Do you need some inspiration to help get you moving today? Well, meet Fernanda, a Replenishment Analyst in our Sporting Goods department who has been with Modell’s for almost two years now. Read here how she maintains her active and healthy lifestyle:

Do you find yourself sitting at a work desk, staring at the computer for most of the day? Your workstation isn’t exactly the best place for you to be very active, yet for many people, this is where they spend 40+ hours a week at. No matter how comfortable your chair is, don’t get too attached to it – it’s doing much more damage to your body thank you think! In recent years, studies have proven that sitting at a desk for long hours over an extended period of time, increases your risk for various dangerous health conditions, physical pain, and even, a premature death. This makes physical activity as a regular habit that much important to millions of office workers – and rolling around your office in a chair with wheels just won’t cut it!

Modell’s, along with the sporting goods industry, is supporting the PHIT Act and & PEP program as a way to encourage Americans to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily lives by reducing the costs of various physical expenses. With the obesity crisis that millions of Americans are personally dealing with, I think it’s time we stand up out of our office chairs and stand up for a healthier lifestyle!

1) How do you stay fit?
I take yoga and dance classes plus weight training. I also follow a diet plan to support my training. Yoga gives me flexibility and it’s the best core work-out you will ever get. I get bored easily doing cardio on a treadmill or elliptical, so dance is a great alternative, as well.

2) What’s your fitness goal?
Feeling great physically and mentally, being healthy and having a ton of energy.

3) What is your favorite healthy meal?
Breakfast: MRM All Natural Whey Rich Vanilla with oatmeal and cinnamon
Lunch: Tilapia fillets, sweet potato and veggies.
Snacks: Fat free cottage cheese with toast, non-fat plain Greek yogurt with strawberries, and homemade protein bars.

4) How do you manage to squeeze exercising into your busy schedule?
If you want something bad enough, you will make time for it. I put exercise on the top of my priority list and arrange my schedule around it.

5) What fitness gear from Modell’s can you not live without?
Foam rollers! Putting a lot of stress in your body will cause muscle tightness and soreness, and working on the computer all day gives me a lot of back and neck pain. Rolling on a foam roller is the closest thing to getting a massage! I actually keep a small one on my desk at work.

There’s no time like the present to embrace a healthier lifestyle by being physically active and eating well in order to ensure yourself a better future. So stand up with Modell’s and support the PHIT Act and PEP program today!

Remember those days when you were a kid and your mother told you to stop playing in the mud? Well, I’m here to say: forgot what your momma said! You can get downright dirty – all in the name of good exercise and fun, of course!

I’m talking about mud races. For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, a mud run is basically an awesome adventure that has you running through different obstacles, some of which involve…you guessed it…mud! It’s the perfect mix of fun and physical activity. Mud races vary but the one I participated in was a 5k obstacle course that includes things like running through mud rivers, climbing cargo nets, jumping over fires – the list goes on! The great thing about mud races is you don’t have to be a serious athlete or in top-notch shape; there are many first-timers and amateurs wading through the mud. Plus, many races plan a big after-party for participants that involves free food and drinks and live bands (just in case, you need an extra push).

I’m telling you this because I want to highlight to you how different and interesting exercising can be. You don’t have to limit yourself to running on a treadmill or cardio – those are great but they might not do the trick for everyone. However, mud runs – like gym membership and other runs – require an entry fee. That’s where the PHIT Act steps. This legislation that is being decided upon in Congress, would reimburse Americans for physical expenses they are currently paying for such as organized running event registration fees, health club memberships, exercise classes, etc. This is a great tool for everyone who wants to be in their best physical shape but dread the hurt this does to your wallet. Support the PHIT Act today!

1)      How do you stay fit?

I’ve been running for about 2 years consecutively now. I’ve run in numerous half-marathons, mud races, and I am going to be running my first full marathon (the NY Marathon) in November! I’ve also been working with a personal trainer for the past 3-4 months now, (IFBB Pro Diana Becker, she’s the best!) and she’s gotten me a lot more into weight lifting as well!

2)      What’s your fitness goal?

I plan on running a half-marathon in under 2 hours (and a full marathon in under 4½ hours…hopefully!) My weight lifting goals include ways of becoming more toned and fit, especially with summer coming up! I am also currently looking into the possibility of becoming a certified personal trainer.

3)      What is your favorite healthy meal?

