About avcelite

American Institute of Fitness Educators Studied under Tom Seaborne Ph.D. National Federation of Professional Trainers American Red Cross CPR Certified Education Masters of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction Northern Arizona University Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education University of Iowa Fitness Experience Newton Natural Running™ Certified Coach AVC Elite Training Creator SPORTBOX® Creator Maximum Pump™ Creator Fitness Instructor Mountainside Fitness 2004 - 2009 Fitness Works 2002-2004 Golden's Fitness for Women 2000-2002 The Tone Zone 1996-2000 LA Sport & Fitness Magazine Featured Photos January 2008 DHP Elite Training Advisory Board Member Presenter at "Extreme Makeover" by DHP June 2006 "Weeding Through the Diet Jungle" Presenter January 2005 Guest Speaker - Mountainside Running Club Fall 2005 Recognized as one of Activa's Women in Motion 2005 Presenter at Tucson Fitness Fest Finalist at IDEA World Fitness Convention July 2004 2nd Place Fresh Face in Fitness International Fitness Instructor Competition Fall 2003 Cory Everson's Fitness Retreats 1999 -present Private Personal Trainer 1996-present

What the #$*@&% is Elite Training?

Posted on September 7, 2013 by avcelite

So it’s like CrossFit? Nope, it’s better. Or maybe like HIIT? Well, that’s just part of it.

I get it. It’s a confusing fitness market with lots of gimmicks and get fit quick schemes.

So how do you tell the difference and pick something that gives you what you want?

Visible results, strength, health, encouragement and enjoyment.

AVC Elite Training is a comprehensive training program encompassing:

Metabolic Resistance Training
High Intensity Interval Training
Agility and Plyometric Training
Functional Training
Core Control and Strengthening

Here’s the honest truth. Many people involved in training programs at this level don’t last. Great intentions are there at the beginning being backed by goals such as weight loss, improved fitness gains, sport’s performance enhancement or simply improvements in overall health. But people get distracted and busy with life or find excuses. And that’s ok, we’re not for everyone.

At this point, you might still be asking “What makes AVC Elite Training long term and not just a fad” like so many other training and workout programs?

Here’s my secret…

Quality Instruction providing modifications and individualized instruction meeting the needs of each participant.
Safety and injury prevention is always foremost while always keeping the trainee challenged. Too many people are getting hurt out there executing (or trying to execute) far too advanced movements being pushed by overzealous trainers that are only putting the trainee at risk for injury.
Science based programming that follows proper progression striking the fine balance of pushing the trainee past their comfort zone while achieving success and results!
A friendly, positive, motivating and supportive environment. Everyone encourages one another.
FUN! We take our training seriously, but always keep a sense of humor providing lots of laughs. This is a rare quality when executing this type of challenging work among a group. Take out the fun factor and the training becomes like most others out there….pure drudgery!
It’s never boring! No two training sessions are alike. You – and your body – will always be wondering “what’s next?”
Not just dumbbells…we have the BEST fitness toys to play with!
Not limited to age or gender, accommodating most skill levels.

There is a difference in choosing a top notch training and workout program. But don’t just take my word for it. Hear it from fellow trainees who share their first-hand stories. And when you are ready, come and experience the difference yourself. Check out upcoming sessions of AVC Elite Training today.

Breaking Bad Self-talk Improves Fitness

Posted on August 31, 2013 by avcelite

I’ve always been active in some way, shape or form, but started to fall into that typical slump where I would find myself making excuses not to exercise, either because I had to rush the kids to their practices, or I had to rush home to make dinner or simply because it was just too hot outside.

I stumbled across Amy by accident when I was supposed to be checking out CrossFit. I thought to myself “Jackpot, this is exactly what I’ve been looking for!”, then Amy said “CrossFit is across the street,” I was so disappointed, but I went across the street anyway and tried out my one day free trial at CrossFit.

Afterwards, I immediately ran back across the street to AVC Elite Training. It was clear that AVC Elite Training was top notch over what CrossFit had to offer. I just stood there intrigued and so motivated by watching the group train that I knew I had to be part of it. So I joined in May and never looked back.

