Newsletter

Due to the size of our water aerobics and physical therapy classes, we are establishing a new schedule for adult swim time. Beginning March 3rd lap swim time will be Monday thru Friday 5:30am to 10am and resume the regular schedule at 12noon.

Only class participants (and physical therapy patients) will be allowed in the pool from 10am to 12noon Monday through Friday. This includes use of the hot tub.

We have struggled with this idea for years and realize that with the large number of class participants it is almost impossible to also accommodate lap swimmers and/or various other water exercisers during these times.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Hopefully, lap swimmers will realize that there are plenty of times throughout the week to swim laps without restriction. All water exercisers are encouraged to attend one of these classes: the 10-11am class is generally a moderate to lower level class; and the 11-12pm class is moderate to higher intensity class.

Don't forget that when there are several people wanting to swim laps a second lane line can be added to help separate lappers from walkers. Sharing a lane with others may take some adjustment. However, it is a common practice for almost all facilities to have a shared lane policy.

This requires lap swimmers to be cautious and courteous of others. It isn't unusual for 3 or more to share a lane if they will use a similar pace and avoid flamboyant strokes or flip turns. Thanks for your understanding.

WHAT'S NEW?

On Our Schedule
Our 50 classes are bursting at the seams yet there is always room for more with the exception of our Spinning Classes. We have a sign up list for each of the 13 bikes in 4 morning classes and 2 evening classes. These are very popular because we have great instructors and you get a great & fun workout.

I am sorry when a member has to wait or is turned away from a class. This doesn't go unnoticed and I will try to permanently fix this problem. One solution the Tuesday 5:30pm class has come up with is to offer a week-to-week alternating program of Cycle & Sculpt and "Fitness Boot Camp". These both are great ways to take your overall fitness to new levels. Come try them!

In The Gym
A new Nautilus Leg Press Machine
A new Nautilus Super Pullover Machine
A new Nautilus Abdominal Machine
Each of these I personally selected because they are very effective at accomplishing what they are designed for! Please ask any of our trainers for guidance in their proper and safe use.

Before and After
Jennifer Driggers is collecting "before and after" photos from members to illustrate your accomplishments and show others it can be done! Please bring in your photos so we can show off your efforts.

Mini-Lectures
In November and January our personal trainers presented helpful talks to boost your exercise efforts. Topics included: Nutrition Labels and How to Read them, Water Exercise: More Bang For Your Buck, Fitness Resolutions: Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them, Got Abs?, and others. Please give me your ideas for future presentations.

Fitness Pictures
Mary Kay Barbour has assembled pictures and brief descriptions of some of the fun things you do outside the gym. They are activities you do because of your excellent and improving fitness level. Such as hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, roller blading, and any others activities you can think of, or have done recently. Please feel free to contribute. We want your pictures!

SPRING TRAINING TIPS

We have 3 new pieces of Nautilus Equipment here (3/08) and I want to be sure you know how to use them effectively and safely. Below are a few tips on their use. The best way is to ask one of the training staff for a brief review of the proper use.

Nautilus Leg Press: this piece is new to our selection of equipment. The primary function targets the front of the thighs (quadriceps) and butt (gluteals). This machine will be much easier to get in and out of than our existing Cybex Leg Press. Like the Cybex its footplate rotates to reduce stress on the leg and ankle joint.

Nautilus Abdominal: this piece is a replacement and will be much more effective for abdominal work and less strain on your back. I think you'll enjoy using it. There is some set up required by adjusting the seat for your size and torso length.

Nautilus Super Pullover: this is also a replacement and again much easier to get in and use. This exercises the latissimus (the sides of your back), the shoulders and chest. This has always been my favorite piece since it works so many muscles in one movement.

FRANKLIN HIGH SWIM TEAM

Congratulations on a great year. Many FHS swimmers did well and qualified to swim individually and on relay teams at the state meet in Raleigh. I am proud to say they practice here each year. Thanks to our members who allow this to continue as a growth experience to our youth. Swimming and your cooperation is something these students can learn from and take with them into their adult lives.

GETTING OLDER CAN BE A CHANCE TO GET BETTER: YOU HAVE THE POWER!

We know too well what happens as we age. Our attitudes change. Our goals change. Our perspectives change. And our bodies change. Sometimes our bodies change for the better and sometimes they change in not so good ways.

The good news is we have control over much of what happens to our bodies. We have the ability to supply it with good foods for energy and growth. We have the ability to exercise that will maintain our fitness. We have the choice and the power to improve the way we look and the way we feel. You can be in control of positive life changes.

If you are reading this you are probably a member or considering a membership here. Franklin Health & Fitness Center has the facility and more importantly the staff to help you make your dreams and your goals turn into a reality. Don't be afraid to ask us for help. We have 18 trained and certified group exercise instructors and 6 certified personal trainers who are dedicated to helping you reach your goals safely and progressively.

It's not just humans that show the effects of age. That's why we are updating various parts of our physical structure. In the past year we have painted, re-carpeted, re-tiled and replaced several pieces of Nautilus strength training equipment. These things you see and can use. We also purchased a new dehumidifier for the pool area, new attic ventilation to reduce trapped heat, a new central heat pump/ac unit, and a new salt/chlorine generator for the pool. You may never see these, but they benefit you indirectly and help us save money in the long run.

WELCOME NEW ASSISTANT MANAGER

I want to welcome Rodney Morris to the staff here as our Assistant Manager in charge of marketing and sales. Rodney is a 2003 graduate of Western Carolina University. He has held positions in sales in Hendersonville, Black Mountain and Savannah, GA prior to his arrival here. Stop in and meet Rodney. Feel welcome to share with him your ideas and concerns.