Sadie Bjornsen & Her Relationship With The Alaska Club

on Jun 21, 2018 4:11:34 PM By | Sadie Bjornsen, US Olympic Cross Country Skier | 0 Comments | fitness strength training cross country skiing

Summer in Alaska is one of my favorite parts of living here! Even though I am a professional cross country ski racer, summer still takes the cake. With endless daylight comes endless opportunities to adventure. In order to make the most of the summer, I am a believer in preparation. While some may call it "beach bod" season, I call it preparation season. Doing things like hiking, fishing, rafting, and biking require a little bit of strength and stamina to unlock a whole new world of opportunities and locations.

Three Exercises That Balance Your Fitness Routine With Your Busy Life

on Jun 12, 2018 10:04:01 AM By | Sheila Olson | 0 Comments | swimming fitness summer hiking dance

Every morning you make yourself a protein-powder shake, hit the gym (or your workout room at home) and lift a few hundred pounds in several different exercises, then jump onto the treadmill for some cardio. The next day you might vary the routine somewhat, maybe more cardio and fewer weights. The day after that is more of the same.

A Magical Spring

on May 29, 2018 11:27:46 AM By | Barbara DuBois | 0 Comments | alaska summer hiking spring warm

There’s only one word to fully describe spring in Alaska: magic. It is a magical time of renewal, energy, sun (yes unlimited sunshine), green trees and blue skies and more outdoor time than you can come to terms with. It’s also sort of a progressive experience when you open the door in the morning to let your dog out and suddenly, you realize: there’s no expansive blanket of white snow everywhere. After seeing it for half a year and accepting the reality of white, everywhere, and yet a miracle occurs. Abruptly, Alaska changes its image quicker than a chameleon. The tulips and daffodils poke up through iced over soil, determined to emerge against the odds of bitter icy winds and gray days. I thrill at the emergence of just their little pointed sprouts and carefully monitor their growth.

Can Someone Tell Me What Clean Eating Is?

on May 17, 2018 10:36:46 AM By | The Alaska Club | 0 Comments | Nutrition Clean eating healthy living weight loss diet

Top Tips for Stretching—Why & How

on May 11, 2018 9:32:39 AM By | Patrick Curtis | 0 Comments |

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Fun Camps – a great place for kids!

on Apr 11, 2018 3:13:58 PM By | The Alaska Club | 0 Comments | Kids Youth Fitness Kids Camp summer camp

Soon school will be out, and The Alaska Club’s Summer Fun camp will be in full swing. Have you registered your kids yet? You don’t have to be a member, Summer Fun Camp is open to the public! We offer 12 weeks of fun, and each week has a new theme: Alaska Zoo All About Sports & Fitness Water-Mania Outdoor Adventures Colossal Super Heroes Choose all 12 weeks or 1 week at a time. At The Alaska Club, it’s not only a great time for your kids, but it’s really easy to sign them up. Just go to http://www.thealaskaclub.com/camps or our The Alaska Club Kids Facebook Page and register. You can also call our reservations center at 907-356-7939.

Triathlon Training: Striking a Balance

on Apr 6, 2018 10:29:03 AM By | Victoria Oxentenko | 0 Comments |

The following post is both personal and relatable, with a shared message of why fitness is so important to not only your physical health but mental health as well. Preparing for any event takes dedication, drive, and most importantly a passion to succeed. Making and completing goals can carry over to all things in life, but always remember to enjoy the process, as that is what truly matters in the end.

Keeping it cool on the trail

on Mar 22, 2018 1:45:33 PM By | Barbara DuBois | 0 Comments | Hydration ski cross country skiing hypothermia warm

Mental Health Tips for the Start of the Spring Season

on Mar 15, 2018 10:40:33 AM By | The Alaska Club | 0 Comments | mental health spring

We are the champions, my friend

on Feb 26, 2018 3:34:52 PM By | Barbara DuBois | 0 Comments | Olympics US Ski Team

Getting to the Heart of Heart Health

on Feb 5, 2018 4:26:57 PM By | The Alaska Club | 0 Comments |

What’s the number one killer in the U.S.? It’s actually our hearts if not taken care of correctly. In fact, heart disease takes the lives of 1 in 3 women every year. With heart disease being such an epidemic in the U.S., the American Heart Association has made February Heart Health Month. The month signifies a time to raise awareness for a preventable disease and stand in solidarity with those who suffer as we fight to find cures and further prevention.