I try to change it up so I don’t get too bored with the same thing, but I do eat grilled chicken almost every day for lots of protein. I also like to experiment with different recipes I find online made with healthy ingredients. For example, I love a pancake (who doesn’t!) and you’d be surprised with how many different – and healthy – ways you can make them! Healthy foods do not have to be boring!

4)      How do you manage to squeeze exercising into your busy schedule?

It’s definitely challenging and requires a lot of motivation! I work out 6 days a week right now, with a mix between weights and cardio. I do my weight training at the gym at 5:30am…there are a lot less people then and I can take my time, plus it gives me more energy to start my day! I do my cardio workouts in the evening, and  long runs on Saturday mornings. It’s definitely something that has become routine to me, and it does require a lot of personal time. You just need to be ready for that!

5)      What fitness gear from Modell’s can you not live without?

I love Nike and Under Armour Dri-Fit apparel! And definitely my purple Harbinger workout gloves!

We here at Modell’s strongly encourage physical activity as way to not only look good, but feel good. The PHIT Act can help you achieve this while also helping you save money for other aspects of your life – what’s not to love?! Stay tuned to hear more Modell’s associates discuss their healthy lifestyles!

Meet someone who makes sure they fit in the time for physical activity in their life. Peter Ahn is a graphic designer here at Modell’s and has been with us for almost ten years now! Read about his healthy lifestyle:

Have you ever been asked “What do you do in your free time?” and thought to yourself “Free time? What’s that?!” I’m with you. Between a hectic work schedule and spending quality time with my family (and friends if I’m lucky), I’m ready to hit the sack and call it a night. I’m sure many of you out there have countless of other obligations you have to take into account as well. But despite my schedule, I always manage to squeeze exercising in there. Early mornings or late nights are the best time for me so I work out during those times as often as I can. Sure, this was difficult in the beginning (who doesn’t want a little more sleeping time) but I was motivated by the very things that I used to think were actually keeping me away from exercising – I wanted to be more healthy and fit to keep working the job I love doing for longer and to be around my family for longer also, especially as my children got older. With this in mind, I had a goal and I committed myself to accomplishing it.

Do you manage to work some physical activity into your busy routine? Or do you let your day get the best of you and push off exercise for “another day”? Let me tell you, starting is the hardest part. But once you pick up the habit, it becomes easier. Do you still need some more incentive? That’s where the PHIT Act and PEP program come into play. With these two legislations, you can save money for your physical activity expenses by being reimbursed for them. If you need a little more push into becoming a healthier and more fit you, this is it!

1. How do you stay fit?
I run Marathons, Ultra-Marathons & Tough Mudders. Currently I’m in the off season of my training so I’ve incorporated P90X-2 and swimming at the local gym.

2. What’s your fitness goal?
After running 50 miles last year, I’d like to accomplish (as a goal) a Triathlon or 100 mile race in the near future.

3. What is your favorite healthy meal?
My favorite healthy meal would probably be natural peanut butter and jelly sandwich with cut bananas, crushed peanuts, salt & honey and Nuun to wash it all down.

4. How do you manage to squeeze exercising into your busy schedule?
A full-time job and a family with 2 active kids can be a tough juggling act. However, my wife, a marathoner herself, understands the needs of keeping with a training schedule, so with her support I am able to do it. She will generally watch the kids or I will usually get my runs in early in the morning or very late at night.

5. What fitness gear from Modell’s can you not live without?
Honestly I would say it’s not the product itself, but the knowledge of the staff to recommend the correct shoes for me, but there’s your answer…shoes.

Don’t feel pressured to go run a 50 mile marathon now – unless you’re up for the task, of course! We here at Modell’s just want to inspire and encourage you to stay fit and healthy no matter which physical activity you choose to join. A healthy body is a healthy mind!

Modell’s is participating in the push to get America moving, while reducing healthcare costs by supporting the PHIT Act & PEP program. We’re launching our weeklong countdown to the National Health Through Fitness Day by highlighting Modell’s associates who lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

Meet Alyssia Ciena! She joined our team almost two years ago as an Associate Buyer in our Men’s Apparel department. Learn how she maintains her active lifestyle!

We here at Modell’s fully believe that physical activity is a way to achieve a more balanced and healthier lifestyle. I personally live that life by eating healthy and exercising. Now, contrary to popular belief, eating right and working out can be actually be…fun! Doing this doesn’t have to be hard if you do it right: pick physical activities that you can actually enjoy and healthy foods that appeal to you. Once I realized that I actually liked being active and eating right, it stopped being something I do because I felt like I had too – it became something I do because I want too!

