Habits Academy

Posts by Kalina Martinez

  1. Help Kids Achieve Healthy Habits

    By Kalina Martinez on February 8, 2020

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    To build lifelong healthy habits it is important to start early! The reality is that once you are an adult it is very difficult to change your habits. If you don’t believe me, look at the numbers. Even though there are over 37,000 fitness centers in the US, the overweight and obesity rates have skyrocketed to 70%.

    Instead of helping adults to change their habits, we need to train our kids as EARLY as possible! Our Lean Teen Program specializes in helping teens (ages 8-18) to build healthy habits and achieve their goals. And even though we have over 90% teen weight loss success rates, losing weight is not easy.

    After doing many nutrition plans, there are several weight loss myths that often hold teens back from achieving success. The following are the most common weight loss myths and tips to overcome them:

    Myth #1: You can Skip the Vegetables

    To have a balanced nutrition plan, it is essential that kids learn to eat more vegetables during meal times and fill half of their plate with plenty of veggies and fruits. Making a veggie smoothie is a good alternative for teens that do not like their texture. However, completely skipping vegetables is out of the question since they are high in nutrients and low in calories. Click Here for tasty smoothie recipes!

    Myth #2: Working Out is Always Fun

    When it comes down to exercising it is all about training kids and teens to be consistent. According to Scarlette Johansson, she got in shape for the role of the Black Widow doing “boring 5am workouts.” It wasn’t about the coolest workout fad or latest gadgets, it was about working out even when she did not want to. Likewise, Sammy (pictured above) earned her shirt for always giving it her best effort!

    Myth #3: You Don’t Need to Lift Weights

    Lifting weights is essential to building lean muscle and having a fast metabolism! That is why it is important that teens get used to doing strength training at an early age. To stay fit Sammy comes several times per week to our Lean Teen classes that include both weight training and cardio. Our coaches always make sure that she works out to her potential by checking her intensity and form.

    Myth #4: You Just Need to Exercise More

    Even though exercise can be beneficial, when it comes to losing weight, nutrition makes up 80% of the equation. The fact is you cannot out-exercise bad eating habits! That is why it is essential that all teens learn how to eat balanced meals, control their portions, and make healthier food choices. Sammy earned her shirt by making big changes to her eating habits and is now at a healthy weight.

    Myth #5: Diet Soda, Juices, and Weight Loss

    When it comes to building lifelong healthy habits, drinking 8 glasses of water is a must. That is why it is important that kids do not replace water with juices or diet sodas. Water helps us stay hydrated and increases our metabolic rate which is important for weight loss and staying fit. On the other hand, juices and diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners that have empty calories and are devoid of nutrients.

    Your whole family can build healthy eating and exercise habits together. To help your kids get off to an early start and achieve their goals, we also recommend that you focus on these 5 important tips:

    Tip #1: Set Early Bedtimes

    It is important that kids and teens get a healthy amount of sleep each night to stay focused. They also need more sleep than adults because they are in a time of fast physical, intellectual, and emotional growth. To help your teen stay alert, experts agree that they get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.

    Tip #2: Eat a Nutritious Breakfast

    Most experts agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should never be skipped. It is also a great opportunity to get a healthy dose of essential nutrients. To get your kids ready for breakfast, consider making their bedtimes earlier each night so they have enough time to enjoy it.

    Tip #3: Stock up on Fruits & Veggies

    Fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients and low in calories! A healthy snack will also help your teen stay energized and alert during the day. To ensure your family gets plenty of fruits and vegetables each day, we recommend you keep pre-washed produce always available to simply grab and eat.

    Tip #4: Try Not to Skip Any Meals

    Although skipping meals seems like a good way to lose weight, it actually slows down your metabolism and cause you to eat more throughout the day. Studies show that kids who skip meals are more likely to be overweight than those who make eating a balanced meal a priority. During meal times make sure to include one food from each food group - Vegetables, Fruits, Grains, and Protein.

    Tip #5: Exercise at Least Twice a Week

    It is important that your teen exercises regularly not only to stay fit but also to perform better in school. According to experts “exercise boosts academic performance in various ways: allowing kids to focus on their school work; boosting self-esteem and mood; and increasing blood flow to the brain.”

    Maintaining Balance and Consistency

    Being fit is all about learning balance and consistency while having the right guidance and support to be successful. At Kalina’s Fitness, our mission is to give teens (ages 8-18) the tools to transform their lives and build healthy habits that last a lifetime. By combining nutrition, group support, and exercise classes, we provide a complete solution that empowers kids and teens to achieve their fitness goals.

