Tag Archives: koko fit club

Koko Sponsors Minnesota Man’s Attempt at World Record 45-Day Transnational Run

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Steve Knowlton with team Koko FitClub Dublin

The team from Koko FitClub Dublin gives Steve Knowlton a warm send-off on May 18, 2013

This week, Marathon runner Steve Knowlton, 47, of Prior Lake, Minn., started his attempt to set a Guinness World Record by running 3,100 miles from San Francisco to New York in just 45 days. The team from Koko FitClub Dublin, CA was there to give Steve a send-off and many other Koko FitClub teams from across the country plan to cheer him along the way.

He hopes his run, which started on May 18, will raise awareness for autism and Asperger’s syndrome, and has partnered with ANSWER, Asperger’s Network Support, GreenSneakers and Koko FitClub to raise money for those affected.

Throughout the 45-day run, Koko FitClub locations across the nation will collect used sneakers for GreenSneakers, which provides shoes that would otherwise end up in a landfill as affordable footwear to impoverished communities around the world. GreenSneakers, in turn, will give ANSWER 50 cents per pound for all sneakers donated as part of Knowlton’s effort.

“I want this run to be bigger than me – I want it to bring awareness to autism and Asperger’s, which has affected someone very dear to me, and to draw attention to GreenSneakers, whose mission helps give shoes to the neediest people in the world,” said Knowlton. “As a runner, I am acutely aware of the environment and our need as a country to protect our resources by recycling and reusing what we can.”

Knowlton, who has been strength training for his run at the Savage, Minn. Koko FitClub, inspired the chain to become involved nationally. The state-of-the-art workout centers, known for the patented Smartraining automated personal training system, will accept donations from members and non-members and send them to GreenSneakers. (Find your nearest Koko FitClub location here.)

“We are humbled that Steve is using this incredible feat to shine the light on autism and Asperger’s syndrome and help us strengthen communities through understanding, inclusion and support for those affected,“ said ANSWER Director Theresa Namie. “We are also grateful to GreenSneakers and Koko FitClub for their partnership in helping us get our message out nationally.”

Follow the run:

http://aspergersmn.org
http://www.stevesrun.com
https://www.facebook.com/SteveKnowltonRuns
http://www.facebook.com/answerMN

Support the cause:

http://www.razoo.com/story/Steve-Knowlton-S-World-Record-Run-1-In-88-In-Every-State

About Steve Knowlton
Steve Knowlton lives and grew up in Prior Lake, MN, where he was inspired as an eighth-grader by Peter Jenkins’ “Walk Across America.” His mother nurtured his spiritual strength, and at 13 his father encouraged him to run Grandma’s Marathon with him in Duluth.  Steve was the youngest runner to finish the race.  In 2010 he ran from Seattle to Key Largo, 3,717 miles in 100 days.  For more information, go to www.steveknowlton.com.

About ANSWER
ANSWER’s mission is to create a network that advocates for community awareness, furthering research, bettering education and support of individuals and families living with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.  The 501c3 nonprofit organization serves as an informational channel where ideas and resources are shared utilizing public relations, the internet and parenting networking.  ANSWER supports training for educators in the areas of social skills, daily living skills, relaxation, and transitional skills.  ANSWER offers a holistic approach – from diagnosis to independent living – by making resources available and advocating for affordable intervention and support programs.  For more information, go to www.aspergersmn.org, or www.facebook.com/answerMN.

About Koko FitClub
Koko FitClub first opened in Boston in 2008 as an efficient, lean-muscle-building alternative to traditional gyms and today has more than 120 company-owned and franchise FitClubs in 30 states. Its name, Koko, inspired by the Japanese word for individual, refers to Koko FitClub’s fully customized fitness and nutrition programs that make up the patented Koko Smartraining System. The Smartraining System is automated personal strength and cardio training, offering the benefits of a 90-minute workout in just 30 minutes, combined with Koko Fuel, the program’s integrated nutritional component. In 2012, the company received a Franchise Business Review Franchisee Satisfaction Award and this year was named to the 2013 Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500. For more information, go to www.KokoFitClub.com, www.youtube.com/user/KokoFitClubChannel or www.facebook.com/KokoFitClub.

