![]() There’s a lot of talk about proper life balance with work, family, and food...but is your workout balanced? Are your muscles balanced? Did you know your quads are made up of 4 muscles... makes sense right. This muscle group (rectus femoris, Vastus medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus medialis) needs to be balanced out individually for knee health as well as balanced as a group to properly offset the hamstrings and glutes, or opposing muscle groups. Every joint in the body has muscles on each side to aid with flexing/extending, aduction/abduction, or rotation. Muscular imbalance can cause tightness on one side and weakness on the opposing side which can cause many problems including joint pain or potential injury. Repetitive movements in a work setting or doing the same fitness routine over and over again can cause imbalances as well as sitting for long periods of time or maintaining a poor posture. When designing your workouts make sure you are thinking about balance in your muscle groups as well as changing up your routine. Make sure you are moving in multi planes and targeting opposing groups like pushing and pulling, for example. If you have hit a fitness plateau, fallen into a fitness rut, or are facing injury from muscle imbalance you may be in need of a new workout routine. Any of the qualified WRAC Trainers can help you with program design as well as fitness assessments to see if you are out of alignment. Contributed by: WRAC Wellness Director, Lisa Smith [email protected]
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![]() A Runner’s Story: Featuring Elizabeth Doop Elizabeth Doop joined the WRAC along with her husband Ryan in October 2017 after they both participated in our ‘Take a Swing’ trial. Since joining, both Elizabeth and Ryan have utilized all aspects of the club: taking tennis lessons, participating in racquetball events, regularly attending group fitness classes and in March of 2019 - Elizabeth joined our Board of Directors. This last November, Elizabeth participated in her FIRST half marathon in Palm Desert, CA - finishing in 3 hours and 33 minutes! After sharing the details of the event on her Facebook page, I reached out to Elizabeth to find out more. I wanted to know what inspired her to run the half marathon, how she trained for it, her favorite part of the experience, if she has any plans for future races and most importantly: if I could share her story! I can honestly say that after reading her response and seeing the great pictures that document her journey - I was truly inspired! A HUGE thank you to Elizabeth for letting me share this story with all of you. - Emma Bush, Membership Coordinator “Where do I begin?! I started 2019 off with Anja's Petterson's Couch to 5K program at the WRAC. After completing her program, I participated in the Lake Steven's Chamber of Commerce Chase the Leprechauns 5k. Immediately following, I ran in the LA Big 5K at Dodger Stadium. It was while I was in LA at the LA Marathon Expo, that I learned of the USA Women's half marathon event. While exploring the other booths at the event, I talked it over with my husband, Ryan. I was excited about the possibility of doing the half marathon but I wasn't quite confident in my abilities yet. Ryan, being a distance runner himself, basically said I needed to get out of my head and sign up for the darn thing. SO I DID!! Oh the anxiety that followed. Thankfully I had 8 months to prepare. For several months my focus was on getting comfortable running outside and learning how our local terrain and weather affected my performance. When I was ready to work on my mileage building, I found a 12 week training program online for guidance. During my training, I participated in my first 10K race, the University of Washington Dawg Dash, to test the waters of running a longer distance. Finally, the big day arrived and I have to say the best part of the event was the energy. Almost 3000 participants, all with encouraging attitudes running side by side. So much girl power!! I've made plans to do another half marathon in May 2020, the Windermere Marathon in Spokane, WA.” - Elizabeth Doop ![]() TENNIS: When playing tennis and the points start getting more and more intense... The tendency is to start gripping the handle harder and tighter. You will do your body a lot of good if you learn to relax your grip as the point continues. Not only will this help the rest of your body to relax but you will save your arm from future injuries. Wrist injuries and Tennis Elbow will be less common in your Tennis career by loosening your grip while playing. PICKLEBALL: Trying to elevate your game to the next level? Learning to use your legs more by using a squatting position is a great way. When at the Kitchen Line to prevent your opponent from pushing you back behind it try to squat down for those shots right off the bounce instead of taking a step backwards. This will keep you at the Kitchen line for more points and keep you from giving your opponent and easy target by hitting your toes on the very next shot. Clint Vidano, Head Tennis Pro and Pickleball Director ![]() Clint Vidano, Head Tennis Pro and Pickleball Director ![]() Have you started your end of the year check list? What list am I talking about? 1. Should I get Disney +? 2. Did I get my Christmas cards out before December 25th? 3. I’ve moved and have a new address, I changed my email, I have a new credit card with a new expiration date or the one I’m using has a new expiration date, I have a new phone number. 4. The big question… I need to join a place with people that care about my health and Fitness and have Tennis, Racquetball, Pickle ball, amazing classes, massage and a fitness center where I can achieve all my fitness and nutritional goals, where do I find this? . . . I can help you with these questions! Yes, of course you need Disney in your life!! People always enjoy a Christmas/ New Year’s card. Our end of the year check list at the WRAC is to provide our members with a place where people care about your health and Fitness. We have Tennis, Racquetball, Pickleball, swim instruction, amazing classes, Certified instructors, kids club, massage, Personal Trainers, and a fitness center where we can help you achieve all your fitness and nutritional goals. Did I mention our deli where our staff makes amazing smoothies, while you purchase Christmas presents in our pro shop! We at the WRAC would be happy to help you complete your list. If you have questions or would like a tour of our facility, Please, contact our Membership Coordinator, Emma Bush. If you would like to secure and update your information. Please contact us today @ (509) 662-3544. Happy Holidays! From Tammy Donaghy, Accounting Director and The WRAC Staff Where we play every day! Massages are a great way to relax. They are particularly enjoyable and beneficial after a good workout.
