Thursday, May 17, 2012
Thanks
I can honestly say that I had no idea how many people had come through our doors since the fall of 2005 when we first opened Agee's Gym. But as I cleaned out old files today, I came across hundreds of names that I had forgotten. We have recently moved to a new location and are getting the 'kinks' worked out. But if I wasn't spending 12 hours a day at the Gym, I wouldn't have cleaned out those files. And I wouldn't have seen all the names of those I remembered, those I had forgotten, those who have passed, and even those I do not recollect. And even though we have lost the 'old' Agee's Gym and are having trouble getting the security system going, I wanted to take a few minutes to say 'thanks' to everyone.
Not just to those of you who helped during the move (but, again, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!), but to each and every one of you who have been a part of my dream. The elderly lady who came in to build strength to save her job. The 70 year old man who began to look like a 30 year old athlete, and, of course, the ones who knew we had the fountain of youth at our disposal. Those nursing mending hearts, and broken hearts. Those looking for a warm, dry or cool place to walk and talk. All the parents of the many kids that I have had the pleasure of working with - that began with a special young man whose mother was afraid he would hurt himself training at home alone. To my friends, family members, neighbors, former students and players, in-laws, and out-laws. Those who needed an extra little push, those who were there for an hour, those who have stuck with us for years, and everyone in between. The cardio bunnies, the meatheads, the gym rats, those who loved it, those who hated it, those who lived and breathed and tasted it, those who wasted it, and those who tried. The ones I was glad to see come in, the ones that I was glad to see leave. All of you who have made it possible to keep the Gym going for the past seven years.
And a special thanks to those who came to improve and worked until they did.
Scott
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Diabetes – Strength or cardio?
Some great information on diabetes, one of the most common conditions that I see at the gym. This post is from Jeannine Trimboli with some additional input from Lou Schuler:
Diabetes – Strength or cardio?
Diabetes – Strength or cardio?
Friday, April 22, 2011
'Jeet Yet??
Nope... D'jue?
Here in the South not only do we have a somewhat unique way of speaking, but we also have a way of eating that is common to our area as well. Biscuits and gravy, country ham, fried okra, fried squash, potato cakes, and the like come to mind as the mouth begins to water. But, as obesity rates soar for both children and adults, can we continue down this road that often leads to diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and other medical conditions? We feed ourselves heavy, starchy, calorie dense foods that a person can eat and then work for hours. But do you work a labor intensive job that requires these extra calories? Do we need to give up our traditional eating habits? How do we need to eat for optimum health? Let's address these three questions.
We can't ignore the fact that we eat too much and move too little for the way that most of us live. We aren't the farming communities of 30 or 40 years ago and children don't go out and play, let alone work, for the most part. The farming that is done is much less labor intensive with the advent of machinery. One can actually farm and "not break a sweat." Few people grow their own food, cook, or have the family sit-down meals of a few years ago. Times change and we need to adapt. Most people do not need the heavy, starchy meals that kept one's belly full while trailing a mule that pulled a plow down an endless furrow. Does this mean we have to abandon our food culture?
Traditionally, we have eaten to support a very active, labor intense life that few of us actually live any more. Just as one has to eat to support a more active lifestyle (a son or daughter who begins a high school sport), we also have to scale back the calories to accomodate a current lifestyle which is increasingly more sedentary. And no, we don't have to give-up all of our favorite foods, but a lot of us need to do some serious scaling back! It's not that you should never eat gravy and biscuits; we need to enjoy these foods that are a part of who we are - but sparingly. "Everything in moderation" is a phrase that fits.
Eating for optimal health is somewhat unique to the individual and the current health issues in which one may be facing. But we could all probably agree that less inflamation and more energy is a good thing. Lean proteins and vegetables should be the staple of our diets - and by diet I mean 'what you eat', not the latest, greatest "Prune Juice Purge" or whatever you found in a magazine. If you will eat a protein source (about the size of your palm) and two servings of vegetables (a serving is a half cup) with an occasional fruit and/or starch, you are on your way to better eating habits. This, of course, will have to be tweaked according to your activity levels and goals. By eating every two to three hours, we can keep our energy levels high and hunger pangs and cravings at bay. It takes some planning and preparation, but it can be done. Stick with this for most of your meals - say 85% of them. If you have five meals per day seven days per week, you will eat 35 meals. This will give you five meals per week to 'cheat.' Have pizza for lunch - OK, scratch-off one of those weekly cheat meals (unless you made your own 'healthy' pizza), biscuits and gravy (anyone picking up on a favorite of mine??) for breakfast - scratch another cheat meal, miss a meal - scratch another.... What!!?? That's right, to get the nutrients that you need and fight off cravings, you eat every two to three hours with no exceptions, just cheat meals.
