The fitness revolution is on, and I am excited to share with you my 28 years of health-and-fitness education and experience. 
Fortunately, for me, I was raised in a healthy environment where my parents instilled in me the importance of physical fitness and a balanced diet. When I showed interest in dancing at the age of four, they encouraged (and funded for the next 18 years) my desire to do so. When I wanted to start strength training at the age of 15, they placed me under the tutelage of former Mr. Korea, Won Huh, for proper instruction. When I wanted to join the dance team in high school, they strongly encouraged it and did the same when I made the dance team at the University of Florida. My parents have also supported my fitness endeavors as an adult when I became a dancer for the NBA's Atlanta Hawks; when I decided to become a fitness competitor; and when I returned to school to pursue my Master of Science (M.S.) with a specialization in Nutrition. Of course my parents did frown on some things I wanted to do in my life (as most parents do), but they NEVER frowned on health and fitness. When you realize how fun and exciting fitness can be, then hopefully you won't either.
When I completed my M.S., I considered the achievement merely a beginning--the beginning of a quest to assist others in their pursuit of better health and fitness. I hope you will allow me to assist you in your pursuit. It's never too early to start being healthy, and it's never too late to start getting healthy.
As a fitness instructor, I use positive reinforcement to make fitness a funactivity rather than a tedious chore. I believe it is crucial to develop fitness regimens that are individualized for each clients' personal activity and health needs, rather than to use the cookie cutter approach.
I am as passionate about the health and fitness of others, as I am about my own. And, as I do with my own fitness program, I will work to create an enjoyable, intense, and effective program for you.
The fitness revolution is on...don't get left out!
As I stood in line at CVS tonight, I browsed the headlines on some popular entertainment/lifestyle magazines covers. I know I shouldn’t have been, but I was shocked at the amount of headlines claiming that they had workout and diet tips for readers to get “Abs like Rihanna,” “Legs like JLo,” “Kim’s new, slimmer, still curvy body,” etc. It shocked me for a couple of reasons: 1) As women we are constantly battling with self esteem issues, thinking we’re too fat, too skinny, our hair isn’t good enough, we have a wrinkle, yada yada, yet, we are the ones who keep these magazines in print, and 2) these are the same magazines that routinely publish the ‘fat edition’ where they zoom in on these same celebrities’ body parts to show their cellulite, wrinkles, and blemishes.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate being able to read the celebrity training regimens and nutrition plans, but I am also realistic when reading these articles (waiting in line, because I don’t buy them) and I want you to be as well. Keep the following things in mind when perusing these stories:
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Your first time at a gym can be a scary experience. Especially if you have never set foot in one before. Since it’s that time of year when gym memberships are flying off the shelves, I thought I would take the fear out of your first trip by giving you a few helpful tips to make it run a little more smoothly.
Tip #1: What to bring.
Everybody’s different, but I bring the following items to the gym:
- Lock-Most gyms don’t allow you to carry a bag around with you so you’ll want to bring a lock for the lockers if your gym provides them. If your gym doesn’t provide lockers, just bring in the following items.
- Towel-No one wants to sit in your sweat and I’m sure you don’t want to sit in someone else’s sweat so bring a towel with you to dab your forehead or lay down on any machines you may use.
- WATER BOTTLE-An essential item for any physical activity. If you need a reason, read my thesis (don’t worry, there’s a summary) http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/nutrition_theses/8/
ipod/WALKMAN (if they still make them)/etc-I, personally, don’t like using one, but I know many people like listening to their own music during a workout. Make sure your music listening device is one that doesn’t hinder your workout. Many people use arm bands or waist bands to put their devices in, and I know a lot of workout clothing has built in electronic pockets now.
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