Brian Blight: How The Locker Room Keeps Him Accountable

Brian has been an integral part of Pinnacle Oakleigh for over 3 years now and we have watched his journey with amazement. As a key member of the Locker Room team, Brian chats to us about his motivation and why team training helps him achieve his goals.

“Initially when I first joined the Gym (over three years ago I think), the reason I trained was to generally improve my fitness and build a bit of muscle after my earlier weight loss left me feeling weak. Whilst these fundamentally are still in the back of my mind, I now believe that I train for my physical and mental well being. I always feel good after a session. If I train first thing in the morning, it sets up my day and I actually feel less tired and more awake. When I train in the evening, again it sets me up for a good night and I always sleep better after an evening training session.

I chose the locker room because I want to train with others. If I trained by myself, I would pretty much find an excuse not to train. In The Locker Room you soon get to know the people you train with and develop a camaraderie and some sort of banter. Whilst exercising, as a motivational tool I usually try to match or beat other peoples speed, repetitions or weights. Also, if someone says to me “see you tomorrow”, I use that as motivation to turn up. I don’t want to feel like I have let someone down if I have made a commitment. Very minor, but probably my biggest motivation for me to exercise. 

I have tried many of the classes offered by Pinnacle and would recommend that everyone should try a new class every now and then. You may be surprised what really works for you.”

 

 

How Ilanna Stays Motivated

Meet our Studio Member Ilanna

Our little quiet achiever, Ilanna at Pinnacle Caribbean Park who when chatting to us about her training told us that she didn’t think it was very motivational. Well we beg to differ!

Ilana describes her life as very busy. Juggling full time work as a teacher, her partner studying and working full time as a critical care nurse plus spending lots of time cooking and spending time with family.

“My job is quite demanding and training provides me with an outlet after work each day for my mental and physical health. Training with a group of people and forming connections outside of my familiar circles motivates me as I look forward to seeing them!”

So what does the typical week look like for Ilana?

I alway like to start off my week right with a Locker Room class on Monday’s after work. This always starts my week off right.

Wednesdays I attend Body Pump at Scoresby and love the CRX class there on Fridays too.

Saturday I like to take things a little slower with a sleep in and then a Reformer class at Caribbean Park.

Sundays are my rest days where we spend time with family and in the kitchen cooking.

Sometimes it’s hard to get to classes depending on if I get out of work on time but I try to go as much as I can and see it as part of my day. I go straight to the gym from work so I don’t have time to think twice about it. The feeling you get after a workout and the consistency and discipline that comes with going to the gym regularly is also a big driving force.

My biggest motivational factor is knowing the trainers will see you every week (and notice when you aren’t there!) as well as the people you usually train with. It takes me out of my comfort zone and makes me try things I definitely wouldn’t if I was training by myself.

Find out more about our studio membership options here

What is Reformer Pilates?

Have you heard of reformer Pilates but you are actually not sure what it is and why every is talking about it? Even though Reformer Pilates have been around for decades, it a relatively recent addition to a lot of peoples’ health & fitness routines and the buzz word for many given its range of benefits.

Hear from Emma, Pinnacle Wellness founder as she takes you through the different elements of a reformer class and shows how the different elements work together to create the ultimate full body workout.

“Sometimes the reformer can look like a pretty scary contraption, trust me you are not the first person to not know what bit does what!”

So what is the Reformer and how does this add to your workouts?

Adjust Your Resistance
Reformers have different levels of resistance springs, allowing you to adjust your workout to your fitness level or even to how you are feeling on the day!  Remember, more resistance doesn’t necessarily mean a harder workout, you can improve your practice with less resistance but more control.

Extra Support

Technique is so important in Pilates to avoid injury and maximise every exercise. The reformer acts as your support with the ability to utilise the front platform and bar to regain your balance if needed.

Adding a Little Extra with Straps

Just like the springs, the straps are there to add that little extra and can be used in lots of different ways improve your workout from adding more resistance to exercises focussed on balance and breathing.

Add a little more with TRX & Barre

Adding a bit more to your class away from the reformer helps to keep things fun and add that next challenge to your workout. The latest trend on reformer Pilates utilising apparatus like the barre and TRX improves balance and target smaller muscle groups to feel that burn!