About GreenSneakers
GreenSneakers is a nonprofit organization committed to serving the needs of other nonprofit organizations as they work to offset the costs associated with various organizational development needs. By collecting used tennis shoes for GreenSneakers, nonprofits can raise funds to put toward fulfilling their mission and vision. The program provides organizations with a uniquely effective and environmentally friendly fundraising opportunity that has local and global impacts. With a collection of sneakers for reuse, nonprofits help provide affordable footwear to people in need around the world. This activity greatly improves economic conditions in developing nations, as well, and provides sustainable job opportunities where they otherwise would not exist. In cases of humanitarian need, collected sneakers are distributed through reputable relief agencies that have the appropriate mechanisms in place to effectively engage in this type of aide. For more information, go to www.GreenSneakers.org.

Results are IN! The 2013 Koko 5 Million Point Challenge to Benefit the American Cancer Society Relay For Life

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Hello Koko Nation!

This weekend, for 24 hours, our members, FitCoaches, owners, staff, friends and families across Koko Nation came together for the second annual Koko 5 Million Point Cardio Challenge, to hike and climb our way towards a common mission – to support the people we know and love who are battling cancer, and help them win.

Our goal:  to earn 5 Million Koko Points and donate our “steps” to help the American Cancer Society raise money for its Relay For Life® efforts, while raising awareness about the importance of regular exercise in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

This year, we strengthened our partnership with ACS, and they are thrilled to make our cardio challenge a regular part of their annual Relay For Life efforts. We are proud to say that Koko Nation ROCKED it this year, earning a whopping 4,272,450 Koko Points during the 24-hour challenge…a major achievement! This is 180% more points than we earned in 2012, and means a $10,000 contribution to the American Cancer Society, which will be distributed across Relay For Life teams in local Koko FitClub communities.

We are so thankful and appreciative of everyone who participated…you truly amazed and inspired us all.

There are so many incredible stories that came out of this weekend’s event. Some members took their personal challenge to a whole new level by walking the equivalent of a marathon – 26.2 miles of Koko Cardio sessions – to show how Boston Strong they are. Seth Miller and Chris B. of Plainville…we’re talking about you.  We look forward to hearing more great stories and seeing your pictures, so please share them on facebook.com/kokofitclub.

There were orange tutus and orange full body stockings. There was music and fun. Kids and laughter. There was a palpable feeling of positive energy across Koko FitClubs everywhere, and we cannot wait for next year.

Each club has a list of the final points across Koko Nation, so be sure to check with your FitCoaches or on your club’s facebook page to learn how your club contributed to this powerful cause.

On behalf of all of us here on the Koko team – including those who have fought and continue to fight their battles against cancer, our wonderful partners at the American Cancer Society, and the amazing local Relay For Life teams that hit the track each year for their own challenge… THANK YOU.

We look forward to announcing details for the 2014 Koko 5 Million Point Challenge, and hope you’ll join us.We hope you’ll be inspired to check out your local Relay For Life events and participate with some of your local KokoNuts. These events happen year-round throughout the country, and are a great, family-friendly way to get involved with your community. Be sure to tell them you’re a KokoNut! Visit http://www.relayforlife.org/ to learn more.

Yours in good health,

Mary Obana and Mike Lannon
Co-Founders, Koko FitClub

Try a complimentary Koko FitClub workout near you!

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Fighting Back Against Cancer with Fitness: Koko FitClub Member Spotlight

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Terry and the team at Koko FitClub Coral Springs

We are getting closer to May 4th and the kickoff to the Koko 5 Million Point Challenge to benefit Relay For Life®.  If you have ever “Relayed” you know that the whole inspiring experience is about honoring and celebrating those who have fought, and continue to fight  cancer. So, this week’s blog post is one great big celebration of a Florida KokoNut named Terry Best who, in the face of a tough cancer diagnosis, is empowered to fight back with Koko FitClub Coral Springs as his battleground.

Research has shown that for people fighting cancer, exercise can mean a longer life free from cancer. Besides enhancing overall health, mood and outlook, evidence suggests that exercise actually improves your immune system’s “cancer surveillance,” protecting you against future cancer recurrence. Terry’s story is bound to get you moving, and inspire you to sign up for The Koko 5 Milllion Point Challenge on May 4th benefiting Relay For Life®. (Which just happens to be the day after Terry’s birthday…) Read on!

