Razor Sharp Better Together Group Exercise New Year's Party, Including New GroupCLASSES Launch!

2015 Kicks Off With a Group Exercise Party -- Cuz it's Better Together

Don't put your hats, horns or noisemakers away...  

<<<updated details here>>>

Save the date and plan to turn out on January 10 to our Better Together Group Exercise New Year's Party! We will offer 30-minute sample-sized classes of Step, Zumba, Yoga and Aquasize

AND

We're going to be getting down with the newest (full-length) GroupRIDE and GroupPOWER classes, and premiering our brand new 30-minute R30 class!

Get your RIDE ON with Group Ride®! This huge calorie burner builds great-looking legs! Group Ride is a 60-minute cycling experience brought indoors. Roll over hills, chase the pack, spin the flats, climb mountains, and sprint to the finish! Feel the thrill of energetic music and group dynamics as you get all the benefits of authentic interval training. RIDE ON! 



Get fitter in only 30 minutes with R30®. It's as easy as riding a bike, and in R30, riding a bike has never been better! Burn calories, improve muscular endurance, and build cardio fitness as you ride with surges, short intervals, power, and end with a rush. Inspiring music and motivating coaches ensure that EVERYONE FINISHES FIRST!

Group Power® is YOUR HOUR OF POWER! Blast all your muscles with this high-rep weight training workout. Using an adjustable barbell, weight plates, and body weight, Group Power combines squats, lunges, presses, and curls with functional integrated exercises. Dynamic music and a motivating group atmosphere will get your heart rate up, make you sweat, and push you to a personal best! POWER UP!

We'll send out the full schedule with all the details (and possible additions) when it's complete, but for now, plan on:

• Yoga and Zumba at Erie Street
• Yoga, R30, GroupRIDE and GroupPOWER Downtown
• Yoga, Zumba, Step, Aquasize, R30, GroupRIDE and GroupPOWER at Washington Avenue

Trainer Tips for Health and Fitness

Razor Sharp's Experts Offer Advice on Social Media

Kate Rogan leading a GroupPOWER class

Razor Sharp recently introduced #TrainerTipTuesday to our Facebook and Twitter feeds, and we'd like to share a couple of these great tips with all of you here, too:

From Fitness Director Kate Rogan, a question:
     What is the hardest part of working out/exercise?
     Answer: Getting in the doors of the gym. 

Remember: Once you’re in, there is only one thing to do, get active and exercise!

Strategy: Schedule your exercise times in advance as a High-Priority Appointment with yourself. Then, show up -- no questions & no excuses.

For example, sit down on a Sunday (or any low-key day) and put the times and/or classes into your calendar for the following week. Stick to it and plan around it as you would a doctor, hair, dentist, happy hour appointment (whatever your fancy!).

The key is not to talk yourself out of it. Look, we can come up with ANY excuse if we want, so don’t even let yourself go there. If you keep it black and white (you’re either IN or OUT) after a few weeks (6-8, depending on how hard you work) it will no longer be the APPOINTMENT that motivates you, but the CHANGES you notice IN YOUR BODY and in HOW YOU FEEL.

Basically, if you want to get paid you have to show up to work on time right? So if you want to live longer and healthier, or reach a more specific goal, you have to show up to get those results!

If it were easy everyone would be doing it. It's hard, therefore it has the greatest pay-off: a healthier way to live!

Joseph Manussier leading a GroupRIDE class

From Personal Trainer Joseph Manussier:

Remember that healthy, fit living is a series of large and small CHOICES. Right now, parking at the mall is crowded, so embrace that, put your car at the far end of the lot and count the extra steps as a choice for more activity.

Then, in January, keep that habit, even if there are closer spaces. At the end of 2015, you'll have put in MANY extra miles by walking those few yards farther at every store you visit!

Give the Gift of Health!

Razor Sharp gift cards can be purchased

in any amount,

and can be used for 

any Razor Sharp 

product or service:

• Membership dues
• Personal Training
• Massage services
• Snacks/drinks
• Class fees
• Apparel

 It's always the right size!

