By Isiah REYES

People who exercise without watching what they eat, and vice versa, will not see any substantial results.

That’s what Linda Taix, owner and founder of Extreme Boot Camp and Taix Workout Studio in La Cañada, believes. She added that being more fit helps stimulate the endorphins, resulting in a more relaxed state of mind that also makes people strong enough to handle the ups-and-downs of life. In a recent article Taix wrote about depression, she stated that exercise could be the best remedy in dealing with depression.

“Fitness helps you not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well,” said Taix. “It plays a big part in our lives. When you are physically and mentally fit, you are less prone to medical conditions. People who are fit are healthier individuals and they can maintain their weight better than someone who just diets.”

Taix has noticed over the years that people still like to work out in groups, such as when people take spin classes rather than biking by themselves. An activity like biking is also commonly done in groups, mainly because people like to feed off the energy of others by being challenged or pushed. This idea applies to activities like yoga as well. But this is more difficult when someone is alone.

Another trend that caught Taix’s attention over the past decade is that more men are participating in group fitness classes, like spin classes or step classes, than in the past. The attitude towards this type of group fitness seems to have changed from being thought of as a “chick thing” to becoming more acceptable and interesting to men. Other exercise trends include functional training where people are using their own body weight to work out rather than employing machines. Another shift is from working out to build strength to now making sure the body is more agile – something pro athletes are concerned about.

Keeping on top of trends and interests in the exercise field is something that Taix feels is important. Just last weekend she said she was at a fitness expo in Pasadena to stay updated with fitness trends. Attending these events has allowed her to be informed about new exercises, supplements and machines. She said she needs to be knowledgeable to answer questions from her clients who work out at Taix’s Workout Studio. Currently, Taix’s Workout Studio is under construction. Everything is being redone and the updates are expected to be finished by the end of February. An open house is planned for mid-March and the public is invited.

This month is also the 13th year anniversary of the Extreme Boot Camp founded by Taix. It is a military-type fitness boot camp in an atmosphere of discipline and structure. She just hired two new instructors; one is an Army sergeant. Taix gravitates toward former military personnel, saying she believes in giving back to the military and also because the military is the one who came up with this intense style of training.

For more information on Taix’s studio and boot camp training, visit www.taixworkoutstudio.com and www.extremebootcamp.com.

  Isiah REYES