Press Release - First nonprofit personal training service in central Florida for income restricted individuals is now offering exercise solutions to disadvantaged populations.

Winter Springs, FL, 10/07/2019 – First nonprofit personal training service in central Florida for income restricted individuals is now offering exercise solutions to disadvantaged populations. Apt Fitness, Inc., is a Florida not for profit corporation, designated by IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity that offers exercise programs to manage symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (“ASD”), ADHD, depression, anxiety, and other cognitive and neurological conditions.  Services are based on HUD income guidelines to make exercise modalities affordable for all.

Current research indicates individuals affected by ASD, ADHD, depression, and anxiety who participate in physical activity programs demonstrate significant gains in their self esteem, self efficacy, social, communication, and physical skills.

Apt Fitness, Inc., understands and is addressing the silent autism-related barriers by bringing together a network of like-minded medical, legal, and social services providers to demonstrate how exercise can be used in lieu of costly medications. 

Apt Fitness, Inc., was founded by the first openly autistic litigation paralegal in Florida, to empower autists by creating a healthy environment for them to thrive. She understands the necessity of such an environment as she overcame many types of discrimination within the professional and higher educational arenas. Every individual should be given the tools and opportunities to succeed in his/her personal and professional lives. 

To learn more about services, how to donate, and how to join the Apt Fitness network, please visit the website www.AptFitness.org or contact Apt Fitness via email apt@apt-fitness.com or phone 407-900-1610.

Best portable equipment - yoga and meditation

Sometimes we forget to take a moment each day to recenter and cleanse ourselves from the deluge of negativity in our professional and/or personal lives.  Apt Fitness, Inc., founder, A. Low, keeps ProsourceFit yoga essentials in her vehicle for that very reason.  Here are her top five yoga and Pilates essentials from ProsourceFit under $25.00.



Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat 1/2 inch - $18.99 from: ProsourceFit

The Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat is definitely her favorite.  Most mats are very thin, so you can feel the surface beneath them.  Not with this ProsourceFit mat.  Its cushion feels like exercising on a stable cloud.  Sometimes when she is traveling between gigs, she is compelled to stop at a park, inhale fresh air, and absorb sunshine.  This mat facilitates her meditation to renew her energy.



Arida Yoga Towel - $7.79 from: ProsourceFit

To keep your mat clean and dry, use this nifty Arida Yoga Towel.  It is easy to carry and wash.  This towel absorbs the moisture, so your mat does not have to, thereby decreasing risk of bacteria.  Throw it in the washer and safe the lifespan of your yoga mat.


Metal D-Ring Yoga Strap - $5.99 from: ProsourceFit

Yoga straps help take stretches to the next level.  Use the Metal D-Ring Yoga Strap to intensify your quadriceps stretch during bow pose, kneeling quad stretch, overstepping dragon, and King Arthur.  For hamstrings, try this yoga strap during the following poses:  heron, reclining hand to big toe, seated forward bend, and sleeping Vishnu.


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Gifts under $25.00 - resistance bands

Resistance bands are some of the best tools for home exercise and travel.  They are light, compact, and fit pretty much anywhere.  Here are some great resistance bands under $25.00 from ProsourceFit.  Use code "ALow15" for discount on first order.


Resistance Bands

Resistance bands and loops are great exercise tools that are under $25.00 and fit neatly in vehicles, bags, and even purses.  We recommend resistance bands to clients who travel and/or do not have room for a lot of equipment.  Resistance bands come any many forms.





Leg Resistance Band - $12.99 from: ProsourceFit

Leg Resistance Bands are essential for abduction, adduction, and thigh toning.  They can be used for jump squats, sumo squats, regular squats, crab walks, and for side leg raises on the ground or mats.




Single Stackable Resistance Band - $13.99 from: ProsourceFit

Single Stackable Resistance Bands are excellent for chest, triceps, biceps, and deltoids.  They can be anchored for use as lateral raises, face pulls, cable flys, cable crossovers, rows, and more.  Alternatively, Single Stackable Resistance Bands can be used with the handles around feet for lower body exercises as well.  If the bands are anchored, they can be used for hamstring curls.





Toner Resistance Band - $7.99 from: ProsourceFit

Toner Resistance Bands are useful for physical therapy, home exercise programs, and discharge from physical therapy.  They are compact enough to keep at your desk for stretching during the day to combat muscular issues caused by sedentary lifestyles.  Another way to use Toner Resistance Bands is to correct over and/or under pronation issues that contribute to instability and mobility concerns.


Apt Fitness, Inc., founder, A Low, incorporates resistance bands into exercise and corporate wellness programs.  Resistance bands and loops are some of her favorite items to demonstrate to clients.

This post contains affiliate links.

ProsourceFit Labor Day sale 2019

Who does not like a good deal? ProsourceFit is having a labor day sale 08/31/2019 through 09/02/2019. No code necessary.