    Razor Sharp is also a member of the Downtown Racine Corporation; if you receive a DRC Gift Certificate, you can redeem it at any Razor Sharp club for anything that our own gift cards purchase!

The Giving Season Continues -- Blood Drive at Razor Sharp

January is National Blood Donor Month 

...and Razor Sharp Fitness is doing its part.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

10:00 am to 2:00 pm

7300 Washington Avenue
in the gym

Click here to schedule your appointment online, or call (877) 232-4376.

Refreshments will be provided.

BloodCenter of Wisconsin celebrates National Blood donor Month by paying tribute to people who help others through the simple act of giving blood. As a special thank you, all attempting donors will receive an additional 200 points that can be redeemed for items in BloodCenter's Recognition Center.

Remember to bring a photo ID that includes your birth date when you come to donate.

Who's With Us -- for the Ragnar Relay Chicago?

Razor Sharp Trainer Jenny Willis wants YOU!!

Jenny has been interested in putting together a team for the Chicago Ragnar Relay, and thinks 2015 is THE year to kick it off! Since now is the time to get these things together and get a 20-week training plan in place, she's looking for others who would be willing to take this on! This year's event is June 12-13.

If you're not familiar with the series, it's a 12-person relay team running three stages per member, from Madison to Chicago. Each stage is 3-8 miles, of varying difficulty.  For more details, check the website.

THEN, when you've decided that this is JUST the goal you need to move your running program to the next level, e-mail Jenny and let her know that you'd love a piece of this action!

Meet Our New Massage Therapist, Gina Peter

Gina Peter, LMT

Gina Peter, a graduate of Anthem College in Brookfield, Wisconsin, has been a Licensed Massage Therapist for more than three years. She has focused on her specialties – Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage – and has experience working with chiropractic care patients and athletes, including Junior Olympic athletes. 

Gina believes in the body's ability to heal itself, and that massage therapy is one of the many paths to restoring health and wholeness to the body.  She feels that consistent massage therapy creates the opportunity and fulfillment for a more balanced life. Through understanding human anatomy and each individual's needs, she is dedicated to helping clients reach their ultimate health goals with education, encouragement and compassion. 

Gina’s continuing education plans include completion of Thai and Sports Massage courses, along with becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant. 

Fight the Pre-Holiday STRESS!!

Stop at the front desk or call (262) 321-0200 to book your massage today! The Razor Spa is open every day -- even Sunday -- but appointments between now and the end of the year will fill up quickly.

Also, click here to meet our newest Massage Therapist, Gina Peter!

Holiday Hours/Classes

At Washington Avenue

Christmas Eve               Christmas Day               New Year's Eve

7 a.m.–Noon                    CLOSED                      7 a.m.–3 p.m.

Pilates 8 a.m.                                                         Pilates 8 a.m.  

Group Ride 9 a.m.                                               Group Ride 9 a.m.

Group Power 9 a.m.                                             Group Power 9 a.m.

Rip Tide 9 a.m.                                                      Rip Tide 9 a.m.

Rip Tide 10 a.m.                                                     Kid’s Playroom

      No Kid’s Playroom                                                      8 a.m.–1 p.m.              

New Year’s Day

7 a.m.–Noon

No Classes or Kid’s Playroom

~ / ~

At Main Street, Downtown Racine 

Christmas Eve               Christmas Day               New Year's Eve

7 a.m.–Noon                     CLOSED                        7 a.m.–3 p.m.

Unstaffed                                                             Unstaffed  

Key Tag Access Only                                            Key Tag Access Only

   

New Year’s Day

7 a.m.–Noon

Unstaffed

Key Tag Access Only

~ / ~

At Erie Street

Christmas Eve               Christmas Day               New Year's Eve

8 a.m.–Noon                        Unstaffed                        8 a.m.–Noon

No classes                 Key Tag Access Only                 No Classes

   

New Year’s Day

Unstaffed

Key Tag Access Only

Grand Opening Specials at ALL THREE Clubs!

Celebrate our Downtown Racine Grand Opening with us at any of our three locations

We're offering everyone a chance to get in on the Grand Opening action, whether the new Downtown Racine facility is the closest to where you live and/or work, or not.