By Special Guest Blogger, Terry Best

May 3rd, the day before the Koko 5 Million Point Challenge, will be my 65th birthday.  My wife and I have signed up for 12 and 10 cardio sessions, respectively, for this Relay For Life® event.  Before I retired, I always encouraged my employees to participate in the various Relay For Life® activities that were being held in the area.  I never thought it would mean as much to me as it does now.  I never thought I’d be the one fighting cancer.

Sixteen weeks ago I went to my primary doctor to see why I was so tired all of the time.  I joked with my wife that I probably needed my oil changed maybe had to have some of my fluids topped off.  After all, I am someone who takes good care of himself. (I’m 64 years old; 5’9”; 165 lbs; athletic; never smoked or experimented with drugs; having a drink means a glass of wine; and did I mention handsome? OK, OK, maybe I’m getting a little carried away.)  How could there be anything really wrong with me?  My blood tests were always fine, including my cholesterol that, for years, has been “in range” due to the pill that I take each night.  No cancer (EVER) on either side of my family, so that wasn’t even a consideration.  However, I was tired most of the time – unusually tired.  Well, that was sixteen weeks ago.

One look at my doctor’s face after he performed the always popular DRE exam to check my prostate said it all. I was in a state of shock.  There was no cancer in my family and absolutely no (none, nada, zilch) symptoms. During the next few weeks, it seems that all I did was schedule tests, spend endless hours in waiting rooms, take tests, wait for test results, schedule appointments to discuss test results with the appropriate doctors and then, start all over again. Life certainly had changed.

So, after ultrasounds,MRIs, PET Scans, bone scans and, my favorite, a prostate gland biopsy, the verdict was in:  I have a very aggressive case of prostate cancer.  It has spread from my prostate and is also now in my bones. That is labeled as “Stage 4” cancer. Lucky me – my cancer had no patience for Stage 2 or Stage 3 – it decided that Stage 4 is a much better place to be.  After all, with Stage 4 prostate cancer, it’s too late to operate. So, those smart, insidious cancer cells knew that they would be safe from the surgeon’s knife.

The protocol for my situation is hormone therapy, which deprives the cancer cells of testosterone. Without that fuel source, they die.  Unfortunately, at some time in the future, they will figure another way to thrive and we’ll have to go to Plan B.  Fortunately, with prostate cancer, (words that I never thought I’d use together) there are many other arrows in the quiver to use against it. The key for me, and all other prostate cancer patients, is to stay ahead of the curve and be in the right place at the right time when these new medications are available.

So, what does all of this have to do with Koko FitClub?  As it turns out, more than you’d expect.  When my oncologist told me that the depletion of testosterone will deprive the cancer cells of fuel, he also told me that it will cause me to lose muscle tone, gain weight and make me lethargic.  None of these side effects appealed to me, so I decided to do something about it.  While I’ve always been in decent shape, I’ve never liked the gym scene.  My wife and I used to belong to a health club, but I would head directly to the treadmills and spend all my time sweating and staring at a TV that was tuned to some channel that I would have never, ever chosen myself. (The treadmill must have worked at least a little, as I can proudly say that I was able to complete the Disney Marathon a few years ago.) I had no idea how to use any of the strength equipment and, even if I did, I had no idea what the correct weights, repetitions, sequences, etc. made sense for me.  But, as unappealing as going back into this situation was, when you find out that you have cancer, you tend to put things in perspective. I was going to work out.

As many of us do, I went to the internet to find a solution.  The amount of gyms and health clubs in my area is overwhelming, but they are all basically the same.  Pay your dues and figure out the rest.  They had pools and saunas and juice bars and basketball courts and racquet ball courts and spinning and twirling and preening and flirting and . . . well, you get the idea.  What they didn’t have was something for me.  They didn’t have something for a guy who didn’t need to lose weight, didn’t want to have bulging muscles and didn’t have a clue how to use the machines.  I needed a place that would provide both the roadmap to achieve my goals as well as the equipment/atmosphere that would make me feel comfortable doing so.  Then, I found Koko FitClub.

I met with the owner, Rob, and explained my situation to him.  Having cancer was still new to me and he was one of very few people who I had told about it.  I guess I wasn’t expecting his heartfelt compassion and, more importantly, his sincere desire to help me.  Rob showed me how Koko had various customized programs for a wide range of people with different goals, including (amazingly) mine.  Being able to do my entire strength workout  on one machine with a computer screen actually showing me how to do the exercises and adjust to my range of motion and strength variations was a revelation.  Could it be that there actually was a place that met every one of my needs?  And, to top it off, the owner, his staff and the other members of the club had the same mind set as me?  Sign me up!

