Staying healthy requires a lifestyle change and not just a quick New Year’s resolution. If you want to maintain a healthy way of life, Peak Fitness is here to help.
Fitness trends are changing, and those who are most successful in meeting their fitness goals are making healthy choices a way of life – not just a short-term New Year’s Resolution.
There was a time when crowds at the gym would slow down by early spring, but that’s just not the case anymore. At Peak Fitness, 4304 E. State St., Rockford, and Peak Sports Club, 4401 Peak Dr., in Loves Park, Ill., working out is a way of life – something to stick with throughout the year.
“People are making this more of a lifestyle habit than it was 20 years ago, and I don’t see the up-and-down spikes in membership like I used to see,” says Mark Banz, president and owner of Peak Fitness.
Whether you’re new to Peak or you’re ready to update your current fitness plan, Peak’s personal trainers can help with free consultations. They’ll measure your body fat, help you set goals and give you a handful of workouts to get you started – and then they’ll help to hold you accountable.
“For the average person just trying to get in shape, it might be best to start with small goals instead of cramming everything into a few months,” Banz says. “It’s important to be consistent and not make excuses for not going to the gym.”
If you’re like most Peak members, you’re probably in a time crunch, and spending two or three hours at the gym may not be feasible. If you’re in a rush, there are plenty of workouts that can still whip you into shape, and keep you there.
Peak’s PSX training facility, attached to the north side of its Loves Park gym, specializes in workouts that increase lean muscle while burning body fat. The high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions feature gym equipment in each workout, including free weights, power racks and plyometric boxes.
HIIT allows you to have a good, hard workout in a short duration of time – about 50 minutes in total.
“It’s easy to get your heart rate up, keep your heart rate up and have a fairly substantial workout in a short amount of time, which is becoming a popular trend,” Banz says.
Another way to get in a quick workout, Banz says, is by using the pools at Peak. There’s an activity pool with water features for the kids and a water slide. Next to the activity pool is a 4-lane lap pool, which can also be used for working out.
“People might sign up to swim with their kids, but they also have access to a pool to work out as well,” Banz says.
Senior citizens make up the largest group of regular Peak users, so the fitness center offers low impact workout choices such as RPM cycling and aqua classes.
“You can be fit over 50,” Banz says. “Staying active will allow you to enjoy things in life like golf and you’ll remain strong and flexible.”
When done consistently throughout the week, your workout routine can have a long-lasting impact on your health and well-being, Banz says.
“The workload that you put in on a regular basis will determine what shape you’re in,” he says. “Whether you come to Peak or just get outside and walk, getting exercise in general is a good thing. Just remember to keep moving and stay positive.”