NEW CORE CLASSES – First class is Free
Senior Trainer, Annette Loquercio, MS, certified Structural Integration Practitioner, will be offering a new class focusing on Core Basics for beginners and Creative Core for intermediate level clients. Both 7-week sessions will begin Tuesday, April 11.
Core Basics (beginner level) – 1:30pm to 2:30pm. This class will include diaphragmatic breathing, self-myofascial release, stretching, and beginning core exercises. This will be a great class for those who don’t exercise regularly or for those returning to exercise after a long absence.
Creative Core (intermediate level) – 2:30pm to 3:30pm. This class will focus on challenging core exercises to include resistance, balance, and some plyometric modalities. This is not a beginner class.
The first introductory class meetings are free, and we can accommodate up to 7 people. The subsequent 6-week sessions will be $100, and limited to a maximum of 5 participants.
PRE-MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL CLASS
PARTNER EXERCISE FOR MOMS AND OTHERS – MAY 13
Taught by Annette Loquercio and Helane Hurwith
We are offering a special class the day before Mother’s Day, on Saturday, May 13, for Moms and others to workout with a partner. Participants (age 15 and older) will be shown exercises that are fun and challenging, and specifically designed for two people to do together, This could be an interesting way to spend time with mom (or a friend) and get a good workout in the process. Two times are offered: 12noon and 2pm. No set cost – pay whatever you want. Limited to 8 participants. Call to register 847-251-6834 or email Julie@pftl.net
RESEARCH SHOWS THAT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY MAY ALTER BACTERIAL COMPOSITION AND BOOST OVERALL HEALTH (IDEA Fitness Journal March 2017)
Gut microbiota has been a hot topic recently, and for good reason, as it is a key indicator of health. Gut microbiota contains trillions of micro-organisms, including at least 1,000 species of known bacteria, with more than 3 million genes. There are many benefits to having a healthy gut, including but not limited to:
- protection against metabolic disorders
- production of some vitamins (B and K); and
- immune system support.
Researchers have discovered a link between exercise and the bacterial composition of the gut. Initial evidence suggests that exercise can alter the bacterial composition of the digestive system. Diversity may be the key. The study found that athletes showed greater diversity in gut microbiota than control subjects. The athletes (rugby players) also had higher proportions of most types of micro-organisms. One particular bacterium, called Akkermansiaceae, found in greater amounts in the rugby players, has been linked to lower risk of obesity and of systemic inflammation. Diet is still important, but could exercise be a legitimate ally in digestive health?
Researcher, Charlie Hoolihan, says that gut microbiota profiles, like DNA markers for exercise and nutrition, “represent a fascinating potential for individualization of diet, fitness routines and even medical prescriptions.” However, he suggests fitness professionals take the results in stride, saying the research points out something we already know: Exercise is beneficial to your digestive process. “Now we have some hints about exercise’s possible stimulus,” he says. “These are just hints. My guess is that gut microbiota may be as complex as DNA and that attempts to make conclusions from the research for mainstream individualization may be a bit preliminary.”
SECURITY CAMERA INSTALLED at PFTL
Studio clients will probably notice something new by the front desk. We have installed a security camera so we can monitor who comes to the studio after hours. We want to ensure that only known clients are using the facility. Although no problem has been reported to date, we thought it would be prudent to be able to monitor entry.
ZUMBA CLASS OFFERD BY TRAINER/MASSAGE THERAPIST LISA WOLF
Lisa Wolf is offering a Zumba class every Tuesday from 9:15am to 10:15am at the Music Theater Works (formerly Light Opera Works) rehearsal room which is right behind our studio at 516 4th Street. Contact Lisa at packowolfs@gmail.com or 847-542-4788 for class schedule and information. Join the Fun!
Shelf-life of Olive Oil A delicious and sometimes pricey cornerstone to healthy Mediterranean-style diets, olive oil is delicate stuff and can only be fully enjoyed when stored properly.
- Check the harvest date printed on the label when you purchase your oil. Some producers even cite an expiration date. Typically, olive oil is good for about 18 months from harvest (depending on how it’s been stored). After a year on your shelf unopened (3 months opened), olive oil—basically a fresh fruit juice—will go rancid.
- Keep it in a dark, cool cupboard. Light and heat can hasten the breakdown of the oil and taint the flavor. Storing it on the countertop near the stove or in the cabinet above the range may be convenient, but it can corrupt the health of the oil.
Debora’s Note: The extra virgin olive oil at Old Town Oil on Central St. in Evanston is superb. Pricey, but worth it. Try the Tuscan Herb for vegetables, eggs and salad.
Spring is coming! Get ready to walk and bike. Learn a new sport – tennis, golf, inline skating, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking. Find a way to be more active and enjoy the season change.