So, what’s happened in the last sixteen weeks since that “you have a cancer” conversation in the doctor’s office?  Well, my testosterone level is now 0.00.  My PSA level went from more than 22 (2.5 to 4.0 is the target range) to 0.2.  And, my doctors are now using the word “remission.” As I’ve been told my cancer is “treatable but not curable,” “remission” is a wonderful word to hear.

What about the loss of muscle tone and “turning into a dumpling?” When my doctor asked me if I was experiencing any of the side effects that he warned me about – loss of muscle, lethargy, weight gain, etc. – rather than tell him about it, I handed him results I printed from my Koko webpage.  While I had to explain “Q Score” to him, the numbers and graphs of the other results spoke for themselves.

My first Koko workout was on February 4th.  My lean muscle was measured at 137 lbs. (I weighed approximately 167 lbs.) and my eBMI was approximately 17.  My “Q Score” was 58, which was very good for my age group. My lean muscle has INCREASED (remember, I had hoped to just maintain what I had) to 144 lbs. My eBMI remains in the ideal target range at 18.  My strength has INCREASED by 48 percent.  My Q Score is now 88, which is better than the average of any male age group, including those cool young guys in their 20’s and 30’s.  I’ve walked almost 100 miles and have lifted 500,000 lbs. I’ve accomplished all of this without any testosterone and, remarkably, actually enjoyed myself.

My doctor’s reaction was priceless.  Sixteen weeks ago, in this same room, he told me that I had aggressive prostate cancer and, obviously, it was a very serious conversation.  Now, he used the word “remission” and he was smiling from ear to ear (me too!) Having the ability to print out my progress and hand it to my doctor(s) is something that I never thought about when I joined Koko FitClub.  It has turned out to be a terrific way to show them how I’m fighting back.  

Fighting back. My treatment - receiving monthly shots in my hip and stomach and taking some pills each day – is relatively passive on my part. It’s up to my body chemistry to react to them.  However, by working out, I feel that I am actually attacking the cancer cells.  Each step, each completed rep, each scoreboard result on the Koko Smartrainer screen is evidence that I’m fighting back.  Koko uses the phrase “Stay Strong.”  That was the perfect reason for me to join.  I would have settled for “Stay Strong.” However, to my surprise, “Get Stronger” is much more applicable to what I’ve been able to achieve.

Terry Best

Sign up today for The Koko 5 Milllion Point Challenge on May 4th benefiting Relay For Life®.

www.KokoFitClub.com

9 Tips to Spring Clean Your Refrigerator – Blogging National Nutrition Month

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By  Debra Wein, MS, RD, CSSD, NSCA-CPT, CWPD

I'm Blogging National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month and this year’s theme is “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day.” That, of course, aligns perfectly with the Koko Fuel approach! It’s about building healthy eating habits that are sustainable for a lifetime instead of turning your life upside down with labor-intensive, unsustainable fad diets.

It is also oh-so-close to the first day of spring! Spring cleaning your fridge is a great first step to “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day.”

9 Tips to Spring Clean Your Refrigerator

1.    Take the all or nothing approach and get rid of all of the highly processed foods in your fridge.  Anything that has additives or preservatives or anything in the ingredient list that is not a whole food, throw out.

2.   Store all perishable items at the front of the shelf so you easily access them and use them before they go bad.

3.   Cut up fruit in a bowl or low-fat Greek yogurt is a great option to keep at eye level at the front of the shelf so you can easily grab it when you get hungry.

4.    Make sure your fridge is set to the right temperature to prevent any food-borne illnesses from occurring. (The refrigerator should be set to 38 degrees and the freezer to zero degrees.)

5.    Throw out all of the soda in your fridge whether it’s full sugar, reduced sugar or no sugar.  It is not healthy for you or your waistline.  Replace with water or sparkling water (if you want that carbonation.)  Keep fresh lemons, limes or oranges on hand to flavor the water or add a splash of 100% fruit juice.

6.    Throw out all full-fat cheeses, yogurts and milk.  Replace with 1% or fat-free milk and low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt, and reduced-fat cheese.  Yogurts can contain a lot of sugar so make sure you get plain yogurt and add fresh fruit or a little honey.

