Fitness Together - Rockville

Fitness Together Named Official Sponsor of American Diabetes Association ‘Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes’ in DC

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Silver Spring, MD - Fitness Together, the nation’s top one-to-one personal training franchise, is pleased to announce it has been named the Official Health and Fitness Sponsor for the National Capital Area “Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes” event spearheaded by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

The event will be held October 23, 2010, starting and ending at Nationals Park. The event’s walk route will feature a two-mile course around Nationals Park and a five-mile course throughout beautiful, historic neighborhoods of Eastern Market and Capitol Hill.

Fitness Together, America’s largest personal training franchise, was drawn to the cause in large part because it dovetails with the studios’ “no gimmicks” approach. Fitness Together was founded on the proven idea that one-to-one training in a private setting will always yield real, lasting results. The Fitness Together approach combines workouts, diet counseling, commitment and encouragement —and never includes fads, pills or the latest contraptions.

Numerous Fitness Together studios in the area have worked with diabetic or pre-diabetic children and adults. In some cases, they’ve helped clients lose over 100 pounds—and helped them keep the pounds off.

“With one in three children in America expected to face a future with diabetes, it’s a special honor to be helping with this effort right here in our nation’s capital,” said Ken Clarke, owner of a Fitness Together studio in Silver Spring and one of the event organizers. “We need to get ourselves moving again, get sugary snacks out of schools, help adults make healthy choices, and make the fight for a healthy, physically fit America a national priority.”

Local DC area Fitness Together studios have pledged to raise at least $25,000 for the ADA.

“Fitness Together’s mission to help their clients live healthier, happier lives is very much in line with our mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all those affected by diabetes,” said Mary Merritt, Executive Director of the American Diabetes Association’s Washington, DC metro area market.

To find out how you can support Fitness Together’s efforts in “Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes,” please visit www.ftcustomfitness.com.

About Fitness Together Holdings, Inc.:

Based in Highlands Ranch, Colo., Fitness Together Holdings, Inc., is one of the world’s largest wellness organizations. The parent company oversees Fitness Together Franchise Corporation, http://corp.fitnesstogether.com, a one-on-one personal training fitness franchise established in 1983 that began franchising in 1996, and Elements Therapeutic Massage, Inc., http://corp.touchofelements.com, a massage therapy franchise that began franchising in 2006. Today, the combined franchise network has hundreds of franchises sold across the United States, Costa Rica, Brazil, Israel, Ireland, and Canada.

Personal Trainers Say Families Often Work Against Children Trying to Lose Weight

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Bethesda, MD—Have a teenager at risk of Type II diabetes? In planning your summer vacation, make sure that staying healthy is a project for the entire family.

That’s what trainers at Fitness Together say is required to help children who need to lose weight and get healthy.

“Families often unwittingly work against a child trying to lose weight,” says Rick Coe, a West Point grad and former Army officer who now owns Fitness Together gyms in Rockville, Bethesda, and soon Potomac. “We’ve seen teenagers who need to lose weight, yet the family still goes out for ice cream every night of vacation. That’s oppressive. When a parent keeps a child in an environment that reinforces his or her difficulties, it’s demoralizing for the kid.”

The key, says Coe, is to view personal fitness for kids as a family issue, rather than an individual concern. “Parents frequently consider an overweight child going to the gym as medicine,” Coe says. “More often it’s about the need for an entire lifestyle change—both for the child and the family.”

Positive changes begin at the grocery store. Overworked parents may buy unhealthy snacks out of a misguided belief these treats can make up for inattention or simply make their kids happy. But if it doesn’t go into the shopping cart, it won’t be consumed in the home.

In order to create a supportive environment, parents must first understand what is involved in living a healthy lifestyle, says Coe.

Some healthy tips:

Parents, not children, should firmly control the refrigerator and meal times.
The gym is a full-family activity. If one child goes, everyone should go.
Encourage, encourage, encourage! Getting healthy can be one of the hardest things anyone ever does. “Remember,” Coe says, “It takes a whole family to make it happen!”

Top 5 Strategies at the Summer BBQ

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Bethesda, MD—Its BBQ season again and Americans will once again face the temptations of the backyard grill. This is where we can all pack on the pounds if we aren’t careful, but help is here!

