Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/621126
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | 37 Putting science to work Have you ever wondered why you react differently to food and exercise than a friend who eats more and works out less? Have you ever noticed stomach pain after drinking milk? Have you ever felt tired following a cup of coffee? By now, you probably realize that your genes determine just about everything about you. But have you ever had those genes tested? A new service from the WAC Wellness Center allows members to discover exactly why their bodies act—and react—the way they do. By combining the results with nutritional and other wellness counseling, members can realize dramatic improvements in their quality of life. "Genetic testing is an awesome way to kick-start any wellness program," WAC Wellness Manager Tamela Thomas says. The simple mail-in saliva test may be done at home and offers confidential results that can then be shared with your integrative service provider. "We can New classes all live better by learning more about ourselves," WAC Nutritionist Eric Chen says. The test uses your DNA to provide an individualized report, including insights about how your body reacts to diet and exercise. "We'll use those results to help members make important tweaks," Eric says. "Now you can stop fighting your body and start using its strengths and weaknesses to your advantage." The Wellness Center's new body- composition analyzer also offers advanced science-based insights aimed at helping members best realize healthy lifestyle improvements. It provides research-grade accuracy and takes less than five minutes to return results, including details about your body's fat mass, water composition, limb-specific muscle mass, lean tissue, and total energy expenditure. "We're very excited about this new analyzer," Tamela says. "WAC members are data-driven and look for the most efficient and effective support for reaching their goals." Creating a very good year Get to know the equipment. The best way to learn new equipment is with a WAC personal trainer. Meet the team on pages 38–39. Discover your inner workings. For more on genetic testing, body-composition analysis, and other Wellness Center services, stop by on the 4th Floor or call 206.839.4780. Try a new group fitness class. Check out our new winter class schedule on pages 64–66. For more details, call Fitness Programs Manager George Sommerrock at 206.839.4781. Other changes coming to WAC fitness in 2016 include new and revamped classes, including Tai Chi and Beat Box, open pickleball and table tennis nights, and new Pilates offerings focused on helping athletes and active members improve performance through use of the Pilates tower. In the 6th Floor pool, Aqua Boot Camp continues to see new energy as more members realize the benefits of integrating aquatic workouts with their other fitness routines. "The benefits of moving your workout into the water once or twice a week are immense," Aquatics & Junior Programs Manager Kelly Parr says. "Cardio and strength training are both possible in an aquatic environment. Plus, it's fun to be in the water—and when you enjoy your workout you're more likely to stick with it." The masters swim team, under the guidance of coach and personal trainer Eric Williamson, is also seeing increased participation. "Eric is an outstanding coach," Kelly says. "His energy is contagious. We've always had a robust team of aquatics coaches and instructors. Eric was just the missing piece." And another great part of the WAC in 2016. L U K E R U TA N C H R I S J O S E P H K A L I N K O —Darrick Meneken is Managing Editor of WAC Magazine.