July2014

july 2014

MADISON KENNEDY On The Road To Rio!

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publisher’s note I hope everyone had a safe and fun July Fourth weekend, hopefully you were able to enjoy it with your friends and your family.

Now that summer is in full swing, it’s the perfect time for our annual Fitness & Wellness issue.

This month’s issue is packed full of useful and helpful information to live a healthy and fit life. Before we get to that, take a note of the cover… it’s Madison Kennedy! You may not know her now, but you will soon! She is a local Charlottean, and is heading to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Summer Olympics to compete as a swimmer.

So here is the 411 on this issue; we cover tips on staying hydrated and eating like a pro athlete, to how strength training improves endurance performance and 5 Tips to a Hotter You. You can also read the latest on MADabolic as they are building their brand across the country and learn more about the newest place to stay fit and trim in Charlotte which is the new Xtend Barre studio.

There was an error in Charles Meyer’s TOP 30 UNDER 30 profile in our June issue, please go to page 28 to see the correct version.

Have a great summer!!

Steve Caldwell

Publisher Steve Caldwell Editor Telisha Wheeler Creative Director Greg Smith Design and Production Greenspon Advertising Cover and Photo Spread Images: Photography: David Eggebeen, David Eggebeen Photography Model: Madison Kennedy, Athlete/Model Instagram @MadisonJKennedy | MadisonjKennedy@gmail.com Makeup Artist: Angie Cottone Instagram @Baybee_Cottone | Angie.Cottone@Hotmail.com Hair: Tricia West, Lois Glyn Salon Stylist: Jamie Banks, Banks Statement BanksStatement@yahoo.com Advertising, Sponsorship, And Website Sales Information Christie Hannula, Christi@ElevateLifestyle.com Steve Caldwell, Steve@ElevateLifestyle.com Contributing Editors Ashley Rodrique | Bradley Rhyne | Brandon Russell Brian DeBrun | Chris Ritter | Debra Kennedy Gregory Lawrence | Jay Johnson | Julie Tache Lauren Nguyen | Scott Greenberg | Stan Owings Steve Caldwell | TekaRose | Troy Adams Contributing Photographers JMT Photography, JMTFoto.com CM Photography, Backprint.com/CMPhoto Cris Anler Photography and Design, CrisAnlerDesign.com Green Valley Photography, GreenValleyPhoto.biz Johnny Perez, Jammin JP Production Intern: Ashley Rodrigue, JWU

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contents JULY 2014

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BY THE PINT | craft beer on the rise!

SIP | trending cocktails

IT’S A GUY THING hot stuff for cool men

36 36 40 46 50

Summer Is Back!

On The Road To Rio de Janeiro What exactly is MADabolic?

How Strength Training Improves Endurance Performance

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54 58 64

58 80

DEBRA’S FITNESS 411

5 Summer Tips to a Hotter You!

LeVel Premium Lifestyle

68 68 74 80

Xtend Barre Charlotte

SKYLINE hot “fitness” happenings around town

10 Tips to Eat Like a Pro Athlete

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OVER 50+ CRAFT BOTTLE AND CAN BEERS COLDEST COOLER IN TOWN EXTENSIVE WINE COLLECTION Gateway Village 121 N. Cedar Street Charlotte, 28202 704.347.6883 Corner of 5th & 6th Streets (5th St. Side) Beneath Post Gateway Apartment Homes

HOURS: Sun 11am-9pm | Mon-Thu 7am-11pm | Fri & Sat 7am-12am

BY THE PINT | craft beer on the rise!

By Ashley Rodrigue The craft beer industry in itself is an ever-evolving and rapidly expanding market in the US. With roughly 2,500 breweries in the US, a majority of which are craft; it’s fair to say this entrepreneurial obsession for creating a signature craft beer has begun to make its mark across the American landscape. In 2013 alone it was said that an additional 1,600 craft breweries were in the works and South Carolina would come close to doubling its number of craft breweries across the state. With this in mind, one can assume that opening a storefront and offering these masterpieces to the public is an ideal way to capitalize on this obsession right? Why not? With breweries releasing new flavors into the market accompanied by the rapid expansion of enthusiasts relentlessly striving to acquire these nectars of the gods, beverage stores have begun to focus more on supplying the public with a variety of craft beer selections to help satisfy the appetite for this ever evolving beverage.

“In general, people consider draft beer to be the freshest, best beer you can get, so we like to think of the can as a mini-keg that delivers draft-quality fresh beer to your glass.”

Sounds convincing enough right? But what about metallic after notes that is always present while drinking from a can? Well truth be told, in every aluminum beer can there is a protective liner within the can that keeps the beer from ever coming into contact with the metal. Usually the “tinny” flavor is directly connected with the cheap beer that lies within. Also, canning a craft beer offers a better means of preservation as well.

“Light causes beer to have a skunk-like flavor because it degrades the hops and actually creates the same chemical compound that a skunk excretes – hence “skunky”. Cans also protect beer from exposure to oxygen, another component that can cause beer to go bad.”

Goat Wagon Grocery Located in Gateway Village in uptown on the street level of Post Gateway Apartments, they have been a local staple in the uptown Charlotte since the mid 2000’s.

In the last few months they had added to their already extensive beer list. They now have over 50+ craft beers in cans and bottles in one of the coldest coolers in town!

121 N. Cedar St. | 28202 | 704.347.6883 Brawley’s Beverage Known as the grandfather of beer shops in Charlotte, Brawley’s Beverage has it all.

Its quaint little shop has a ton to offer, the store holds hundreds of craft beers, wine, and even kegs.

4620 Park Rd. | 28209 | 704.521.1300 BrawleysBeverage.com | Facebook.com/BrawleysBeverage Salud Beer Shop Located in NODA’s booming beer district, Salud Beer Shop opened in 2012.

The shop has hundreds of bottled beer for sale, as well as 12 beers on tap that change regularly. Inside is a very laid back atmosphere with couches to lounge on.

306 N Davidson St. Ste. B | 28205 | 704.900.7767 SaludBeerShop.com Facebook.com/pages/Salud-Beer-Shop | Twitter.com/SaludNODA The Common Market The Common Market, now with 2 locations, has it all. They are a modern twist to the generic general store from the past. They have anything from delicious deli sandwiches, wine, to random knick-knacks, and of course beer!

2007 Commonwealth Ave. | 28205 | 704.334.6209 1515 S Tryon St. Ste. 100 | 28203 | 704.332.7782 CommonMarketIsGood.com Facebook.com/CommonMarketNC | Twitter.com/CommonCarket

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Total Wine & More Total Wine & More is the country’s largest independent retailer of fine wine. A typical store carries 8,000 different wines and 2,500 beers, as well as 3,000 different spirits.

They strive to have the lowest prices daily on all of their products.

Various Locations | 855.330.6673 TotalWine.com Facebook.com/TotalWineAndMore | Twitter.com/TotalWine Carolina Beer Temple Located in Matthews, NC, Carolina Beer Temple is not only a craft beer store but also a bar as well. They only carry beers made by independent owned breweries.

Carolina Beer Temple has 16 taps for draft beer on site that rotates frequently. The store is also known for having the finest selection of Belgian ales around!

131-1C Matthews Station St. | 28105 | 704.847.BEER CarolinaBeerTemple.net Facebook.com/CarolinaBeerTemple | Twitter.com/NCBeerTemple Bulldog Beer and Wine Opened in 2013 and named after a 6 year old bulldog named Winston, Bulldog Beer and Wine strive to offer a great selection of beer and hard to find wines with maybe some bulldogs on the side.

