The Downtown Athletic Club in Amarillo, Texas, is seeking licensed massage therapists to expand its spa. Prior experience not mandatory, but preferred. Candidates must have a desire to help improve clients’ health, happiness and overall wellness.

Candidates must be:

• Enthusiastic
• Positive
• Accountable
• Dedicated
• Punctual

Required license or certification:

• Massage Therapy

How to Apply:
If you believe you would excel as a massage therapist at the Downtown Athletic Club and wish to join our spa, please email Executive Director, Dominic Zumbrun, at dominic@daclub.com.

About the Downtown Athletic Club:
The Downtown Athletic Club is Amarillo’s premier health facility. It offers a full suite of health, fitness and wellness services, including fitness machines, weight training equipment, personal training, massage therapy and more.

The Downtown Athletic Club in Amarillo, Texas, is seeking qualified individuals to expand its Member Services Dept. Prior experience not mandatory. Position is part-time. Candidates must be at least 16 years of age to apply.

Candidates must be:

• Enthusiastic
• Energetic
• Positive
• Accountable
• Punctual

Responsibilities:

• Greeting and signing in guests
• Cleaning up gym
• Folding laundry

Position Description:

• Part-time

How to Apply:
If you believe you would excel in a Member Services position at the Downtown Athletic Club and wish to join our team, please email Executive Director, Dominic Zumbrun, at dominic@daclub.com.

About the Downtown Athletic Club:
The Downtown Athletic Club is Amarillo’s premier health facility. It offers a full suite of health, fitness and wellness services, including fitness machines, weight training equipment, personal training, massage therapy and more.

Germs live everywhere, and once the temperatures drop, cold and flu season is upon us. You don't want to give up your gym time because of the possibility of getting sick, so cut down your risk of exposure to germs by following a few simple steps.

• Skip your workout when you're under the weather. Avoid spreading germs to others when you're sick by staying home when you have a cold or other illness. Either work out at home or take a couple of days off to recover and care for yourself so you'll be back at the gym in no time.
  
  
• Never leave home without sanitizer. Did you know that experts have found all types of germs on gym equipment, including MRSA? Gym equipment is a hotbed for germs, so before you use equipment, give pieces a good wipe down with portable sanitizing wipes, and use hand sanitizer before and after you use equipment. ​

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• Make sure you always wear flip flops or gym slides when you are in the shower or locker room. Locker rooms are full of germs, so protect yourself by taking precautions. Never sit on a bench or chair without clothes on to avoid picking up germs on your body.
  
  
• Keep your gym bag clean. To avoid germs, opt for a gym bag made of vinyl, which is easy to keep clean in between workouts. These can be cleaned with sanitizer or spray. If your bag is cloth, wash it every week in the washing machine using hot water.
  
  
• Take inventory before you head to the gym: Have an open wound or cut? Put antibacterial cream on it and cover it with a bandage before you head to the gym. Bring a clean water bottle with you, and check your bag for clean towels, a mat, and hand sanitizer spray/wipes. Avoid touching your face while you're at the gym, and keep your hands clean. Keep your dirty gym clothes separate from clean things, and try to shower at home if you can, instead of at the gym.
  
  

Looking for a clean health club nearby? Check out the Downtown Athletic Club in Amarillo for state of the art equipment, classes, and personal trainers.

OK, so none of us are perfect at the gym. Of course, most of us try – we wipe down the equipment after we use it (hopefully), and we don't text while taking a too-long breather between sets on a particular machine.

But, there are certain things people do that make them that person at the gym. That said, remember to do the following things so you don't become that person:

Focus On Yourself

Focus on your own workout. Don't get competitive with someone – or everyone – in your class. Not everyone is at your level, and they may be having a bad day.

Don't Save A Spot

If your friend doesn't show up for the class, you can look pretty foolish if you've carefully guarded their spot next to you.

Pay Attention

If you're wearing headphones, you may be too wrapped up in your own world to notice others around you. Don't be the one who puts their mat down and does a floor-based exercise in everyone's way.

Be Polite

This applies to every situation, but especially so to the people working at the front desk. You may have no idea how many requests they take or the number of tasks they have.

Use The Lockers

Gym bags, purses and other personal belongings shouldn't clutter up the aisle or dangle from the bike's handlebars. Use a locker instead.

Sing Quietly

There's no question that music is a huge motivator that can power you through your workout, and you should listen to whatever you like and energizes you. But, please, don't sing so loudly that everyone else has to hear it, too.

Grunt Less

There can be nothing quite as annoying as someone who is an excessive and loud grunter, particularly while working with weights. Be aware of those around you before you grunt out of control.

Interested in starting a fitness program, or have questions about how you can stay in optimal shape? Contact the personal trainers at the Downtown Athletic Club in Amarillo. We're available seven days a week.

The thought of joining a gym for the first time (or even switching to a new gym) can be intimidating for many people. Joining a gym is like trying any new thing – it can be a little overwhelming at first, but in time it becomes second nature and you forget what your fear was about in the first place.

