Last week I had the opportunity to see Jessie perform for the first time at the Living Room on the Lower East Side. She is the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for her band Jessie Murphy In The Woods.

Jessie spends roughly 30 hours per week playing the guitar. It is because of this that she has developed muscle imbalances, tightness and weakness.  She also must stand to rehearse and perform while holding her guitar in the same position. This causes muscle fatigue and overcompensation by muscles that she should not be using.

After seeing Jessie perform, I caught up with her to ask a few questions about what its been like training with me and what improvements she’s felt:

Q. How has your neck, shoulder and back problems diminished since you started training with Physical Equilibrium?
A. I would say I just feel a lot stronger and more solid overall – and this really helps me with my connection to the physical aspect of playing my instrument and with singing.

Q. What do you think has helped the most? What have you learned from working with me?
A. The warm up we put together for before I play has really been essential and so too has many of the upper back exercises.

Q. What are you still striving for in your health and fitness?
A. I would like to get in better cardio shape and even build more muscle so I have more endurance in all of my activities

Q. Anything else you want to include..
A. Working with Sara is really fun and challenging. However, it also feels really safe. With other trainers that I’ve worked with, I didn’t feel like they “got” how much I use my body in my daily life as a musician and how everything I do in my workouts has to support that. Whereas Sara totally gets that and she customizes every work out to meet what my body needs on a particular day – given the week I’m having. I love training with Sara and couldn’t recommend her highly enough!

Brad Gross is a lucky man.  Last year for his birthday, his wife gave him the gift of personal training sessions from Physical Equilibrium.  For the previous few years, Brad had trained at Equinox Gyms across Manhattan.  But like so many athletes encounter, Brad’s exercise routine began to stagnate and his results started to plateau.

Brad’s wife found Physical Equilibrium by surfing the Web and decided to purchase some sessions after reading through the testimonials.  For the past 10 months, Brad has been training with Gabe, focusing on getting stronger, losing body fat and increasing muscular endurance.  According to Brad, “since the goal is somewhat open-ended, I can’t say I’ve totally reached it, but we have made a tremendous amount of progress.”

Like many athletes new to Physical Equilibrium, Brad found the first few sessions to be quite challenging, finding even modest workouts difficult to achieve.  During those initial sessions, Gabe evaluated Brad’s body fat percentage, endurance and strength levels in order to outline a program that would begin to show noticeable benefits as quickly as possible.What’s best about Gabe, explains Brad, is his ability to keep workouts fresh and ever changing.  “The thing I like most about him (Gabe) is he designs different workouts every session which target not only different muscle groups, but utilize different exercise methodologies.” Varying exercises is an important part of working out, as the body can become acquainted to certain movements.

But working out with Gabe is not all fun and games, especially as Brad attempts the difficult athletic task of balancing strength gains while reducing body fat and building endurance.  Gabe is continually challenging Brad by introducing new exercises and workout routines that bring his end goal closer in site.

According to Brad, “the best thing about training is seeing noticeable improvements very quickly.” And that’s what Physical Equilibrium is all about – providing its clients with tangible results, whatever they may be.  Gabe continues to train Brad on a regular basis.

To start, I used bands of varying resistance – from light and medium to heavy.  Some of the exercises, regardless of how much resistance I used, we’re quite challenging.  In particular, I couldn’t complete the plank lift exercise with the lightest band.  I ended up modifying that exercise to complete an exercise similar to a leg lift.  Even though this was a challenge for me, I could immediately tell that it was benefiting the area where I need the most work – my core!

Two of my favorite resistance band exercises are the plie pull and the balancing fly. In addition, while I didn’t really feel the burn from the tricep extension exercise at first, the results became apparent when I looked in the mirror as I practiced – I could actually see muscle tone!

I feel that these exercises, among others, have provided me with a complete body workout because, as Sara says, your body is not supported during these moves – you need to focus on balance.  In just four weeks, I’m already feeling stronger and have noticed a difference in the muscle tone in my arms.

Overall, the resistance band workout has provided a much-welcomed change from my traditional free weights or weight machine exercises. The best part is the affordable cost and that you can complete this workout from virtually anywhere.  I even threw the bands and magazine in my bag on a recent trip to Florida.  I highly recommend this workout routine for anyone looking for a new exercise challenge that provides results fast.

What made you become a regular attendee?
With Julia’s help, I was able to start running again, which was my initial goal. Then I began to supplement my runs with Julia’s group workouts in order to strengthen my core, tone up, improve flexibility and balance and get more out of my runs. I also prefer the outdoor environment to using machines at the gym. Julia’s encouragement and working out alongside an intimate group of fellow exercisers is completely motivating. Now I’m addicted!

Before

What is your favorite exercise in the class?
Squats, step-backs and abdominal work w/ the ball.

What exercise do you dislike the most?
Pushups, burpies and jumping jacks (aka star jumps!)

After

How do Julia’s personal training sessions differ from the Prospect Park workouts?
I get a lot out of both the one-on-ones and the group workouts, but naturally, having her undivided attention is always a plus. At the personal training sessions, she is able to tailor the workout to my specific needs. But she always takes my requests and input from the group before every class and oftentimes I find that areas I thought I didn’t need to worry about, were the most sore the next day! Go figure.

