Contact Information

Linnea Sheldon is a freelance writer and fitness instructor living in Central Massachusetts. You can contact her at linneasheldon@hotmail.com.

Bill Luff

Bill Luff has been a professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter for several years. Originally trained in Kung Fu he began practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which led to fighting professionally. He later discovered Mixed Martial Arts, a form of combat fighting that combines Jiu-Jitsu with Muay Thai kickboxing and boxing as well as other forms of modern martial arts, and includes a variety of fighting techniques including striking and grappling.

Luff took his love for the sport and began building a career around it. He initially opened the Central Mass Fight Club in a small space he rented out in a larger boxing gym. Because it was rented space there were time constraints and limited space for growth. It has been about five years since he began his career as a gym owner and instructor, and he now co-owns the largest Mixed Martial Arts facility in New England. He also coaches and conditions students, and instructs classes, along with performing the everyday operations of the gym along with his two co-owners.

Luff works a six day work week, the only day the gym is closed is Sunday. Currently he opens the gym at 8 a. m. and begins the day by washing the mats, cleaning up, and reading and sending emails and making phone calls. He then teaches a women’s Muay Thai class at 10 a. m. After the morning class he usually works with students who have dropped in for there workouts, or if it is a slow day he continues do more emailing and calling on the business end. He generally leaves the gym at noon, at which point one of his two co-owners takes over. He returns at 5 p. m. to help the night-time instructor sign up new students, to teach private lessons, or to sign up new students. At about 9-9:30 p. m. he closes the gym for the evening.

The Mixed Martial Arts Training Center trains anyone from beginners to professional fighters. The 5,000 square foot gym has over 1,500 square feet of open mat space, and MMA training cage, a boxing center with a complete boxing ring and a section of numerous heavy bags, as well as a full pro shop featuring some of the best fight gear available. There is also a small weight room and a member lounge area. The courses offered at the gym include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, boxing, and women’s self defense. There is also open mat time for workout and practices. Their instructors are some of the most prestigious coaches in the area, including co-owner Matt Lee, a well-known Mixed Martial Arts fighter, as well as the previous amateur boxing star, and local boxing coach Rocky Gonzalez.

“We wanted to make Mixed Martial Arts available to the average person,” Luff said. “It’s the fastest growing sport in the world right now. It is more popular than boxing, pro wrestling, and even baseball. Until now, most gyms catered only to those who actually wanted to fight. We believed there was a market for the casual fan who wanted to just train. Whether it was for fitness, self defense, or just for fun, we wanted to make it available to them.”

Luff’s advice to those looking to open their own gym is to invest in your business. “As you grow, invest in yourself,” he said. “Instead of blowing your profits on yourself, buy new equipment, move to a larger place, etc. Try to steadily grow. Remember, you are either growing, or dying. Business does not stand still. Also, advertise, advertise, advertise. Get your name out there.”

Allison Kennedy, 30, Worcester

Allison Kennedy is the organizing director at Neighbor to Neighbor, a group that works to build strength in low-income and working class communities by tackling economic justice issues. Kennedy received her Bachelor of the Arts from Providence College in 1998 and a certificate of completion from the Training Institute for Careers in Organizing (TICO) in New York that same year. During her time at TICO, she learned that “…that the most effective model for bringing about change was by empowering marginalized communities to get involved in the political process through voting and influencing legislation.” The Neighbor to Neighbor community-organizing model includes voter registration and education, candidate endorsements, public policy advocacy, coalition building, and the development of sustainable grassroots leadership. Their working family agenda program focuses on good jobs, education and training, affordable child care, health care, and housing, a welfare safety net, and progressive taxation. What continues to inspire Kennedy? “I am inspired each time a member shares testimony about how they are personally affected by pending legislation with their legislator. I am inspired by the dedication and commitment of our diverse membership despite struggling to make ends meet. I am inspired by our statewide victories, including raising the minimum wage and restoring MassHealth dental and vision benefits.” Kennedy plans to continue working for economic justice with Neighbor to Neighbor and to work with the other chapters to ensure that all of the momentum from this year’s electoral and legislative victories continues.

