Keeping it clean at FitStop

WHY CLEANLINESS MATTERS.

Most days we don't think about it. We use the equipment, we wipe it down. Erm. Maybe we don't. Someone else uses it after us. We use it after someone else does. That's the way a gym works. It's public. It's for everyone. No one piece of equipment is for just one person.

FitStop prides itself in its cleanliness. We are one of the cleanest gyms around. As far as garbage being in the garbage can, equipment put away in its proper places, floor swept up, and people wiping things down, we are very clean.

But gyms are breeding ground for many a bacteria. What can we do to prevent the spread?

Here are a few tips:

• if you have a cut, open wound, infection of any type on your skin, please have it bandaged, or covered, and disinfect the surface(s) you touched.

• Mats are one of the dirtiest pieces of equipment in the gym. Once you finish using it, please spray and leave the spray air dry. Target the area your body was on. IF you are going to do any face-down moves or hands on the mat moves, please give it another preventative wipe with the wipes in the area you'll be facing/touching.

• Please wear CLEAN sneakers to the gym. For various reasons: 1. they protect your feet. 2. they prevent any fungal contamination if you're dealing with that. 3. and make sure they are clean so dirt doesn't get into the machines, across the floor, etc. Safety first!

• If you have a bad cold and are sneezing and coughing a lot, you may want to stay away from the gym for a couple of days. No amount of coughing or sneezing into your elbow is going to help prevent the spread. Use common sense, of course. If you are just hoarse and clear your throat once in a while, come workout with us! If you're blowing your nose constantly or can barely breathe, stay home.

I hope we can all work together to keep our gym the cleanest in every sense of the word.

I'd like to let you know what I've been doing around the gym to help:

• lubing rods and cables. Not only does it keep them from squeaking and keep them moving right, it also removes dust and dirt that gathers. Dust and dirt that you breathe in when you're sitting at that machine.

• deep scrubbing barbells and dumbbells. Every 3 months, I take my time and spray and scrub the handles of the dumbbells and the bars. It removes caked on dead skin cells, dirt, and dust and offers a better grip and just makes YOU feel better.

• I try to sweep under machines every so often, and check corners of the rooms for dust bunnies. No need to be breathing that in as well.

Lastly, just a reminder that there is a sink to wash your hands and hand sanitizer in a few spots here. Use them before you leave.

Thanks everyone.

PSAs

I am so pleased that every energy ball went into someone's belly Wednesday evening! For those interested, here is the recipe:

(makes 18+ 1-inch balls, approx. I think I made some smaller.... I also doubled the recipe so got lots more.)

1 1/4 c. oats ( I used quick)

2 tablespoons of power mix ins ie: chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds (I used 1 tbs each chia and flax)

1/2 c. nut butter of choice (I used organic natural peanut butter)

1/3 c. honey or pure maple syrup (I used syrup)

1 tsp of pure vanilla extract

1/4 tsp kosher salt (I omitted this)

1/2 c. mini chocolate chips.

More snacks to come in the near future! You deserve it!

Birthday Draw is coming up next week. Get your names in!

New challenge: STRESS LESS CORTISOL RESET. Starts on Monday, July 28th and lasts for 14 days. No winners or losers. This is for you to reset and create good habits. And of course, to stress less. Sign up today: sside.ca/FitStopApp

Try a new class today: Have you tried any of our group fitness classes? I challenge you to try a new one this coming week. Sign ups go up on FB every Friday morning at 7am for the new week. See you there!!

For your nutritional info: Four grams of sugar equal 1 teaspoon. For example, if a bottle of pop contains 40 grams of added sugar, that means you’re drinking 10 teaspoons of added sugar. Start paying attention to nutrition labels!

Thursday, July 24th is Self-Care day. But honestly, every day should factor in time to take care of oneself. What will you do today to care for you? I know I'll be exercising, drinking lots of water, and laughing with my family.

Take advantage of all the resources the CUP has to offer. I mean where else do you get a pool, sauna, hot tub, steam room, gym, walking track, and excellent restaurant and beautiful grounds to walk around? You can do some major self-care right at the Credit Union Place in Summerside, PEI. :)

Have a great week, everyone. Thank you for being you. Now, go take care of yourself.

Your coach, Tracy