their workout in with the kids home all day or getting their kids moving instead of sitting in front of the T.V.

Today I wanted to talk about a few options for including your kids in your workout!

• Workout Videos: How about trying a dance workout video with the kids? There are so many great options on YouTube

• Scavenger Hunts: Try turning your family walk into a Scavenger Hunt, look for a certain type of flower, a black dog, or certain address numbers!

• Indoor Obstacle Course: Use painters tape to mark out an obstacle course inside your house. Make sure to add jumping jacks, push-ups, and squats!

• Family Workout Challenge: Challenge another family to a workout challenge. Maybe who can do the most push-ups, who can do 10 push-ups for the most consecutive days, there are so many options!

• Virtual Personal Training: Remember you can always allow your kids to tag along during your virtual personal training session! Your trainer would be happy to create a workout that would work for both you and your kids!

We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during this uncertain time. We hope that your workout is something you can look forward to everyday. We can’t wait to see you in person soon, but seeing you virtually is the next best thing!

Personal Training During the "Stay at Home" Order

To Our Amazing Clients,
 
As a result of the Johnson County Executive Order mandating all non-essential businesses too close, it is with a heavy heart that we have to announce Live Fit will temporarily shut its doors, effective Tuesday, March 24, until further notice. Tomorrow, Monday, March 23, will be our last day of in-studio personal training.  

In an effort to maintain some normalcy and routine during this crazy time Live Fit is offering Virtual Personal Training! Health and fitness can be a timely distraction and we are here to provide any support possible!  

We are in this together and hope to come out stronger on the other side! Virtual Personal Training can be performed via FaceTime or Zoom. Please reach out to your trainer and/or Chris to schedule a virtual workout. 
 
We know this executive order is in the best interest of our community, our trainers, and our clients, and we will keep you updated on when we will reopen our studio doors. In the meantime we hope you take advantage of our Virtual Personal Training option in order to continue to see progress towards your health and wellness goals. 

Love,

Your Live Fit Family

Personal Training During Covid-19 Outbreak

I wish I was not writing this right now, Corona Virus: Covid-19 is scary, it’s stressful, and to be honest I am totally over it!! We are all trying to handle this as appropriately as possible while distancing ourselves from others and trying not to burn our hands from the use of so much Lysol, hand sanitizer, and hand soap!

This being said we still think it is extremely important to continue your workout routine. Working out is known to boost your immune system and help with your mental state. The personal trainers at Live Fit are doing everything in their power to keep the gym clean and safe for all of our clients. Below we have listed a few ways to continue your routine during this crazy time!

First, there are many options to allow you to socially distance yourself while at Live Fit. We are thankful to have over 8,000 sqft of training space at our south location and 2,000 sqft at our north location. This will allow plenty of distance between you and any other gym goers. (We are also limiting each area to less than 10 people) Our trainers are setting up workouts in small areas of the gym utilizing the same equipment to limit contact between clients.

Next, if you feel uncomfortable being inside the gym we are hopeful for nicer weather in the near future! Live Fit also has access to outdoor space and a running trail. Both of these areas can be used by you and your trainer.

Lastly if you would prefer to workout from home many of the trainers at Live Fit have the ability to train via Face Time! This is a great way to stay accountable and still ensure proper form while working out.

We are thankful for each and everyone of you, please reach out to your trainer(s) or Chris to make sure we are best serving you.

I would also like to note, we are asking you to avoid the gym if you or anyone in your immediate social group are showing signs of illness. This will keep our trainers and other clients healthy.

CoronaVirus:Covid-19

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room, AKA the Coronavirus: Covid-19.

Live Fit is working diligently to prevent the spread of this awful virus. We have doubled our professional cleaning services with an emphasis on disinfecting all hard and soft surfaces including but not limited to; equipment, doors and switches, water stations and much more. On top of our professional cleaning service each of our personal trainer is taking special care to disinfect equipment after each use.  Live Fit is working hard to be a germ free zone! 

Our last request is to you, our amazing clients! This virus is spread like the flu or a common cold. That being said, please wash your hands regularly, limit touching your face while working out, and cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze. Live Fit has added extra disinfectants, hand sanitizer, and tissues to the workout areas, please use them accordingly.  If you utilize a piece of a equipment with out a trainer please disinfect it using a disinfectant wipe, this includes cardio machines, stretching machines, and foam rollers. Last but not least, if you are feeling ill please refrain from coming to the gym. Your personal trainer would love to provide you a great at home workout if you are feeling up to it. 

Please help us kick this viruses booty! If you have any questions or concerns we would love to hear from you!

Heartland Peakers at Live Fit

Live Fit was extremely honored to be asked by Allison from Single Lady Lifestyle to host a Pilates and Yoga class for the Heartland Prairie Peakers. The Heartland Prairie Peakers are official ambassadors of the My Peak Challenge!