Most of us do not live the active lifestyles of yesterday, but we still eat like our parents and grandparents - who weren't sitting behind a desk all day. We need to eat to fuel our bodies for the tasks that we do today. And while it is OK to have the occasioanal 'cheat' meal, we need to stick to a plan that supplies us with enough nutrients to thrive in today's world without packing on the extra body fat that leads to so many complications.
Here in the South not only do we have a somewhat unique way of speaking, but we also have a way of eating that is common to our area as well. Biscuits and gravy, country ham, fried okra, fried squash, potato cakes, and the like come to mind as the mouth begins to water. But, as obesity rates soar for both children and adults, can we continue down this road that often leads to diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and other medical conditions? We feed ourselves heavy, starchy, calorie dense foods that a person can eat and then work for hours. But do you work a labor intensive job that requires these extra calories? Do we need to give up our traditional eating habits? How do we need to eat for optimum health? Let's address these three questions.
We can't ignore the fact that we eat too much and move too little for the way that most of us live. We aren't the farming communities of 30 or 40 years ago and children don't go out and play, let alone work, for the most part. The farming that is done is much less labor intensive with the advent of machinery. One can actually farm and "not break a sweat." Few people grow their own food, cook, or have the family sit-down meals of a few years ago. Times change and we need to adapt. Most people do not need the heavy, starchy meals that kept one's belly full while trailing a mule that pulled a plow down an endless furrow. Does this mean we have to abandon our food culture?
Traditionally, we have eaten to support a very active, labor intense life that few of us actually live any more. Just as one has to eat to support a more active lifestyle (a son or daughter who begins a high school sport), we also have to scale back the calories to accomodate a current lifestyle which is increasingly more sedentary. And no, we don't have to give-up all of our favorite foods, but a lot of us need to do some serious scaling back! It's not that you should never eat gravy and biscuits; we need to enjoy these foods that are a part of who we are - but sparingly. "Everything in moderation" is a phrase that fits.
Eating for optimal health is somewhat unique to the individual and the current health issues in which one may be facing. But we could all probably agree that less inflamation and more energy is a good thing. Lean proteins and vegetables should be the staple of our diets - and by diet I mean 'what you eat', not the latest, greatest "Prune Juice Purge" or whatever you found in a magazine. If you will eat a protein source (about the size of your palm) and two servings of vegetables (a serving is a half cup) with an occasional fruit and/or starch, you are on your way to better eating habits. This, of course, will have to be tweaked according to your activity levels and goals. By eating every two to three hours, we can keep our energy levels high and hunger pangs and cravings at bay. It takes some planning and preparation, but it can be done. Stick with this for most of your meals - say 85% of them. If you have five meals per day seven days per week, you will eat 35 meals. This will give you five meals per week to 'cheat.' Have pizza for lunch - OK, scratch-off one of those weekly cheat meals (unless you made your own 'healthy' pizza), biscuits and gravy (anyone picking up on a favorite of mine??) for breakfast - scratch another cheat meal, miss a meal - scratch another.... What!!?? That's right, to get the nutrients that you need and fight off cravings, you eat every two to three hours with no exceptions, just cheat meals.
Most of us do not live the active lifestyles of yesterday, but we still eat like our parents and grandparents - who weren't sitting behind a desk all day. We need to eat to fuel our bodies for the tasks that we do today. And while it is OK to have the occasioanal 'cheat' meal, we need to stick to a plan that supplies us with enough nutrients to thrive in today's world without packing on the extra body fat that leads to so many complications.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
What I've Learned
I just read a great article, make that two great articles. The first was a Nate Green interview of Chris Jones of Esquire magazine. The second was a Chris Jones interview of George Clooney. Wait a minute, I also read an Eric Cressey article and a Mark Rippetoe tirade. I almost forgot the last two, but looking back at Nate's and seeing the "What I've Learned" format that he used in honor of Chris, I remembered Eric's "What I've Learned in 2010." How's that for a mouth full?
And, are you wondering what I learned?
From Rip:
When you go on a diet and training regimen to gain weight/mass rapidly, there is always some body fat gained. Rip puts this number at 35% to 40% for a 40 lb. gain over 4-5 months.
From Eric:
There is so much that I don't know and/or understand. And I need to remember that there is only so much that I can do. So, stick to my field and keep learning.
From Nate:
Chris Jones is an interesting guy and writes a great interview. I interview people. A lot. Maybe I should start writing about some of the more interesting things.
From Chris:
George Clooney is a very interesting guy. We have more in common than hair color, as my wife pointed out as we watched "The American" last week. The family stories from a young age, and we have both "chopped tobacco." Ha!! Who would have figured?
Give these four a read!!
And, are you wondering what I learned?
From Rip:
When you go on a diet and training regimen to gain weight/mass rapidly, there is always some body fat gained. Rip puts this number at 35% to 40% for a 40 lb. gain over 4-5 months.
