This is why I'm passionate about health and fitness.

I came across an article on yahoo.com and it took me back to the reason that I became passionate about health and fitness. Even if I never make any money from fitness this will still be my passion. Many diseases, including forms of cancer, joint problems, depression and many others can be caused my an unhealthy lifestyle. Obesity is truly a disease. Everyone has a choice, one life and one body. Cherish it.

Check out the article.

User Post: How I Woke Up One Morning THIS Fat ? - Healthy Living on Shine

 

FIT Person Award for August

Its been a while since I have highlighted a FIT Person of the Month. Sorry for the delay but wait no longer..

Natasha Charles is our FIT Person for August! She is being highlighted because I believe she is someone that many women can relate to. She has gone from being active, to having a baby and dealing with post baby weight, to running in local races! Here is her story in her own words.

In short, my journey has gone from one of maintaining fitness pre baby to one of weight loss post baby (2 years on!) I never thought it would have been difficult to 'snap back' and in a sense this journey has had its challenges. I have gone from 3 hrs, five days a week in the gym to a minimum of one hour with a toddler in tow or demanding attention or trying to sit on my back while I do pushups or rolling on her soccer ball trying to mimic the abdominal exercise she would see me do on the stability ball. All funny when you think about it really....

I have found running to be my best friend and the city of Chicago with its scenic lakefront and varying running paths provides ample opportunity for this. I have opted to participate in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon because it is an event I have always said I'd do one day (October 9th) as well as to continue on the journey mentioned above.

In the last year I have finished several 5k's, 10k's and a 10 miler . I am still getting the hang of a 'runner's diet' and the concept of a proper running form ( which becomes increasingly important the more mileage you rack up) My 1st half marathon was on Aug. 15 th. Until then, I'm gonna keep on running. :)

Please feel free to send me your fitness story!

Training Like Ali

Today I brought my client to train with another fellow trainer, Tori Solomon. The focus was on boxing along with a mix of cardio and resistance exercise.

 

 Boxers are some the best trained athletes. Boxing incorporates cardio and resistance exercises. Boxing helps you control your breathing and balance. Jumping rope, weight training and running (even up stairs like Rocky) are some of the exercises that boxers use to strengthen their bodies. 

I love Muhammad Ali! When I feel like I cannot do anything I post one of his pictures as the background of my phone or computer for motivation. 

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.