For TB!

Remember this picture!? Nine months after I had started my fitness journey I sent my story to Nike to be apart of their "I am making myself _________" campaign.  Just a couple days later, received a message from Nike about being selected to be a feature Nike Spotlight.  The picture below is from that article they featured.

The following few weeks Nike continued to post amazing stories and pictures of successful and inspiring women living fit lifestyles.  One particular I connected with was Tina Brown. (The picture below is from when she was featured on Nike Spot Light!)  I read her story and her passion to be fit and healthy excited me! I wanted to be like her! As I stared at the computer, I debated about adding her as a friend... I didn't want to seem like a CREEPER, but I felt the urge to add her. She accepted and we posted words of encouragement back and forth. 

We continued to stay connected as we both got into Twitter & then Instagram. I'm drawn to this woman of faith because her attitude has never been one that's passive.  She's a go better! So when she messages me the other day about needing prayers, my heart sank! This strong beautiful woman shouldn't have to deal with this was my automatic thought.  However, I continued to read her words & I heard God say, "Watch a test become a TESTIMONY!". So as Tina prepares for surgery on Tuesday, I know God has her in His hands. He knows what He's doing. So please join me in prayer for my friend and her husband as well as 4 beautiful children!

Here is my interview with Tina!

Mother of 4, wife to Philly D (his nick name) MY BEST FRIEND

 

How old are you? 42

What do you do? I am the VP of Marketing and Customer Experience for a privately held logistics company based in Cherry Hill, NJ.  www.nfiindustries.com.  We have annual revenues over a billion dollars.  I love what I do professionally.  

Why is being fit and healthy important to you?  Being healthy and fit is everything to me.  It's always been my brand.  It defines me.  It always has.  I have a love of sports competition, athletics and a constant sense of adventure.  I believe that your body is a temple and God gave you this gift.  It's our responsibility to treat it as such.

When did you decide to get active?   I have always been active.  Since getting sick in January, the most difficult thing has been not being able to run, workout, play, coach, or do anything that typically defines me....or my brand.  I'm having to look further within to redefine myself and my perceived value. 

What motivates you?  It doesn't take much to motivate me.  I enjoy motivating others in fitness or professional goals.  I love being a mentor either officially or unofficially.

What's your mantra?  Do something you are passionate about every day.

What's your favorite activity? I really like training. mountain Biking, road biking, running, snowboarding, paragliding, kayaking, and I LOVE to hike in Colorado.  My favorite place in the world is Aspen Colorado and that is due to the playground God has provided for fitness and year round activity.

What's your current fitness/life goal(s)?

Right now with facing Chemo as a potential treatment plan, my goal is to become strong enough to get back to being able to exercise.  Even if only a little bit.  It's all relative.  So long as I improve each day I will be satisfied.

Have you faced any challenges or setbacks along your way?  Just this sickness:(

How has fitness changed you? Your family? Our family is know as an active family and all of the kids are all into sports and have a love and appreciation for the outdoors.  We workout together.  Many moms feel guilty because working out means taking time away from "something else"; either work or the kids or your husband, but when you can do it as a family it's at no one's expense and it's very bonding.  We do lots of family charity activities just yesterday my family ran the Muckfest mud run (in my honor since I was in the hospital)  I will send some pictures of Elijah and Dominic at the mud run under separate cover.  My oldest Teresa is an Eagles cheerleader and she was being shadowed by the Eagles television network during the mud run.

What does being a "fit mom" mean to you?  It means setting the right example for your children.  Actions speak louder than words.  They all know me as a strong woman and a fighter and they have each found that in themselves.

How has your faith played a role in your fitness experience and life?  I have a sense of peace that I am in God's hands through all of this.  Funny I'm not scared at all.  Just being patient and determined to get better.  What I have is not curable, but its treatable.  It's called Churg-Strauss and apparently 2 in a milion people get this.  This must be part of God's plan for me and I'm just waiting to see how he wants to use me.

