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In only a few weeks, the world has turned upside down. From news stories to blog posts, Covid-19 has up-ended the daily lives of people around the globe. A lethal pandemic, this is no seasonal flu.

As with past catastrophes and natural disasters, it is all too easy to slip into a routine of seemingly robotic behavior. Reliant upon those in power, it is the voice of government that dictates our decisions.

At The MAX, we want to return the power to YOU.

Understanding Guidelines

To be sure, there is both truth and value in the federal recommendations to which we are currently privy. Social distancing, in particular, is a critical precaution to diminish the likelihood of Covid spreading throughout the nation. (6’ is considered the average distance that airborne droplets can travel after a cough, sneeze, etc.)

That being said, the result of social distancing is, inevitably, anti-social crowding. Confined to cohabit within the walls of our home (or for those in healthcare, workplace), our health relies not on government mandate, but on personal precaution.
Understanding Your Role

As a reminder, the majority of persons infected with SARS-Coronavirus-19 will NOT become severely ill. Given the nature of its symptoms, only vulnerable populations (the elderly, immuno-compromised, and those with underlying respiratory conditions) are likely to face worsening progression of the virus, up to and including death.

With that in mind, Covid-19 is unprecedented among modern major illness for the rapidity with which it spreads. Though extreme, cautionary measures are not intended so much to halt its growth entirely as to prevent it infecting these vulnerable populations.

To protect yourself and your loved ones, please practice the following:

Sanitize Your Surroundings

Though research is ongoing regarding the spread of SARS-Coronavirus-19, it is generally accepted that person-to-person transmission is the biggest culprit. To reduce the spread of airborne particles (e.g., through coughing and sneezing), it is imperative that surfaces be disinfected as often as possible.
Unfortunately, studies differ in the length of time that the Covid virus can remain active after leaving its host. As a precaution, an EPA-approved cleaning agent should be used on all high-traffic surfaces, whenever it is used or as frequently as needed. Remember to think small: light switches, chair backs, door handles, remote controls, cellphones, computer keyboards, etc, are often overlooked when it comes to household cleaning.

Practice Hand Hygiene

Gone are the days of a quick rinse and dollop of suds. Uniquely designed to pull away the build-up of germs and bacteria, soap molecules are your best defense when it comes to protecting against illness.

For best results, vigorously rub soap across the entire surface of your hands for at least twenty seconds. Make sure to get between your fingers, under your nails, over and around your palms, and an inch or two above your wrists. Use warm or hot water to ensure that soap is completely washed away.
When access to soap is limited, an alcohol-based sanitizer over 60% will suffice to kill Coronavirus germs. While this is not a substitute for hand washing, it will serve the time being until your next opportunity to wash up.

In addition to de-germing your hands, make every attempt to avoid germing them up in the first place! Refrain from touching your face (where the residue of microscopic particles will happily enter through your nose and mouth), and use elbows or sleeves in place of hands whenever possible.
Remember, Covid-19 can spread before symptoms appear. Even between friends and loved ones, proper hand hygiene and cautionary distance is your best barrier against infection.

Eat A Healthy Diet

Even in times of health, a healthy diet is your body’s best defense against illness. Especially in the midst of a quarantine, proper nutrition and adequate exercise are critical to ensure that your immune system can fight invaders.

When shopping, fill your cart with whole-grain carbs, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats to aid satiety. Stock up on fruits and vegetables, and consider fortified foods to boost your intake of vitamins and minerals. Do a bit of research to determine which nutrients your specific medical and mental health require.

Consider adding fish to your diet. Try to select varieties that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids and low in mercury. Limit consumption to once/twice weekly, or as dictated by your doctor.

Choose whole grains and complex carbs. Bereft nutrients, processed and refined carbohydrates will give you a quick burst of energy and little else.
Avoid processed and sugary foods/beverages, as these will disrupt insulin production and increase your body’s release of stress hormones. If you’ve ever heard the term empty carbs, this is it.

Practice moderation, not substitution. Marketed specifically to low-sugar, low-fat, and low-sodium consumers, man-made alternatives lack a scientific bill of health. Whenever possible, choose natural.

Fill up on fruits and veggies. Not only will plant-based fiber help regulate blood sugar and aid in digestion, but a colourful plate will boost your body’s natural immunity and directly impact your mental health.

Move! Though your gym class may be cancelled, there are more benefits than risks to getting a breath of fresh air. Take a walk, hike, or lap around the block to get endorphins flowing and calories burning.

