35 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com to our turf area at noon on any day and you will see at least 20 people back there. That wasn’t the case years ago. I feel like strength training is back on top now.” Functional strength training is a type of exercise that focuses on training the body for activities performed in daily life, sports or specific tasks. Strength training, also known as weight training or resistance training, involves the performance of physical exercises that are designed to improve strength and endurance. If a big box gym isn’t your thing or you find it intimidating, then try a small(er) gym or a gym that offers a curated experience. SPENGA gym focuses on three types of workouts: spin, HIIT (high-intensity interval training) and yoga. “Here at SPENGA, we believe strong bodies and minds are created through the power of all three pillars of fitness, which are cardio, strength and flexibility. SPENGA is the first studio of its kind to put equal focus on all three components in one 60-minute workout, through the power of RIDE, REP and REVIVE,” stated SPENGA owner John Youngblood. Your class will feature all three components. RIDE kicks off every session. Spin is a low-impact, heartpumping cardio party that will heat your body up. With REP you will feel the burn, minus the burnout! When you increase your muscle mass, you boost your resting metabolism, and your body will burn more calories. REVIVE is where participants find their balance. Yoga kicks off with strength-driven poses to keep the body challenged. This is a mid-level gym in size, and they offer all types of exciting (or heart-pumping) classes and flexibility. If you instead prefer a more intimate, one-onone training design, then personal training might be the right experience for you. Michael Samuel is the CEO of his personal training company, MikeSamFitness. “There is a large push into adding strength training into people’s current fitness regime. So many people are coming to realize that only HIIT or all cardio workouts leave gaps in their performance. Fitness facilities are now becoming ‘one-stop-shops,’ where people want HIIT, strength training, yoga, sauna, cold plunge and lounge area all in one place,” noted Samuel. “People are willing to pay high dollars for these services with increased spending on concierge services like personal training and personalized diet plans.” Samuel’s technique and training specializes in strength and conditioning with Olympic lifting and athletic workouts to increase your endurance and body performance. “I do want to encourage people who are just getting into fitness or back into fitness: try a variety of modalities before committing to just one area,” he advised. “So, swim, run, bike, do yoga, lift or hike. It’s always fun to learn new ways to move the body.” Eating healthy — or healthier — is another way to help mold the ‘new you’ of 2024. Portion control and eating things in moderation such as sweets and snacks are two reasonably attainable habits to develop. Perhaps eating one or two meals a week that are plant-based and/or increasing consumption of fruits and organic produce are other realistic goals to pursue. Instead of buying pre-made frozen meals or processed foods from the store why not try cooking from scratch or making snacks? You will know what ingredients are in it because you are making it yourself, and since it is freshly-made, you will taste the difference immediately. Getting back to basics and making our own food is a phenomenal way to begin healthier living and cultivate a stronger appreciation for the food we are blessed to have. This year let’s focus on our overall health and wellness, from the foods that nourish our body, to how we move through the world. When we are healthy, we can help others. But health starts at home, first. It’s important that each individual takes personal responsibility for his or her wellness journey, and what better time to renew a healthy commitment to self than the beginning of a new year. entertainment SPENGA gym. Michael Samuel
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