My Local Gym Was Cheaper, But The Chronic Injuries Weren't Worth It, Fat Loss

Each month Winter Garden Yoga features a client who has achieved amazing results with our guaranteed methods. We call this feature: Winter Garden Yoga's Client of the Month.

Nominees share their stories (in their own words) and their photographs to inspire others to break old, destructive habits and to rise higher than ever before.

This month we are proud to share Byron's story. How has Byron's work productivity improve? How did he drop 20 pounds? And how did Byron become injury free?

Read on...

What made you decide to join our studio?

"For many years my wife and I belonged to a local gym that was much cheaper. I did weight machines, yoga, Zumba and the treadmill. I injured myself several times. My shoulder injury required a medical MRI. My shoulder remained a problem for more than a year. I also had shin splints and problems with my wrists. Although my strength and flexibility improved, I continued to gain weight. Meanwhile, my daughter, who is the director of the Athletic Training degree program at UCF and my wife started casually at [Winter Garden Yoga]. Both my daughter and wife kept telling me about Brian Friedman being an expert in anatomy. I finally decided to attend WGY and Brian helped me with my wrists and shoulder. Another thing that attracted me to WGY was Yin Yoga. I have a rewarding, but high stress job at Disney. I am the day time supervisor at Reedy Creek Power Plant. Guided meditation changes the way one perceives the world and life in general. My job stress has reduced dramatically."

What results have you received since joining our studio?

"I started to see the value of closely supervised practice. My local gym was cheaper, but the chronic injuries were not worth it. My shoulder and wrist issues are resolved and in spite of my enjoying short runs, the shin splints have not returned. Job stress is WAY down making me even more effective in my job. I enjoy the challenges more. Still, I remained a “casual” or drop-in member for a year, even though my wife left teaching yoga at the local gym to become exclusive to WGY. I just wasn’t sure I could commit and attend two or more classes a week. Sometimes my job schedule interferes. When my weight was still not coming off I decided to take a closer look at the contract plans offered by WGY. On April 9th 2014, after reviewing my goals, my physical and mental benefits and the flexible packages offered at WGY I signed a year-long VIP contract."

Before                                              After

Byron lost 20 pounds, has more energy, and is injury free!

What do you like best about our studio?

"The expertise of all of the instructors. I enjoy the workshops and videos offered. I took Brian Friedman’s kettle bell workshop and bought the videos. Since I stopped lifting weights at the local gym and attended the kettle bell workshop I can practice weights at home without any further injury. It makes a great difference to build a proper anatomical foundation for all movement in weight or yoga and it works “off the mat” in everyday life too. I am injury free. I know that the experts at WGY are going to break down every move and explain the intention of each move. I thought I was doing things correctly at the local gym, but the foundation was missing."

After (from the side)
Notice the clothes pin taking up the slack in Byron's shirt.

What would you say to someone on the fence about joining our studio?

"What surprised me was the element of commitment. I was on the fence for so long. Once I committed to a contract I got serious. I changed how I ate. I was able to make 2 or 3 classes a week, in spite of my job. I remain injury free and to date I lost 20lbs in 6 weeks! Committing made a difference. Also, I can get advice and personalized attention or instruction. VIP status gives me “head of the line” entrance into workshops at a discounted rate. Having a contract reduced my class fee. I got a “bigger bang for my buck” than I got at the cheaper local gym. The studio, expertise of the instructors, physical and mental benefits, nutrition e-book, commitment and the positive attitude of students is worth the money!"

Winter Garden Yoga is a world renowned yoga studio recognized for providing a unique form of “functional yoga instruction” that gives you a toned, pain-free body that leaves you feeling great whether you’re currently flexible or not.

Unlike ordinary yoga studios with crowded classes that over stretch and leave you feeling lost in the crowd, our services focus on strength, mobility, and nutrition all wrapped up into a caring, supportive, family-like environment you’ll call home.

Contact us or give us a call at 407-579-9889 for a free, no obligation consultation ($87 value) to find a package plan that is perfect for you.

