Fitness Together - Sudbury

Clients of the Month

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:59:00 -0500

Congratulations to Geeta Singh (Natick), Katherine Glass (Sudbury), and Dawn Tucker (Wayland) for being named the Clients of the Month for May!

Geeta has lost 12lbs! She has done a great job with tracking her eating on her i-phone and always does cardio after her sessions and at home on her off days!

Katherine has made great strides since starting at FT Sudbury over a year ago. She has tripled her push-ups, dropped her resting and recovery heart rate by over 25% , and lost an amazing 6 inches overall.

Dawn has lost over 4lbs bodyfat, gained almost 5lbs muscle, and reduced her bodyfat by 3%! She has also lost nearly 2.5 inches off her waist!

For their efforts, Geeta was awarded an AMC Theaters gift card, Katherine was awarded a gift certificate to Thai Chili, and Dawn was awarded a gift certificate to Viva Cantina!

Great job Geeta, Katherine, and Dawn!

Josh Rosenfeld: Fighting Obesity & Managing Diabetes, The FT Way

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:00:00 -0500

Josh talks about talks about the Fitness Together program as a sane solution to our nation's exploding costs of obesity and diabetes care.

Study Results Show Fitness Program Helps Those With Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:57:00 -0600

We are releasing to the public today the findings of our Type 2 Diabetes Observational Study completed in 2011. We are excited that the study has proved what we knew anecdotally since creating this special program for those who have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic or those with diabetes. We had seen marked improvements in physiological, psychological and emotional areas of our clients, but with this study, the results conclude the program was successful in improving the overall health of participants.

The full study in PDF format is available for download here: Fitness Together Diabetes Study 09_2011

“I would like to see all my patients with diabetes so empowered,” noted David M. Harlan, M.D. (William and Doris Krupp Professor of Medicine Chief, Diabetes Division Co-Director, Diabetes Center of Excellence at UMass Worcester).

Dr Harlan had been given a pre-publication copy to review and comment on the results of our 6-month Fitness and Nutrition program created especially for those with diabetes and those with a pre-diabetic condition, as diagnosed by their physicians.

Going through all the data, Dr Harlan also noted that “Fitness Together’s program appears to have “re-energized most enrolled individuals…[most] lost weight, improved their exercise tolerance, and noted important improvements in their blood pressure and diabetes control…[and] participants noted big improvements in their sense of well being allowing them to regain a sense of control over their diabetes.”

The 6 month study we conducted in 2010/2011 was under the auspices of Joan Hill (Diabetes Educator at CMIPA, Consultant at MA Department of Public Health, Owner at Hill Nutrition Consulting, LLC) and in conjunction with the New England Chapter of The American Diabetes Association. The study group consisted of 12 men and 12 women; 15 of them had diabetes and 9 who were considered pre-diabetic.

After subjects gained clearance from their respective physicians, they were weighed, measured and given a fitness assessment by a certified personal Fitness Together trainer. They were also asked to fill out survey questions regarding their ability to manage their diabetes and their over-all sense of well-being. As subjects continued in the fitness program, they were re-assessed approximately every 6 weeks.

Participants in the study had an average weight loss of 10 lbs per person, an average 13% reduction in body fat and an average loss of 2.5 inches in the waist and 1.9 inches in the hips. The group had an average drop in A1C of .86 (meds alone drop A1C by .80), for those with diabetes, the average drop was 1.2 or 50% improvement over meds. Of those on meds, 8 had their meds reduced, 8 stay the same and 1 increased

The study also tracked the psychological and emotional success of the participants through a Sense Of Well Being survey as designed by Joan Hill R.D., C.D.E., L.D.N. and was administered before and after the 6 month study. After participating in the Fitness Together program of strength training, cardio and nutritional guidance, participants in the pre-diabetes category scores indicated a marked improvement in both the ability as well as maintain the motivation to manage their own diabetes routine. Participants with diabetes scored the greatest improvements in “feeling less overwhelmed by the demands of living with diabetes” and more confident in their ability to manage their condition.

The results, as noted in the full study, show that the Fitness Together Type 2 Diabetes Program was successful in improving the physical and emotional health of participants. Many participants continued to stay at Fitness Together after the study period was over and trained for another 6 months or longer.

In Natick, Healthy Workers Are Less Costly Workers

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:57:00 -0500

NATICK —

The town of Natick has decided the best way to prevent employees from taking sick days is to help keep them healthy.

