Monthly Spotlight

Goals and Vision Boarding

What makes me happy? Where do I see myself in a month, a year? How do I want to look and feel? What is success to me?

These are just a few questions that are asked in our AIM High 2011 Workshop. The workshop is a great way to kick-off the New Year, increase employee morale and a great team-building tool.

This interactive workshop uses several techniques to help you define your goals for the new year and beyond. Tools include vision boards, 101 goals generator, SMART Goals, wheel of balance and more.

Just call 480-330-2066 or email us to schedule!

12-Week Weight Loss Challenge

Losing weight is often a personal goal after the Holidays. Make it a company goal to have employees who are within their healthy weight range.

Our signature 12-Week Weight Loss Challenge allows employers and peers to motivate and support each other as they strive for healthier lifestyles.Participants learn:
label reading
effective exercising
smart grocery shopping
healthy meal planning
and much more

The Challenge focuses on assisting employees with simple and effective changes in everyday habits to keep the weight off for life! Our weight management team consists of dietetic technicians and registered nutritionists accustomed to working with corporate populations.

Schedule a Weight Loss Challenge through 1/31/11 and participants will be entered to receive a FREE one-on-one nutrition and fitness consult with our weight management expert! We conveniently bring our classes to your office or group. For more information on our on-site programs please call 480-330-2066.

Time for Resolutions

First, a look at some ridiculous exercises for the office!

The Holidays are behind us and it's time to jump into 2011 with our New Year's Resolutions.

The Back Rub Company team has come up with some of our own resolutions to share:
Amber, massage therapist - eat healthy.
Bethany, fitness instructor - run another 5K.
Garrett, massage therapist - increase pectoral size to meet the prerequisite of becoming a Chippendale dancer (he's serious, folks).
Katherine - moderation and appropriate serving sizes.
Tiffany, workshop leader - a mental diet, less clutter in the mind.

Calories, Fat & Holidays Oh My!

The incidence of heart problems increases during the Holiday season. Extra stress and additional calories, accompanied with poor eating choices, can contribute to the worrying Holiday heart statistics. Instead of leaving the diets until the New Year, make a start TODAY on a healthier life style.

Watch and learn how to avoid the extra pounds this Holiday season.

Make Your Party the "Talk of the Town" this Holiday Season

Mobile massage and Spa Services make a home or office party a special event that will be talked about (for all the right reasons!) weeks afterwards. At The Back Rub Company we offer customized Mobile Massage and Spa treatments that are unique and refreshing.

We work with you to create a day spa experience in the comfort of your home or office.

Unique services can be added such as:

• Toe Reading
• Feng Shui Consultation
• Aromatherapy Party
• Yoga or other fitness class
• Psychic Readings

Call 480-330-2066 or email thebackrubco@hotmail.com to schedule your event. If you or someone you know has an upcoming wedding, ask us about our relaxing and\renewing pre-wedding events.

The official Mobile Spa of Superbowl 42!

Running Out of Ideas? Try Holiday Gift Certificates

Massage is the perfect "one-size-fits-all" gift. No need to spend countless hours at the mall getting blisters on your feet, or browsing websites until your eyes ache.

Purchase one of our stylish Holiday-themed certificates to be used at our Central Phoenix clinic or for in-home sessions.

Just call 480-330-2066 or email thebackrubco@hotmail.com and we'll take care of the rest!

1/2 Price Massage! Put Santa's "To Do" List on Hold

We know the hussle and bussle of the Holiday season can get a little stressful. To help you ease the tension, The Back Rub Company team would like to offer you 1/2 price massages through December 24th at our Central Phoenix clinic.

• Almost 20 different types of massage and bodywork


• Caring and dedicated massage therapists


• Convenient central Phoenix location


• Open M-F 9am-7pm; Sat 10am-3pm
  

Massage therapy is one of the oldest and most time-honored holistic traditions around. It's an effective way to relax, relieve an array of physical ailments and reduce mental stress.

To schedule call 480-330-2066 or email thebackrubco@hotmail.com.

Allergy Season Snuffles?

Has the season given you sneezes, itchy, watering eyes and coughing? Are your sinuses blocked and painful?

Try a natural remedy:

• Acupuncture


• A Netti Pot


• Sinus Steam Inhalation using 1 quart steaming water, 2 drops eucalyptus, 2 drops tea tree, 1 drop lavender. Pour water into a glass bowl and disperse essential oils in the water. Drape a towel over your head and breathe in the vapors for 5 to 10-minutes.