Where have you seen the most dramatic improvement?
Just being able to run a 5k again is thrilling enough! But since I started back in April, I shed 10 lbs, see more definition in my arms and legs, have increased my overall strength and have much more energy and stamina. Seeing results like these has also made me more conscious of continuing a healthy lifestyle. My skin is also softer from all the good sweating!

What are your future goals?
I’d like to maintain the progress that I have made so far, and perhaps build up to train for a marathon, which always seemed like such a far-off goal for me. Now I think it’s entirely possible!

How are you going to reach those goals?
I plan on shrinking Julia down and putting her in my back pocket! But seriously, it’s important for me to continue a workout regime throughout the colder months, and it poses a challenge when the park series ends since I don’t have a gym membership. Hopefully, I can work with Julia to find a good balance of running, at-home strength training and other indoor workout alternatives.

Anything else you want to add/comment on?
I cannot speak more highly of my experience with Julia. Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable about how the body works, but she is able to apply that knowledge to each exercise we do in an informative way that even the most clueless of exerciser can understand (namely me!). And I never feel like I am being overlooked in a group environment as she is constantly providing feedback and keeping on top of all participants. Her motivational, warm and cheerful personality makes working out seem more like fun than a chore. I always leave her classes totally drenched, completely worked and satisfied. She is the BEST!

Hannah Storm ESPN SportsCenter Anchor www.hannahstorm.com

“The diverse background Sara has from her professional dancing, to her fitness knowledge, and her triathlon coaching makes her an exceptional trainer. She understands what clients need and takes the time to develop individual programs that suit their special situations. Her philosophy of combining cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility conditioning to progress the client towards a balanced and healthy body is one that I can recommend.”

Dr. Harry Lodge Physician and Medical Faculty at Columbia University Author of “Younger Next Year” www.youngernextyear.com

“I have been training with Sara twice a week for about 6 months. In that time I have seen dramatic changes in my strength, flexibility, and body contours.

Sara has a dancer’s sense of ergonomics, and understands movement better than any other trainer I know. Her concentrations on the precision of each exercise, as well as, its work output make for effective and safe workouts. She has an intuitive sense of how much to demand of me and when to back off. She varies the workouts so effectively that I am never bored. She is consistently cheerful and upbeat. I recommend Sara enthusiastically to anyone who is willing to work out to the limits of their capacity under the supervision of a master trainer.”

Dr. Marc L. Spero Internal and Pulmonary Medicine

“I started working with Sara in 2001 and almost immediately began seeing results. Over the past five years I have lost 8 pounds and my body fat has dropped by approximately 8%. Most importantly I have gained strength and confidence. For the first time in my life I am truly fit, and it is all thanks to Sara. One of the things that amazes me most about Sara is her ability to know and test my limits. When I first began working with her I had never exercised before. She knew how to push me hard while taking into account the fact that I was a beginner. To this day, Sara knows exactly how to strike the right balance. Her workouts are always challenging, and I am never bored because she constantly mixes things up. I will be forever grateful that I found Sara. She is an incredible trainer and I recommend her to my friends and colleagues every chance I get.”

Ann Kalter Stonehill Capital Management

“My whole fitness level changed after I met Sara. I had really gotten out of shape, and was having trouble motivating myself to work hard at the gym — it was so boring. But Sara changed all that, giving me challenging workouts that improved not only my weaknesses, but also what I thought were my strengths. She helped me trim down considerably, turning fat into muscle, and also losing weight. My softball game reached new heights! When I injured my shoulder, and later my knee, she took great care to work with and around those injuries, helping me keep up my fitness level and also get better faster. she’s a taskmaster, but in a good way, pushing you to get the most out of your time in the gym, and inspiring you to work harder on the days when you’re alone. Plus, she’s fun to be around.”

Michael Bass Senior Vice President NBC News

“I have been training with Sara for almost three years and find myself in the best shape ever. Having chronic lower back pain and a surgically repaired knee encouraged me to find an experienced trainer who would focus on strengthening and toning these areas. With this additional workout supplementing my jazz dance classes, I can dance without worry. Thank you, Sara!”

Michele Ruggieri Executive Director, Sales Promotion and Administration

“Sara has made a significant impact on my overall fitness level. Our weekly training sessions are invaluable in monitoring my progress and identifying areas of weakness. My strength, endurance and overall energy levels have improved significantly. Sara has a persistent and effective way of focusing in areas that need improvement and suggesting a range of different fitness alternatives so that one does not get bored!”

Laura Rose Investor Relations at Taconic Capital Management

“I started training with Sara as a sort of “lapsed-athlete”, thinking I would have her help me get back into a fitness routine that I could do on my own. Instead, I have been training with her regularly for more than two years now. I love that she’s always changing things up and throwing new challenges at me as soon as I actually start get good at something. She is also great about introducing her clients to new activities whether it’s yoga, gyrotonics, hiking, training for triathlons or recommending a great massage therapist. I think I’d be willing to give up food before I would give up my workouts with Sara.”

Trudy Cass Executive Recruiter

“I have been training with Sara since late 2002, initially once per week, and then twice per week beginning in mid 2005. Sara really knows her profession – I always feel like the workout is well-designed to balance strength and cardio training, large muscle groups and small, with tidbits on nutrition thrown in. Yet after all this time, Sara somehow keeps it interesting and ever-changing. She keeps up on new methods and is creative in developing differing routines. And she is reliable to a fault – just once I wish she’d fail to show up! I have made great progress in achieving my fitness goals which I attribute in large measure to Sara’s skills as a trainer.”

