In my younger days, I was involved with a wide variety of sports and activities, including softball, swimming, tennis and golf. When I was in my 20s and 30s, I had a series of automobile and work accidents that left me with a variety of physical issues. Like so many others, I began putting on weight.
In June 2005, I was self-employed and the price of my health insurance was skyrocketing. After years of suffering with chronic lower-back and neck pain, my doctor suggested I lose weight and get back in shape. She suggested a personal trainer, which I believed would be way out of my financial reach.
After having tried and failed in the past, I knew I couldn't do it by myself, so I decided to check it out. I soon realized I could either spend my money for health care or spend it on a personal trainer. I lowered my health insurance to emergency coverage only and put the difference toward a personal trainer.
HOW I DID IT: I began with weekly personal training sessions and later moved to three-times-a-week group fitness classes.
In just six short months, I lost 20 pounds and strengthened my back, neck and core to the point that now I rarely have problems, and when I do, it takes a day or two to recover instead of weeks or months.
The one-on-one attention of personal training was just what I needed to jumpstart my new life of fitness and wellness. Later, the group fitness classes provided me with the support I needed to continue on my path.
I listened to my coach's advice. I kept a daily food and workout diary to help keep me on track. I was accountable for what I did and what went into my mouth. I learned the art of eating clean.
After every class, I would come home and immediately teach my partner, friends, neighbors and anyone who would listen what I had learned, and I encouraged them to do the same thing. I never really liked working out alone. I knew if I started teaching fitness, I would never have to.
Fast-forward four years. Motivated by my own training experiences, in March 2009 I became an American Counsel on Exercise (ACE) certified personal trainer. My philosophy of keeping fitness affordable and fun, eating clean and keeping a positive mental attitude helps motivate others to transform their minds and bodies.
HURDLES: Hurdles happen on a daily basis. There will always be a party or a special occasion where I will be tempted to pig out. There will always be a reason or excuse to not work out. Just like the hurdles on the track, you jump over them or you knock them down. But you just keep on going.
GOING THE DISTANCE: Six years later, I own a fitness studio in South Tampa. I work with clients from 20 to 80 years old and of all fitness levels. I focus on how to have fun while working out. I also volunteer to teach fitness classes for the city of Tampa at the Joe Abrahams Fitness and Wellness Center at Ballast Point Park.
BEST ADVICE: Move more, eat less! Need a little extra help getting things going? I suggest finding a personal trainer or group fitness class to help motivate you to put down the chips, get off the couch and get moving.
Pick fun activities and mix it up so you don't get bored. Join a workout group or find a workout buddy for support. Always listen to your body and never give up. Take it one meal at a time, one work out at a time, and one day at a time.
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