• A sinus self-massage
  

Email us and share what helped your allergies and you'll get a mention on our blog!

Extend Lives & Save Dollars in Your Workplace

Smokers will be more successful at quitting if their employers implement a smoke-free workplace. Employers can support their staff further by scheduling one of our on-site Smoking Cessation Workshops. We offer a 60-minute workshop or a 5 week smoking cessation program. Healthier employees result in a happier and more productive workforce.

Employees will learn their unique smoking habits (social, pleasure or stressed smoker?) and triggers that lead them to smoking.

They will be educated on the most effective smoking cessation methods available today and discover the RIGHT stop smoking method so that they QUIT today!

We conveniently bring our classes to your office or group. For more information and to schedule please contact The Back Rub Company at 480-330-2066.

Wellness Programs Are Good For Business & Good For You

Here at The Back Rub Company we see and understand the benefits corporate wellness programs bring to both employer and employees. One business has put a dollar amount on the benefits in a recent study.

Read More

November is the Great American Smokeout

The Plain Hard Facts of Smoking.
(Source:American Cancer Society)

Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States.

Each year 443,000 premature deaths and 49,400 non-smokers die as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke. (American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2009)

It turns out that more than 70 percent of adult smokers say they want to quit, but without help, fewer than 5 percent succeed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the annual cost of tobacco use to an employer averages $3,783 per smoker per year.

Regardless of how long you have smoked and how old you are, quitting smoking can help you live a longer, healthier life. Quitting smoking has immediate as well as long-term benefits for you, your loved ones and your work colleagues.

Read more on the benefits to your body as little as 20 MINUTES after you stop smoking.

Women's Self-Defense Seminar!

Tell your mom, sister, friend, coworker

What: No-frills workshop designed to implement basic life-saving techniques for a variety of situations.

When: Saturday, October 23rd, 2pm-5pm.

Fee: $39

Where: Way of the Dragon, 15227 N. 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85032

Register: Call 602-971-9810

Victim rates of violent crimes have increased throughout the valley. Without warning, a situation can turn from safe to sorry. Women who have even the most basic self defense skills are less likely to become a target of crime.

Learn to:

• Carry yourself so you will not be a weak target


• Defend against a variety of attacks and holds


• Move and strike with great force, no matter how big your attacker is


• Defend against multiple attackers


• Gain control of any bad situation ASAP


• Escape an attack on the ground


• Use everyday items as a lethal weapon


• Get help from others as quick as possible

For more information visit wayofthedragon.com or call 602-971-9810.

Is Your Office Becoming a Pain?

October is National Ergonomics Month. If your workplace does not "fit", you could be setting yourself up for discomfort and ultimately health issues. Sitting using a computer for a large part of your work day can include repetition of tasks, awkward posture, eye strain and pressure on arms and fingers. Simple steps can help you avoid these problems.

Read More

If you sit at your computer for more than an hour a day, benefit with our on-site Office Yoga Class. Learn how to integrate yoga stretches and postures into your day to reduce the aches and pains of sedentary positions. This workshop focuses on the mind-body balance to not only shape you physically, but to bring about a sense of internal peacefulness to your life as well.

To schedule call The Back Rub Company at 480-330-2066.

Does Happiness Lead to Success?

Studies suggest 'yes', emotional health and awareness leads to success. The American Psychological Association concludes that those of us who are emotionally aware, are more likely to have successful careers and well-being in our personal lives.

October is Emotional Awareness Month.

If we are emotionally healthy we experience positive moods, confidence, energy, and this can make us feel more sociable. We're also more likely to be in touch with the verbal and non-verbal emotions of others. This increases our chances of success in other areas of our lives.

Read More

The Back Rub Company takes your emotional health seriously and offers on-site Wellness Workshops that will improve your emotional awareness. Give you and your co-workers the opportunity to generate success. To schedule call 480-330-2066

Eat your veggies!

Eat your veggies!

Would your kids ever consider baby carrots to be 'cool'? Check out this great article featured on Today.

Check out Food & Family, an enlightening workshop offered by The Back Rub Company. In this lighthearted look at the family food dynamic, we talk about healthy family meals, getting kids of all ages to eat their veggies, encouraging healthy habits in children and the lost art of dinnertime.
To schedule call 480-330-2066.

After-school karate club creates success in school.

