Mary F
General Manager

I am surrounded by fitness every day, and I am consistently amazed at how something that has such a positive impact on our lives has individuals finding every way possible to get out of doing it. As a club manager, I come across obstacles, or to some people – excuses, as to why an individual doesn’t want to work out or why he or she hasn’t been in the gym for awhile. It’s on that special day where I will also meet someone contrary to this. I have been lucky enough to meet a member who never lets limitations stand in the way of reaching his fitness goals.

Marc and his mom, Jeanne, have been members of ours since 2007, and they visit the gym regularly. Marc, who has Down Syndrome, comes in and does his normal routine of cardio and a variety of weights, while his mom, Jeanne, trains in our training program and has seen some great results. I see the excitement and joy on Marc’s face when he comes into the gym each day, and I love the fact that he enjoys working out. I must say he is extremely strong and impresses me each time I see how much weight he is able to lift that day. The energy that Marc brings to the gym reminds me of why I got into the fitness industry in the first place. The fact that Marc never complains and just goes with the flow solidifies it for me: limitations are not something that should stand in the way of reaching your fitness goals.

In February 2012, I was approached by a member who is one of the coordinators at the Opportunity House, a not-for-profit, community sponsored organization providing rehabilitative services to people with disabilities. I was invited to be a part of this year’s Special Olympics in our area. Without hesitation, I knew that being a coach of soccer for Special Olympics was right up my alley, and I gladly and graciously accepted the position. When I mentioned to Marc that I was considering coaching him and the others on him team in Special Olympics, he was ecstatic. I would talk to him about it regularly when he would come into the gym to work out, and we would discuss positions, strategies, etc.

Playing a large part in a local fitness center is rewarding in itself, but having the opportunity to tie fitness in with the community in other ways is even more worthwhile. I have only started coaching a couple of weeks ago, and already my athletes have taught me so much. They have taught me perseverance and drive. They have shown me that limitations are not something that should stand in the way of reaching your goals – fitness or otherwise! Most importantly, they have taught me how insignificant excuses are – a lesson that I will carry with me and a lesson that I hope others can apply to their own lives.

You can read more about Marc’s story at Market Watch

Mary is the General Manager of Charter Fitness of Sycamore and also coaches soccer. ]]> http://www.charterfitness.com/fitness-blog/limitations-shouldn%e2%80%99t-stand-in-the-way-of-reaching-your-fitness-goals/feed/ 0 http://www.charterfitness.com/fitness-blog/announcing-charter-fitness-of-willowbrook/ http://www.charterfitness.com/fitness-blog/announcing-charter-fitness-of-willowbrook/#comments Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:59:02 +0000 Charter Fitness http://www.charterfitness.com/?p=2146

Have you ever wished your gym was bigger, had more equipment, had a beautiful new design, and only cost $10 a month? We'll we have a surprise for you!

Have you ever wished your gym was bigger, beautifully designed, had more equipment and only cost $10 per month?

We thought so.  That’s why on April 6th, Charter Fitness opened its newest location in Willowbrook, IL.  The 18,000 square foot facility  is the best combination of the very finest fitness equipment, cutting edge personal training, and beautiful aesthetics.  You will not be disappointed.

Over 90 Pieces of Cardio Equipment

With more than 90 cardio machines, members will never have to wait to get their heart rate pumping.  The treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, and step mills provide a great view of the facility and its 50” flat screens.  Charter Fitness of Willowbrook also features more strength and toning machines so that beginners and advanced users alike can sculpt their ideal physique.  The expanded free weight section will give members more elbow room and additional options to better their core, improve their balance, and add strength.   Members will be entertained by personal viewing screens on every treadmill and 20 large, flat screen televisions (yes, there are even televisions in the locker room to catch up on the news as you get ready for your day).  

Over 2,000 Sq. Ft. Personal Training Studio and Stretching Area

A 2,100 square foot personal training studio and stretching area will give the functional exercisers (what does this mean?  Will the average person know this term?) plenty of room to box jump and ab crunch.  The best personal trainers in the business are available to help you meet your goals, whatever they may be.  The trainers are also performing complimentary sessions for members that may need a little bit of guidance.  

The polished concrete floors, open ceiling, and inviting colors offer the perfect workout environment so members don’t have to dread their trip to the gym.  The spacious locker rooms make everybody feel at home with a pleasing mix of natural browns, greys, energetic blues, and orange.  

Charter Fitness is very proud to be a part of the area which includes Willowbrook, Darien, Westmont, Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, and Downers Grove.  Our new facility will be a great benefit to all in these communities.  It will be especially beneficial to the members of Charter Fitness of Darien who now have access to a facility that is more than double in size and has many more options, equipment, and amenities.  We are very excited about our new club, and we invite everyone to come and check us out.  It is a great place with an outstanding atmosphere to stay fit and healthy.

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No Excuses
Eating a well balanced breakfast is the best way to gain energy and set the pace for your metabolism throughout the day. If you typically did not eat breakfast try some green tea and a small bowl of oatmeal or a few scrambled eggs and a piece of toast.