1)      How do you stay fit? 

I like to stay fit by staying active and watching what I eat. I’ll usually switch it up between Running, Yoga and Spin.

2)      What’s your fitness goal?

My fitness goal isn’t a number on the scale, but the way I feel about myself when I look the mirror. If I think my arms are too flabby then I’ll do what it takes to get them toned…review what I have been eating and add some pushups or arm reps to my daily schedule.

3)      What is your favorite healthy meal?

Well, I love to eat! So I don’t have just one! If I had to choose…Quesadillas! I use whole wheat tortillas, chicken or black beans for protein and then add a ton of veggies: spinach, broccoli, zucchini or peppers, then low-fat shredded cheese, avocado and salsa…Mmmm!

I also try to pack snacks from home and bring them to work so when I get the munchies I have something healthy and close by so I don’t go to the vending machine.

4)      How do you manage to squeeze exercising into your busy schedule?

I am NOT a morning person!! So I do not wake up earlier to work out. I work out after work. I find it easier to go for a run after work in the Spring/Summer when it’s still light outside. In the Fall/Winter, that’s when I schedule a spin or yoga class after work.

5)      What fitness gear from Modell’s can you not live without?

A good pair of sneakers is SO important and replacing them after you’ve put a few miles on them is also important to prevent injuries.

That sounds like quite the meal doesn’t it?! Feeling inspired by Alyssia’s story? We hope so! Stay tuned – we have more Modell associates eager to talk!

“Physical activity really is a wonder drug. It makes you healthier and happier, you live longer.” – Thomas Frieden, Center of Disease Control

If you had told me the advantages of physical activity a couple of months ago, I might have actually brushed you off. Of course I knew it was good for you, but I wasn’t ready to act on it. But after the Undercover Boss episode, I got it – I wanted to change my life around for the better and I knew I had to accept exercise as a way to do this.   For me, it meant working out six mornings a week, with John Wardell from Body Chemistry Fitness,  who helps train me. I also started a nutritious diet that is designed to support my new healthier lifestyle. Four months later, I have lost 60 lbs. and that’s all thanks to physical activity and better eating habits. I feel better than ever – it’s like I’ve found a new outlook on life.  

 As great as the benefits of exercise are, I realize that sometimes, trying to stay fit isn’t so easy on your wallet. There’s the cost of gym memberships, exercise classes, equipment, sports activities for your children, etc. Wanting to live a healthier lifestyle shouldn’t have to come at such a high cost to you. That is why Modell’s is supporting the PHIT Act & the PEP program.

 The PHIT (or Personal Health Investment Today) Act is an incentive to be more healthy and fit while reducing healthcare costs. This legislation pending in Congress will allow for reimbursement of physical activity expenses (sports leagues fees, health club membership dues, exercise classes, sports and fitness equipment, etc.) using pre-tax dollars. The PHIT Act will encourage healthier lifestyles while also preventing illness related to a lack of physical activity. Modell’s is also supporting the PEP program, a vital federal grant program helping schools keep and rebuild PE programs through the USA. Physical education in schools prepares children to be physically and mentally active, fit and healthy…for life! Both of these initiatives will get America moving and help overcome the obesity crisis we are currently facing.

 To help get this bill passed through congress, the Sporting & Fitness Industry Association is launching the 14^th annual National Health Through Fitness Day on Wednesday, March 13^th. In show of our support and to drive awareness to this great campaign, we will be having a weeklong countdown by showing how other Modell’s associates manage to live a healthy and fit lifestyle. For the past couple of months, I have been sharing with you my entire journey towards a better, healthier me and now I will also share the stories of others. I will be highlighting the story of one associate a day. We hope that by sharing our personal stories, you might walk away with some advice or feel inspired to get moving!

Modell’s encourages everyone to be as physically active as possible and to live a healthy lifestyle. I personally support the PHIT Act and the PEP program because I know first-hand the benefits of such a lifestyle. Because of exercise and diet, I’ve lost weight, reduced my risk for potentially dangerous health conditions, increased my energy, and most importantly, made myself happier.

 Whether you take a walk in your neighborhood or run a marathon, we want you to understand how important being active is for not only your present self, but your future self as well. Not only will you look and feel good on the outside, you’ll look and feel good on the inside too – who doesn’t want that?!