This year the town has started a series of monthly seminars held by the MetroWest Wellness Initiative to promote good nutrition, fitness and healthy lifestyles, which just may save money for both the employees and the taxpayers.

"A healthier work force is going to take less sick days, which means they'll be more efficient at work, they'll have greater longevity, and we believe over the long run will use medical care less," said Deputy Town Administrator Michael Walters Young. "The less health care used, the less premiums will be, which will have a direct impact on the taxpayer."

The seminars are taught by Dr. Chris Hauck, owner of Chiropractic Solutions in Framingham, Josh Rosenfeld, owner of Fitness Together in Natick and Sudbury, and Tony Polito, a local chef whose recent cookbook "Fresh" features 10-minute healthy recipes with 10 or fewer ingredients.

The three men, who usually work as wellness consultants for private companies in their roles with the MetroWest Wellness Initiative, are working for Natick for free.

"These gentlemen came to us and said they wanted to give back to their communities," said Young. "They all practice or live in MetroWest, and they know how hard government employees work, and they wanted this opportunity."

The program breaks down big concepts like "eat healthy" and "exercise daily" to manageable and easy-to-follow steps that aren't overwhelming.

"We're just sick and tired of living in a sick and tired community, and if we could just get this information out to the community we know this could make a difference," Hauck said. "To us, it just seemed like the right thing to do."

As a member of the West Suburban Health Group, a collaborative of towns that buys health care in bulk, Natick receives a minimum of $14,000 a year to spend on wellness programming.

Town Administrator Martha White pointed to the small gym the town has built for employees at Town Hall, as well as a pilot program in the Police Department to give officers individualized health and nutrition training and advice, as examples of other wellness initiatives.

"We've had good participation in many of the programs - some more successful than others. But we're learning and we'll keep tailoring it to employee needs," she said.

Hopkinton Waitress Commutes Two Hours Daily To Beat Diabetes

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:56:00 -0600

HOPKINTON, Mass. – (Feb. 9, 2011) – Can a balanced diet and exercise help overcome type 2 diabetes? That’s what Hopkinton resident Carol Pontremoli is trying to prove.

Part of an observational study conducted and subsidized 50 percent by the Fitness Together Massachusetts Owners Group, Carol, a 50-year-old waitress, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes three years ago. She believed her diagnosis was part hereditary and part improper nutrition.

“After I was diagnosed, my doctor told me to lose weight but simply dieting didn’t work, so he prescribed medications,” said Carol. “There was no real advice or direction or how important it was to take the medication at specific times on how to take better care of myself. I had a lack of knowledge and couldn't figure out how to do this on my own.”

After nearly two years of doctor visits and medications, she did something she has never had the courage to do before – ask for help.

“I saw an advertisement on TV for the diabetes study and decided to go online and fill out the application,” said Carol. “I’ve never done anything like that before. I didn’t tell anyone about it either, not even my husband. When I was chosen for the study it came as a huge shock.”

In order to participate in the subsidized observational study, Carol had to work with one of 43 participating Fitness Together studios in the area. The closest one to her was an hour away in Natick, Mass., but Carol decided it was worth the mileage.

Now, just over three months into the study, Carol has lost three pant sizes and feels better than she ever has. “I’m on my feet six days a week waiting tables so by the time I got home all I wanted to do was lay down and relax. I never realized it was my diabetes making me so tired all of the time. Now I stay active and go to Fitness Together after work.”

Carol has even inspired her husband to take control of his life as well by joining the Fitness Together studio in Westborough, Mass.

The Fitness Together Massachusetts Owners Group, which is comprised of 43-area Fitness Together franchised locations, formed the special health study under the guidance of Joan Hill, a Certified Diabetes Educator and Nutritionist, to see how six months of resistance training and cardiovascular exercise, combined with nutritional coaching can impact type 2 diabetes. All client results will be shared with the American Diabetes Association of Eastern New England.

“We wanted to invite type 2 diabetics into our studios and offer our personal, tailored and safe exercise and nutritional guidance program to help improve their lives for the better,” said Steve Lichtman, owner of four Fitness Together franchises. “This isn’t just about losing weight. It’s about battling an illness in a smart, responsible and healthy manner.”

