After a decade at its Corporate Boulevard location, Body Mechanics Personal Fitness will be relocating later this year to 4550 Concord Ave., off College Drive, in the building that was home to Phil's Oyster Bar for several years in the mid-2000s. Body Mechanics owner Kolby Tullier says though the new location will actually be slightly smaller than his existing 3,800-square-foot studio, the newly renovated space will be more functional and will enable his growing business to offer more services and more types of training. "I'm limited in what I am able to do right now," says Tullier. "I don't have a ball-slamming wall or a climbing wall, for instance. This [renovated] space will be more functional." At its new location, Body Mechanics will have indoor and outdoor training facilities, separate cardio and strength-training studios, a treatment room and offices. Tullier also plans to double the number of trainers on his staff from nine to 18, which will enable him to build his clientele...
Mark Martin is prepping for a full schedule of projects on the horizon—from securing a designation of Route 90 from DeRidder to Bogalusa as a US Bicycle Route, preparing for workshops later this month with several Baton Rouge organizations to brainstorm how to use federal funding to improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and consulting with the city on a new Dalrymple Drive bike path.
The Better Block BR event last weekend saw an impressive turnout, and despite rain shutting down the second day of the event, the sense of accomplishment was already there. Saturday saw between 1,500 and 2,000 attendees, according to organizers, and guest appearances from Mayor Kip Holden and his caravan of cyclists for the Mayor's Family Bike Day.
Longtime personal trainer (and new Baton Rouge resident) Nickie Jordan answers your questions about training, fitness and feeling good. (Photo by Marie Constantin) Ask your question for 225 Fitness Adviser by emailing editor@225batonrouge.com or leaving a comment below.
Longtime personal trainer (and new Baton Rouge resident) Nickie Jordan answers your questions about training, fitness and feeling good. (Photo by Marie Constantin) Ask your question for 225 Fitness Adviser by emailing editor@225batonrouge.com or leaving a comment below.
Zumba's international slogan, "Ditch the workout, join the party," has women everywhere saying goodbye to their boring exercise regimen and welcoming this upbeat, Latin-inspired dance fitness class. You can join, too, at no cost, as the Downtown Development District brings back its free outdoor fitness series, starting April 1 at 5:30p.m. Zumba classes will be offered Mondays and Wednesdays at the North Boulevard Town Square in conjunction with the YMCA. In the case of inclement weather, the class will meet at the YMCA on Third Street.
What does music have to do with fitness you ask? Well, as I was sitting here listening to some morning tunes, I was pondering playlists and songs I like to run to. Whether used to motivate or to distract us from the pain, music is a big piece to most peoples workout routines.
For a happy hour that will leave you slim, toned and rejuvenated, hit the barre. The Bar Method Baton Rouge is now offering an extended class schedule, ideal for an after-work sweat session. New times include Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:45 p.m. For early birds, the Bluebonnet Boulevard fitness studio also offers a 5:30 a.m. class on Fridays.
Struggling to get fit or stay fit? Have a question about how to train better, eat better or feel better? Let the 225 Fitness Adviser help! A new blog by longtime personal trainer (and new Baton Rouge resident) Nickie Jordan, "225 Fitness Adviser" debuted this week in the 2013 edition of 225 Health & Beauty, with Jordan providing tips such as how to get ready for a first-time 5k and how to get rid of belly fat after having a baby. A Maryland native, Jordan has been doing personal training for 25 years in the Bethesda, Md./Washington, D.C., area. Her clients have ranged in age from 8 to 80-plus and included diplomats, high-level political figures, CEOs and large companies. She relocated to Baton Rouge in August after renovating a beautiful home in Jamestowne Court. You can ask Jordan your fitness-related questions here and see the new...
With so many different approaches to fitness popping up in the Capital Region, there is literally something for everyone. Here's an overview of some of the most popular workout trends right now.