“ Our wonderful instructors are on hand to show you step by step and encourage you to start slowing until you start to feel more confident and stronger. You will be a reformer Pilates expert in no time.”

Our latest Reformer Pilates studios is opening in June 2019 at Pinnacle Scoresby & Oakleigh. To find out more about our studio, click here

Love,

Emma Stallworthy xx

Pinnacle Wellness Founder

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5 Benefits of Training with a Friend

We all know how hard it can be to motivate yourself to complete a workout on your own- so here’s 5 reasons why it pays off to train with a friend.

Someone has your back (literally) Chances are you’re not hitting your PB or increasing your weights because there’s no one spotting you. You think you can lift more, but do you risk it? Bring a friend along and you can both rotate and spot each other and push each other.

It’s a great way to socialise Work/study commitments can always get in the way of time with friends so why not combine your weekly catch up with a workout? Catching up with friends at the gym also establishing positive habits and saves you money! You can set a target A competitive streak can be a healthy way to push yourself and your gym partner. Set the pace and see who takes home the win!

You can share like-minded goals There’s nothing better than a team effort- sharing like-minded goals ensures you to stay on track and you can always share tips on how to improve your performance!

Added motivation is your best friend! There’s no time for excuses when it comes to training with a friend- hold each other accountable for your workout routine and you’ll be smashing your fitness goals in no time!  

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Mitch’s Game-Changing Journey!

Mitch is a familiar face for many at Pinnacle Scoresby and we were blown away by his 28 Day Game Changer results last year.  Here are some of his top tips for anyone still unsure as to how a change in your training can allow you to see some amazing results.

For many of us, doing our own thing in the gym a couple of times a week doesn’t result in us feeling our best. A little extra guidance, motivation and fun environment is all it takes for us to push ourselves that little bit extra!

Mitch was feeling this around 2 years ago when he first joined us at Pinnacle…

“I starting working a desk job in the local area and was a member of a conventional gym but was still feeling unhappy, unfit and unmotivated so after paying a visit to Pinnacle Scoresby, I quickly changed as the vibe of the club alone had me hooked!

I was encouraged by the coaches to get involved in the 28 Day Game Changer as a great way to help get a tatse of a different style of training. It was time to break my bad habits of limited exercises and bad diet. The Gam  Changer helped initiate breaking this cycle. I was so used to doing my own thing that it was time to try something different and I haven’t looked back since.

The 28 Day Game Changer was such an achievable goal. 4 weeks to give it your all- that;s it! The whole time you can see the end in sight. It makes it easier to stick to the diet and training. The trainers are a great support network and the nutritional advice is so beneficial.

What did Mitch do after his 28 days?? I absolutely love attending the club and the Locker Room sessions – the coaches have provided me with constant encouragement, guidance and a bit of a push when I needed it – I honestly cannot thank them enough. I walk out the Pinnacle doors dripping in sweat after every visit; I am as healthy, happy and strong as I have been in a long time and that’s only going to continue.

Honestly, joining Pinnacle was on the of the best decision I have ever made.”

If you are looking to make a change to your fitness routine like Mitch, you can register for our upcoming 28 Day Game Changer here!

It all kicks off Monday 11 February- don’t forget to get in early as registration closes 7 February.

Melissa Duncan’s Top Running Tips

With the weather getting better & longer days upon us, it is the start of the running season and the perfect time to hit the pavement. Running is a fantastic form of exercise that improves your cardio fitness, builds lean muscle and also a great way to de-stress and get that endorphins hit.

Someone who knows this all too well is Australian Middle Distance runner & Pinnacle member, Melissa Duncan. Melissa has put together her top tip for anyone thinking of getting into running.

TOP TIPS TO START THAT RUNNNG ROUTINE

FIND YOURSELF A RUNNING GROUP

Having a squad to run with makes the whole process more enjoyable because you can use it as a time to catch up as well as get fit. Even just meeting with someone ensures your accountability to get out there.

Running is hard, but it’s the friendships and the social aspect that helped me fall in love with it.

SET YOURSELF A GOAL

Whether it be a target distance you want to achieve or a fun run event coming up, having a goal will make you more likely to stick with your running plan.