Chris Wilson Stonehill Capital Management

“Sara is nothing but amazing. I have been working out with Sara now for about 4 1/2 years. Before, I had never worked out in my life and have never been an athletic person (I’m still not), but Sara has slowly built up my confidence, endurance and “skills”. She also quickly realized how lazy I am and that I have a severe lack of self discipline – however, she did notice my competitive streak. Based on this, Sara started to come up with competitions and challenges for me, which really works and keeps me going. Because I lost my last challenge (by 3 points!), my “punishment” was to complete a road race. I just completed a 14 week training program which culminated in a 5K race. I have never run before this! Well now I do…and I just set a personal best in the race!
In addition to “going the extra mile” and being creative, she is very knowledgeable.”

Maud Pansing Estee Lauder, Inc.

” I have been training with Physical Equilibrium for several years and have greatly improved my core strength which is so central to my athletic pursuits. Sara and her trainers provide challenging and focused training that truly isolate and emphasize the strength and endurance necessary for triathlons. The Physical Equilibrium trainers do a great job of varying up exercises to keep things fresh and fun while maintaining their focus on targeting different muscle groups to build complete core strength. Physical Equilibrium provides great all-around body training that I highly recommend.”

Michael Schwartz Taconic Capital Management

“Sara has helped me lose body fat, gain strength, and just feel more confident in the way I feel about myself.”

John C. Osorio Tax/Financial Planning

“Before I started working out with Sara, I was holding on to vivid memories of being the last kid chosen in gym class. And I was absolutely CONVINCED that if there was one thing my body was incapable of doing, it was running.

But Sara has given me the confidence and the skills to do so many things I never thought I could – I’m up to running over 3 miles and even have my sights set on doing some 5K’s! And I’ve lost 6 inches from my stomach in the process! She has a wonderful way of encouraging me to push my limits, without ever making me feel discouraged. I treated my Mom to a session with Sara for her birthday, and now she’s a fan, too!”

Joanne Harpel Director of Survivor Initiatives American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

“Sara Dimmick has changed my life. From the second I started working with her, Sara has motivated and taught me to take better care of myself. I came to Sara after being extremely sedentary and not working out for years, not to mention being scared to death of exercising and gyms. After 9 months of working with Sara, I am doing things I never dreamed I could do: boxing, kickboxing, lifting weights and running my second 5k race. She challenges me without intimidation, and dare I even say it, makes it fun. I feel strong everyday and definitely more confident. Sara is so much more than a trainer–she calls me regularly to find out what other exercise I’m doing; emails me to suggest healthy nutrition and encourages me to try new things (e.g. fun runs, etc.). It’s not just that she’s familiar with every type of cardio exercise, yoga, pilates, weight training, physical therapy, massage, boxing, etc. — she practices them herself (we can do what she does, not just do what she says). She challenges herself to be a better trainer by learning new techniques, attending the latest health conferences, finding her own trainers/coaches for things she wants to improve, teaching several different types of clients and seeking out nutritional advice from top experts in the health field. Today, I have lost almost 80 lbs. after years of failed diets and personal trainers. I had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on every new diet and exercise fad, but it wasn’t until I met Sara that my life–my body, mind and spirit really changed.”

Amy Peck Public Relations Photo of Amy by Gabrielle Revere www.gabriellerevere.com

In order for the human body to achieve optimal physical performance and the finest physical appearance, there must be a balance between mind, body, and spirit. But how does one achieve this balance? Physical Equilibrium’s founder and head-trainer Sara Dimmick believes that it can only occur through a tailored regimen of physical activity.

Physical activity, beyond just improving an outward appearance, is proven to reduce stress, increase energy and prevent against disease. By placing an equal importance on muscular strength training, cardiovascular endurance, and joint-muscle flexibility, balancing one’s body will progress injury free and reach its ultimate goal – to become a healthy body in a state of physical equilibrium.

Sara Dimmick maintains several fitness certifications, including:

• National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS)
• National Academy of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer (NASM-PT)
• American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer (ACE)
• USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach

Additionally, Sara holds specialty certifications in pre/post natal fitness, nutritional guided program design, group training, Thai bodywork, postural analysis and correction. She also maintains an extensive background in Pilates, Gyrotonics and Yoga.

Sara has served a fitness expert for online, print and television outlets numerous times, including Fox 5’s Good Day New York, Shape Magazine, WCBS-New York, Gotham Magazine, Social Workout, Healthy and Fit Magazine, NewBeauty.com, Time Out NY and on CBS News Blogs. Additionally, Sara frequently leads public lectures and seminars on various personal training, exercise and nutrition topics and is an active member of a referral network of doctors, physical therapists, massage therapists, dietitians, Olympic-level triathlon and running coaches and healthy chefs in the New York City metropolitan area.

Highlights from her graduate studies include: a research study and thesis presentation on Nutrition Knowledge of Personal Trainers; study abroad in Florence, Italy researching the Mediterranean diet; ongoing research and review of nutrition support in the morbidly obese population. Sarah is currently accruing hours toward becoming a Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian (CNSD) and Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE).

