Written by Christina Coplon
After a month of holiday celebrations (and one too many sugar cookies), my clothes were feeling more snug than I care to admit. While gaining a pound or two isn’t the end of the world, it was time to get back on track and sign up for a one-on-one consult with FLX Wellness Director AnneAlise Bonistalli at Millennium Tower Boston. It didn’t matter that my most recent fitness routine had all but disappeared or that my holiday diet had gone off the deep end. I knew I had to start somewhere, and what better time than the new year?
Getting started was pretty simple. I went online to MTBFLX.com and registered by filling in my personal information and following the prompts (FLX Wellness > services > assessment and coaching). The site asks for credit card information, although the initial consult is complimentary. Finally, I created a new account on mywellness.com/mtbflx and downloaded the mywellness app to my iPhone—a step that, according to AnneAlise, is a crucial time saver when it comes to getting the most out of your initial consult.
My appointment was at 12:00 p.m. I entered through the glass doors of the Fitness Center on the second floor and was immediately greeted by AnneAlise with a smile, “Let’s get started!” she exclaimed as she guided me through the Fitness Center toward a row of cardio machines overlooking Downtown Boston. We each stepped on a treadmill and AnneAlise instructed me to open the mywellness app on my iPhone and scan the QR code on the machine. Once the treadmill synced with my iPhone, the belt started to move—AnneAlise had already devised a custom workout for me and had loaded it into mywellness profile.
The technology is amazingly intuitive and like nothing I had ever used before. The treadmill automatically adjusted its incline and speed at different intervals based on the preloaded workout. I’m more of a hiking and soccer girl and not big on treadmills, but the ones at FLX provided a whole new experience. I clicked on the large touchscreen to select the “French Seaside” virtual training program, and suddenly I was hiking through snowcapped mountains in the European countryside!
While I was treadmilling, AnneAlise and I talked through my day-to-day routine, past injuries, and personal goals. I admitted that I’ve been a little lazy lately and spend most of my time sitting at a desk. AnneAlise suggested that I jog the two miles to my office, but I didn’t want to show up to work in gym clothes. As a compromise, we decided that I would change up my daily routine and walk to lunch instead of ordering delivery. With that, my ten-minute cardio warm-up was complete and we moved on to the next part of my consult.
AnneAlise asked me if I would prefer to focus on cardio or weight training and I chose weight training. We started with a few high knees, butt kicks and lateral shuffles, then we went through a combination of squats, arm curls, side planks and more. AnneAlise was very hands-on and corrected my technique to adjust for a previous back injury. She explained each new machine and how to adjust the weights. And when I struggled to do just one push-up? She didn’t even laugh. After an hour, my cheeks were flushed and I was definitely sweating, but I felt energized and ready to take on the rest of my day.
About a day later, I received a push notification on the mywellness app. AnneAlise had uploaded her recommendation for future workouts. My new regimen features three different circuits and has video demonstrations right on my iPhone. I can see proper form, technique and how much weight I should be using for each exercise. I also plan to take advantage of group fitness classes with my friends, and right now, the Tower is offering each resident 30 days of free classes, including boxing, toning, barre and more.
The ultimate takeaway? Don’t be intimidated! AnneAlise and her team of Xperts are here for you, to help you achieve your goals no matter what kind of shape you’re in. As for me, the consult gave me the perfect new year’s kickstart!
The fitness industry is famous for fads and fair weather trends, but at Millennium Tower Boston, there’s a team of FLX Xperts working overtime to invent effective and exciting ways to keep you motivated. While 2016 might have been the year of boutique studios, this year is all about enjoying group classes right in the comfort of your own home.
FLX Wellness has a class for every fitness level and individual preference. Whether you seek high intensity circuit training or mindful yoga guidance, an Xpert trainer will encourage you to reach and exceed your personal goals. You can even track your progress and results by entering the class information into your mywellness profile in the MTB FLX App. Here are the classes you’ll be loving this year…
- BOOTCAMP
A high-intensity circuit class combining cardio, strength training, plyometrics, and core conditioning. - CYCLE
A spinning class that uses upbeat music to power you through hills, flat roads and interval training. - BARRE
A muscle toning class tailored to your particular body alignment, level of flexibility and posture. - BOX
A high-intensity boxing class that combines bag work with cardiovascular conditioning intervals. - FLOW
A mindful movement vinyasa yoga class that lengthens your body and lifts your spirit. - TONE
A fusion of core strengthening and muscular endurance with the use of lightweights, resistance bands, Pilates rings and stability balls.
Booking a class is easy—just go to mtbflx.com or use the MTB FLX App. Select from the options, which are listed by date, sign up and reserve your spot. Even better, enjoy the first 30 days of classes complimentary with promo code FREE30 alongside your neighbors.
The gluttonous holiday season is over, which means it’s time to get focused on your healthy eating resolutions. While it’s no secret that many New Year’s resolutions fall flat, FLX Registered Dietician Tava Sternberg knows what it takes to succeed. She recently spoke with HERE about making more nutritious health choices:
1. Be realistic about your goals.
What happens in the new year—and I see this all the time—people are like,
“Okay, my resolution is to be healthier. I’m going to be awesome. I’m going to go to the gym every day. I’m going to eat healthy.” So they start doing those things, and then one day they can’t make it to the gym or they eat something that they’re upset about, like a big piece of cake. And instead of being realistic about their goals and expectations, they just give up. So my advice is to take small steps. If you miss a day at the gym or eat something you think is “unhealthy” it’s okay. Being healthy is about moderation and balance. If you make changes slowly, it ends up being a lot easier.
2. Eat real foods.
You’ll feel such a difference if you cut down on processed foods and eat more real foods. I think everyone could eat more vegetables. When I meet with clients, I try to never tell them, “Don’t eat that,” but focus more on healthy alternatives and moderation. Actually, a lot of people in the Millennium Partners office were drinking those pre-packaged coffee creamers and that’s one big thing I tell people to avoid because it has trans-fat and is really just junk.
3. Discover healthy restaurants in Downtown Boston.
I go through these phases where I’m really, really into something. Right now, I have two favorites. The avocado toast at George Howell’s coffee shop is really yummy. Another place I like to go to is Cocobeet. I love their smoothie bowls.
4. Educate yourself.
Nutrition is super important. You can work your butt off and go to the gym as much as you want, but it’s really 80% nutrition and 20% workout. At FLX, we offer not just one-on-one nutrition consults, but also guidance on how to read nutrition labels, navigate grocery stores, prepare healthy meals, and whatever else you might need. I think everyone can benefit from seeing a dietician no matter if you have a preexisting condition you want to work on or are just trying to be healthier in the new year.
Nutrition services are available for purchase on MTBFLX.com.
It’s every runner’s dream to feel the rush that comes with crossing the finish line at the annual Boston Marathon. And FLX Wellness Director AnneAlise Bonistalli can help you get there. AnneAlise was recently touted as an expert in Boston Common Magazine where she shared tips on how to train for a marathon during the cold winter months.
Click here to read the story.
