Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

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Member Spotlight: Mike!

After the death of a close friend at a much too young age, I decided it was time for me to get back into shape and take care of myself. I had gone from a very active lifestyle to “couch potato.” After getting my doctor’s approval, I decided it was time to join a gym. After years of driving past Peak Performance, with those weight management signs in the window, I decided to stop in and see what it was all about.

 
mike m
My initial consultation with Paul was very informative. He said if I followed the program, I would not only lose weight, but get stronger and feel better, too! My Exercise Physiologist, Louise, has been excellent. She is very knowledgeable and an excellent motivator. She developed an exercise program that took my bad back into consideration while still making me work hard to see results. In the past five months, I have lost weight, gained muscle, and actually feel much better. I am no longer a “couch potato,” but a gym regular.

The entire Peak Performance Exercise Physiology staff has been fabulous. They are friendly and willing to help you on an exercise machine or answer your questions.

To Louise and the entire staff:
Thank you for a job well done!!!

Tips for Morning Workouts

There is often conversation about whether it is better to work out in the morning, afternoon, or night. While there are pro and cons to each, we always say that the best time to workout is when you are going to do it! We recommend scheduling your workouts at the beginning of the week so you know exactly what times to set aside. When your schedule does require an AM workout, our physiologist Pam has some tips to help your morning go as smooth as possible.

“I personally like to workout in the morning. It gives me time to myself, wakes me up mentally and physically, and I carry my post workout glow through out the day. I’ve tried many different tricks and tips to ease the pain of a 5am wake up call and these are my 5 go to tips.”

1) Prep all of your bags and lay out your clothes the night prior. Being successful at morning workouts truly begins the night before. I make sure that I always have my lunch packed, my clothes laid out, and my work bag ready to go. This allows me to minimize the time I need in the morning and it makes sure that I don’t forget anything at home. I also set my coffee pot for 5 minutes before my alarm is set so it is ready to go and I can smell it brewing.
2) Go to bed early and without distractions. This seems like a no brainer but sometimes I fall into the trap. I get home from work and I decide to flip on a television show. Next thing I know an hour has passed and now I am behind on getting my desired hours of sleep. On nights where I know I have an early morning workout planned, I try to leave the television off and limit time on my phone. This helps me fall asleep on time and with my mind a little more centered.

 

3) Set your alarm with music. I dread the sound of an alarm clock. There is nothing that makes me want to get my day started less than a horrendous WHOMP WHOMP WHOMP. I pick two songs (I set two alarms, the first one means wake up and four minutes later it means stand up) with a soothing intro that builds into more of an upbeat tune. I enjoy hearing my alarm go off and it puts a smile on my face. My current wake up tunes are by Sia and Ellie Goulding.

4) Set your alarm with a message. On my Iphone, I can label my alarms with different names. I choose to name them with a motivational quote, emojis that make me happy, or events coming up that are really important to me. If I am training for a certain race or event then I always include that. This helps me take off the covers and get my workout underway.

5) Have your workout written out. If you go to the gym without a plan, your workout is going to take longer or it’s not going to be as productive. I always know exactly what I’m doing and it is usually some form of a high intensity workout. This allows me to elevate my heart rate and keep the duration to 30 minutes or less. Having it written out eliminates you having to think too much and ensures you have a successful workout.

Happy Exercising!

 

By Pamela Geisel

Meet Your Physiologists Mondays! – March 28th

 This March, we are having a weekly series where you will get to know the Exercise Physiologists of Peak Performance a little bit better. We asked everyone some fun questions and got even better responses!

To wrap up our series, here is the person that keeps the show running…

Meet Paul!

paul

Paul

  1. How long have you worked at Peak Performance?

I created our entire Fitness Program from scratch over 15 years ago. It’s my baby.

  1. What are your favorite hobbies?

Ice Hockey, finding inspiration from my daughter’s passion for life and exploration.

  1. What is your favorite color?

Blue.

  1. What is your favorite sports team?

Rangers, Yankees & the G-MEN.

  1. What is your favorite song to sing in the car?

Whoomp! there it is. My daughter’s and I had seen it on a TV commercial, downloaded and now it’s a must play every time we are in the car.

  1. What is your favorite movie?

Step Brothers, Pulp Fiction, Cape Fear, The Usual Suspects, High Plains Drifter, Terminator 2, anything that makes me laugh.