Longtime personal trainer (and new Baton Rouge resident) Nickie Jordan answers your questions about training, fitness and feeling good. (Photo by Marie Constantin) Ask your question for 225 Fitness Adviser by emailing editor@225batonrouge.com or leaving a comment below.
If you were one of the many at the Better Block BR public workshop last week, you know there are quite a few folks in town who have a passionate interest in smart growth in Baton Rouge. Next week, you'll get another chance to share your thoughts on smart growth and alternative transportation pathways as Downtown Development District hosts three days of public workshops and discussions on the proposed Downtown Greenway.
Aaron Dirks, president of the Louisiana chapter of the international Entrepreneurs' Organization, says he almost didn't survive the recession. By 2010, he was in poor health, overweight, and only sleeping two or three hours a night—and all of his businesses were in trouble. Since he wasn't sleeping anyway, he started exercising while listening to classic business books. After a while, he found that he and the people around him were becoming more productive. When he switched to exercise alone, the effect waned. Dirks now believes, after reviewing relevant research, that he was "fertilizing" his prefrontal cortex, giving himself the ability to reach a state similar to that of an elite athlete who is "in the zone." Dirks recommends at least 45 minutes of cardio every morning, at 60% to 80% of your maximum heart rate, while listening to something intellectually stimulating and keeping something handy to make notes. "All [my] $100 million ideas came through this process," he says.
Hello fine feathered friends! After a hiatus I am back for more living and more doing, all the while giving you guys food for both thought and action. The holidays have come and gone as have a Mardi Gras season and you all may be wondering what I’ve been up to these last 8 weeks.
An office job tends to promote a sedentary lifestyle. But Carey Long, a fitness instructor at Spectrum Fitness Southdowns, says many exercises can be done at our desks and in the hallways to burn calories and alleviate stress.
Whether by rail or economics, there’s a lot of talk about ways to integrate the Capital City and the Big Easy. Fitness expert Denver Benton wants people to connect Louisiana’s largest cities the hard way: by running all 126.2 levee-top miles of the Rouge-Orleans race. The hard way also happens to be the most rewarding, Benton says.
While New Orleans native Nicole Williamson worked for years in the fashion industry in New York City—most notably for iconic English luxury brand Burberry—fitness training remained a mere hobby for the fashion-forward Ole Miss graduate.
A favorite with weekend warriors and their families, this event is a 3-mile run filled with crazy obstacles, including a giant mud pit, a balance beam, a tunnel slosh and much more. Plan on getting really dirty—there's even a kids' mini-muck for the 14 and younger crowd who feel like getting muddy. It all happens this Saturday, starting at 8 a.m. at the Baton Rouge Fairgrounds. Click here for more information.
Hello all! I hope this finds you doing just smashingly. Summer is winding down and the weather is turning cool and crisp, well I wish it was anyway, and I am turning my head to some fall fun. Even though summer never ends, I am going to act like the guy who wears a sweater the first day that it is 60 degrees outside and at least pretend my brains are not boiling. So, without further adieu, I wanted to give you a quick list of 3 fitness things to look forward to in the next couple months.
SUP! No, I'm not being clever and asking "What's up?" I am talking about a relatively new activity that is spreading to waterways all over the world: Stand up paddle boarding, or SUP. I figured since I have spent the last couple posts telling people what to eat and such, that it would be nice to give you a fun new sport and activity that a whole family can enjoy.
I am an avid believer that Baton Rouge needs a better trail system (i.e., we need one). While some would look at the distances I travel for work as a job hazard, I try to look at it as an opportunity to discover and enjoy new places. I always pack a bike, running and swim gear as I like to be prepared to do whatever is available. My territory includes Alabama, Louisiana, Memphis, Mississippi and Arkansas and training and discovery opportunity abound. It took me about a year, and 30,000 miles of driving to find the right places to train. Huntsville has awesome off road trails, Mississippi has the Natchez trace to ride on and Arkansas... well, Arkansas is the most underrated state I have been to.