Join at any of our clubs and pay 

NO enrollment fee

and get

One month FREE

Refer a new member to take advantage of this promotion and, as an existing member, you'll receive a free month of membership credited to your account. Remember, there's never a limit to this thank-you for referrals. If you refer twelve new members, you'll get twelve months' membership credit to show our appreciation!

Finally, all existing members and their guests (when the member accompanies them) are invited to complimentary use of the Downtown Club through the end of the year!

We wouldn't have the milestone of our third club to celebrate in the first place without all of you!

Downtown Club Grand Opening Wrap-Up

December 5th was a GREAT Grand Opening Day -- thank you to everyone who came down to visit with us, check the place out, offer congratulations and to officially join our fitness community's newest hub in Downtown Racine.

More pictures are posted here, at our Facebook page. 

Great big thanks go out to Downtown Racine Corporation for the ribbon-cutting, and particularly to County Executive Jim Ladwig, Alderman Jeff Coe and DRC Executive Director Devin Sutherland.

Congratulations go out to the winners of our drawing:

• Anna LeGath, who won a bottle of wine from Uncorkt
• Alice Bieszczat, who won the Carriage House Liquor gift basket
• Nancy Witkofski Ford, who won a $50 Razor Sharp gift card
• Patty Strandell, who won her choice of complimentary SPS Sports Performance or Belle City CrossFit sessions
• Mike Foord, who won his choice of complimentary SPS Sports Performance or Belle City CrossFit sessions
• Laura Sanders, who won a 60-minute massage
• Nancy Ribeiro, who one a package of 30-minute personal training sessions
• Kirk Winder, who one a package of 60-minute personal training sessions
• Mike Cretton, who won a one-year Razor Sharp membership
• Gail Hemm, who won the iPad Air 

Thanks to everyone who came out! We're still celebrating, so if you couldn't make it, stop down at the new club and have a look around. And, be sure to check out and share the Grand Opening special that we're offering at any of our three locations.

December Member Of The Month, Maria Steffen

On November 16, 2013, in my own mind, I was in pretty good shape. But, I wanted to try something new...

I realized, shortly into my very first CrossFit class, how my perception of fitness was significantly off-target. It was truly a humbling experience.

Through the first week, each workout was physically and mentally more challenging than the previous day’s. I was actually scared to go work out! But, I thought, “I signed up for six months, so I have to give it at least that much time to see if this was what I wanted.” And so, my journey began!   

The intimidation, anxiety and fear that I originally felt was replaced within days with feelings of inner strength, passion and the desire to become stronger. I realized that the worry I had felt was because CrossFit forced me to step outside of my comfort zone.  Once I had accepted that, CrossFit became an addiction!

I am very pleased with what I have learned in a little over a year as a member of Belle City CrossFit. But, I’m not done! Every day is a learning experience. Every day is an opportunity to push my own limits. 

I participate in CrossFit classes five days a week, minimum…most weeks, six days. I’ve learned that in order to truly make a difference in my performance, I must stick to this regimen. At first, I did it because I felt I needed to. Over time, I realized I do it because I love it.  In my opinion, if you’re going to have an addiction, this is a good one with positive results!

My success is not just because of my hard work. My success is a combined result of the dedication and motivation of my coaches and all the other CrossFit athletes.

We’re like a family.

Razor Sharp Grand Opening Details are Taking Shape!

Grand Opening Celebration 
for the new 
Downtown Racine Club 
at 
141 Main Street

We're putting together a party for December 5^th (Friday!!), and everyone's invited.

There will be free food and drinks, including hors d'oeuvres after 5:00 p.m., catered by downtown favorite, The Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery

There will be prize drawings for:

• An iPad Air
• A One-Year Club Membership
• Personal Training packages
• Cross-Fit/SPS Sessions
• Gift Cards for Razor Sharp merchandise and services
• Gift Basket from Carriage House Liquor Co.

Current members will receive an additional entry into the drawing for each guest that you bring!