No matter who you are or where you live, the Coronavirus is closer than you may think. Please, consider the consequences of spreading this novel sickness. With proper hygiene and health, we can all protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.

On April 1st, THE MAX Challenge’s corporate team and franchise owners paused their daily company-wide Zoom video call to display handwritten messages of gratitude to all essential workers.

“Thank you – you truly are our heroes,” one message read. “Thank you for holding up the sky and making this possible for ALL OF US. We are so grateful!” said another. Many of the signs also had drawings of hearts, smiley faces, and the American flag alongside these heartfelt words.

Nearly a month ago, the fitness franchise shut their doors before it was government mandated to do so in an effort to protect their members. They shifted to a virtual model practically overnight, and to help facilitate this change, Founder/CEO Bryan Klein has been holding daily coaching calls with owners.

Together, THE MAX Challenge team decided that the Zoom call was the perfect opportunity to show their appreciation for essential workers – many of whom are members at various locations.

“As soon as everyone held up their messages, I was immediately brought to tears,” said Hayley Guerra, Director of Marketing and Development at THE MAX Challenge. “Over 50 windows filled with messages of thanks, of hope, and of encouragement; it was truly remarkable.”

The display of gratitude didn’t stop there – members of the team took screen shots of the thank-you messages from the Zoom call and shared on their social media pages, encouraging their members to tag any essential workers in the comment section who they wanted to publicly thank.

“My heart breaks for those on the front lines,” Guerra said. “These are people deliberately putting themselves face to face with this virus out of necessity, out of bravery, and out of a commitment to serve. They deserve every bit of recognition and support we can offer.”

THE MAX Challenge has always placed an emphasis on helping people improve both their physical and mental health, but in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, they are finding new ways to help all their members practice self-care. Aside from offering live and on-demand classes, they’re also hosting live cooking demonstrations, weekly motivational speakers, and virtual mindfulness walks lead by Saul Concepcion, Regional Director of Franchise Operations and Certified Life Coach.

On Wednesday, April 1st, THE MAX Challenge held the first in what will be a series of weekly live cooking demonstrations for members. The cooking demo nutrition event was hosted by Denise Medford, Owner of THE MAX Challenge of Brick, NJ, and her son Dave Herrera, a chef at El Toro Loco in South Plainfield, NJ. They walked viewers through their recipes for Chicken Tinga, Clean Refried Beans, and Guacamole, and even gave some tips and tricks for picking out the perfect avocados.

Future cooking demonstrations will feature owners from Texas to New York and will also be live streamed via the fitness franchise’s National Facebook Secret Group, which has nearly 30,000 members.

“Cooking shows are all the rage, from “Chopped,” to “Master Chef,” and beyond,” said Hayley Guerra, Director of Marketing and Development. “Not only are our live cooking demonstrations socially engaging and interactive, offering the opportunity for live Q&A, they also double down on our commitment to helping people to improve their eating habits.”

The three components of THE MAX Challenge’s program are fitness, nutrition and motivation. In the wake of the COVID-19 Crisis, with many people limiting their time at the grocery store or avoiding going there altogether, THE MAX Challenge believes it’s important to provide its members with the resources they need to succeed in achieving their health and fitness goals from the safety of their homes.

“These cooking-show-style demos will teach members how to make healthy meals, while also teaching creativity in terms of repurposing recipes or the ingredients therein; an important aspect in times such as these where conservation is key,” Guerra said.

THE MAX Challenge launched its first Virtual 10-Week Challenge at nearly all locations on Monday, March 30th. Aside from these new live cooking demonstrations, the program also includes live and on-demand virtual fitness classes, online nutrition counseling, weekly motivational webinars, and virtual group walks.

On March 20^th, THE MAX Challenge reduced their monthly membership rate to assist those facing financial hardship amidst the COVID-19

Crisis. In the true spirit of THE MAX Challenge, members who didn’t necessarily need the reduction were encouraged to pay it forward. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many members either offering to continue to support the fitness franchise, asking if they could help fellow members who are struggling by covering all or a portion of their monthly fee, or committing to donate the money that they’re saving to local charities.

“Moments after we announced our intentions to the members, the messages started pouring in,” said Bryan Klein, Founder/CEO of THE MAX Challenge. “This not only brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes – it also filled my heart with hope. People are good. A situation like this brings out the best in us. Together, we will not only get through this, but we will shine brighter than ever for the world to see.”