Sarah’s background in athletics and understanding of both anatomy and nutrition empower her to counsel a diverse client base, whether the client requires sport-specific nutrition guidance or simply wants to achieve better overall health through their diet. When Sarah is not working, she loves to cook, practice yoga, hike, read, and watch movies. She is also an avid food and wine connoisseur.

Heather Bainbridge
Heather Bainbridge, RD has always believed in the important role food plays in cultivating a healthy body. Her interests led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences at Penn State University and complete New York-Presbyterian Hospital of Columbia and Cornell’s dietetic internship. After completing her internship she counseled patients at the Comprehensive Weight Control Program with Dr. Louis Aronne for 5 years, coaching clients to lose weight. Currently, she is providing diabetes and bariatric surgery counseling at Columbia University Medical Center. As well as consulting in the development of the Cardiometabolic Support Network, www.cmsnonline.com, an online weight loss support group lead by dietitians.

In her practice she counsels a variety of therapeutic diets to empower her clients to reach their goals. She views weight loss as a side effect of healthy habits and emphasizes nurturing and caring for your body to achieve a healthy balance. She has contributed
to Time Out NY, Women’s Day, Oxygen Magazine, Clean Eating Magazine and
Maximum Fitness.

Heather is a member of the American Dietetic Association and active member in Greater New York Dietetic Association. Her hobbies include reading, cooking and spending time with her friends and family. To stay in shape she runs, completing the New York City Marathon, weight trains and practices yoga.

• Decreased Body Fat 6.1% (from 27.6% to 21.5%)
• Lost 18 lbs of Fat
• Kept all of lean muscle
• Lost 5 5/8 inches

“I was in the worst condition of my life when I started. I had gained weight and bulk, mostly around my belly, and could fit into a small portion of my clothing. This past winter I could really feel the affect of my poor condition while skiing. After 3 months I’m lighter, more fit, and feel better than I did 5 years ago. My bike riding has benefited greatly and my progress into the bike season has been much faster than it was in other years. Regular, simple cardio-type workouts should let me continue to progress with further weight loss and improving fitness on my own. Sara showed me strength, mobility, and core conditioning which I’ll be able to do at home and in the gym and I found that my hip and shoulder problems generally improved. With regard to eating, I’ve learned that with relatively little effort you can learn what the healthier choices are, make yourself aware of what you do out of habit or laziness, and then make the better choices 9 out of 10 times. I’m even seriously considering spending more time preparing my own meals.  My friends have noticed my weight loss, my clothing fits better, and soon I’ll need to buy new clothes!”

- Mark Plaut

• Decreased Body Fat 4.9% (32.7% to 27.8%)
• Lost 8.5lbs of Fat
• Increased Lean Muscle 4.5lbs
• Lost 7 inches

“Wow, 12 weeks ago feels like a year ago…I feel 100% better about myself, my body, and my overall health. Friends/family have all commented on the fact that I look better – thinner and more toned. Most surprising to me is that I now have a recurring desire to exercise 3-4 times a week and participate in “outdoorsy” sports as well. I enjoy going to the gym and just taking that time to recoup from a tough day. That in itself is an alternative to finding comfort in food. My quality of life has improved from pretty poor and out of shape to a lot more happy, enthusiastic, and confident (I am BUFF!). I used to have days when I just felt tired/weak/depressed which all led me towards more eating and now those days are virtually gone. Heather taught me that I CAN feel satisfied without eating fast food and gorging on sweets. I feel a lot less intimidated by shopping for food at the supermarket because I know what the better options are.”

- Ivana Dzajkic

• Decreased Body Fat 5% (30%-25%)
• Lost 8lbs of Fat
• Increased Lean Muscle 5lbs
• Lost 7 3/8 inches

“The best difference from 12 weeks ago has been my increase of energy. I’m sleeping better than ever and I’ve been able to deal with the stresses of work better. I can also tell a difference in my overall posture and how I carry myself, and in the tone of my body. I have been a big athlete all my life and was already familiar with gyms and weights, but Sara taught many great exercises that didn’t necessarily require weights or machines. This is important to me as I travel a lot and hotels don’t always have very good or much equipment. I also learned a lot about the importance of heart rate in relation to working out and losing weight. Learning how to read food labels have been a great help and Heather has given me great ideas for eating properly and portion size when traveling. Now that my body remembers what it’s like to be active and eat healthy it will be hard to fall back into old habits. The program is not crazy”

- Shelley Kieszek

Occupation: Computer Programmer for Deutsche Bank

Length of Study:  8 Weeks 10/21/02-12/20/02

Purpose: To prove that strength training combined with cardiovascular exercise will reduce body fat.

History:  Oliver first came to see me in July 2001. While he had been active in the past, over the last few years a desk job and travelling had prevented him from consistently exercising and eating a proper diet. At 6 feet he was 208 lbs and 25.1% body fat. I started him on a basic strength and endurace conditioning program, then he decided to workout on his own for a while. Over the course of the next year he lost 22 lbs on his own, but his body fat was still very high for his age, 23.4%.

Focus of Study:  In October 2002 he decided to do my case study to focus on reducing body fat (especially in his stomach) and gaining muscle definition (especially in his upper body).

