Wellness Training

Revenues for the industry held at $23.8 billion in 2009, only off 2008’s pace by 1.5 percent. When you consider the recession, the high unemployment rate and the massive numbers of foreclosures and loan defaults, that’s not a horrible statistic, according to industry expert (www.slimandfit.com) and former 8 Minute Abs guru Jaime Brenkus. In fact, he even knows why the industry is reasonably healthy amid a weak and floundering economy.

“It’s called wellness,” Brenkus said. “The industry, as a whole, is shifting its focus from just getting well-defined and fit toward the more general concept of wellness. As people are losing jobs and losing health benefits, they are realizing it is much less expensive to invest in their wellness than it is to pay for doctor visits when they get sick. If people are fit and healthy, they are far less prone to succumb to whatever bug is going around. That’s money in the bank for a lot of people, and they get to enjoy a better quality of life, as well.”

Brenkus understands that paradigm well, as he is also behind a chain of health clubs called Slim & Fit, which has combined the functions of personal training with the weight loss counseling and meals usually associated with outfits like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers. Brenkus is currently expanding into new markets around the country, and is already seeing the difference in the members who join.

“With a lot of people, they’ll join a gym, and go religiously for a few weeks, and then disappear, and they never get the value out of their membership,” he said. “Our members have a high usage rate, because we’re not just about making them fit with a personal training program, but we’re also about making them fit with our diet program. We’re trying to deliver wellness, not just muscles, and that’s the trend that kept the industry from tanking during the recession.”

Brenkus also thinks that there is another non-traditional health club clientele that could benefit from exercise and diet counseling -- children.

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Heart Healthy

It's Heart month, I guess you already knew this. Sorry for posting so late. I promise to be more proactive. Wherever you are, I'm sure there are free health screenings, check ups, tests, workshops and the like, and not just for your heart! Why not take a few minutes from your not-so-busy life, or you won't have one pretty soon, and go get checked out. You may be pleasantly surprised! And have peace of mind. Women are more at risk of developing heart disease than men. We can all imagine why this is. And I know I wont be the first one to tell you the importance of cardio; even if its just walking for 20-30 minutes, three to five times per week. Go outside and breathe in some fresh air, smile at the birds, butterflies and beautiful flowers. You can even bring your ipod, mp3 or cell along to keep you humming. Personally I enjoy walking in solitude most of the time to destress, unplug and live in the moment. Life is precious. So is our health. It used to be people thought of spas as a luxury. No more. Today they offer more health treatments than a gym. Health is body, mind and soul. If you don't take time for you everyday, who will? And how much longer do you think you will enjoy the quality of life you desire? We are just building FloridaSpaGirls.net, but hope you will bookmark both our blog and website, sign up for our newsletters and more and tell your friends. A tremendous amount of work is going into this site and what it will offer to you, your family and friends and we hope to hear healthy, happy stories very soon! 

Since it's Heart month and Valentines Day just arrived, I hope you don't mind me repeating about one awesome spa here in Orlando. Freesia Day Spa! They offer a phenomenal Chocolate Body Cocoon wrap. That's right you chocolate lovers, and even if you don't you will be amazed at how wonderful your skin will feel after this luxurious wrap! Check them out at our website. Be sure and tell them we sent you! They offer many wonderful treatments for men, women and teens! Happy gift giving! I read recently that Valentines Day doesnt have to come once per year ;-) Surprise someone today! www.floridaspagirls.net