…for Amazing Vitality

Powerful strength

• Wikipedia: An overview of strength training and associated links. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weight_Training
• Building Muscle 101: A web site by a man with “an undying passion for getting stronger, healthier and more muscular.” http://www.building-muscle101.com/index.html

• National Strength and Conditioning Association: Primarily a professional association, this site has a “For the Public” section including free training videos. http://www.nsca-lift.org/
• American Council on Exercise: A professional organization with a “Free Health + Fitness Info” tab providing fitness information. http://www.acefitness.org/

Super endurance

• The Walking Site: This is a web site dedicated to walking for beginners to marathon walkers. http://www.thewalkingsite.com/
• Gator Swim Club: “Our Masters program is designed for adults swimmers (18 and up). There is no minimum skill level required… just an interest in the sport and desire to swim. We offer adult swim lessons to those who require it before participation is possible.” http://www.gatorswimclub.com/default.asp

• Gainesville Cycling Club: As stated in the welcome to their web site, this club “is a loosely organized group formed for the purpose of riding bikes!” http://gainesvillecyclingclub.org/

• Florida Track Club: Another local organization that is described on their web site as “based in Gainesville, Florida, and sponsors events such as fun runs, social get-togethers, and races throughout the year. Membership is open to runners of all ages and abilities.” http://www.floridatrackclub.org/

Great flexibility

• Stretching.name: An odd little web site, but with lots of diagrammed stretches and routines for various activities. http://www.stretching.name/
• eHow: This web site provides a series of videos on stretching. http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_1235_easy-stretching-exercises.html

• HowtoStretch.com: Written instructions, pictures and videos on stretching. http://www.howtostretch.com/
• Wikipedia: An article on Hatha Yoga: “Hatha Yoga is what most people in the West associate with the word "Yoga" and is practiced for mental and physical health throughout the West.” There are many instructors in the Gainesville area teaching various styles. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatha_Yoga

Satisfying sleep

• National Sleep Foundation: “The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public health and safety by achieving understanding of sleep and sleep disorders, and by supporting sleep-related education, research, and advocacy.” http://www.sleepfoundation.org/

• The American Academy of Sleep Medicine: “This web site is designed to be a valuable tool for patients and members of the public who are seeking dependable information related to sleep, sleep disorders, treatments and services.” http://www.sleepeducation.com/

• Wikipedia: A comprehensive article about sleep and related links. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep

Restful relaxation

• Helpguide.org: “Helpguide’s mission is to help people understand, prevent, and resolve life’s challenges.” http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_relief_meditation_yoga_relaxation.htm
• Mayo Clinic: This web site provides a collection of articles about stress and relaxation techniques. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-management/MY00435
• Videojug.com: This is a short video instructing viewers how to perform deep breathing for relaxation. http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-relax-using-deep-breathing-techniques

Energized breathing

• Andrew Weil, M.D.: "Practicing regular, mindful breathing can be calming and energizing and can even help with stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders." http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00521/three-breathing-exercises.html

Healthier body

• Harvard School of Public Health: “The Nutrition Source aims to provide timely, evidence-based information on diet and nutrition for clinicians, allied health professionals, and the public.” http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/index.html
• Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, M.D.: A web site dedicated to the health impacts of chronic dehydration. http://www.watercure.com/index.html
• Nutrition.Gov: This is a U.S. government web site addressing weight management. http://www.nutrition.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=11&tax_level=1&tax_subject=390

• Erik Sorbo, D.C.: Dr. Sorbo presents a series of exercises and stretches for postural improvement. http://www.ehow.com/video_4398855_why-good-posture-important.html

The forms and guidelines used by AVWS are listed below and are available to view and download as Acrobat PDF documents. To view, click on the "CLICK to OPEN" button next to the form or guideline.

An AVWS consultation is FREE!

Your consultation will take about 30 minutes. You'll receive:

• Relevant literature about our services
• An assessment of your readiness to participate in an exercise program
• A thorough review of the examination, evaluation, and goal setting process

If you choose to retain our services after your free consultation, you'll be scheduled with another appointment for examination, evaluation, and goal setting. This session takes about two hours for a fee of $75.00. During this session, you receive:

• A thorough review of your personal health history
• An assessment of your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate)
• A comprehensive postural assessment
• Measurement of your height, weight, and other bodily dimensions including your body composition (percentage of body fat)
• Calculation of your body mass index (BMI) and waste-to-hip ratio and what it means for you
• Testing of your balance, cardiorespiratory fitness, musculoskeletal fitness, and flexibility

Your personal training sessions are specially designed to meet your goals and are based on the results of our examination and evaluation process. AVWS provides written, diagrammed instructions for your exercise program. AVWS also provides personal guidance on additional services to supplement your exercise program, including stress reduction, improved sleep, or enhanced respiratory capacity.

Individual sessions take one hour to complete, and are charged as follows:

Pre-purchased training sessions, to be used whenever you choose, are also available:

All sessions are to be paid in advance or at the time service is rendered. Credit cards or insurance are not accepted.

Call Rick at 870-8637 to schedule your free consultation.

Rick Lusk, PT

I believe in exercise for better health. Staying strong, flexible, and enduring are attributes that help each of us remain vital throughout our lives. These attributes help us to cope better with life’s adversities such as illness, injury, and their attendant emotional and mental stresses.

I pursued a second career in physical therapy after a rewarding, first career as an environmental engineer. This career included jobs addressing water and wastewater engineering, air pollution control, solid and hazardous waste management, and hazardous materials emergency response. I‘ve worked for local and state government, consulting, and industrial manufacturing.