Cardio: The Weakest Link [Contentious Content], Cardio

As Winter Garden's most recognized health and nutrition expert, I have the honor and the pleasure of interacting with and helping a wide array of people achieve their health and wellness goals. And one of the most common questions I get is: "What about cardio?" I'll do my best to address this question, but first...

...I want to be clear...

Cardio is fine if you enjoy cardio; there is nothing wrong with cardio. In fact, I believe that cardio is an important piece to an intelligent and balanced approach to physical fitness and overall wellness. Just ask our VIPs about their personalized action plans.

...Here's the rub...

Cardio is the weakest link in the health and wellness chain. In other words, you get the least bang for your buck. Allow me to explain...

Here's what a balanced approach to wellness and general physical fitness looks like [in this order]

Number one: Strength
Number two: Mobility
Number three: Cardio

Let's run through a few hypothetical questions.

Can preparing for a 5K help you with your upper body strength? No.
Can strength training help you with your upper body strength? Yes... and mobility, too.
Which of these two training methods will help you push yourself off the floor if you happen to fall down?

Can preparing for a 5K help you with your mobility and injury prevention? No.
Can yoga help you with your mobility and injury prevention? Yes... and strength, too.
Which of these two training methods will help you pick up your groceries or grand children?

Let's take another perspective...

Strength burns more calories [for up to 36 hours after training], tones the muscles, and taxes the heart and lungs [in a good way... aka cardio]

Mobility [yoga] burns more calories [because of the muscle contractions... aka, static and isotonic strength], tones the muscles, increases body awareness, increases mobility, and can tax the heart and lungs [in a good way... aka cardio]

Cardio burns fewer calories [and the calorie burn stops when you stop], taxes the heart and lungs [in a good way]

The take away...

Instead of doubling up on your cardio because you missed a yoga class, grab a kettlebell, or pop in your favorite yoga DVD and get started.

Yoga is a great way to cover a lot of bases. At Winter Garden Yoga, we emphasize strength over flexibility, and alignment over depth. This way, you get toned muscles, and a mobile body that is resistant to injury.

Kettlebell training is an awesome way to develop strength, mobility, and cardio in an all-in-one method.

And once you've gotten your yoga and kettlebells done, take the next day to go for a nice walk, get some fresh air, and enjoy the cardio.

Winter Garden Yoga is a world renowned yoga studio recognized for providing a unique form of “functional yoga instruction” that gives you a toned, pain-free body that leaves you feeling great whether you’re currently flexible or not.

Unlike ordinary yoga studios with crowded classes that over stretch and leave you feeling lost in the crowd, our services focus on strength, mobility, and nutrition all wrapped up into a caring, supportive, family-like environment you’ll call home.

Contact us or give us a call at 407-579-9889 for a free, no obligation consultation ($87 value) to find a package plan that is perfect for you.

Why Is She On Her Fourth Set of Yoga Clothes?, Weight Loss

Each month Winter Garden Yoga features a client who has achieved amazing results with our guaranteed methods. We call this feature: Winter Garden Yoga's Client of the Month.

Nominees share their stories (in their own words) and their photographs to inspire others to break old, destructive habits and to rise higher than ever before.

This month we are proud to share Kim's story. Why is she purchasing her fourth set of yoga clothes? How did she drop 30 pounds? And where did she get her guns?

Read on...

What made you decide to join our studio?

I was looking for an alternative way to get in shape and lose weight. I had quit smoking the year before and had packed on quite a few pounds, had a very high stress job where our company had been bought out and our roles were changing. I didn't even know if I would have a job. I had no energy, was "looking my age" (Yuck), my zest for life was just not there anymore, and I couldn't breathe, literally (allergies and asthma). My family doctor said, "No high impact" workouts. He advised yoga was the approved method of exercise for me. I searched for a month or so and saw the WGY Facebook page. I checked out the website, and was immediately drawn to the philosophy of the studio of not being required to be flexible, and focusing on how well you pose (quality) vs. how deep you go into a pose. And the fact that two of the instructors were Reiki Masters at this studio told me this was a "real" yoga studio that had not only cared about your physical health, but your overall health as well.