Program:  Over the course of 8 weeks I put Oliver on an undulating periodization training program (changing type and length of exercises and also alternating heavier resistance, less repititions; lighter resistance, more repititions throughout the weeks of training). While I didn’t have him on a specific diet, I estimated the number of calories he could consume a day while working out on the program, which would produce results of losing about 1 lb. per week. I set the calories at that number since I wanted him to be gaining muscle at the same time. I had him keep an eating log to self monitor the food he was taking in and made sure that he was close to the number of calories that I estimated.
Training:  I trained Oliver at the gym 2 or 3 times per week and he did various cardiovascular exercise 3-4 times per week, varying the length and type of exercise depending upon the day of the week.

Results:  As seen below, Oliver lost 2.4% body fat in 8 weeks, increased his arm and leg circumference (gained muscle in those areas), and lost 1.75 inches in stomach, .5 inches in hips (lost fat in those areas). He also significantly increased (in most cases doubled) his muscular strength and endurance in the exercises which we tested below.

Conclusion:  From these clear results, it can be concluded that consistent and targeted strength training done in conjunction with regular cardiovascular exercise will reduce body fat as well as increase strength and endurance of the muscle.

By: Allen Purvin

Having just completed my second season as full-fledged triathlete (I have done 1 indoor, 2 Sprint and 2 Olympic), I thought it an appropriate time to reflect on my experiences. I mean, I get the magazines and read the articles. They’re helpful. But as someone who started on this path slightly overweight and with very little athletic experience, I never felt like they were really talking to me. So, I thought I would share my thoughts on what it’s really like to be a triathlete. What a triathlon is like from the back of the pack. Everything mentioned here is true, though not necessarily from the same race.

Let’s start before we even begin the race. You hear different things, such as, “Don’t worry, you won’t finish last.” Well let me tell you, someone has to finish last. Trust me, I should know. Whether it was last for my charity team, last for my age group, or even last overall, I think I would have stood on the losers’ podium at every single race. Five for five is good, right? At one race, the top finishers could have completed the course twice and still beaten me. Admittedly though, I don’t always tell people I finished last. Sometimes I tell them I scored the highest. Sounds better.

Now let’s proceed to race day. The fun starts before the race at the transition, when you hear people discuss the pros and cons of running sockless because they can save three seconds. Saving three seconds is just not even in my realm of comprehension. Tell me how to shave a couple of hours off of my time and then we can talk.

The Race
Swim is actually my best event. Looking at my times there is no way you would know it, but it really is. First comes the wetsuit. Trying to get it on is always a challenge, especially when you weigh about 20 pounds more than when you bought it. Once it’s finally on, I try to move and suddenly have a surprisingly good idea what rigor mortis probably feels like. But so long as I don’t bend my joints I can pretty much move.

So I walk into the water – running is clearly not an option – and start swimming. OK I think, as I start sighing. Look for the bright orange buoy. Bright orange buoy, bright orange buoy, I repeat. Are my eyes fooling me, there’s not one bright orange buoy – there seem to be dozens of them! And that’s when I realize, I’m in the swim wave with the bright orange swim caps. For some reason the coaches never ran over that scenario with me!

So I play follow the leader and just hope there’s no waterfall ahead. Certain thoughts also cross through my mind, like why do the coaches keep worrying about my sodium intake given all the salt water I am swallowing? Or that a burial at sea is probably cheaper than a funeral on land anyway. And, at least this way, when people come to pay their respects, instead of a jacket and tie, they can wear shorts and sandals and get a nice day out at the beach as well. It’s moot anyway; I am wearing a wetsuit so I’ll probably just float.

Now let’s try to get the wetsuit off. See, despite lack of evidence, I remain convinced that the wetsuit was actually invented long ago during Medieval Times as a form of torture. There is simply no other way to describe the process of trying to take off a wetsuit. The experience actually presents one of triathlons biggest quandaries: Is it better to exert almost all of you energy trying to get the thing off or simply wait for it to biodegrade? I decided to struggle and exhaust myself. But on the positive side, I do have a much clearer idea of why the sales clerk referred the wetsuit as the 4th tri-sport.

The bike. I was actually psyched about the bike. My first couple of tris I had a mountain and then a hybrid. I upgraded to a road. Which made it kind of depressing when people were passing me on what appeared to be mountain bikes. But I chugged along. And huffed and puffed along until I made it. And as I get to T2 I see all those bikes. And then it dawns on me that unless bikes have suddenly developed the ability to spontaneously reproduce, I am way far behind. But I go on. Two down, one to go.

The run is clearly the biggest misnomer in triathlon. It’s definitely more of a walk. I remember thinking, “My next triathlon the run better be though a cemetery. This way I’ll just lie down and save everyone the trouble of transporting the body.” But I somehow continue. And I am even running a little! I’m feeling good. Next thing I know I am thanking G-d for a healthy ego, otherwise getting passed on the run by a double-leg amputee could have been really depressing.

Not too much later, I see the finish and I cross. People ask me how it went. “Great,” I tell them, “at least this time there was still a course left when I finished.” See, the last time I did this race, by the time I got to the finish line, they had already started taking down the course. It wasn’t really the organizers’ fault. I mean, my time was really very good for an Olympic distance event; the problem was that it was a sprint race.

So, by now you are probably wondering why I put myself through this. And thinking to yourself — “This is supposed to encourage me?” Well, I do it for a lot of reasons. I was never an athletic kid growing up, so being able to do a triathlon is an accomplishment. It’s a cool thing to tell people. It helps keep me in shape. I like raising the money for charity. And I enjoy it. I am never going to finish first. I may never make it out of the bottom 10%. And maybe I’ll always be last. But failure isn’t finishing last. Failure is not trying in the first place. And besides, last is still a lot higher than those who never even tried in the first place.