It was during my employment with one of the manufacturing companies that I was assigned the responsibility for employee health and safety in addition to my environmental duties. A major project I worked on during that time was developing a means of reducing worker injuries. I helped develop a worker health and safety program and set-up an employee wellness program, including equipping and operating an on-site company fitness center. In conjunction with the wellness program, I became certified as a personal trainer by the American Council on Exercise and coached employees in strength and endurance conditioning.

I received my Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Florida in June 2002 and shortly thereafter received my license from the State of Florida. Since then, I have worked in a number of rehabilitative settings, including acute care and rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home care. I am experienced at helping people recover from the adverse effects of illness and injury. 

Through AVWS, I am strongly focused on prevention to help people avoid illness and injury. Improved health and wellness can be achieved by preventing and treating musculoskeletal dysfunction through lifestyle modification, exercise, and manual therapy.

Ann Lusk, Office Manager and Spiritual Advisor

Ann and Rick were married in June 2005 and are blessed to be life partners who encourage and support each other in the mature years of their lives.

Ann manages the financial and marketing aspects of the business. Her varied business background brings strong customer service and fiscal responsibility to play in the company. Keeping morale and spirits up comes naturally to Ann, who is a cheerful fairy living in a world of trolls. Everyone can use some fairy energy at times!

Ann’s favorite past times are sewing custom art clothing, reading, learning new business skills and flitting from flower top to flower top. She is delighted in Rick’s enthusiasm for this wellness service.

RB Phillips, Corporate Composer
(Name just one of the Fortune 500 companies that has a Corporate Composer!)

RB Phillips is a Musician/Singer/Songwriter from Wisconsin where, in his lab, he formulates custom music for websites, answering machines, e-cards, ringtones… and most of all for fun! His music can also be found under the name ‘The Quiet’ at the following link: http://quiet.dmusic.com. Contact him at: adman@wi.rr.com.

Bob Lusk, Accountant

Retired MSgt Bob Lusk served 20 years in the United States Air Force, including tours during times of conflict in Korea and Vietnam. During his Air Force career, he worked in demanding procurement and supply positions and was stationed at Tyndall AFB in Florida, Misawa AFB in Japan, Shaw AFB in South Carolina, and Mountain Home AFB in Idaho. After retiring, Bob attended Gulf Coast Community College and the University of West Florida, and received his degree in Accounting. As a Public Accountant, he owned and operated his own accounting service for businesses in Bay County and surrounding communities for over 25 years. Officially retired, Bob lives in Panama City, FL with his life-long companion and wife, Barbara Louise Gardner Lusk. He continues to provide services and consultation for a select group of loyal customers.

Bob can half-sing, half-hum "On the Bayou" and "Sentimental Journey", likes to jingle coins in his pocket, and enjoys the heck out of FSU football, but no one holds that against him.

Barbara Lusk, Shining Example of Amazing Vitality

Early in life, Barbara was nicknamed "Peanut" for her stature and "Dynamite" for her outgoing personality. Fittingly, she was an avid bowler, roller skater, and jitterbug dancer in her youth.

Barbara continued to actively pursue interests involving music and dance while raising four *wild and crazy* children. For many years, she participated in community square dance groups. From age 50 to 60, she was the creator and Instructor/Director for Jubilee Clog Dancers, a show team that exhibited throughout Northwest Florida. She also took her clogging routine on the road to Nashville's Hee Haw International! At age 70, she began teaching Tai Chi for seniors at her church and local community centers. At age 75 and beyond, she continues to practice Tai Chi for peace and well-being.

Barbara is a shining example of vitality for the "older" generation to learn the many fun ways to enjoy exercise.

Laurie Anne Lusk, Artist
(..and occasional web site designer)

Laurie Anne Lusk has been observing the art scene in Northwest Florida since she received her Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, in Studio Art from FSU in 1984. After graduation, she began a successful career in graphic design by wearing a tight red dress to a job interview with a local print shop. As Laurie puts it, "I prefer to remember this momentous occasion as serendipitous. Who knew I'd get the job?" Jump forward to the current time period: By day Laurie develops e-learning content, but when the muse strikes she prefers to work in acrylic paint on hand-made, hand-stretched, gallery-wrapped canvas.

While much of her subject matter contains regional flora and fauna, she sometimes dabbles in "dark matter" and is compelled to instill humor, sarcasm, irony, anger, or fear into her work using bold colors, graphic compositions, and some fairly obvious metaphors or iconography. Don't be surprised to see the occasional alligator!

Laurie lives in Tallahassee, but you can visit "Studio Lusk" at laurieannelusk.etsy.com for art, or laurieannelusk.elance.com for graphic design.

Take the first step.

Amazing Vitality Wellness Services can help you with the rest!

Amazing Vitality Wellness Services (AVWS) provides the best in personalized, attentive, one-on-one, in-home wellness services for the people of Gainesville and surrounding communities. Our educational and training programs include:

• Exercise training for strength, power, endurance, flexibility, and balance
• Postural awareness training for efficient, graceful mobility
• Massage and manual therapy for relief from musculoskeletal pain
• Relaxation training for stress reduction
• Instruction for better sleep

According to recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association, adults aged 18 to 65 years should perform:  

• At least 30 minutes of moderate intensity endurance exercises five days per week and
• 8-10 strengthening exercises of 8-12 repetitions to fatigue for the major muscle groups at least two non-consecutive days per week*

Adults aged over 65 years should follow a similar endurance exercise program, however, a strengthening program that allows 10-15 repetitions to fatigue (using less resistance) is recommended.**

* Physical Activity and Public Health Updated Recommendation for Adults, Circulation, August 28, 2007, pages 1081-1093.

** Physical Activity and Public Health in Older Adults, Circulation, August 28, 2007, pages 1094-1105