2447 Park Rd. Ste. B | 28203 | 980.335.0492 BulldogBeerAndWine.com Facebook.com/BulldogBeerAndWineCharlotte | Twitter.com/BullDogBeerWine Good Bottle Co. in Southend Named after the thought of good beer and located step off the Light Rail, Good Bottle Co. is all about craft beer. They focus on local, regional, and national craft beer, and are offered in bottles, cans, growlers, or draft.

125 Remount Rd. | 28203 | 704.527.1003 GoodBottleCo.com | Facebook.com/GoodBottleCo | Twitter.com/GoodBottleCo

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SIP | trending cocktails

By Ashley Rodrigue In January of 1920, the Eighteenth Amendment became a law, banning the manufacture, transportation, importation, and sale of intoxicating liquors in the United States.

Known as Prohibition, the amendment was the culmination of more than a century of attempts to remove alcohol from society by various organizations. Following Prohibition, large cities and states went dry in 1918, thus not allowing Americans to legally drink or buy alcohol. With all of these events taking place at such a critical time in our nations history, it would ultimately lay the foundation to a culture that thrived in the wake of Prohibition. This culture would be solely responsible for the illegal production, importation, and selling of alcohol. They were known as Bootleggers.

Bootlegging helped lead to the establishment of American organized crime; this persisted long after the repeal of Prohibition. The distribution of liquor was necessarily more complex than other types of criminal activity, and organized gangs eventually arose that could control an entire local chain of bootlegging operations, from concealed distilleries and breweries through storage and transport channels to speakeasies, restaurants, nightclubs, and other retail outlets. Bootleggers had other major sources of supply however. Among these, were millions of bottles of medicinal whiskey that were sold across drugstore counters on real or forged prescriptions. In ad-

dition, various American industries were permitted to use denatured alcohol, which had been mixed with hazardous chemicals to render it unfit for drinking. Millions of gallons of this were illegally diverted, “washed” of hazardous chemicals, mixed with regular tap water, perhaps a dash of real liquor for flavor, and sold to speakeasies or individual customers. Eventually, bootleggers took to bottling their own concoctions of spurious liquor, and by the late 1920s stills making liquor from corn had become major suppliers. The bootleggers would produce their batches in the mountains of North Carolina and the Virginias, tucked away in the cover of the ravenous landscape. To avoid detection by the local police, the bootleggers would pack their modified vehicles full of the illegally distilled liquor and deliver to their customers by way of moonlight. This tactic would ultimately lead to the famous phrase that we Americans have adopted. They were called moonshiners. Although still considered a highly illegal practice, people to this day pride themselves in the ability to produce their own moonshine.

Azure Skye Beverages, Charlotte Azure Skye Beverages is a small boutique manufacturer that is dedicated to fine wines, distilled vodka and fragrances. They pride themselves on producing high quality products at competitive prices. They make 6 times distilled vodka, luxury accessories and premium social wines. The company’s heritage is rooted in producing sleek, sophisticated & polished products.

MyAzureSkye.com Facebook.com/AzureSkyeBev Blue Ridge Distilling Company, Bostic Defiant American Single Malt Whisky made by Blue Ridge Distilling Company has a new way of distilling. They do not hold to barrels, recipes, or tradition. They only use the best ingredients, which only include premium American white oak, specially cultured yeast, two-row premium brewer’s barley, and pure water from the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Start with quality, end with quality. We’re starting a revolution in the whisky world.

DefiantWhisky.com | Facebook.com/DefiantWhisky

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Muddy River Distillery, Belmont Muddy River Distillery is the first legal rum distillery in North Carolina. They make Carolina Rum from 3 basic ingredients, using premium grade molasses and sugar from South Carolina and a special type of yeast. They are then left in small batch fermenters for about 2 weeks.

MuddyRiverDistillery.com | Facebook.com/CarolinaRum Broadslab Distillery, South Benson The Broadslab Distillery produces 4 different products at the moment including: Broadslab Legacy Shine Whiskey, Broadslab Legacy Reserve Whiskey, Carolina Coast Artisan Crafted Spiced-Rum, and Carolina Coast Silver Rum. Even before the days of prohibition the “Broadslab” region has been known for the quality and quantity of home-brewed whiskey. Jeremy Norris, Broadslab owner, traced his family history in order to capture the heritage of the region’s famed moonshine to create the Broadslab Distillery.

BroadslabDistillery.com | Facebook.com/BroadslabDistillery Piedmont Distillery, Madison Based in the foothills of North Carolina, Piedmont Distillery is known for its “legal” moonshine, producing Catdaddy Spiced Moonshine as well as Junior Johnson’s Midnight Moonshine. The NASCAR legend and known bootlegger joined the distillery in May of 2007 and brought his own generations-old recipe making the Midnight Moonshine.

PiedmontDistillers.com | Facebook.com/CatdaddyMoonshine Top of the Hill Distillery, Chapel Hill Top of the Hill Distillery is the only fully local and USDA certified organic distillery in the South. Located in Chapel Hill at the well-known Top of the Hill Brewery & Restaurant, patrons are able to even buy an age your own whisky kit.

TOPO offers Carolina Whiskey, Piedmont Gin, as well as Vodka.

TOPOdistillery.com | Facebook.com/TOPO.Distillery

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Troy and Sons, Asheville The secret to Troy and Sons moonshine is Crooked Creek Corn™. This corn was considered lost before found at the McEntire Farm. They have been growing this open-pollinated white corn for one hundred twenty years. It is an unadulterated, non-genetically modified true original American corn.

AshevilleDistilling.com | Facebook.com/TroyAndSons Carolina Distillery, Lenoir Carolina Distillery produces Carriage House Apple Brandy, Carriage House Strawberry Infusion Brandy, Carriage House White, and Good Old Mountain Shine Apple Pie. All spirits are made from generation old recipes using peaches, strawberries, apples, and other fruits.

CarolinaDistillery.com | Facebook.com/CarolinaDistillery Covington Spirits, Snow Hill Known as the best yam vodka on Earth from their win at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Covington Vodka is made from their own harvest of Covington sweet potatoes. All of their sweet potatoes come from local small family farmers in North Carolina. The vodka has a smooth and rich taste with subtle creamy undertones, and not a hint of heat on the finish.

CovingtonVodka.com | Facebook.com CovingtonVodka Howling Moon Distillery, Asheville Using fresh and natural ingredients is Howling Moon Distillery’s secret. They make all of their moonshine in a hand crafted moonshine still, which they crafted themselves. The recipe goes back one hundred fifty years in their family. They only use oak barrels, local corn stone ground at a local mill, and they even recycle their spent mash by using it as hog feed like moonshiners have done for generations.

HowlingMoonshine.com | Facebook.com/Howling.Distillery Southern Artisan Spirits, Kings Mountain Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountain, Kings Mountain was the first community to officially declare itself legally dry in the United States in 1874. Southern Artisan Spirits is the third legal distillery in the state of North Carolina. Their mission is to give so much attention to each individual batch that perfection is created.

SouthernArtisanSpirits.com | Facebook.com/CardinalGin

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Charles Meyer Age: 29 Company Name: HDR Position: Project Architect Are you involved in any community activities or projects?

Every Monday night I volunteer at Carolinas Medical Center after work.

I have held such responsibilities as helping out the nursing staff on the cardiac unit to helping escort patients within the emergency department.

I’m also the founder and captain of the Mo’ Mustache Mo’ Money team for the Movember Foundation, an organization that helps raise money and awareness for men’s health. Over the last three years we have raised over $10,000 and I couldn’t be more proud!

Can you share one thing that is on your bucket list?

I would love to live abroad, preferably Australia.

What is a fun fact about yourself that no one knows?

