Bob Dzurilla

Bob Dzurilla knew he was dealing with serious health issues. Knowing that neither his father nor his paternal grandfather survived past age 38, he wasn't happy about his prospects when, years ago, his doctor told him he had high blood pressure and placed him on medication. Later on, after unsuccessful attempts to control cholesterol problems through dietary changes, his physician prescribed additional meds.
 
Over the years, he followed fad diets and consulted with dieticians abut weight loss, but boredom took its toll and the lost weight would come back, bringing a few buddies with it.

Then, in the summer of 2006, Bob met Niki DelGrosso, and, with her guidance and a lot of learning and application on Bob's part, Bob would lose more than ninety pounds, reduce his 42% body fat to 20%, and reach a level of fitness that would allow him once again, despite bad knees, shoulder injuries, and lower back problems, to be physically active.

To learn how Bob accomplished all this and became Niki's poster boy for old, fat accountants (Bob's own words), click here.

Titans Gym members are taking the stage for bodybuilding competitions far and wide.

After an active March and April, with several Titans members competing in, respectively, Dave Liberman's NPC Natural Northern USA Bodybuilding, Figure, and Bikini Championships in Lakewood and the INBF Natural Buckeye Classic in Columbus, things look quiet for the next couple of months.

Niki DelGrosso will compete in the WNBF Pro Natural Center Stage Figure Champioships in Arlington, Virginia on May 22, and in the WNBF Pro Natural Mr. & Ms. Universe Bodybuilding & Figure Championships in St. Michael, Barbados on June 12.

Links:

• WNBF - Center Stage Figure Championships
• WNBF - Mr. & Ms. Universe Bodybuilding and Figure Championships

From the TitanUp Café

Picnics and barbecues will be on our calendars before long. For a refreshing side dish that works well indoors or out, try this healthy summer salad:

Black Bean and Corn Salad

In mixing bowl, stir together:

• 2 c. canned corn, drained
• 6 1/2 c. canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 Tbsp. diced red onion

In another bowl, mix:

• 1/2 c. white vinegar
• 1/4 c. lime juice
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/4 c. canola oil
• 1 tsp. ground cumin

Combine the contents of the two bowls and add:

• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 c. fresh cilantro

Toss mixture to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

(This recipe was taken from the Titan Up Café Fit for Life Cookbook, available, along wih the Fit for Life Dessert Book, at the Titan Up Café.)

Prefer to try it before you make it yourself? It's on special now at the Titan Up Café, and you don't need to wait for lunchtime — like everything on the menu, it's available all day long.

We've brought it back — the dish that was featured in the News-Herald article when we first opened — our famous Egg Bake. One slice of this mixture of egg white, apple slices, cinnamon, and oatmeal will show you what the Titan Up Café is all about: tasty, satisfying food that's good for your body. Warm or cold … for breakfast, lunch, or dinner …pre- or post-workout: it's a perfectly rounde

Breakfast of the Month:
Pineapple Not-So-Upside-Down Oatmeal. Our own combination of oatmeal, crushed pineapple, vanilla protein powder, and pistachio or cheesecake pudding mix — it's like having dessert for breakfast! (And you can have it for dessert, too — it's available all day long.) Only $4.00

Entrée of the Month:
Cherry Chicken Wrap. A taste-surprising mixture of chopped chicken breast and dried tart cherries, combined with cucumber, carrots, and green onion slices, dressed in a sauce of lemon yogurt, Worcestershire, Dijon mustard, and curry … and we wrap it all up in a whole-wheat flour tortilla. Only $5.00

Side Dish of the Month:
Black Bean and Corn Salad. Healthy proteins, healthy carbs, healthy fat — you'll enjoy this corn and black bean combo with its touches of lime juice, cayenne, and cumin. Only $2.75

Snack of the Month:
Date-Coconut Balls. Try one of these tropical delights and you'll want another. It's a good thing they're on special at only $1.00 each (normally $2.00 — special price in effect through June 30).

Shake of the Month (May):
Vanilla Berry Parfait Shake. Layers of healthy goodness, blended to create creamy, crunchy, and sweet perfection. Antioxidant-packed berries help your body combat free radicals, creamy vanilla yogurt adds vitamin B12 and calcium, and heart-healthy granola provides beneficial fiber. Only $5.00 (Available through May 31)

Shake of the Month (June):
Strawberry Colada. After a long, hot run, your body craves something — something juicy, something fresh, something red, something so nutritious and smooth that it could be only one thing: a delicious Strawberry Colada. Take one sip, and you're on your way to a full recovery and complete nutrition. Only $5.00 (Available through June 30)

New to indoor tanning? Thinking about it but not sure you know what you're doing? We're here to help!

Let's start with some of the biggest questions:

Q. I'm on prescription medications. Will this interfere with tanning?

A. It might. Some prescription drugs can make your skin photosensitive — check the medication chart at the TG Tanning front desk to see whether your meds are listed. If they are, talk with your physician before you start tanning.

Q. What should I wear during a tanning session?

A. TG Tanning's rooms are all private, so you can wear as much, or as little, as you like: a bathing suit, your underwear, or — for an even, allover tan — nothing at all.

But remember to take off your wristwatch and jewelry, and even any Band-Aids or anything else that would block the tanning rays, or you'll end up with some unexpected patterns on your skin.

One thing you must wear: eye protection. Even with your eyes closed, the direct UV rays can damage your eyes. (TG Tanning supplies goggles to wear during your session.)

Q. I hate wearing goggles, or even sunglasses. Can I choose not to wear eye protection?

A. Not a chance. Ohio law — Ohio Revised Code section 4713.08, paragraph 16 (b) — says we must require them. So when your session is over, you'll still be able to see — and that's good, because we want you to find your way back!

Look for more tanning FAQs in the next issue. In the meantime, don't let unanswered questions keep you from scheduling your first tanning session. TG Tanning will be happy to answer your questions and help you get started!

Promotion of the Month (good through June 30, 2010)

Purchase a yearly EFT tanning contract (sign up for a year's contract and have the charge paid monthly through your credit card or withdrawn from your checking account), and you'll receive a free sample of tanning lotion and a coupon worth 25% off a future tanning lotion purchase.

Abdominals

In the last issue we began discussing the "why" and "how" of abs training. This month, Niki DelGrosso shares more of her professional expertise on this core subject.

Q. Should I train my abdominals every day?

A. For many of us, the midsection is often the center of attention (no pun intended). Your workouts, however, should treat your abdominal muscles just like any other muscle group. And this means you shouldn't train them every day. Your abs, just like your other muscle groups, need recovery time between workouts.

Q. How many repetitions should I perform?

A. As with any resistance training exercise, you ideally want the last few repetitions to be difficult to complete. When performed correctly, 10 to 25 reps for one to three sets of abdominal exercises provide a more than adequate training stimulus. If you can perform more than 25 reps, you are most likely performing the repetitions too rapidly or with improper form.

Q. How can I make abdominal exercises more challenging?

A. Use added resistance, move more slowly, or perform the exercises on a slant board or exercise ball so that your head is at a lower elevation than your legs — any of these will increase the challenge and intensity of your abdominal exercises.

For a complete list of Titans Gym, Titan Up Cafe, and TG Tanning business hours and contact information, please click here.

Newsletter design by Rebecca Marich of bCreative - Graphic Design and Web Boutique
Newsletter copy by Lenore Collins, the Compulsive Editor