Rick Coe, one of Washington DC’s top local fitness experts, offers “TOP 5 STRATEGIES FOR THE SUMMER BBQ” to help you keep trim! A West Point graduate and former Army officer who now runs Fitness Together gyms in Bethesda and Rockville, Maryland, Rick offers the following proven strategies:

Strategy #1: “If you’re going to drink, choose light beer. This cuts your calories IN HALF! And no, it doesn’t mean you can have more than usual!”

Strategy #2: “Stay away from processed foods. Yes, that means chicken over hot dogs. And if you go back for seconds, choose protein (meats) over a plate of fattening potato salad slathered in mayo. You’re welcome.”

Strategy #3: “Instead of ice cream, cakes and pies, choose fruit. What’s to lose? The sun is still shining, you’re hanging out with friends, and life is good. No whining allowed!”

Strategy #4: “STAND, don’t sit, even when you’re eating! Sitting down to eat will encourage you to heap a plate with food. Standing keeps portions smaller and manageable.”

Strategy #5: “NEVER go to a party hungry or thirsty. Eat an apple on the way there, and drink a bottle of water. You’ll be amazed at how you can focus on friends, conversation, and a good time, rather than on the food.”

The leader in personal training, Fitness Together is a national franchise founded in 1996 that now has 400 locations worldwide. Fitness Together is different from all other gyms by offering one-on-one personal fitness training. Whether you are looking to lose weight, tone and tighten muscles or simply work toward better health, Fitness Together pairs you with a personal trainer in a private setting equipped with a workout plan tailored just for you. In addition to your personal fitness training regimen, Fitness Together offers nutritional guidance and a cardiovascular routine to help you attain your wellness goals. For more information, visit www.FTCustomFitness.com.

Is Personal Training Tax Deductible?

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500

We are always striving to make our services as affordable as possible. To that end, we would like to bring the following information to your attention. It may be possible for you to deduct part of the costs of your personal training as a qualified medical expense under the IRS tax code. We have taken the liberty of paraphrasing the relevant information from the IRS website. Pub 502

We must remind you that we are your personal trainers and not your lawyer, accountant, nor tax attorney. Please consult with your trusted financial advisor to confirm that your personal training sessions are tax deductible.

If you do qualify for an IRS medical expense deduction, we recommend that talk to your doctor or medical practitioner about writing you a prescription for fitness. By doing so, you can show that your participation at Fitness Together is a medical expense you pay to lose weight to treat a specific disease diagnosed by your physician (such as obesity, hypertension, or heart disease). This expense can include fees you pay for membership in a weight reduction group as well as fees for attendance at periodic meetings. You cannot include membership dues in a gym, health club, or spa as medical expenses. However, you can include separate fees charged for weight loss activities such as the personal training sessions or nutritional consultations at Fitness Together!

Fitness Together Helps Erin Stehl of the “Dr. Phil Family” Get Fit

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. – Feb 17, 2010 – Fitness Together of Ponte Vedra, Fla. has teamed up with the “Dr. Phil” Show to help one of the most famous moms in America get back into shape. And on Feb. 22, viewers of the daytime talk show will get a close look at the new diet and workout regimen that could change her life forever.

Erin Stehl, mom of the now-famous “Dr. Phil Family,” has let America see the ups and downs of motherhood, marriage, a teen daughter’s pregnancy and the fight to get control of her family’s life. Now it’s Erin’s turn to get control of the ups and downs of her own weight and personal health.

With a goal to lose 20 pounds, increase her cardiovascular intensity and shed three inches off her waist, Erin was paired with Wes Greer, franchise owner of three Fitness Together studios in Florida and part of a national fitness franchise that specializes in one-on-one personal training. Greer, along with one of his personal trainers, Lori Eboli, have started Erin on a workout regimen, exercising 3-5 times a week at the Fitness Together studio in Ponte Vedra. Erin is also doing cardio exercises another three days a week on her own and following a nutrition program set up by the show.

“Erin’s goals are not uncommon for the majority of our clients,” Greer says. “Several years of inactivity and stress have meant Erin’s own health often takes a backseat to the needs of her family. She has suddenly found herself in a position of needing help to safely and effectively lose some extra pounds and ensure that she will be healthy for her family for a long time.”