RUN REGULARLY 


It’s very simple- the more frequently you get out for a run, the more you will improve! Don’t be afraid to have walking breaks if you need to, then gradually decrease them as you get fitter.

MAKE A REALISTIC PLAN

If you’re working long hours and already have a busy schedule, planning to run every day might be an unreal expectation. Start with a realistic plan of how often you can run and ensure it’s achievable so you will stick to it. If you miss one planned training run, it makes it easier to miss more in the future, so if your plan is attainable, you shouldn’t have any reason to deviate from it. Plan shorter runs during the working week and a longer run on the weekend when you have more time.

RECOVER!

To ensure you can keep running, it’s important to avoid injury and soreness, so get that foam roller out and give your whole body a good stretch after every run so you don’t feel sore the next day.

Above all, it’s really important to enjoy your running or you won’t have the motivation to keep doing it, so spoil yourself with some brunch after your run on the weekends!

If you are interested in joining us for our Pinnacle Run Club with Melissa, you can register your interest here: https://www.trybooking.com/425836

Women We Love: Team McLennan

Happy International Women’s Day to each and every Wonder Women! At Pinnacle Health Clubs, Women are always at the front. Not only does our ChicksLift program exist to empower & inspire women to train the right way for their bodies, our clubs and head office are filled with awesome like-minded females – just like Coaches, Elise & Melissa McLennan (not related!). We caught up with both these ladies to find out why they devote so much of their lives & passion to helping women gain confidence in their own skin.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A FITNESS PROFESSIONAL? 
MEL: My passion for health and fitness intensified after having my first child. It gave me something else to focus on, time out for myself to do something good for me. I was dedicated, saw some great results and it greatly increased my confidence.

ELISE: My first Strength & Conditioning Coach was a driving force for my career choice. I was stuck doing useless training in a gym just trying to burn calories and never getting results. Ash (an old high school friend and now Strength & Conditioning Coach in Canada) introduced me to structured strength training and taught me the science behind it all. I fell in love and knew I needed to spread the good word.

WHY DO YOU LOVE TRAINING OTHER WOMEN? 
MEL: I love training other woman as I have seen what our bodies are capable of; the transformations they go through and also the desire to have that post-baby body back! I find women need more direction and praise than men, so I get a lot out of training woman specifically.

ELISE: My favourite thing about training other women is watching them fall in love and feel (and see) the benefits of getting strong AF!

WHAT’S YOUR FITNESS PHILOSOPHY?
MEL: Love life, live healthy – you CAN do this!

ELISE: Train smarter not harder. A philosophy I’ve developed from my own experience. I used to think I had to be killing myself in the gym at least 6 days a week to get results. I now follow a structured, progressive strength program 4 days a week and am achieving the best results I’ve ever experienced (both body composition & strength wise).

YOUR FAVOURITE EXERCISE TO PRESCRIBE AND WHY? 
MEL: Most of the time I love a fast paced high intensity workout.  I do also love a Dead Bug – it’s a simple movement which gives great results to our inner core muscles!

ELISE: Definitely the Pallof Press! I pretty sure every client I’ve ever trained has had to do this exercise. In my opinion, it is one of the greatest and most functional core exercises as it trains anti-rotation in a standing position and it uses many of our core muscles (obliques, TVA, glutes, rectus abdominis, etc).

CAN YOU SHARE A PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT WITH US SO WE CAN CELEBRATE YOU? 
MEL: I made the decision to study a new career after having a family a huge change. At a time when I was trying to raise a young family I also had to establish myself in a completely new industry. My workplace was filled with people nearly half my age, who had a wealth of knowledge and were already succeeding and doing wonderful things. Today I am so glad I stuck it out! I have definitely found my passion and have even developed a niche for myself as Pinnacle’s pre and post natal specialist. Ladies, we’ve got this!

ELISE: Hitting PB’s in all my lifts the past few weeks amidst many minor  niggles has been a pretty good achievement.

We think that’s ace Elise – just like YOU & MEL! If you are interested in joining either of these ladies, they can be contacted at their prospective clubs. Elise works out of Pinnacle Scoresby & Mel can be found at Pinnacle Upwey. 