My Peak Challenge was created by by philanthropist and Outlander star Sam Heughan, My Peak Challenge is a global movement dedicated to educating and inspiring its members to live healthier, happier, and more balanced lives while raising funds to change lives.*

Live Fit agreed with the mission of the My Peak Challenge and we were happy to help in any way! The ladies worked their booties off in a vigorous workout lead by one of our certified personal trainers and Pilates instructors Kathy. Thanks for spending your Saturday morning with us!

If you are looking for additional information or need a little extra motivation make sure to checkout the Heartland Prairie Peakers Instagram page! These girls rock!

*https://mypeakchallenge.com/

Utilizing Yoga as a Stress reliever

I mentioned this last week, but for some reason the last few months I have found my self extremely overwhelmed! I am working on ways to manage my stress and something that has worked for me is practicing yoga. I want to share my experience with adding yoga into my routine to hopefully encourage each of you to spend some time each week on yourself! This could be done many different ways; yoga, a long walk, spending time reading a book or many other options but please try to spend an hour each week on yourself!

I will get off my soap box and back to yoga. For those of you who know me practicing yoga each week probably comes as a surprise! No one would ever use the world “calm” to describe my personality and that is why I think adding yoga into my workout routine has allowed me to relax a bit.

In the past I would justify skipping a yoga session because I didn’t have the time but I have come to realize if I spend that hour each week on myself I am able to accomplish so much more!

Yoga helps my body feel better so I am able to work harder in my other workouts. Yoga allows my mind time to rest so I am less forgetful and therefore a better employee. And last but not least yoga allows me to relax so I am a better wife and friend (in other words I am less crabby!)

If you are interested in trying a private yoga session to relax, feel better, or let’s be real get a kick butt workout please reach out today!

Changes at Live Fit

Holy Cow! Can you all believe we have been open for 9 years this March? We have been through a few major changes throughout the years and I think this next one coming up might be our biggest!

Have you checked out the gym this week? If you have you might have noticed some pretty big changes, make sure to keep checking in to see what’s happening in the next few months!

We can’t wait to share it all with you! Check out below for a few pictures from the changes happening this weekend.

Stay Health During Cold and Flu Season 2020

Unfortunately we are officially in the middle of cold and flu season! If you’re like me you are doing everything in your power to avoid getting sick! Today I want to chat about a few tips for avoiding getting sick this winter. Check them out below!

1. Wash Your Hands: I know this sounds like common sense, but did you know to fully kill bacteria you must wash your hands for 25 seconds! So next time you stop to wash your hands sing the ABC’s.
2. Cover Your Cough: It’s inevitable that we will probably all pick up a small bug during this season. Make sure to cover your cough with the bend of your elbow and avoid touching others!
3. Exercise! If you are truly sick skip the gym, but when you’re feeling well make sure to keep up with your gym routine. Regular exercise is known to limit colds in adults!
4. Eat Your Vegetables: Okay, it might include a little more than that! Make sure to eat a well rounded diet with protein, vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and dairy!

Do you have any tips for avoiding a cold or flu this season? We would love to hear them!

What is the Difference Between a Dumbbell and a Kettlebell?

Hopefully everyone’s New Year’s Resolutions are still going well! Today I want to chat about a piece of gym equipment that I think many people are a little bit intimidated by! The Kettlebell; a kettlebell is a type of free weight that is round with a flat bottom and a handle. (I think it looks like cannonball with a handle) The kettlebell is known to increase balance, coordination, power, and core strength. Kettlebell’s can be used to target your major muscle groups as well as your stabilizing muscles which allows you to complete a full body workout in a short amount of time.

Kettlebell Workout

Now, I am sure you’re wondering who would benefit from training with a kettlebell? The quick answer is EVERYONE! Kettlebells do have a little bit of a learning curve due to their shape and the fact that they can be held in many different ways. The best way to become more comfortable with a kettlebell is to try a strength exercises you are comfortable doing with a dumbbell but drop the weight by about half. As always one of our certified personal trainers would love to create a kettlebell workout designed just for you and your health and wellness goals!

2020 New Year's Resolutions

How many of you have heard the saying “New Year, New Me”? In my opinion that statement seems extremely overwhelming and a little terrifying, but I think the majority of people that say this are making New Year’s Resolutions that some how revolve around living a healthier lifestyle. These resolutions could include losing weight, eating healthier, working on your mental health, lowering your blood pressure, dropping body fat, hitting a new fitness goal, or a plethora of other options!  

Each or those resolutions can seem daunting in the beginning and difficult to get started on, but that is where Live Fit comes in! Live Fit is your one stop shop to help you stick to your resolutions!  Living a healthier lifestyle combines so many different factors including but not limited to diet, exercise, and mental health and each of our 12 certified personal trainers bring a different expertise to your time spent at Live Fit. 

