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Can you tell us a little more about your background in fitness and how you started Best Body Fitness?
I have been a lover of exercise for nearly a decade. While I grew up active by participating in competitive cheerleading and gymnastics, I stopped completely when I went to college. A required fitness credit for graduation was the only thing that got me back into normal activity.
At first, I hated it. Then, after the 5 months of class ended, I found myself missing the regular workouts. I ordered some fitness DVDs and began working out at home with my sister. From there, I started studying different workout methodologies and training techniques and ventured out to new styles of training.
Over time, I trained for two fitness competitions, became a certified personal trainer, and began training for distance races. I truly love fitness and want to share that passion with others. I started Best Body Fitness as a site to offer affordable online training services to help others get started with or maximize their goals, as well as provide information in a relatable way. I strive to show that a healthy and active lifestyle is doable for anyone…and fun too!
What kinds of services does Best Body Fitness offer?
Best Body Fitness offers 4, 8, or 12 week training plans. I create each plan 100% geared towards the clients goals, training preferences, current level of fitness, schedule, available equipment, etc. There is also an 8 week online boot camp program that runs periodically throughout the year. Look for the next round in late summer! Best Body Fitness also has numerous workout ideas and healthy living topics in my blog posts.
Best Body Fitness has a strong emphasis on the whole person, achieving a healthy body both inside and out. How do you go about helping people achieve that?
I believe whole-heartedly that our best body only comes when striving towards our best self as well – focusing on balance, emotional health, and self-respect. I hope that by openly sharing some of my previous (and current) struggles with such issues, I can encourage those facing them as well. I try to relate to my readers on a more personal level and am always an email away when someone feels the need to get something off his/her chest. I expect accountability and a best effort, but not perfection.
Can you give us some pointers on how to set and go about achieving fitness goals, especially for beginners?
I recommend starting small. Make realistic goals for a daily or weekly basis and focus on a few at a time. Trying to shoot for a complete overhaul of your lifestyle typically backfires. So, I suggest aiming to do 20 minutes of light cardio 3-5 times a week. Aim for a basic strength training plan with 1-2 sets of 1 exercise per body part (legs, chest, back, shoulders, core). You want to start more basic so you set yourself up for a higher likelihood of success…AND so you have room to increase the challenge for future continued progress.
What are your top three tips on how to stay motivated in a diet and fitness routine?
Find something you enjoy. If you don’t have a repertoire of healthy foods and workouts you like, then it will make it that much more difficult to stick with it consistently.
Focus on things you can control. Instead of having a goal to lose X pounds and getting discouraged if you don’t, pick goals such as eating out only 1 time per week or having X servings of produce per day or drinking X ounces of water. These goals will likely lead to a healthier, stronger body and you can know you’re making progress in the right direction.
Plan ahead. We all get thrown off course from time to time, but it happens less often when we plan ahead. Meal plan. Schedule workouts. Then, do all you can to stick with it. If something happens to where you can’t, forgive yourself and move on.
What’s on your workout play list? Any suggestions?
I personally love anything with a strong beat and catchy lyrics. I have a lot of Katy Perry, Black Eyed Peas, Pitbull, and Glee on my playlist. I also am a HUGE fan of Contemporary Christian songs since many have lyrics about pushing through, staying strong, and believing in yourself. How perfect for a workout? I even created a list of over 100 of my favorites.
To sign up for an individualized workout plan and training program created specifically for you by Tina Reale, visit Best Body Fitness, or pick up regular training tips, healthy recipes, inspiring thoughts, body image discussions, and more over at the Best Body Fitness blog!