I live in what I feel could be the neighborhood wielding the most potential in all of Baton Rouge. Potential to influence, potential for transformation, potential for growth, and potential for increasing value. This potential could be tapped without renovating a single house or creating a Kenilworth Renegade School district, though the latter I would support. It could be done with minimal expenditure and the funds spent could be generated by the KCA with my gentle guidance. With a little work we could turn Kenilworth into our own Booty Loop.
I have started this post four or five times and gone back to the beginning. Some people will read it and say I need to get off my high horse. Others will say that it is just me promoting my business, and others still will say "Hey, aren't you taking this a little too seriously? It's just food." Each time I have started over, I am more adamant that I should talk louder. The food we are eating is killing our nation, crippling our healthcare system, and creating generations of unhappy children who will turn into unhappy adults.
Tomorrow evening, Lululemon Baton Rouge and Mulananda Yoga are teaming up for a free event dedicated to your wellness: a Goal Setting Party. Beginning at 4:45 p.m. at the Mulananda Yoga studio on Chimes Street, seasoned instructors will lead a relaxing yet fulfilling Geaux with the Flow class, which is appropriate for students of all levels. Afterward, refreshments will be served while the Lululemon staff explains how to create attainable yet accessible goals in one-, five- and 10-year increments. Attendees will learn how to set and achieve goals for personal fitness, career success and more. For more information about this free event, click here.
Body Mechanics moving to site off College Drive
After a decade at its Corporate Boulevard location, Body Mechanics Personal Fitness will be relocating later this year to 4550 Concord Ave., off College Drive, in the building that was home to Phil's Oyster Bar for several years in the mid-2000s. Body Mechanics owner Kolby Tullier says though the new location will actually be slightly smaller than his existing 3,800-square-foot studio, the newly renovated space will be more functional and will enable his growing business to offer more services and more types of training. "I'm limited in what I am able to do right now," says Tullier. "I don't have a ball-slamming wall or a climbing wall, for instance. This [renovated] space will be more functional." At its new location, Body Mechanics will have indoor and outdoor training facilities, separate cardio and strength-training studios, a treatment room and offices. Tullier also plans to double the number of trainers on his staff from nine to 18, which will enable him to build his clientele...
Changing gears
Mark Martin is prepping for a full schedule of projects on the horizon—from securing a designation of Route 90 from DeRidder to Bogalusa as a US Bicycle Route, preparing for workshops later this month with several Baton Rouge organizations to brainstorm how to use federal funding to improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and consulting with the city on a new Dalrymple Drive bike path.
Killing the muffin top
Q: How do you lose a “muffin top” stomach, firm your thighs and get tighter buttocks?—Lashelle Hayes
The street that could
The Better Block BR event last weekend saw an impressive turnout, and despite rain shutting down the second day of the event, the sense of accomplishment was already there. Saturday saw between 1,500 and 2,000 attendees, according to organizers, and guest appearances from Mayor Kip Holden and his caravan of cyclists for the Mayor's Family Bike Day.
If you could pick four and only four exercises to do the rest of your life, what would they be, and why?
Longtime personal trainer (and new Baton Rouge resident) Nickie Jordan answers your questions about training, fitness and feeling good. (Photo by Marie Constantin)
Ask your question for 225 Fitness Adviser by emailing editor@225batonrouge.com or leaving a comment below.
How do you work out an already painful area without making it worse?
Longtime personal trainer (and new Baton Rouge resident) Nickie Jordan answers your questions about training, fitness and feeling good. (Photo by Marie Constantin)
Ask your question for 225 Fitness Adviser by emailing editor@225batonrouge.com or leaving a comment below.
Zumba hits Town Square again
Zumba's international slogan, "Ditch the workout, join the party," has women everywhere saying goodbye to their boring exercise regimen and welcoming this upbeat, Latin-inspired dance fitness class. You can join, too, at no cost, as the Downtown Development District brings back its free outdoor fitness series, starting April 1 at 5:30p.m. Zumba classes will be offered Mondays and Wednesdays at the North Boulevard Town Square in conjunction with the YMCA. In the case of inclement weather, the class will meet at the YMCA on Third Street.