There was a common theme among the messages sent by members – they said they were grateful for the opportunity to stay active and practice self-care from the safety of their homes with THE MAX Challenge’s new virtual classes, and, for those who could, just as grateful for the opportunity to pay forward the reduction in membership.

“THE MAX is more than just a gym; it’s a family,” said Michelle Van Tassel, a member at THE MAX Challenge of Staten Island, Arthur Kill and one of the many people across the country who offered to continue paying in full. “That feeling of dedication and wanting to help your family extends to all our mat mates and very much so to our awesome and dedicated owners.”

“Thank you for your generosity!” replied Lori Hamilton, a member from THE MAX Challenge of South Brunswick. “I wish I could do more, but I’d like to pay one month’s membership for someone who is cancelling or struggling at this time,” she said.

Kim Lachapelle, owner of THE MAX Challenge of South Windsor, set up a GoFundMe account to handle the abundance of requests she received to pay forward the reduction in membership fees. “When we announced to our members that we would be granting a 25% discount to help them out financially during the COVId-19 pandemic, the responses immediately started pouring in – ‘Keep it.’ ‘Gift it.’ ‘Use it to help pay for a member who lost their job,’” she shared. “We then started a pay-it-forward campaign. Members could take the discount and donate to our campaign with an understanding the monies would be allocated among members in need due to COVID-19, in addition to the South Windsor food bank and Senior Center. The generosity of our members continues is nothing

short of amazing. We have raised $1700 as of today!”

The sentiment among owners of THE MAX Challenge also shares a common theme; immense pride in their members and the communities they serve.

THE MAX Challenge officially launched its first Virtual 10-Week Challenge at nearly all locations on Monday, March 30^th. This program includes live/on-demand virtual fitness classes, online cooking demonstrations and nutrition counseling, weekly motivational webinars, virtual group walks, and more, all with the intention of helping members to practice self-care, stay motivated, and stay positive through this difficult time.

THE MAX Challenge will launch its first Virtual 10-Week Challenge at nearly all locations on Monday, March 30^th. The 10-Week Challenge model has always been a signature of this fitness franchise – the program itself combines fitness cl

asses, nutritional counseling, and motivation to help members transform both their bodies and minds.

The company switched to an online model practically overnight in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. For the past two weeks, they’ve provided members with a combination of live and on-demand virtual fitness classes.

In an effort to help members maintain a sense of normalcy in times of uncertainty, THE MAX Challenge decided to keep their March 30^th start date for their next challenge and continue with the virtual model, rather than postponing or canceling the challenge altogether.

“These classes and other online resources allow our members to practice self-care at a time when it’s incredibly easy for self-care to fall by the wayside,” said Director of Marketing and Development, Hayley Guerra. “The virtual 10-Week Challenge also offers a psychological benefit in terms of progression and a sense of forward motion when many feel stuck.”

As a part of the virtual 10-Week Challenge, centers will host nutrition seminars and cooking demonstrations online to help members to make healthy choices for themselves and for their families.

Founder/CEO of THE MAX Challenge Klein and his team have also arranged for weekly motivational speakers to present in the organization’s national Facebook group, currently consisting of close to 30,000 individuals.

“We need to maintain a positive mindset. These weekly speakers will cover topics ranging from mi

ndfulness, to navigating life in adverse times, and more,” said Klein. “It has always been our mission to help members to live happier, healthier, more fulfilled lives. Nothing can change that.”

Though THE MAX Challenge is known for fitness, nutrition, and motivation, one of the things that makes this organization unique is the camaraderie and friendships formed within the four walls of the franchise’s more than 80 locations nationwide. The interactive element of the live-streamed classes allows members to maintain these close connections.

“I may be working out here in my house by myself, but I never feel alone,” said Lucille Gesek, a member at THE MAX Challenge of Berkeley.

Fitness, Nutrition, Motivation, Results. THE MAX Fitness Challenge

Frequent Questions About THE MAX Challenge and Weight Loss

While there are many reasons that people decide to undertake THE MAX Challenge, the most common is for weight loss. What some people don’t realize, however, is that weight loss is a natural outcome of our program, only one of the many benefits of our structured approach. Incorporating fitness, nutrition, and motivation, our program participants enjoy the challenge that MAX offers and love the life-changing results that they see.

To help get you started, we’ve answered a few of your most common questions about THE MAX Challenge and weight loss below:

What is the best weight loss program?

