We're excited to have you meet - or perhaps get to know even better - Sarah Ann, one of our Dynamic You Fitness Personal Trainers and Instructors. And we also want to tell you about Sarah Ann's 6 pm Thursday night class - Total Body High Intensity Interval Training!
We recently had the chance to chat with her about what motivates her, as well as how she motivates her clients, and you'll also see why (especially right now) she might be one of the very best people you could ever workout with.
What inspired you to become a Personal Trainer and Instructor?
Growing up, I never exercised and I had a bunch of dance-related injuries. I started doing Physical Therapy, as well as incorporating exercise, and learned to love it. Now I run triathlons and marathons, and I love working with people to help them achieve what they never thought was possible.
I love working with people - particularly brides-to-be, because they are so motivated - and seeing their progress. One of my clients who was interested in getting in shape for her wedding could barely do a push-up or run around a track when we first began training together. After months of hard work, not only could she rock out 30 push-ups like it was nothing, she lost ten pounds, became hooked on running, and looked absolutely beautiful in her wedding dress. More importantly, her new found joy in a healthy, fit lifestyle inspired her friends and family to start exercising.
How do you keep your clients motivated?
I love showing my clients their results, especially off the scale. It's my primary reason for re-visiting some workouts after a couple of months. Whether it's allowing them to see how many more push-ups they can do, realizing how much stronger they have become or seeing the improvement in their endurance - it motivates me in return.
And I know working out, especially when you are first beginning, is hard. My advice is to start slow; watch your fellow students and remember we all started somewhere. In most class settings, everyone is thinking of their own workout; they aren't paying attention to anyone else. So don't be embarrassed or nervous if you can't keep up at first. Go at your own pace, do what you can, stick with it.
What's your favorite way to stay in shape?
Taking classes and signing up for races - that finish line can't cross itself! I love trying new classes so I never become bored, and learning new ways to challenge my body. Racing keeps me on track, so I tend not to slack on my runs, swims or rides.
What's in your grocery cart each week?
Kale, almonds, quinoa, giant bags of frozen vegetables and fruits, greek yogurt, veggie burgers, and sometimes frozen yogurt. Oh and wine. Definitely wine. :)
Favorite splurge?
Wine. And great television.
So tell us about your newly re-designed Thursday night class at Dynamic You Fitness
My goal each week is to create a total body workout to challenge and accommodate all of the clients. I want to make sure they are all being pushed to their limits without sacrificing form or bothering an injury. However, each time I design the workout I am creating something that will be fun. I want our clients to find the joy in the work, because ultimately it will set them up for a lifetime of health and fitness.
What's one piece of advice you have for clients?
I have two. The first is with regards to your diet. When you are making an effort to lose weight, never let yourself get hungry. Keep a cooler in the car or at work with healthy snacks (like vegetables, fruits, non-processed foods like almonds, etc) and drink tons of water. Make most of what you eat at home, and always make more than you think you'll need. You'll be hungry after a hard workout! Changing the 'diet' mentality from what you can't have to what you CAN have has really been helpful for me.
The second is about motivation. Write down your goals for the week, not the year. Maybe it's 'take three classes and run three miles on the weekend,' or 'lose one pound,' or 'drink one glass of water - before and after each meal.' Regardless, make your goals small enough to accomplish in one week. That way you're sure to achieve them. If you can stay on track for a week, you can work toward staying on track for a month, and eventually years.
So - besides being a knowledgeable and motivating trainer and instructor - we've got one other reason you'd be smart to take Sarah Ann's class these next several months. She herself is a bride-to-be!
I'm getting married in September, so there's NO SLACKING OFF! I have set personal goals for myself - so I'll likely be joining you for some classes!
Sarah Ann's Total Body High Intensity Interval Training class starts tonight at 6:00 pm. Be sure to grab your spot!