We hope by the end of 2020 you have stuck to all your resolutions and truly made a lifestyle change!  Happy New Year everyone, we wish you the very best! 

Live Fit Gift Guide

I am sure I am not the first person to remind you of this…but do you realize Christmas is NEXT WEEK! Holy cow, this holiday season has gone by so quickly. I am currently panicking trying to make sure I have purchased Christmas presents for my friends and family and it got me thinking…maybe you all need a few ideas for your fitness loving friends! Check out the list below of items I would suggest for the men and women in our lives that love fitness! Please let me know if you have any suggestions that I should add to the list!

Tech Jogger from Hill City: Super comfortable but still look great!

Bowflex Adjustable Weights: Help start their at home gym!

HyperVolt Percussion Therapy Device: Ease those aches and pains.

Gift Certificate for Personal Training at Live Fit: Help kick start their fitness journey!

Women’s Thermoball Hybrid Jacket: Perfect for winter runs!

Also, don’t forget to check out Revelry Boutique at Live Fit on the pilates side of the studio! Last week we received a shipment of Anna Beck jewelry that is so dreamy!

Revelry Boutique KC at Live Fit

Have you ventured over to the pilates side of Live Fit recently? If you have I am sure you have seen our pop up shop and wondered what in the heck is this! Well it’s a way for me to live out my dream job as a little girl; personal shopper!! (I am giving myself this title…don’t try to take it away from me!)

We are so excited to be teaming up with Revelry Boutique to bring you a little bit of everything WE love. This will obviously include athleisure wear, maybe a little jewelry, a few fun self care items and so much more!! I haven’t fully wrapped my brain around the fact that I get to be a part of this! We can’t wait for you to stop by and check us out and as always let us know if there is anything you would love to see at Live Fit.

Throw on a pair of booties with these DYI snake skin leggings and you are ready for a night out on the town!

Now, I am sure you’re wondering why we chose to team up with Revelry Boutique. That is for one very simple reason, their message; “Life is short, Be Revelrous” To learn more about what it means to Be Revelrous check out their website! I hope we can all work to be more revelrous in the upcoming weeks.

I love the fun pattern of these DYI leggings and the perfect top that lays perfectly, not too tight but also not too oversized that it makes you look boxy.

To follow along with what is available at Live Fit currently make sure to follow us on Instagram @LiveFitKC We will keep you updated with new items and hopefully provide a little insight on sizing and styling options!

If you’re in the studio and would like to purchase anything just grab one of the personal trainers and they can assist you or call Jessie at (913) 620-1811 and reserve your item over the phone!

Get Your HyperVolt at Live Fit!

How often do you skip cooling down and stretching after your workout? If you’re anything like me it happens more often than not! As a certified personal trainer I know the importance of recovery after a workout. I still manage to convince myself it’s okay to skimp on my stretching because I didn’t have enough time, I will stretch later, or a slew of other excuses! What’s that saying? “Do as I say, not as I do!”

Thankfully this has all changed since I have began utilizing the HyperVolt! I am sure many of you are wondering what the heck is a HyperVolt; the HyperVolt is a recovery tool that uses percussion to relax sore or stiff muscles which promotes mobility, circulation, increases blood flow, and so much more!

The HyperVolt is extremely user friendly, it can be as simple as aim and shoot! There are some techniques that can be utilized by your personal trainer that will allow for more effective use but after a hard workout there is no better feeling than the massage gun.

If you are interested in learning more about the HyperVolt or want to try a FREE session with one of our personal trainers come into Live Fit today!

Live Fit is thankful to be able to provide Hypervolts to their clients, friends, and family at a discounted rate. Stop by or call to reserve yours TODAY!

FREE Thanksgiving Day Workout at Live Fit

Join us for a booty kicking workout before you join your friends and family for your Thanksgiving Day feast! Live Fit will be hosting a Pilates Matt Group Class, taught by one of our amazing certified personal trainers Kathy!

When: 6:30am Thanksgiving Morning

Where: Live Fit - 15118 Glenwood Ave Overland Park, KS

What to Bring: Yoga Mat, Water Bottle, and Your Sparkling Smile! (we will have extras if you need to borrow something)

Cost: FREE for everyone, you’re welcome to bring friends and family!

We hope to see you all there!

Golf Fitness at Live Fit

Unfortunately winter has shown up early in Kansas City which means it is officially the off season for golf. Don’t let the bad weather slow down your golf game!

Check out Live Fit’s Golf Fitness Program where you can increase your rotational strength, the efficiency of your swing, and be able to golf pain free! One of our certified personal trainers will provide a workout program dedicated to your golf needs.

If you are interested in learning more sign up for a FREE CONSULTATION or stop by the gym.