A Survey of Weight Loss Diets

on Jan 24, 2018 11:20:37 AM By | Barbara DuBois | 1 Comment | Nutrition food Clean eating cooking weight loss diet

Losing weight is high on almost everyone’s list of New Year’s resolutions in this country. According to Angela Haupt, assistant managing editor of health at U.S. News & World Report, weight loss experts ranked the top 10 diets based on the following criteria:

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New Year Resolution: Ditch the Fitness Resolutions

on Jan 12, 2018 10:35:47 AM By | The Alaska Club | 0 Comments | New Year's Resolution workout healthy living weight loss

New year, new you. It’s easy to tell yourself this will be the year you wake up every morning to work out, stop eating fast food and give up soda cold turkey. But after two weeks of a jam-packed gym post New Year’s, the crowd soon dwindles back down to the regulars and we find ourselves ordering a diet Coke in the nearest drive-thru. In fact, one-third of New Year’s resolutions don’t make it passed January.

Why You Need to Drink a Ho Ho Ho ‘Lotta Water

on Dec 11, 2017 1:40:26 PM By | The Alaska Club | 0 Comments | Hydration

12-Days-of-Fitness

on Dec 5, 2017 1:26:54 PM By | Patrick Curtis | 0 Comments | 12 Day of Fitness

Workey For That Turkey

on Nov 9, 2017 2:57:39 PM By | Tina Day | 0 Comments | Clean eating

The holidays are here and so are all the savory and sweet treats that come with them. Between the plethora of get-togethers and events, it seems almost impossible to avoid the temptation of gobble gobbling all the food in front of you. In fact, a single Thanksgiving meal can total between 2,500 to 4,500 calories. That’s right, one meal and you’ve significantly surpassed the recommended 2,000 daily calorie intake.

Ruth & Samantha Set Out On a Journey to Change Their Lives

on Nov 1, 2017 2:18:27 PM By | Tina Day | 2 Comments | fitness Clean eating weight loss

We sat down recently with TAC members Ruth & Samantha, two sisters who are on a journey to change their lives. They shared with us how over the years both have struggled with losing weight and keeping it off. It’s a challenge they’re now facing head on!

Winter is Coming!

on Oct 12, 2017 3:08:41 PM By | Barbara DuBois | 0 Comments | Gym and Health Club Exercises fitness winter

The trees are shedding their gold and the snow is gradually creeping down the mountains. Alaskans are observing animals everywhere kicking into high gear as they ready themselves for a long winter and for the last autumnal rites of mating. People are posting on social media sites of bears foraging in neighborhoods, on heavily frequented trails and simply ambling down roads. Moose are precariously grazing on the Northern Lights Boulevard median, besides the Glenn and Minnesota Boulevard and literally everywhere besides someplace safe. My maternal instinct wants me to urge them away, but with my luck, I’d unwittingly influence them to run into traffic. The Parks Service continues to knock out the valiant efforts of the beavers’ damming projects at University Lake, only to see the dams rebuilt in a few days. All the critters know it’s coming. They’re getting ready.

Easy Tips for Building Healthy Eating Habits

on Oct 2, 2017 10:39:54 AM By | The Alaska Club | 0 Comments | Healthy eating

Roast meat and vegetables in the oven instead of frying. You can roast pretty much anything in the oven in half an hour or less with only one teaspoon of olive oil, salt and pepper. Use foil to line the oven tray or make a foil “boat” for no-mess and easy clean up afterwards.

Too Much or Not Enough?

on Sep 12, 2017 1:48:31 PM By | The Alaska Club | 0 Comments | Healthy eating Clean eating

Apple for breakfast… salad for lunch…everything in the fridge and pantry for dinner! Let’s face it, finding the right balance when it comes to portion control can be tough. Where’s that invisible line between starving and overeating?