Fitness Certifying Bodies

ACSM stands for the American College of Sports Medicine. It bills itself as “The largest sports medicine, and exercise science organization in the world.” Founded in 1954, it has over 20,000 members. Since 1984 ACSM has been headquartered in Indianapolis, IN. The mission statement of ACSM is as follows:

“The American College of Sports Medicine promotes and integrates scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life.”

ACSM offers a Personal Trainer Certification designed for fitness professionals who work with clients individually, as well as a Health/Fitness Instructor Certification which is for leaders of health programs in a variety of different setting. The organization also offers clinical certifications. The Exercise Specialist certification is for people who possess a Bachelor’s degree in an allied health field. The Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification requires a Master’s degree in exercise science, movement science, exercise physiology, or kinesiology.

ACE stands for the American Council on Exercise. It was founded in 1985, and has more than 40,000 certified professionals across the world. ACE is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCAA) for each of its certification programs, Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant, and Clinical Exercise Specialist. ACE is “dedicated to improving the professional standards of the fitness industry and encourages all segments of society to enjoy the benefits of exercise.”

NSCA stands for the National Strength and Conditioning Association. It’s mission statement is as follows:

“As the worldwide authority on strength and conditioning, we support and disseminate research-based knowledge and its practical application to improve athletic performance and fitness.”

The NSCA offers two certifications, the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification and the Certified-Personal Trainer certification. The NSCA allows people who are not certified through the NSCA to join for a fee, this will give you access to information and resources, including job listings and networking opportunities.

NASM stands for the National Academy of Sports Medicine – “The Global Authority in Health and Fitness.” Founded in 1987, NASM has more than 100,000 members across the globe. They offer an NCAA accredited Certified Personal Trainer certification, as well as progressive education including advanced specializations, continuing education courses, and accredited Bachelor and Master degree programs. The mission of NASM is “To empower individuals to live healthy.”

AFAA stands for the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. It bills itself as the world’s largest fitness and Telefitness educator. Founded in 1983, they provide training and workshops across the globe, and have issued over 200,000 certifications. AFAA is an affiliate of the National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE). AFAA’s mission statement is as follows:

“As the world’s largest fitness educator, AFAA delivers comprehensive cognitive and practical education for fitness professionals, grounded in industry research, using both traditional and innovative modalities. AFAA upholds Basic Exercise Standards and Guidelines for safe fitness practice.”

AFAA provides four different certifications, Personal Trainer certification, Primary Group Exercise certification, Kickboxing certification, and Step certification. The organization also provides continuing education work shops and credits, as well as networking and job search tools.

stands for the International Sports Sciences Association. ISSA describes itself as the world leader in fitness education based on its on staff experts who have designed and built the organization and its programs. It offers certifications in Fitness Trainer, Specialist in Performance Nutrition, Specialist in Sports Conditioning, Fitness Therapy, Youth Fitness Trainer, Endurance Fitness Trainer, Specialist in Martial Arts Conditioning, Specialist in Fitness for Older Adults, and Water Fitness Trainer. Founded in 1988, they claim to be the first organization to offer a personal training certification, and currently have over 80,000 members across the globe.

Wings Over Worcester

Much to the excitement of local college students and wings fans alike, there is a new joint in Worcester that serves terrific tasting wings, even late night. Everywhere you go there seems to be someone talking about the new Wings over Worcester, located on Water Street at 1 Kelly Square. Part of the WOW franchise, the Worcester location found its home in the city after 2 and a half years of planning.

Owners and partners Matthew Kamins and Laurian Banciulescu looked to Worcester when they decided to open their own restaurant after living just around the corner from the Hartford, CT location of the franchise, Wings over Hartford. “It is just an under-served market,” Kamins said. “Not many people in Worcester are doing wings and ribs so we thought we would come here and try it.” Kamins explained that not far into their city scouting they settled on Worcester because it’s a good-sized city with a large college population, their core constituency. They moved here about a year ago to scout buildings before choosing the Kelly Square location that now sports the enormous black and bright yellow Wings logo.

Wings over Worcester offers traditional wings, boneless wings, ribs, five levels of spicy sauces as well as favorites like Honey BBQ, teriyaki, and honey mustard. They also offer wraps and sandwiches. And these aren’t average wings. They are HUGE, meaty, and absolutely delicious. But consider yourselves warned, they’re totally addictive and you’ll find yourself unable to get through the day without an order! The menu itself is a lot of fun, too, with names like “Puddle Jumper,” “The Zeppelin,” and “The 747” for different size orders.

