Welcome to our inaugural "Fit In 20" Newsletter. Our goal is to offer information, helpful tips and Client comments that pertain to general health and fitness issues. We’ll not only explore the many benefits that you receive from "Slow Cadence, High Intensity" strength training, but also provide insight as to the many other ways to live a healthy, stress-free, long life. Most of all we want your input. If you have a question or a specific topic you would like addressed, either respond with an e-mail, give us a call, or let us know on your next visit. We’ll do our best to answer your questions and address your specific issues.

If you have a question or a specific topic you would like addressed, either respond with an e-mail, give us a call, or let us know on your next visit. We’ll do our best to answer your questions and address your specific issues.

The holidays can be an exciting time just filled with the joy of being with family and friends. But, as we all know, the holidays can also be a time of stress. So, as we move to the holiday season, here are a few tips to lessen the stress and increase the joy:

1. Try not to internalize the stress. First, identify what is causing the stress. The best way to do that is to try to verbalize the cause. If you can, talk about it with your spouse or a good friend. Or if that doesn’t work, say it out loud to yourself. "Sounding out the problem" is much better than letting it "play on your mind".
2. Know your limits. There is just so much that any of us can do. If the problem is beyond your control and can’t be solved immediately, let it go for a while - then get back to it in the light of a new day.
3. Exercise is one of the best ways to deal with and release stress. Exercise releases hormones into our blood stream that counteract the harmful stress-related chemicals. These hormones contain morphine-like "ß" endorphins that actually provide an analgesic (pain relieving) effect and promote a sense of euphoria.
4. Sleep is another often neglected stress reliever. When one is sleep deprived, one cannot handle even the smallest stressful event. As a point of fact, persons who exercise regularly tend to sleep more soundly at night.
5. Finally, it may help to take a moment and "count your blessings". Normally, they do tend to put everything else in proper perspective.

"Since our 20 Minutes to Fitness orientation in June 2005, we have never looked back! Once a week, without fail, we come to the private training studio located in Lakewood Ranch. We especially love the personal one-on-one training we receive from the Professional Training Coaches. They all have the same ultimate goal-to get you in the BEST SHAPE YOU CAN POSSIBLY BE IN! We’re sold! Thanks to everyone at 20 Minutes to Fitness for helping us roll back the clock from being in our 50’s to feeling like we’re 40 again!"

Frank and Marion Fitzpatrick, 50’s
Real Estate, Sarasota, Florida