When I was growing up my dream job was to be a monster truck driver and to be a part of Monster Jam. I remember watching it with my father, my favorite driver was Bigfoot and I even had a Power Wheels truck to match.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This is a tough one and I’m not sure I see myself in a particular place; location, career, or personal life. The only thing I can hope for is that I continue to push myself out of my comfort zone, to continue to learn, and most of all, find a way to always have fun.

IT’S A GUY THING | hot stuff for cool men

By Troy Adams If you followed last month’s column…your golf game is better by now, you enjoyed a good cigar, a tasty summer beer and flashed some new style. You dominated June. Or at least you tried.

But June is gone. July is here. And new adventures await.

So you got some new clothes. But clothes can’t make up for bad hair. Not much can. So before we get started…head directly to City Barbers. Immediately. (Take your Elevate magazine with you of course, as we have much more to discuss.)

City Barbers does it right. It has an old school feel, with modern amenities.

They have two locations, one Uptown in Founders Hall and another in the Highland Creek area at 8742 Arbor Creek drive. Now let me just say this: I know barbershops. My father has been a barber for more than 40 years, so I grew up in a barbershop. I loved it. And City Barbers brings back those memories of younger days. They have the classic chairs, wooden benches and vintage pictures. Better yet, all haircuts come with a Hot Lather Neck Shave and Bi-Weekly Neck Trim.

Fast forward to modern times…and they have TVs at each chair… and a fully stocked fridge. With awards from Elevate Lifestyle (Best of the City) and Charlotte Magazine (Best-of-the-Best), it’s sure to the preferred way to lose some hair.

In addition to looking good, us guys want to be on the cutting edge.

Not with the razor, but with technology; and with summer comes fitness, outdoor activities, road trips, concerts, home repairs and honeydo’s. So let me share a few of the best new gear and gadgets to help: iWatch: Apple has kept this one close to the hip. We don’t really know what it will look like, when it will come out or even what the real name is. But rest assured its coming. Apple backs up the hype, so it’s sure to be one of the “next big things.”

While the exact date of release is not known, it’s rumored to be released sometime later this year. Design is an Apple strong-suit and the iWatch is likely to feature a scratch-resistant, flexible glass face. It’s possible it will be offered in two different sizes and of course feature a number of different personalization options like bands and faces.

Apple has reportedly been doing some research into an all-encompassing health suite for the iWatch. It will likely track steps, calories burned, sleep and possibility heart rate. It may even help monitor blood sugar, hydration levels and nutrition intake.

It may help improve health, but I wonder if it will freeze time.

Google Glass: Google Glass is poised to revolutionize the way we share our lives. Instead of uploading pictures and videos, you’ll be live streaming everything you do.

Get real time feedback on your runs or turn-by-turn navigation. Use it as a GPS rangefinder on the golf course and get swing data. Translate road signs or menus in foreign countries. Get scoring updates and make a call. Listen to music, send messages or record video hands-free.

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Just be sure to turn it off when you try to hide the new golf club you bought last month, decide you want to relearn the Backstreet’s Back dance, or stand in front of the mirror without sucking in your gut. And let’s be honest…those aren’t even the worst things you could do.

Parrot Flower Power Planter: I know, Flower Power doesn’t sound very manly. But if one of your goals is to earn your new father-n-law’s favor by showing you can keep up with his gardening skills…then this is for you.

(Can you tell I’m speaking from experience here?!)

This sensor is planted close to a plant, indoor or outdoor, in a pot or in open ground. It precisely measures in real time, light, moisture, temperature, soil pH and fertilizer levels in your garden…or office Ficus.

Statistical tools, and a Bluetooth smartphone app, will help optimize the placement of your plants to thrive.

Specialized Sirrus Pro Carbon Bicycle: Speaking of the gut, let’s get rid of it with a new ride. A $3,000 lightweight carbonconstruction, vibration-damping, ride.

With an efficient 2x10 drivetrain and even gel grips that mold to your hands, this ride can take you almost anywhere. Throw on your Google Glass, strap on your iWatch and now you’re living large.

Garmin Head-Up Display: Wherever you can’t get with your bike… you can get with Garmin. This device projects navigation from your smartphone to a transparent film on your windshield, so you never need to look anywhere but forward. It tells you which lanes to be in for turns and alerts you to red lights and traffic. It’s been offered for as low as $100 but runs about $150 currently. Safe AND cutting edge.

Go ahead and turn up Aloe Blacc’s “The Man,” because he’s singing about you big dog.

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Gopro Hero3+ Black Edition: If you’re really headed somewhere adventurous, take this bad boy action camera with you. The improved lens produces images that are 33 percent sharper, an upgraded battery extends longevity, and the new Auto Low Light mode automatically selects the best frame rate for stunning shots. It’s smaller, debuts a new Super-View mode for IMAX-worthy wide-angle shots…and you can get it for $400 at gopro.com. Please note that great footage is not worth dying for.

If you prefer your summer adventures be around the house, then we have something for you too. Check these out:

Bose Soundlink Mini Bluetooth Speaker: Whether you are tailgating for an outdoor concert or throwing a backyard BBQ…this thing packs a punch. Its new digital processing and innovative driver configuration combine to deliver full-range audio no matter what you are playing. It weighs in at just 1.5 pounds, includes a scratch-resistant and smudge-proof anodized aluminum housing, and Bluetooth technology makes it easy to pair with enabled devices. So take it to the garden, grill, pool, parking lot – anywhere!

Whatever your adventures this July, make your fellow man proud and do it with style, swagger and impenetrable bravado. And for goodness sake, don’t ask for directions.

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Summer Is Back!

By Dr. Ryan Shum, Fitness Contributor You are ready to take your fun and fitness outdoors but beware of the heat and humidity that can quickly make it difficult to enjoy the daytime. Here are some must know facts about hydration to help you prepare to conquer the outdoors this sunny season: Water is the most important part in helping our cells in the body to stay functional. Water helps transports nutrients, eliminates waste products and regulates body temperature. It also helps sustain proper joint health and allow for proper digestion. Of course, these are all important processes when we exercise and during recovery phases. Remember from your high school science and biology class: more than 50% of our bodies are comprised of water and it is impossible to live without it.

When working out, exercising leads to elevated body metabolism and thus increases body temperature. In order to counter regulate, sweating occurs leading to evaporation off your body and a cooling effect. However, this can lead to significant body water and electrolyte loss. Replacement of fluids is an important consideration when exercising and there is variability from

person to person. Not being attentive to proper rehydration can lead to decreased athletic performance and perhaps adverse health.

Thirsty? This is not a good indicator of hydration status. The thirst sensation detected by your brain has been shown to be delayed and inaccurate in determining your fluid status. Therefore, be prepared: hydrate often and hydrate before exercise.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends a simple method of determining your hydration status before exercise: check your weight before and after exercise. I often recommend this strategy to my patients who exercise outside often, especially at high intensity, including endurance sports. A change of over one percent loss in body weight indicates dehydration. Over five percent change indicates serious dehydration!

Rehydrate accordingly!

What does your pee look like? As funny as this sounds, the research debates how accurate this is an indicator of your hydration status is as well. The overall observation however: if your pee is darker, the more dehydrated you are.

What about other beverages? Moderate caffeine intake should not affect hydration status or urine output significantly. However, alcohol consumption will increase urine production and thus dehydration.

