Brittany Loan - June 2017 Client of the Month

I started working with Brittany back in August of 2016.  Prior to that, I’d known her for several years, as the mother of one of my daughter’s best friends and as a neighbor. When we started working together…not gonna lie…her legs moved a wee bit like a newborn deer’s when she did basic lunges, squats or jumps.

Luckily for me, Brittany is a trainer’s dream, she has the epitome of a growth mindset and loves being challenged.  She has come such a long way and I always look forward to coming up with new challenges for her.  She asks questions, listens and follows through.  She understands the importance of a balanced life even though she is a very busy and successful realtor, wife and mom.  As a bonus for me…she’s and little OCD AND super handy with a hammer.  My studio gym has reaped all kinds of benefits from that…YAY ME!! 

Brittany Loan - June 2017 Client of the Month

My fitness journey really ramped up back in 2013 when my husband Mike and I ran our first MudRun/Obstacle Course - and got hooked!  I had always been active and athletic, but NEVER ran or jogged AT ALL!  EVER!  We liked the obstacles and the running was just what we had to do as part of the package.  But little by little I noticed I was enjoying running trails to clear my head and started taking more strength training classes to train for our next race.  After a few years, we were both in the best shape we had ever been in - in our 40's!  Then in 2014, while skiing, I tore my ACL, MCL and medial meniscus.  My injury was pretty bad and I had to do physical therapy for 6 weeks JUST so I could have the surgery to repair and then had months of physical therapy after surgery.  I lost so much muscle!  It was super obvious in my quad but what I didn't really realize until I started training with Alex was the loss in strength and stability in all the supporting musculature around my ankle and knee.  I was extremely frustrated with my lack of strength, range of motion and balance & coordination even after all of the physical therapy I had done.  I struggled with a ton of activities that used to be so easy and I desperately wanted my active lifestyle back!  My goals were to be ready for an obstacle course/mud run and a ski trip that were both on the calendar.  Alex asked questions and paid attention to what areas I really struggled with during each workout and didn't just run me through "the motions."  I LOVE that she focused on exercises like the single leg balance exercises on the bosu that really worked on the areas I needed the most.  My favorite exercises I do with her in the studio are TRX handstands, box jumps and I can't believe I will admit this but TRX wall jumps…things that require some agility.

After working with Alex for several months, I asked her to help me with my nutrition at the beginning of 2017.  I had done Jenny Craig in the past but that was just eating pre-packaged foods and I never really understood how to pick and choose the right foods that would make a difference in my health and waistline.

Her coaching helped me truly understand what NOT to put in my body! The first time I went grocery shopping after our nutritional consult and I actually read every label before putting anything my cart, was a huge step in the right direction.  With my hectic schedule, taking the time to learn what food to buy and what to stop putting in my body was a challenge that I didn't always have the patience for.  I could definitely feel the difference though when I ate well and when I didn't.  Making adjustments a little bit at a time (like swapping out my high sugar yogurt for a better option), took and still takes extra time, but for me, just the heightened awareness has been a game changer.  Asking myself at every meal, ”What's my lean protein, what's my vegetable and where is my healthy fat coming from“ and knowing that I can keep learning and improving my nutrition is now just part of my routine.  My biggest realization was DO NOT believe food marketing!  Do your homework and understand what is in your food.  I love that I really and truly finally heard you that "your tummy is made in the kitchen, not in the gym."   I don’t attach success to a number on the scale (which Alex pointed out is a line on her wall in the studio!) so I don’t know actual weight lost or gained.  All I know is my muffin top is gone, I showed off my new quad definition the other day and I love my pretty shoulders that have emerged.  I went skiing for the first time since my accident this last February and I placed 7th out of 45 in my age group in the obstacle course mud run I ran in April (and conquered that last wall all by myself...see pic!)!!  My next goal is to have a tummy I am really proud of and continue to improve my overall agility…I have lots more active events on my calendar!

My advice for others who may be coming back from an injury or considering a new nutrition path is to be kind to yourself - kind of how Alex is always reminding me to be kind to my body.  Most of us are pretty critical of ourselves.  For me specifically, I know I can be incredibly impatient with progress.  Embrace the fact that fitness is a process and set goals that empower YOU. 