Hours are Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and for nightowls they are open Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. You can get your wings delivered right up until closing, but there’s also sit-down service for about 16 in the restaurant itself.

Kamins and Banciulescu are very happy to be in Worcester providing this service. “We look forward to giving everyone chicken wings,” Kamins said. And we look forward to eating those wings!

Visit Wings Over Worcester at www.wingsoverworcester.com, give them a call at 508-421-9464, or order on-line at www.wingsover.com

Brendan Melican, 30, Worcester

You won’t hear Brendan Melican complaining about much. He’s too busy working to make positive changes in the community. Melican, known to many as Buck Paxton, attended Worcester public schools, as he expects his two-year old son to do. His responsibility to his community was something that he never questioned. “I grew up in Worcester following three generations for whom civic responsibility was never a question,” he said. “For me, the light bulb moment came while I was heavily involved with Worcester’s music scene. I was astounded by the talent that existed under the radar of the city. A convincing argument can be made for the cultural community being the catalyst for long term sustained growth in a community, but it’s a new direction for Worcester and many people have yet to be shown the light. I enjoy being a part of redefining our city along those terms.” His involvement in the community takes many forms. He is a co-founder of the Volcano Boy Media Network and is also a member of the Worcester Cultural Commission. As for the future, Melican plans on continuing his service to the community. He is keeping his options open, but he is always willing to do whatever it takes to make Worcester the best city it can be. “For the foreseeable future I’ll continue building relationships and connecting interested parties within the cultural, political and business communities, who in my opinion hold the keys to redefining what it means to be from Worcester,” he promises.

How to Stop Being Single

Tired of being single? Not sure how to get out of the rut? Has it been so long since you were in a relationship you’re not even sure where to begin? Sometimes it’s easier to stay in one place and not move forward. You get comfortable, you fear change, you’re unsure of what you want, or perhaps you’re just clueless. You can’t sit around all day waiting for a relationship to fall into your lap, it is up to you to be proactive.

Here are some tips to help you stop being single. First, make sure you’re ready to give up your single status. If you’re not, go out and keep having your single fun and refer back to this if and when you ever change your mind. Second thing to remember is to put yourself out there. Make yourself available, let your friends know you’re looking, and exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re not sure what you are looking for it might be easier if you figure that out too.

Try going to different places. If you keep going to the same hangouts over and over again your chances of meeting somebody new are much lower. Try hopping around, check out some new places, go into different neighborhoods, try some new cuisine, just go places you wouldn’t normally go.

While you’re out and about braving the world of dating why not try a singles event. There are many different events to chose from there’s 8 minute dating, 52 card pick up, lock and key parties, there are so many to chose from, find one that suits you. Not sure about it, bring along a friend, it will be more fun and not so intimidating. If you get confused there should be plenty of cute guys around to ask for help.

Internet dating sites are also making it easier to find dates, they are literally putting millions of singles right at your fingertips. Luckily the stigma of internet dating has worn off thanks to millions of our brave peers. Most sites offer free trials or a discounted period so you can try out there site and chose which one works best for you. There are also free sites, but you are more likely to get serious inquiries on the paid sites.

Basically, it is up to you to decide if you are ready to stop being single or not. Once you decide you are ready to make the move it is up to you to get out there and go for it. Even if it doesn’t happen right away don’t get discouraged. Take your time and make sure you find the right one for you.

Summer Beauty Tips

Sun, sand, and surf can wreak havoc on our hair, skin, and nails. Here’s a head-to-toe rundown of the products that will keep you looking gorgeous no matter what the season throws your way.

Your tresses are one of the first things a person notices about you, so keeping them in tiptop shape is very important. If you’re someone who’s prone to frizz, summer is not a friend to your hair. The perfect solution: Dove Anti-Frizz Cream. The weightless formula moisturizes from root to end without looking greasy.

To combat damage from sun and surf, Redken UV Rescue Protective Oil is just the thing. It filters UVA and UVB rays, protects hair from salt and chlorine, and adds a little sparkle and shine.

