Visualize

I have vision board at home to inspire me to keep working to achieve my goals. I have a separate area for my fitness goals. Here is just an idea of what I have. I would love to have bodies like these women, toned but they still look like women. Even though I may not get to workout everyday having a constant reminder in my daily path helps me think about working to get there. Let me know what you think!

Officially a Personal Trainer!! Check me out!!

I am a officially a Personal Trainer now! Now I can add it to my goals accomplished in the fitness world. So in honor of this achievement I am offering one month of training (4 sessions) for only $10 to the first 3 people  who contact me. This offer is only limited to those in the Atlanta area.

**Please note that this will not be first time training clients. I have always done so but I just haven't been certified. My minor in college was in Fitness and Wellness so I had a basic understanding of the information.

Also I'm still trying to find a place to host Zumba classes. I will post about it as soon as those are set up.

Let's see who wins these discounted training sessions!

The Scale is a Liar!!!

Most people determine goals achieved in weight loss based on the number on the scale. It is more often a combination of weight, inches, lean muscle mass and body fat percentage. I tell the clients that I train to see if there is a change in how their clothes fit. I suggest not stepping on the scale weekly. I would suggest once a month at the most.

If you are incorporating resistance exercise into your workout routine you are going to be building muscle mass. Muscle is denser than fat and that can initially cause the number on the scale to go up rather than down.
Even though muscle is denser than fat it takes up less space so you will be able to notice a difference in your clothing.

The number on the scale is not the only determining factor on whether or not you are making progress. It is one of the many tools that you can use to help you achieve your goals.

More posts coming soon and Stone Mtn Park!

I'm sorry I have been MIA lately. I've been so busy training clients and trying to hide from Atlanta's scorching heat that I haven't been able to post. Also access to a computer is a constant problem. Anyway I have some new posts coming very soon. Look out for them.

Also my new favorite rediscovery... Stone Mountain Park trail.. the one that goes up the mountain. I love it up there. Next time I'll take a picture of the view for you. I hope you're finding time to get active.

Childhood Obesity

Michelle Obama has been on a campaign to fight childhood obesity in this country. A problem that has been growing right before our eyes. Forget statistics! Look around and you will see this difference in generations.

For children the CDC recommends, for ages 6 to 17 years of age, 60 minutes of aerobic activity daily. Muscle strengthening at least 3 days a week, such as push-ups or gymnastics. Also bone strengthening is important for children because they are still growing. Some activities that increase bone strength include jumping rope or running. The reality that most children now don't play outside is a sad predictor of the future that lies ahead for them. Years ago children played outside and the statistics that we have now would never have existed.

This is a picture from a children's birthday party that was hosted outside. Though it was burning hot, the kids were running around and having a good time. All while taking breaks to get water.

Encourage the children around you to get active and live by example and get active as well.

The FIT Person Award... for MAY

May's FIT Person award goes to... JAILYN NICHOLSON!!!!

Before

                                                Weight Lost: 40 lbs
                                            Body Fat % Lost: 7.4%
                                             Time Frame: 6 months

After!

Jailyn has lost 40 lbs over the last 6 months. She says she started out by consulting a trainer and coach at her local gym. She worked with both of them to work on her diet and fitness simultaneously. At first she was going to the gym 3-4 days a week. She would spend 30 minutes on cardio and another 30 minutes on strength training. She cut her portion sizes in half and made sure to set regular times to eat, while also planning her meals and snacks. After seeing results and seeing how much she enjoyed her life changes she increased her gym time to 6 days a week and twice a day on some days.

She has always been someone who could keep up with exercise but she never pushed herself beyond that and she says that's what made the difference.

Her advice to those striving to lose weight, get healthy and really change their lifestyle is....  

"It's always going to be a challenge but its a habit that becomes easier. There will be set backs but don't let them set you back."


*** If you know of anyone who has made a lifestyle change whether it is big or small please let me know I would love to feature others as well!***

Great Workouts!

Last week after working out with friends I took this picture of Courtney. We had a great workout though we felt like we were being tortured during it. Afterward I felt very accomplished as always. Its so amazing to me how a workout can do that for you!