If asked whether I would recommend Alex to others for training I would say H-E- double hockey stick YES!!!  She is superbly talented and has a unique gift for pushing people outside of their comfort zone while building their confidence and self-esteem in a super supportive and encouraging way.

Top Left: Left leg after surgery.  Bottom right: the "conquered wall"

Elizabeth O'Connor - May 2017 Client of the Month

I currently have more than 20 personal training clients in addition to those that participate in my weekly advanced group and kids’ classes.  As such, I have the wonderful privilege of knowing a good bit of each of these clients’ personal journeys.  Obviously, I love training people and helping them see how strong and capable they are physically, but I also love that I get to hear these stories. I haven’t heard a story yet that hasn’t really impressed or inspired me in a big way.  I am delighted when I get to share them because I think they need to be heard and maybe (hopefully!), they will inspire you as much as they do me.

I chose Elizabeth’s journey this month because everyone I know has been directly affected in one way or another by cancer.   My own personal experience with cancer started with my father passing when he was just 54 years old.  Thankfully, cancer research and treatment has come a very long way since then, and people like Elizabeth, are showing that even though it is an unimaginable battle for those of us who haven’t been through it, we can all summon strength we never knew we had.  I am beyond excited to share this woman’s amazing journey and I know you’ll understand why after you read about it (and watch the videos!).

When Elizabeth, a wife and mother of two, came in to meet me and told me she was a pancreatic cancer survivor, I admit I was shocked.  Like most of you probably, I had only heard that this type of cancer was the most aggressive and least treatable.  I took her through a brief assessment and light workout and she surprised me yet again with her physical strength given everything her body has been through. 

Elizabeth shows up consistently two days a week after teaching Pre-K and those are two of my most enjoyable hours of the week.  Her fitness goals are not complicated.  We aren’t training for a race, competition, to PR in anything specifically, or to gain or lose large amounts of weight.  She simply wants to increase definition (especially in her “stomach, butt and arms!” she says) and strengthen and improve balance in her right foot and leg. She shared with me that she particularly likes the outdoor workouts we do when weather permits, using the TRX, and the balance work we do. She is always game for a challenge and we mix it up quite a bit!  Elizabeth occasionally brings her daughter Abigail to her sessions and then it’s quite fun to watch them perform partner exercises and push each other. 

Below is a brief description she wrote for me about her incredible journey and below that are links to 3 videos that were produced about her story.  Absolutely worth the brief time to watch! Maybe grab a tissue first!!!!

If you would like to do something to help find a cure, Elizabeth’s cancer research charity of choice is the TGen Foundation www.tgen.org. 

I will be having a complimentary Saturday morning bootcamp one day this summer where participants can opt to provide a donation which will go to this foundation in lieu of a class fee.  Stay tuned for more details!

Elizabeth O’Connor - May 2017 Client of the Month

My cancer journey has been a life-changing experience.  I was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in November 2010 at the age of 31 after the birth of my son.  I felt as though I likely had less than a year of life remaining before I left this earth.  I just started fighting though by preparing myself mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and started a chemotherapy regimen.  I have had many pivotal moments and people in my life throughout this process and the first moment was my first scan after several months of chemotherapy where the scan showed improvement.  I continued with my doctors changing my chemotherapy regimen and my scans improved each time.  Eventually my doctors started talking radiation and surgery, something I was initially told would never happen. 

Since 2010 I had pancreas surgery in 2012 where they removed the primary tumor, removed my spleen, re-routed major arteries, and removed some of my stomach lining.  In 2014, I had recurrence of pancreatic cancer in my left lung, which resulted in surgery to remove part of that lung.  Then in November another surgery to remove pancreatic cancer that appeared in my brain.  That also caused nerve damage to my right foot.  I had to re-learn how to use my foot through many hours of physical therapy. Since all of that, I have been able to take an oral chemotherapy drug and things have been calm for now and I actually feel like I am in better healthy now than I have ever been before. 