I remember watching the group in awe, thinking I could never do the things that they can do, but wanted to so badly. Since I have joined TEAM AVC, I can see my strength and endurance build up each time I train. I’ll admit I still can’t do everything to its fullest, but each session I feel I am getting better, stronger and more proficient in the execution of Amy’s training.

I see all of the incredible results that the other trainees have accomplished in the training which has motivated me to no end to keep on going and to push myself in a positive direction breaking down the “I can’t” attitude and turning it into the “YES I CAN” attitude!

I wish I could explain why I get so excited Sunday night anticipating our Monday morning training so much so that I even lose sleep, but it’s something you would have to experience for yourself. Amy’s training is never the same and never boring.

She takes care of each and every one of us to make sure we don’t over exert ourselves and always reminds us to stay hydrated. She teaches us running techniques and encourages us to take it at our own pace. She monitors our heart rate making it mandatory to wear a heart monitor at all times in our training. She instructs and teaches proper technique and form, keeping our safety in mind at all times.

Thanks to Amy, I no longer make excuses about not exercising and make my training a priority. It has become a part of my lifestyle now and there’s no turning back. I’ve dropped 10 lbs. (with proper diet of course) and with Amy’s help will continue to build strength and endurance with each class.

Thanks Amy for making such a huge difference in my health and well-being.
~ Sandra M.

Looking to break free of your negative self-talk and discover renewed health and fitness? Be cautious of Crossfit and other fitness fads and find out about your fitness professional. What’s their education? What fitness certifications do they have and who trained them? What do their clients’ say about training with them? Ask for yourself!

How much do you move daily?

Posted on August 27, 2013 by avcelite

So, you do a great job training and working out consistently, but what about the rest of your day?

How much of the remainder of your day is spent sitting? Whether it is due to a desk job, a long commute to and from work, or sitting in front of a computer, it is important to take a look at your daily physical activity as well.

A growing body of research is showing how hours of prolonged sitting is shortening our life span significantly and that’s even if one is very active and exercises on a consistent basis! One study revealed that uninterrupted sitting for 6 hours a day can shave as much as 5 years off of one’s life!

Exercise is critical to our physical well-being which is a given, but exercise alone does not counter the damaging effects of remaining motionless for hours on end. According to Marc Hamilton, an inactivity researcher at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, “excessive sitting causes electrical activity in the muscles to drop which in turn can cause a cascade of harmful metabolic effects” including:

The body’s calorie burning rate plummets to about 1 calorie a minute ;
Insulin effectiveness drops in a single day which can lead to an increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes;
The enzymes responsible for breaking down fats and triglycerides in the bloodstream lower which in turn will result in a drop of levels of HDL (the good cholesterol); and,
There is a statistical link between prolonged sitting and chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Do you have a desk or computer job? Get up, stand up and move around periodically throughout the day. Even the smallest of movements will help. Don’t let a busy schedule or time constraints prevent you from being healthy and fit.

Add healthy years to your life and…keep moving. Looking for a perfect combination of personalized instruction, encouragement, motivation and results? Let’s talk about how AVC Elite Training may be right for you.

Tough Mudder Delivers for This Doctor

Posted on August 18, 2013 by avcelite

I have known Amy Van Cleve for many years. Amy’s enthusiasm and love for fitness motivated me to participate in 2 half marathons, a 10K and a duathlon.

When Amy asked me to participate in the Tough Mudder race, initially I was terrified. As I heard that the Tough Mudder race was the most grueling obstacle course created, so I was a little nervous.

And also, I didn’t think I could sacrifice a lot of training time because of my busy work schedule. As a busy solo obstetrician and gynecologist, I am always on call so I was concerned about the time.

After much thought and soliciting back up coverage during training, I agreed to participate. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but knowing Amy, the training was going to be a well-organized training schedule with the focus on increasing endurance and reducing risks of injuries before and during the event.

Our training consisted of weekly Saturday morning workouts, 3-4 hours in length in addition to twice weekly small group workouts (3 hours). The training was long and grueling but fun.

We trained in the heat, cold and rain. We ran over 100 miles, lots of pull ups, jumps ropes, jump squats to name a few. Every Saturday morning, our Tough Mudder training group would receive a wake up text from Coach Amy encouraging us to be on time for our 7:00 am training.