Stock up on yoga essentials! 20% off all mats, rings, towels and more at ProsourceFit's Labor Day sale.

20% off all kettlebells, dumbbells, jump boxes, pull up bars, foam rollers, yoga mats and more during ProsourceFit's Labor Day sale. This weekend only. 

ProsourceFit Independence Day sale

ProsourceFit is an industry leader in fitness equipment, so having a sale up to 70% off is certainly a big deal.  With these prices, you may not have to wait until your next paycheck to get fit.  The sale is now through July 7, 2019, and no additional codes are necessary.  Use code "ALow15" for additional savings.  At Apt Fitness, Inc., some of our favorite pieces include the core balance disc, tread slam ball, and extra thick yoga and Pilates mat.

There will be a separate post regarding the core balance disc.  It is a versatile product for beginner, intermediate, and advanced.  This is not a comprehensive list, and we are updating our many uses of this single product.

In an office setting, the core balance disc can be used a few minutes at a time to aid posture and alignment.  If you need a seat cushion, try switching it out for about 15 to 30 minutes at a time with the core balance disc.

If you are a beginner, you can use the core balance disc as a cushion in some of your exercises.  If you are intermediate, advanced, or want to take fitness to the next level, here are more ways you can use the core balance disc.

1.  Squats:  to increase hamstring activation, use the core balance disc under your heels.  Take your squats to the next level.

2.  Planks:  to increase stability, add the core balance disc under your elbows or hands.  This will elevate the results of your workout.

3.  V Crunch:  challenge yourself by balancing on the core balance disc while doing v crunches.  Get more out of your workout.

The core balance disc is one of the many items on sale.




Core Balance Disc - $11.89
from: ProsourceFit


Classic Slam Ball - $15.99
from: ProsourceFit


Tread Slam Ball - $19.99
from: ProsourceFit


Disclaimer:  This post may contain affiliate links.  Items pictured above were purchased with writer's own money.

ProsourceFit and international day of yoga 2019

ProsourceFit has a variety of tools to assist you in and out of fitness.  During times I am not able to exercise, I still stretch via yoga techniques I have learned from chiropractors, orthopedists, and physical therapists.  In honor of international day of yoga, ProsourceFit is having a huge sale from 06/21/2019 through 06/23/2019.  Get up to 60% off all Yoga and Pilates tools.  What is even more amazing is using code "ALow15" to receive an additional discount off your purchase.

Below are a few ProsourceFit items I purchased.  The Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat was sent to me for promotional consideration, and I absolutely enjoy it.


Pilates Resistance Ring - $19.75
from: ProsourceFit

I use this Pilates resistance ring when practicing barre.


Cinch Buckle Yoga Strap - $5.99
from: ProsourceFit

This cinch buckle yoga strap is an excellent way to amplify stretches, especially if you need help with quads or hamstrings.


Set of 2 Foam Yoga Blocks - $9.99
from: ProsourceFit

Yoga blocks are helpful for stability during certain yoga poses.


Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat 1/2 inch - $18.99
from: ProsourceFit

An extra thick yoga and Pilates mat was sent to me, and, as I mentioned in my review as well as above, I enjoy it. It offers the extra cushion I need against hard surfaces.


Original Yoga Mat 1/4" - $16.99
from: ProsourceFit

The original yoga mat is great for those who do not require cushioning. I use it on softer surfaces.


Arida Yoga Towel - $12.99
from: ProsourceFit

A yoga towel helps absorb moisture and facilitates mat cleanliness.


Yoga Mat Bag with Side Pocket - $13.99
from: ProsourceFit

Why not get a bag to carry your yoga mat?


Abdominal Mat - $14.99
from: ProsourceFit

An abdominal mat is handy for those who need extra help during core exercises.


Need assistance determining which products you will use most?  Contact me!

If you are accustomed to wearing makeup while exercising, and you need a mascara that does not run, try e.l.f.  It does not irritate my eyes nor does it run for me.





For upper body stability and containment, I use Royce Impact Free Sports Bra. It is cotton. I typically wear a regular bra beneath for extra support during high intensity interval training.




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Back pain and yoga

As we age, we lose flexibility, muscles atrophy, and we need to incorporate stretches into our daily routines.  Yoga is a great way to achieve this.  One of my favorite exercises is cat camel.  Doctors recommend this for spine relief.  Cat camel benefits include:  stretching the spine (neck and back) and alleviating sciatica pain.  Abdominal organs, female reproductive organs, and gastrointestinal tract are stimulated.  One of my favorite tools for cat camel is my ProsourceFit Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat.  There is a huge Father's Day sale, so be sure to visit ProsourceFit for great gift ideas.  Use code "ALow15" at checkout for discount on your first order.