Sports beverages have carbohydrates and electrolytes that can help to restore muscle glycogen (sugar and energy) to sustain performance. However, these beverages should be used for prolonged exercise. Prolonged exercise refers to high intensity exercise longer than one hour, or lower intensity exercise lasting for even longer periods. The ACSM recommends sports beverages should generally contain 4 to 8% carbohydrate, 20-30 meq/L of sodium and 2-5 meq/L of potassium. Take the extra thirty seconds to read the fine print and nutrition label on a drink before you spend money on it! Sports drinks should not exceed a carbohydrate concentration of 8 percent, according to the ACSM. BEFORE EXERCISE: Here are some tips: Drink 16-20 fluid oz. of water or sports beverage at least 4 hours before exercise. Again there can be some variability from person to person. Typically I even begin hydrating with water

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only the day before a big game, competition, race or workout. The sports beverage I typically reserve only for special circumstances, for prolonged rounds of activity as mentioned earlier to replenish. Drink another 8-12 fluid oz. of water 10-15 minutes before exercise.

DURING EXERCISE: Drinking 3-8 fl oz. of water every 15-20 minutes for exercise less than 60 minutes. The ACSM also recommends drinking more than one quart/hour during exercise. However, remember there are differences between individuals. Also recall, if your exercise is prolonged and intense, you may consider a sports beverage during exercise, especially in the latter phase of your activity.

AFTER EXERCISE: Check your body weight and urine if you can to have a rough estimate of hydration status. Ideally fluid losses should be corrected within the first two hours post-exercise. Drink 2-24 fl oz. of water or sports beverage for every one pound loss.

Consult your local health and fitness professional for more hydration and performance strategies to boost your time outside! Your physician and registered dietician may be a great start.

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On The Road To Rio de Janeiro

By Ashley Rodrique I’m sitting down with Madison Kennedy, she is currently training for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. We asked her what first attracted her to the water?

MK: I started swimming when I was very young – so young that I don’t think I had made any memories of anything else before being in the water. The way I feel when I am in water now is a sort of peaceful, soothing feeling of coming home.

Imagine having to walk backwards all day, always craning your neck around to see where you are going, stairs are a nightmare and it takes forever to get anywhere.

As soon as you walk into your house, you can walk forward – it’s effortless, you feel released and it’s perfect.

Do other members of your family swim, as well?

MK: As much as the water has proven to be my happiest place, I did not inherit or share this love with anyone in my family. My father was (and still is!) a hockey player and my mom grew up dancing and riding horses. My two sisters and I grew up playing soccer, lacrosse and any game we could create outside, riding our horses, and living at the pool and beach during the summer. When I started swim team, my sisters joined the team as well and they were awesome! Both of my sis-

ters are natural athletes, gifts from our equally talented parents, yet swimming wasn’t quite the lifelong love for them that it has become for me.

How does it feel to be training for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro?

MK: There is nothing in my life that I would rather be doing! And if there was, I think that I would somehow fit it in alongside my training. I am grateful to all of the people in my life that have contributed in some way to my life as a swimmer – no word of support or lack thereof has been too big or small in my journey. I also feel proud – proud to be a participant or spectator to all the teammates that I have or have had that are either right there in the lane with me or standing on that medal stand. But more than anything else, I am happy. I wake up and I use my body – to swim, to walk, to lift weights, to stretch, to hug, to eat. I can’t even justify feeling that way, I just am happy.

How often do you train in a week?

MK: Training, in the life of any professional athlete, is a daily commitment, whether it is fueling, exertion or recovery. I swim 4-5 days a week, about 2-2.5 hours each session and I work with a weight coach specializing in power exercises 2-3 times a week. I supplement with a variety of dry land work depending on my needs for that week, including yoga and Pilates at 8th Street Studio. I also teach a barre method class at Hilliard Studio.

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Photography: David Eggebeen, David Eggebeen Photography Model: Madison Kennedy, Athlete/Model Instagram @MadisonJKennedy MadisonjKennedy@gmail.com Makeup Artist: Angie Cottone Instagram @Baybee_Cottone Angie.Cottone@Hotmail.com Hair: Tricia West, Lois Glyn Salon Stylist: Jamie Banks, Banks Statement BanksStatement@yahoo.com

What type of training do you typically do?

MK: Each workout, whether in the water or on land is designed to compliment and enhance my swimming performance. My water workouts are predominantly technique and power focused.

The key to fast swimming is efficiency the ability to maintain balance and proper form while moving as fast as possible through a compromising medium. The athletes that are able to generate speed, as well as control breakdown have the most success.

I began doing Pilates to recover from a minor back injury and have since learned to use specific movements as direct parallels to my swim training. When I first moved to Charlotte, I began working with Laney Abernathy, owner of 8th Street Studio in Plaza Midwood. She was able to work with me to pinpoint my weakest and strongest areas in order to overcome certain physical compensations and make my body more balanced. In addition to the mobility accessed in Pilates exercises, I began practicing yoga in hopes of “becoming more flexible�. While I have learned that flexibility is not the end goal of your yoga practice, I have become more patient when finding that extra reach, knowing that my joints and tendons benefit.

I find that the breathing techniques practiced in yoga, coupled with the controlled stillness of the different positions,

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have allowed me to maintain composure during challenging training sets. Teaching and training for the method at Hilliard Studio has been crucial in restoring and strengthening the oftenoverused ligaments and tendons of an athlete’s body. My training has become more deliberate and complete as I have gained a little more wisdom about my own body and the nature of the sport.

What other fun things do you like to do when you are not training?

MK: Well, with my head always underwater, I think any activity that allows me to be around other people is fun. There are not many things that one would suggest that I would not be up to try! The newest thing that I am attempting to master is ‘slack-lining’. It’s an exercise similar to tight-rope walking, but the rope is, you guessed it, slack. It is always frustrating to me if I can’t master a skill right away, so this is as good a mental exercise as it is a physical one.

What advice would you give to other swimmers in terms of a “must do” while in workout or at a meet?

MK: I would encourage all athletes to be deliberate in your approach to each workout, whether it is your main practice or supplemental exercise. All the technique focus or power work you can possibly do will not matter if you can’t focus on the task at hand. It is not meant to create more stress, consider instead the opportunity to set small, clear goals for each workout.

For the full interview, please go to ElevateLifestyle.com.

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What exactly is MADabolic?

MADabolic Inc. is an innovative interval based strength and endurance program. Each workout is intentionally crafted to deliver a specific intensity and provide lasting results. Everything we do is predetermined, carefully structured, and built to compliment any active lifestyle.

Brandon, please tell us a little bit about yourself?

My story has been told enough; I’m even bored of it the true success of our company is actually the company we keep. We believe if you surround yourself with the best you have a great chance to achieve that very goal. This simple thought is always present and we believe our core group of owners, coaches and communities are very strong.

Brandon, how did the concept of MADabolic come about?

MADabolic Inc. was a singular vision – an athletic conditioning company marked by excellence. Everything had to be the best, the best in athletic programming and innovative thinking. A step above anything we had experience in our competitive market. The program you see now is years in the making and we promise to continue to evolve. MADabolic Inc. is 100% unique, it was designed to compliment any active lifestyle and provide a space where all fitness junkies would sweat under one roof. The majority of our clients are runners, yogis, cyclists, barre enthusiast and weekend warriors. They are and always have been very active people. The only difference is that MADabolic Inc. has become the common home for the strength and condition aspect of these active lifestyles. Although

humbling, we do recognize this and consider it to be a very strong compliment to the overall program.

How many locations do you have so far Brandon?

Currently open are Charlotte, NC, Charlottesville, VA, Charleston, SC and Huntersville, NC. Soon to open are Burlington, ON, Asheville, NC, Raleigh, NC and the newest addition and soon to be announced is Greenville, SC. Three are corporately owned and five are franchises.

Tracie where is the new location in Charlotte?

It located in Regency Village Shopping Center in Huntersville, exit 25 off I-77. I and my husband Roland Chan own it.

