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Age: 41 Architecture and Engineering Professional Services
Use five words to describe yourself:
Strong, motivated, fun, compassionate, and consistent
What motivates you to exercise?
My job is stressful at times so I exercise to burn off some
steam. I also enjoy challenging myself to become leaner and stronger. Finally,
I want to set a good lifestyle example for my son and maintain the ability to
keep up with that little ball of energy.
You have a child and no doubt a busy schedule, how do you
make time for exercise?
With the support of my husband, I started exercising
regularly once my son turned one. I would go to class twice per week after
putting him to bed. My husband enjoys fitness as well, so we tag-team in order
to get all of our workouts in while still being present for our (now) six year
old boy.
How would you describe your nutrition? Omnivore, veggie,
vegan, raw, locavore…
Omnivore and locavore, when I can. I try to stay out of the
middle aisles of the grocery store and focus on fresh produce, fish and lean
meats. I limit grains and sugar in my diet because I’ve found that they cause
me to gain weight quickly and deflate my energy.
How do you feel your nutrition affects your daily energy?
It absolutely affects my daily energy. The results of eating
poorly carry over into the next day. I feel heavy and sluggish and crave even
more bad foods. If I eat clean and drink a lot of water, I feel energized,
empowered and motivated. My mood is also more positive!
How important is it to you that your children eat healthful
foods?
It is extremely important that my son eats healthful foods
and we ask him to try a lot of new things often. But it is easier said than
done. He is very picky! We cook a lot at home and try to make colorful meals and
also do not drink soda, frequent fast food restaurants or eat a lot of sweets
to set a good example. My son actually dislikes French fries!
Give us one tip for busy parents and how to take time for
exercise.
Make exercise part of your daily routine. Even if you are
doing lunges in the kitchen between flipping pancakes in the morning, you are
making yourself stronger using only your body weight. Personally, I am more
motivated in a class environment but I start every day with push-ups before
hitting the shower. After beginning an exercise routine, your body will be sore
at first - even for a few days and you will feel like quitting - but once you
commit to exercise as an important part of your life, there’s no looking back!