Everyone who attends a class on Friday will receive a free Limited Edition Razor Sharp t-shirt (while supplies last):
5:30 a.m. Group Power
7:00 a.m. Yoga
Noon Group Power
4:45 p.m. Group Ride
6:15 p.m. Group Power

Give-aways: 

• Razor Sharp water bottles to the first 100 visitors between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Razor Sharp tote bags to the first 100 visitors after 5 p.m.

Official Ribbon-Cutting at 6:00 p.m.

The ribbon-cutting is sponsored by Downtown Racine Corporation, and we are pleased to be welcoming County Executive Jim Ladwig and Alderman Jeff Coe as guests of honor to this portion of the festivities!

Also enjoy:
Complimentary Chair Massages 6:30-10:15 a.m., 1-4 p.m. and evening hours TBA

Complimentary *Functional Movement Screenings 5:30-7:30 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Guests who join on Friday will receive:

• No enrollment fee
• First month free
• $50 Razor Sharp gift card for club services and merchandise (excluding monthly dues)

All day: opportunities to meet the Owners and/or Razor Sharp Personal Trainers

* Functional Movement Screenings determine specific muscle flexibility and strength imbalances, designed to help the client understand his/her movement patterns. The goal of the assessment and corrective exercise strategies is to prevent injuries, limit current and future joint problems, and improve exercise efficiency.

#RSGrandOpening  |  #RazorSharpDowntown  |  #RSDowntown 

Schedule Change -- Hip-Hop Cardio Moves to Wednesdays

Hip-Hop Cardio has moved from Tuesday/Thursday at Washington Avenue, to Wednesday evening only, at 6:45.

Come out and dance it up! Krystal, the instructor, is a professional dancer who keeps it fun and energetic, and is uniquely qualified to help you get the most out of the hour. 

Announcing our Downtown Racine Grand Opening

It's going to be a party, and you're all invited!

With give-aways, drawings, "Try 'em Out" classes and our ribbon-cutting, we plan to have a good time, and show all of our guests how much we try to make being healthy fun!

So, come and celebrate with us.

And, spread the word by sharing this article or a copy of our poster/flyer with you friends and colleagues.

Seasonal Reminder -- Won't You Be a Neighbor?

It's that magical time of year with a cool snap in the air and the hint of impending...well...snow, slush and salt.

The latter part is less magical.

In order to keep the facility clean and safe, and preserve the floor surfaces of the track, the weight area and, really, anywhere that people work out, please change into clean, dry athletic shoes as soon as you can. When entering at the back door of the Washington Avenue club, there are chairs in the vestibule to make it easier to keep from tracking water and salt into the common areas.

You can then stow your bag, boots, gear, etc. in the locker room as usual.

Would you, could you, be a good neighbor and change your shoes? That's great -- we knew you could!

2015 Silver Sneakers

Contrary to rumor, Razor Sharp's Silver Sneakers program continues, and we're looking forward to a great 2015!

All Silver Sneaker members will continue to have access to the "Main" club at 7300 Washington Avenue and North club at 3900 Erie Street.

Remember that to get the best results of your membership, you should try to work out three times per week!

New Group X Classes & Times

Be sure to check out our most recent additions to our group exercise program here at Razor Sharp. Group Power^® is YOUR HOUR OF POWER! Blast all your muscles with this high-rep weight-training workout. Using an adjustable barbell, weight plates and body weight, Group Power combines squats, lunges, presses and curls with functional integrated exercises. Dynamic music and a motivating group atmosphere will get your heart rate up, make you sweat, and push you to a personal best! POWER UP! We've added noon-time classes, too!

Get your Ride On with Group Ride^®! This huge calorie-burner builds great-looking legs! Group Ride is a 60-minute cycling experience brought indoors. Roll over hills, chase the pack, spin the flats, climb mountains and sprint to the finish! Feel the thrill of energetic music and group dynamics as you get the all the benefits of authentic interval training. RIDE ON!

Both classes are offered at both Washington Avenue and Downtown <-- click the links for schedules!

