Fitness Together - News

WellBiz Brands Appoints Stephanie Hu as Chief Executive Officer of Fitness Together Franchise

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 06:00:00 -0500

Industry veteran will lead the personalized training studio concept

Englewood, CO (September 3, 2019) WellBiz Brands Inc., a franchise portfolio company operating three distinct wellness, fitness and beauty brands, Elements Massage®, Fitness Together® and Amazing Lash Studio®, announced today that Stephanie Hu will be joining Fitness Together Franchise, LLC as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With nearly 150 locations across the United States, Fitness Together studios offer clients a customized fitness and nutrition experience in a private-suite personal training setting.

Stephanie brings over 20 years of consumer products and health and fitness experience to the Fitness Together brand, most recently serving as the President of Life Time Sport (a division of Life Time, Inc.). In this role, she launched the brand’s first stand-alone location and created the marketing, brand and operations strategy. She also served as President of Total Health (the B2B corporate wellness division of Life Time, Inc.) where she created a new health coaching program that exceeded industry standards. Prior to Life Time, Stephanie spent eight years in business and marketing leadership at General Mills driving the growth of iconic brands such as Yoplait, Nature Valley, and Progresso. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and earned a BBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

“We are thrilled to have Stephanie join the Fitness Together brand. She has extensive industry experience and a proven track record of delivering significant results,” said Jeremy Morgan, CEO of WellBiz Brands, Inc. “Stephanie will be an invaluable leader as she drives continued momentum for Fitness Together.”

The Fitness Together brand is unique in that its studios provide a private-personal training environment to every client.

“I’m honored to be joining the Fitness Together system. As a fitness enthusiast I’m passionate about the brand’s mission to help clients transform their lives and be the best version of themselves,” said Stephanie Hu, CEO of Fitness Together Franchise. “Fitness Together is well-positioned for growth in the highly-competitive U.S. fitness market. I look forward to collaborating with owners and their managers and personal trainers across the country to reach more clients so they can live better, longer.”

WellBiz Brands, with more than 600 locations and 235,000 members across its portfolio, aims to serve the needs of the fast-growing wellness, fitness and beauty industries through experience-based retail services. The Company is backed by a management team with nearly a century of experience and has claimed three spots on the 2019 Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies in America list.

About WellBiz

WellBiz Brands, Inc. is the nation’s premiere franchisor of wellness, fitness and beauty brands. With more than 600 locations, WellBiz Brands is uniquely qualified to serve the growing needs of the health and beauty conscious consumer through recurring revenue experience-based brands including Elements Massage®, Amazing Lash Studio® and Fitness Together®. Backed by a management team with nearly a century of combined leadership experience, WellBiz Brands accelerates scalable and predictable revenue growth by providing a robust platform of shared services, infrastructure and support. The Denver Business Journal recently recognized the Company as #20 in the Large Company category on their 2019 Best Places to Work list. For more information about WellBiz Brands and franchise opportunities, visit WellBizBrands.com.

About Fitness Together

The Fitness Together® brand is a one-on-one private, personal training franchise focused on changing clients’ lives with improved fitness and health. Whether the aim is to lose weight, tone and tighten muscles, or simply achieve better health, Fitness Together studios pair clients with a personal trainer and a workout plan tailored for the individual’s goals, and focused on results. Clients receive the accountability they need and the privacy they desire with the Fitness Together brand. Fitness Together Franchise, LLC began franchising in 1996 and with nearly 150 locations across the United States with additional locations planned for 2019. To learn more about the brand and owning a Fitness Together® franchise, visit www.fitnesstogetherfranchise.com. Each Fitness Together® studio is independently owned and operated. Fitness Together® is a registered trademark owned by Fitness Together Franchise, LLC.

Media Contact:
WellBiz@icrinc.com

Cabernet and Cardio? Fitness Together® Trainers Weigh In on the Relationship Between Drinking and Fitness During Alcohol Awareness Month

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 06:00:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cabernet and Cardio? Fitness Together® Trainers Weigh In on the Relationship Between Drinking and Fitness During Alcohol Awareness Month

BOSTON (April, 2019) – Fitness Together®, the largest one-on-one private, personal training franchise in the U.S., is encouraging Americans to educate themselves about the relationship between alcohol and fitness this April, which is Alcohol Awareness Month.

“There are so many studies out there that say alcohol is bad and there are also studies that say alcohol is good. So, who do we listen to?” said Suzanne Caruso, certified nutritionist and personal trainer at Fitness Together, Reading. “The key is moderation. If you’re the type of person who can have one or two adult beverages and not have it affect your normal eating habits and daily functions, then you should be ok. If you are the type of person who finds yourself overindulging, then a focus of reduction might be an appropriate game plan.”