Who's your role model?  I would say ultimately Jesus.  Here on earth I have lots of people I look up to but not one role model.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about you, your family, fitness, faith?

Be aggressive.  With everything you do.  Don't settle for excuses.  There will always be excuses.  You need to want to be fit more than you want to believe your excuses.  Live the life that you want your kids to see.  Be their role model through your actions, words and decisions.  And in everything make it fun!  Be inspired!

As Always, BeBlessed!

XO

Defining Moments

Memorial Weekend gives us a chance to have a day off, but also a time to remember those we've lost...

Coming up this June will mark one of the most defining moments in my life. The 5 year reunion of the death of my cousin Alex. I remember it like it was yesterday because as a Kansas girl, I was doing missions work in Fresno, CA with World Impact from May-August. We had been doing a Vacation Bible School in a particular area as well as some cleaning up. The day was filled with yard work, running around playing games with children, and sharing the Christ's love with each family. It was so hot that we ate dinner, showered, and I went to bed as everyone else stayed up playing cards. I had my phone laying beside me and I heard it ringing. I hit ignore and quickly fell back asleep. It rang again two more times. On the 3rd time I realized it was my bother. When I finally woke up & I tried to call back but received no answer. As I tried to call him back a second time, I had an incoming call from my cousin. She asked if my mom had gotten a hold of me and I told her no. She said something bad had happened and I needed to call her. I yelled at her through the phone to tell me what happened and hesitantly explained what details she knew of my cousin Alex who had been in a tragic car accident. They took him to the hospital, but he didn't make it. I begged her asking for it to be a joke and as her voice cracked, I knew she wasn't. I slid down the wall collapsing my head into my lap crying. I got it together then picked up the phone to call my mom. As she answered it trying to sound like nothing was wrong I said, "Please tell me it's not true"! She gulped through the phone and informed me he didn't make it. I cried hysterically on the phone and so my mom put my dad on the phone. I eventually calmed myself down as they told me to get ahold of the airlines so I could find the quickest trip back to Kansas. Twenty four hours later I landed back in Kansas and spent time with my family mourning the loss of my cousin who we lost at such a young age. We had gone to school together and even celebrated birthdays, holidays, homecomings, proms, & graduation, together. To think about my cousin who would be 25 today still breaks my heart, but I know God has a bigger plan and so I trust in Him. Alex is with the Lord and is definitely in a better place.

So why do I share this with you!?! We all have pain and moments in our lives that define who we are or who we want to be. I used to be the person who had a bitter and angry attitude. If someone made me mad, I wouldn't hold my mouth. I would spout off and then later regret words I had said. I used to care less about other people and their feelings- it was always about me and what I could gain. I guess you could say I was one of the most selfish people I knew. I was fake to people, but after this event, I had an awakening where I realized how short life is. After the funeral, I returned back to California to continue doing missions for the summer & I returned with having had an awakening moment. I have no idea how effective I was the rest of the summer in my work i did, but I do know I have never prayed so hard in my entire life. I prayed for God to heal my bitter and angry heart and after time He has! That's how I found fitness. I used to eat my feelings, but this pain was so deep, I had to find another way. That's when I started running with purpose, working out with purpose, and eating to FUEL my body. 

All the time I get the question, "how do you workout so much and why are you able to stay dedicated"? Easy, I realized I have to take care of myself in a HEALTHY way and when I do, I can then effectively help others on their journey whatever they're facing. No, I haven't been through ever painful moment, but I do understand pain. And I refuse to allow the devil to define who I am. I refuse to allow him to steel my joy and happiness. I'm free in Christ and because I'm filled with Him, I share that love and try to be an encouragement to others I come in contact with.

This weeks success: taking time each day for The Lord, myself, and then giving my time to others.

I challenge you, to take a look at what changes do you need to make to fully love God, yourself and then others...