Rise and Grind

on Aug 4, 2017 12:08:22 PM By | Tina Day | 0 Comments | Getting Fit

Your fluffy cloud. Your safe haven. The only thing that hugs you back just right. It’s your bed, and sometimes there’s no harder thing to say goodbye to. The struggle is only intensified when there’s an intense workout directly ahead of you. But getting up in the morning for an early workout can actually be one of the most rewarding things you do all day. So what do you do to get over the hump and get into the morning rise and grind routine?

Foods that give you energy smoothies, oats, whole grains, and berries

Cooking Up Energy: Food for Before & After Workouts

on Jul 5, 2017 10:40:02 AM By | The Alaska Club | 0 Comments | food cooking

We’ve all experienced the uncomfortable feeling of a meal sitting in your stomach like a rock while you attempt to work out. So what do you eat to avoid the dreaded “food baby”?

large group of people at Yoga In The Park hosted by The Alaska Club

You Flow Girl! (And Gentlemen)

on May 31, 2017 1:33:20 PM By | Tina Day | 0 Comments | Yoga Community Events Yoga in the Park

When mentioning yoga, for many, a series of uncomfortable twisted poses (arsana) comes to mind, but yoga is much more than handstands and touching your feet to your head. Yoga is a 5,000-year-old Indian practice that connects the mind, body and breath through meditation. There are many different variations of yoga, including yoga flow, aerial yoga, hot yoga, yin yoga, hatha yoga, lyengar yoga, and the list goes on. While we won’t go into the details of each, the important thing to know is that yoga serves as a way to strengthen the mind and the body simultaneously, as they learn to move fluidly together.

Woman exercising with compound strength movements

Compound Strength Movements for Enhanced Results

on May 19, 2017 9:45:25 AM By | Patrick Curtis | 0 Comments | fitness strength training

While combining activities or exercises for greater benefit is not an entirely new idea—think alternating push-ups with jumping jacks—the fitness industry has seen a tremendous recent growth in high-intensity-interval-training (HIIT) in a variety of forms. One of the key concepts in this method of exercise is combining movements or alternating between two types of work through intervals for greater benefit. The incredible human body will respond to this by getting stronger, faster and more coordinated through the various movements. Another advantage to this type of training is time savings with the ability to target a variety of benefits in one workout. For the purpose of this article we will keep the focus on strength specifically and how to get even better results from combining one or more strength movements—known as ‘compound exercises.’ There are a variety of ways to combine movements with one primary approach including a lower body move in combination with an upper body, effectively creating a ‘total body’ movement. Squats and lunges may be done along with upper body moves to increase balance, control, coordination and, ultimately, functional strength that repeats the moves we make in real life activities.

The Bear Facts on Healthy Living

on May 9, 2017 1:46:16 PM By | Barbara DuBois | 0 Comments | summer hiking healthy living

Like all Alaskans who spend any time outdoors, I have had my bear encounters…many of them right here in the Anchorage woods. One time I was walking in North Bicentennial Park (Bear Central Park) with my friend Rosie and engaging in some mindless chit chat, when Rosie abruptly interrupted me with a low-toned, ominously simple warning, “Barb, a bear.”

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Cross Train for Spring

on Apr 25, 2017 3:12:46 PM By | Patrick Curtis | 0 Comments | strength training cross training

As the warmer months take over and confirm spring has arrived it is impossible to resist the pull of the sun for us Alaskans. It feels wrong to let a sunny evening pass by without at least a walk outside. As we switch gears from winter activities to breaking out into the great outdoors for all manner of sport, recreation and even some organized exercise, let’s remember to train our bodies for the change. Cross training—simply defined as using one form of activity to train for another—can be a great way to help the body in the gym anticipate the variety of outdoor activities to come.

Gear Up For Goals

on Apr 5, 2017 2:57:08 PM By | Tina Day | 1 Comment | fitness gym clothes workout

Gym clothes. You have to admit, even when you’re cramming your 20 pairs of leggings or tanks into a drawer, it won’t stop you from buying more. It just seems we can never have enough. But are we buying the right clothes? We can all admit, sometimes we go for style over practicality, which begs the question, what should you really be looking for in your gym apparel?