Cat camel can be done on the floor or on a bench.  I prefer a bench.  Place your hands directly below your shoulders and knees directly below hips.  Draw your navel towards your spine.  Slowly arch your back toward the sky and hold for about five to ten seconds.  Keeping your navel drawn towards your back, arch your spine down towards the floor and hold for about five to ten seconds.

Incorporate cat camel into your routine when you wake and before you sleep.  Depending on intensity of pain and goals, three sets of ten is sufficient to notice a difference.

Get fit while supporting a public charity

Apt Fitness, Inc., is now officially a 501(c)(3), recognized by IRS as a public charity! Service donations are based on HUD guidelines and tax deductible as charitable contributions. Full priced services are available through our for profit sister corporation, and a portion is donated to Apt Fitness. Why not support a charity while paying for personal training and barre instruction? One full priced session will pay for one donated session to a family in need. 

Our goal is to open a nonprofit fitness studio. Currently, exercise services are offered at homes, offices, parks, and online. We demonstrate how exercise can be used in lieu of prescriptions in some instances. While our clients are mainly individuals affected by autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and other cognitive and neurological conditions, we do offer services to everyone. 

Apt Fitness makes fitness affordable for all. 

www.AptFitness.org

apt@apt-fitness.com

VM 407.900.1610

ProsourceFit Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat

Having recently become a ProsourceFit Brand Ambassador, I received a purple, extra thick yoga and pilates mat for review. Good mats are difficult to locate, and they are usually very expensive. Finding thicker mats are even more difficult. These mats are $18.99, extra long, and very plush. It is 71" long and 1/2" (13mm) thick. I tried this mat for the first time, and I am impressed. Being thick, it did not feel like ground. It offered enough cushion while being supportive. The mat itself is a lightweight and did not tear. I have tried other thick mats purchased from Ross, and those mats tore very easily after barely any use at all.

The ProsourceFit extra thick yoga and Pilates Mat comes with a 30 day guarantee and lifetime warranty. I have read reviews regarding ProsourceFit customer service, and they are all positive - products and customer service.

I definitely recommend getting this mat for yourself and your clients. Some floor exercises are uncomfortable, because you can feel the ground, and clients with back issues may prefer the cushion. My opinions are not based on promotional consideration. People who know me know I do not fabricate. My opinions are honest and genuine. If I do not like something, I would either state that or keep my opinions to myself. That being said, this is a great mat.

DISCLAIMER: this post may contain affiliate links.

Apt Fitness recommends Vitamix for autistic clients

As an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Barre Above Certified Instructor, Quest Squad Quest Nutrition Brand Ambassador, and Vitamix Brand Ambassador, our founder recommends Vitamix to aid in creating positive, healthier food choices for sensitive and picky eaters. Using a Vitamix can help transform vegetables into ice creams and sorbets, while unlocking flavors and micronutrients. Visit our founder for Vitamix demonstrations.

Vitamix demonstrations

Vitamix is probably the single best thing that happened to me during December holidays. After watching a demonstration, I bought one and have used it more times in three days than I used other blenders in three years. I realized the money I spent on the "next big thing" when my blenders failed me every couple of months, I could have bought a Vitamix and still saved money.

Here is how I saved money by purchasing a Vitamix:

1. No more blade issues. Blades of competitor blenders would not provide the same, consistent, even blend after the very first use. It was frustrating. With severe LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux), erosion of my esophagus, and motility issues (esophageal muscles do not contract in succession to move food through to the rest of my digestive track), liquifying foods became imperative to nutrition. After the initial blend, no other blenders would handle ice very well. I would sip my "smoothies" only to choke on kale stalks. No more purchasing blenders or blenders parts every few months. Average lifespan of a household Vitamix is over 25 years! I am saving $150-200 annually.

2. Who needs a food processor when you have a Vitamix? No one! I started making my own chocolate peanut butter cups. No additives. No extra sugars. No money spent on marketing by purchasing Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. I control my carbs.

3. Who needs a juicers when you have a Vitamix? It would take about eight oranges to produce one cup or orange juice with my juicer. I get about one cup of oranges juice per orange with Vitamix, by using the ENTIRE orange. Less grocery money.

4. I used to purchase fruits and vegetables in bulk with good intentions of preparing daily smoothies. However, it took extra time to peel what required peeling, and it would be time consuming. Time is money, and a lot went to waste. Now I look in my fridge for what is about to expire, throw it in the Vitamix, waste no more.

I cannot tell you everything at once. It would ruin the  mystique. Stay tuned for more reasons I love Vitamix. Also, check my calendar for Vitamix demonstrations in Orlando.

Smoothies and other recipes

Need smoothie ideas? Want to have healthier food options at home? Subscribe to Orlando Certified Personal Trainer for smoothie recipes and food ideas.

http://www.orlandocertifiedpersonaltrainer.com/search/label/smoothie%20of%20the%20day