  1. What is your favorite season?

Summer, I love the heat.

  1. Where is your dream vacation?

Cage Diving with Great White Sharks in Cape Town South Africa.

 

Want to learn more about the Exercise Physiologists at Peak Performance?

Check out our full education biographies here!

Remember to check back every Monday for more Q&A with the other physiologists!

 

 

Recipe of the Week: Shredded Chicken Tacos

PREP TIME: 15 mins
COOK TIME: 4 hours
TOTAL TIME: 4 hours 15 mins
Serves: 6-8

Perfect and easy meal to make! Just throw in the crock pot and these shredded chicken tacos pack a flavorful punch and are made extra crunchy with Red Cabbage Slaw and lettuce shell!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound chicken breast
  • 11/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 head romaine lettuce
  • Red Cabbage Slaw

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Place the chicken breast in the slow cooker and cover with chicken broth
  2. Add chili powder, onion powder, garlic salt, paprika, cumin and salt
  3. Turn the slow cooker on and cook for 3-4 hours on high, or about 6-8 hours on low
  4. When chicken is thoroughly cooked, use two forks to pull apart
  5. Prepare the Red Cabbage Slaw by shredding the head of cabbage, using a sharp knife
  6. Add the lime juice and olive oil
  7. Chop cilantro and add to taste
  8. Finish with salt and pepper to taste
  9. Place the Red Cabbage Slaw into a lettuce leaf and top with chicken

 

Original recipe by Kenzie Swanhart

 

What’s The Perfect Workout Shoe for You? Find Your Sole Mate.

Shoes come in a variety of types and sizes, but are you wearing the right shoe geared towards your type of workout?

Walking Shoes: Walking shoes tend to be heavier and stiffer than running shoes; therefore when you are choosing a walking shoe, you want a shoe that has enough support, cushion, and flexibility. It is also important to look at the traction aspect of the shoe if you are planning on hiking. A good walking shoe for women is the New Balance WW1765 and for men is the New Balance MW 759.

Running shoes: When you are looking for the runnin g shoe you want to make sure that you have a perfect amount of cushion. Running shoes are made to handle the shock of two times your body weight. Therefore when picking a running shoe, you want to make sure it has great cushioning in both the heel and forefoot. Other important aspects of a running shoe you should look for are flexibility, stability control, traction on roads or trails, and breath-ability. It’s important to take a look at your foot before you buy a shoe. Our feet are all different, but can be divided into three categories: low, high and medium arches. These different arches will make a difference in the type of shoe you should buy. A good example for a person with low arches would be the Asics Gel Kayano 222. A good buy for an individual with high arches is the Asics Gel- Kinsei 6 and one for medium arches is ASICS 2000.

Cross-training: A cross-training shoe might be for you if you occasionally participate in a variety of exercises from tennis to basketball to some weight-lifting. Cross training shoes are not used to running miles, but more for individuals who participate in different athletic activities. A good cross-trainer should have a firm heel, good support, and should be light weight. An example of a popular cross-trainer is the Puma Tazon.

Specialty: Specialty shoes are used for specific activities. There are specific sneakers, cleats for individuals who participate in weight-lifting, cycling, tennis, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, etc. Just make sure when you are picking out one of these shoes that you are purchasing the correct shoe/cleat for that specific sport.

Lifestyle: Lifestyle shoes might look cool and trendy however they are not meant for exercise. Do not try wearing Vans or Nike Janoskis to the gym or to participate in a sport because you are putting yourself at risk for injury.

Trying to find the right shoe for your desired exercise routine is important so take the time to weigh out your options in order to make those feet happy! Remember, your foot size can change or swell throughout the day, be consistent with the time that you are shopping; your feet tend to be larger throughout the day.

 

By Sally Leahy

 

Meet Your Physiologists Mondays! – March 21st

 This March, we are having a weekly series where you will get to know the Exercise Physiologists of Peak Performance a little bit better. We asked everyone some fun questions and got even better responses!

Meet Corynne and Tyler!

mym

Tyler

  1. How long have you worked at Peak Performance?

I’ve been at Peak for a little over 3 year

  1. What are your favorite hobbies?tyler-palmquist

I love competition and have played basketball my whole life. I love to lift, stay
in shape but can also be the complete opposite and play video games for hours on end.