Improved Flexibility: A post workout massage helps your muscles release tension and helps them get back to their normal state. This can lead to improved flexibility. Muscle Recovery: Receiving a massage right after your workout can also help your muscles in the recovery process. A massage improves the circulation of fluids in your body which allows nutrients and oxygen to reach your muscles and tissues better. Pain Relief: Tight muscles can eventually lead to pain in different parts of your body. For instance, if your glutes, quads and hamstrings are always tight then chances are you will develop sore hips and knees. A post workout massage can decrease the soreness of your muscles after your workout. Increased Range Of Motion: When your muscles tighten from exercise, joint range of motion becomes lessened. Stretching or receiving a post workout massage can help unlock your muscles so your original range of motion is restored which allows you to perform your exercises more efficiently. Make an appointment TODAY! ![]() Teaching at the WRAC, I am often asked for advice on an effective training/exercise program. So, if you are one that wants to have a zest for life and eat and sleep better, let’s get started! Following are exercise parameters for improving strength, VO2 max, co-ordination and endurance. Frequency is the foundation of a successful and rewarding fitness plan. For purposes of this missive, we are all specifically cleared medically for exacting exercise sessions. Thirty minutes every day is a great maintenance schedule. Sixty minutes every day is a fine program for achieving new levels of performance. Exercising 120-150 minutes per day is a good regimen for a competitive athlete. Big, big bulletin here… when it doubt…rest!!! Strength advancements are best attained through rotational weight training. Day 1 target legs, next day arms, next day core. Resistance equals exhaustion at 12 repetitions performed with rigorous attention to detail. Choose 3 exercises and consider that one set. Complete 3 to 5 sets. Change exercises weekly. For VO2 max enhancement you need intensity and speed. Any exercise utilizing “big levers” (arms and legs) is perfect. There should be 20 – 50 repetitions with 15 to 45 second explosive durations. An example is jumping jacks with straight arms. Vary exercise choices daily. For co-ordination you want eye to hand (or leg) games. Improvements are best realized through novelty. As an example, 15 minutes of pickleball, next time basketball, next time dance, next time rock climbing, next time roller skating. Endurance improvement programs are tricky because of the seductive lure of long hours or many miles. While there are a myriad of benefits in prolonged sessions, there is a near certainty of injury. Anecdotally, Gerry Lindgren’s running 300 miles weekly. Jim Ryan sprinting 50 times 400-meters and Mary Decker’s phenomenal mile repeats are the stuff of legends and deservedly so. However, today’s best science shows an hour session results in 80%+ results compared to a three-hour session with 70% fewer injuries. Plan on an hour at 80% or more of your maximum heart rate. Variety is instrumental. Run one time, row one time, bike one time, swim one time, etc. The results will astonish you! Most importantly, seek counsel from the experts on staff at the WRAC. The experience and knowledge of our instructors ensures a broad spectrum of coaching inputs. Cheers, Dave Wilson, Coaching champions for 48 years ![]() On behalf of WRAC Management and the Board of Directors, I would like to thank all of you who took the time to complete the recent online survey. Over 200 members responded and we are encouraged by the results. Fifty-seven percent gave the highest rating of 10, with 86% recording a rating of 8 or higher. This one question survey asking if you would recommend to a friend, is a performance measure used by many companies to determine the loyalty that exists between the organization and its clients. The rating percentages are used to calculate what is called the “Net Promoter Score”. The WRAC scored 68.5 which puts it in the “excellent” category, just 1.5 points below the highest category of “world-class”. As positive as this outcome is, probably more important are the comments made by our members that confirm what the Board considers to be the WRAC’s primary strengths and assets. Those things that members find most appealing are categorized and summarized below from the many positive comments made: The environment The word “friendly” was used forty-one times in describing the WRAC. Member comments included, “fun to go to, family friendly, welcoming, low key, uncrowded, unpretentious, somewhat