From Eric:
There is so much that I don't know and/or understand. And I need to remember that there is only so much that I can do. So, stick to my field and keep learning.
From Nate:
Chris Jones is an interesting guy and writes a great interview. I interview people. A lot. Maybe I should start writing about some of the more interesting things.
From Chris:
George Clooney is a very interesting guy. We have more in common than hair color, as my wife pointed out as we watched "The American" last week. The family stories from a young age, and we have both "chopped tobacco." Ha!! Who would have figured?
Give these four a read!!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
New Year - New You
This year, as in years past, I ask you to give up on exercise. But this time here is a link to an essay that explains it so much better than what I have attempted:
http://blog.exuberantanimal.com/just-don’t-do-it-the-case-against-exercise/
Do yourself a favor and read this excellent essay by Frank Forencich.
Let's make 2011 a healthy and productive year!!
Scott
http://blog.exuberantanimal.com/just-don’t-do-it-the-case-against-exercise/
Do yourself a favor and read this excellent essay by Frank Forencich.
Let's make 2011 a healthy and productive year!!
Scott
Thursday, September 2, 2010
September Special
Hey All!!
Now is the time to begin focus on diet and training to combat weight gain for the Holidays!!
I counted up today and there are abot 11 key memberships available if you or someone you know (that would make a good member!) are interested. To sweeten the deal and address the usual fall slump, how about a special on our One Year Membership?
A new membership for total gym useage (cardio and strength training equipment) is $50/month which is $600/year. We offer a 25% discount on the one year which is $450 and saves $150. Until the end of September, we offer the full membership for $400 - That is a $200 discount! No catches, no contracts, no kidding!!!
For those of you who know that the strength training component is the meat and potatoes of any program and would like an even sweeter deal... $300. New Strength Training Only Memberships are $40/month. That's $480/year. Even with the 25% discount you are looking at $360. Until the end of the month, $300 will get you a full year.
Now realize that these are individual memberships, you won't get referral discounts, the key (if you don't have one already) is a one time payment of $25 above the membership cost, and the membership runs for one year from the time you pay and get set-up.
Yoga is meeting again at 5:00PM on Wednesday & Friday afternoons, as well as Monday and Wednesday at 6:50AM. Yoga Classes only cost you $5 per class if you aren't a current member, and the class is free if you have the Full Membership.
Hours for the public and non-key members are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:00 until 6:00 PM.
Take advantage of a great deal!!!
Scott
PS Hit the link below to join the AGEE's GYM fan page on FaceBook. AGEE's GYM Fan Page
I post (actually repost) many great articles pertaining to fitness every week; it's a very useful tool and if you liked the NewsLetters I used to send you need to friend me on FaceBook soon! AGEE's GYM Fan Page
Many thanks to our CardMembers for your help and cooperation in all things related to the gym.
This is a poem that I heard on NPR today, reminds me of my Dad and Grandad.
The Hay Rake
by Kate Barnes
One evening I stopped by the field to watch the hay rake
drawn toward me by two black, tall, ponderous horses
who stepped like conquerors over the fallen oat stalks,
light-shot dust at their heels, long shadows before them.
At the ditch the driver turned back in a wide arc,
the off-horse scrambling, the near-horse pivoting neatly.
The big side-delivery rake came about with a shriek—
its tines were crashing, the iron-bound tongue groaned aloud—
then, Hup, Diamond! Hup, Duke! and they set off west,
trace-deep in dust, going straight into the low sun.
The clangor grew faint, distance and light consumed them;
a fiery chariot rolled away in a cloud of gold
and faded slowly, brightness dying into brightness.
The groaning iron, the prophesying wheels,
the mighty horses with their necks like storms—
all disappeared; nothing was left but a track
of dust that climbed like smoke up the evening wind.
"The Hay Rake" by Kate Barnes, from Where the Deer Were. © David R. Godine, 1994.
Now is the time to begin focus on diet and training to combat weight gain for the Holidays!!
I counted up today and there are abot 11 key memberships available if you or someone you know (that would make a good member!) are interested. To sweeten the deal and address the usual fall slump, how about a special on our One Year Membership?
A new membership for total gym useage (cardio and strength training equipment) is $50/month which is $600/year. We offer a 25% discount on the one year which is $450 and saves $150. Until the end of September, we offer the full membership for $400 - That is a $200 discount! No catches, no contracts, no kidding!!!
For those of you who know that the strength training component is the meat and potatoes of any program and would like an even sweeter deal... $300. New Strength Training Only Memberships are $40/month. That's $480/year. Even with the 25% discount you are looking at $360. Until the end of the month, $300 will get you a full year.
Now realize that these are individual memberships, you won't get referral discounts, the key (if you don't have one already) is a one time payment of $25 above the membership cost, and the membership runs for one year from the time you pay and get set-up.