For the face, a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil Daily Cleanser is great for all skin types. An easy way to look polished is with CG Smoothers Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15. It provides just the right amount of coverage and doesn’t feel heavy or greasy.

For men, Gillette Complete Skincare offers a shave gel, aftershave lotion, and daily facial cleanser for every skin type.
Neutrogena also offers men the Power Scrub Deodorant Bar that cleans, deodorizes, and exfoliates all in one.

It’s important to have some protection from the sun’s rays for any part of your body that’s going to be exposed to even a little sunshine. Coppertone Sport Sunblock Spray is a great option. Its SPF 30 protects and the spray is easy to apply and is both sweatproof and waterproof. Nivea Silky Shimmer Lotion is also a great way to moisturize while adding a sexy shimmer to your skin.

To keep your hands and nails looking great you have to keep them protected: Nail Life Treatment Revitalizer works wonders on thin or brittle nails and protects them from the sun and chlorine.

For legs, there’s nothing better for painless hair removal than Veet Bladeless Razor. It’s quick, easy, and the results last much longer than shaving. St. Ives Apricot Scrub is great for sloughing off dry skin before applying the Veet, too, or even before moisturizing or applying sunscreen.

Last but not least, there are your feet. Sure, every pair deserves a pedicure and the perfect new pair of sandals every so often, but to keep the skin on your feet soft and pretty, just sleep on it…on Dr. Scholl’s Ultra Overnight Foot Crème, that is!

Now you’re ready to hit the sand running. With these beauty helpers you’ll be looking and feeling fabulous from head to toe and everyone will wonder just what your secret is!

Cosmetic Surgery Alternatives

Sun damage, wrinkles, sagging, smearing…these are all words that strike fear in the hearts of both young and old sending many a gal running for the nearest needle or knife. Plastic surgery and surgical procedures are becoming an epidemic. Not sure going under the knife is for you? There’s hop for all of us. The cosmetic companies are coming out with new ways to fight wrinkles and aging, resurface you skin, plump your lips or even your bust-line, but how are you to know what products really live up to their claims, and what marketing claims just deflate?

Wrinkles are the bane of many women’s existence. Those little lines around your eyes, across your forehead and on the corners of your mouth will have you cursing yourself for those long days spent baking in the sunshine. Injections are an option, but while Botox, Restalyn, and other surgical treatments may be the answer for some, there are plenty of other options available for the rest of us. Wrinkle creams have come a long way over the last several years, and while the jury is still out on most of them some products are showing promise. StriVectin-SD is one such product. It claims to improve the appearance of facial wrinkles, stretch marks, and minor skin imperfections by aiding in the build-up of collagen. It has received many great reviews, of course we all know the best medicine for wrinkles is prevention and lots of sunscreen.

Permanent make-up is a technique where tattoos are put in place of regular make-up in order to give a permanent made-up effect. It is very popular in place of eyeliner, eyebrow liner, and for both lining and filling the lips. If you’re a little squeamish around needles, or prefer to have the option of a more natural look then permanent make-up definitely isn’t for you. For those times when you are looking for something not quite so permanent, but with great staying power there are still plenty of options.

For a smudgeproof, waterproof, transfer resistant eyeliner try Shu Uemura’s drawing pencil. It comes in a wide variety of colors, and has matte and metallic finishes. It can be used for precise eyelining, or for blending, but either way it’s sure to stay put. Shu Uemura products are available at their store at 130 Newbury Street in Boston, online, or at Sephora.

For an eyebrow pencil that looks natural and blends easily try Anastasia’s Perfect Brow Pencil. The line includes a variety of shades for all hair colors, and the built in brow brush makes perfect arches a snap. Anastasia’s brow products are available at Sephora, or online, and they also offer live help by phone or email.

For long-wearing color that won’t dry out your pout try Revlon Colorstay Soft & Smooth Lipcolor. This is one of the few long-wear lip products that will leave your lips soft and smooth. You can find it in the beauty aisle of your favorite retailer.

For a lipliner that sticks around try Sephora Brand Maniac Long Wearing Liner. It is a long lasting liner that goes on smooth and keeps your lipstick in place for hours without worrying about reapplying. Sephora brand products are available in store or online at www.sephora.com.