OK, got to go train. Wouldn’t want to finish last!

INASECTV MARCH 2010

Gotham Magazine January/February, 2010

Sara Dimmick Featured in Gotham Magazine

Shape Magazine February, 2010

Band workout by Physical Equilibrium

Sara Dimmick talks about the "Band" workout she cretaed for the February issue of SHAPE Magazine

My Family Doctor September. 2009
TimeOut New York August. 2009
Good Day New York June 2009
Boomer-Living.com May. 2009
Social Workout March. 2009
Time Out New York Jan. 2009
Tango Diva Jan. 2009

Sarah is a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified Personal Trainer, a USAT Level one certified Triathlon Coach, and has completed NYC based spa-bebe’s maternal fitness course. She maintains a Masters Degree in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics from New York University and a BA in Business Administration with a Mathematics Minor from the University of Puget Sound.

Sarah works  full-time as a Registered Dietitian specializing in critical care at a prominent New York City hospital.  For Physical Equilibrium, Sarah provides nutritional counseling, specializing in helping clients manage diabetes, prenatal fitness, weight management and sports nutrition.

Harry Lodge, M.D.
www.newyorkphysicians.com
Dr. Lodge’s book:
www.youngernextyear.com

Dr. Marc Spero
Internist on Madison Ave, specializes in Pulmonary and Diving Medicine
www.marcsperomd.com

Dr. Jordan Metzl
Sports Medicine Physician at Hospital for Special Surgery
www.drjordanmetzl.com

Dr. Louis Aronne, Internal Medicine
Director of Comprehensive Weight Control Program – specializing in obesity and diabetes
www.weightresearch.net

Dr. Elise Weiss
Sports Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital
www.eliseweissmd.com

Anelise Engel, M.D.
Internal Medicine and Weight Management
www.drengel.com
www.healthyweightmedicalsolutions.com

Erin Dudley
www.erindudley.com

Sara Nicole Baxley
www.saranicoleyoga.com

Massage Therapy
Victoria Cater
www.victoriacater.com

Jeanie Ockuly
646-229-9880

www.signaturecycles.com

www.lululemon.com

Originally from Dallas, Texas, Diana graduated with honors from Florida State University, where she received a BFA in Dance. After college, she moved to New York City to pursue a career as a performing artist. She currently dances with the New York City Opera Company and is a founding member of Adele Myers and Dancers and the People’s Touring Project.

During her time in the southeast, Julia taught contemporary dance technique, ballet and Pilates at multiple area Pilates studios, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the North Carolina Governor’s School West Campus. She has experience in training clients from the ages of 12 to 90 and from the injured or rehabilitating to the physically ambitious. Julia believes in a well-rounded approach to health and fitness created by enthusiasm, community support, focus and drive. Julia’s studies and experiences lead her to focus on the strengthening the core, increasing range of motion, improving balance, working on full body integration and organization through efficient movement, employing the breath and cardiovascular endurance.

Sarah’s fitness experiences and interests have spanned the spectrum from soccer and diving to running and rock climbing among others. She loves everything about being active and about athletics, but her true passion lies in long distance running. Sarah has completed 13 marathons, including New York City and Boston.

Sarah earned a BBA in Marketing and International Business from University of Wisconsin-Madison. During her collegiate experience, Sarah coached gymnastics and volunteered with Team in Training, helping others to reach their marathon goals. In addition to working at Physical Equilibrium, Sarah recently began her career as a Nurse Coordinator at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center’s Department of Urology. 

Mikael Hanson

Mikael Hanson joins Physical Equilibrium as a marathon and triathlon coach. He is a certified Level 1 USA Triathlon coach, a Level 2 USA Cycling coach and a Schwinn indoor cycling instructor.  He will soon complete his USA Track and Field certification.

Mikael has experience working with athletes of all ages and abilities – from first timers and nationally ranked athletes to a couple of World Champions.  In 2007 and 2009, Mikael represented Team USA at the Duathlon World Championships.

While growing up in Wisconsin, Mikael was a nationally ranked cyclist and top cross-country ski racer. Currently, he describes himself as the “ultimate multi-sport junkie,” competing in numerous cross-country ski races, bike races, running events, and duathlons/triathlons during the year. In 2002 and 2004, he was the New York Flyers (NYC’s largest running club) multi-sport athlete of the year.

Before Mikael decided to dedicate 100% of his time to endurance sports he was a banker. He holds a BA from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business.

A hard playing dodgeball and kickball competitor in school, Eve began her lifelong commitment to becoming a well-conditioned athlete at a young age. Learning to ride horses in a converted garage on the Upper West side, Eve’s passion and commitment to the sport took her to competition on the national levels. She also developed a passion for bicycling, which led her to start competing in local events for many years.

Eve is also a martial arts novice, skilled in both traditional muay tai and Asian boxing technique.  She’s also an avid weightlifter,  Weightlifting for fifteen years, having trained with some of New York City’s top bodybuilders.

Gabe moved to New York City from Missouri, where he graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri – Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Fitness. His knowledge of nutrition and anatomy and his appreciation for the benefits of combining aerobics, strength training and balance development enables him to train his clients in his clients using well-rounded, fun and creative methods.  Prior to joining the Physical Equilibrium staff, Gabe trained clients at Equinox in Manhattan.