SPS Sports Performance Partners with Racine Area Soccer Association

SPS Sports Performance and Razor Sharp Fitness have partnered with Racine Area Soccer Association (RASA) to provide area soccer players with enhanced training. This partnership will provide the RASA organization with an indoor training facility for its Racine United program, recreation and competitive Futsal Leagues as well as a variety of additional developmental programs. In addition, soccer athletes will participate in sports performance training which is geared at improving overall athletic performance and injury prevention. "We're excited to have a facility like Razor Sharp for our winter activities," says RASA executive director Wayne Howard. "Indoor space coupled with sports performance training will be a huge benefit for our players and will help us build a stronger and more competitive club." "Partnering with RASA, which has such strong roots in the community, is a great opportunity to show what our program can do for athletes of all different ages and skill levels," stated Shaun Liesch, SPS Sports Performance Coordinator. "We're looking forward to working with the RASA athletes in improving their performance on the field and preventing injuries." For more information on SPS, please contact Shaun Liesch at 262-321-7328.

Beatriz is All heart!

While the weather did not cooperate for the American Heart Association Walk/Run on Saturday, October 18^th (at a rainy & windy 48 degrees), Razor Sharp members and staff certainly did “shine” on this day. Razor Sharp took first place as the company that raised the most money. Our goal was $1,000; total dollars raised were $2,611 (and counting)!

Heartfelt thanks to Zumba Instructor Beatriz Martinez who not only led the warm-up for the event, but she also individually raised the most funds to fight heart disease.  

Special thanks to our two competing teams -- Beatriz' Red Hearts and Laurie Swanson's Heart Beats of Razor. We appreciate everyone's support of this worthy cause.

Though Razor Sharp blew its goal out of the water, the event, unfortunately, is still short of its overall target of $60,000. If you meant to donate and forgot, it's not too late! -- you can click through here to add your contribution to one for Razor Sharp's teams.

November Member Of The Month, Kathy Hainchek

Kathy with Beatriz and Amanda

"Play Everyday! We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing...."

This year, I competed in the "Senior Olympics" held in Milwaukee and won two gold medals in Basketball and Basketball Free throw shooting. My team (60-64 age group) has advanced to the 2015 national tournament in Minneapolis as have I in the individual Free Throw event. 

Although I am growing older, it is so exciting to know that there are opportunities available for seniors to compete against other seniors in a variety of sports. This is a great incentive for me to continue to stay in shape and to pursue competing in other sports. I would like to encourage any seniors to check out this great opportunity.

I have belonged to many health clubs in the past, but I really enjoy the professional atmosphere Razor Sharp provides. More importantly, I like the fact that the fitness employees have degrees in their area of expertise and hold specific certifications in what they teach. It is very important to me to have proper training/technique from qualified instructors.

I would like to particularly thank Beatriz for providing a fun-filled Zumba Toning class and for encouraging me to add Hot Yoga to my workouts, and Amanda for working with me on my yoga technique. The combination of these classes, cardio, weights and stretching have contributed to my ability to successfully compete in sports at my age. In addition, thank you to Marianne for returning all my lost articles to me during my senior moments!


Just because we grow old doesn't mean we have to stop playing. I have had some setbacks in my life, ankle reconstruction, back surgery, several abdominal surgeries and I am an ovarian cancer survivor. So, if you have a setback, please keep in mind that it is possible to get back to your workouts and lead a healthy life.

Play on!

Downtown Club Now Open!

Our new Downtown club, located at 141 Main Street, is now open! We're still awaiting a few pieces of equipment, but the majority of it is in and the classes are in full gear. The Downtown location offers the following: Cardio equipment Free weights Functional training equipment Squat racks Group exercise inlcuding Group Power, Group Ride, yoga & Pilates Locker rooms/showers Small group training Personal training Stop down anytime and check out the new facility.  This club will have a combination of staffed and un-staffed hours, similar to the North facility. However, through the end of December, the majority of open hours will be staffed. When not staffed, you can use your key card to access the club. (The club is under camera surveillance and all un-staffed hours are reviewed by staff.) Now through the end of December, we invite all members to come on down and check out the new club at no additional cost. Bring a friend or family member. If you would like to upgrade your membership to include the Downtown club, there is a nominal add-on fee; e-mail or stop in and see Membership for details.