quiet, and a casual gym experience”. The WRAC was referred to as a wonderful community to be a part of, and a great place to exercise and make new friends. Some expressed appreciation for the social aspects, the opportunities to interact with members and connect with like-minded people, people who appreciate fitness. One member stated, “Before joining, I tried a couple of other fitness establishments but they were cold and uninviting. I did not have that feeling here…I felt at home.” Another compared the WRAC to other facilities by simply stating, “It’s a club not a gym”. The facilities Many members expressed appreciation for the quality of the various facilities, and the large number and variety of fitness options for all ages, fitness levels and interests. One noted that the WRAC offers so much more than the usual weight training and exercise machines that other facilities provide. Others praised the organized competition, wide selection and varied challenges of fitness classes, remodeled fitness center, availability of childcare, overall cleanliness of the facility, accommodating hours of operation, and easy access to the hiking trails. A tennis player noted that the combination of quality and availability of courts, scheduling options, professional staff, and cost to play tennis, probably doesn’t get much better. The staff The staff was complimented by several members noting that they make you feel welcome, are responsive to member requests and willing to help, and communicate well with the members. The instruction leaders were described as inspiring, cheerful, helpful and knowledgeable. One referred to the yoga teachers as the best in the valley. There were also some non-positive, but mostly constructive, comments expressed. These included concerns about accommodating pickleball, tennis court lighting and heating/air conditioning, the need for more things for children to do, and the cost of membership; although the cost was appreciated by some with such comments as, “the best value around for about $2 per day (fitness), and “they’re not trying to nickel and dime you with add-on expenses”. Having been a Board member for over six years, I have grown to appreciate how challenging it is to run a multifaceted recreational facility in a rural area, while keeping it updated and staying in the black. Our very lean staff works hard to provide our members with a rewarding exercise experience in a pleasant environment. The survey results demonstrate that you appreciate the efforts being made, and for that we are grateful. - Alan Patterson, WRAC Board of Directors Past President Q & A with Tony -
How long have you been a WRAC member? I started in April of 2017, right after moving back to Wenatchee. What was your main reason for joining the club? I needed to find a gym and I knew a couple of people who worked at The WRAC. Plus my dad is a member and its only a few minutes from my house and on my way to work. What is your favorite part of the facility to utilize? The free weights/lifting area. Although I enjoy cycling class with Tony and A.J.. How long ago did you begin your fitness journey & what is your main goal? I played sports in high school and have been interested in fitness all of my life - I even job shadowed a personal trainer at The WRAC my senior year. But I really committed to changing my lifestyle on New Years Day this year. I looked in the mirror and didn't like what I saw. So I committed myself to changing what I ate & consistently going to workout. My main goal was to get to 193 lbs, which was my high school wight. What has been the hardest part of your journey? Most rewarding? The hardest part has been changing my eating habits. I was an athlete in high school and was able to eat whatever and my eating habits never changed, so it took me awhile to adjust to not eating fast food and cutting out the junk food. The most rewarding part has probably been needing to buy new work and workout clothes. The old stuff doesn't fit! Describe how you feel (overall) NOW compared to how you felt when you first started on your fitness journey. Faster, lighter. Its difficult to describe beyond just saying, better. But I do feel a lot better...I am proud of what I have accomplished thus far, but I am not done yet. Free weights or Cardio? Is it a cop out to say both? I enjoy lifting but its hard to beat going on a run and watching the sunset. Leg day or Arm day? LEG DAY!! I really enjoy lifting heavy things so squats and dead-lifts appeal to me. Outside of working out at The WRAC, what do you enjoy doing for fun? Well I am an Assistant Golf Professional so I enjoy golfing, but my favorite activity has to be basketball. |