Smart Body 24/7 Health & Fitness Review

Summertime is a different kind of busy. Some of our days are so filled with kids and work, at barbeques and family get-togethers that we don't even notice the suspicious extra poundage hanging around us until our bellies dun-long-lapped-over the "Kiss The Cook" apron we got for Christmas. Are you feeling in need of a jump start? Bored at board meetings? Summertime heat sometimes makes it impossible for us to exercise outdoors, but this summer I found a great way to shake up the pace of the day-to-day routine. This summer, I put fitness, before business.

I decided to commit to working out before work each day. At first, I needed some serious motivation, so I signed up with a personal trainer and committed to 6 weeks of early morning work outs. My trainer, Greg Marmino, is one tough guy. Let's just say I didn't know what I was getting myself into. This was serious stuff.

Initially, my trainer started out having me do 30 minutes of cardio twice a week, and an intense circuit training routine three days a week. The gym offers cardio classes, kickboxing, free weights and even babysitting, so I had plenty of activity to choose from. I became interested in the corporate program they offer, and how it was specifically designed to encourage good health in home-based consultants, executives, and employees. The corporate membership idea these guys have are designed to give consultants like myself the same fitness perks offered by today's most progressive corporations as leading recruiting and retention tools. With the large number of self employed persons and students in the St. Peters/Cottleville area, they've got their work cut out for them too. The intention of the program is to inspire health conscious residents and businesses in the area to get up, get moving, and in their best shape ever. I went from feeling a bit intimidated by it all, to noticeably energized - then I was hooked.

Things were working so well that I had to ask Smart Body President Keith Robinson what inspired him to offer a corporate fitness program for the home-based professional. He told me that fitness is an integral part of living well, and he went on to talk about how work and family commitments keep us all so busy that it seems impossible to make time for a fitness program. This is certainly true of me. While I feel better with a regular work out routine, I often get so involved in my work that I begin to slack on exercise. The Smart Body gym assures that clients have safe 24 hour access to the fitness studio, so I can work out as early or late as they want in a secure environment. My membership also gives me access to a professional, certified staff dietician, and elite resources in yoga, pilates, and cardio-kickboxing to keep my workouts interesting. I do intense strength training on Strive's Smart Strength, a method popular among celebrity trainers. Changing my routine with resources such as these has kept my fitness and wellness goals beneficial and fun, even when it's "too hot" to exercise.

Which brings me to the coolest part about the training sessions - Greg has shown me simple techniques that show great results - fast. I've learned core work, free weights, circuit and cardio routines that I can do at home when it's simply impossible for me to step away from work for a trip to the gym.

Each day I can feel my energy level improve The trainers there are driven to improve the health of people who know that fitness is fundamental to the health and productivity of every person, every household, and every company.

I found out the other day that Smart Body Health & Fitness will hold its grand opening in St. Peters on July 26, 2008. They are the first and only gym in Missouri to offer "STRIVE Smart Strength", and this is being called the most advanced circuit training in the world, used to train Jennifer Lopez and many other celebrities and athletes. The Smart Body gym an effective fitness facility that has helped me to maintain productivity and excellence in my work. My Smart Body time is more than about making a body beautiful, it keeps me on task and active at home when I'd rather avoid the sweltering heat.

It's a great idea - expert fitness and training programs for those of us dedicated to promoting home as a viable workspace. My thrice weekly committment has made an incredible difference in my self-discipline. Attending the upbeat, bright facility helps me to stay focused on my diet and physical well being, and to strive for emotional happiness as well as productivity.

Do you work from home? It may be time to wake YOUR body up. A comprehensive fitness program will help you to make a better, more productive tomorrow. There is well documented evidence that the physical and mental benefits of a wellness program for home-based professionals are enormous - better sleep, an improved sex life and less stress to name a few. Watch out for the fine print, however. Contracts can be a nightmare.

So, if you've wanted to kick your body or your staff in gear, with a little research you'll find some great gym facilities in the area. Also, don't forget to check out Smart Body at the grand opening on July 26th. If you're as busy as I am, your life will thank you!