The “Dr. Phil” show will follow Erin’s fitness journey, highlighting her progress in episodes leading up to a final makeover reveal episode in May.

“I’m excited for viewers to get a real-world look at healthy weight-loss,” Greer added. “It’s a compliment to Dr. Phil and his team that they are communicating a healthy approach rather than a quick fix. And Erin’s journey is the journey of millions of Americans out there who just need the right guidance. We’re honored at Fitness Together to be part of that solution.”

About Fitness Together Franchise Corp.:
Established in 1983 in response to the growing demand for personal fitness training, Fitness Together offers the latest in one-on-one personal training. Based in Highlands Ranch, Colo., Fitness Together is part of Fitness Together Holdings, Inc., one of the world's largest wellness organizations. Fitness Together began franchising in 1996 and has sold franchised locations throughout the United States, Costa Rica, Israel, Ireland, Canada and Brazil.

Franchise Information:
Fitness Together Franchise Corporation is actively selling franchises. If you are interested in changing your life and the lives of others, please visit http://corp.fitnesstogether.com/ or call 877.663.0880 ext. 10 for more information about fitness franchise opportunities.

Washington D.C. Counts Down to the Oscars ™ with a Red Carpet Opening of Fitness Together and a Fundraiser for the American Red Cross

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Washington D.C. . – February 25, 2010 – And the Oscar goes to….

Everyone is making their predictions, but one local business is planning to turn that Hollywood buzz into some relief for the Red Cross as well, as it provides relief following the earthquake in Haiti.

Fitness Together, a personal training fitness studio, is celebrating the grand opening of its newest location at 3222 N Street in Georgetown with a special “Countdown to the Oscars™” red carpet event at 6 – 9 p.m. on March 4.

“Opening a small business is just as exciting to me as a blockbuster Hollywood event,” says Matt McKinnis, franchise owner of three Fitness Together studios, including the new Georgetown location. So he is rolling out the red carpet to open his doors and throwing an A-list party to raise money for Haiti in the process.

“This party is our way to introduce our new Fitness Together Central Georgetown location to the community, have some Oscar fun, give away some great gifts and invite contributions to a worthy cause all at once,” McKinnis says. And with a tour of the new Fitness Together studio comes the chance to win a backlot studio tour in Hollywood as well.

The “Countdown to the Oscars” party is sponsored by Washington Life Magazine and will benefit The American Red Cross of the National Capital Region. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served to guests and Hollywood goodie bags, courtesy of several motion picture studios, will be given away. Guests will be invited to make their Oscar predictions for a chance to win a VIP backlot studio tour in Hollywood if someone picks all of the Oscar winners.

A suggested contribution of $25 per person will provide some important aid to Haiti at the same time that people turn their attention to a more glamorous event – the Oscars ™.

“As a business, we focus on making a difference in people’s lives by pairing clients with personal trainers to guide them through a health and wellness program,” McKinnis explains. “It made perfect sense for our grand opening to help raise money to deliver health and wellness to Haiti too”

About Fitness Together Holdings, Inc.:
Based in Highlands Ranch, Colo., Fitness Together Holdings, Inc., is one of the world’s largest wellness organizations. The parent company oversees Fitness Together Franchise Corporation, http://corp.fitnesstogether.com, a one-on-one personal training fitness franchisor established in 1983 that began franchising in 1996, and Elements Therapeutic Massage, Inc., http://www.touchofelements.com, a massage therapy franchisor that began franchising in 2006. Today, the combined franchise network has hundreds of franchises sold across the United States, Costa Rica, Brazil, Israel, Ireland, and Canada.

Franchise Information:
Fitness Together and Elements Therapeutic Massage are each actively selling franchises. If you are interested in changing your life and the lives of others, please visit http://corp.fitnesstogether.com/franchise/ and http://corp.touchofelements.com/franchise/ or call 877.663.0880 ext. 10 for more information about fitness franchise opportunities.

Fitness Together Franchise Named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2010 “Franchise 500”

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. – According to the pros, the personal training fitness experts at Fitness Together Franchise Corporation run one “fit” business.

Named to Entrepreneur magazine’s 31st annual “Franchise 500,” Fitness Together has once again been honored among the top franchise opportunities based on financial strength, stability, growth rate and size of system. Fitness Together, which offers one-on-one personal training across more than 360 fitness studios, was ranked #118 in the list published in January.