The most pivotal people in my life start with God…he has given me life!  From there the list includes the following:

·        Dr. Daniel Dubovsky, my Atlanta oncologist.  He has always been incredibly encouraging and helped me to want to fight and not give up

·        My family and friends…I cannot even comprehend everything my family and friends have done for us and I am forever grateful.  It has been everything from helping to complete Andrew’s nursery before he came home from the hospital, a shoulder to cry on, prepared meals, helping with childcare, living with me, pep talks, prayers, you name it!  It has been done for us.  They are all angels.

·        Dr. Daniel Von Hoff is one of my oncologists in Arizona.  He is an absolute genius and has devoted so much time and research to pancreatic cancer.  Not to mention he is extremely caring and helps me to be a fighter

·        Dr. Erkut Boranzki, my other oncologist in Arizona.  He is a wonderful doctor who devotes his time and research to pancreatic cancer

·        Dr. Douglas Evans who performed my pancreas surgery

·        All my doctors at Duke University

The biggest thing I learned about myself throughout this journey is how strong I am to be able to fight such a horrible disease.  I have also learned to live one day at a time!  After all, that is all that we are promised!  I strive to be nice to everyone and not argue about things that in the long run don’t really matter.  I realized that material things don’t matter…God, family and friends matter.

If I could impart any wisdom to others it would be to never give up hope, don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy everything!  Fighting cancer is as much mental as it is physical.  If you let a doctor or you tell yourself, you can’t beat your cancer, it can be very disheartening. When I was first diagnosed, I had a doctor that did not give me much hope.  When I went for my first visit with my oncologist, Dr. Daniel Dubovsky, I was really scared he was going to walk in and tell me that I have a few good months left on this earth.  Instead this incredible doctor gave me hope, told me we were going to fight this disease, and told me that no one holds a crystal ball to my life.  What a great gift!  It is true, only God knows how many days we have on this earth and don’t let a doctor convince you that you cannot fight and beat cancer!

Cancer research is promising and awareness is vital!  I do believe that there will be a test developed for the early detection on pancreatic cancer. 

I hope people will help the cause by educating themselves about new research and treatments and consider donating to TGen and Dr. Daniel Van Hoff.  Ultimately, I hope a cure for cancer is found during my lifetime! 

March 2017 Client of the Month - Jordan Miller

Jordan and her mom first met me at my studio in late January with a few goals in mind.  Jordan wanted to drop weight before prom season and Jordan's mom wanted her to learn both better nutrition and exercise skills that would not only benefit her now, but also when she is off on her own at college in a couple of years. 

Jordan admitted that she wasn't a huge fan of exercise and really stuck to the typical diet most of our kids eat daily (aka nuggets and fries).  We decided that given Jordan's busy schedule, the best scenario was to begin with two one-on-one personal training session per week.  In addition, we scheduled a custom nutrition coaching consultation where we discussed the foods Jordan was eating, what was missing in her diet, the best way to time her macronutrients (proteins, carbs, and fats), the difference between smart carbs and unhealthy carbs, and important healthy fats versus fats to avoid.  We also discussed how to measure portion sizes using her own hand instead of overcomplicating things with trying to measure calories for each meal.  I also gave Jordan a 10-20 min workout to do at home each morning to start her day (I heard her dad joined in on these!) and she set a goal to try a new vegetable each week...riced cauliflower was a hit!  Sweet potatoes not so much!   

We had an honest discussion about the fact that her success was dependent on her commitment and that we were all in this together.  Jordan indeed committed to the process and it worked!  Nothing is better than hearing your client has to go clothes shopping because nothing fits anymore!  She dropped two dress sizes in two months.   Her strength and coordination has greatly improved and she is a joy to train each week!  I even heard she went willingly to the gym to show her sister a few things she learned ;).  I could not be more proud of this young woman and am thrilled to name her March 2017 Client of the Month.  Congrats Jordan!

February 2017 Clients of the Month - Judith & Charlie

Charlie is a three year old spunky girl who loves to dance and loves her mommy!  She is a joy to have in my studio each week.  Judith is a trail runner who has completed several races including multiple ultramarathon trail runs (50K) with more planned in the near future.  Read on to learn why she loves trail running, how she juggles it all and why she feels the cross-training we do together has been an important addition to her training program.