What results have you received since joining our studio? 

Wow! Where do I start? So far, I've lost 4 inches around my bust line, 4 inches off of my waist, 6 inches off of my hips and 2 inches off of my thighs. My legs actually have definition/muscle again. My cholesterol dropped 20 points (now a total of 145) since I started yoga. My doctor is thrilled ! My breathing tests before yoga were anywhere from 69% to 87% oxygen level. When I visited the doctor a year later (April 2014), my breathing improved to a 98% oxygen level. I'm on my FOURTH set of yoga clothes and yes they are already becoming loose! I'm down two jean sizes and two blouse sizes. I actually have biceps again or as Brian calls them - "Guns !" I am down 30 lbs thanks to a great nutrition plan suggested to me by Brian Friedman that works beautifully for my lifestyle. I've had a few WTH [What The H*ll] moments when I discovered I am able to sit comfortably in fire log pose. When I first started I was unable to lie in supine twist pose without a bolster under my legs. This is now a comfortable pose and one of my favorites. My posture is significantly improved!

Before

After

Kim on her fourth set of yoga clothes, down 2 sizes, lost 30 pounds, and feeling years younger!

How do you feel now compared to how you felt before joining our studio? 

After the first week, my hips stopped hurting. Within about 3 months my knees and feet stopped hurting. After a few months, my back stopped hurting and I noticed increased energy. My core is stronger, my poses are becoming deeper. I can touch my toes now with ease!! I have not felt this good since I was in my 20's and I'm happier than I've ever been.

What do you like best about our studio?

First and foremost is the owner and instructors. Brian, Karen, Janis and Kathy are people who genuinely care about your health and well being and ensure that you receive what you need. They are just excited as you are when you improve your health and well-being. There are no cookie cutter approaches and no gimmicks. This behavior carries over to the students and I've been fortunate enough to make several new friends who are amazing people. This is why we all say, Welcome to the WGY Family! I know it sounds quirky, but it's 100% true. I've never met a better group of people than at WGY.

What would you say to someone on the fence about joining our studio? 

What are you waiting for ?! You deserve this ! WGY has changed my life !! This is the most amazing studio with the most amazing instructors and students. I "hate" exercising, but if someone told me I could get in shape and feel this great with NO PAIN, I would have done this years ago. Imagine that this is your loved one. Wouldn't you want them to be as healthy and as happy as they could possibly be? Now picture yourself in that place of your loved one. Just do it! It's not selfish to take care of you and your health and well being. As a matter of fact, it's the best thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones. Oh my gosh! I almost forgot to mention. In October 2013, I suffered a stress fracture in my right foot and had to wear a "boot" for 8 weeks. My podiatrist advised I could wear no more high heels, supportive shoes only and no bare feet at home. Even during this time, WGY was able to modify the yoga poses so that I could continue to practice safely and still receive the benefits. How many other studios would do that? I'd say 0 !

What do you do outside of the studio (work, etc)? 

I work for a telecommunications provider as a project coordinator. It's a very busy and demanding job. I spend as much time as possible when I'm not working, with my wonderful family, friends and my three beautiful exotic birds (macaws) Newton, Elliot and Hyah. And of course, I'm at WGY 3 to 4 days a week for yoga and kettle bell practice; my second family.

Isn't it time to do something just for you? Are you ready to be just like Kim? Are you ready for your own life changing transformation?

Call us for a free, no obligation, consultation at 407-579-9889 or contact us now! We guarantee your results!

All the best,

Brian

A Blueprint for Good Technique, Reverse Triangle

This may be a new perspective on an old favorite of yogis everywhere. The name of the posture says it all, REVERSE triangle. In my opinion, the intent of this classic pose is a side bend. Be sure to watch this clip to get the most bang for your buck.

By using the hips correctly the following is achieved:

• Injury Prevention. Movement expert, Gray Cook has said that lack of symmetry can lead to injury.
• Resilience. Fitness expert, Steve Maxwell, said that lateral flexion is one of the first ranges of motion we lose as we age.
• Tone and Lengthen the Midsection. By contracting one side of the lateral chain (toning) the opposite side of the lateral chain must release (lengthen).

