Power 30

"How does it feel to be 30?" This is a popular question I've been asked several times. Honestly, I feel the best I've ever felt in my life. I'm not saying I've got everything in order quite yet, but I'm the healthiest I've been, my family for the most part is healthy, and I am in a unique career that allows me to positively impact peoples lives every day! Praise and thanks to God for all of these blessings. We did let go a bit this past weekend. We set up a birthday party for both myself and Jasmine at a local bar and opened the invite to everyone. There was a great variety of people that showed--people we grew up with, people we work with both past and present, family, and friends alike. We really felt special, and it is thanks to all of you people who have and currently support us and are in our lives. Thanks to all of you for making this a great milestone event. Yesterday we got a chance to recover, and it's "back to the grind" today! Here's to you, and here's to making 2011 an unforgettable year! Please check out the pics of these event on my facebook page which you can get to by clicking on the title to this blog. Thanks again everyone, and have a wonderful day! As always, thanks for reading!

Run With Me

It seems we are out of the woods as far as ice age weather goes. At least we think...we do live in Chicago, right? Anyway, to inspire and add value to your spring training and as we all gear up for endurance season, I have decided to host complimentary weekly tempo runs (as long as you aren't faster than me!!). For these runs, I will facilitate your desired pace for your desired distance or time duration on Sundays from March 6-April 3. Here's how it will work: you can email me with Sunday dates and times that work best for you. Also, include your desired pace and distance, if you know. If you're not sure or if you'd like to figure out what pace you might be at, I will also be happy for you to figure it out. I am willing to do this to generate and perpetuate your excitement for fitness and wellness as well as to facilitate my own mileage ramp-up into the season. These runs will be outside, and we will meet and start at 900 N Michigan Ave where my gym is located. Obviously, if the weather is too inclement to run outside, I will facilitate the run on a treadmill at Equinox (if you are a member or first-time guest). Please email me with any questions, requests for dates/times, etc. Availability is on a first-come/first-serve basis. I look forward to helping all of you reach your goals this season! Thanks for reading, and have a great weekend!

email me at michael.nickles@pt.equinox.com or call me at 630.220.4084

Ride 4 Life

Today we rode for life. Literally. Cycle For Survival is an indoor cycling event hosted by Equinox and Memorial Sloans Kettering Cancer Center. Thousands of people around the country participated in this event and together we raised well over 3 million dollars to fund rare cancer research! My team, comprised of my mom, my wife, her friend, and four of my clients each did our part, and we had a blast! This was my first relay event, and it sure was a fun one. The gym was cleared of machines and in place were over a hundred spin bikes where teams set up. Group fitness instructors led each half-hour, so it was basically the largest spinning class I've ever seen! The time flew along with sweat, towels, laughter, and cheering, and we all enjoyed riding together for a great cause.

"I don't know how you do it..." one of my clients told me as I got off the bike after finishing the last hour straight through. Ironically, this man himself has two prosthetic legs and can ride harder than most "normal" people. Honestly, I am able to keep myself at a high level of fitness and health only because I have clients, family, and friends that need my support. It is that need that gives me the strength and motivation to push harder in and out of the gym. Apply this in your life. How do you make it in to work every day? How are you able to succeed as a parent? What drives you to keep going? Think of some of the people who care about you, and you shouldn't have to look any further. If you can't be motivated to lead a good life for yourself, do it for them and for others who need you. And if you don't wish to participate in athletic events or personally raise money for charity, then donate and we'll ride 4 you! A couple dollars might not mean much to you, but they sure mean a lot to the lives you will impact. Click on the title of this blog to visit our team page and donate to save lives! Thanks for reading everyone, and have a great weekend!