    We are driven by a strong belief that all children deserve the opportunity to realize their full potential. It all starts with a personal consultation to better understand your child’s eating and exercise habits. Let us help your teen become an amazing version of themselves and schedule your free class today. We look forward to serving you and your family with excellence. Thank you for visiting us!

  2. Is Your Teen at a Healthy Weight?

    By Kalina Martinez on January 30, 2020

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    Your child is more than a number, but their BMI is an important one! BMI stands for “Body Mass Index,” a measurement doctors often use to determine whether people are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Is BMI important for kids and teens? Yes! If your child’s BMI is too high or too low they could be at risk for a bunch of health problems. Please contact us today for a Free BMI Analysis!

    What to do if your child’s BMI is too high or too low?

    When people eat more calories than they burn off, their bodies store the extra calories as fat. If your child’s BMI indicates that they are overweight or obese for a teen, they could be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and several kinds of cancer. To avoid such problems, your child needs to change their eating habits and get more exercise.

    If your teen is underweight? It is important they find ways to gain weight and consider building up their muscles. To get a free BMI analysis click on the “Calculate BMI” button below and contact us.

    Is your child’s BMI all you need to know?

    Since your teen’s body mass index only factors in their height and their weight, it’s far from telling the whole story about their health. For starters, it does not measure their body fat, which is a much more accurate way to tell if your child is overweight or obese. Our consultants can measure your teen’s body fat percentage using a BMI analyzer and make recommendations about healthy eating and exercise.

    At Kalina’s Fitness, our mission is to give kids and teens (ages 8-18) the tools to transform their lives and build healthy habits that last a lifetime. By combining nutritional counseling, group support, and exercise classes, we provide a complete solution that empowers them to achieve their fitness goals. We are driven by a strong belief that every child deserves the opportunity to realize their full potential.

    1) Nutritional Counseling and Personalized Meetings

    It all starts with a one-on-one nutritional consultation to better understand your child’s eating habits. Your health coach will prepare a nutrition plan that gives your family the flexibility needed to make permanent lifestyle changes. We will also train you and your family on how to use MyPlate.

    MyPlate is an effective and simple way for children to learn how to control their portions with an easy to understand illustration that will teach them how to build a healthy plate. Finally, your coach will keep track of your child and offer expert advice to help your family make better food choices.

    2) Complete Support to Empower Teens (ages 8-18)

    All our group support classes are designed to help kids stay motivated and on track to reaching their fitness goals. And they will make new friends and get the encouragement they need to be successful. It is all about empowering kids with the tools to build their strength, confidence, and self-esteem.

    With the assistance of an expert counselor, our group support classes discuss positive thinking, body image, self-esteem, dealing with stress, goal setting, problem solving, nutrition, and much more. We also have separate boys and girls classes to allow open communication and avoid distractions.

    3) Unlimited Exercise Classes with a Certified Coach

    All our exercise classes are designed to help kids get in shape no matter what their current level of activity is. Our circuit training classes focus on helping to stimulate the muscles while also keeping the heart rate elevated. Studies show that this is the best way to get the most from a workout.

    Our Lean Teen classes are an hour long and include 30 minutes of exercise as well as 30 minutes of group support to help kids stay physically and mentally in shape. By combining recovery periods with short bursts of cardio, they burn more calories than exercising at the same pace in just half the time.

    Schedule Your Free Class – Find a Location Near You

    At Kalina’s Fitness, we believe that America is at a crossroads. Our kids are sacrificing their future for the immediate gratification of TV, video games, and fast food. By teaching children the value of exercise and proper nutrition, we can empower them with the strength, confidence, and self esteem they need to pursue their dreams. We can train them to build healthy habits and transform their lives!

    Our program is the only year-round, affordable fitness and weight loss program designed especially for kids and teens ages 8 to 18. To register online for your Free Day Pass please click on the button below. Our coaches and I pledge to do everything we can to help you and your family build healthy habits and get fit. We look forward to help your child become an amazing version of themselves.

    get my free day pass

  3. Kid Fitness Center Transforms Lives

    By Kalina Martinez on January 20, 2020

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    Currently there are over 37,000 fitness and weight loss centers for adults in the US. And thanks to the boutique fitness boom, every year more gyms are being built to help adults lose weight and get fit. All the while our obesity epidemic has reached a record 40 percent, up 13 percent from just 20 years ago.