Caruso, along with Fitness Together, Bethesda owner and certified personal trainer Robin Coe, say alcohol can impact fitness performance in a few always:

Metabolism: Alcohol contains empty calories and those calories may reduce the rate of which other macronutrients are metabolized. The body must metabolize alcohol before it can get to food, often leading to excess calorie storage.

Hydration: Drinking alcohol after a workout will adversely affect the body’s ability to replenish glycogen, which is the substance in our bodily tissue that stores carbohydrates. After strength training or high-intensity cardio, the muscles are already dehydrated, and drinking alcohol can further dehydrate the body and prolong muscle recovery. In some cases, muscles may not function optimally for three to five days.

Food Selection: Alcohol can lower the body and mind’s ability to choose proper food sources. Instead of having a well-balanced, protein-based meal, a person who has had a few too many drinks may inadvertently choose foods that are at the bottom of the food continuum- Lose-Lose situation if one is trying to lose weight and or body fat.

Physical Performance: Fitness routines, athletic performance and muscles are all impacted by alcohol. Alcohol reduces our ability to recover and it certainly reduces our ability to perform. Alcohol can delay the recovery process, cause hormone disruption and interrupt sleep patterns. If you want to operate at peak performance or you have a competition coming up, you might want to ditch the alcohol. After the event is over, it’s ok to get together with teammates/competitors/friends/family and celebrate. But again, one or two beverages should be the norm.

“Moderate alcohol shouldn’t ruin your fitness routine. However, if you are looking for the “six-pack abs” you will need to say no to booze,” adds Coe. “Alcohol produces excess and unnecessary calories for your body. As long as you’re realistic with your goals in relation to your alcohol consumption, having a 5oz glass of wine 3 times per week is acceptable.”

A highly-recommended book and resource for exploring whether you have a healthy relationship with alcohol is This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life by Annie Grace.

Additionally, Robin and Suzanne recommend booking a private training session and nutrition consultation at Fitness Together. There are currently over 140 convenient Fitness Together locations throughout the U.S. To find a location near you, go to fitnesstogether.com

About Fitness Together

Fitness Together® is a one-on-one private, personal training franchise focused on changing clients’ lives with improved fitness and health. Whether the aim is to lose weight, tone and tighten muscles, or simply achieve better health, Fitness Together® pairs clients with a personal trainer and a workout plan tailored for the individual’s goals, and focused on results. Clients receive the accountability they need and the privacy they desire with Fitness Together®.

Fitness Together Franchise, LLC began franchising in 1996 and has approximately 140 locations across the United States with additional locations planned for 2019. To learn more about the brand and owning a Fitness Together® franchise, visit www.fitnesstogetherfranchise.com.

Boston-Area Fitness Together® Trainer Couple Discusses the Relationship of Food and Fitness for National Nutrition Month

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 06:00:00 -0500

BOSTON (March 14, 2019) – In celebration of National Nutrition Month, Fitness Together®, the largest one-on-one private, personal training franchise in the Boston area, is encouraging locals to embrace healthy eating habits and balanced nutrition programs.

“Think of the relationship you have with food. What comes to mind? Do you feel anxious? Guilty? Or do you feel proud of your healthy eating habits? Whatever it is, it’s important to have a healthy relationship with food,” said Nathan Partridge, Fitness Together owner in Boston Back Bay and Topsfield. “Food is ultimately a source of nutrition and energy for the body. If you’re an active person who exercises, what you eat affects your strength, endurance, and gives you the energy needed each day - to be your best at home, work and at the gym.”

Nathan, along with his wife Courtney, are both certified trainers and nutrition coaches at Fitness Together. Here are some tips the Partridges recommend for building healthier nutrition habits:

Find Your Nutrition Staples. While it’s important to incorporate a wide variety of food into your nutrition program, it’s also important to have a few go-to staples in your pantry or in your fridge. Ideally, staples should include a mixture of healthy carbs, fats and lean proteins. Some great sources of each include:
- Protein: Eggs, chicken, non-fat plain Greek yogurt, salmon and white fish
- Carbs: Vegetables, fruits, grains, quinoa, rice, Ezekiel bread
- Fats: Peanut butter, olive oil, avocados
Hydrate Often. Humans are made of water- from our bones, to our organs, to our muscles. If we’re dehydrated, the body won’t perform. The general rule of thumb is to consistently and regularly drink water. It’s recommended to drink at least two liters per day, depending on body size. A good rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight in ounces, which understandably, might seem like a lot! Try adding an extra 10 ounces per day each week until you reach the desired water amount.
Eat Before and After Workouts. Whether you’re an athlete or someone who’s trying to lose weight, it’s important to eat before and after your workout. An hour before a workout, eat something small and packed with carbs, fat and protein. An example could include oatmeal with peanut butter and a side of egg whites. An hour after the workout, eat something more substantial that’s low-fat with higher protein. Examples could include a protein bar, shake, or whole food sources like sweet potatoes and chicken. Those with sensitive stomachs should focus on getting a healthy meal in that won't upset their stomach.