Originally from Michigan, Erika began her journey into movement as a young girl with dance. She completed her Bachelor of Dance Arts and her Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan. During her college years, Erika completed the prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre summer intensive and the independent study program in New York City.  She also taught group exercise classes, Pilates, Yoga, and Ballet at University of Michigan’s gym and at the Ann Arbor YMCA.

After college, Erika worked as a Health Fitness Specialist in the field of corporate fitness for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and Medifit Corporate Fitness. She was also a Physical Therapy Technician where she administered clinical exercise prescriptions to a wide range of patients going through physical therapy. In addition to her work at Physical Equilibrium, Erika is currently auditioning for roles in musical theatre, modern dance and TV/film shows.

Physical Equilibrium’s Outdoor Workouts are our most popular class!  Taking place from April – September at Central Park in New York City and Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Outdoor Workout Classes provide New Yorkers and city visitors with a total body workout using nature, the parks’ numerous paths and its vast greenways.

Enjoy the Beautiful New York City Parks While Exercising

All of our Outdoor Workout Classes incorporate exercises that focus on:

• Strength Training
• Total Body Conditioning
• Stretching and Core
• Partner Workouts

Our Outdoor Workout Classes always provide a total body workout – training all the muscle groups needed to increase fat loss, build stamina, gain endurance, enhance agility and tone up.  Benches, steps, hills and open grass spaces are just a few of the “equipment” at the center of each class.

Whether you join us for one class a month or five, the Outdoor Workout Class is a uniquely fun program designed to help our clients meet their personal fitness goals.

May Outdoor Workout Class Schedule

• Central Park – Monday/Wednesday @ 6:30pm – Meets at 60th St and 5th Ave on the NW corner at the benches
  $30 per class

  $125 for 5 classes

  $160 for unlimited monthly classes

• Prospect Park – Thursdays @ 6:45am – Meets at Grand Army Plaza at the entrance to the park on the benches
  $30 per class

  $125 for 5 classes

Registration is now available online or by contacting Sara Dimmick.  Reserve your spot today!

Achieving physical equilibrium can vary significantly from person to person. That’s why Physical Equilibrium specializes in offering highly targeted and customizable personal training workouts for each of our clients. After an initial fitness assessment, our trainers develop a personal training plan that incorporates a mix of weight training, core exercises and cardiovascular routines that when combined correctly, are proven to generate noticeable results fast!

Personal Training Areas of Focus

Physical Equilibrium’s personal trainers are experienced with the most innovative fitness techniques and in creating workout regimens designed to focus on obtaining:

• Muscular Strength
• Weight Loss
• Cardiovascular Endurance
• Fat Reduction
• Mass Increase
• Athletic Development
• Post Rehabilitation
• Pre/Post Natal Fitness

Do you need Physical Equilibrium to help with your diet and nutrition?  Ask yourself these questions to find out:

• Are you working out consistently but not seeing the results you want?
• Do you have a hard time sticking to a healthy eating plan?
• Have you ever considered gradual steps toward lifestyle changes rather than short-term restrictions?
• Are you confused about what healthy eating should be?
• Do you simply need nutritional management or personal training guidance pertaining to a specific health condition?

While it’s recommended, you don’t need to be receiving personal training from a Physical Equilibrium trainer in order to purchase our nutrition and diet management services.

Eating Habits don’t change overnight

Behavior change relating from personal training and eating habits does not occur over night. What you eat is a huge part of a health and fitness program. Our goal is to help you develop a healthy relationship with food that compliments your personal training and creates long-lasting results.

Physical Equilibrium’s nutrition and diet management services can be customized to help with:

• Weight Management
• Diabetes
• High Cholesterol
• Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Prenatal care
• Pre and Post Bariatric Surgery
• Sports Nutrition

All of Physical Equilibrium’s Extremely Natural Makeover programs include:

• Three month membership at Lift Gym
• Two one hour personal training sessions each week
• Personalized workout homework between sessions with your trainer
• Before and After body composition, endurance, and strength testing
• Six meetings with one of our registered dietitians
• One grocery shopping trip
• Frequent email/phone contact with your personal trainer and dietitian

Whether your group chooses the park, the office, the living room or simply the gym, we’re ready to help your group exercise how you want, when you want and where you want it.

Common Classes Include:

• Running Groups
• Core fitness
• New Moms Fitness Group
• Lunchtime Inter-office Stretching and De-Stress Session
• Corporate and office workouts
• After Work Outdoor Fitness Group
• Morning Stretching
• Weight Watchers Exercise Group

Why Choose Pre/Post Natal Exercise?

Studies indicate that women who exercise during pregnancy usually experience easier labors and a faster return to their pre-pregnancy body. It is both safe and appropriate to exercise all throughout pregnancy, and the earlier you start, the more beneficial it will be. In addition, regular exercise during pregnancy combats back pain and can increase circulation and endurance, providing women with more energy throughout the day.