There you have it, a simple technique that packs quite  punch (in a kind and loving yogic way).

All the best, Brian

Secrets Revealed: Penalty Cardio, Fat Loss

A special message from Brian about fat loss.

Get ready to enjoy Winter Garden Yoga’s new series of blogs: Secrets Revealed. Within these posts you will find a goldmine of information to help you with your health and fitness goals. These are the tips and tricks that I use with my private clients to get outstanding results. This stuff works. In fact, you may find that these posts disappear after a while because I may think twice about giving away such great material. If you’re ready to melt away the extra pounds, boost your energy, and feel years younger please read on…

“What’s the quickest way for me to get in shape?” This is the most popular question I am asked. The real question is: “How can I burn fat, build muscle, and look toned?” The answer is easy. In fact, it is too easy.

Enter, Penalty Cardio

I picked up this tip from a friend of mine (and $10, 000 body transformation winner), Doruk Ilgaz. Doruk would encourage his clients to do their best throughout the week... you know the drill... eat right and exercise. However, if there was ever a time when someone fell off the wagon, Ilgaz would dispense penalty cardio.

Here's How It Works

Let's say that you're out with friends and you succumb to peer pressure. You just HAVE to have ONE beer. No harm. No foul. That is until it turns into two or three beers.

Okay. You messed up. Own it and pay it back with penalty cardio.

Penalty cardio must be served first thing in the morning. Wake up, use the restroom, and get to work. Here's a routine I share with Winter Garden Yoga's Platinum VIPs:

Disclaimer of liability: Always consult with your physician or health care provider before trying this or any other health and fitness routine.

The cardio routine outlined here can be used with a jump rope, power walking, or virtually any form of cardiovascular activity. The key is to train in intervals of 20 seconds of varying intensity. The workout described below uses running in place as an example.

Set your timer for 20 minutes. Warm up for three minutes and then begin your workout immediately. After your 14 minute workout, cool down for the last three minutes.

• Warm Up x 3 minutes
• Walking in place x 20 seconds
• Jogging in place x 20 seconds
• Running in place x 20 seconds
• Repeat 20 second intervals, nonstop, for 14 minutes
• Cool Down x 3 minutes

Use your best judgment and take breaks as needed. You can switch to easier versions of cardio if needed. 

Yes, this means that on some days you will have two workouts.

If we take a tip from Tim Ferris, you can also use penalty cardio if you know that you're going to have an off day. We're all human, right? Maybe there will be a holiday smorgasbord coming your way or an off-the-hook office party. No problem. Own it and create a caloric deficit before the event with penalty cardio.

Got it?

Good!

You Can Do It!

One of the many benefits of Winter Garden Yoga's VIP packages is the accountability. Our VIPs are literally surrounded by people who want to succeed. And they want you to succeed too. 

One of our VIP Success Principles is to surround yourself with like minded people. You want to be around folks who will lift you up and inspire you... not hold you down. 

If you're ready to put an stop to frustrating dead ends, if you're ready to make amazing things happen for your life, then I want you to contact us for a free, no obligation consultation. You've got nothing to lose because your results are guaranteed. Get started now!

I Always Feel Great and Peaceful, The Best Yoga

Client of the Month: Blanca Herman

Each month Winter Garden Yoga features a VIP who has achieved amazing results with the methods we teach at our studio. We call this Winter Garden Yoga's Client of the Month.

Nominees share their stories (in their own words) and their photographs to inspire others to break the mold of complacency and to rise higher.

This month we are proud to share Blanca's story. How does a grandmother in her 60s get more toned, handle stress, and have more energy?

Read on...

"Approximately one year ago, at age 63, I was feeling very stressed, I had problems with balance, I was not sleeping well, and I was tired all the time. I had read about the many benefits of yoga, and mentioned to my husband that I was considering taking yoga classes. He was the one who brought Winter Garden Yoga to my attention. I decided to give it a try and feel that it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Blanca, 63 years young, has more energy and is getting toned with Winter Garden Yoga.

