Farrell's Fitness News

Ames Fitness Center Moves to Larger Location

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The Farrell's eXtreme Bodyshaping location in Ames, Iowa has new owners and a new, larger location at 605 E. Lincoln Way.  A ribbon cutting to celebrate these transformations will be held at the new location on Saturday, April 28th at 10am.  All students, friends and neighbors are encouraged to stop in to see the new location and meet the new owner, Lisa Wildman.

"Farrell's was the first of its kind in Ames, and we have a rich history," said Lisa Wildman, who purchased the franchise from John and Jill Shilkaitis in November 2011.  "We also have a very bright future."

The new space features a 4100 square-foot workout space and is 5500 square feet overall with showers and changing rooms.  The larger space was sorely needed to allow for more class time opportunities as well as to make room for new students in popular classes.

"[The Shilkaitises] did a great job of bringing the Farrell's franchise to Ames, and building its brand and popularity," Wildman said. "We're really excited about being able to take that forethought and transform it into something new."

The next 10 Week Challenge will begin June 9th and end August 18th.  The fall session will begin September 8th and end November 17th.

Des Moines Fitness Transformation Winner Announced

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On Saturday April 7th, several Des Moines area fitness coaches gathered to select the winner of the second session of FitStart, the low-impact version of our 10 week body transformation fitness program.

Samantha Watson, a student from our South Des Moines location, was selected by a panel of coaches from all of the participating Des Moines area locations.  Samantha's before and after photos and transformation story are included below.

According to South Des Moines head coach, Susan Weiss, "Judging has never been more difficult, ever." There were several students with impressive results and amazing stories, and measuring a fitness transformation includes both objective and subjective criteria.

Lance Farrell, founder and CEO, explains some of the differences between the FitStart low impact fitness program and the regular 10 week body transformation program.  "Our FitStart program was designed with the physically limited, seriously overweight individual in mind.  Before we started developing this adapted program we believed that anyone could manage our regular 10 week fitness challenge.  In reality, there are a growing number of people who either wouldn't have been able to safely complete one of our regular classes or simply weren't comfortable with the typical group fitness class environment."

"Many of our FitStart students have either recently had some sort of weight loss surgery or are working to improve their condition to help an upcoming surgery be more successful," explains Farrell.  "Things I've taken for granted, like the ability to be on my feet for more than a few minutes or being able to get up and down from the floor, are a real challenge for some, so we include benches and chairs wherever their needed to help our students take their next step toward better health and fitness."

Samantha's Fitness Transformation Story:

I am a 39 year old, single mother.  Up to age 16 I lived with an abusive father that would force me to work out in front of him and monitored everything I ate right down to counting the pickles in the jar.  When I got away from him I had no concept of what a healthy relationship with food should be.  At the age of 19 I lost my mother (my hero, my world) to cancer and found myself with no family, just completely alone.

 I have been eating myself into complete isolation and depression.  I wanted to hide in my house and not be around people or let anyone in.  I had given up on life, hopeless.

 When my friend at work sent me the link to the KCCI news clip about this program, I had really hit bottom.  I was pushing 400 pounds fast and hard and had really given up caring about it.  I figured nothing could help anyway.  Yes, I have had a horrible rough life and conquered many, many obstacles.  Even drug addiction and smoking were battles I have won, but food, food is my best friend.  It is the only thing that has been with me when everyone else in my life left me all alone.  I have always turned to food for comfort.  Fat and happy was my motto and honestly, I wasn't happy at all.  I was sad and desperate and hopeless inside and smiles to the world on the outside.

I came to this class and filled out your survey in the beginning and one of the questions was what is unique about you? To be honest, all I wanted to say is there is nothing unique about me, I am not special, I am a sad person with nothing much to offer anyone.  And I fully meant it and I am still battling that feeling every single day.  But now I can say because this class has given me something, some spark inside me, some fire, that I am seeing that there really may be a light at the end of the tunnel.  I am believing that I just might be able to set some goals and actually meet them, if I put my mind to it.

