Ask the Patch Pro: Local Experts Answer Your Fitness Questions

Our panel of experts are waiting in the comments to answer your questions about exercise and nutrition n the latest installment of Ask the Patch Pro.

It's time for another edition of Ask the Patch Pro, where each week we tackle a different topic and open up the comments section for questions. Our team of experts stop in to help you out and answer your questions. This week we're talking about getting in shape. Patch wants to help you get all of your fitness questions answered, but we needed some help. We've compiled a team of experts to help us out. Meet the experts:

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Pete Trapani

8:40 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Concerning this question there is no boilerplate that works for all people. There are many variations of exercise tools, protocols that will work. Some basic and some a little more complex.What percentage of cardio vs strength training, what should be done first cardio or strength can, and has been debated by fitness professionals for years. For example: A Study in the Journal of Strength and …   more ›

Ask the Patch Pro: Seeking Local Fitness Experts

Patch is looking for experts who can talk exercise and nutrition this week.

We want to help you find answers to your questions fitness this week, but we need a little help. In the latest edition of "Ask the Patch Pro" we need local experts who can answer readers' questions and offer advice. If you're a local expert and can answer these questions and more, let us know two ways. One: You can leave a comment on this post along with your email address. Two: You can send an email to jordan.lanham@patch.com. We need experts to answer questions on Thursday, March 14. Curious as to what we are looking for? Take a look at some of our previous Patch Pro posts: So what do you say, who wants to be our expert?

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Jordan Lanham

2:37 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Thanks Drew! I will add you to the list as well! Please check Patch tomorrow morning for the article!   more ›

Gyms and Fitness Centers in West St. Louis County

Looking to tackle those New Year's 2013 resolutions? Here are some places in West County to help you out.

If you're a New Year's resolution-maker, that means it's time to jump on a plan to keep those commitments in 2013, whether you're looking to better a trait, take up a hobby, or hit the gym to get in shape. Patch can help with that one. Patch has a list of area gyms and fitness centers you can check out to find the best one for you and your resolutions. If you're already a fitness fan and keeping to a work-out habit, which places do you recommend? The Pointe at Ballwin Commons Ballwin's fitness and recreation center is offering a 13-month membership for the price of 12 during December and January. An open house is set for Jan. 12, with free admission all day and a special membership package with free activation and waived first payment. The…

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Bonnie Krueger

7:04 pm on Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Planet Fitness on Manchester Road was left out. No childcare, no personal training sessions and no group classes. However, if you enjoy your solo cardio and strength training at a great price, they are the place to check out.   more ›

How to Have a Healthy Holiday: The Key Is Balance

WUSTL obesity prevention experts offer tips to navigate the holidays.

There’s nothing wrong with a cookie or a glass of eggnog at the holidays, says Debra Haire-Joshu, PhD, director of the Center for Obesity Prevention and Policy Research and the Center for Diabetes Translation Research at Washington University in St. Louis and associate dean for research at the Brown School. (For instant news updates follow Patch on Facebook and Twitter.) The key, Haire-Joshu said, is balance. “The holidays are a great time of the year – time spent with family and friends – and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t enjoy them,” Haire-Joshu said. “But the key is to balance those treats with healthy habits and choices. “Drink more water. Reduce portions. Limit TV viewing and keep moving. All these things can add balance and …

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The Business Break-Down

Retailers Look to Excite Shoppers with Fitness

January is a month for new beginnings and resolutions. Retailers around Patch are capitalizing on American’s annual flirtation with exercise to bring in shoppers.

Swim, Bike, Run, the unique fitness store for triathletes in Town and Country, is jumping on the January fitness craze bandwagon with a sale on bikes, shoes and winter apparel. The hard core customer base at Swim Bike Run never truly give up on fitness—after all, iron men don’t take a holiday. “The more serious ones who have goals stay active, but many runners take a break Thanksgiving to Christmas,” said Mary Ann Lambechts, a clerk at Swim Bike Run. “As soon as the New Year rolls around most start working at it again.” Staff at Gold’s Gym in Manchester report that their gym is seeing an increase in membership as more people tackle their resolution to get fit for the new year. The gym is offering a free week to try out the gym, plus their …

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Debby Siegel of Swim Bike Run

9:01 pm on Saturday, January 14, 2012

In addition to the 2011 bikes, wetsuits and running gear we're looking to move out, Swim Bike Run can help you achieve weight loss or race improvement with our Metabolic Testing. We can use it to help you discover your metabolic fingerprint... something that can help you eat and exercise most efficiently for achieving maximum results.   more ›

The Business Break-Down

A Store for Serious Athletes

Swim Bike Run opened its doors this summer in Town and Country, making it the first shop to specialize in triathlon gear in the St. Louis-metro area.