After-school karate club creates success in school.

School is back in session and many parents are looking for enriching alternatives to daycare. Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts in Scottsdale has launched an After-School Karate Club, complete with a pick-up and transport service in the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley School Districts. The program offers supervised study time and assisted homework, a variety of activities and up to three-hours of karate instruction daily.

For more information call 480-200-1187.

Is your kid a dietary disaster?

Is your kid a dietary disaster?

The Back Rub Company offers an enlightening workshop: Food & Family.
In this lighthearted look at the family food dynamic, we talk about healthy family meals, getting kids of all ages to eat their veggies, encouraging healthy habits in children and the lost art of dinnertime.
To schedule call 480-330-2066.

If that doesn't spark some interest, read on...

Top 10 Worst Foods for Kids:

20. Worst Breakfast Cereal: Cap'n Crunch (1 cup) 147 calories; 2 grams (g) fat (1 g saturated); 16 g sugar; 1 g fiber. Sweetened cereals are among the most dominant sources of empty calories in a child's diet. Aside from the added vitamins, which are mandated by the government, this cereal is an amalgam of largely worthless food particles and chemicals. Buyers beware: Most cereals marketed to kids suffer similar problems. Eat this instead: Cascadian Farm Clifford Crunch. (1 cup) 100 calories; 1 g fat (0 g saturated); 6 g sugar; 5 g fiber.

19. Worst Breakfast Pastry: Burger King Cini-minis with vanilla icing 500 calories; 21 g fat (6 g saturated, 5 g trans); 72 g carbohydrates. There is no worse way to start your day than with a combination of refined flour, sugar, and trans fats. What's more, studies show that overweight people who trade fast-digesting carbohydrates for more protein at breakfast have an easier time slimming down. Eat this instead: Burger King Egg & Cheese Croissan'wich 300 calories; 17 g fat (6 g saturated, 2 g trans); 26 g carbohydrates.

18. Worst Side Dish: Bob Evans Smiley Face Potatoes. 524 calories; 31 g fat (6 g saturated); 57 g carbohydrates; 646 mg sodium. Not even an extended bath in hot oil would wipe the grins from faces of these creepy-looking potatoes. When you're eating out, side dishes make or break a meal, and with more fat and calories than Bob's sirloin steak, this side falls woefully into the latter category. The lesson for kids: Just because they're smiling doesn't mean they're nice. Eat this instead: Bob Evans Home Fries. 186 calories; 7 g fat (1 g saturated); 27 g carbohydrates; 547 mg sodium.

17. Worst Home Style Meal: Boston Market kids' Meatloaf with Sweet Potato Casserole and Cornbread 580 calories; 29 g fat (12 g saturated); 780 milligrams (mg) sodium. What begins as beef ends up with 42 ingredients, including partially hydrogenated oil. What's more, the sweet-potato casserole is topped off with marshmallow, brown sugar, and molasses. Eat this instead: Boston Market Kids' Roasted Turkey with Green Beans and Cornbread 210 calories; 6 g fat (2 g saturated); 568 mg sodium.

16. Worst Pasta Meal: Romano's Macaroni Grill Kid's Macaroni 'n' Cheese 600 calories; 31 g fat (20 g saturated); 1,720 mg sodium. This dish used to be more than double the size and caloric impact. The chain finally cut down the massive portion size. Thanks, Macaroni Grill. (P.S. It's still a disaster.) Eat this instead: Kid's Grilled Chicken & Broccoli 390 calories; 5 g fat (2 g saturated), 560 mg sodium.

See 15-10 here.

Yoga Retreat in Bali

Yoga Retreat in Bali

Treat yourself to a magnificent 10-days in Bali with yoga, meditation and more.

One of our wonderful yoga instructors, Danae, will host the retreat October 28th - November 7th, 2010. Attendees will enjoy:

• All-inclusive accommodation
• Twice daily Yoga classes
• All meals
  
• Traditional Balinese massage
• Dance performances
• Guided tours
• and More!
  

For more information please visit Back 2 Bali.

Yoga Concepts for Work

Yoga Concepts for Work

Even if you never step foot inside a yoga studio or attend a yoga class, you can benefit from "yoga concepts" - mental and emotional practices that underlie many yoga practices. By applying these concepts, you can have a more enjoyable work experience, in the form of better and easier decision-making, stronger relationships and overall satisfaction. There are many of these concepts, but here's a simple one to start with: Breathe!!