There are countless weight loss programs on the market that all claim to be the best and the most effective. Most of these programs offer packaged and prepared meals, which may allow you to lose weight but teaches you nothing about how to keep it off.

At MAX, we understand that the best weight loss program combines fitness, nutrition, and motivation. With constantly changing exercise routines, practical support for food preparation, and peer-to-peer support and trainer encouragement, THE MAX Challenge is the ideal option for anyone looking to take control of their health. More than just a weight loss program, MAX is a lifestyle change.

Can you lose 10 pounds in a week?

This is always a difficult question. While it is possible for the scale to drop ten pounds in a week, it is not possible for this to all be actual fat loss. Weight loss is impacted by many factors, from dramatic shifts in eating habits to water loss and retention throughout the day. Remember, what matters most isn’t the number on the scale: it’s how you feel.

How can I lose weight fast in 3 days?

Rapid weight loss is rarely sustainable, so while fad or crash diets may move the scale, they are an ineffective overall weight loss strategy. Instead, your best option when it comes to weight loss is an approach that combines healthy fitness, nutrition, and motivation. For those who notice weight loss in the first few days of THE MAX Challenge, we say to you: keep it up! The best motivation is progress.

Is working out three days a week enough to lose weight?

Regardless of quantity or quality, all exercise has positive effects. For those who have a significant amount of weight to lose, however, regular and intensive workouts provide a better framework for sustained weight loss. Daily exercise, in particular, has shown increased energy, higher motivation, and a better overall sense of well-being in MAX participants.

What are the ten best exercises to lose weight?

The key to weight loss is to meet the client where (s)he is at, and work progressively toward a more challenging exercise regimen. While there is no magical workout to shed pounds, a structured program that engages the entire body in a fun but challenging environment not only encourages muscle gain and fat loss but leads to a sleeker, more toned body.

At MAX, we know that exercises including both strength training and cardio workouts are particularly effective for weight loss. We also take care to avoid repetitive workouts, so there is always something new and different to try. For those interested in our cardio fat loss plan, our simultaneous nutrition education plan maximizes results.

Does a high protein diet help with weight loss?

Any diet plan for weight loss should include healthy, lean proteins from a variety of sources, including lean red meat, poultry, fish, and seafood. Since everyone’s body and tastes differ, our trainers work with each individual participant to create a diet plan individualized to your specific weight loss goals. Since MAX is a lifestyle change as much as a weight loss plan, we also provide information on which foods will support your ongoing weight loss, thus helping you to become an expert in food selection and preparation.

What are effective ways to lose weight after 40?

Online weight loss programs – often targeted specifically to women over the age of forty – tend to offer extremely specific meal plans and exercise routines. Unfortunately, what all these programs lack is a motivational component, which we know at MAX is a key factor to permanent weight loss. From group workouts to trainer feedback to peer-to-peer support, our focus on motivation will ensure that you do not become discouraged. Unlike other diet plans that are too strict or boring to maintain, our supportive environment will make weight loss easy and fun.

About THE MAX Challenge

Choosing THE MAX Challenge provides you with an array of locations to begin your weight loss journey. Gyms and fitness centers offering THE MAX Challenge are located throughout the United States, with a handy map on our locations page allowing you to find your closest facility. Each MAX gym offers the same range of programs and focuses on our three key areas of fitness, nutrition, and motivation. This unique combination will fill in the gaps that you’ve been missing with dieting alone. Easy-to-follow workouts allow you to challenge yourself at your own pace, all with the support of like-minded participants in your community.

For those who need it, discounts are available to reduce the cost of our 10-week MAX Challenge. Of course, the real value of our program is the dramatic results that people experience, from losing weight to gaining self-confidence to discovering newfound energy and vitality for life. In fact, we are so certain that you will see amazing results that we offer a 100% money-back guarantee for those who participate fully in the program but don’t see the results they expect. With tens of thousands of people across the United States have already completed THE MAX Challenge, we know that you can be one of them.

Check out Success Stories to see for yourself how effective THE MAX Challenge has been with our members!

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound ground beef (or your choice of ground turkey, chicken)
1 small onion, diced
1 large carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 quart of diced tomatoes
1 15 oz can red kidney beans (with liquid)
1 15 oz can white beans (with liquid)
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 tbsp white vinegar
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp thyme
½ pound brown rice pasta (of your choice)

DIRECTIONS:

Brown the ground beef in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Drain excess fat, then add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic and sauté for 10 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
Add remaining ingredients, except pasta and simmer for 50 minutes, stirring often.
Cook pasta al dente in a separate pot.
Add al dente pasta to the pot of soup.
Simmer for 5-10 minutes and serve.