One of the most important components of any nutrition program is to find balance. Nathan shares, “It’s okay to enjoy the occasional pizza and cocktail on the weekend, just be conscious and mindful of what and how much, is consumed. There are ways to curb cravings too. For instance, when I want ice cream, I will have a small bowl, eat it slowly, instead of going for the banana split.”

To achieve even greater results, the Partridges recommend booking a private training session and nutrition consultation at Fitness Together. There are currently over 40 convenient Fitness Together locations throughout the Boston area. To find a location near you, go to fitnesstogether.com

About Fitness Together

Fitness Together® is a one-on-one private, personal training franchise focused on helping change clients’ lives with improved fitness and health. Whether the aim is to lose weight, tone and tighten muscles, or simply achieve better health, Fitness Together® pairs clients with a personal trainer and a workout plan tailored for the individual’s goals, and focused on results. Clients receive the accountability they need and the privacy they desire with Fitness Together®.

Fitness Together® Personal Trainer Encourages Ditching Fitness Fads and Taking Control of Your Health

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 07:00:00 -0600

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fitness Together® Personal Trainer Encourages Ditching Fitness Fads and Taking Control of Your Health

It Can Be Difficult to Fully Appreciate Your Personal Health Until It’s in Jeopardy - Expert Personal Trainer Shares Tips for Shifting to a Mindset of Proactive Health

BOSTON (February 22, 2019) – With motivation for ‘New Year, New You’ resolutions dwindling and February marking National Heart Month, Fitness Together, the largest one-on-one private, personal training franchise in the U.S., is encouraging Americans to take a proactive stance on their health.

“Often times, people only really take their health into consideration after major life events like a heart attack, stroke, physical injury, or in an effort to make a New Year’s resolution,” said Dan Goulet, certified personal trainer and Fitness Together studio owner in Medfield, Massachusetts. “To live a long and healthy life, we must be proactive about exercise and fitness routines by introducing sustainable changes to our lifestyles and habits.”

Regular exercise is scientifically proven to reduce the risks of heart disease and physical injuries. In fact, a recent study found that there is a connection between having a longer, healthier life and cardiorespiratory exercise and that not exercising may be worse for your health than smoking! Below are a few insights from Goulet surrounding how proactive and regular exercise builds a foundation for a healthier life:

Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can put stress on the heart and body. It increases the risk of falling and is also a risk factor for heart disease. Exercise, along with a healthy diet, can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise helps build and strengthen muscles. Combining cardiovascular and strength training is key for optimal health. Exercise not only helps maintain muscle mass, which naturally declines as we age, but also helps with agility and range of motion – both of which are essential to sustaining a high quality of life. Cardiovascular exercises consist of walking, running, swimming, biking – anything that elevates your heart rate. No matter your fitness level, these exercises help maintain heart health.

Exercise can lower blood pressure. Having high blood pressure is a major risk for heart disease. Exercise lowers blood pressure and slows down your heart rate. This Is true when you are at rest or exercising.

Exercise helps reduce stress. Stress is hard on the body and mind. Whether you’re a runner, weight lifter or enjoy yoga, you’re helping reduce your stress levels when you exercise, as these activities help the body release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.

Exercise helps reduce inflammation. With regular exercise, inflammation decreases. This helps with the effects of heart disease. The key to realizing this benefit is to be consistent in your program. Thirty minutes of activity per day is better than an intense two-hour session once a week.

“It is so important to take control of your health before it takes control of you,” said Goulet. “Know that you are not alone in the journey. There are resources including nutritionists and personal trainers everywhere who are on your side and ready to take action to enhance your health and overall well-being.”

To achieve even greater results, Goulet recommends booking a private training session at Fitness Together. There are currently over 140 convenient Fitness Together locations throughout the United States, including 44 in Massachusetts. Fitness Together utilizes a comprehensive approach that incorporates strength training, cardio and nutrition to maximize results and improve overall health. To learn more, please visit www.fitnesstogether.com.

About Fitness Together