Yoga is meeting again at 5:00PM on Wednesday & Friday afternoons, as well as Monday and Wednesday at 6:50AM. Yoga Classes only cost you $5 per class if you aren't a current member, and the class is free if you have the Full Membership.
Hours for the public and non-key members are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:00 until 6:00 PM.
Take advantage of a great deal!!!
Scott
PS Hit the link below to join the AGEE's GYM fan page on FaceBook. AGEE's GYM Fan Page
I post (actually repost) many great articles pertaining to fitness every week; it's a very useful tool and if you liked the NewsLetters I used to send you need to friend me on FaceBook soon! AGEE's GYM Fan Page
Many thanks to our CardMembers for your help and cooperation in all things related to the gym.
This is a poem that I heard on NPR today, reminds me of my Dad and Grandad.
The Hay Rake
by Kate Barnes
One evening I stopped by the field to watch the hay rake
drawn toward me by two black, tall, ponderous horses
who stepped like conquerors over the fallen oat stalks,
light-shot dust at their heels, long shadows before them.
At the ditch the driver turned back in a wide arc,
the off-horse scrambling, the near-horse pivoting neatly.
The big side-delivery rake came about with a shriek—
its tines were crashing, the iron-bound tongue groaned aloud—
then, Hup, Diamond! Hup, Duke! and they set off west,
trace-deep in dust, going straight into the low sun.
The clangor grew faint, distance and light consumed them;
a fiery chariot rolled away in a cloud of gold
and faded slowly, brightness dying into brightness.
The groaning iron, the prophesying wheels,
the mighty horses with their necks like storms—
all disappeared; nothing was left but a track
of dust that climbed like smoke up the evening wind.
"The Hay Rake" by Kate Barnes, from Where the Deer Were. © David R. Godine, 1994.
Friday, April 23, 2010
End of April Special & Announcements
Hey All!!
I counted up today and there are nine key memberships available if you or someone you know (that would make a good member!) are interested. To sweeten the deal and address the usual summer slump, how about a special on our One Year Membership?
A new membership for total gym useage (cardio and strength training equipment) is $50/month which is $600/year. We offer a 25% discount on the one year which is $450 and saves $150. Until the end of April(next week!), we offer the full membership for $400 - That is a $200 discount! No catches, no contracts, no kidding!!!
For those of you who know that the strength training component is the meat and potatoes of any program and would like an even sweeter deal... $300. New Strength Training Only Memberships are $40/month. That's $480/year. Even with the 25% discount you are looking at $360. Until the end of next week, $300 will get you a full year.
Now realize that these are individual memberships, the key (if you don't have one already) is a one time payment of $25 above the membership cost, and the membership runs for one year from the time you pay and get set-up.
The gym will be closed Friday the 30th through Monday the 3rd (only for non-key members), so get this done by Thursday!!
New hours for the public and non-key members start in May and will be Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
This is a great deal!!!
Scott
PS Hit the link below to join the AGEE's GYM fan page on FaceBook and Zumba Classes for the remainder of April will only cost you $5 per class. http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Carthage-TN/Agees-Gym/168133256946?ref=nf
Also, I post (actually repost) many great articles pertaining to fitness every week; it's a very useful tool and if you like the NewsLetters you need to friend me on FaceBook soon! AGEE's GYM Fan Page
Many thanks to our CardMembers for your help and cooperation in all things related to the gym.
I counted up today and there are nine key memberships available if you or someone you know (that would make a good member!) are interested. To sweeten the deal and address the usual summer slump, how about a special on our One Year Membership?
A new membership for total gym useage (cardio and strength training equipment) is $50/month which is $600/year. We offer a 25% discount on the one year which is $450 and saves $150. Until the end of April(next week!), we offer the full membership for $400 - That is a $200 discount! No catches, no contracts, no kidding!!!
For those of you who know that the strength training component is the meat and potatoes of any program and would like an even sweeter deal... $300. New Strength Training Only Memberships are $40/month. That's $480/year. Even with the 25% discount you are looking at $360. Until the end of next week, $300 will get you a full year.
Now realize that these are individual memberships, the key (if you don't have one already) is a one time payment of $25 above the membership cost, and the membership runs for one year from the time you pay and get set-up.
The gym will be closed Friday the 30th through Monday the 3rd (only for non-key members), so get this done by Thursday!!
New hours for the public and non-key members start in May and will be Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
This is a great deal!!!
Scott
PS Hit the link below to join the AGEE's GYM fan page on FaceBook and Zumba Classes for the remainder of April will only cost you $5 per class. http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Carthage-TN/Agees-Gym/168133256946?ref=nf
Also, I post (actually repost) many great articles pertaining to fitness every week; it's a very useful tool and if you like the NewsLetters you need to friend me on FaceBook soon! AGEE's GYM Fan Page
Many thanks to our CardMembers for your help and cooperation in all things related to the gym.
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