BeBlessed

Importance of a Support System

Three years ago I was weighing in at 226 pounds, my hair was falling out, I had no energy, slept all the time, and felt hopeless. I was warned that my lifestyle was leading to a path of diabetes and I didn't know where to begin on getting better. I started researching diabetes and how one can change their diet. I was also afraid to go to a gym because that's where all the fit buff guys workout. I had made fun of myself for so many years that I just knew that's what people would do if I tried to go to the gym. So what did I do? I started by walking. I would walk early in the AM or or late evening so no one would see me there. I started reading oxygen magazine and any fitness reading I could get my hands on just to educate myself on a fitter lifestyle. My passion grew to better myself as I began to feel better.

Fast forward one and half years later and 90 pounds lighter, I moved to Salina, Kansas. I began working out at Genesis Health Clubs to stay in shape. I chose the club because it was the only club I had been to where group fitness classes were included in the membership fee. I started attending the cycling classes ritually and eventually got my certification through Body Training Systems. I became the person who then taught those 5:15 am classes that I once attended. And after a year of being an instructor part time and working retail at the Buckle full time, I was offered to join the personal training department. I humbly accepted the job and they have been working to educate me on biomechanics and anatomy so I can train my clients safely and effectively. Then just a few months after becoming a full time personal trainer, I pursued my certification in Zumba. The director for Genesis Health Clubs in Group Fitness urged me to go to the training in Omaha and I've been teaching Zumba since July of 2012!

But who would have thought all that would have transpired? Definitely not me! And as many of you who keep up with my journey through Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, know that I just recently went to Las Vegas for the IHRSA Convention with the company I work for. It was a huge honor to go with Genesis Health Clubs to meet and network with so many amazing individuals in the fitness industry. I was able to see the newest and latest gym equipment as well as listen to amazing speakers who have been apart of the fitness industry for years. The individuals who spoke at a seminars had so much wisdom to offer someone like myself who is just starting out in this field. I was able to take away so much from each of their individual stories.

So what was the biggest lesson I learned at the convention?
The importance of human interaction! The reason why I wasn't successful on my own for the numerous years I tried to lose weight is because I tried to do it alone. I didn't know where to start. I needed a support system, a group of people who supported and believed in me, and that was what I received from training with experts. They kept me motivated, encouraged, and accountable. No matter where your gym is or what amazing gym equipment there is, we NEED people! We want to be noticed and we want to know we matter. And that's why I love the company I work for. The Genesis staff always welcomed me with open arms and they wanted to see me succeed from the time I joined as a member, to my current status of Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and soon to be Nutrition Specialist. They care and want to see me grow because I care. As a personal trainer for Genesis Health Clubs my ultimate goal is to love the people who walk through our front doors. No matter if they're my clients or not, they're apart of a community. And our community is all working towards one ultimate goal, to better ourselves one day at a time. And that's my vision! I desire to see the people in our gym be inspired and encouraged to get moving and living healthier lives!

Challenge: chose someone you regularly see at your gym, get their name, and encourage them!

***Lastly, huge thank you to Genesis Health Clubs! Thank you Mr. Rodney Stevens, Mr. Johnny Stevens, Mr. Preston Petersen, Mr. Joe Humiston, and Dr. Mark Slavin who believe in me. Thank you for investing in me and for allowing me to be apart of such an amazing team. You all have touched my life in ways I'll never be able to explain.

Don't Let Your Past Hold You Back!

Karla Wagner

Why did you make the choice to start working out?

I had always been fit and active until I completed graduate school in 2005. I quickly found myself swamped with responsibilities. I felt pulled constantly between raising a family, commuting to work full time, and completing the necessary tasks of life. I allowed everyone else to be my focus and ignored my own health needs. So my weight started to climb and my energy dipped.

Then, I had an accident in 2007 that left me with chronic back and neck pain. Since that time I have had a few surgeries, undergone many rounds of physical therapy, received numerous nerve blocks, and tried nearly all other conservative/alternative treatments available. No matter what I tried nothing helped. I only was able to go to work and function but I was never able to truly enjoy life. This accident robbed me of nearly everything in life that had been a hobby or sense of pleasure. Gone were the days of riding horses comfortably, running, softball, and living an active lifestyle. I slowly gained weight and fell miserably out of shape. Finally, one day, I woke up and thought enough was enough. I had to do everything in my power to get better as I was "sick and tired of being sick and tired".