Swim Bike Run, the first store in the St. Louis area to cater to triathletes, opened its doors this summer in Town and County. It caters to triathletes. The Ironman is the best known triathlon, a grueling race that involves a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike race and capped off with a full marathon—without a break. Athletes in St. Louis can compete in shorter local races, such as the Tour de Kirkwood on July 24. The Kirkwood race is a sprint triathlon, with a 400-yard swim, 12-mile bike race and a 3-mile run. Swim Bike Run owner Sally Drake knows all about triathlons. She has competed in 13 Ironman races and is training for her 14th. But you don’t have to be an Ironman to appreciate her store. She carries swim gear for those who …

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Manchester Park Hosts St. Louis Leg of Run Across America

Ultra athlete Dean Karnazes stopped by Manchester this morning to run a 5K with students and community members.

Runners both young and old gathered at Paul A. Schroeder Park Tuesday morning for a 5K run with ultra athlete and motivator Dean Karnazes. Karnazes is more than halfway through a run across the continent, Throughout his run, he is raising money as he goes for Action for Healthy Kids, a nonprofit organization that battles childhood obesity. Karnazes began the "Run Across America" in Los Angeles at Disneyland, and has made his way across the country, stopping here and there to run a 5K race with local athletes. The project is a partnership with LIVE with Regis and Kelly, and all proceeds from the races go to Action for Healthy Kids. For his St. Louis stop, he visited St. Joseph Elementary School in Manchester and joined students and other …

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The Business Break-Down

Wellbridge Athletic Club and Spa Offers Excellent Amenities But They Don't Come Cheap

Work out or relax at this elite fitness club in Town and Country.

Now’s the time to think about getting in shape for summer shorts and swimsuits. Wellbridge Athletic Club and Spa offers a full-service gym that will get you healthy inside and out, all while feeling pampered. However, members will pay more here than at most local athletic clubs, but staff members said the rates match the value of the club. There are two Wellbridge locations in the St. Louis area, one in Clayton and one in Town and Country. The Town and County location is off the beaten path, but club representatives said that's part of the peacefulness of the spa portion of the center. Wellbridge is touted as a premier gym that offers its membership a wide range of services—some beyond what you’ll find at a typical fitness center. It …

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Frugal Family: Food, Fabric and Family Fun

Frugal Family has found deals to put a spring in your step.

Frugal Family found this week's best deals for you and your family from dance lessons, dinner for the family fabric and even some pampering for mom. Remember to check with the merchant for additonal conditions. 1. VIP NAILS AND SPA Deal: A full set of VIP spa pedicures are $5 off. Good Through: The end date has to be determined. 2. JUST DANCING Deal:  One private lesson, one group lesson and one practice party only costs $20. New students only. Good Through:  The deal is ongoing for new students. 3. HANCOCK FABRICS Deal: Top Drawer fabrics are 25 percent off. Good Through: The deal is good through April 13. 4. FRAILEY'S PUB AND GRILL Deal: The lunch menu is $7.25 with a beverage included Date: Mondays through Fridays 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 5. …

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The Business Break-Down

Jab Your Flab at The Boxing Gym

The Boxing Gym in Manchester offers no-nonsense boot camp style training for men and women.

January is a time when many people get interested in joining a gym—either to lose a few holiday pounds or to move their workout indoors. People bored with the same old treadmills and aerobics classes can try out The Boxing Gym in Manchester. This gym offers an alternate approach to fitness where clients can don boxing gloves and punch their way to good health. “We’re a different kind of gym,” said owner and trainer David Ingamells. The West County Boxing Gym is one of three Boxing Gym locations in the St. Louis metro area owned by Ingamells and Jim Cordes. Ingamells said that over the years he’s opened various locations around St. Louis and either sold or traded them with other gym owners. West County is Ingamells’ first location, opened …

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