Revitalizing fitness with AJ

Perfect morning for an outside workout. Nothing but resistant bands and a play ground.
Workouts don’t have to be complicated.

After a very long break from the page I am back. Time and dedication are the only way to achieve your goals. All the magic pills, skinny greens, and quick fixes don’t work!!
Think about all that money that you spend on those gimmicks. All that time spent googling.
Working out doesn’t have to be a fancy gym, or expensive equipment.
Most of my workouts during this pandemic have been at home with a few sets of dumbbells. I may not be where I was pre-pandemic but goals are always changing and evolving.
If you need help starting send me a DM.

Yesterday I spent 8 hours at a TRX suspension training session. It was a lot of information to absorb and an even tougher workout. But it was worth the long day because now I am TRX instructor qualified.
TRX is such a great workout for all levels.

Today’s workout included handstand push up practice. I struggle with any workouts that include anything inverted but trying to take one workout a week to practice my exercises that I struggle with.
I had two great coaches tonight that taught me two new ways to get into position and strengthen my base. Sometimes it’s hard to put aside your ego and accept that you need help, but in the end it’s totally worth it.
I will always be continuing to learn and grow in the fitness world to make me a more well rounded trainer.

The elmhurst Ymca is having a special on training sessions. Perfect opportunity to start your fitness journey.

Half way through down 8.5 pounds and 3.5 body fat.
3 weeks to go!

Here is my very personal very vulnerable story.
I struggled with my weight even though I was always active I LOVED food. I would eat when I was bored I would eat when I was frustrated, or happy. I was about 205 pounds when I decided I would lose weight, I started my health journey and was doing great I lost 20 pounds and was loving eating healthy while adding new activity into my life. Then my life got hard. Not just a bad day but bad months. I was pregnant. I was due to have a baby boy in May of 2016. I began to eat more and gave into everyone of my food cravings. Although nervous and unsure of the future I was excited. November 30th 2015 my water broke and I delivered my son. My son was stillborn. That’s when everything went downhill. I stopped working out, I stopped watching what I was eating, I just didn’t care. It took until 5 months for me to stop having a poor me attitude and take back my life. May 2016 my best friend got married and I stood next to her side. I didn’t realize how unhealthy I became until I didn’t even recognize myself in these pictures (grey dress). That was my true start back to health and happiness. For the past two years I’ve tried and failed and tried and succeeded, not only in my health goals but also in getting myself back. I am not proud that I dropped everything in my life when it got hard but I am proud that I am back doing the things I’ve always enjoyed. I love working out, being active and helping others. It took me two years and three months between these pictures to realize how much I have accomplished.
Life gets hard sometimes, it isn’t perfect but that’s when you pull yourself back up and continue the journey.
Fitness is something that brings me joy. It brings me a sense of accomplishment when I push myself past that imaginary breaking point.
If you are looking to take back your life and want to do that with fitness I can help.
(Grey dress I weighed 240 pounds May 2016
Blues dress/ shorts and tank I weigh 172 pounds August 18,2018)
Edit: thank you to my younger sister for making these comparisons and texting them to me today saying how proud she is ❤️❤️

Good morning!! It is half way through the week, how are you sticking to your goals? It can get hard to stick to your goals when you are tired from the hustle and bustle of every day life. I notice for me that I never meal prep enough food over the weekend to get through the whole week, I always end up meal prepping at least once more during the week, or running to the store because someone in my house decides to eat everything in sight. It can get frustrating but I remind myself that the extra two hours a week are worth it when it comes to my goals. You are worth the extra work, don't let yourself slip in a single moment of weakness.

Today's challenge: Do you have time to watch tv today? Then you have time for jumping jacks! Every time commercials are on the screen stand up and get jumping. Jumping jacks are a great way to get your heart rate up and break a sweat with no equipment. Bonus challenge: Plank for one minute in the beginning and one minute at the end of the show.