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Can you tell us more about yourself and your background in fitness? Why did you start Bess Be Fit and what is your favorite part about blogging?
Well I am 24 years old and have been an athlete my whole life, so fitness has always been a part of my life because of the need to be in shape for sports. I played a lot of sports growing up but eventually decided to just stick with soccer. I went to Wake Forest University and played Division I soccer in college and it was the hardest but best thing I’ve ever done. It tested me in so many ways both mentally and physically and I owe a large part of who I am today to playing soccer. After soccer ended, I found I still had a passion for exercise and living a healthy lifestyle. I decided to document my journey to “find an athletic purpose in life after soccer” by starting my blog. My favorite part about blogging has to be the community of people I have been introduced to that I never would have known before. I love interacting with other bloggers and blog readers through Facebook and Twitter and in the comments sections of blogs. I am an avid Tweeter…if you have an account follow me so we can chat! (@bessharrington)
What kinds of challenges have you faced after finishing your career as a collegiate athlete and how have your worked to overcome them?
I don’t think I’ve necessarily faced any challenges but after having my days so regimented with workouts for years and years, once I was on my own I had to realize how to make a workout schedule for myself and stay with it. Luckily, I always enjoyed going to the gym and working out, so it really wasn’t too much of a transition. I do miss feeling like a real “athlete” though. I guess I started running half marathons (and my first full marathon in October of this year!) to fill that void in my life.
How long have you been a personal trainer and what is your personal training philosophy?
I have been a certified personal trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine since October of 2010. I think my philosophy would have to be that exercise and healthy living is the key to a happy heart and soul. There are so many ways to workout and stay in shape these days…there really is something for everyone!
What is the Tone It Up Diet plan?
The Tone It Up Nutrition plan was created by the amazing trainers, Karena and Katrina, who are super motivational and have constructed a nutrition plan that is ideal for women. I follow this plan and really love it. Not only that, but the community of the “Tone It Up Team” is so inspirational. Anyone interested in learning more can visit www.toneitup.com or my blog under the “Tone It Up” page.
What are your top five must have foods and essential vitamins to maintain a healthy body?
My top five healthy food: oatmeal, grapefruit, kale, avocado, and any kind of lean protein like chicken or tilapia. In terms of vitamins, I usually just take a one-a-day multivitamin(the sour gummy kind…tastes like candy!) and then try to get the rest of my nutrients from food.
What are some of your favorite ways to work out?
I enjoy working out in a variety of different ways. I like to run, elliptical, take Body Pump classes, do hot yoga, walk my dog, or create at-home circuit workouts. I have all of my workouts under my exercise entries page on my blog that goes back since I started the blog (almost 2 years ago) so there are tons of ideas there! For example, a little at-home circuit workout could include doing pushups, crunches, squats, jumping jacks, and triceps dips, all for 30 seconds each, five times through. It’s easy to come up with and you can do it in front of your TV! Tone It Up also has a lot of free workouts on their YouTube channel.
What does “healthy” mean to you?
To me, healthy means happy and treating your body right with food and exercise and finding the right balance of how to occasionally indulge without overdoing it. I definitely don’t believe in deprivation and will enjoy a cookie or piece of pizza here or there. It really is all about balance and moderation. And that balance isn’t always the same for everyone! I think being healthy means finding your happy balance and treating your body right.
Where does your own motivation come from to stay fit and healthy?
I would say it comes from wanting to be happy in my own skin! Everyone struggles with self-confidence at some point or another and I think there is nothing that can build confidence like feeling strong. I get that strong feeling from running and strength training and fueling my body with proper foods. The desire to be healthy and live a long, happy life is a huge motivating factor for me.
What are your five top tips for women to start getting healthier today?
My five top tips would be:
- Don’t be afraid to sweat. Nothing feels more rewarding than completing an awesome workout!
- Set goals and achieve them. “Dreams are just goals without deadlines”
- Take a new exercise class. I even get nervous to take them sometimes, but once I do it…I love it! Getting over the initial feelings of anxiety is often the hardest part and it’s so worth it.
- Take rest days! I even struggle with this myself, but in order for our bodies to recuperate and come back just as strong, we have to give it ample time to rest! I will always take at least one rest day per week, but sometimes more if I feel my body needs it!
- Listen to your body. It will tell you what you need. If you need rest, you’ll feel it. If you need to get out and move, you will feel it. If you have eaten too many cookies and need to start eating more veggies, you will feel it! Trust your body and mind!
Keep up with all of Bess's latest workouts and get tips on healthy eating, race training, and more by visiting BessBeFit.com!
