40, Trainer at The Kroc Center of Memphis
Photo by Tindall Stephens
FAV WAY TO WORKOUT:
I really enjoy group fitness. The encouragement and challenge you get from working out with other people can’t be matched. But my dream is to regularly practice yoga on a beach.
BIGGEST FITNESS MYTH:
I believed cardio was the only way to lose weight, stay fit, and be healthy. Now, I do more strength training and appreciate the benefits much more than when I only did cardio.
BIGGEST NUTRITION MYTH:
That meat is the main source of protein. Nuts, seeds, beans, and other sources offer other health benefits in addition to protein.
MY TYPICAL WORKOUT DAY:
I workout most days in some form. Right now, I alternate between strength training through BodyPump and Les Mills Core on the in-between days.
MY ADVICE:
Brace your core. When you find your core and can feel what it’s like to brace it or tighten it, it will help make every other movement you do more effective and safe.
MY FITNESS TIP:
Find a workout you enjoy and stick with that. Don’t force yourself to do workouts you don’t enjoy. Also, find a community of people you enjoy working out with because this will keep you going when you don’t feel like it.
IF I COULD ONLY HAVE ONE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT:
A resistance band. You can do strength training, stretching, and core work to target all areas of the body.
MY FITNESS IDOL:
I really enjoy doing Yoga with Adrienne. She is excellent at explaining how to get the most out of a yoga workout and is quirky and fun. It feels like you’re in the room with her!
DREAM WORKOUT PARTNER:
I love working out with my sister-in-law Abi. She lives in the UK, so we don’t get to do it often, but when we do, we always challenge each other.
MY GO-TO SNACK:
Peanut butter spread on a banana.
MY DIET:
I don’t eat gluten. I also try to minimize the amount of dairy and meat that I eat to help support healthy digestion.
ONE FOOD I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT:
Chocolate. I mainly just eat dark chocolate, though.
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED:
I want to stay healthy and keep active for my three boys. I’m also motivated to keep learning and growing to help those that I instruct and train.
SETBACKS:
Six years ago, I was hit by a car while walking across the street. I didn’t break any bones, but I had a lot of soft tissue and muscle damage. I couldn’t put any weight on my legs for a couple of weeks, and I had to use a walker and see a physical therapist. The physical therapy was hard and painful, and it identified other weaknesses and imbalances I had in my body. Through that experience, I found strength and determination to push through adversity in order to strengthen weak areas.
GOALS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD:
I do a lot of strength training, but I really need to add cardio and flexibility workouts. I also want to build in taking classes that I am not personally instructing.
Are you a fitness trainer, workout instructor, or influencer in the industry and would love to share your knowledge with our readers? Send a brief bio and picture to: [email protected].
Photo by Tindall Stephens