"Since joining Winter Garden Yoga, I am sleeping and handling stress much better; my balance is improving; I feel more confident; I have more energy; and, as a bonus, I am getting toned and my posture has improved.

"Winter Garden Yoga has the best yoga instructors. Brian is an amazing teacher, incredibly knowledgeable and patient. I love his Beginner's Yoga classes, and also Karen's Yin Yoga classes. I always feel great and peaceful after class.

"I definitely recommend Winter Garden Yoga to anyone considering taking yoga classes. I truly believe it's a decision that will result in many positive changes in your life."

What are you waiting for?

Isn't it time to do something for you and you alone? Are you ready to be just like Blanca? Are you ready for your own life changing transformation?

Call us for a free, no obligation, consultation at 407-579-9889407-579-9889 or contact us now! We guarantee your results!

All the best,

Brian

Call

Send SMS

Add to Skype

You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype

What Type of Person Are You? [Warning: May Be Offensive], Fat Loss

As Winter Garden's most sought after fitness expert, I've had the privilege of helping 100s, maybe 1,000s of people transform their lives. Everything from weight loss, strength gains, increased energy, more flexibility, pretty much anything you can name.

It Takes Two

What has struck me recently, is that out of all these different folks, there are essentially two types of people.

Now... before I go on... please understand that I am not passing judgement on anyone.

I'm not saying someone is bad or good, or better than or less than. What I am saying is that there are people who get results and people who don't. It's just that simple and I've seen it time and time again.

Does the Shoe Fit?

The first type of person is the blamer. These are the folks who blame everything... EVERYTHING... for the inability to get results or meet their goals. The blamer sounds like this:

"Work is so crazy... I can't come to yoga tonight."

"My husband/wife doesn't eat the way I do, so I just eat what he/she eats."

"I have to pick someone up at the airport... there's no way I have time to go for a walk."

"They were serving cake at work so I just had to have a piece."

I'm sure you get the idea and I'm sure you can imagine that these folks don't get very far when it comes to transforming their lives... whether it's weight loss, increased energy, or whatever they are trying to achieve.

And notice that these may strike you as perfectly acceptable, valid reasons. When we use perfectly valid reasons they let us 'off the hook' so to speak... that's their function. But remember: everyone has a stressful life, a crazy work schedule. The difference is overcoming the obstacle.

The next group of people know how to overcome obstacles.

The second person is the doer. These are the folks who do everything... EVERYTHING... to achieve their goals. The doer sounds like this:

"Work is so crazy... I need yoga more than ever, so I'm going to talk to my boss and see if I can come in early tomorrow to make up for what I may miss tonight."

"My husband/wife doesn't eat the way I do, so I make two meals when needed so that I can stay on track."

"I have to pick someone up at the airport... they can wait an extra 30 minutes so that I can get my walk in." [This one is based on a true story... now that's a doer!]

"They were serving cake at work, so I respectfully declined because I don't want to sabotage my results."

The following Winter Garden Yoga VIPs are Doers...

Gloria is a 'doer'. She Dropped from a size 8 to a size 2 while transitioning into a stressful new job.

Jessica is a 'doer'. She's a busy school teacher and in the midst of preparing her upcoming wedding, yet she managed to lose 10 pounds, her muffin ring, and a pants size.

Margaret is a 'doer'. She's an involved at home school mom and very active in the community. She stopped the blame game and now she's more mobile, pain free, and feeling better than ever!

You Can Do It!

One of the many benefits of Winter Garden Yoga's VIP packages is the accountability. Our VIPs are literally surrounded by people who want to succeed. And they want you to succeed too. 

One of our VIP Success Principles is to surround yourself with like minded people. You want to be around folks who will lift you up and inspire you... not hold you down. 

If you're ready to put an end to the blame game, if you're ready to make amazing things happen for your life, then I want you to contact us for a free, no obligation consultation. You've got nothing to lose because your results are guaranteed. Get started now!