Training Peaks, defined as “the ultimate training and nutrition software,” is said to help motivated individuals and professionals achieve health, fitness and peak athletic performance.

The software makes it seamless for individuals and training groups to plan & log workouts, track results and monitor data such as heart rate zones, mileage, pace, elevation. It has downloadable GPS and power meter compatibility with most popular brands and devices. It also allows athletes to more easily communicate with their trainers and teammates.

While the software is available to anyone, Sara believes that it is of the most benefit to triathletes, cyclists and long-distance runners. For more information or to sign up for the program, visit the company’s website at http://home.trainingpeaks.com.

The cold, dark days; the social obligations; the tempting cookies and chocolates in our faces no matter where we turn are quite extraordinary. And with so many things working against us, how do we avoid winter weight gain?

The theme with my patients and clients during the winter/holiday season is maintenance.

There is no doubt that it is extremely hard to try to lose any weight between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. BUT maintenance is possible with a little effort.The first step is to figure out why weight gain happens. From my standpoint it’s quite simple. Most comfortable, weather friendly activities such as running, triathlons, tennis, golf, walking to work, etc. get harder to do outside in winter months – especially here in NYC. Without races, court or tee times holding one accountable; people’s activity levels tend to severely diminish or even stop.

The change in weather is further complicated by the proximity to additional calories that begins around Halloween.  Many food options become available during October, November and December that simply are not available during other times of the year.

So why weight gain happens in the winter /holiday season is simple – people are moving less and eating more. But that does not mean you cannot enjoy the season and maintain your current weight and fitness levels.

Below are a few tips to maintain your weight this holiday season:

1. Replace your Summer and Spring Activities – Especially triathletes and runners – hit the weights! Nothing keeps the fat off like strength training. If you insist on remaining cardio queens throughout the winter, however, gear up and purchase long cycling pants, get booties, get an ear band.

2. If you know social obligations will prevent you from your traditional evening workout, get up early and hit the gym. There’s a reason 6am spin classes exist.

3. Avoid excessive liquid calories – You do NOT need that peppermint mocha just because Starbucks says you do. The excessive booze certainly won’t keep your pants from getting tighter. Drink less by alternating with water and consumer your liquid calories and carbs wisely.

4. At parties,  go for the veggie platter first. If you shove a handful of bell peppers, carrots and celery down your throat before anything else, believe me, not much more will fit in your stomach.

- By Sarah Currie MS RD

There’s no excuse to let your workout suffer while on vacation.  Contact Sara Dimmick at 917-744-6627 to reserve your summer personal training sessions today.

Visit the Case Studies section of our Web site to learn more about Amber’s success with our  new resistance band workout routine.

My runs are also getting stronger. I’ve now completed the entire Central Park loop twice, with the second time feeling much better than the first.  As for the bike – all I can say is, “thank goodness for the Olympics and DVR!” I’ve recorded hours of Olympic events and have lots of motivational races and competitions to watch as I cycle in my tiny living room.  I particularly love to watch skiing, speed skating and snowboarding.

Today is my day off from training and I just received a great massage and soft tissue work done by my friend and physical therapist, Sarah Emmanuel from Midtown PT. My IT Band, Quadratus Lumborum and Soleus are all feeling much better.  I’m looking forward to a good night sleep so I can stride through a 50 minute run tomorrow.

-Sara

Jack Rabbit will also be enlisting members for its New Years Resolution program, a fitness program its staff will help track and target.  Sarah will be on-site from 630pm-8pm at the Union Square location, but the event is taking place at both the UES and Park Slope stores as well.

Visit www.jackrabbitsports.com for more information.

GETfit, which is sponsored by FITTERWITH, is defined by its organizers as a “new event series that brings together people seeking fitness guidance with fitness professionals qualified to give it.”

The expo takes place on Sunday January, 10 from 11am-7pm and is located at the Adidas sports performance store on Broadway & Houston in SOHO.  It’s completely free to the public although registration is required. Preregistration is available here.

Hope to see lots of Phys Eq pros there!