    It is estimated that by 2030 nearly half of all US residents will be obese. This is a staggering number considering the number of gyms and diets that are out there. If a person wants to be fit all they need to do is workout a few times per week and stick to a balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables.

    If it was that easy we would all be fit and healthy. However, our obesity epidemic will only get worse since our teens are exchanging an active lifestyle for a sedentary one of screen time and video games. Also, there are a lot of kids today that refuse to eat vegetables or simply are not getting enough.

    The amount of food children eat is also one of the most important parts of building a fit lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight. What kids and teens eat daily now will impact their health including risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It will also affect their quality of life for many years to come.

    Teach Kids Healthy Habits Early

    Habits are actions and behaviors that we perform subconsciously and they are very difficult to break. Studies show that the habits that we develop early and are formed in childhood related to eating and exercise carry over into adulthood. And once poor health habits emerge they tend to be long lasting.

    For example, research has indicated that 97% of people who lose weight regain it again within 5 years. Yes, our health habits are really that hard to change! That is why if you want to help your child develop good habits that are associated with a longer and healthier life you have to start at a very early age.

    Over the last 6 years we have helped hundreds of kids and teens build healthy eating and exercise habits. Katherine (pictured below) was one of our first kids to join our program back in 2015 when she was only 11 years old. Recently, she came to visit us to thank us. Today she is a strong and healthy teen.

    At Kalina’s Fitness, we are a lot more than just a fitness center. Our mission is to give kids and teens (ages 8-18) the tools to transform their lives and build healthy habits that last a lifetime. And while most programs only focus on exercise classes, nutritional counseling, or group support, our program includes all three. We give kids all the tools they need to achieve their fitness and weight loss goals!

    1. Personalized Nutrition Plan

    It all starts with a one-on-one nutritional consultation to better understand your child’s eating habits. Your health coach will prepare a nutrition plan that gives your family the flexibility needed to make permanent lifestyle changes. MyPlate is an effective way for your child to learn how to control their portions with an easy to understand illustration that will teach them how to build a healthy plate.

    2. Complete Group Support

    All our group support classes are designed to help kids stay motivated and get the encouragement they need. With the assistance of an expert counselor, our group support classes discuss positive thinking, body image, self-esteem, anti-bullying strategies, dealing with stress, goal setting, problem solving, nutrition, and much more. It is all about empowering our kids with the tools to be successful.

    3. Unlimited Exercise Classes

    Our exercise classes are designed to help kids get in shape no matter what their current level of activity is. By combining short bursts of cardio with recovery periods, your child will burn more calories than exercising at the same pace in just half the time. All our classes include 30 minutes of exercise as well as 30 minutes of group support to help our kids stay physically and mentally in shape.

    Schedule Your Free Class Today

    We are driven by a strong belief that every child deserves the opportunity to realize their full potential. It is all about learning balance and consistency and having the right guidance and support to succeed. Let us help your child become an amazing version of themselves and schedule your free class today. We look forward to serving you and your family with excellence. Thank you for visiting us!

  4. Parent and Teen Exercise Classes

    By Kalina Martinez on December 30, 2019

    Tags: , , ,

    You won’t be bored when you do our circuit training classes. This workout gets your heart rate up and strengthens your muscles at the same time. So if you’re looking for a full-body workout in 30 minutes or less, studies show that circuit training is the best way for kids and parents to workout together.

    All our parents are invited to come Saturdays for a free exercise class. This is the perfect way to bond with your teen while getting a great workout. Our exercise classes use hydraulic equipment that is designed to be safe for kids and teens while using the right amount of resistance for any age group.

    Our circuit training classes also help our kids to build lean muscle and burn calories faster. Our classes stimulate the muscles while keeping the heart rate elevated and rest periods never exceed 60 seconds. Having short rest periods helps to keep the heart rate elevated and the body at fat burning levels.

    I can’t stress enough how important it is for kids and teens to learn healthy habits as early as possible and do it in a way that they enjoy and will want to continue throughout life. This is why it is essential that parents are healthy role models for their kids since they have the most influence in their lives.

    The good news is that we created a program that will help your family to get fit. While most programs only focus on exercise, nutrition, or support, our program includes all three. Our classes are designed for kids to transform the way they think about food and exercise in a fun and positive environment.