Bee-stung lips have been popping up on the faces of celebrities everywhere. The treatments involve inserting natural or synthetic materials into the lips to make them fuller, some are temporary, others are permanent. If you’re not quite ready for the over-inflated pout, routine upkeep, and surgical procedures that lip augmentation involves, lip plumpers are perfect for you. DuWop Lip Venom is a tried and true favorite of the thin-lipped crowd. The original formula gloss enhances your lips’ natural color and shape, and thanks to a blend of essential oils including cinnamon and ginger helps to actively, while temporarily, plump your pout. DuWop products are available online and at Sephora and Urban Outfitters stores.

Skin resurfacing sounds like a frightening experience, complete with lasers, buffers, chemicals, and peels, what’s a girl to do? Not sure you’re ready to take the plunge? Try Lancome’s Resurface-C Microdermabrasion Skin Polishing and Radiance Renewing System. The kit is available at your favorite department store, and is said to improve your skin’s texture and radiance in just two steps, no red, flaky-skin or doctors visits required!

Looking for some ample cleavage for a big night out? Positive that breast enhancement is not the right road for you? How about some silicone that doesn’t require any incisions? Style Secrets Push-Up Shapers from Victoria’s Secret give you the killer cleavage you want without the surgery or mega price tag. These natural looking bra inserts mold to your shape and add two full cup sizes. They fit most bras, and will truly be your little secret.

Cellulite got you down? Liposuction is generally the surgical route to cottage-cheese-free thighs, but it is costly, painful, and requires quite a bit of recovery time, and even then there’s no guarantee. While you’ll never completely get rid of it there are other options available that are shown to improve the appearance of cellulite. Clarins Total Body Lift is one such product. It fights cellulite by firming and lifting the area for sleeker, smoother skin in just four weeks. Clarins products are available at your favorite department store and online.

Still thinking going under the knife may be your only option for eternal youth? Try Fusion Beauty LiftFusion Face Lift and get a lift in ten minutes. This product will help reduce wrinkles, relax fine lines, and creases, and boost collagen to keep your skin wrinkle free and radiant.

Combine these beauty secrets with your own and you’ll be saving yourself plenty of time, money, and sanity!

Sunbird Yoga

Thirty-five year old Lauren Carlotto has been practicing yoga since her mid-twenties. She initially began her career as a Pilates instructor before beginning training for her current position as a Registered Yoga Teacher and the owner of Sunbird Yoga Studio at 126 June Street in Worcester.

 

Yoga and yoga instruction has become her passion. “Noticing the personal benefits, both physical and mental, I decided to complete my 200 Hour Yoga Alliance,” she said. “A great yoga class helps people to become aware of their environment, aware of their mind, body, and breath and encourages letting go of competition with themselves and others, in class and outside of class.”

 

Carlotto points out that there are so many different styles of yoga that there really is something for everybody. Some focus more on movement, others on breath and stretching. “. I would consider Yoga more of a personal experience so actually describing it would be difficult. A yoga practice teaches awareness of the body through focusing the mind sometimes through physical movement or postures and sometimes through being still and meditating,” she explained

 

As for the many benefits of yoga, Carlotto points out that regular yoga practice increases flexibility of the body and the mind. She also said that by keeping the breath and the body moving you reduce stress and increase energy levels. The physical and mental benefits of yoga range from general health and wellness to weight loss, relief from back pain and depression, to recuperating from illness, and recovery from physical or emotional trauma, as well as prevention of ailments associated with life in general.

 

“Sunbird Yoga classes assist in reducing stress if stress exists and even better, teach skills to prevent stress by encouraging students to be patient, slow down, and breath through situations they may find challenging,” she said. “Staying completely focused, letting go of frustrations, distractions and events going on outside of the time in class is truly what makes this practice wonderful and its benefits wide ranging and long lasting.”

 

She does recommend consulting your physician before starting any exercise program. “Well trained yoga teachers understand how the physical movements of yoga interact with the physical body and would be willing to discuss their style of yoga with an individual while offering modifications to postures and teaching the student how to pace themselves during a class,” she explained.For more information visit Subird Yoga at www.sunbirdyoga.com or contact Lauren at 508-756-5813.