Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

physiologists

Getting a New Start in the New Year

Some people subscribe to the “New Year, New Me!” But, this mindset can happen on any day of the year if you want to make the change; whenever you are ready, all that matters is that you’re doing it to better yourself!

For someone just beginning an exercise program, remember everyone was new at one point. Don’t be embarrassed by being unsure of how to use equipment or not knowing how to do an exercise properly. Try your best to not be over whelmed by the new experience. Here are some tips for starting an exercise program:

  • Ask questions – Ask the staff anything you are unsure of. We are here to help and make you feel comfortable. Ask any of the exercise physiologists and they would be happy to show you how to use the machines or do an exercise properly.
  • Start off small – Keep it as simple as getting to the gym 3 days a week. It is better to be consistent over several days v. coming in one day and over doing it. If only attend one day and over do it, you are asking to get injured.
  • Learn a little at a time – Learn 3 exercises or machines and master them. From there keep adding 2-3 exercises after you master the original ones. Keep adding exercises to your routine and you will soon feel comfortable in the gym; each new exercise you learn will be easier.

These are simple steps to get started in the gym and to feel comfortable doing it. The Exercise Physiologists here at Peak Performance are always here to help and teach you valuable information that you will help improve your health for years to come!

 

By Corynne Periera

Member Spotlight: Kelly’s Fitness Journey

We love to highlight the success of our members! We asked several members what helped them make the decision to join a gym. Keep reading to learn about Kelly’s fitness journey.

Why did you decide to join Peak Performance? What was your “A-ha!” moment?

Throughout my life I have struggled to feel comfortable in my skin. I’ve dealt with confidence and self esteem issues, and have consistently tried to change and better myself to live a happier and healthier life. Through this process, I had been a member of 4 gyms before I found Peak. Each time I would join a gym, I would start off totally motivated and would go every day consistently for a couple weeks, and then slowly but surely I would fade back into old habits and lose my motivation; I’m sure most people who have tried more than once to lose weight know exactly how that feels. Each time I canceled a membership I would be disappointed in myself and discouraged that I would never lose the weight and achieve my goals. When I found Peak Performance, I was scared that the same thing was going to happen, but I could tell this place was different. There weren’t any “juice heads” or people that cause “gymtimidation.” I felt comfortable and welcome, even on my first day.

What made you decide to continue at Peak?

When I first started working with my trainer Louise, I quickly realized how she wasn’t just working through her shift and doing her job, she genuinely cared about my progress and health. She pushed and continues to push me hard and I am constantly breaking through my own personal boundaries and conquering things I never thought I would ever attempt. Having someone invested in your journey makes it that much easier to succeed. After a period of time, I realized that I had been an active member of a gym for longer than I ever had in the past, and that victory alone motivated me to keep going. I’ve now been with Louise and Peak for a little over a year and have lost a considerable amount of weight, but more importantly I have gained my health, self confidence and self esteem. I am in the best place I have ever been and I owe it all to Peak!

-Kelly L.

Peak Performance is Better than the Average Commercial Gym

We talk about Peak Performance Fitness being different from your normal health club or gym. But what really makes it better? Check out our list of what makes Peak unique!

turf cardio

  1. Guided and Personalized Workouts.  Unlike commercial gyms, the exercise physiologists at Peak Performance create exercise prescriptions for you, based off of your fitness goals as well as any orthopedic and medical conditions. These exercise programs are updated regularly to progress the individual along their fitness journey.
  2. Safety First. While you are working out there are always fitness professionals watching to make sure you are doing exercises correctly. Also if you have any questions at all, exercise physiologists are always available to help.
  3. Never Wait. There is never a wait to use machines Peak Performance, we always have cardio and strength machines available at any time of the day!
  4. Specialized Equipment. Most commercial gyms do not have a turf, sleds, an Olympic weight lifting station, TRX or specialized physical therapy equipment. At Peak Performance we go out of our way to make sure all individuals have the right equipment whether you are an athlete or physical therapy patient trying to start up an exercise program again.
  5. Comfortable Setting. The setting at Peak Performance has a family-like atmosphere. Everyone is always friendly, cheering you on and looking out for each other. There is also no pressure if you are a novice to exercise and there are no grunting “meatheads” to scare you away.
  6. Specialized Programs. Here at Peak we have many specialty programs such as sports specific training for individuals and teams. We also have different weight loss programs to help you achieve you ultimate fitness goals!

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!

 

 

Meet Your Physiologists Mondays! – March 7th

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!

First up… Pam & LouiseIMG_9431

 

Pam GeiselIMG_9852

1. How long have you worked at Peak Performance?

Next month will be my 5 year anniversary!

2. What are your favorite hobbies?

My favorite hobby is running! I also love going to SoulCycle, reading, playing board games, and cooking up new recipes.

3. What is your favorite color?

#teampurple

4. What is your favorite sports team?

Since I’m a Maryland girl, I’ll always root for the Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Orioles.

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

“I don’t want this night to end” by Luke Bryan and “Hello” by Adele J

6. What is your favorite movie?

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

7. What is your favorite season?

Any season but winter!

8. Where is your dream vacation?

Bora Bora! I also really want to go to Australia and Hawaii

 

Louise Mills-StrasserIMG_1670

1. How long have you worked at Peak Performance?

Since December 2014!

2. What are your favorite hobbies?

I love to snowboard, go running, cheer for the NY Rangers, and read- I’m a big fan of Harry Potter.

3. What is your favorite color?

Purple and lime green

4. What is your favorite sports team?

New York Mets, NY Jets, NY Rangers and Ohio State football!

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

“Let It Go” from Frozen by Idina Menzel

6. What is your favorite movie?

It’s a tie between Mean Girls and Christmas Vacation

7. What is your favorite season?

Summer

8. Where is your dream vacation?

Australia! Or I’d love to go back to Ireland

 

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!

Next week we’ll chat with Sally and Dave.