Week Two: Being Creative

Without having a gym membership, I've had to find creative ways for Angela to squeeze in some cardio as well as resistance training. The key to making our time together effective, is being creative in the ways we use the tools we already have. It's not so much important to invest in expensive gym memberships or equipment, if you have the basics already at home.

Work Out #1: yoga mat, "fanny lifter", "box step" and free weights

Work Out #2: Box Step, yoga mat, free weights, physioball and medicine ball

Work Out #3: Elastic bands, medicine  ball, yoga mat, physioball

When we combine our resources we have just what we need to build upper and lower progressive work outs with or without using weights. Simple tools yet very effective.

It's been nice not working out in a gym, to be honest. Being outside makes our time together a lot more fun and less intimidating for someone new to fitness. AND it allows Angela a chance to see you don't need to spend a lot of money to have a space to work out nor do you have to travel very far. Pictured above is her backyard and the space we use at Earlywine Park.

How many of you work out from home? What do you have in your home gym?

Week One: Commitment

Admitting there is a problem is the first step to overcoming a problem. The second step is follow through. This was where my journey with Angela began.

I asked all my contest participants to submit their story; defining where they were in their life and why they needed my help. In addition to that, I asked each one to fill out a questionnaire that held them even more accountable. In doing this, it forced each one of them to look at their problems head on, become vulnerable to the process and then open to changing their habits.

After meeting with Angela I knew she was ready. Not only did she admit her weaknesses and her failures that got her where she is right now, she was willing to try and do new things to get herself back on track. 

She has been so open to this process and what it has to offer. Everything I have asked her to do, she has followed through. From taking her "before" pictures to getting her cholesterol tested, tracking her eating habits for a week, and pushing herself during out work outs. Even when it was tough, she stuck it out and exceeded my expectations.

What has also helped with her progress, is the support of her family. When she committed to this process, her husband backed her up 100%. As a result, he too is benefiting from our time together. I love seeing this family take this journey together. Their example is definitely shaping their son's future as well. So much so he joined us during a few of our work outs ~ even when he was supposed to be napping ;-)

Knowing her family is supporting her, her friends and our Facebook audiences are watching, her commitment to this has really pushed her through...and I can't say enough about it! Keep up the good work. I am so proud of you.

Please follow her progress on her blog as she updates it recounting her work outs, her struggles and her triumphs, as well as follow me here on my blog or on my Facebook page ~ click on my badge link to the top left of my blog!

Thanks for visiting...check back soon!

Meet Angela

This is Angela.

Angela and I will be training together for the next three months. Please follow along with us. But first  here is her story:

Like many first time moms, she puts everyone's needs ahead of her own. She struggles with finding the time and the motivation to get her health back on track. In addition to being mom and wife and managing the household, she also works part time.  While juggling all of this, she self admittedly finds it hard to eat healthfully and both she and her husband are feeling the effects of that:

"My husband and I both are starting to see the effects that bad eating habits and lack of exercise are making on our quality of life.  We want to be the family that enjoys outdoor activities on the weekends.  I dream of the day that we spend our Saturdays taking bike rides, hikes, or nature walks instead of complaining that we are too tired to do anything.  I'm ready to stop making excuses and start working hard to live the life I have been dreaming of".  

I think many of us can relate to where Angela is now.  Trying to find the time for oneself, while having to care for someone who is fully dependent on you. But there is way, it just takes commitment. I am determined to help keep her committed and to find the fun side of fitness.

It also takes a positive support group that will help keep her accountable and motivated. Please be that encouragement to her, and leave comments each time I update my blog on our progress together. The feedback we both get from this will motivate us to do more; push us harder and get the results we both want.

Looking forward to getting started on this path to healthy living! Please "follow" my blog (to the left and click on the blue "JOIN THIS SITE" link under the FOLLOWERS tab) for updates and comment when you can!


Let's get STARTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!