Tracie tell me about yourself?

I’ve always been a mover – at an early age, I began classical ballet training. I loved the physical aspect of the training process and developed a disciplined mind. After many years of studying, I earned the opportunity to dance professionally first as a ballet dancer and later with several different modern dance companies. Unfortunately, the lifespan of a dance career is limited and I saw myself growing older in a field that was growing younger. I transitioned into teaching and later returned to graduate school to earn my MFA. After grad school, I was no longer taking daily dance class nor was I spending my evenings in rehearsals. I craved movement and I knew it needed to be something that required a daily commitment, as well as physical and mental tenacity. I started running and working out with a personal trainer. I tried all types of activities that I’d never had the opportunity to try before. This exploration eventually landed me on the door step of MADabolic. The programming was the perfect complement to my marathon training. And then, two years later, I’m the owner/operator of the MADabolic Inc. –LKN location.

Tracie, are you from Charlotte?

No, I grew up in Eastern North Carolina but have been all over! We have been in Charlotte for about 7 years and we moved here from Greensboro, NC.

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Tracie what was your motivation and drive to become a franchise owner of the new location?

I was training for my second marathon when I first checked out a class. I had been looking for an athletic conditioning program to complement my training schedule and was immediately drawn into the MADness. I loved the intervals and felt that the programming was intelligently designed to help me achieve my maximum potential during each workout – the perfect varied and intense threshold training to compliment my training. Not only did the programming make me stronger, and a more tireless runner, but the conditioning helped with injury prevention during my high mileage training cycles.

My dad was a small business owner and I was influenced from an early age by his hard work and kind spirit – I always knew that I wanted to own my own business when the time was right. When MADabolic Inc. started franchising, I knew, undoubtedly, that I wanted to spread the MADness, specifically. Not only did I believe strongly in the product, but I also believed in the support and abilities of Brandon and Kirk to continue refining and defining a superior athletic strength and conditioning program. The brand really mirrors my own personal fitness and lifestyle philosophies.

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Do different locations offer different types of classes Brandon?

We specialize in Strength and Conditioning and dedicate our entire focus to our one unique class. We think this is the best way to stay relevant in the competitive fitness world.

Tracie how many instructors are there at the new location?

We currently have 4 on staff What is the price structure to join MADabolic?

We offer both Long Term Contracts at a discount and also Short Term Flex Passes.

Will there be a grand opening promotional rate?

Introductory packages vary from location to location and are largely dictated by demand. Our facilities typically sell out at around 300 memberships and this is what drives these offers.

Please email each location for more information.

Charlotte@MADabolic.com LKN@MADabolic.com

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How Strength Training Improves Endurance Performance

By Chris Ritter If you are involved in endurance events like triathlons, obstacle courses or just running long distances, you’ll probably hear most experts say you need to do more volume to get better.

While it is true that you need to have adequate endurance to perform well in such events, it’s not the whole truth on how to best pursue personal improvement. I would say that getting stronger while you increase your endurance is the best combination to avoid injury and maximize your potential in any endurance event.

To be clear on the approach I’m advocating let’s first ensure even a simple term like endurance is well defined. Endurance is a muscle’s ability to repeatedly contract at a certain percentage of maximal capacity over a certain amount of time.

Therefore to increase your endurance it’s optimal to work on both parts of the endurance equation, capacity and durability. Both of these goals can be accomplished with strength training. Don’t be confused to think that strength

training will automatically result in increased muscle size and hinder performance. That is more in the vein of bodybuilding, which is just one type of strength training.

When I say endurance athletes need to strength train, the sole purpose is for performance enhancement. This means to increase the amount of force that a muscle can produce and absorb. Now that we have some foundational terms and understanding we can get practical with how strength training actually benefits both parts of the endurance equation: capacity and durability.

It’s common for endurance athletes to experience some type of chronic or nagging injury as a result of training. The mileage went up and now the plantar fascia flares up. It’s rare to find an athlete, especially an endurance focused athlete that has had five straights years or more without injuries limiting their training. If you can stay healthy so you can train, you will become much better than if you have to constantly have to battle injuries.

Most injuries, especially chronic injuries, are the result of a muscle weakness, either directly of the muscle that is injured or another muscle up or down the kinetic chain that creates an imbalance. Therefore a stronger muscle will be more durable and stand up to the demands placed upon it by endurance training.

Let’s explore how durability and muscle strength are performance related for an endurance runner. If you want to start running longer distances but you don’t possess the muscle strength and coordination (which is a reflection of strength) to balance on one leg for as little as one minute, you are much more likely to sustain an injury in your training. Running is basically balancing on one leg over and over again but with much greater force traveling through the joints and body. If you can’t do the basics, like balancing and express protective strength levels your body will eventually break down and limit your training down the road.

Increasing a muscle’s capacity is the other part of improving endurance. Strength training for performance enhancement allows muscles

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to develop new ceilings of strength.

By increasing the top level of force that a muscle can produce, in running for example, you can now run with your muscles working at a lower percentage overall with less fatigue. Or this can allow you to continue to run at the same intensity you did previously but now you’ll have more muscle power at that level.

You don’t become a faster runner by simply running more, especially when it’s at sub-race paces. You get faster by allowing your muscles the chance to increase the level of force they can produce and absorb and therefore you can run at the same speed as before but your muscles are now using a lower percentage of effort overall. This gives you the extra energy in the tank at the end or the ability to go at a faster pace throughout the race.

If you want to improve your endurance performances make sure to work both sides of the equation: capacity and durability. Follow these guidelines and you’ll have plenty of speed at the end of your event no matter how long.

Chris Ritter is the head coach of RITTER Sports Performance. Based out of Charlotte, RITTERSP provides personal training and sports performance programs in addition to their online training programs.

Chris has nearly a decade of experience successfully coaching a diverse population of athletes and clientele of all ages and abilities, including numerous endurance athletes and Olympic Gold Medalists.

Chris has the wisdom and ability to scale workouts and programs to your current ability but aiming towards your goals. His professional and academic credentials include a degree in Exercise Science & Kinesiology, CSCS and NASM-PES. Learn more at RITTERSP.com Follow: @RITTERSP Like: Facebook.com/RITTERSP

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DEBRA’S FITNESS 411

By Debra Ann Kennedy, Lifestyle Editor

Fitness is such an important part of our lives. Many of us go through periods of our life when we get into our groove and hit the gym on a daily basis. We feel our best, look our best and keep the momentum going strong. Then, something happens that gets us out of our routine and we lose the drive to hit the ground running back into fitness mode.

Exercise is good for many different aspects including mental clarity, releasing stress and overall well-being. But what about when you work out and still cannot get the body you have been striving for? We all want perfection and some will go the extra mile to get the body they have always dreamed of.

My favorite part of working for Steve Caldwell; Elevate Lifestyle’s fabulous Publisher, is that he knows what assignments fit my personality. I

had the good fortune to experience the ultimate fat burner, Vanquish at Carolina Age Management Institute in Birkdale Village.

This revolutionary treatment is painless, fast, efficient and comfortable. Vanquish uses radio frequency waves to target fat cells, heating them up enough to cause cell death without damaging the skin or muscle. The treatment is noninvasive with the applicator suspended over the abdomen about an inch above the skin.

The procedure takes about 30 minutes and four to six sessions are recommended. I felt a warm sensation but no pain. I enjoyed my weekly conversations with Rachel Denton, LE as my fat was being melted away. I could see visible results in only 3 weeks and the magic continues to happen over time. I must also say I loved seeing the staff at CAMI on a weekly basis as they were warm, friendly and professional. Yes, I do love my job when it has amazing perks that I can share with my readers!