In the meantime, there are a variety of things you can do to ease your adjustment period and help you feel at home in no time.

Don't Compare Yourselves To Others

There's no doubt you're going to see a lot of fit men and women at the gym. People older than you may be keeping up a pace on the treadmill that makes you feel agonizingly slow.

But consider this: It's doubtful those people looked like that, and performed at that pace, during their first visit to the gym. It took time and effort to get there. Like you, they had to start somewhere.

Train With A Friend

Joining a gym with a friend can ease those feelings of self-consciousness and intimidation. You'll both learn together, have fun, and be a source of support for each other. And in time, you'll be comfortable enough to go on your own.

Don't Fear Failure

Again, everyone starts somewhere. You may think that everyone else in the gym knows how to do things correctly, but at some point they were exactly where you are, the beginning. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Take A Class

Most gyms offer a variety of classes to target a wide range of needs. Joining one is a great opportunity to be with others, and to ease the monotony of doing the same workout routine every day.

Music Is Your Friend

Not only can music help take your workouts to the next level, it also enables you to “hide” (behind a set of headphones) if you're still feeling a little shy about the experience.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

Don't wear workout clothes that may be in style but that you aren't comfortable wearing during workouts. Always be as comfortable as possible so you can focus on getting the most out of each workout.

Again, it's perfectly natural to feel uncomfortable when joining a gym for the first time. But following the above tips, and asking for the help of trainers and staff like those at the Downtown Athletic Club in Amarillo, can make the transition easy.

The elliptical is a great way to get an effective cardio workout – when done right. While some studies have shown the elliptical to be boring and inefficient, this is only the case when proper form isn’t followed during your workout. With the right technique, you can reap the many benefits of the elliptical. Take a look at these tips to get the most out of your time on the machine.  

Know Your Goal

The first step toward success with any exercise program is to make a plan. What do you want to achieve during your workout? Are you simply looking to get your heartrate up, or do you have something more specific in mind? Believe it or not, the elliptical yields different results based on the way you work the machine. Here are some ways to streamline your elliptical workout.

• Focus on cardio by keeping your stride per minute rate between 140 and 160. When doing sprinting intervals, your sprint stride per minute rate should exceed 160.

• Pay attention to your feet when aiming for a thigh workout. Pressing with your heels works your hamstrings and backside, while pressing with your toes works the front of your thighs.

• Use the handles to get an upper body workout. Don’t lean on the handles for support; this renders your entire workout ineffective. Instead, push and pull the handles to work your arms.

• Engage your core by letting go of the handles. This causes you to work your core even more by having to keep your balance while moving your legs.
  
  

Watch Your Posture

Perhaps the reason some people consider the elliptical ineffective is because they aren’t holding their form. Slouching over the handles is a quick way to waste your time. In order to get the best results from this machine, you should stand up straight, engage your core, and avoid slouching.

Mix It Up

Our bodies are designed to become accustomed to any new physical activity within about four to six weeks. Once that happens, you’ll reach a plateau and no longer see increasing results. To avoid this, try mixing up your workout by increasing and decreasing speed and incline on the elliptical. This type of interval training will not only keep your body guessing, but it will also keep you from getting bored.

Every exercise is what you make it. If you simply go through the motions while on the elliptical, you won’t see your desired results. But if you take these tips into consideration, you’ll be feeling the burn in no time. To get fit in Amarillo, check out the Downtown Athletic Club today.

The Downtown Athletics Club’s annual Peak of Fitness Challenge starts today and runs through September 6. During the Peak of Fitness Challenge, DAC members can opt to collect points for activities and get rewards based on total points.

We hope to inspire our members to reach for fitness (even in the busy summer months) through this challenge.

How Does Peak Of Fitness Work?

If you’re a DAC member, all you have to do to enter is to simply start tracking your activities in the logbook at the check-in desk.

Here’s how to earn points:

• For every 30 minutes spent doing a cardio activity (e.g. treadmill, cycling, elliptical, rower); playing active sports, such as basketball and racquetball; and doing resistance training (e.g. weights and TRX), you will receive 1 point.
  
  
• 30 minutes of massage therapy equals 2 points, and 30 minutes of personal training equals 2 points.
  
  
• Group fitness classes are 3 points, and group training sessions lasting at least 30 minutes will earn you 2 points.
  

You can earn a maximum of 15 points per day through these activities, but can earn points on top of that maximum with an additional weekly activity that will be announced on Facebook, Instagram and the DAC board at the check-in desk.

So, What Are These Rewards You Mentioned?

We tally up all the individual points members have earned through September 6 at 6 p.m. Members who earn 125 points will receive a $10 credit to the Pro Shop; those with 250 points get a $25 credit to the Pro Shop; and those who earn 400 points will receive a DAC t-shirt and a $50 credit to the Pro Shop.

The top 10 male and top 10 female points earners will then be entered into a drawing to win a piece of jewelry. The male and female winners will be announced at a customer appreciation party at the end of the competition.

If you have any questions or concerns, the DAC staff will be happy to answer or address them.