Fitness Together Donations Exceed $50,000 To American Diabetes Association of Eastern New England

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:14:00 -0600

BOSTON, Mass. – (November 17, 2010) – The Fitness Together Massachusetts Owners Group, which specializes in one-on-one personal training, is proud to announce it has raised more than $50,000 for the American Diabetes Association of Eastern New England. The network of 43 Fitness Together franchised studios throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire collectively signed on as the Official Health and Fitness Sponsor for the ADA’s STEP OUT: Walk to Fight Diabetes campaign to raise the funds and make the contribution.

Meanwhile, the additional sweat they have put into helping people living with type 2 diabetes across their fitness studios has magnified their cause and given a face…several faces... to the illness. Separate from the crowds at STEP OUT walks in Worcester, Mass.; Providence, R.I.; and Boston recently, Fitness Together certified personal trainers have spent the past days, weeks and months up close and personal with people battling the illness, who are on a quest for health and wellness.

“A lot of people can raise money, support a good cause, and call it a day. But that’s not what Fitness Together had in mind when we signed up to support the ADA chapter,” said Steve Lichtman, owner of 4 Fitness Together franchises. “We also wanted to invite people living with type 2 diabetes into our studios to offer personal, tailored and safe exercise and nutrition guidance that could improve their lives for the better.”

In conjunction with the fundraising effort that surpassed Fitness Together’s goal to raise $40,000 for the ADA, the group has enlisted 35 people with type 2 diabetes across Eastern New England for their type 2 diabetes observational study. Fitness Together is tracking the impact of a fitness and nutrition program on their client’s type 2 diabetes over a six month period. The results have been amazing and Fitness Together has extended their enrollment period to add more study participants now through year-end.

“We have seen dramatic transformations both physically and emotionally,” Steve said. “This isn’t just about losing weight. It’s about battling an illness in a smart, responsible and healthy manner.”

And the battle continues. Based on the success of this study, Fitness Together wants to broaden the awareness of it services. People with type 2 diabetes are encouraged to contact their local Fitness Together studio and visit www.FTGetsResults.com to get more information.

“The positive impact of helping people lose weight, get in shape, lower their dependence on medications and live a more fulfilling life is the best motivator,” said Chris Boynton, Executive Director for the ADA, Eastern New England.

For more information on how to join Fitness Together’s type 2 diabetes study or to make a contribution to the ADA of Eastern New England, contact Maria McGlone at 508-414-1411.

Fitness Together Franchisees Launch Type 2 Diabetes Study in Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500

BOSTON, Mass. – (July 8, 2010) – Some of the newest clients exercising at area Fitness Together franchised studios in Massachusetts and Rhode Island are doing more than stepping on a scale to chart their progress. They’re giving blood.

They are part of a type 2 diabetes observational study being conducted by area Fitness Together studios to examine the impact of a 26-week individualized fitness training program. Regular blood glucose tests with a small prick on the finger are as important as the exercise in measuring safe success.

“Diabetes is a major health issue affecting more than 24 million Americans, and our franchisees have told us they are happy to have a chance to make a difference,” says Jeff Jervik, president and CEO of Fitness Together Holdings, Inc.

Fitness Together studios are welcoming a minimum of 50 subjects to the program and will share the results with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) of Eastern New England where the Fitness Together franchise group is also the Official Health and Fitness Sponsor for the ADA’s Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes.

In one of the largest research projects of its kind, 42 Fitness Together studios have assembled across Massachusetts and Rhode Island to enlist men and women over the age of 30 who have been clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and are more than 30 pounds overweight. They will be monitored by a Certified Diabetes Educator as well as Fitness Together studio personal trainers.

“Through this study, we will better understand the impact of diet and exercise on diabetes control, high blood pressure, one’s sense of well-being and the costs of medications,” explains Joan Hill, Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (RD, CDE, LDN).

“The mission of the ADA is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. We are supportive of the Fitness Together franchise group’s efforts to gather information for a better understanding on how working with a personal trainer can motivate those with diabetes to improve their control,” said Chris Boynton, executive director for the Eastern New England area of the American Diabetes Association.

From July through December, the Fitness Together studios will chart weight loss and conduct A1c tests, which measure one’s average blood glucose level and helps track if people are at risk of complications due to uncontrolled diabetes. The studios will also track blood pressure, medication use and sense of well-being before and after test results and look for indicators of significant health improvements from the clients. People with type 2 diabetes who wish to be part of the study can locate participating studios at www.FTGetsResults.com.