MAX Counts are approximate per 9.5 oz container: 1/3 protein, 1/2 carb, 1/2 fruit

5 Ways to Instantly Improve Your Health and Fitness

We all know there’s no magic pill that leads to weight loss, but there are several things you can do RIGHT NOW to instantly improve your health and fitness.

1. Water intake: Water is critical to your health and well-being. You should be aiming to consume half of your body weight in ounces. For example, someone who is 180lbs should drink at least 90oz of water per day. Yes, we know, it’s a lot of water, but it’ll ensure you’re adequately hydrated for your workouts and beyond. Water also has a ton of other health benefits – It promotes weight loss, flushes toxins, increases energy and focus, aids in digestion, serves as a natural headache remedy, and makes your skin look fantastic!
2. Adjust your shopping habits: At THE MAX Challenge, we have a rule about consuming food that contains ingredients we can’t pronounce. Who wants to eat sucradextromaltasole anyway – just kidding, we made that up, but in truth, many of those chemical sounding ingredients are, in fact, chemicals and don’t belong in our bodies. So when you’re in the grocery store, it’s generally best to stick to the outer perimeter of the store. Fresh fruits and veggies, lean meats, eggs, nut milks, healthy carbs like brown rice and sweet potatoes are all excellent choices.
3. Be strategic about your parking spot: This is an easy one! Next time you go to the store, park towards the back of the lot. There’s instant benefit in upping the steps you take each day. Opting for the steps instead of the escalator or elevator are also great ways to easily increase your physical activity.
4. Don’t skip breakfast: We can all relate to the morning rush, but breakfast has some serious benefits. It kickstarts your metabolism and promotes energy and focus throughout the day. Studies have linked breakfast to improved concentration, lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, and lower chances of getting diabetes, and heart disease, as well as helping to control weight gain. A breakfast high in protein can also help reduce cravings for carbs or sugary foods. So tomorrow morning, cook up some scrambled eggs with a side of turkey bacon or opt for a yummy protein shake. Our favorite? 8oz almond milk, 1 scoop vanilla MAX 180 protein, 3 ice cubes, 1 banana, and a tablespoon of peanut butter.
5. Get a good night’s sleep: Our body needs sleep to function. In fact, sleep is just as important to our health as proper diet and exercise. Poor sleep is strongly linked to weight gain and increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. You should strive for 8 hours of sleep wherever possible. Our advice? Set a time each night to make your way to the bedroom. Even if you don’t fall asleep right away, you’re at least mentally preparing to fall asleep by being situated in the place where sleep ensues.

1. In the long run, developing healthy habits is crucial. And remember, you just have to get started – once you start doing something every single day, it becomes habit. Incorporating a workout program into your routine is also key to health and fitness success.

Find a MAX Challenge Near You

TIP: By clicking the icon to the left of the search bar below the site will find your location and list the closest MAX Challenge to you!

THE MAX Challenge Is Coming to Hoboken, NJ!

“Clap It Up and MAX High-Fives” for Cassandra Wilson on being awarded THE MAX Challenge of Hoboken, NJ. With her infectious smile and magnetic personality, we are certain Cassandra and THE MAX Challenge of Hoboken will transform thousands of lives in North Jersey. Please help us congratulate and welcome Cassandra to THE MAX Challenge family of franchise owners! THE MAX Challenge continues to lead the way as one of the fastest growing fitness programs in America.

If you are local to Hoboken, NJ and would like to be kept in the loop on our Grand Opening schedule and learn more about how THE MAX Challenge can help you achieve your fitness goals, please visit www.THEMAXChallenge.com

For franchise information and available territories please contact EricTaylor@THEMAXFranchising.com or call Eric direct @ 732.410.2469.

Angela fell in love with THE MAX Challenge program as a member over 3 ½ years ago. She followed her heart, took a leap of faith as first time business owner and opened THE MAX Challenge of Piscataway. Today, Angela and her team are successfully running and transforming lives at THE MAX Challenge of Piscataway and Sayreville, NJ. She also owns the rights to Wayne, Fairlawn and Paramus all on schedule to open in the near future! Please help us in congratulating Angela and her team with a MAX Challenge “high-five” as they celebrate their 3 year MAXiversary!

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