Q: What is your favorite inspirational quote? A: "Never forget why you started." Everything always comes back to this. Some days I do forget this, especially around snack time or when my alarm goes off at 4:10 AM, but then I remember how good I feel after the workout or when I have made good choices with my eating and that is usually enough of a reminder that I can do it!
Q: What are your personal health and fitness goals? A: Honestly, I just want to feel good! That's why I started this. I wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin and to be a role model for my two children. I want them to see me taking care of myself everyday and doing something to make myself happy and healthy. This year, I want to continue to challenge myself in my workouts and eating habits.
Q: What ONE thing keeps you most focused and motivated to continue to work hard to reach your goals? A: My girls! I feel so blessed to have met the ladies I have at the gym. Pam is my rock and my workout BFF, she is there for me EVERYDAY! Not a morning goes by that she doesn't start my day off right! My "Running Fools" make me happy! They have challenged me to do things that I could not have imagined doing before, like a 10 mile race and a half marathon. They make me laugh and are a circle I didn't know I was missing until I had them. And, of course, my 5:30 AM girls! Walking in every morning feels like home with you ladies. I love the challenge and support I get from the trainers, the laughs we have, and the motivation from each other. They make going to the gym in the darkness of the morning worth it! Camille, Diane, and Lisa are all so supportive, yet also "pushy" in their own ways- which is what I need!
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started with us? A: Five years ago I decided that I had to do something! As a mom of two and a teacher, I kept putting off what I knew I needed to do. The thought of drastically changing my lifestyle was so scary. But, I saw a picture of myself that someone had posted and I didn't like how I looked So.. I decided to make a change. I stated a program for healthy eating and a workout routine in my basement. I also started running for the first time since high school, thanks to the support and encouragement from my sister-in-law, Patricia. In September of 2017, I decided to take the next step and sign up for the "Little Black Dress" challenge at the gym- I knew that I needed more of a "challenge". I fell in love with the gym, the atmosphere, and the amazing ladies that belong!
Q: How has Fit 2 The Core/NutritionWorks made a difference in your life? A: The gym makes a difference in my life daily! The days I go, it starts my day off right. I get to see ladies that inspire me and I get my sweat on! They days I am not there, I start off with my workout BFF that I met, thanks to the gym! Fit2theCore/NutritionWorks has taught me about healthy eating, what a balanced meal plan looks like, and that one bad day won't ruin me! The gym has pushed me to do things that were way out of my comfort zone, like transitioning to more complicated moves, upping my weights, and challenging myself.
Q: What is your word of the year? A: Strength. I want the strength to train for a full marathon. I want the strength to stay on track with my eating. I want the strength to get back on track if I lose my way. I want the strength to continue to workout every morning. I want the strength to encourage others that they can do whatever they have challenged themselves with.
Q: What made you decide you wanted to join Fit 2 the Core/NutritionWorks? A: At the Little Black Dress kick-off meeting back in 2017, I knew I wanted to join! I loved sitting around women who were all there to make themselves feel better because THEY wanted to be there. I loved everything Camille was saying about healthy eating and exercise. Halfway through the challenge, I decided that I was going to join the gym, and that was 2 and 1/2 years ago. My favorite art of the gym is the camaraderie, the kindness, the acceptance, the encouragement, and the caring I feel everyday being a member here!
Q: What would you say to someone on the fence about making a change and committing to their goals? A: Give it a chance! You are worth it, your health is worth it, your happiness is worth it! "IT" meaning the hard work it is going to take! We can always do more than what we think we can! Change is hard and scary, but feeling good everyday has been so worth it for me.