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October 2014 Newsletter
Columbus Day - We're Open
Come in tomorrow and get a great workout!

Mike Arteaga's Health & Fitness Centers in Poughkeepsie and Highland will be OPEN Monday, Oct. 13 - regular hours, regular class schedule and child care!

See you at the gym!
 
Free Weights: What is Tonus?


You may not know what it is, but you have it and it's critically important for your health!  Tonus is actually constant low level muscle contractions in each muscle when the muscles are "relaxed". Muscle cells unconsciously take turns contracting to create tension across each joint holding them together. This is important because a tight joint is a healthy joint. 

The stronger the muscles are, the tighter the joint even when the muscles are "relaxed".  Also the stronger the muscles, the more resistant the joint is to injury and deterioration.

If we were able take a microscope and look into a muscle when you were sleeping, you would see the constant twitching of the muscle fibers as they take turns contracting to maintain tension. This is tonus.  The stronger the muscles, the greater the level of tonus.
 
Tonus provides a number of benefits including helping to pump the blood back to the heart. It also holds each joint snuggly together maintaining proper posture while helping to minimize the load on the other connective tissue. If you had no tonus for example, while you were sleeping, the substantial weight of the lower leg would constantly hang on the ligaments in the knee joint stretching them and leaving them vulnerable to injury from even rolling over in your sleep.  Eventually, the stretched and lax ligaments would allow looseness in the knee that increases the chances of arthritis and knee injuries.
 
The ideal solution is to perform strengthening exercises for all the muscles.  The greater the muscle strength, the more tonus you will have to protect your joints even when you are sleeping. 

Tonus is also the reason a pound of muscle burns 16 times more calories per day than a pound of fat.  No matter what your bodyweight is, if you can increase the amount of muscle on your body relative to the amount of body fat you have, you will burn many more calories each day making it much easier to control your overall body weight.

-Mike Arteaga 

Arthritis? The MedX Healthy Back & Neck Program Can Help!

Strengthening muscles is the solution for reducing arthritis pain.  Strong spine muscles are the support system for the vertebral joints.  They act as the best and most natural internal brace as they hold the vertebra together more effectively.

 

The MedX Healthy Back and Neck Program is the best strengthening exercise in the world because of the patented system of pads and belts. This system is the only way to effectively stabilize the hips so that the muscles of the spine can be isolated and strengthened.

 

The MedX Healthy Back and Neck Program works with each person and develops a program specifically designed for each individual.  It begins with an initial consultation during which we work together to determine a pain free of motion, a baseline for strength and then an exercise session. 

 

If you have back and/or neck pain possibly caused by disc herniation or bulges, please call us at 452-5050 or 691-6161 or stop in to see us.  We can help you. 


 

- Mike Arteaga
Hip and Back Machine
Hip and Back Machine
Hip and Back Machine
Whether you are looking to strengthen your glutes to help with a sport or want an additional back exercise, the Hip and Back Machine can be a great addition to your workout.  
Employee of the Month



 

Congratulations to Jasmine! Employee of the month for October. Jasmine has worked here for over two years now, starting as a lifeguard. She now works the front desk, member services and MOD. You can also see her working out all the time. Make sure you congratulate her when you see her!
LAUNCH WEEK IS HERE!

What do we get from our group exercises classes?
 In addition to the great health benefits, they also help set our attitude for the week so whether it's a little swag from Groove or some extra fire from Blast, it's what keeps us coming back!

Launch is set for Oct. 23! Come see the new choreography and get moving to the new music!
Did You Know... 


With some memberships, your children and grandchildren are free under your membership until their 19th birthday!

Stop by and speak to a coordinator for details.
October
Health Tip
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 A patient told his dentist that he really disliked flossing his teeth, and asked if it was really necessary? The dentist without hesitation said  "No problem you don't have to floss. Just floss teeth that you want to keep!"


 We don't have to exercise either!  


Sticker Contest


Have you put a Mike Arteaga decal on your car window yet? Be spotted and you could win a free personal training session!

The next 2 winners will be announced 
October 15!

Stop at the front desk to get your decal.
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