This week’s bonus point can be earned by joining the Peak of Fitness challenge. Each time you log an activity this week, you’ll receive an extra point. Make sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to get bonus point updates each week.

Good luck!

The DAC reserves the right to correct any miscalculations in points. Current point standings will be updated weekly. You must be a DAC member to participate. Off-site activity is not eligible for points.

Races are a fun way to get in shape and stay active. Whether you run, walk, jog or hop, participating in races benefits your health and happiness. As if that isn’t enough, when you pay to join a race, you help support charity organizations that give back to those in need. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. Interested, but don’t know where to start? Here are four can’t-miss races in Amarillo this summer.  

Insane Inflatable 5k

Just like it sounds, this race features an obstacle course made up of huge inflatables. The organization boasts the largest and most extreme inflatable obstacles in the world. Insane Inflatable 5k gives you the chance to be a kid at heart while challenging your physical ability. Additionally, they’ve partnered with the Children’s Miracle Network Amarillo and will be donating funds gathered through runner donations, a charity wave, and an online fundraising tool. Join the race on May 23.

Blacklight Run

If night races are your thing, then Blacklight Run on June 6 is the event for you. Great for kids and adults of all ages, this 5k run/walk offers fun for the whole family. Participants get covered in UV Neon Glow Powder that gives them a brilliant glow in the Blacklight Zones at the after party. Benefiting Children’s Hospital, this event will certainly be a night to remember.

The Color Run

Commonly known as “The Happiest 5k on the Planet,” The Color Run is an un-timed 5-kilometer race during which colors are thrown on participants at each kilometer. The Color Run is focused on fun and has only two rules: to wear white and to end the race plastered in color.

The Shine Tour – the next generation of The Color Run – is coming to Amarillo June 27 and will benefit the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health.

Color Vibe

Similar to The Color Run, Color Vibe is a 5k run/walk that douses participants with color throughout the race. It, too, is un-timed, so there’s no pressure to finish fast – just have fun with it! As a family-friendly event, kids are invited to participate, and anyone 12 or younger is free. Another fact you may be interested to know is that Color Vibe partners with charities in each of the cities it comes to, meaning that when you register, you support your very own community. The race date has not yet been scheduled.

Check out any – or all – of these races and make the most of your summer. You don’t have to be an avid runner to participate. Just get out, get active, and have fun! To learn about more ways you can get in shape for summer, check out Downtown Athletic Club today. Our personal trainers can get you ready for any race you have your eye on.

If you normally workout inside the home or at the gym, it may be a good idea to change up the scenery a bit by moving your activity outdoors. Changing the location of your exercise can help you avoid boredom and invigorate your workout.

If the treadmill is getting you down, why not take your walking or jogging out to the trails? The varied elevations and landscape can up the challenge and the interest. Don't limit yourself to running, go for some strength-building or cardiovascular exercises, too.

There are many different locations that are perfect for some outdoor activity, including parks and schools. Here are a couple to get you started:

Rock Island Rail Trail

This trail features almost four miles for your hiking and biking pleasure. You can walk, jog or bring your four legged friend along for company. While walking or jogging, stop off every so often and do some squats or jumping jacks for a more complete workout.

Wildcat Bluff Nature Center

Sometimes, a good hike in nature is what you need to invigorate the mind, body and spirit. The Wildcat Bluff Nature Center has several trails of varying lengths that you can enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for critters including birds, deer and prairie dogs. Depending on the season, enjoy the wildflowers.

There is a stroller and wheelchair friendly trail, and according to the site, they are currently working on a runner's trail.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

With over 30 miles of trails winding through the America's second largest canyon, you will easily lose yourself in the beauty of this park. Perfect for running, biking and hiking. The varied terrain makes for a great workout.

Medical Center Park

This is a great park for the whole family. Lots of room for running, playing and exercising.

Heading outdoors to breath the fresh air and view the scenery is a great addition to your normal workout routine. Sometimes you just need to get out of the gym.

For those times that you want and need the gym, why not checkout the Downtown Athletic Club. It is a one-stop shop for all your fitness needs. Weights and exercise equipment are available, and there are a variety of classes for you to choose from, including TRX Suspension Training, cycling, yoga, Zumba, Bikini Bootcamp and Total Body Conditioning. When you are done with your workout, ease your tired muscles with a massage by one of our certified massage therapists. If you would like some one-on-one support to help you achieve your fitness goals, the Downtown Athletic Club has personal trainers available who can create a custom fitness plan for you.

The Downtown Athletic Club loves its members — and wants everyone to know it. We’re hosting a Customer Appreciation Celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in the Maxor Park. All DAC members are invited to this Happy Hour event. We’ll be serving drinks and appetizers, and giving out door prizes. We will also have live music by The Velvet Funk Band.  

We’ll also announce the Peak of Fitness Challenge winners from the top 10 male and top 10 female competitors during the evening. The winners will receive their prizes at this time.

In lieu of this event, the DAC will close at 5:30 p.m. Complimentary childcare is available during the celebration.

We hope you’ll join us and let us show you how much your loyalty means to the DAC.