Physical Equilibrium personal trainers are experienced in:

• How to exercise safely throughout the natural body changes that occur during pregnancy
• How to minimize back problems and promote effective pushing in labor through proper strengthening of the abdominal muscles
• Strengthening and stretching the essential muscle groups, especially the hips, back, abdominals and pelvic floor
• Postpartum – the most effective exercises to quickly return to your pre-pregnancy body. Emphasis is on a strong core, as well as increasing overall fitness and strength

Triathlon & Marathon Training Includes:

• Swimming, cycling and running technique
• Equipment recommendations
• Nutritional Guidance
• Recovery Techniques
• Race Planning and Preparation
  

  Gilda's Club Marathon Team 2010

Office Ergonomics Training Classes Include:

• How to prevent and alleviate common injuries and symptoms of repetitive stress
• How to position your desk and techniques for proper sitting and typing postures
• Exercises to counteract and manage repetitive stress
• Exercises for pain management relief

Office injuries associated with improper posture and stress are increasingly frequent.  Contact us today for more information on our Office Ergonomics Training Class.

The running analysis and individual fitness program includes:

• Total body assessment and treadmill running analysis
• Weakness and imbalance diagnosis
• Injury prevention recommendations
• Implementation of strength and flexibility exercises

Medical insurance may be available to cover partial cost of this program.

Physical Equilibrium offers fitness testing and, consultations and evaluations that can help take your workout to the next level. Whether its a one-time appointment or a monthly check-in, Physical Equilibrium’s personal trainers can provide full details and analysis on diet and workout programs pertaining to:

• Body Fat Composition
• Cardiovascular Endurance
• Muscular Endurance
• Muscular Strength
• Core Endurance and Strength
• Flexibility and Range of Motion

3 Day Fitness and Yoga Retreat in the Catskills Mountains

• Physical Equilibrium will plan the entire retreat including,  room and board at a private residence with a yoga studio and waterfall within walking distance.  All meals prepared by a private chef, yoga and fitness classes held daily, Thai yoga massage and other leisure activities including swimming, hiking, bike riding, antiquing, and relaxing!

Hiking Day Trip to Hudson Valley

• Guided 4 hour hike to an overlook along the Hudson River with transportation to and from NYC

Annual Client Cooking Party

• Evening of Instructional Cooking and Dining
• Lead by Jennifer Clair of Home Cooking NY, www.homecookingny.com

Grocery Shopping Instructional Tour

• A trip to a local grocery store lead by Heather Bainbridge, RD
• Discussion on food choices, labeling, and how to navigate around the store

Public Seminar on Weight Loss

• Lecture and Question/Answer with Sara Dimmick, Sarah Currie and Heather Bainbridge on exercise and diet for weight loss

Subscribe to our monthly email and to our blogs RSS feed to stay updated on Physical Equilibrium’s events throughout the year!

What is Thai Yoga?

Thai Yoga Bodywork is often referred to as the “lazy man’s yoga.” Thai bodywork will give you all the benefits of participating in a yoga class without actually doing all the hard work. Done in a private setting, in comfortable clothing, Thai Yoga allows you to:

• Increase muscle flexibility
• Improve joint mobilization
• Improve muscle relaxation
• Manage mental stress relief

New York – July 23, 2009 — Physical Equilibrium, New York City’s premiere provider of strength training, cardiovascular fitness and diet management solutions, today announced that it has been selected by Gilda’s Club as its official marathon training partner for the clubs’ inaugural ING New York City Marathon team. Gilda’s Club New York City, a non-profit organization that provides a community of support for people living with cancer, selected Physical Equilibrium because of its history of successfully preparing individuals and teams for marathons, triathlons and biathlons across the country. Physical Equilibrium will train the Gilda’s Club marathon team free of charge.

Gilda’s Club is an organization named in tribute to Gilda Radner, a comedienne and one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live, who died of ovarian cancer in 1989. Following her death, Gene Wilder and Joanna Bull, her cancer therapist, started Gilda’s Club. In June 1995, Gilda’s Club New York City opened its signature red door.

“The response we have received from our staff, members and individuals who have been touched by cancer to run in the ING NYC Marathon on our behalf has been incredible,” said Lily Safani, CEO of Gilda’s Club New York City. “We applaud them in their efforts to help us continue what we do best – provide emotional and social support for anyone touched by cancer – free of charge.”

Today, Gilda’s Club New York City provides meeting places where men, women and children living with cancer – and their family and friends – can join together to build social and emotional support as an essential supplement to medical care – free of charge. Gilda’s Club New York City believes no one should have to face cancer alone and is focused on supporting every New Yorker in need.

Sara Dimmick, founder and head-trainer of Physical Equilibrium stated: “We’re very excited to help the inaugural Gilda’s Club marathon team prepare for the upcoming ING New York City Marathon. I’m deeply impressed by the excitement and dedication the club has already shown towards supporting their cause by completing in one of the toughest marathon courses in the world.”

Interested in running on the team? Several spots remain. The application and more information about the Gilda’s Club marathon team can be found on their Web site at www.gildasclubnyc.org.

“I’ve worked at Gilda’s Club for over five years now, and I have been amazed to see so many people come through our door and find the support and community they need to learn to live with cancer,” said Rob Reddy, Runner on Gilda’s Club NYC team. “I have always wanted to run a marathon, and it’s so great to be able to give back to GCNYC in the process.”

Social Workout
www.socialworkout.com

New York Wellness Guide
www.nywellnessguide.com

Beauty News NYC
www.beautynewsnyc.com

R.E.A.L. Fitness & Nutrition
www.realfitnessnutrition.com

Time Out New York
www.newyork.timeout.com