The Power of song
What does music have to do with fitness you ask? Well, as I was sitting here listening to some morning tunes, I was pondering playlists and songs I like to run to. Whether used to motivate or to distract us from the pain, music is a big piece to most peoples workout routines.
New workout options
For a happy hour that will leave you slim, toned and rejuvenated, hit the barre. The Bar Method Baton Rouge is now offering an extended class schedule, ideal for an after-work sweat session. New times include Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:45 p.m. For early birds, the Bluebonnet Boulevard fitness studio also offers a 5:30 a.m. class on Fridays.
225 'Fitness Adviser' debuts
Struggling to get fit or stay fit? Have a question about how to train better, eat better or feel better? Let the 225 Fitness Adviser help! A new blog by longtime personal trainer (and new Baton Rouge resident) Nickie Jordan, "225 Fitness Adviser" debuted this week in the 2013 edition of 225 Health & Beauty, with Jordan providing tips such as how to get ready for a first-time 5k and how to get rid of belly fat after having a baby. A Maryland native, Jordan has been doing personal training for 25 years in the Bethesda, Md./Washington, D.C., area. Her clients have ranged in age from 8 to 80-plus and included diplomats, high-level political figures, CEOs and large companies. She relocated to Baton Rouge in August after renovating a beautiful home in Jamestowne Court. You can ask Jordan your fitness-related questions here and see the new...
2013 Health & Beauty: One Heart Yoga Center
Stressed at your desk? Learn some easy yoga poses from Janene Grodesky from One Heart Yoga Center.
Choose your body!
With so many different approaches to fitness popping up in the Capital Region, there is literally something for everyone. Here's an overview of some of the most popular workout trends right now.
[225 FITNESS ADVISER]
Longtime personal trainer (and new Baton Rouge resident) Nickie Jordan answers your questions about training, fitness and feeling good. (Photo by Marie Constantin)
Ask your question for 225 Fitness Adviser by emailing editor@225batonrouge.com or leaving a comment below.
Thinking the green way
If you were one of the many at the Better Block BR public workshop last week, you know there are quite a few folks in town who have a passionate interest in smart growth in Baton Rouge. Next week, you'll get another chance to share your thoughts on smart growth and alternative transportation pathways as Downtown Development District hosts three days of public workshops and discussions on the proposed Downtown Greenway.
Entrepreneur touts intellectual exercise
Aaron Dirks, president of the Louisiana chapter of the international Entrepreneurs' Organization, says he almost didn't survive the recession. By 2010, he was in poor health, overweight, and only sleeping two or three hours a night—and all of his businesses were in trouble. Since he wasn't sleeping anyway, he started exercising while listening to classic business books. After a while, he found that he and the people around him were becoming more productive. When he switched to exercise alone, the effect waned. Dirks now believes, after reviewing relevant research, that he was "fertilizing" his prefrontal cortex, giving himself the ability to reach a state similar to that of an elite athlete who is "in the zone." Dirks recommends at least 45 minutes of cardio every morning, at 60% to 80% of your maximum heart rate, while listening to something intellectually stimulating and keeping something handy to make notes. "All [my] $100 million ideas came through this process," he says.
Mega marathoning
Hello fine feathered friends! After a hiatus I am back for more living and more doing, all the while giving you guys food for both thought and action. The holidays have come and gone as have a Mardi Gras season and you all may be wondering what I’ve been up to these last 8 weeks.
Office exercise
An office job tends to promote a sedentary lifestyle. But Carey Long, a fitness instructor at Spectrum Fitness Southdowns, says many exercises can be done at our desks and in the hallways to burn calories and alleviate stress.