Before a potentially stressful work interaction (an important meeting, a presentation, a performance review), take a few minutes to practice "break even breathing." Sit comfortably, close your eyes and simply become aware of your breath - count the seconds of each in and out breath. Gradually start to even them out. For example, breathe IN for 4 seconds and breathe OUT for 4 seconds (your count may be more or less...that's okay!). Note your calm feelings and "imprint" those feelings by giving yourself a physical cue. For instance, squeeze your right hand into a fist or pull on your left ear - anything to provide you with a subtle reminder to breathe and remain calm. Resume normal breathing and open your eyes. Go into the interaction, feeling calm and ready!

During the interaction, use your physical cue to bring yourself back to calmness. When you notice yourself becoming tense, simply engage that cue and return to break-even breathing (you can do this with your eyes open). Continually return to that calm place, regardless of what is happening during the interaction. Commit to breathing evenly and staying centered, even if you are nervous or the situation is stressful.

After the interaction, take a few moments to debrief. Ask yourself, What went well? What can I do differently next time? Make note of what you learned and give yourself credit for your efforts. This is NOT a time to beat yourself up! Practice "ahimsa" - the concept of "do no harm" - as you look back over the situation. Use it to learn and to acknowledge, not to criticize!

This is just one of many "Yoga Concepts for Work" that are simple, yet effective ways to practice self-awareness and proactively respond to common work (and home!) stressors.

Georgianna Marie is the President and CEO of The GMarie Group and the creator of the "Yoga Concepts for Work" curriculum, book, Web site and practice. Georgianna considers herself a "yogini in training" and continually practices yoga lessons in her work as a CEO of a successful training and development firm.

Ms. Marie practices Iyengar and Bikram Yoga and is currently pursuing yoga teacher training. She has an undergraduate degree in English, a master's degree in Psychology and a master's degree in Instructional Design and Adult Learning.

The Back Rub Company offers complimentary 60-minute Yoga Concepts for Work seminars. To schedule, call 480-330-2066.

Keeping Your Mind & Body Strong, With Martial Arts

Keeping Your Mind & Body Strong, With Martial Arts

Martial Arts are used for one of more of the following: self-defense, physical fitness, competition, mental peace and spirituality. There are approximately 200 types of martial arts and each of them have specific schools. Some types of Martial Arts use similar techniques so they can be divided into broader categories.

Popular types of martial arts are Karate, Taekwondo, Jujitsu, Judo and Kendo. Martial Arts generally focus on positive thinking, self-discipline and high moral purpose. They can be a huge benefit to both men and women. The Back Rub Company's Owner, Tiffany Richards explains how Martial Arts Keeps Your Energy High and Helps Lose Weight.

Make Mom Feel Special by:

• Treating your mom to a massage at our Central Phoenix clinic.


• Writing your mom a letter telling her what she means to you. Remember moms treasure gifts from the heart.


• Buying her flowers.


• Making your mom her favorite food.


• Letting your mom put her feet up for the day. You do the work!


• Letting mom watch her favorite movie or listen to her radio show in peace and quiet.


• Allowing your mom quiet time to read her favorite book or magazine.


• Taking a family hike followed by a picnic.


• Asking her how she would like to spend the day!

Here are more creative ideas on ways to make mom feel special.

May Spotlight: Personal & Professional Development Workshops

Moms are so busy taking care of the rest of the family that they have little or no time left over to think about their wants and needs.

Help the moms in your workplace feel empowered by scheduling an on-site personal and professional workshop. At The Back Rub Company we offer the following on-site workshops:

• Creativity as a path to your goals



• Harness the hidden power within you



• Increase your self esteem in 10-minutes a day



• Life by design - The art of positive thinking



• Life is too short not to live your passion



• Positive end to negative thought



• Redefining your stress



• Stress less

For more information on the above workshops visit us at The Back Rub Company or contact us at 480-330-2066.

Massage Special for Mother's Day

Saturday, May 8th and Sunday, May 9th, your mom can RELAX and UNWIND with a $49 1-Hour massage at our Central Phoenix clinic. Schedule mom some "me" time this weekend by contacting The Back Rub Company at 480-330-2066.

