Monday, August 30, 2010

New Boot Camp for Women!!!!





Our main website is almost up and running so in the meantime, here is the information for your HeadSTRONG Athletics' new Boot Camp for Women!


Location:
Live Oak Center in Ogden
7042 Market St. Suite C
(next to Mandi's Ice Cream)
Wilmington, NC 28411

Camp times are as follows:
Monday, Wed, Friday: 6:00-7:00am and 9:30-10:30am
Mon., Wed., Thursday: 6:30-7:30pm
Saturday: 8:30-9:30am

You will be able to come an unlimited amount of days per week and new camps will be added as space fills up. So if you have a group of women interested in an additional time, please let us know.

One of the best parts about Boot Camp is that your first Camp is FREE! Try it out! There is nothing to lose.

What people saying about Boot Camp:

FROM FRAN:

When I first started my training with you, I was reluctant and apprehensive – reluctant, because I knew how hard it was going to be to start from the beginning to get back in shape, and – apprehensive, because of my back and neck injuries. To tell the truth, I almost quit after the first two sessions, but because of your encouragement and support, along with my confidence in your knowledge about physiology (your really know your stuff), I decided to tough it out. After all, what is the alternative? Sit around and continue to get in worse shape?

So, thank you! thank you! thank you! For helping me get back my old self. I’ve lost 15 pounds; my clothes are starting to fit again – yeah! And now, I can do much more – biking, kayaking, skiing –to name a few, and just doing regular housework is sooooo mush easier.

Shawn, without a doubt, you are the best and most knowledgeable fitness instructor I’ve ever worked with. You vary the workouts so I never get bored; I work harder during the hour than I ever thought I could, and at the end, I’m never sore (how is that?); the workouts you’ve designed for me to do on my days off from training classes are awesome and keep me on track; and you’ve always got some great tips about nutrition – I’m eating better now, but it’s not like dieting – a nice change from the yo-yoing I’d been used to.

And, the classes are so much fun. It seems like intense personal training, but with a group – and such nice people – everyone’s so friendly and welcoming. Your training program is definitely part of my life now, and I can’t imagine where I’d be without it!

and.....

FROM JESS:

In the past few weeks since I've relocated to California, I have realized how much I miss your classes! When I started working with you in September, I was coming off of about nine months of triathlon training. I thought I was in good shape and my body fat wouldn't change too much. I was sure in for a surprise when my body fat decreased by 4.5%! That's a lot in four months! The best part was that it was FUN! Every class was a workout, but I enjoyed each and every one! It was wonderful to work as a group to achieve the common goal of improved fitness. You are so knowlegable in your field and you create a safe workout environment that is challenging for people of ALL abilities and fitness levels at the same time! That's quite an accomplishment! I can feel how much stronger my legs and my core have become as I'm hitting the slopes out west! I have no doubt that I will be returning to Headstrong classes when I come back to Wilmington in the fall! Thanks again!

So don't delay...CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

and...

FROM MARY:

I have been working with Shawn Manning for over five years and am in
the best shape of my life! Shawn's approach to physical fitness is
comprehensive, combining very challenging kettlebell workouts with an
emphasis on flexibility, strength training and cardiovascular work,
all with an eye toward personal goals and abilities. I especially
appreciate Shawn's intelligence and camaraderie, which bring
challenge, fun and personal accomplishment to each class.

On a recent trip with friends, I participated in a yoga class, where
my work with Shawn was rewarded by my ability to do a headstand -
easily! Hats off to Headstrong Athletics for the strength and
flexibility which made that possible, right after my 50th birthday!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

and....

FROM JOAN:

I've been participating in Shawn's classes for about 1 1/2 years. I have always been active, everything from low to high impact aerobics, pilates, yogi, running, you name it, I've tried it all over the last 25+ years. I will have to say kettlebell training and the diverse routines that Shawn incorporates into her boot camps have been the most effective with the best results. I feel stronger and in better shape than in years. I'm at 18% body fat which is the lowest I've been in a very long time. At 5'7", I'm able to carry extra weight easier than most but, as one gets older, I did not like how "certain areas" seem to be shifting.

I'm currently going twice a week which is a very small amount of time to invest for such a big return. Shawn is constantly checking your form to maximum the affect and avoid any injury. Shawn has such a great way of motivating and makes it all fun. Don't misunderstand, it's hard work...but you know her goal is your goal....Shawn, you're the Best! Thanks for all you do.

Son't delay another second!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for HeadSTRONG Athletics' Boot Camp for Women!

Call 910.231.5011 or email shawn@headstrongathletics.com for more information on our Boot Camps and Kettlebell Workshops in Wilmington, NC.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Born to Run...Barefoot?

Many of my clients know that I am not a big fan of long slow distance cardiovascular training. Sprinting and interval training have instead become staples of my exercise routines. Once I quit jogging and started swinging the kettlebell, my body fat dropped and my joints felt a ton better.

So when one of my clients, Mary, gave me the book Born to Run, by McDouggal, I wondered if I would end up disagreeing with most of it. Well, despite the fact that at this point, I never want to run any kind of long distance races, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It reads like a novel with some science thrown in. I was even motivated to take a little jog for the fun of it.

I will not bore you with what the book is about...you can read that ">here on amazon. Instead, I want to point out a major issue discussed by McDougall. The issue of running shoes. For about two years now, I have been pushing to clients the thought of dropping shoes all together for workouts, or getting a pair that allows more flexibility, such as Nike Frees, Chucks, or Pumas. McDougall backs up the idea of barefoot/non-supported running with scientific studies and real live examples. For hundreds of years, the Tarahumara have been running ultra marathon distances through the mountains in Mexico on not much more than a thin piece of rubber from a tire. Just enough cover on the bottom of the foot to give traction and to avoid getting punctured by thorns. So why do we think we need $100+ corrective shoes to run 3 miles? Barefoot Ted, an American ultra runner, has run many races either barefoot or in his Vibram Five Fingers.

If you want a taste of the barefoot argument, read this short article by McDougall that was in the Parade Magazine a couple of weeks ago.

This is something we talked about a lot in my Z Health certification too. I think it may be time we all take a look at the real reason podiatrists are trying to sell us $400 orthotics and shoes companies are telling us that our instinctive running needs to be corrected. Is it really for our own good?




Call 910.231.5011 or email shawn@headstrongathletics.com for more information on our kettlebell boot camp classes in Wilmington, NC.