Your news broadcast introduced me to a world where I wasn’t alone in my struggles with weight and depression!  I have never had this feeling of empowerment that I am experiencing.  Every workout amazes me at what I have achieved, day by day.  I am finding that I can really be proud of myself, not ashamed.  I want to see my son become a man.  I don’t want to leave him alone too or shut out the world anymore.  I want to live!  This is my time for me and I am worth it! 

Every day is a mental battle in my mind to come to class and i fight it hard all day long.  When I am done with class and I am covered in sweat, I don't know if there are words to describe how I feel.  I have felt worthless for so long and the last 8 weeks have made me feel so powerful and so strong that I just don't want to give up.  I haven't accomplished anything this physical since I was in school sports. This is the first thing I have done that makes me feel like I am worth it and more.  It is making me really evaluate my life and sincerely look at some serious personal upgrades.  I have not felt worth an upgrade since I lost my mother who adored me completely.

Thank you for creating this environment where I can come and feel supported, wanted and encouraged by people that really just want to be a part of my journey too.  Thank you so freakin' much!

 Samantha Watson

 Click here to download our FitStart Program Description Booklet

Winter 2012 Fitness Transformation Winners Announced

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Approximately 2000 people chose Farrell's to help them follow through with their 2012 fitness goals.  After 10 weeks of dynamic strength training classes and energizing kickboxing classes, the results are in!  

Each of location awards $1000 to the winner, the person determined to be the most transformed after 10 weeks of smiling and sweating and learning to live Life at Level 10!

Click here to view all of our Winter 2012 10 Week Challenge winners.

Is Weight Loss Surgery the Diabetes Cure?

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Two new medical studies show dramatic results and will likely lead to an increase in the number of type II Diabetes patients seeking surgery to help them lose weight and gain control over their blood sugar levels.

Dr. Philip Schauer of the Cleveland Clinic compared A1c blood sugar measurements from 150 people.  Some patients received standard diabetes medications alone and others received medications along with one of two types of weight loss surgery.

After one year, the 37 and 42 percent of the two surgery groups had an A1c level of 6 or below compared to only 12 percent of the medication only group.  Additionally, the surgery groups lowered their overall use of high cholesterol and heart related medications while the non-surgery group's use of such medications increased.

"Every single one of the bypass patients who got to 6 or less got there without the need for any diabetes medicines. Almost half of them were on insulin at the start. That's pretty amazing," said Dr. Steven Nissen, the Cleveland Clinic's cardiovascular chief and co-leader of the study.

A second study was conducted by Dr. Geltrude Mingrone at the Catholic University in Rome and Dr. Francesco Rubino, diabetes surgery chief at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. 60 patients were given either one of two types of surgery or medicines alone. The goal for all patients was to reduce their A1c levels to 6.5 or below.

After two years, 75 and 95 percent of the two surgery groups had A1c blood sugar levels at or below 6.5 without the aid of medications while none of the medication only group had been successful in reaching the goal measurement.

Doctors believe there is evidence to suggest that the surgery itself is helping to reverse diabetes and that the weight loss alone is not the only factor.  The changes in hormone production have been almost immediate in most patients and many have been able to discontinue their diabetes medications within a few days of surgery.

Lance Farrell, founder of Farrell's eXtreme Bodyshaping, points out that recovering healthy blood sugar levels alone is an incomplete cure.  "Working with weight loss surgeons and their patients has taught me that the impact of improved energy, cardiovascular condition and muscle strength is just as important as the improved blood sugar levels and weight loss," adds Farrell.  "Surgery alone can't provide all of the support and instruction needed to help people make all of the changes necessary to finish the work of becoming healthy and active.  Our FitStart program is helping patients close that gap and make significant changes."

When asked if he believes surgery is the cure, Farrell pauses, then explains, "I never expected to become a proponent of weight loss surgery.  I'm still not, really, and honestly hope our fitness programs will help to prevent thousands of surgeries, but I understand the situation of these patients more completely now and recognize that there is a point where surgery becomes a person's best chance of success."

Click here to learn more about Farrell's FitStart low impact fitness program.

Columbus Indiana Location Inspires New Fitness Goals

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 The newly opened Farrell's location in Columbus Indiana kicked off their first 10 week fitness challenge this weekend.  Dozens of students attended the first orientation class on Saturday, March 3rd, and Lance Farrell was on hand to welcome new franchise owners, Erik and Lindsay Piper along with their new students. 