Each client who signs up for the type 2 diabetes study must be cleared by a doctor to exercise and must agree to six-months of observation for the following:

resistance training three times a week with a personal trainer in the studio
cardiovascular exercise a minimum of three times a week in the studio
an initial fitness evaluation followed by fitness re-tests every six weeks
documenting of all meals in a nutrition journal
frequent blood glucose checks at Fitness Together

In the help to fight diabetes, the Fitness Together studio franchise owners have also pledged to raise a minimum of $40,000 for the ADA Eastern New England Chapter. To join the cause, you can make a donation at participating studios or visit www.FTGetsResults.com at the “Cardio for a Cure” link in cooperation with the ADA

Fitness Together Named Official Health and Fitness Sponsor For American Diabetes Association of Eastern New England’s Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes

Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500

BOSTON, Mass. – (May 3, 2010) – Fitness Together Massachusetts Owners Group, which specializes in one-on-one personal training, has assembled a record-setting 40 fitness studios across Massachusetts and Rhode Island to serve as the Official Health and Fitness Sponsor for the American Diabetes Association of Eastern New England’s Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes.

From May through September, participating Fitness Together studios will raise a minimum of $40,000 [$1,000 per studio] for the ADA Eastern New England Chapter. Clients at each studio will have a chance to sign up for the Fitness Together “Cardio for a Cure” program, collecting donations from family and friends for each mile they log doing exercises like walking, running, biking and swimming. The public is invited to join in and can sign up for free at any participating Fitness Together studio.

“It’s a natural fit for our clients to make the most of their workouts and support a fantastic cause at the same time,” said Jeff Jervik, president and CEO of Fitness Together Holdings, Inc. “Diabetes is a major health issue affecting more than 24 million Americans. Diabetes incidence continues to grow, now reaching epidemic proportions and it’s a disease that deserves more attention, deeper support, broader education and swifter action from people and organizations that can help like Fitness Together.”

Proceeds from the “Cardio for a Cure” program will be tallied in October when Fitness Together also sponsors three ADA Step Out: Walk for Diabetes events. The walks will take place Oct. 16, in Worcester, Mass., Oct. 17 in Providence, R.I. and Oct. 23 in Boston.

“We are very appreciative of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Fitness Together studios and their teams of trainers for taking on this important issue”, said Chris Boynton, Executive Director for the Eastern New England area of the American Diabetes Association. “Fitness Together’s mission to help their clients live healthier, happier lives is very much compatible with our mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the quality of life for all those living with the disease.”

Separate from the money that Fitness Together raises for the ADA chapter, the studios have announced that they will also sponsor a health study to examine the impact of fitness and exercise on Type 2 diabetics who sign up at their studios this summer. Details of the six-month study will be announced soon.

The Need For Personal Trainers Grows, And So Does Fitness Together

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600

American Fitness magazine highlights franchise in supply/demand battle for health

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. – February 3, 2010 – Fitness Together, a national fitness franchise that specializes in one-on-one personal training, is highlighted in the January/February issue of American Fitness magazine for succeeding despite the economy. While times are lean, the franchise is poised for growth.

In the article “Tight Economy Versus the Expanded Waistline,” reporter Cherry Butler notes that Fitness Together is filling a critical role at a critical time.

According to a study published last year by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Trust for America’s Health, more than 25 percent of adults in America are obese. “The findings prove that the need for certified and talented personal trainers is at an all time high,” according to Butler.

Jeff Jervik, president and CEO of Fitness Together Holdings, Inc. agrees. He credits the success of Fitness Together to the franchise chain’s one-on-one approach to exercise and marketing to people who care about their health.

“[Our clients] recognize the value of a fit and healthy lifestyle, and they will sacrifice some other type of discretionary spending before they will give up their personal training,” Jervik shared. “With the rising cost of healthcare, they would rather spend their dollars on training than on medication or the costs of an injury.”

The tailored approach also has separated Fitness Together from competitors.

“It’s a major departure from the big box gyms that depend on attracting a large clientele who pay monthly dues, but who may rarely use the facilities,” Jervik told the magazine. “Those who have tried big box gyms and come up short seek the focus and results that come with the personal attention our private studios offer.”

Jaime Singley, who trains at a Fitness Together studio in Cleveland, Ohio, told American Fitness about those powerful results. “Working with a personal trainer is an investment in not only your health, but also your education,” she said.

Singley, who has lost nearly 150 pounds, also explained how she has actually saved money by working with a personal trainer. “I go out to eat less and have cut out alcohol. That isn’t because of the money I’ve spent on training. It’s because those are decisions I’ve made to support a healthy lifestyle.”