This new technique is a real game changer. It is the safest, easiest way yet to remove fat. As the panels are suspended over the abdomen heat up, the radio frequency waves transmit differentiate between fat cells (which are denser and hold less water) and skin and muscle cells. The heat causes cell death in the fat cells. Some die instantly and some die in a matter of weeks. The dead cells are filtered through the lymphatic system, metabolized in the liver, and excreted in the urine.

Vanquish is perfect for women or men that are in good shape, want to lose 2-3 inches off of your waist and don’t want to go through surgery. It does not work on cellulite or excess skin.

Drinking lots of water helps the procedure work more effectively.

I am 100% sold that Vanquish works and the exciting news is that help is on the way soon for arms, love handles and hips!

For those who want to sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck, Liposuction is the best option. Liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat

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that don’t respond to traditional weight-loss methods. This procedure does require surgery and you will need recovery time.

The fact is that certain people have fat cells that will not shrink, despite diet and exercise. We can thank heredity for that in most cases. Liposuction is an option to remove small bulges that won’t budge and ultimately to improve your body’s shape.

This is the #1 cosmetic procedure performed in America. Liposuction does not remove cellulite, only fat. Dr. Kara and Dr. Bryan Criswell of Criswell and Criswell Plastic Surgery are the masters of this technique in Charlotte.

The perfection that we see in magazines, on television and in newspapers does not exist. But if you are looking to be your best self and tweak the little things that make you look and feel better about yourself, GAME ON, it is your world. We only have one life to live so make the best of it!

Visit my website at DebraKennedyShow.com for previous articles, media clips and lifestyle tips.

Until Next Time, Debra

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5 Summer Tips to a Hotter You!

By Jay Johnson Summer is among us, and while you may love the hottest season of the year and all of the fun in the sun that it brings you may not love how you look during all of the festivities. With vacations to the beach planned and weekend trips to the lake, no wonder some may feel like the hottest time of the year has snuck up on them‌ catching them looking less than sizzling for what lies ahead. As the weather warms up, so does talks about fitness, fad diets, quick fix workouts and even cosmetic surgery; but we can’t all afford to look as good as Joan Rivers so we may as well face the truth and put in some work towards our goals. The good news is that the work does not have to be as strenuous as you may think and here to help are five quick tips to a better body right in time for summer. Fitness does not have to be a difficult thing, so grab a hold of your goals and grab a couple of these tips because we are about to better your body and have you looking hot right in time for Summer!

1 - Be Moved.

Move yourself. Any goal must be started by creating momentum, so you have to get off of what is right now your less than beautiful butt and get that thing in gear! Moving for just 30 minutes each day is more than you are likely moving now, which means that your body will be forced to adapt accordingly. With the warm weather here, take a trip to Freedom Park and make use of the trails and other workout friendly features this park has to offer. Before you know it you will have had a great run, broken a sweat, checked out a couple of hot bodies along the way and most importantly gained some momentum yourself.

2 - Cut it down!

To cut yourself down you must cut other things down as well, like your portion sizes. As a trainer, I am never mad at a great bacon cheeseburger, but does this thing have to be the size of your head? Living in a time that provides us with five gallon buckets as the new “medium” we must understand that indulging in such things will still make YOU a “large”! Everything should be enjoyed in moderation, so although the bad foods do not have to completely take an exit, they do need to move closer to the door. With this balance you will be happy to find that you do in fact have a shape, other than “round” of course.

3 - Don’t be lazy.

In Charlotte there is always an opportunity to walk or climb stairs.... yes, an “opportunity” because it is one of the easiest ways to incorporate movement into your day. Just because the luxuries are there to ensure that you could never take another step again if you did not want to does not mean that you have to utilize these methods of movement (or lack thereof) full time. If there are stairs then you should take them unless you are having dinner at Bentley’s on 27 for a date,

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then things could turn into a sweaty mess, before you would like for them to. The idea is to add extra movement into every aspect of your life so the sooner you can make a habit of taking an active detour on certain occasions the better.

4 - Don’t be crazy.

You can also be TOO intense for your own good, especially in the beginning of building healthy habits.

Another important component of building a habit is making sure that it is a healthy one, especially when the goal is well, health...and of course hotness. There are always those people that want to work out seven days a week, begin measuring their food and never take a day off, of course until they run out of P90-X workouts. This seems like a great idea at the time, but this is not a maintainable regimen to begin since you WILL burn out and not be able to keep it up. Positive momentum is great, and positive habits are even better but they must be something that you can live daily and never find yourself consistently dreading. Always plan and strive to make positive changes to your life and your hotness, but don’t be crazy.

5 - Keep it simple.

Any goal has multiple components that require specific attention to create results, but these components must be clear. The above tips are great ideas to not only plan based upon but to act on with every single day. They are specific, maintainable and reasonably applicable to anyone’s lifestyle no matter their goals. We can’t all look like Justin Bieber or Miley Cyrus tomorrow but with thoughtful planning and daily attention to the execution of these small tips, you will be

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a lot closer than you were before. A plan as a whole does not have to be nor can it be too simple since a large goal is difficult to achieve, no matter what it may be. The large goal must be broken down into mini goals that ARE simple and seemingly easier to hit as checkpoints, as this is the most efficient path to success.

Goals can be viewed as a train; and we have all been there at the tracks waiting on a stopped train to build up speed‌ it takes forever! The good news is that the same thing holds true for waiting on a train to stop, which also takes forever. Summer is here; it is hot and although you may not be as hot as the temps outside yet, just know that your better body is not far around the corner. Pick a goal, pick a deadline and divide that goal into smaller checkpoints and actions as described in the tips above. Before you know it you will see these habits take over and fit seamlessly into your busy schedule while gradually creating the big results that you are striving for. Not only will you see yourself transform for the summer months but for every other month of the year as well, so stop waiting and start planning today for a hotter you. You will be on that beach vacation or on the lake wearing whatever you want in no time....but don’t be crazy.

Jay Johnson is an award winning personal trainer, online coach and owner of Muscle Lab Performance in Charlotte, N.C. For answers to your fitness related questions or more information on training rates visit JayJohnsonMLP.com or contact Jay directly at MuscleLabPerformance@gmail.com.

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LeVel Premium Lifestyle

By Ashley Rodrigue The Le-Vel Cloud Management system is the most state of the art, most efficient, and the most lucrative operations infrastructure system ever. It allows Le-Vel to operate with the lowest corporate overhead and yet have one of the fastest response and problem solving operating systems in the market. It allows for efficient manageability with fast pace growth solutions.

To build the Premium Lifestyle Company, they knew they had to look further than just a product; they had to envision a larger purpose, a deeper reason for what they were doing. They had to create the one and only Premium Lifestyle Brand.

Le-Vel is currently producing four different product lines including: Thrive M (formulated for men), Thrive W (formulated for women), Thrive Premium Lifestyle Mix, and Thrive Premium Lifestyle DFT. Thrive M and Thrive W are formulated for weight management, cognitive performance, joint support, pain management, anti-aging & antioxidant blend, lean muscle support, and digestive & immune support. Thrive Premium Lifestyle is ultra micronized, nutrient mineral dense formula, probiotic & enzyme blend, antioxidant & extract blend, lean muscle support, weight management or fitness and is gluten free.

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on which areas of your lifestyle need the most help – and depending on your 8 week goal. Whether your goal is to lose weight, get in the best shape of your life, or simply be the best you can be.