Erik and Lindsay first experienced the Farrell's 10 week challenge in Cedar Falls, IA and knew soon afterward that they wanted to be a part of helping others reach their fitness goals.  They're very excited about the first class of students and eager to demonstrate the life changing transformations Farrell's can bring to their new hometown.  The 10 week session will remain open for new students through Friday, March 9th.  The next chance to get started will be in early June.

The orientation session went well, and the weather was mild enough in early March to accomodate an outdoor run as part of the initial fitness evaluation.  After the mile run, Lance met Andrew Beller, a new student who signed up after noticing the sign during his drive into town.  

Andrew has battled body fat throughout his life, and several years ago his excess weight
ended his military career.  

When asked about his motivation for change, Andrew explained, "My doctor told me a month ago I would die if I didn't lose weight."

Lance was impressed with Andrew's mile time of 9:37 and was even more surprised to hear that he had been able to run it in 4:30 during his Army days.  

We'll check in again soon to find out how Andrew and the rest of the new 10 weekers in Columbus are transforming!

Colorado Springs Fitness Expo Features Farrell's Kickboxing Classes

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Farrell's Colorado Springs fitness locations were featured at a recent event, Fitness Expo at the Hub, to showcase both the on and off base fitness opportunities available to Fort Carson soldiers and their families.  Fitness kickboxing is a great way to boost cardiovascular fitness, improve agility, and relieve stress too.

The event was held on January 27, 2012 and Jenny Vohsman, Kickboxing Instructor and Colorado Springs area franchise owner, was available to lead the group through a series of basic kickboxing exercises.  She taught the group several basic stances and punches.  Farrell's provided boxing gloves and heavy bags for the group to practice their new skills during the demonstration.

In the picture to the right, 1st Sgt Stephen Roberts, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division receives instruction from Jenny Vohsman.

Spring 10 Week sessions at our Colorado Springs locations will begin with an orientation class on April 7th.  

Join the Farrell's RAGBRAI Group to Celebrate Fitness

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Don't forget! The opportunity to join Lance Farrell and the rest of the FXB crew for the RAGBRAI week-long bike ride across Iowa ends soon! Are you in?

 RAGBRAI, sponsored annually by The Des Moines Register, is filling up quickly and we need to submit our final number of riders real soon. To give you just a little extra time to take advantage of this fun opportunity, we're extending your deadline to sign up with the Farrell's team until March 20, 2012.

 Sign up now and help Lance celebrate his 50th birthday year and being fit at 50!

Not only that, but the crew at BIKE WORLD has offered to let us be part of their larger group and receive some specialized gear, meals, showers and sleeping accommodations during the ride. Details and a few package upgrade options can be found at the BIKE WORLD group link below.

We're supporting Special Olympics Iowa through our efforts.  $10 from every Farrell's/Bike World group entry will go to support Special Olympics Iowa.

 And FINALLY, make your trip count even more and Bike for Good. Farrell's and Bike World have teamed up to support ChildVoice International during RAGBRAI 2012. ChildVoice is an organization with Iowa roots, offering hope to women and children whose lives have been torn apart by the tragedy of war.

Ride on behalf of ChildVoice; create your own fundraising page; and allow friends and family to donate towards the goal. Prizes available for reaching certain funding targets!

Learn more at the ChildVoice link below.

 Three Steps to Sign Up

1. Register for the ride through the Farrell's registration page.  We'll be submitting one group registration to RAGBRAI. 
2. Register for RAGBRAI as part of the Farrell's group. 
3. Register for the appropriate transportation and accommodation package through the Bike World page.

 THEN, you can learn how to get your own social fundraising page and invite your family and friends to support you and ChildVoice.

 To Join Lance Farrell and the rest of the FXB crew, you'll need to complete all three of the steps below.  We apologize for the inconvenience, but at least there's no P-A-P-E-R to mail in somewhere. :-)

 Click here to pay for the ride with the Farrell's Team ($150)

 Click here to register for RABGRAI as part of the Farrell's Group

 (Please join group FARRELLS. We'd do this for you, but RAGBRAI prefers everyone fill out their waiver themselves.) 

