Did you know?
Did you know that your club can provide its members with more than just equipment and group exercise to keep their bodies healthy? And, did you know that successful fitness facilities include a smoothie bar to provide beneficial nutrients to its members? Not only should the smoothies you offer be great tasting, but they should be healthy, nutritious, and provide whatever the body needs for fuel prior to a workout, and/or for recovery afterwards. The most important components to a smoothie should be protein, carbohydrates (carbs), and specific add-in supplements – dependent on the timing of consumption.
Did you know? Starting your day with a smoothie is beneficial….
Did you know the morning is when your body is most depleted of Glycogen? This is a perfect time to consume a high protein smoothie that includes some carbs and fat. Adding a fat-loss pack of some type is perfect at this time too, prior to workout. A good fat-loss pack contains a combination of Guarana, Kola Nut and Bitter Orange. It is designed to speed metabolism and increase energy and fat loss.
Did you know? Your body has a window of opportunity after a workout….
Did you know that you have 30 minutes to replace nutrients that were depleted from your body during your workout? You’ve just had a great workout and now it’s important to finish it right! Be sure to have a high quality meal as soon as possible. If you are pressed for time, a high protein smoothie is a quick nutritious meal in a cup.
Did you know? Your body needs recovery and sleep…
Did you know that your body repairs itself when you sleep? That’s right. All that wear and tear on your body is repaired during REM sleep. To help your body along, try a high protein smoothie in the evening. Adding in some type of mellow pack, preferably containing Kava Kava, Echinacea or Gotu Kola will help relax the body and give an overall feeling of well-being. These ingredients may also help in getting a restful night’s sleep.
Did you know? Your body needs protein and Creatine to absorb protein….
Did you know that protein consumption not only builds muscle, but it also helps prevent muscle wasting? It’s suggested that each and every person needs approximately one gram of protein per pound of body weight per day to maintain the muscle they have on their body. Protein is one of the most important nutrients we can consume, not only to the training athlete, needing to preserve their hard-earned muscle, but even to the average individual, needing to prevent muscle atrophy. With today’s busy lifestyles, it is becoming more and more difficult to consume enough protein through the foods we eat. High protein smoothies are an excellent substitute for missed meals.
We all know that the human body needs water to survive, and in fact, water is the number one supplement everyone should “take.” The theory is that when Creatine is ingested, it helps to retain intracellular fluid, which ultimately increases protein synthesis. The extra water and fluid helps to transport the nutrients and substances that our muscles need to get bigger. Thus, the protein we ingest can be used better by the muscles. After all, who cares how much protein we ingest if the muscles aren’t using it?!
Simply speaking, Creatine increases the energy content of muscle cells. Creatine does this by increasing the availability of ATP – the energy currency of cells. Since our strength depends on how quickly ATP can be made available during exercise – by increasing muscle, Creatine increases our strength.
Did you know?
• Members today are looking for a social connection today more that ever. The smoothie bar can be the social heart of the club, which will lead to greater member retention.
• A professional smoothie bar can help keep competition away. If you have a facility without a professional juice bar, you may be at risk of losing members to a club with one. Members perceive the juice bar as an amenity or added value to their memberships.
• If you get your members to stop at a smoothie bar, you can have the opportunity to promote and sell them anything, from personal training sessions to all types of goods and services. n Educating your members on the nutritional value of the smoothies that you offer will take your juice bar sales to an all new height. Train your staff to train your members! The more your staff knows, the more they can share and help your club members reach their fitness goals.
Stephanie Suddarth is the President of City Blends, Ltd. She can be contacted at 877.525.3637, or by email atstephanie@cityblends.com, or visit www.cityblends.com.