LV does not come without great rewards. Every Brand Promoter can earn 20% on the BV of their customers’ web orders. When you have 2 personal Customers enrolled in the Autoship Program, you are eligible to receive free product each and every month as long as they continue their Autoship. As a Qualified & Active Promoter, you can begin earning the Infinity Fast Start bonus on the product packages purchased by new or upgrading Promoters. Also, earn a 10% match on the Infinity Fast Start commissions on your personally enrolled Promoters. As well as, earn up to $800 in extra cash plus $200 in THRIVE Credits within your first 14 days with the GO VIP Bonus!

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Xtend Barre Charlotte

By Ashley Rodrigue Shawna, please tell our readers a little bit about yourself?

I’m an East Coast native who discovered Xtend Barre while living in San Diego, CA. After my first barre workout, I was hooked! The workouts combine my love and passion for dance with an interest in overall health and fitness.

I’ve loved dance since childhood, so Xtend was the perfect fit! I’ve had the privilege of serving as a choreographer for two dance teams and performing at various events in West Virginia and California. I spent most of my adult life working with the Department of Justice, but after transferring back to the East Coast, I decided to follow my dreams and open my own Xtend Barre studio.

What exactly is Xtend Barre?

Xtend Barre is a total body workout that infuses elements of ballet, Pilates, & weight training into an intense, 55-minute session. Dance & Pilates Amplified!

Our classes are multi-level and geared to challenge bodies of any age, gender, or fitness background. We offer exercises that can be modified for beginners, prenatal clients or those with injuries, but can also be amplified for advanced clients looking for an extreme challenge.

The Xtend Barre system sculpts the body proportionally so that all body parts are equally challenged. This total body workout serves to strengthen, lengthen, and stretch the body from top to bottom, from inside-out.

The end result is a long and lean physique… without added bulk.

We’re an international company with over 150 studios, so while we’re new to Charlotte, we offer a tried and true concept.

How is Xtend Barre different from your competitors?

While we realize every barre method is different and no particular workout style appeals to everyone, we feel our method is designed for a wide range of clients and fitness levels. Our classes run 55 minutes and at the end of those 55 minutes, you’ll have completed a total-body workout!

Dance & Pilates Amplified! Our workout combines the results you get from dance with the principles of strength and safety of Pilates. We put an emphasis on cardio, which means burning calories, while sculpting those long, lean dancer-like muscles. Once class starts you’ll be moving for the entire 55 minutes!

Constantly Changing Workouts! Our workouts help you avoid the grind of the same routine, over and over! Our instructors have the freedom to create their own classes within the Xtend Barre repertoire. This creative freedom keeps each class fresh for our clients! Our instructors are required to complete continuing education training each year, which keeps the new material coming!

Multi-Level Classes! Our exercises can be modified for beginners, pre/ post natal clients or clients with injuries, but we can also modify them for our advanced clients that are looking for an exciting challenge, Throughout class, our instructors ensure each client is executing the exercises properly. We’ll provide discreet corrections to ensure clients are working/sculpting the muscles they are intending to work. You’ll not find our instructors standing at the front of the class doing the work out, but they will be walking around making sure our clients in executing the proper technique to make sure they are getting the very best workout they can!

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Hardwood Floors! Our studio features a beautiful bamboo surface with the appeal of a traditional ballet studio. (We do require our clients to wear grip socks for their safety).

We also love our music and have an amazing sound system with four, 600-watt speakers to make it the fastest 55 minutes of your day!

Affordability!

Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Dani Johnson once stated the key to becoming a highly-recommended business is to give clients Ritz Carlton service at an economical price. Xtend Barre Charlotte lives by this mantra every day with prices lower than competitors and a terrific product. We assure you the equivalent of a personal training session in a group setting… without the high cost.

Friendly, Welcoming Environment! We pride ourselves in creating a warm, personal relationship with our clients to ensure everyone feels at home the moment they walk through the door.

How did the idea for this concept come about?

Andrea Rogers is the creator and owner of the Xtend Barre Workout and has been a professional dancer and choreographer since the age of 18. In the early 2000s, Andrea was certified to become a classical Pilate’s instructor. She believed in the Pilates principles (stabilization, concentration, control, flow, breath and precision) and observed the long-term results in her Pilate’s clients.

In an effort to provide cross-training and seek better results for her clients, she began to incorporate dance elements and music into her Pilates sessions in order to offer challenges in coordination, rhythm, and cardiovascular fitness. By raising her Pilate’s clients to a vertical

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position, and diversifying their range of motion, Andrea found greater results by offering Xtend Barre than by maintaining a routine of Pilates alone. Most importantly, her clients were gaining energy, enjoying elements of dance, and having fun!

Is there a class for beginners only?

Our classes are multi-level and can be geared for beginners or those with injuries. We will be adding some “Technique” classes in the near future with a focus on back-to-basics for those new to the Xtend Barre method. Clients will learn the basic arm and leg positions and proper execution of a plié, tendu, relevé, fold-over, etc. These classes will help to achieve the desired results from our workout.

What different class types do you offer?

As of now, we only offer Xtend Barre classes. However, we do have plans to add Xtend Barre Stick to our fall schedule. Xtend Barre Stick utilizes a dowel-type apparatus and spring-based resistance attached to the Xtend ballet barre. The workout, like Xtend Barre, is comprised of a cardio warm-up, an upper-body segment, lower-body segment, and abdominal focus. The workout draws upon the Xtend Barre fundamentals, chiseling every angle of the body in an intense cardio sculpting workout, but with the added spring-based resistance; the Xtend Barre stick class adds the challenge of Pilate’s stability, cardio conditioning, and core training.

The Metropolitan, Midtown Charlotte 1100 Metropolitan Ave, S190, Charlotte, 28204 For the complete interview go to ElevateLifestyle.com

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SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BREW!

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SKYLINE | hot “fitness” happenings around town

By Telisha “Teka Rose” Wheeler, Editor Fitness has become a trending topic on every front from Boot Camps, to CrossFit, & organic eating to the latest 5K to participate in. Elevate Lifestyle has always been an advocate for a healthy lifestyle and of course must let you know all the latest in health and wellness activities going on in Charlotte this summer for our Fitness Issue. This issue is dedicated to living healthy, but Elevate wants to encourage you to live well all year long; check in with us often for new fitness studios, and the best personal trainers in the Queen City! Whatever your plans this summer, make sure you get out and enjoy the outdoors…join a pickup game of your choosing, take a walk or join a 5k, with so many active activities in Charlotte, you may be overwhelmed with all of your fitness options! Not one for sports? Get creative; there are dance classes available, Co-ed kickball ad dodge ball teams and nutrition groups in and around Charlotte that all promote Healthy living. Here are just a few events Elevate Lifestyle has found for you. Be fit and have FUN!

JULY 4TH SPECTACULAR Run For Your Life July 4th Charlotte, NC Kick off the Fourth of July and celebrate America’s birthday at the inaugural July 4th Spectacular 4 Miler hosted by Run For Your Life and Center City Partners. This fun familyfriendly event will take to the streets of the Elizabeth Neighborhood. Proceeds from the event will support the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. Register online or at any four Run For Your Life locations. Race begins at 7:30 AM Email: registration@runforyourlife.com | 704.358.0717 FIRECRACKER 5K & SUPER SOAKER DASH Huntersville Fitness & Aquatics July 5th Huntersville, NC The 5k is great for the beginner or experienced runner. It is a medium to moderate loop course that starts and finishes at HFFA. Top 3 male & female will win a cash prize. The Super Soaker 100Y Dash is great for kids’ 4-10years of age. Huntersville Fire department will be onsite to use the fire hose to soak the kids as they dash to the finish. Fun begins at 7:45 AM Email: smadison@huntersville.org | 704.766.2222 CROSSFIT SUPERFIT GAMES Crossfit Steele Creek July 12th Charlotte, NC Four person teams (2 males 2 females) will come together to show off their CrossFit abilities for the world…or Charlotte to see. Games are open to all level athletes over the age of 16. They encourage athletes to be familiar with different fitness domains and have some exposure to CrossFit style workouts. A prize basket for winners will be given, as well as a custom SuperFit medal, RX winners can expect to re-

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ceive larger prize packages than the Novice winners. All athletes will receive a great contest shirt from Hopper Apparel, as well as a variety of samples and freebies from our sponsors. www.superfitgames.com 1 HOUR ZUMBA/ CARDIOFUSION CLASS with SYREETA! Various Locations July 17th Charlotte, NC This group is open to all ZUMBA® lovers. Do you want to Zumba® but don’t have a gym membership? We offer classes open to the public! NO GYM MEMBERSHIP required!! Join now to find out where you can Zumba®, get discounts on Zumba® classes, find out where to buy Zumba® clothing and have access to special Zumba® events. We are the first and the original Zumba group on meet up!