Mother's Day Trivia

• The driving force behind Mother's Day was Anna Jarvis, who organized observance in Grafton, W.Va, and Philadelphia on May 10, 1908. As the annual celebration became popular around the country, Jarvis asked members of Congress to set aside a day to honor mothers. She finally succeeded in 1914, when Congress designated the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. (U.S Census Bureau)
  
• Mother's Day is the busiest day of the year for dining out. (National Restaurant Association)
  
• 81% of women 40 to 44 are mothers. In 1976, 90% of women in that age group were mothers. (Fertility of American Women)
  
• In 2005, August and Tuesday had the highest number of births. (National Center for Health Statistics)

More facts can be found with the US Census Bureau

Remember - Teacher Appreciation Week is May 3rd - May 7th

Teaching is both a rewarding and stressful profession, and these remarkable professionals have the important job of educating the future of our country. Help a teacher de-stress by scheduling them a chair massage during teacher appreciation week. Details to follow soon.

World Health Day is April 7th

The theme for the World Health Organization's, World Health Day, 2010 is "1000 cities - 1000 lives." The global goals of the campaign are to open up public spaces to health, whether it be activities in parks, town hall meetings, clean-up campaigns or closing off portions of streets to motorized vehicles in 1000 cities. Plus, the aim is to collect 1000 stories of urban health champions who have taken action and had a significant impact on health in their cities.Check out to see who is registered in your city and your your city's events!

On-Site Fitness in the Spotlight

April is Physical Awareness Month.

Companies large and small are aiming to make physical fitness part of their employees' lives. Aside from the proven health benefits of exercise, fit employees can handle physical work tasks better, deal more easily with stressful situations and are less susceptible to illness and injuries.

Enroll your company for something adventurous this month like Belly Dance, Yoga, Pilate's or Zumba!

For more information and to schedule an on-site fitness class please contact The Back Rub Company at 480-330-2066.

5 Steps to a Successful Administrative Professional's Week

During the economic downturn many administrative professionals increased their workload without pay and took on more responsibility in the office.

Here are some tips to show your appreciation for your administrative employees:

• Treat them to a chair massage. We work on-site at a time that is convenient for you and your staff. During April 19th - 23rd take 20% off for any on-site chair massage visit for your administrative staff.


• Show them you care about their family. Southwest Center for the Martial Arts will host FREE Stranger Danger and Women's Self-Defense classes. Saturday, April 10th, 1pm-2pm, children ages 6-12 years. Sunday, April 11th, 1pm-2pm, women ages 16 and up.


• Make 'em laugh. Show your funny side during Laugh at Work Week April 1st - 7th. Laughter releases tension, encourages creativity and contributes to effective teamwork and increased productivity. It helps employees relate to each other in the workplace.


• Organize an appreciation breakfast or luncheon at the office.


• Praise and recognize. Do not underestimate how important praise and recognition are as motivators.


• Take the time to write a thank you note to your employees. Everyone likes to feel appreciated!

Tips on Organizing Your Workspace

To maximize productivity and creativity we need a workspace that is organized and pleasant to work in. Firstly, you need to de-clutter your work area. When a workspace is disorganized it increases your chances of losing paperwork. This will increase your level of stress, resulting in less productivity.

Keep essential items such as pens and calculator within arms reach. Make use of organizing tools such as file folders and baskets.

Ergonomics is the evaluation of how well the environments you work and live support what you do there. Is your chair the correct height and design? If you work at a computer is it at the correct height? What position are your wrists in when typing on the keyboard? Lower back pain, neck pain and Repetitive Strain Injury can result from prolonged periods of working in a badly designed workspace.

Lastly, leave your workspace tidy at the end of the day!

For more information on workspace organization take a look at the National Association of Professional Organizers.

Did You Know?

Some of the commonly purchased products we use in our homes are toxic. Discover more on The Top 10 Toxic products You Don't Need and less toxic alternatives.

The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine suggested in a study that certain household cleaning sprays contain chemicals that can raise your asthma risk by as much as 50%. When you start your spring cleaning make sure you ventilate the room by opening a window.

For some great tips on spring cleaning and to keep you smiling while you work, take a look at FlyLady.net. This entertaining website suggests that we don't always have to tackle all the spring cleaning in one day. Small "baby steps" will eventually get the job completed. Happy Spring Cleaning!

Detox the Healthy Way

Detoxing works on the theory that we have toxins in our body that we need to get rid of. Our own bodies do eliminate some toxins through the liver and kidneys.