  1. What is your favorite color?

Definitely black, it compliments me well because of my fair skin.

  1. What is your favorite sports team?

If I have them on my fantasy football team then i’ll be rooting for that team. Other than that the New York Knicks and the New York Jets.

  1. What is your favorite song to sing in the car?

I can absolutely blow you out of the water on anything from Britney Spears to Eminem but probably any Taylor Swift song so I can hit some serious high notes.

  1. What is your favorite movie?

Wedding Crashers, Dodgeball, I Love You Man, Superbad, Greenstreet Hooligans, The Butterfly Effect. Anything with Jonah Hill or Vince Vaughn ill most likely love.

  1. What is your favorite season?

Probably spring, I’m always hot so summer can get pretty brutal.

  1. Where is your dream vacation?

Somewhere in the depths of Hawaii in one of those abandoned caves with the waterfalls and scenery that literally look fake.

 

Corynne

  1. How long have you worked at Peak Performance?

I’ve worked at Peak for a little over 2 yearscorynne

  1. What are your favorite hobbies?

I love playing sports- I grew up playing soccer. In high school I played soccer, lacrosse, and ran track. I played soccer and lacrosse for C.W. Post and in 2007 our lax team won an NCAA DII championship. In 2009 I played Australian rules football for the US and went over to Australia to play. I love playing beach volleyball and just started playing soccer again after about a 10 year break.

  1. What is your favorite color?

My favorite color is blue, but blue and green together makes me happy. I don’t quite know why, but my guess is the colors make me think of the outdoors and I love being outdoors.

  1. What is your favorite sports team?

Hmmmm… I don’t think I’m a die hard fan of any one team. I love all athletes and when I see a great athlete I enjoy watching them do their thing! I can watch any sport and any team. I end up liking individual players.

  1. What is your favorite song to sing in the car?

I’m pretty eclectic so I’ll sing along to anything. I love listening to 90’s because I feel like I know most of the songs from that decade.

  1. What is your favorite movie?

Okay, I know it sounds like I’m jumping on the super hero band wagon, but since I was a kid I have loved Batman. I love all super heroes! I can’t understand how anyone doesn’t think the idea of a super heroes is the coolest thing ever.

  1. What is your favorite season?

Spring and Fall

  1. Where is your dream vacation?

Oh man! A dream vacation for me is pretty extensive. I love to travel and try to go somewhere new at least once a year. The past few years I’ve been lucky enough to travel twice a year. I would have to say traveling to places like Cambodia, Vietnam, China- I basically would love to go anywhere I haven’t been, but I like going to places not many have ventured to either. I love to have a little adventure when ever I can!

 

Want to learn more about the Exercise Physiologists at Peak Performance?

Check out our full education biographies here!

Remember to check back every Monday for more Q&A with the other physiologists!

Recipe of the Week: Shamrock Shake

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

We’ve put a healthy spin on the classic Shamrock Shake

to give you a sweet, green treat for this St. Patrick’s Day! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 banana, frozen
  • Handful of spinach leaves
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)

 

Directions:

  1. Place all ingredients into a blender.
  2. Blend and enjoy!

Why is a Warm Up So Important?

We always ask our clients to arrive at least 5-10 minutes early in order to warm up prior to exercise. The importance of a warm up should be appreciated and included as part of your workout regimen.

A warm up period allows your heart rate and breathing rate to gradually increase and prepare your body for exercise. By slowly increasing the intensity of the workload, the body is prepared for efficient and safe functioning of the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and muscles during more vigorous exercise to follow.

A good warm up can reduce the muscle or joint soreness experienced during the beginning of a workout. Think of this as “loosening up your muscles.” Your body’s joints will loosen and blood flow to the working muscles will increase.

As a part of a warm up, stretching may be added in after walking, biking, or other dynamic movements. Dynamic movements activate our muscles and move joints through a greater range of motion. Static movements will stretch the muscles without a change in the range of motion of a joint- think of holding a hamstring stretch. As mentioned before, you want to complete dynamic movements prior to static stretching. It may even be best to save the static stretches for your cool down.

So why should I warm up?

  • Increase heart rate
  • Increase blood flow
  • Increase body temperature
  • Decrease muscle viscosity
  • Mentally prepare you for a workout
  • Improve performance
  • Reduce the risk of injury
  • Increase the satisfaction from a workout!

 

By Louise Mills-Strasser