Come see why we have over 500 satisfied members! www.GetYourZumbaOn.com BREATHE MASSAGE & BREATHWORK NoDa July 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th Charlotte, NC Breathe Massage & Breathwork Studio offers five-star reviewed services within a beautiful studio in the heart of Charlotte’s eclectic NoDa neighborhood. Owner Jonathan uses all-natural and certified organic products for massages and strives to deliver a world-class experience, catered to your unique needs. The practice of Soul-

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ful Breathwork has been in existence for hundreds of years. The practice delivers immediate and profound relief from the stress of daily living, while providing a sense of clarity and perspective in these often confusing times. It works efficiently, yielding immediate healing results at every level: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Breathwork classes are offered weekly Saturday mornings at 10 AM, small groups or private sessions also available. http://breatheopen.com | 2901 N Davidson St #122 | 28205 | 828-7787707 SPORTSLINK Various Locations Sportslink is an organization dedicated to bringing people together through sports, social and outdoor activities. Over the years they have grown to be the largest provider of coed sports in Charlotte with over 22,000 participants playing year round in sports such as volleyball, flag football, bowling, basketball, softball and much more! They organize social events ranging from get-togethers after league play, seasonal player parties, scavenger hunts, bar crawls and whatever fun things they can come up with that they think YOU will like to do. Sportslink also participates in volunteer work with many worthwhile causes in Charlotte. Join their e-mail list and find out what’s going on! Get off the couch and get in the game. Whether you were an All-American in college or just want something fun and different to do... get off the couch, Sportslink has what you are looking for. www.sportslinkus.com | 704.499.9160 This is just a smidgeon of what your city has to offer you in the world of health, wellness and fit fun, get online, check out Elevate Lifestyle and GET ACTIVE! Enjoy your summer and always remember to stay hydrated and be safe! If you have any medical issues consult your doctor if you’re unsure of any personal health risk. If you’re looking for a good read on healthy living and combatting that pesky weight gain we experience as a result of becoming a new couple or becoming newly single…check out my new book Love Handles available on barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com! Yep, shameless plug, but hey, it’s dedicated to healthy living and enjoying it! Live your best life!

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10 Tips to Eat Like a Pro Athlete

By Jaylin Allen In order for professional athletes to train in their rigorous training programs, they need to fuel their bodies. And their lean bodies definitely show that they are in great shape. If you want to know the secret to a great diet that will keep you healthy and lean then keep reading for tips on the do’s and don’ts of a champion-inspired diet.

DON’T SKIP BREAKFAST You’ve heard it before and it bears repeating. Eating breakfast prepares you for the day. People who don’t eat breakfast tend to eat more during the day to compensate. Avoid that with a light breakfast that consists of protein, whole grain and fruit.

If you’re not a heavy eater in the morning, don’t fret. You don’t have to sit down to a full meal of pancakes, eggs, toast, bacon and coffee. You can begin getting your body used to eating breakfast by starting with orange juice.

Then move up to orange juice and toast or a hard-boiled egg. By adding some substance to your morning routine, you’re breaking your fast, stabilizing your blood sugar and starting your day off right.

STAY HYDRATED It’s so easy to overeat when you’re dehydrated. When you’re training throughout the week, don’t just hydrate during your workouts. Drink water throughout the day to keep you hydrated so after your workouts it’s pretty easy to replace what you’ve lost.

A great tip is to remember to stay consistent. If you drink water throughout the day, don’t switch to the sugar-loaded energy drinks during your workout. While some of those drinks can help replace electrolytes, they also can be saturated with sugar. An effective compromise is diluting a Gatorade with about 1/2 to 2/3 of water. You’ll stay hydrated and replace electrolytes too.

EAT LIKE A CHAMP If you want to be the best, then you have to fuel your body with the best foods.

Fast food, fried food, beer and other junk foods are terrible for your body. In order to build your body you will want to forgo the junk for more favorable replacements. Load up on fruits and vegetables.

Be sure to make your own snack sized vegetable and fruit bags to take on the go.

Also, Greek yogurt is food high in probiotics and can help your digestive system.

MAKE A PLAN Be sure to plan out what you eat for the day. Doing so will make it easier to avoid pitfalls associated with eating on the run. It’s even better if you plan and, if possible prepare your meals for the week beginning on Sunday.

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That way, you’ll have your meals ready and you can spend time during the week on more important things. At the very least plan snacks and other on-the-go food to keep you from reaching for the bad stuff when you get hungry.

EAT IRON-RICH FOODS Women tend to be deficient in iron. Usually eating dark leafy green foods can help with iron deficiency but sometimes it helps to take an iron supplement to boost your levels. Still, eating iron-rich foods is a good way to get your daily fill. In addition to dark leafy greens, red meat, oatmeal and fortified cereals can supply a good source of iron.

DON’T RESTRICT YOURSELF If you think the ticket to getting slim is to slash calories, think again.

A common mistake that some make is to limit calorie intake in a way that is counterproductive. It’s true that to lose weight you want to have less calories coming in than going out, but severely limiting your calories can backfire. Your body will struggle to hold onto every calorie because you’re eating schedule is so spare. That starvation mode will mean more energy in, less out and all your hard work exercising will be in vain. Be sure to eat on a regular schedule.

DON’T COUNT OUT CARBS If you’re participating in long-distance race, then carbs are the fuel you need for peak performance. Replenish your carb intake the night before, instead of immediately before a big run. The best way to get the proper amount of carbs without overdoing it is to replace a small protein or vegetable at dinner with some sort of carb-rich food.

GIVE IT YOUR ALL Don’t begin working out on an empty stomach or dehydrated. If you do, then you will hinder your body’s ability to perform at a top notch level. Many athletes overdo their calorie intake and forget to load up on water and other fluids. Both will help you maintain a performance level that will increase, not decrease, as you near the end of your training session.

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EAT TO RECOVERY What you eat after a workout is just as important as what you eat before. A great source of both protein and carbs is Chocolate milk.

Drinking chocolate milk after a workout will help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, and speed recovery as well. If you can’t consume chocolate milk right away, be sure to do so within 20 minutes after workout. If you can’t stomach milk at that time, then a piece of low-fat cheese, a protein shake or small sandwich with an egg and lean meat will do the trick as well.

EAT RIGHT There’s not much to eating like an athlete. They have a balanced diet loaded with fruits, vegetables, nuts, protein and more. For breakfast, eat toast with a dab of peanut butter, a hard-boiled egg and a fruit of your choice. Keep your lunch green with a spinach salad, sliced almonds, strawberries and a drizzle of balsamic dressing. Be sure to consume one glass of water per hour and keep your carb intake up as well.

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