Speaking of my training crew, we had an awesome time training together. I love each and every one. We complained together, laughed together and encourage each other when we were not pushing hard enough and nurtured each other during some of our minor injuries. What a great team spirit!

Through out the entire training, Amy was also encouraging and selfless. Even when she was injured and not feeling well she always gave it her all, encouraging me to give it my all.

I have always enjoyed exercising, but Amy pushed me to get into the best shape of my life. I am a better runner and cyclist since my Tough Mudder training. And by being in excellent shape I have started training for my first triathlon. Never prior to my Tough Mudder training or working out with Amy, would I have ever thought of training for this type of event. But I know I can do it!

The Tough Mudder event was a blast! The Tough Mudder event wasn’t as tough as I thought, because of the training readiness facilitated by Amy.

Amy bring on the next challenge.

~ Dr. Stephine

Are you looking for a fitness challenge? Stay tuned for an exciting announcement from Team AVC, with big plans for additional training involving a special destination event in 2014.

A Physically and Mentally Healthier Lifestyle

Posted on August 3, 2013 by avcelite

Approximately a year and a half ago, my sister-in-law talked me into signing up for the AVC Elite Training Natural Running Program instructed by Amy, or otherwise known as “Coach AVC.”

I opted for this program knowing that it would only require a couple of hours on my Saturday mornings. At the time, being a full-time working mother of a toddler, I treasured my weekends with my girl and didn’t want to spend a lot of time away from her so this seemed like an ideal fitness program for me.

This choice, also lead me to become a trainee with the AVC Elite Group Training Program meeting two days a week. The Small Group Training Program is so jam packed with diverse and challenging training that I knew I was maximizing my time to its fullest.

I was getting great well rounded instruction along with receiving cutting edge training that has given me incredible results – all in just 2 days a week. What a perfect fit for my busy schedule and lifestyle!

This has all been a life altering decision for me. It has lead to many exciting opportunities, a physically and mentally healthier lifestyle and the chance to form new and long-lasting friendships. In this past year and a half through Amy’s diverse and informative training classes, I have been able to complete two half marathons and complete the Tough Mudder event as a member of Team AVC Tough Mudder.

Most importantly, by example, I have taught my beautiful and spirited 4 year old daughter that girls can do anything and that an active lifestyle is one of the best ways to live a happy, healthy and fun life!

As my girl gets older, I look forward to making memories and participating in physical activities as a family. Perhaps we will create traditions that my girl will continue with her family in years to come.

Thank you for everything, Amy. My future grandchildren thank you too!

~Heather

What healthy traits do you model for your kids? Want to reinvigorate and encourage both physical and mental health in your routine? Check out upcoming AVC Elite Training small group training sessions in Mesa, Arizona starting soon.

Train Like A Kid

Posted on July 28, 2013 by avcelite

Do you remember when you were a kid doing lots of different physical activity without even really realizing it? From jumping rope, the monkey bars, running, skipping, climbing trees, playing hopscotch, jumping over cracks “not to break your Mom’s back,” we were continually on the move as kids.

We did all of these things years ago and yet never gave a thought to them as “training or working out.” We were simply having fun and as a consequence getting incredibly strong and fit to boot. We refined our skills each time we were at “play” learning to move better, improving our coordination and “feel” for a certain activity while gaining better control of our bodies. We loved to play!

Now as adults, we have pretty much lost all of those skills and tend to gravitate to the more mundane straight forward motion of “exercise.”

Why not reclaim your fitness just as if you were a kid again?  Rethink your current training or workout program. It’s time to mix things up where you bring more challenge, more dimension into your training while keeping it fresh, ever changing and exciting!

Teach and train your body to become more functionally fit, symmetrically balanced, super strong, incredibly coordinated, more agile, more metabolically efficient (especially now that we’re older) and most importantly…put the fun back into fitness as it once was when we were kids!

Don’t remain stuck in the same ole training patterns that don’t do much to stimulate change, can contribute to injury, and sadly contribute to “burn out” or worse …quitting altogether!

See for yourself why AVC Elite Training changes a life for the better. You will “play” hard just as you did when you were a kid, bringing fun and challenges back in becoming ultra fit!

AVC Elite Training

The Ultimate In Cutting Edge Training

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