Why did you make the choice to get a personal trainer?

I knew that with my medical history that a trainer was going to be very valuable as I needed someone with the expertise to guide me thru the exercises. I had lost a tremendous amount of muscle strength and I realized that gainging this back was going to be the key to not only sustaining weight loss but also relieving the stress placed on the body from the injured areas.

How have you benefited from having a personal trainer?

I have gained not only a ton of strength (and the start of some definition) but also a huge amount of balance improvement. Ashley has worked opposing muscle groups in a ratio that I would have been unable to do without her expert knowledge.

Who is your personal trainer?

Ashley Vernon

What have you learned from training?

I have learned that there is hope. I feel and act 20 years younger! My energy has tripled, my size is dramatically reduced, and I'm able to live and enjoy my life again.

Any tips you want to share from you experience?

Keep on fighting and give recovery every ounce of strength that you have left. It is not an easy battle to win but it can get better if you regain your health. I will never be "normal" again but I have reclaimed what was taken from me and I am not giving a bit back without a struggle.

How has your body progressed or has your body made any changes since beginning personal training?

I feel amazingly different than I used to at the end of the day. I have energy, hurt less, and do more than I have done in years. I'm in size 4 jeans and working at getting stronger. My goal has always been to be healthy and fit but the constant flow of compliments on my appearance has been a welcome benefit :-)

Kiss Fear Goodbye!

This morning I was reading a devotional on Fear from Joyce Meyer.  I find her writing very raw a real.  The lesson this time had to deal with fear.

Her opening statement had me hooked.  "Everything in life is a process in motion.  Without movement, advancement & progression, there is no life... God created us to be goal-oriented visionaries.  Without a vision, we become bored and hopeless."

Ah Ha!  That's it!  To fully enjoy life, you must have a positive outlook on life.  You have to be willing to open yourself up and move forward.  So what does that have to do with FITNESS?  EVERYTHING!

When i first stared my journey several years back, i tried the Atkins diet. I lost 40lbs, but then ended up gaining it all back. Why? because i never set a goal. My goal was just to lose weight and look hot. However, i couldn't stick with it because i didn't know how to progress from there. i reached my max of 226lbs my junior year in college and it took me seeing a picture of myself that i realized something had to change. We all have them!  We have moments of awakening where we finally realize we need to do something.  And in that moment, you can decide to keep doing what you've always done- or you can make a change!

I had always defined myself as the fat kid.  But when I finally took hold of myself, I gained a self respect for myself.  I decided that I was going to stop fearing the future and what I didn't have control over.  God has a plan for me.  There are days that I 'feel' like I'm getting nowhere, and then there are days I can SEE my progress.  And that is the key.  PROGRESSION.  We get caught up on the minimal things.  We forget that each day is a new day to better ourselves, that it's a process.  My goal each day, is to be better than I was yesterday.  Not to compare myself to this person or that person, but to dig deep within myself and make a healthier choice than I did the day before. 

I ask you, are you bettering yourself each day... or are you just going with the flow.  Consider, if you don't have goals as well as a plan of action, your backsliding.

Fitness NOMAD

The other day I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in a while.  She was so excited to introduce me to her family and friends that she was with.  However, she introduced me as "Hey, remember that girl I told you about that had lost all that weight?  This is her!"  I smiled and introduced myself to them.  And the first thing to come out of their mouths was, "HOW DID YOU DO IT?" I get this question a lot so I always respond with a generic, "had to make some changes".  That didn't satisfy them and they kept asking more questions.  Finally, I just told them that it's a lifestyle change.  That I finally decided I was going to commit to one program, eat right, and make no excuses.

Their response:  Ugh!  That's so hard! And proceeded to tell me all the diets and workouts they had tried in the past.  I shared that I had tried the fad as well and finally stopped with all the nonsense and committed to being healthy. 