Irish You’d Eat More Greens

on Mar 9, 2017 11:02:24 AM By | Barbara DuBois | 0 Comments | Nutrition

There’s more to March than the traditional Irish dish: potatoes, boiled cabbage and corned beef. While it’s a delicious meal, the nutrition from this fatty, starchy food doesn’t possess the necessary nutrients to give you energy for any upcoming Irish jigs. So what should we be putting into our body? The answer is vegetables filled with fiber, vitamins and other nutrients. Here are just a few of the examples of good-for-you veggies: Kale-This leafy green is not just for health fanatics. It’s low-calorie, high in fiber and possesses zero fat. Not only is it easy on the digestive track, but also the vitamins, folate and magnesium make it nutrient packed. And for those lacking in iron, kale is an excellent source. Spinach-For the cholesterol conscious, spinach is your best friend. It’s low in fat and can reduce cholesterol. It’s rich in antioxidants, containing 250 mg of calcium per cup, and is one of the best sources of potassium (it puts the banana to shame). We should also mention it’s only 27 calories for a whole cup! Broccoli-Your parents were just looking out for you when they nagged you to “eat your broccoli.” Broccoli is considered one of the most nutritious vegetables, and reduces cholesterol and inflammation. It’s rich in vitamin K and calcium, making it great for your bones as well. And as a good carb, high in fiber and low in sugar, a cup of broccoli is the perfect side for the health conscious. Brussels Sprouts-Brussels sprouts are a great solution if your digestive system needs a little boost. These little guys also pack a lot of protein - and you don’t have to eat too many to feel full and meet your vitamin C and vitamin K needs for the day. All it takes is one serving.

Good Friends are Good for your Health

on Feb 27, 2017 3:52:54 PM By | Barbara DuBois | 3 Comments | health friendship mental health

These days we hear a good deal about Mindfulness, a new form of health awareness. We are not only to live on a high level of the wellness continuum or practice holistic health; now, we are to be mindful of all the detailed and comprehensive factors that contribute to our health. On that note, I’d like to raise a little awareness level myself of one of the most critical and oftentimes discounted features of good health: friendship. There is an abundance of psychological literature, one of my best friends assures me, who also happens to be a psychologist, supporting the healthful benefits of friendship. For years I used to remind her that we really don’t all need hours and hours with a psychologist when a good friend and a good cup of coffee will do the trick. I just happen to have all three: friend, psychologist and coffee in one fell swoop. (Of course, if a good psychologist is what one needs, by all means, seek one out!)

Coffee Health Benefits: Energy Booster & So Much More

on Feb 16, 2017 1:07:56 PM By | Elize Rumsley – RD, LD, CDE, MS, PhD. | 0 Comments | heart health

Your cup of coffee is not only giving you the caffeine that you need for a quick pick-me-up.” In fact, the effect of caffeine doesn’t last for long. For some people, caffeine may even increase blood pressure temporarily. But coffee is not only about caffeine, it is actually rich in some antioxidants that promote health. Some of the health benefits include increased cognitive function, increased physical endurance and decreased risk for diabetes type 2, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression and memory loss.

Guilt Free Super Bowl

on Feb 3, 2017 4:49:18 PM By | Elize Rumsley – RD, LD, CDE, MS, PhD. | 0 Comments | Super Bowl

Many of us are trying hard to lose the weight gained during the holidays. And after the New Year’s Eve partyies are over, we think we're in the clear; then it hits us, all of the college bowls and NFL play-offs still to come and weeks of buffet tables laden with high calorie temptations. Then, the “grand salami” - the Super Bowl!

We Heart Health

on Feb 1, 2017 2:35:04 PM By | The Alaska Club | 0 Comments | heart health

February: it’s the month cupid has everyone shuffling, either to find their Valentine the right gift or just to find a Valentine. But what if we shifted our focus from winning over someone’s heart, and instead focused on keeping our own heart healthy? In honor of Heart Health Month, we encourage everyone to make a healthy heart more of a priority, which can ultimately prevent heart disease, the number one killer of women. In fact, heart disease is such an epidemic, 1 in 3 women dies from heart disease a year. That’s approximately one woman every minute. Specific to Alaska, heart disease and stroke are the second and fourth leading causes of death. In 2014, heart disease took the lives of 19 percent of Alaskans, according to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. And while there are some factors you can’t control when it comes to heart diseases, such as age, gender, heredity, and race, there are many factors you can control through a healthy diet and exercise.