    1. Personalized Nutrition Plan

    It all starts with a one-on-one nutritional consultation to better understand your child’s eating habits. Your health coach will prepare a nutrition plan that gives your family the flexibility needed to make permanent lifestyle changes. MyPlate is an effective way for your child to learn how to control their portions with an easy to understand illustration that will teach them how to build a healthy plate.

    2. Complete Group Support

    All our group support classes are designed to help kids stay motivated and get the encouragement they need. With the assistance of an expert counselor, our group support classes discuss positive thinking, body image, self-esteem, anti-bullying strategies, dealing with stress, goal setting, problem solving, nutrition, and much more. It is all about empowering our kids with the tools to be successful.

    3. Unlimited Exercise Classes

    Our exercise classes are designed to help kids get in shape no matter what their current level of activity is. By combining short bursts of cardio with recovery periods, your child will burn more calories than exercising at the same pace in just half the time. All our classes include 30 minutes of exercise as well as 30 minutes of group support to help our kids stay physically and mentally in shape.

    Brigida Mack from WBTV News came to interview our kids and teens and it was truly amazing to see them answer her questions about fitness and nutrition. Below you can watch the WBTV news video:

    Try Us Today - Get Your Free Day Pass

    At Kalina’s Fitness, our mission is to give teens the tools they need to transform their lives and build healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Our program is the only year-round, affordable fitness and weight loss program designed especially for kids and teens between the ages of 8 to 18.

    We are driven by a strong belief that every teen deserves the opportunity to realize their full potential. Let us help your child become an amazing version of themselves and schedule your free class today. We look forward to serving you and your family with excellence. Thank you for visiting us!

  5. Exercise Classes for Kids and Teens

    By Kalina Martinez on December 4, 2019

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    If you think it takes hours of grueling gym time to see real change, then think again. In just thirty minutes you can get a great workout! Our Lean Teen exercise classes consist of a 30 minute total body workout that includes a 2 minute warm-up, 25 minutes of circuit training, and a 3 minute cool down. All our exercise classes use hydraulic equipment designed to be safe for teens and to provide the right amount of resistance. It helps our kids to build lean muscle and to burn calories faster!

    Our focus with circuit training is to help stimulate the muscles while also keeping the heart rate elevated. Our rest periods never exceed 60 seconds. Having short rest periods helps to keep the heart rate elevated and the body at fat burning levels. We also require our teens to use a heart rate monitor to ensure they are exercising at the right intensity level without going overboard and risking injury (normally 65-85 percent of their maximum heart rate).

    I can’t stress enough how important it is for teens to get into the exercise habit as early as possible and do it in a way they enjoy and will want to continue throughout life. Studies show that circuit training is the best way for teens to get the most from their workouts. By combining short bursts of (high intensity) cardio with (low intensity) rest periods, our Lean Teens are able to burn more calories than exercising at the same pace in just half the time.

    All our Lean Teen classes are one hour long and also include 30 minutes of group support. While our exercise classes workout the body, our group meetings workout the mind. It is all about helping our teens develop the right mindset and change the way they think about food and exercise. We design our group meetings to help our teens stay motivated and on track to reaching their goals while they make new friends from teens just like them.

    As the Program Director, my wife Kalina has over 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist and counselor working with teens. With her guidance, our teens discuss topics such as positive thinking, body image, self-esteem, anti-bullying strategies, dealing with stress, goal setting, problem solving, nutrition, and much more. Our goal is to empower our teens with the tools they need to be successful and help them build strength, confidence, and self-esteem.

    Teen Testimonials - Quick 3 Min Trailer

    Brigida Mack from WBTV News came to interview our Lean Teens and it was truly amazing to see our kids answer her questions about fitness and nutrition. Below you can watch the complete 40 minute news video and their testimonials. If you have limited time, please watch this quick 3 minute trailer.

    Teen Testimonials - News Video Part 1

    Teen Testimonials - News Video Part 2

    Try Us Today - Get Your Free Day Pass

    At Kalina’s Fitness, our mission is to give teens the tools they need to transform their lives and build healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Our program is the only year-round, affordable fitness and weight loss program designed especially for kids and teens between the ages of 8 to 18.

    We are driven by a strong belief that every teen deserves the opportunity to realize their full potential. Let us help your child become an amazing version of themselves and schedule your free class today. We look forward to serving you and your family with excellence. Thank you for visiting us!

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