Sept. 24 is National Women's Health Day and Fitness Day

On Sept. 24, the 14th annual observance of National Women’s Health & Fitness Day will draw attention to a very important subject: women’s health and well-being. On that day, across the country fitness and health-awareness events will be held at hospitals, health clubs, schools, retirement communities, and other locations to educate and empower women to get in shape.

Every day the same principles which inspired the Health Information Resource Center (HIRC) to found the holiday are in play throughout all 92 Get In Shape for Women centers across the country. Whether it’s through weight training, cardio fitness, or nutrition education, the powerful message of this day of recognition was in play at the 2006 founding of Get In Shape for Women and has guided the company ever since. The local Get In Shape For Women is located at 224 N. Broadway, Salem, New Hampshire.

At Get In Shape for Women, women are given access to personal training, nutrition information and a healthy diet, and sense of accountability not provided elsewhere. With Get in Shape for Women, body transformations are not the result of fad diets or risky medical procedures, but sustainable, healthy choices and active involvement. With a greater emphasis on maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle than ever before, Get In Shape for Women makes getting in shape a subject that’s important every day of the week, all year round.

About Get In Shape For Women

Founded in 2006 by Brian Cook, Get In Shape For Women empowers women through body transformation in a small group personal training environment where a dedicated trainer works with one to four women at a time. The company’s body transformation program—a unique combination of weight training, cardio, supportive nutrition and accountability—is scientifically proven to work. In 2013, Entrepreneur magazine ranked Get In Shape For Women No. 213 out of the top 500 franchises in the U.S. and Inc. magazine ranked the company No. 510 out of the top 5,000 businesses. Get In Shape For Women plans to grow 25 percent each year toward its eventual goal of 5,000 franchise locations worldwide. For more information, please visit www.getinshapeforwomen.com.

TIPS for you from Get In Shape For Women

· Continuous low impact throughout the day. Regular physical activity is associated with a range of health outcomes, including reduced risk of depression, anxiety and improved mood. Staying active during the day also improves brain function and keeps the metabolism working.

· Set realistic goals. Every fitness and weight loss plan should begin by setting measurable goals and having the commitment to reach those goals. Knowing what your goal is and setting a realistic plan with specific action steps is the best way to achieve desired results.

· Do it in threes. Any workout has three variables: weights, intensity and volume. To keep your body guessing, focus on one variable per workout; increase the weights but lower the number of reps one day but add a set the next; use your standard weight but do more reps faster on another.

· Make a grocery list. If you go into a grocery store with no foresight, you’re most likely going to grab too many snacks and less produce and substantial meal ingredients. Everything looks good when you have no plan of attack. A list will keep you on track and eliminate repeat trips for forgotten items.

· Listen to your body. While you don’t want to give into every craving, it’s essential that you listen to what your body is telling you. If you’re craving ice cream or other sugary treats, try eating Greek yogurt. The creamy texture will act as your dairy fix while adding some fruit will make it sweet. If thoughts of candy bars sound delicious, opt for a caffeine-free skim latte instead.

· Find distractions during your cravings. If those substitutes don’t work for you, find a way to distract yourself when you’re tempted to give in. Call a friend to chat that you haven’t spoken to in a while. Brush your teeth – who wants to mess up a fresh mouth with sweets? Run an errand or listen to your favorite song. Cravings typically last 5 minutes, so find a quick activity to take your mind off unhealthy choices.