A Super You Starts with a Super Diet

on Jan 12, 2017 6:10:32 PM By | The Alaska Club | 0 Comments | Nutrition

It’s a brand new year that hopefully leads to a brand new you. If you’ve made a resolution for 2017, there’s a one in five chance that it was about losing weight and/or eating right. Unfortunately, instead of reaching for common, healthy food options, some dieters jump into detox diets or gorging on the latest superfood.

7 Reasons to Take a Women's Self Defense Class

on Jan 4, 2017 12:39:00 PM By | Ellie Gottstein | 1 Comment | fitness self-defense

7 Reasons to Take a Women's Self Defense Class

Shake off "Auld Lang-xiety"

on Dec 16, 2016 6:12:25 PM By | The Alaska Club | 0 Comments | New Year's Resolution Getting Fit

It may feel a little early to talk about New Year’s resolutions, but it’s actually the perfect time. Too often, we put off starting today for starting tomorrow on our goals and then put a lot of pressure on ourselves to totally transform come January 1. Do you know what statistically the most likely day to start a diet or new workout regimen is? Tomorrow. But, really, the best day to start a new diet or workout is today. It’s tempting to wait around until next week or right after ringing in 2017, but the best way to a healthier, happier you in 2017 is starting in 2016. Here are some tips to taking the pressure off starting on January 1 and keep on the right track for your 2017 fitness goals.

Winter Fun Camp - A Great Place for Kids When Schools Out!

on Dec 7, 2016 3:18:42 PM By | The Alaska Club | 1 Comment | Kids Camp

If you're like many parents, your thinking about what activities your kids can participate in to keep them active and having fun during the holiday break. The Alaska Club's Winter Fun Camps offer safe and fun environments for kids during their holiday breaks. They'll participate in a variety of healthy activities including swimming, sports, games and other youth activities. Winter camps are available to members and non-members, and provide before and after day care for an additional cost. They're available at the Eagle River, East & South Club locations.

Get Started with Twelve Days of Fitness!

on Dec 6, 2016 4:54:16 PM By | Barbara DuBois | 0 Comments | fitness 12 Day of Fitness

It was one year ago almost to the day that I noticed this December Alaska Club promotional on the marquee: “Twelve Days of Fitness for $25” and at first blush I thought, “What’s the point of that?” I drove by the club everyday thinking about this and finally, I decided to convince my couch-potato husband, John, to take advantage of it. Now really, why on earth would anybody want merely twelve days of fitness? That’s it. Twelve days. There is a logic to just twelve days for $25. It’s the no-risk option. I mean, for a non-athlete such as my husband who needed to shed a few pounds, if he didn’t like it, well, it’s only twelve days and it’s only $25. No major gamble there if a person doesn’t like it, right? I think John was nervous that the Alaska Club would be filled with glamorous looking athletic types with natural six-packs who appear as if they have nothing better to do with their time than do two hundred crunches a day and figure out the latest smoothie recipe. Or maybe there would be the type of crowd that enjoyed suffering with grueling exercises.

How to Cure The Winter Blues

on Nov 18, 2016 4:04:47 PM By | Barbara DuBois | 0 Comments | mind-body

Since the bitter cold is upon us, not to mention shorter days and longer, darker hours, I am finding the need to do more, much more, to keep my body pliable, my aerobic capacity up and every bit as important, my spirits high. As a baby boomer, I find myself in the ranks of a generation struggling with the long term consequences of some poor health habits and simply the progressive traits of aging: stiffness, poor posture, hours of sitting before a computer on a daily basis as well as the drying of joints, bones and the stiffening of muscles. Even though I have always been fairly athletic and proudly consider myself an active adult with decent self-care habits, I find I still need professional help to assist with some health matters that I cannot accomplish on my own. The Alaska Club has provided a plethora of ways I can resolve these problematic and reoccurring health issues.