There are some people who take detoxing to the extreme by following fad diets that can sometimes do more harm than good. The first sensible step to detoxing is to cut processed foods from your diet. Here is more information on The Healthy Way to Detox and the Top 10 list of Detox Foods.

Cleaning Out Your Pantry

Is purging your pantry on your "to do" list for Spring Cleaning? Are there old herbs and spices, food products containing high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated fats lurking in your pantry? Take a deep breath, grab your trash bag and begin. Dr Oz talks you through a 1 Minute to Better Health: Purge Your Pantry. Your family will thank you for it!

On-Site Workshops in the Spotlight

4-Week Jump Start

Are you feeling tired or sluggish? Do you have lack of focus or "brain fog?" Do you get frequent headaches or muscle aches? Our 4-week Jump Start Program is a great way to start your transition into healthy living.

Topics include:

• Cleaning out your pantry
• Health assessment questionnaire
• Elimination-diet guidelines
• The "Dirty Dozen" of produce
• Reducing exposure to home toxins
  

Feng Shui in the Workplace

Hang a wind chime to boost popularity. Never sit at your desk with your back to the door. These are just a couple of tips from the ancient Chinese philosophy used to create harmony with our environment and bring balance into our living and work spaces.

This workshop focuses on creating optimal office spaces designed to increase your success and enhance your career. Learn where your personal auspicious locations are and how to maximize energy flow.

Greener Homes & Gardens

Are there toxins in your home? Learn how to reduce your exposure to chemicals and toxins in and around your home by making informed choices about the products and services you use.

For more information and to schedule one of the above workshops please contact The Back Rub Company at 480-330-2066.

National WEAR RED DAY is February 5th, 2010

In 2009, more than 5,000 companies showed their support of women and the fight against heart disease by their involvement in the Go Red For Women movement.

To celebrate the next National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 5th, 2010:

• Encourage employees to wear red. This is the simplest way to help raise awareness of the fight against heart disease in women.


• Encourage employees to speak up about heart disease. Ask them to open up and share the changes they have made to live a more heart-healthy life.


• You can register as Wear Red Day Coordinator/host and then get the free downloadable tools needed to help you plan your successful Wear Red Day.


• Donate to support medical research, plus awareness, education and community programs to help women live longer, stronger, heart-healthy lives.

How Well Do You Know Your Heart?

Test yourself by taking one of the American Heart Association's quizzes on heart-health. Learn something new that can ultimately benefit your heart and quality of life.

We love....

http://www.tastebook.com/

It is an online portal to share recipes with others and it gives you the option of choosing recipes from the site and printing a cookbook!

Recipes include heart-healthy desserts, low-cholesterol recipes and much more.
Try a new healthy recipe for your valentine this year.

Send the RIGHT Message This Valentine's Day

Make sure you send and communicate the right message to your loved one this February 14th. Discover the traditional meanings of each flower with this interesting floral dictionary. Who knew a pink rose means admiration and a yellow carnation means disdain and rejection? Check out the dictionary before you send your bouquet!

On-Site Cooking Classes...

Our on-site cooking classes are designed to educate, inspire and motivate employees to improve their diet so they have more energy for work and life. Our healthy cooking coach and chef will show your employees how great taste and good nutrition go hand in hand.

We offer a wide variety of Demo Cooking Classes such as:

• Healthy, high energy snacks
• Savvy salads
• Healthy dips & dippers
• Soothing Soups
• Cooking for a family with food allergies
• Great recipes with apples
• Creating amazing salad dressings
  

We also offer lecture classes with food samples in the following areas:

• 12 Tips for healthy trade-offs that pay-off
• Exploring coffee alternatives
• Fats that harm, fats that heal: Do you know the difference?
• Tame your inner cookie monster!
• Your kitchen's little helpers
  

Please contact us for more information regarding our on-site cooking classes.

Workshop Spotlight - Nutrition for a Healthy Heart

Heart disease is still the #1 cause of death in the U.S. However, it is possible to reduce your risk of heart disease - by eliminating the risk factors you can control, and managing the risk factors you cannot control.

This workshop will discuss ways to reduce your risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, exercise, lifestyle and weight management.

We conveniently bring our classes to your office or group. For more information on our on-site programs please visit The Back Rub Company or contact us to schedule.

We are doing it again.... Couple's Massages at our Central Phoenix Location

Take a break from your busy schedules and spend time together relaxing and unwinding. Take a moment to breathe and de-stress on Valentine's Day weekend, by surprising and treating your Valentine to a Couple's Massage at our Central Phoenix clinic.

