Fitness Archives - Raynham Athletic Club

August 14, 2023
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Exercise is not just about shedding pounds or building muscles – it’s a powerful tool that contributes to overall well-being. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just starting out on your journey, the benefits of regular physical activity are truly remarkable.

Physical Health Benefits

Engaging in regular exercise offers a plethora of physical health benefits:

  • Improved cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart diseases and stroke.
  • Enhanced muscle strength and endurance, promoting better posture and reduced risk of injury.
  • Weight management and a boosted metabolism.

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” – John F. Kennedy

Mental Well-being

Exercise has a profound impact on mental health and well-being:

  • Release of endorphins, which act as natural mood lifters, reducing stress and anxiety.
  • Improved cognitive function, memory, and focus.
  • Enhanced sleep quality, leading to better rest and rejuvenation.

“Exercise is the key not only to physical health but to peace of mind.” – Nelson Mandela

Social Benefits

Beyond the individual advantages, exercise can have positive effects on your social life:

  • Opportunities to connect with others through group activities or fitness classes.
  • Improved self-confidence and body image, leading to more fulfilling social interactions.
  • Shared goals and achievements with friends or workout partners.

Getting Started

If you’re new to exercising, it’s important to start slowly and choose activities you enjoy. Remember, consistency is key to reaping the benefits of exercise. Consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new fitness regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can truly transform your life. Whether you’re aiming for a healthier body, a sharper mind, or a more vibrant social life, exercise paves the way for a brighter and more fulfilling future.

“The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen.” – Unknown


Exercise
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your exercise routine or lifestyle.

 

 


May 20, 2023

          Are you bored with your routine or just don’t know what to do with yourself at the gym? Fit Club is for you! The RAC Fit Club, starting back up again on Monday, June 5th,  is an excellent personal training option!  With low monthly rates, small group sizes, and different workouts each week, you could become your best self with Fit Club. We provide you with the following:

  • Trainer guided sessions

  • A fun small group setting

  • Accountability 

  • Motivation 

          There is no commitment; you can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel with a 14 days notice. Having a group of people to exercise with can make a huge difference, not to mention that by paying for a spot, you are holding yourself accountable to show up.  We will plan the workout; all you need to do is be there!  The gym can be intimidating, so why not do yourself a favor and join Fit Club.  Call the RAC at 508-823-5440 for more information or to sign up!


October 18, 2021
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Is a Personal Trainer *ACTUALLY* Worth It?!

So let’s be honest first; I used to think that a personal trainer was a huge gimmick that they tried to hustle you into when you first joined a gym. I had this wild belief that unless this trainer could make me look like a supermodel or an athlete, then there is absolutely no way that it would be worth it. Well as I have gotten a little older and wiser, let me tell you that my opinion has most definitely transformed. Hear me out because I was once just as skeptical as you!

MOTIVATION – Most people will agree that as we get older and life gets busier, the motivation to workout becomes a little less.  Motivating yourself to get to the gym is almost the hardest part; being productive once you get there might have it beat. If you are anything like me, you might need the reminder that staring at workouts on your phone for 45 minutes does not actually count as working out. A trainer motivates you to get to the gym and literally tells you what to do once you get there. They want to make sure that you are productive during your time at the gym. Creating goals and reaching milestones with your trainer will ignite that little spark for exercising that you may not have even known was there.

ACCOUNTABILITY& CONSISTENCY- The exercise spark has come back a little, but we all know how easily that spark blows out after a couple weeks. A trainer is there to hold you accountable and to remind you that you wanted this. They will not let you forget because it’s literally their job. You now have someone to answer to if you didn’t work out at all since your last meeting and it will be obvious. Feeling their disappointment and the pain of your now difficult work out should serve as a lesson to put in the work. The expectations of your trainer outside of your training session hold you accountable and create consistency.  Their mission is to keep the spark alive, create strong habits, and build strength so that you may create a healthy routine and accomplish your goals.

CONFIDENCE- So you joined a new gym, but how much of the equipment do you actually know how to use? How much of it will you probably not take advantage of because of your comfort level? I have definitely been in this boat before. It is intimidating to sometimes try something new, but what if you could ask for help? A trainer will not only serve as a guide to navigate your new gym, but they will work with you to build a routine. In a short time, you will feel more comfortable with the equipment and a routine to ensure that you are getting the most out of your new gym!

KNOWLEDGE& SAFETY– A personal trainer is basically a teacher. They are there to teach you how to work out, but in a way that is best for you. As they get to know you, they learn your strengths and weaknesses and tailor each workout specifically for you. Working with you to meet your personal fitness goals in the most efficient and safest way possible is their priority. With their knowledge, they will guide you through your new routine with correct form and precautions when necessary. The mission of your trainer becomes keeping both you and your body heathy for years to come!

Trust me, Try a trainer and you will not be sorry that you did!


September 28, 2020
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Growing up in British Columbia, Canada, Angela Naeth, known in the triathlon world for her prowess on the bike, is a multiple 70.3 and Ironman Champion, 36+ 70.3     podium finisher, Ironman 2014 Chattanooga Champion (her third Ironman) and the 2015 North American Ironman Champion with her scorching under 9-hour   performance!
In 2018, Angela, while battling Lyme disease, placed 8th at the Ironman World Championships with a time of 8:57.
With a Masters degree in Physical Therapy and Bachelor’s in Health Sciences, Angela graduated in 2005 and worked as a pediatric and orthopedic physiotherapist for 5 years.  Angela has coached and trained  athletes for 10+ years in cycling, triathlon and running, and in the fitness arena. She is well versed in sports nutrition, functional strength and programming. She offers personal consultations, training, programming and analysis.
She is now currently ranked among the top triathletes in the world –  with 3 sub-9 hour IRONMAN performances, 30+ podiums at the 70.3 and Ironman distances. Angela continues to pursue her career in these distances and build awareness around Lyme, and Women in Sport
Angela will be working with the RAC for various program like RAC Masters Swimming, Nutrition Program, Triathlon and many more to come.
We are honor to welcome Angela to the RAC Team.