Man prepping for a workout and wearing a fitness watch

Why Wearables Alone Won’t Help Shed Pounds

on Nov 4, 2016 10:17:02 AM By | The Alaska Club | 0 Comments | fitness Gym

Fitbits, Moovs, Jawbones, Apple Watches, and Samsung Gears are on many shopping lists for the holiday season. But, before you grab that hot tech device for Aunt Gladys or include it in your wish list to Santa, ask yourself if that fitness tracker fits into a larger eco-system of health for yourself or Aunt Gladys. Fitness trackers are a fantastic way to track progress and monitor health. Unfortunately, about one-third of fitness trackers are abandoned after about six months, according to research firm Endeavor Partners. Guess you’re getting mittens next year, Aunt Gladys… One reason for that abandonment is that fitness trackers are not a cure-all to all fitness ills and don’t necessarily help with motivation.

You "Otter" Be Swimming!

on Oct 21, 2016 1:28:04 PM By | Barbara DuBois | 0 Comments | swimming fitness

This fall my husband and I had one of our weekend getaways to Seward. We enjoyed strolling down to the harbor and sauntered about on the docks. We happened upon a young couple from Israel watching no less than seven different otters cavorting about in a semi-enclosed section of the harbor. Two otters were rafting up, one politely holding on to his nap buddy’s foot. Two more were simply tussling and somersaulting about in playful pairing. Another set were snatching shell fish off the docks’ peers not even a yard from our feet, loudly munching the shells like a kid eating Captain Crunch cereal with his mouth open. Each succession of crunching was followed by a quick spin to rinse off the shell debris. But the one otter that fascinated me the most was the one that liked to run interference. He’d glide in and try to disrupt the rafters, inject himself on the two players’ games and seemed mildly interested in the foodies. He just wanted some involvement. Anything and everything was good.

What Makes a Champ: Sadie Bjornsen

on Sep 16, 2016 12:01:40 PM By | Courtney Harkins | 3 Comments | fitness US Ski Team

From local ski hills to the PyeongChang Olympics, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) encompasses all athletes that share a passion for skiing and snowboarding. We explore what makes each skier and rider a champion with stories from the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing, next to kids winning a NASTAR medal, landing their first cork 7 or joining a club team. Alongside USSA’s mascot Champ, take a look at how all of these athletes strive to be Best in the World. As we continue to explore what makes USSA athletes champions, we’re learning more than we ever expected.

When #SquadGoals meet #SquatGoals

on Sep 1, 2016 5:55:09 PM By | The Alaska Club | 0 Comments | workout partners gym buddy

The best thing to add to your workout routine isn’t more mileage, heavier weights, or more time in the gym, but a workout buddy. A workout partner is one of the most effective ways to get healthier and have fun achieving your fitness goals. Unfortunately, sometimes we don’t pursue a swolemate, Pilates partner, bosu bosom buddy, Tai Chi chum, Tabata teammate or Zumba socializer. A good partner can motivate you to get you going, push you harder, and be a cheerleader of your fitness goals.

Breakfast of Champions: Fuel for your own Olympic workouts

on Aug 18, 2016 1:29:17 PM By | The Alaska Club | 0 Comments | Healthy eating Olympics

The Olympics are always inspiring. The event brings together the pinnacles of human physical perfection from across the world and showcases amazing acts that turn sweat into legend. Some things are new: golf returns as an Olympic event after a 112-year absence. But some things are classic: the solidarity during the opening ceremony, the swell of national pride during medal ceremonies and the Breakfast of Champions.

Spice It Up With Herbs

on Jul 25, 2016 1:14:03 PM By | Elize Rumsley – RD, LD, CDE, MS, PhD. | 0 Comments | Healthy eating Healthy herbs

The FDA has finally established voluntary sodium targets for food companies and restaurants with the goal of lowering the amount of sodium (salt) consumed by Americans. In order to enhance the taste of most foods, you don’t have to use much salt. Try to use more herbs, fresh or dried. This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to add flavor to foods. Herbs such as parsley, cilantro, chives, thyme, basil, mint rosemary, oregano, tarragon, marjoram, sage and dill are actually packed with more phytonutrients than typical salad greens. Several herbs are associated with lowering blood pressure.