 Click here to register with the Farrells Group as part of the BIKE WORLD Group

 (There are various levels of accommodation and transportation packages available...a must if you want to spend your out-of-the-saddle time with the group!)

 Click here to learn how to get your own social fundraising page and invite your family and friends to support you and ChildVoice International. 

 We hope you'll join Lance and the whole team to celebrate fitness at 50 AND shift into gear to Bike For Good!

Get a Great Calorie Burning Workout While Shoveling Snow

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If you're tempted to bundle up and walk behind a snow blower the next time you're facing
several inches of driveway blocking, visit to the gym delaying, snow, get the snow shovel out instead!  You'll get a great calorie burning workout in while you give your legs, core and shoulders an opportunity to try something new.  (the basic thinking behind muscle confusion workouts)

The average snow shoveler will burn approximately 400 calories per hour while clearing the driveway.  Remember to use the large muscles in your legs to lift the shovel, and try switching sides every 5-10 minutes to keep both shoulders involved and improve your coordination and balance.

New Lincoln Park Fitness Opening Brings eXcitement to Chicago

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Farrell's newest fitness location opened in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago on Saturday, January 21st.  Nearly 100 new students attended the large group fitness evaluation and orientation to learn more about the kickboxing and strength training classes they'll be attending during the next ten weeks.  The new fitness students were also introduced to their teammates who will be attending   

Franchise owners Jason Hedden and Bret Sharp are excited to bring Farrell's body transformation fitness program to Chicaco and are very happy with the wecome they've received and are eager to get their students started along their ten week transformation journey.

Jason got his start with the Farrell's organization in Cedar Rapids, IA and quickly moved up to managing the nearby Coralville location.  His passion for leading others to improve their health and fitness led him to the decision to open in Chicago.

It takes a team to run a smooth orientation and get every new student through each step of their initial fitness evaluation and prepare everyone for a strong start.  Luckily, Jason made a few friends during his time in Iowa, and many of them were more than willing to visit the windy city to help him get started.

Join the Farrell's RAGBRAI eXperience to Celebrate Fitness at Fifty

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What will you be doing this summer?  Lance Farrell, Farrell's founder, along with a number of other FXB instructors, coaches and students, will be peddling across the state of Iowa as a part of the annual RAGBRAI ride.  RAGBRAI is a week long bike ride across Iowa sponsored each year by The Des Moines Register.  The route changes each year, allowing a variety of Iowa communities to host the riders for one day.  The 2012 route was announced on January 28th, and the ride will fill quickly.

"I'll be 50 years old this year, and I want to celebrate being fit at fifty by doing something big with my FXB family.  The idea for adding a fitness component to our martial arts schools was born when I saw a martial arts friend of mine demonstrate his impressive level of physical conditioning during a martial arts presentation.  He was 50 years old at the time, and watching him perform really caused me to change my thinking about staying in shape after I retired from competition," Farrell explains.  

The crew at BIKE WORLD has a lot of experience with hosting a large group for the ride, and they've offered to include our group as part of their own.  There will be some specialized gear, meals, showers and sleeping accomodations.  Details and a few package upgrade options can be found at the BIKE WORLD group link below.

We're limited to 150 riders, and we need to have our final number on February 1st, so it's time to register!  There are two steps to signing up.  First, register for the ride through the Farrell's registration page.  We'll be submitting one group registration to RAGBRAI.  Next, register for the appropriate transportation and accomodation package through the Bike World page.

To Join Lance Farrell and the rest of the FXB crew, you'll need to complete all three of the following steps.  We apologize for the inconvenience, but at least there's no P-A-P-E-R to mail in somewhere:-)

CLICK HERE TO PAY FOR THE RIDE THROUGH FARRELL'S ($150)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER THROUGH RAGBRAI AS PART OF THE FARRELL'S GROUP (please join group FARRELLS we'd do this for you ... but RAGBRAI would prefer everyone fill out their waiver themselves) 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE FARRELL'S GROUP AS PART OF THE BIKE WORLD GROUP (VARIOUS LEVELS OF ACCOMODATION/TRANSPORTATION PACKAGES ... a must if you want to spend your out-of-the-saddle time with the group!)