The Finish Line

Increase Bone Mass

How do we prevent getting osteoporosis, which is a condition of abnormally reduced bone density, which can lead to fractures?

The answer … weight bearing exercise and strength training.

Physical inactivity has been shown to reduce bone mass and increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis. If you are Caucasian or Asian, have a family history of low bone density, are small framed or experiencing early menopause you are even more at risk.

The good news is that I can help you keep your bones strong and healthy. Weight bearing exercise like walking will help but it won’t help all of your bones. You will need to strength train all the major muscle groups. The tug of your muscles against your bones works in the same way as your feet hitting the ground when you walk. This is how resistance training improves bone density. The stronger your muscles are the more stimulation they give and the more benefits you get. FitFocused offers a range of classes that incorporate strength training. You will learn how to strengthen each muscle group properly and with good form with a trained fitness professional making sure you are exercising safely while increasing your bone mass. All classes are suitable for all levels as modifications are taught for each fitness level.

Personal training sessions are also a great way to improve bone mass if you prefer to do it in a more private setting where you can concentrate on your individual needs for the full hour.

Testimonials

“As one who is too undisciplined, I rely on my regular sessions with Allie to maintain and improve my physical fitness.  Allie is encouraging and charming while pressing me to probably do more that I would have expected of myself.  A valuable “investment” in my own health and fitness!”  “Doctor recommended!!!”
– Male client age 69

“Why do I take classes at FitFocused? It’s very simple: Allie has given me the power to believe in myself. She has shown me that hard work and dedication really do pay off. She inspires me every time I take one of her classes and she knows how to gently push me to take that extra step to test my strength and stamina. Allie’s classes are fun and not intimidating at all!

Allie is nothing short of a true professional who takes her job very seriously. She always has a smile to make you feel at ease and comfortable. I know that she genuinely cares about each and every one of her clients. I’ve never felt so motivated to work hard to reach my fitness potential!”
– Chrissy Cowell

“When I first called Allie, it was 8 months after the birth of my second child.  I was having joint problems and couldn’t walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded, never mind keep up with an infant and a toddler.  I had always been a runner, but life had gotten in the way and I was exhausted and cranky all of the time.   Those first couple of sessions with Allie were tough, but it made me realize how much work I had to do to get back to where I was fit, healthy and happy.  And Allie was the perfect partner to help me do that – inspiring, non-judgmental and super fun.  Today, despite being a busy working mom, fitness is one of my top priorities.  I am back to running and Allie has even inspired me to start doing races again and (mini!) triathlons.  Allie changed my life and I am really grateful!”
– Moira

Three years of training with Allison Duxbury has improved the functioning of my mind and body in marvelous ways. I have more stamina and can do more things than I did 3 years ago. I walk faster, my posture is better and I am more limber. I wouldn’t give up training with her for the world. Alvin Lucier (aged 77!)
– Alvin Lucier

I have been working out with Allie for three years and simply cannot say enough about her.  I never really liked to work out, as I hate the gym scene and get bored very easily.  Allie is great about motivating without being too pushy, and she respects each individual’s views toward exercise.  Since staring with Allie, I have seen incredible changes in my body.  I have become so much stronger and was able for the first time in my adult life to flatten my stomach.  I recommend Allie to anyone looking to begin exercising or if they need to step up their routine, and have in fact gotten my husband and two sons involved with Allie as well.  I actually look forward to working out now!  YEAH ALLIE!!
– Mimi Roche 

Allison Duxbury has been working individually with our daughter Kaela for the past three years. Now at age 10, Kaela has a great understanding of the importance warming up, has learned a great variety of stretching techniques and has increased her flexibility significantly. Allison has contributed to Kaela becoming very successful on the national and international levels of competitive Irish dancing. She researched and developed a customized plan for stretching and increasing strength for this athletic and artistic art form. Training sessions with Allison are both intense and fun. Kaela looks forward to her sessions with Allison because they include a variety of activities, great explanations of the benefits and above all – are challenging. Even though Kaela comes out of her sessions tired, she always smiles. Allison has taught our daughter to understand how to take care of herself as an athlete and has given her a skill that will last a lifetime.
– Maura Gray and Bill Milewski

I had three beautiful babies within three years, and as soon as my youngest entered Pre-School, I decided it was time to begin re-toning my body.

At my first personal training session with Allie, she took my baseline measurements and had me take a baseline fitness test. Having these stats is motivational to me as I can monitor my progress each time we retest. Allie’s personal training sessions are customized, her workout routines are varied and keep my interest while continually challenging me as my abilities increase.

One of the many great benefits of working out with Allie is that when the weather is warm, we work-out outside in beautiful Hadlyme – we will go for walks wearing weighted vests, we’ll bring the BoSu ball, bands and medicine balls into the yard, or we’ll do some intense exercise on the trampoline.