10 Men’s Health Tips

on Jul 1, 2016 12:23:03 PM By | The Alaska Club | 0 Comments | Men's Health

The Alaska Club focuses on Men’s Health and dedicates the month of July to raising awareness. It’s all about early detection of diseases and improving physical and mental health for men nationally. Yet, keeping healthy is an all-year endeavor. Here are 11 tips for the other months that aren’t Men’s Health Month.

Yoga In The Park & WNBA Star Kelsey Griffin

on Jun 27, 2016 6:02:23 PM By | Kelsey Griffin, WNBA | 0 Comments | Yoga in the Park

Since I was last in Alaska a lot of exciting things have happened, I became an Australian citizen so I now hold duel citizenships with the US and Australia. Part of becoming an Australian citizen made me eligible for the Australian opals - the Australian national basketball team. I made the final 20 but was released from the team in April.

Allergy Season is Upon Us

on Jun 14, 2016 1:59:04 PM By | Elize Rumsley – RD, LD, CDE, MS, PhD. | 0 Comments | food allergy

Yulissa Arescurenga, a Zumba Instructor at The Alaska Club

Zumba instructor with Down syndrome wows

on May 16, 2016 11:56:25 AM By | Beth Bragg | 0 Comments | group fitness zumba

Reported by The Alaska Dispatch News The music begins and Yulissa Arescurenaga comes to life. And so does the room full of people in her Zumba class Friday afternoon at Service High School. The music, pulsating with Latin beats, is familiar. So are the moves, many of them inspired by dances like the merengue and salsa. What’s different is that Arescurenaga has Down syndrome. A 24-year-old Californian by way of Peru, Arescurenaga spent six years learning and memorizing routines in order to become a licensed Zumba instructor. “She was killing it,” said Liam Mamikunian, a recent Service graduate and one of about 50 people who worked up a sweat under Arescurenaga’s guidance. “She didn’t miss a beat.” Mamikunian is co-president of Service’s Special Olympics Partners Club, which pairs mentors like him with special education students. Arescurenaga’s workout left him exhausted – and impressed. “I got an amazing workout,” he said. “It’s an amazing inclusive experience. There’s no differences when it comes to this.” Arescurenaga and her mother and aunt are in Anchorage this week courtesy of the Alaska Chapter of the National Down Syndrome Congress. The group teamed up with The Arc of Anchorage and the Alaska Club to bring Arescurenaga to town for two days of instruction. For full story, go to Alaska Dispatch News/Sports by Beth Bragg.

Family & Fitness Go Together Like Birds of a Feather

on May 9, 2016 5:50:37 PM By | The Alaska Club | 0 Comments | fitness group fitness family fun

Let's us set the scene: You are in the kitchen trying to make dinner for your little brood. Jimmy is running laps around the house because he thinks "open concept kitchen-living area" really means "the perfect place to see if I can break the sound barrier." Sara, who is usually somewhat sensible, has positioned the cushions from the couch under the stairs to create a soft landing area in case she falls from the banister, which obviously she must climb as if it is some building in a Tom Cruise/Mission Impossible stunt. And of course baby is bouncing quietly, acting like an angel, but giving you a look that says "yeah, just wait until I'm mobile..."

Woman beginning her spring running routine

Spring into Running by Training at The Club

on Apr 12, 2016 11:13:54 AM By | The Alaska Club | 1 Comment | running tri training

Spring time! cue collective sigh of relief from everyone feeling cooped up during winter… It's the season of new life and sunshine (ohhh, glorious sunshine). Almost everyone has reasons to be excited for the coming of spring, but we're going to focus on a group for whom spring adds an extra, well, spring to their step: runners. Now wait. Before you say "Oh, that's not me because I'm not a runner," hear us out. At some point in our lives, each of us has probably seen someone running and thought, "Hmm, I should probably try that." Well, we agree. You should try it. As far as being active goes, running is about the most approachable option. It doesn't require a ton of specialized equipment, it can fit almost any schedule, and it can be a group or solo activity. It's true that it's an acquired taste for some people (similar to winter camping or canned Salmon), so don't feel disheartened if you tried it once and didn't fall in love immediately. You're not alone. Instead, think of it like your New Year's resolutions some of the best predictors of success are being realistic and having a game-plan. So let's focus on that.

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