Run ’til you’re Rouge
Whether by rail or economics, there’s a lot of talk about ways to integrate the Capital City and the Big Easy. Fitness expert Denver Benton wants people to connect Louisiana’s largest cities the hard way: by running all 126.2 levee-top miles of the Rouge-Orleans race. The hard way also happens to be the most rewarding, Benton says.
Run for your life
When he was little, Brandon Williams could be spotted running around the playground at Wildwood Elementary School in cowboy boots, not Nikes.
Better off Tread
While New Orleans native Nicole Williamson worked for years in the fashion industry in New York City—most notably for iconic English luxury brand Burberry—fitness training remained a mere hobby for the fashion-forward Ole Miss graduate.
"Play Dirty" this weekend
A favorite with weekend warriors and their families, this event is a 3-mile run filled with crazy obstacles, including a giant mud pit, a balance beam, a tunnel slosh and much more. Plan on getting really dirty—there's even a kids' mini-muck for the 14 and younger crowd who feel like getting muddy. It all happens this Saturday, starting at 8 a.m. at the Baton Rouge Fairgrounds. Click here for more information.
Crisp cool air
Hello all! I hope this finds you doing just smashingly. Summer is winding down and the weather is turning cool and crisp, well I wish it was anyway, and I am turning my head to some fall fun. Even though summer never ends, I am going to act like the guy who wears a sweater the first day that it is 60 degrees outside and at least pretend my brains are not boiling. So, without further adieu, I wanted to give you a quick list of 3 fitness things to look forward to in the next couple months.
SUP!
SUP!
No, I'm not being clever and asking "What's up?" I am talking about a relatively new activity that is spreading to waterways all over the world: Stand up paddle boarding, or SUP. I figured since I have spent the last couple posts telling people what to eat and such, that it would be nice to give you a fun new sport and activity that a whole family can enjoy.
Little Rock
I am an avid believer that Baton Rouge needs a better trail system (i.e., we need one). While some would look at the distances I travel for work as a job hazard, I try to look at it as an opportunity to discover and enjoy new places. I always pack a bike, running and swim gear as I like to be prepared to do whatever is available. My territory includes Alabama, Louisiana, Memphis, Mississippi and Arkansas and training and discovery opportunity abound. It took me about a year, and 30,000 miles of driving to find the right places to train. Huntsville has awesome off road trails, Mississippi has the Natchez trace to ride on and Arkansas... well, Arkansas is the most underrated state I have been to.
The Booty Loop
I live in what I feel could be the neighborhood wielding the most potential in all of Baton Rouge. Potential to influence, potential for transformation, potential for growth, and potential for increasing value. This potential could be tapped without renovating a single house or creating a Kenilworth Renegade School district, though the latter I would support. It could be done with minimal expenditure and the funds spent could be generated by the KCA with my gentle guidance. With a little work we could turn Kenilworth into our own Booty Loop.
Unapologetic
I have started this post four or five times and gone back to the beginning. Some people will read it and say I need to get off my high horse. Others will say that it is just me promoting my business, and others still will say "Hey, aren't you taking this a little too seriously? It's just food." Each time I have started over, I am more adamant that I should talk louder. The food we are eating is killing our nation, crippling our healthcare system, and creating generations of unhappy children who will turn into unhappy adults.
Holding your breath
Pat Fellows pits his lung strength against the Mobile tunnel. In five o'clock traffic!
Goal-setting party
Tomorrow evening, Lululemon Baton Rouge and Mulananda Yoga are teaming up for a free event dedicated to your wellness: a Goal Setting Party. Beginning at 4:45 p.m. at the Mulananda Yoga studio on Chimes Street, seasoned instructors will lead a relaxing yet fulfilling Geaux with the Flow class, which is appropriate for students of all levels. Afterward, refreshments will be served while the Lululemon staff explains how to create attainable yet accessible goals in one-, five- and 10-year increments. Attendees will learn how to set and achieve goals for personal fitness, career success and more. For more information about this free event, click here.