I would like to name this group of people the "Fitness Nomads".
We all have been there once or twice and so I'll explain what I mean...

Nomad- "People who have no permanent abode and travel from place to place."

Let's admit it.  Those who are unsuccessful when it comes to being fit and healthy are nomadic.  We jump from fad diet to fad diet, jump from work out to work out, and try various "RAPID WEIGHT LOSS"  supplements trying to find the "easiest" way to lose weight.  AND (sadly) IT DOESN'T WORK and you PAY FORTUNES!

WHY?  Lack of commitment.

I compare this to our faith in Christ.  We read our bibles, do our devotions, pray, go to church, tithe, serve, and the list goes on.  We do all of it because we are committed to serving Christ.  The same with being fit.  You have to commit to the lifestyle and practice the same self control and disciplines.  Clean eating is just one of them.  Just as your spirit is fed via church, scripture, family, friends... Your body needs fed the 'right' things too.  What happens when the wrong people or things feed into you?  It shows!  My parents always told me to choose my friends carefully.  Same goes for your eating, make smart choices!  Your body, it's a walking journal of what you are consuming! When it comes to working out, it takes repetition. 

So here is the SECRET:  Your health and fitness will come together when you decide to sink your feet in.  Stop wondering and looking around for the "Next Best Thing".  What works is clean eating and working out.  Find a trainer in your area if you need more guidance, but stop wondering.  Stop trying to make things easy.  Make your health a habit and stay as dedicated to your temple (your body) as you are the one who created you.

BeBlessed

A

Use your SCARS as empowerment!

“Scars have the strange power to remind us that our past is real.”

― Cormac McCarthy, All the Pretty Horses

This week I had a huge realization.  The realness of scars.  I had the opportunity to sit and talk with a woman about her weight issues just recently and she told me of the 9 different medications she was on, the 11 different surgeries she has had, and another coming up in a month.  I'm not sure if she didn't think I believed her about the surgeries, or if she just wanted to show me all of her scars, but each scar she showed me I also listened to a very in depth story.  That was fine, because I told her I wanted her to be as real as possible with me, leaving it all on the table so we could assess her and get her started on a plan of action for better health.

 

It occurred to me later in the day about how closely linked our scars are with our health.  Another client was telling me that she HATED to watch the Biggest Loser because it's "too emotional" for her and she just wanted to watch people workout and get their butt kicked.  I laughed but then thought about how weight loss and gain isn't just the physical pain of sweating.  It is very emotional!  Gaining, losing, or maintaining weight is a mental game.  Getting started in working out is mental.  Making the conscious decision to eat cleaner is mental.  EVERYTHING is mental!  I'm a living example of this.  Like I've said before, I've had numerous surgeries including two hips surgeries where the surgeon put a pin and screw in both of my hips because I had dislocated both of them.  The healing of each surgery was 2 months worth of being on crutches and in a wheel chair.  What else was I going to do besides sit and feel sorry for myself.  I ATE!  I ate because I "felt" bad about myself.  I ate because I was insecure.  I ate out of boredom.

 

Those scars led me down a path of becoming a 21 year old reaching 226 pounds, with hypothyroidism, and eating myself into becoming a diabetic.  It was my past scars that allowed me to make excuses why I could eat whatever I wanted and not workout.  I allowed my mindset of "I'm not worth it" to keep me from succeeding.  And this was why I was able to relate to this woman.  SHE IS WORTH IT!  And why I write these blogs, WE ARE WORTH IT!  We deserve to be healthy and feel good.  Yes, our days won't always go the way we want, but that's no reason to give up on ones self.  Don't allow your scars of physical, mental, verbal, or any other pain become a disease to your body.  Get your mind right, and start focusing on what you "CAN" do.  I pray for all of you and pray you see your worth.  I pray that all of you will use your past scars as empowerment.  Allow your scars to move you and make you better!

 

This weeks success is looking at my scars and giving myself every reason why I CAN, instead of why I CAN'T.

 

BeBlessed

A