They say that "misery loves company". But in the same vein, "good cheer loves a party"

(I just made this quote up). I guess another way to say it is that happiness begets

happiness. Sometimes when you hear of positive things that are going on in the lives of others around you, it can help you get through a rough, stressful spot in your own life.

I first learned the power of this in an African dance group that I belonged to in college. At the end of our weekly meetings, we would do this thing called, "For the Good of All". We would go around the room and each person would share something positive that happened in their lives over the past week. No matter how stressful these Sunday evening meetings were, everyone always left in positive spirits.

One of the things that I've learned as a personal trainer is how important the "Personal" part of the profession is. Even if the workout is tough as nails, or you struggle to get through a particular exercise, being able to share good news with your trainer or hearing about something good that happened in his/her life can change the quality of the workout and the way that you feel when you leave the gym. You FEEL BETTER.

So in this light, and as a way of saying thanks to you all, allow me to share with you some of the highlights and updates of FD/T Training Systems in 2009. . .

(in no particular order)

- For the first time, I was a "top-vote getter" in the Best Personal Trainer category of Bethesda Magazine's annual Best of Bethesda issue. THANK YOU to all who cast votes.  It is caring, fun, enthusiastic, dedicated clients like you that fuel the passion that I have for what I do. Next year, we're going for the #1 spot.

- For the second year in a row, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Girls Varsity Soccer Team won the Maryland State Championships. For the past two years I've had the honor of helping the girls on the team improve their strength, flexibility, agility, speed, power, and

endurance. I discovered fitness through athletic training, so it is always nice to get a chance to help talented athletes excel and find joy in their sport. Can we say, "Three-peat!"

- This year saw the birth of H.O.T. (Hybrid Outdoor Training). Hybrid Outdoor Training is a circuit-style, interval group fitness class based on sound functional movement principles. It is designed to challenge your whole body as a unit from head to toe in many different planes using unique equipment and modes of training. We've now moved indoors (H.I.T.) and continue to have fun and MOVE BETTER every Saturday morning.

Click here to learn more about the class.

- We began implementing the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) this year. Many of you have already done it as part of our quarterly assessments. It is a powerful tool that quantifies your ability to perform fundamental movement patterns. The FMS has undoubtedly improved the quality of our training. Start 2010 on the right foot by getting "screened".

Again, thank you all for giving me the opportunity to help improve your lives through fitness. I hope that 2010 brings us all continued success and Better health.

-Okinyi