Health, fitness pros will share lifestyle tips

Four Beverly-based health professionals plan to share their secrets with North Shore residents at an upcoming seminar, "How to Finally Take Control of Your Health and Fitness," which will double as a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation.

The event, to be held at the Cummings Center on Tuesday, Sept. 16, will feature a physical therapist and strength and conditioning specialist, a nutrition and lifestyle coach, a massage therapist, and a dentist, who have combined forces to present a proven strategy for achieving health and fitness goals, according to Dr. Michael Stare, the owner of Spectrum Fitness Consulting in Beverly.

"We want to give people the information that they desperately want ... and we'll raise some money for a good cause that's close to my heart," said Stare, who has several family members and friends who have suffered from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Joining Stare will be his employee, Michelle Theriault, a holistic nutritionist and personal trainer; Dr. Benjamin Polan, a dentist; and massage therapist Lynnette Lovasco. All four work out of the Cummings Center.

In the past, Stare said they have held similar seminars in-house at Spectrum Fitness for 10 to 20 people. Holding Tuesday's event in a larger space allows the speakers to address more people.

"We have top-notch trainers and a lot of information to share, and we've been in our own small clinic for 2 1’Ñ2 years and have had a lot of success," Stare said. "Now it's time to spread the word a little more."

The group plans to debunk what Stare refers to as popular fitness myths of today — such as the success of circuit-training gyms, fad diets, weight loss pills, energy drinks and costly exercise devices — and provide concrete strategies for optimum health and fitness.

"We want to really conquer the misinformation and marketing hype by presenting true experts in the field," said Stare, adding that the seminar will provide the tools to achieve goals.

"The best-laid plan cannot work if it's not feasible," he said. "We show people how to get great results in the concept of the real world, because our patients and clients exist in the real world."

The addition of a massage therapist and dentist to the seminar's agenda, Stare said, are more tools for overall health. Massage is said to contribute to reduce stress, and healthy teeth contribute to a person's overall health.

The lifestyle aspect is an important, necessary piece of the puzzle, according to Theriault, who has been in the industry for more than 10 years.

"We can tell someone how do it, but they have to live it," she said.

If you go

What: How To Finally Take Control of Your Health and Fitness

When: Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m., open to people 15 and older

Where: Conference Room 221E, 100 Cummings Center, Beverly

Cost: $15 donation to the Arthritis Foundation at the door

Info.: www.HealthyAndFit2008.com

More: More than $1,000 in door prizes given away to attendees

Michelle Theriault will explain:

The big, fat lies being spread about proper nutrition

Once and for all, the truth about carbohydrates

What food to eat for better health, that taste great

Dr. Benjamin Polan will reveal:

How addressing muscle imbalances around your jaw can relieve headaches and neck pain

Lynnette Lovasco will reveal:

Why massage is an invaluable tool to improve health

How massages can reduce stress

Why all massage is not the same

Dr. Michael Stare will reveal:

Why most weight-loss programs don't work

Proven strategies to lose weight forever

Myths that sabotage your results

How to treat and prevent injuries

The best ways to enhance performance

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