September 25, 2020
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Choosing a gym sounds like an easy task, but in reality it is much more difficult than that. This decision will not only affect your finances but also your physical and mental health. It is understandable that you would want to take time to consider which gym option would work best for you. You aren’t alone in feeling a bit of anxiety over this kind of monumental decision! Don’t worry though, consider me a helpful travel guide as you navigate this important decision. There are some things that must be thought about before even stepping foot into the gym. 

To get us started down this choosing a gym road, I have come up with a few things you will want to consider before deciding on a gym.

 

Gyms Cost (per month & depending on membership type) Joining Fee # of Classes & if they are included with membership Childcare* Extras*
RAC $20 – $84.95 $50 (Only for non-commit membership and workout buddy),  15 different types (Included)(about 40 classes/week) Included Basketball court, pickleball, heated pool, sauna, steam room*
Taunton YMCA $24.50 – $63 $50 (Only for Family or Adult membership) 13 different types (Included) Included Basketball court, pool, indoor track, racquetball court
Planet Fitness $10 – $22.99 Currently $1 down (Changes depending on when you join) No classes No Affordable
Gold’s Gym $29.95 – $129 $0 – $25 (Depending on membership type) ~12 (Both in person and virtual classes included) Included Smoothie bar, sauna/steam room*, women only workout area
Bridgewater Fitness $34.95 – $99 34.95 (Only for monthly memberships 10 different types (Spin classes are an additional cost) Additional Display featuring protein bars, supplements and energy drinks for members to purchase
WOW 14.99 – $39.99 $1 (Only for non-commit) 13 types (Included with platinum or titanium membership only) Included with certain memberships Tanning, guest privileges, titanium training (depends on membership type)
East Coast Fitness $29 – $58 $58 (Single membership) / $87 (Couple) 8 different types (Included) Small fee ($2 for first hour, $1 per additional 30 mins) Tanning, supplement & smoothie station
Fit Factory $10 – 29.99 $49.99 (Annual fee) ~7 different types (Included for certain memberships) Included in most memberships Food & juice bar, tanning, women’s only area, sauna & steam *

* Normally available but coronavirus could have affected this gym aspect

Cost

While this may seem simple, it is definitely something that you will want to consider. Signing a contract and then realizing you can’t make the monthly payments, isn’t something anyone wants. Make sure to ask if there is any sort of joining fee, because you will want to consider that when figuring out your gym budget.  Especially because canceling your contract could come with a hefty price tag. 

Goals

Really sit down and think about what kind of gym goals you want to accomplish. Your goals will impact what kind of facility you are looking for. For example, if your goal involves working on your swimming, you will need a gym with a pool. 

Membership 

Ask what is included in your future gym membership. Most gyms will always include access to standard cardio and weight lifting equipment. But!!! Do you need heavier weights because you dream to pick up all the heavy things? Do you dream of joining a high energy dance party every weeknight? If you answered yes (or even no), then you will need to find a gym that meets your specific needs, like one with extensive weight equipment or a gym where you don’t have to pay extra for classes. 

Facility 

Some important features to consider about the facility include: hours they are open, childcare, facility size and location. Maybe you are an early bird who likes to workout before work to help energize your day or maybe you prefer in the evening to help relieve stress from the day. Not only are the hours important but so is the location! One study found that the closer you are to your gym, the more frequently you will go. Some people prefer the equipment selection of a large gym, while others prefer the close knit feel of a smaller gym. Busy parents would most likely want childcare included in their membership. Whichever features you need, make sure your gym has them!!!! 

Why the Raynham Athletic Club?

The Raynham Athletic Club (RAC) is a small, locally owned fitness facility. We strive to make you feel welcome as soon as you walk through the doors. The RAC isn’t just a gym, it is so much more. It is a sense of community. It is staff that will greet you with a smile, class instructors that become friends and other members that become like family. It is an individualized experience tailored to your specific goals and needs. With new management in place, the RAC is working to establish itself as a members oriented gym. A gym where staff works directly with you and helps you achieve your goals. We don’t want you to get lost in your journey to a healthy lifestyle but to work with you every step of the way, from nutritional goals, losing weight to gaining healthy muscle, or just staying healthy. Yes there are all kinds of Gyms with different business goals. Some of them as you can see above are less expensive and financially it might make sense. But without guidance, without motivation, you may just end up paying the fee and never show up. Joining the gym or club is the easy part, but motivating yourself to go to the gym or club is the crucial part. This is now an important focus at the RAC.  We want to walk side by side in your fitness journey. We want to build a relationship with you so that you feel excited to come work out. This is how we distinguish ourselves from other gyms.  The RAC also is the home to Bay State Physical Therapy, Kneadful Massage, Karate, SoMAFIT, swim lessons and even a dance studio, Susan winter school of Dance. All of the previously mentioned businesses are located right in the gym building, so everything is in an easily accessible location for members. Lisa Shaw is not only one of our fabulous cycling instructors but also has been a member for many years. She actually became a cycling instructor because she loves our cycling classes so much! When asked to describe the RAC she said: “The RAC is all about the members! The bonds and relationships you form with each other, make this gym so unique”.  Come and try us out! If you don’t want to make a commitment, we have a plan for that, if you want a short term commitment, we have a plan for that too. If you are coming with your workout buddies, we have amazing deals for that also.  Come try us free for a day, we are positive that you will have a great experience!