Customized fitness

With two energetic toddler grandchildren to keep up with, when 70-year-old Adria Bond noticed she was slowing down last year, and everyday tasks like carrying in the groceries were getting harder, she took matters into her own hands.

Though she’d tried traditional gym workouts at the local rec center, Adria found it tough to stay motivated.

“If I didn’t have to be there at a certain time, it was easy to find excuses not to go,” she says, laughing. 

Everything changed when she committed to the 20-minute, twice- weekly protocol at MaxStrength Fitness.

A Customized Experience

“The schedule made all the difference,” she says. “I go in, the equipment is all set up, I do my workout supervised by one of my trainers, Kyle or Kayla, and I’m done and free to go about my day.

It’s simple and efficient, no spending an entire morning at the gym not sure I was even accomplishing anything. I also like that I don’t have to wear workout clothes and since the studio temperatures are kept on the cool side, don’t need to shower after a workout.”

Over the past nine months, Adria has seen remarkable improvements. Her strength has increased across her legs, arms, shoulders and core, thanks to a program that’s customized to her needs. Even more impressive, her recovery from shoulder surgery has surpassed her expectations.

“My arm is stronger now than it ever got during physical therapy,” she says. “The trainers are always adjusting things for me.”

Beyond physical strength, Adria has noticed better sleep, boosted energy and greater confidence in her daily life. She’s back to gardening and her favorite pastime: spending active time with her grandchildren.

“You don’t realize how much strength matters until you lose it, then regain it,” she says.

Rethinking That Healthy Salad

One of the things that differentiates MaxStrength from other protocols is that it’s based on scientific data—and that hasn’t changed over the past 22 years. Founder Jeff Tomaszewski continues to research exercise science to offer healthy tips to MSF members that he shares through educational content. Recently he explored the hidden calories lurking within a perceived “healthy” restaurant order: salad.

“If you think you’re ‘being good’ going with a salad, think again,” he says. “A typical Caesar salad can run well over 1,000 calories. Total calorie bomb.”

Here are a few of Jeff’s tips for success in right-minding this classic summer dish:

• Address the dressing. Just two tablespoons of creamy dressing can add 200 calories. Best to order it on the side and choose vinaigrettes over creamy styles. 

• Stay on top of the toppings. Otherwise, healthy items (avocados, nuts, dried fruits) can also add up in the calorie department when piled on a plate. Pick one rich topping.

• Size matters. Most restaurant salads are giant, so it’s easy to eat two to three servings without realizing it. When you order one, have the server put half of it in a to-go box before bringing it out. You won’t overeat, and, bonus, have lunch ready for the next day.