Melissa Dow is Fit 4 Life

Jan. 10, 2010

Melissa Dow is Fit 4 Life
By Robert Downes
Personal trainer Melissa Dow, NASM-CPT, is in super shape, thanks to a lifetime commitment to fitness as well as an innovative TRX suspension strap system made By Fitness Anywhere.
TRX stands for Total-body Resistance eXercise. The straps work on your own body resistance as you pull yourself up from different positions. It’s hard to imagine until you see a demonstration, but the TRX straps are capable of working every muscle group -- abs, arms, legs, the works.
“You can have a full body workout in 25 minutes,” says Melissa, who offers training sessions in her own Fit 4 Life studio in Traverse City, as well as at the Rock Bottom trainers gym at Building 50.
“The TRX system was originally made out of parachute straps and a martial arts belt by a Navy SEAL for conditioning out in the field,” she says. “They work every muscle group on the body.”
The straps wrap up in a bundle about the same size as a pair of shoes and Dow notes that it’s the perfect go-anywhere fitness system. “I know people who train on the beach or at the playground,” she says. “You can take these anywhere and hang them on a door, a tree, or on playground equipment.”

SERIOUS FUN
The TRX system looks like a lot of fun, but also offers a workout that adjusts to any level of fitness -- from seriously strenuous to easy-does-it. The key is the blend of balance and resistance. “This is what’s called functional training because you use multiple muscle groups to do the workout.”
Dow says the system has been used by mixed martial arts athletes as well as by NFL teams. Also by persons of all ages: “I’ve instructed a woman who’s 80 years old, and also a high-level tennis player who’s 14. I also offer group classes designed for all levels at the same time because you can adjust your workout to your ability.”
In addition to the classes she offers as a personal trainer, Dow is also a dealer for the TRX system, which retails for $189, including the apparatus, a DVD and a guidebook.

For information on TRX classes or sales, contact rockbottomgymtc@gmail.com or Fit4LifeTC@att.net

With a spectacular physique and a sunny personality, Melissa Dow is an inspiration for anyone who wants to get in top shape for the coming year.
Her philosophy on life is exemplified by a necklace she wears from Taolei designs. “The symbol means ‘Strength’ -- I wear it all the time,” she says. “My true belief of the single best word to describe what I strive for: strength in body, mind, spirit, and conviction.”
Originally from Indiana, Melissa moved to Traverse City four years ago after a long stint living in Washington, D.C. She has had a career as a professional dancer as well as a personal trainer and enjoys cycling, sports and having fun with her two kids.
“As a fitness professional, it is important to me to get high quality, durable clothing,” she says. “I locally shop Dunham’s and MC Sports for great deals on the reliable items by Under Armour and Nike.”
Here’s the lowdown on Melissa’s workout apparel:

Hair (by Jen Ashcroft at Salone de Capelli)................................................?
Necklace (Taolei designs).........................................................................?
Top (Lululemon - “individually hemmed to fit”).........................................$45
Workout pant (Brasil Sul “Margarita”)....................................................$90
Shoes (Brooks -- Running Fit).................................................................$70

Total...............................................................................................$205