“Our focus on 1 Client, 1 Trainer, 1 Goal continues to be the tailored approach that delivers huge results across hundreds of locations,” said Jeff Jervik, president and CEO of Fitness Together Holdings, Inc., regarding the brand’s success. Founded in 1983, the company began franchising in 1996 and continues to add locations across the U.S. and abroad.

And unlike hot trends and here-today-gone-tomorrow ideas, Fitness Together’s longevity counts, according to the magazine. “We also consider the number of years a company has been in business and the length of time it’s been franchising, startup costs, litigation, [and] percentage of terminations,” Entrepreneur reported.

Jervik credits Fitness Together’s track record to a great franchise support team and smart franchisees who follow the system.

“A business that’s been around 26 years is not a fad or a victim to temporary economic swings. That’s a business with staying power, and our goal is to spread that opportunity to more franchisees who share our passion,” Jervik said.

About Fitness Together Franchise Corp.:
Established in 1983 in response to the growing demand for personal fitness training, Fitness Together offers the latest in one-on-one personal training. Based in Highlands Ranch, Colo., Fitness Together is part of Fitness Together Holdings, Inc., one of the world's largest wellness organizations. Fitness Together began franchising in 1996 and has sold franchised locations throughout the United States, Costa Rica, Israel, Ireland, Canada and Brazil.

Franchise Information:
Fitness Together Franchise Corporation is actively selling franchises. If you are interested in changing your life and the lives of others, please visit http://corp.fitnesstogether.com/ or call 877.663.0880 ext. 10 for more information about fitness franchise opportunities.

Fitness Together Names Leadership Council Members

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. – January 13, 2010 – Fitness Together Franchise Corporation recently elected top franchisees and area directors from the personal fitness training network to serve on the company’s national Leadership Council. The council members will represent their peers across Fitness Together’s 363 studios to foster open communication with the Support Center.

Leadership Council members were selected by territory and include:

(Chairperson) Benjie Moser, area director of Fitness Together in Massachusetts, representing the Northeast;
(Vice Chairperson) Rick Coe, franchise owner of Fitness Together in Bethesda, MD, representing the Northeast;
(Secretary) Jonathan Slain, area director of Fitness Together in Kentucky and Ohio and franchise owner of four Fitness Together studios in Summit, OH; Cuyahoga, OH; Solon, OH; and Rocky Hill, OH , representing the Central U.S.; *newly-elected
Rick Anderson, franchise owner of Fitness Together in Matthews, NC, representing the Southeast;
Randy Zarecki, franchise owner of Fitness Togethers in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN, representing the Central U.S.;
Debbie Peters, franchise owner of Fitness Together in Dana Point, CA, representing the West; *newly-elected
Paul McKinnis, area director of Fitness Together in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Georgia and franchise owner of two studios in Scott Circle, D.C. and Central Georgetown D.C., representing the Southeast;
Pete Piranio, area director of Fitness Together in Connecticut and Minnesota and franchise owner of four studios in Woodbury, MN; Brookfield, WI; Delafield, WI; and Wauwatosa, WI, representing the West. *newly-elected

“The franchisees and area directors on this council are an important voice for our system and we look forward to their input and the greater network that they represent,” said Kevin Betts, chief operating officer of Fitness Together.

As members of the Leadership Council, franchisees and area directors will attend periodic meetings with the Fitness Together management team to review company policy and initiatives, provide feedback from franchise owners in their regions and discuss matters of common interest to franchisees, area directors and the management team.

About Fitness Together Franchise Corp.:

Established in 1983 in response to the growing demand for personal fitness training, Fitness Together offers the latest in one-on-one personal training. Based in Highlands Ranch, Colo., Fitness Together is part of Fitness Together Holdings, Inc., one of the world's largest wellness organizations. Fitness Together began franchising in 1996 and has sold franchised locations throughout the United States, Costa Rica, Israel, Ireland, Canada and Brazil.

Franchise Information:

Fitness Together Franchise Corporation is actively selling franchises. If you are interested in changing your life and the lives of others, please visit http://corp.fitnesstogether.com/ or call 877.663.0880 ext. 10 for more information about franchise opportunities.