7.    Don’t store your milk cartons on the refrigerator door. It will spoil quicker as the temperature fluctuates and is usually at least a degree or two warmer than the main compartment.

8.    Stock your fridge with lean proteins such as lean ground turkey or fish.  These are the heart healthy, waistline friendly proteins that should be the staples of your diet. Red meat and processed meats such as bacon and sausage should be eaten sparingly.

9.    If you tend to forget about the vegetables in your vegetable crisper, move them up and into the main compartment at eye level.  You are more likely to use them if you see them.

These are just the kind of simple, straightforward tips we built into Koko Fuel School to make it easy for regular people to put nutrition theory and best practices into action.

Would love to hear from you! Did I inspire you get cleaning?

Today’s blog post comes courtesy of Debra Wein, MS, RD, CSSD, NSCA-CPT, CWPD Besides being the brains behind the innovative new Koko Fuel,  Debra is a nationally recognized expert on health and wellness and has designed award winning programs for both individuals and corporations across the country. She is president and founder of Wellness Workdays, a leading provider of worksite wellness programs, and has nearly 20 years of experience working in the health and wellness industry. Debra’s interests include bringing the latest developments in nutrition, fitness and wellness to her clients and to anyone who will listen. Her goal is to inspire individuals to make simple and positive changes in their lives that improve their health.

Koko FitClub: Customized Exercise. Customized Nutrition. Amazing Results.

Try a complimentary Koko FitClub workout near you!

Change lives with us! Find out about becoming a Koko FitClub franchisee here!

21-Day Koko Booster Exercise & Nutrition Challenge Update: Week 2

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Karin has taken the 21 day Koko Booster exercise and nutrition challenge

Karin of Koko FitClub Herndon and all her Koko lanyards!

Josie and Karin in Northern Virginia are into week two of their 21 day Koko Booster program and they have been fantastic in keeping up with the Booster workout schedule. They also have been successfully incorporating their Booster meal plans into their busy lives.

Just to recap, two of our Northern Virginia clubs, Koko FitClub Herndon and Koko FitClub Ashburn each challenged a member to do a 21-Day Koko Booster Program, and to share their experiences and results with all of us. The 21-Day Koko Boosters are new with the launch of Koko Fuel and include customized, fully integrated strength, cardio and nutrition plans.

Heading into week two, here’s where they stand:

Josie, our 44-year-old mobile DJ from Koko FitClub Ashburn, has lost four pounds, her “Q” score is up to 18 and she’s lowered her eBMI to 46.6. (Remember, the eBMI number aligns with the traditional BMI scale but, unlike BMI, takes into account the amount of lean muscle in your body, a key medical indicator of your health.) Way to go, Josie!

“The strength work outs have been tough, but I am loving the results and the way that I feel,” she said. “The Fuel plan has given me a better understanding of how to plan meals that incorporate more fruits, vegetables, lean meats and healthy grains.”

Josie currently has a lean muscle level of 168.5 pounds.  The more lean muscle you have, the more calories your body burns during exercise AND at rest.  Lean muscle determines your metabolism and energy levels and affects your strength, agility and even your ability to fight disease.  As she continues on her fitness path, Josie may see her lean muscle level drop along with her total weight, but that’s to be expected. It’s impossible to lose only body fat when your goal is to lose a significant amount of weight. What her Koko Smartraining strength program will do is minimize muscle loss. We will see her lean muscle level make up an increasing percentage of her total body weight, and that will be reflected as a lower eBMI number!

Karin, our 53-year-old school bus driver from Koko FitClub Herndon has kept her weight in check and slightly reduced her eBMI to 25.6.  Her goal is to get stronger and increase her lean muscle level, which is currently 102 pounds. Love your consistency, Karin!

“I have tried the Koko Fuel recipes and especially love the turkey chili and all of the quinoa options,” she said.  “My family and I have been really focusing on making more healthy choices and are experimenting with different Greek yogurts to find one we like.”

Check in weekly to watch Josie’s and Karin’s progress as they incorporate workouts and meal planning into their daily routines and cheer them on as they start seeing results!

Keep up the great work ladies. Koko Nation is rooting you on!

Michael Wood, CSCS
Chief Fitness Officer
Koko FitClub
Customized Exercise. Customized Nutrition. Amazing Results.

Try a complimentary Koko FitClub workout near you!

Change lives with us! Find out about becoming a Koko FitClub franchisee here!