Schedule an appointment for Friday the 12th, Saturday the 13th or Sunday the 14th and you will receive a relaxing massage for you and your Valentine, PLUS a long-stemmed rose and card for a personal message. Cost is $140 per couple.

Contact us to schedule your perfect Valentine treat.

Did you know?

Starbucks are opening Neighborhood coffee shops under new names.

Starbucks have remodeled at least three of their Seattle-area stores in a new rustic eco-friendly design. These stores will serve alcohol, have live music and poetry. There will be a community feel, rather than a cutter coffee shop. More information.

Healthy Valentine Recipe Contest

The winning recipe will appear in our February newsletter.

Email us your favorite healthy Valentine's recipe and the winning recipe will appear in our February newsletter with your name, business and website link.

Deadline for entries is January 31st.

Out-of-the-Box Goals for 2010

When choosing fitness goals for 2010 let your adventurous spirit out and try something new and exciting that you will look forward to doing!

• Try Martial Arts. www.wayofthedragonkarate.com are offering a FREE trial.
• Train for a running/walking event locally. www.active.com has information on local events in your area. You could raise funds or awareness for your favorite charity. You get in shape and a good cause benefits. Everyone wins.
• Take your family geocaching.
• Paragliding. Take your goals to new heights!
• Volunteer. There are many volunteer opportunities such as Junior Achievement, AZ Animal Welfare League, Habitat for Humanity, Youth at Risk, Florence Crittenton, American Cancer Society and many more.

New Year - New Fitness Class

First, a look at the ridiculous.

Now a look at a more sensible, but fun and effective approach to office exercise.

A 60-minute on-site Yoga class with The Back Rub Company will improve your physical and emotional health. Yoga utilizes stretching postures, breathing and meditation techniques to calm the mind and tone the body. What a great way to begin 2010!

Contact us at 480-330-2066 or email for more information.

Make a New Year's Resolution NOT to make one!

Instead, set yourself realistic goals that are attainable. Here are some interesting thoughts on the subject.

The Back Rub Company can help you set attainable goals. Besides our effective 12-Week Weight Loss Challenge or our on-going Weight Management Program, we offer a complete range of on-site Wellness Programs.

Our 4-Week Jump Start is a great way to start your transition into healthy living. Topics include: cleaning out your pantry, health assessment questionnaire, elimination-diet guidelines, the "Dirty Dozen" of produce and reducing exposure to toxins in your home.

We also offer the following Wellness Programs:

• 5-Week Blood Pressure Control
• 5-Week Smoking Cessation
• 5-Week Stress Management
• 10-Week Mastering Pre-Diabetes, Diabetes and Heart Disease and more

The Back Rub Company also offers on-site 15 to 30-minute One-On-One Counseling and convenient Virtual (on-line and telephone) sessions with a health coach.

Kick-start 2010 with attainable goals that will improve your health and quality of life!

New Year's Resolutions Fun Facts

• Half of all Americans make resolutions on December 31st


• 25% of them fail after less than a week!


• 1 in 10 people who vow to quit smoking actually do


• 12% of all gym memberships are sold in January


• 42% of people hop on career websites in January

Employers Weigh the Facts

• Employers can pay as much as an additional $1,500 to insure an obese employee versus a healthy weight employee.
• Obesity is one of the top reasons for insurance rate hikes.
• Employers pay 50-75% of their employees' insurance premiums.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that obesity has a significant impact on worker productivity because the more obesity related medical conditions an employee has, the higher the probability of absenteeism.

Workshop Spotlight - 12-Week Weight Loss Challenge

Losing weight is often a personal goal after the Holidays. Make it a company goal to have employees who are within their healthy weight range.

Our 12-Week Weight Loss Challenge allows employers and peers to motivate and support each other as they strive for healthier lifestyles.

Participants learn label reading, effective exercising, smart grocery shopping, healthy meal planning and more.

The Challenge focuses on assisting employees with simple and effective changes in everyday habits to keep the weight off for life! Our weight management team consists of dietetic technicians and registered nutritionists accustomed to working with corporate populations.

Schedule a Weight Loss Challenge through 1/31/10 and participants will be entered to receive a FREE one-on-one nutrition and fitness consult with our weight management expert!

We conveniently bring our classes to your office or group. For more information on our on-site programs please visit The Back Rub Company or contact us to schedule.