Change Up Your Cardio Routine
Try interval training! Switch up your heart rate zones by alternating the speed, incline, and the intensity of your workouts. Your heart will thank you.

Resistance Training
Do you find yourself just doing cardio? Try adding in a weight component to burn more calories. When you gain muscle you are actually shredding fat and thus burning more calories during your workout!

Looking for specific health tips? Speak to one of our Certified Personal Trainers today to schedule your Free Fitness Consultation!

A report in the November 2, 2011 on-line edition of the Indianapolis Business Journal wrongly connected Chicagoland-based Charter Fitness with the closings of six Indianapolis-area Cardinal Fitness locations.

The article, written by healthcare reporter, J.K. Wall, appeared in the on-line edition of the Indianapolis Business Journal and was also distributed via emails.  Mr. Wall, when contacted by Charter Fitness, admitted that they had made “an editor’s error.”

“Charter Fitness is a healthy and strong company. In fact, Charter Fitness is adding facilities, and hiring 200 people over the next 12 months. We are NOT affiliated with the Indianapolis-based Cardinal Fitness locations that closed.  However, we encourage those who lost their jobs to apply for work at Charter Fitness,” said Dan Collins, Director of Sales.

 Job applicants may apply at CharterFitness.com

Chicagoland-based Charter Fitness Franchising LLC was recently approved to franchise its Charter Fitness Health Club brand nationally. The Company recently converted 38 Cardinal Fitness locations in Chicago, downstate Illinois and Northwest Indiana to the Charter Fitness brand, increasing the number of clubs to 46 in six states. It is now the largest health club business in the Chicago, IL metropolitan area, and expects to hire 200 employees over the next 12 months .

Do you need a Personal Trainer? The following are Tips Brought to you by Charter Fitness Personal Training

1. Controls Weight
Exercising can help with weight gain or loss depending on your individual needs; the more intense the activity, the more calories you will burn.

2. Prevents Certain Health Conditions
Regular physical activity can help prevent or manage many health conditions including high blood pressure, depression, diabetes, and obesity.

3. Improves Mood and Energy Level
Physical activity stimulates your brain to help you relax, while your heart and lungs work harder during a workout to give you more energy and endurance!

So make sure you get into your local Charter Fitness today and while you’re at it, don’t forget to sign up for your Free Fitness Consultation with a certified Personal Trainer!

Below is a complete list of all the new Charter Fitness locations in Chicagoland, Central Illinois, and Northwest Indiana:

•  3927W. Belmont Avenue(North Logan Square)
• 6253 N. McCormick Road(PetersonPark)
• 672 N Northwest Hwy(Park Ridge)
• 8237W. Golf Road(Niles)
• 2192 W. Route 120 (McHenry)
• 3106Three Oaks Road(Cary)
• 435 Angela Lane(Crystal Lake)
• 720 Foxpointe Drive(Sycamore)
• 5825 E. Riverside Boulevard(Rockford)
• 1473W. Schaumburg Road(Schaumburg)
• 135W. Army Trail Road(Glendale Heights)
• 1987 Franciscan Way(West Chicago)
• 3040 Wolf Road(Westchester)
• 9825W. 55th Street(Countryside)
• 6214 S. Cass Avenue(Westmont)
• 3145 S. Ashland (Bridgeport)
• 5985 S. Archer Avenue(Garfield Ridge)
• 8751 S. Harlem Avenue(Bridgeview)
• 4710W. 95th Street(Oak Lawn)
• 2545W. 111th Street(Beverly)
• 6425W. 127th Street(PalosHeights)
• 14825 S. Bell Road(Homer Glen)
• 15601 S. 94th Avenue(Orland Park)
• 17200 S. Oak Park Ave.(Tinley Park)
• 16129 Weber Road(Crest Hill)
• 857 Center Court(Shorewood)
• 2465 E. Joliet Highway(New Lenox)
• 9418W. 191st Street(Mokena)
• 3320 Vollmer Road(OlympiaFields)
• 1642 US Highway41 (Schererville,IN)
• 4831 E 81st Ave(Hobart,IN)
• 8560 E. Ridge Road(North Hobart,IN)
• 1805 E. Lincolnway Avenue(Valparaiso,IN)
• 300 S. Broadway,Suite160(Urbana)
• 2414 Galen Drive(Champaign)
• 1500 E. Empire Street (Bloomington)
• 4314 N. Sheridan Road(Peoria)
• 3246 Ginger Creek Drive(Springfield)

Tips Brought to you by Charter Fitness Personal Training

1) Calories Consumed/Calories Burned
The most important element when it comes to weight control is managing your calories.  If you are burning more calories than you are consuming, you will lose weight.  Monitoring your “calories consumed -to -calories burned” is very effective and a simplistic approach to losing weight or maintaining your desired weight.

2) Food Logs
Food logs are a great way to help you understand and evaluate your eating habits.  Also it is an efficient way to hold yourself accountable and keep track of your calorie intake!

3) Set Goals
Set both short-term and long term goals. Reward yourself once you achieve your goal with a favorite meal or by purchasing a new article of clothing.  Don’t get discouraged and stay positive.  Remember that you didn’t put the weight on overnight, and it will not come off overnight either.