 

 

WHY 8 WEEKS WORKS

Pinnacle’s brand new 8 Week Challenge (8WC) is based on our original 12 Week program which has helped thousands of people lose weight, break unhealthy habits and make their health & fitness a priority. So, why did we make the change from 12 to 8 weeks? Read on to find out… 

WHY 8 WEEKS?   

Previous challenges have proven 8 weeks to be a more manageable time-frame
Our team have been facilitating 12 Week Challenges for more than 5 years, and with 2-3 Challenge’s each year, we’ve gained powerful insights into what motivates our members.  Over the last couple of years in particular, we’ve noticed that it’s the 7-8 week mark where the magic happens! During these weeks, members have achieved amazing transformations in both body & mind, and are ready to put what they’ve learnt into practice. At this time they’ve made a conscious decision on whether they’re now ready to go it alone with a Coach or workout in the gym with the mates they’ve made during the challenge… and they’re usually ready to celebrate at this point too (see note on presentation night below!).

Small goals provide the stepping stones to your success
Pre-challenge check-ins are a great time for a heart-to-heart with one of our expert coaches.  During this time, they help pave pathways for success and then, during group workouts and via online conversations, they help you set small goals as stepping stones. Small goals over 8 weeks are a lot less daunting than one huge goal and a 3-month timeframe.

Camaraderie and a sense of community flourishes
Q: What happens when you work out in a team three times a week for 8 weeks? You encourage one another? You push each other to your limits? You banter online with words of support and share healthy recipes?
A: You build a strong, proud team – and even find lifelong friends. This motivation & support network is one of the vital catalysts for change.

Be inspired to make lasting lifestyle improvements
In addition to your supportive tribe of likeminded friends and regular group workouts – the complimentary Nutrition Workshop in week one, meal plans, and regular healthy tips for an active lifestyle make it almost impossible to not feel motivated and inspired. This equates to better odds of you sustaining your new lifestyle long after the challenge has finished.

Last but not least, an 8 Week Challenge means there’s only 2 months to wait until the fun-filled bootcamp awards presentation

And whether it’s 8 or 12 weeks, no Pinnacle Challenger will be left thinking ‘what next?’ We make it a priority to provide pathways for ongoing success and long term fitness goals.

So, no matter your starting point or whether your goals are fitness, weight loss or habit-specific, we’d love to help you achieve them in our next 8 week Challenge. Starts Monday 21st January  HERE 

JAN’S OVER. SO WHAT’S NEXT?

Massive kudos to all the incredible Pinnacle members who have been smashing out impressive sessions in the gym since returning from the festive break. A big warm welcome to all our new members who have made solid commitments to their health and fitness this year and to all the mums, dads and carers who survived school holidays and made it through January – well done!

We’re so, so proud of all of you (even if you’ve had a few slips ups – who doesn’t? We’re all human right?)

So, what’s next? It’s now about making the most of your Pinnacle membership.

Discover all that your club has to offer. Every program, class and special event has been designed to keep you motivated so you not only reach those current goals but can set (and reset) new ones! From the high-energy team training sessions in The Locker Room, ladies-only strength sessions, 40+ weekly group fitness classes on each club’s timetable and Wellness studios at Upwey & Caribbean Business Park in Scoresby, there’s something for every person, ambition and mood.

Meet your coaches. These Pinnacle powerhouses are experts in helping you keep your eyes on the prize – especially when you feel like giving up. Whether your goal is weight, fitness or habit related, they’ll be by your side through the highs and lows, offering guidance and imparting the fundamentals of fitness & nutrition to help you thrive with a clean, active lifestyle. Look out for free Head Coach Clinics, book a Coach Catch Up or add a Private Coaching session to your weekly schedule for an added boost!

Find your tribe! Train with a team in the bright, welcoming Locker Room, make lifelong friends in a Pinnacle Challenge or find your squad in a Wellness studio. Whatever path you choose at Pinnacle, there’s a team of likeminded people eagerly awaiting your arrival. Or if you just want to go it alone, know that everyone at Pinnacle is on your side. It’s our goal to ensure your journey at Pinnacle is nothing short of spectacular.

In 2018 we promise to be your coach, your team and your biggest fan club. Connect with us in club, online or out in the community at one of our external events. And be sure to share your proud pinnacle moments on our social pages using the hashtag #Pinnacleproud