In the winter I’ll get my cardio on the spinning bike, stair machine or by kickboxing. As my abilities have improved, I have taken more of her classes such as hiking through Gillette’s Castle and summer Swim Classes. This fall I began taking her yoga pilates class to work on balance and her ball class for a cardio and weight training workout.

Allie is a fantastic teacher in these classes and shows the class how the exercises can be varied so that they are easier for beginners or more challenging for those who have been taking her classes regularly. Allie is very encouraging and motivational, she will push me to my limits and respects me when I have reached those limits.

I am achieving my goals and seeing results, all the while having fun along the way. I feel great and it is so rewarding to make visible progress, which is a constant motivation.

Allie has made it easy for me to maintain an effective fitness routine.
– Robbin Myers 

Meet Allison

Allison is the owner and founder of FitFocused and a AFFA Certified Group Fitness Instructor & Personal Trainer. In her 20+ years of experience she has traveled all over the world picking up ideas along the way.  Allison tailors all of her classes for all ages, shapes and fitness levels. She is passionate about what she does and believes with a little determination exercise can help you lose weight, increase bone mass, improve flexibility, combat stress, and realize your full potential.

One on One with Allison

Q:  Were you raised with an emphasis on fitness or is this something you discovered on your own?
A:  No, my family spent time outdoors, but not specifically exercise. I became really interested in exercise when I met my husband in 1986 . He introduced me to many outdoor activities, and from that point on exercise was an everyday element of my life. I then found myself participating with other like minded individuals who also wanted to exercise.

Q:  Do you raise your own kids with a strong emphasis on fitness?
A:  Definitely. This is one of our main family values. We believe it affects all aspects of our life. Wether it is skiing, rock climbing, running or biking we believe it keeps us physically and mentally healthy. Plus, it’s great family bonding.

Q:  When did you decide to start Fit Focused?
A:  During the 20 years spent traveling with my husband, I met many fitness business owners and realized that it was something I wanted to do because of the value that they were giving to their communities. Therefore, when my husband retired from the military, I had the opportunity to start my own business.

Q:  Where did you meet your husband?
A:  We were camp counselors in 1986 at a 4-h camp in Moodus Connecticut. He was the outdoor counselor who lived in a tent in the woods.

Q:  How does he influence your work?
A:  He encourages me, whether it is ironman training or just hiking around Newfoundland.

Q:  Why is Fit Focused special?
A:  Fit Focused is a small business embedded in a local community. As an individual with world experience across many fitness regimes and cultures, I feel FitFocused provides a creative and highly unique exercise experience.

Q:  What’s your favorite class to teach and why?
A:  My outdoor class at Gillette castle. I love to see the changing landscape each week and the eagles or deer that suddenly appear out of no where. It is very exhilarating no matter what the season and I like using nature  as my weight room!

Q:  What motivates you?
A:  The people in need of good health really motivate me. I love to help them physically and mentally.

Q:  What is one thing that everyone should change about their fitness routine?
A:  Always review your fitness goals on a 6 month basis. That way if it is not working you can change it. One year of commitment could equal weight loss, increasing bone density, running faster, jumping higher, or even walking without a cane. A close friend of mine became a half ironman in 6 months. That is how radical your goals can be!

Q:  What has been your proudest moment at Fit Focused?
A:  There are so many, but watching my youngest client get third place in the National Irish Dance Championships in Nashville and the face of my 76 year old client whom had not skied in years after he came down a blue run at Mount Snow are two of the most gratifying experiences.

Q:  Who are your heroes?
A:  In the days before FitFocused, a Military Physical fitness Instructor really encouraged me to start my own business. He gave me the confidence I needed to go for it.

Q:  Where exactly have you traveled?
A:  I lived in  England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cyprus, Belize, Hong Kong, but also traveled to Macau, China, Nepal, Sweden, France, Germany, Australia, and Canada.

Q:  What did you take most from your travels that applies to Fit Focused?
A:  Experiencing different environments and working in arduous conditions with the British Army. I had to develop training programs that benefited every one from soldiers to families. Having to be resourceful in these environments allowed me to think out of the box when developing my classes. For example we were assigned to the outer Hebrides of Scotland where the environment did not lend itself itself to exercise unless you were an outdoor enthusiast. I was pregnant at the time and found a way to stay fit. I walked a 4 mile windswept beach in the rain and wind daily, but I still felt felt so much better when I came home.

Q:  A lot of people say they don’t have time to work out; how do you balance it all?
A:  Make your fitness as high of a priority in your life as a doctor’s appointment. There is no excuse not to.

Q:  If you could be anywhere in the world right now where would it be?
A:  On my snowboard, with the family, at the top of a nice long trail out West.

Q: What is your guilty pleasure?
A: Good Cheese and a glass of wine.

Q: What was the best decision you ever made?
A: Starting my own business.

Q: Which is worse, failing or never trying?
A: Never Trying. You’ll never know if you never try, and you’ll never live to know your full potential.