Charlie 3 years old

Why do you go “workout” with Ms. Alex?

I go to Ms. Alex to get strong (showing her big muscles)

Favorite exercise?

Swinging on the “2RX” (TRX)

Why does mommy go to Ms. Alex?

Mommy goes because she is supposed to work out and get strong

What would you tell your friends about working out at Ms. Alex’s studio?

I would like to tell them that I like the TRX and they should come there too!

Judith

Trail running is my absolute favorite activity that I do for myself and my sanity.  I have four kids ranging in age from three to thirteen years and several animals…life is very busy!  I didn’t start running until after college, but have run consistently ever since.  I ran through my sixth month of pregnancy with my son Colton and ran my first half marathon during my first trimester with my oldest daughter Caroline. 

I got into ultra-trail running because of a friend.  We already had a group of ladies who would get together bright and early to run and she suggested we try an 18-mile trail run, then we advanced to a 33-mile run.  It was great fun and a huge challenge!  One of the best parts about the whole thing is the incredible group of ladies that I run and work out with.  What started out as just some ladies to run with, has evolved into a group of women who understand, love, help and support each other through all of life’s ups and downs including some incredible challenges…on and off the trail.   It’s also great knowing we have Alex waiting for us “runner girls” at 5 am a couple of days a week to help us get ready for whatever race we’ve gotten ourselves into next! It makes a huge difference to have a caring group of fellow moms who hold each other accountable.  Our races have turned into wonderful girls’ weekends and fun but extremely challenging training cycles as well. 

I started training with Alex about a year and a half ago, because while I was already running, racing, going to the gym and lifting weights, I wasn’t seeing the changes or progress that I wanted.  I was also just getting bored.  What began as me working out with Alex on my own quickly became small group personal training sessions with my runner girls.  I have since added an additional third day of heavy strength training to increase my leg strength.  The stronger my legs have become the better my running has become (except those bad runs that you just have).  The best part about getting stronger legs is making it up those hills that used to be so much harder! The other benefit has been the changes I can see in my body.   I went to yoga the other day and had to do a double take because of the new definition in my legs!

People ask me how I balance it all and where I get the motivation and energy to keep training and racing.  In all honesty, it is definitely hard to find a balance.  As a matter of fact, I must remind my family several times when it is training season.  There are always complaints about how tired I am.  Cash, my nine-year old, loves to hear about the races and how long or hard they were.  I think it’s important for our kids to understand that parents need to do things that are just for themselves.  My kids have known that exercise makes mom a happier, better person ever since they were very young.  I believe this has also had an impact on their love of the outdoors and exercise.  Both of my boys like their “Alex workouts” (they attend her boys and co-ed classes) and Charlie asks all week “When are we going to Ms. Alex?”. 

As far as the motivation to train and run…it must come from within.  If you analyze the training, the effort, and the time away from family it is absolutely difficult to keep it up!  For me, the trails are a place to push my limits, take time for myself, spend time with my special circle of women, and spend time in prayer.  I would encourage everyone to give trail running and racing a try, it is great for people of all levels of fitness.  Just remember it is different, so have lots of patience with yourself as you start and remember to relax.  It’s a much more laid back sport than most people think!

In addition, I think that no matter where someone is in terms of fitness they would benefit from working out with Alex.  One of the things I love about her is her level of knowledge.  She is constantly learning for herself and her clients.  She has genuine concern and interest in my training and the running that I love.  She asks questions to find out how my running program is going so she can tailor my cross training accordingly.   She is continuously checking in to make sure we are getting adequate fuel and recovery during our training cycles as well. 

Alex and I also met for nutrition counseling early on when my energy levels were running low.  Our discussions and the program she shared were extremely helpful and eye opening.  It’s nice to have ongoing suggestions and someone saying, “eat more of this and less of that” depending on where I am with strength training or preparing for a race.   

Looking ahead, I am looking forward to the Grayson Highlands 50K race in May with my “runner girls”, the Broken Arrow Sky Race in Lake Tahoe in June with my husband (who also trains with Alex), and the San Francisco Marathon in July again with my “runner girls”.  Besides my goal of trying to beat my time at Grayson Highlands (this is my second time at it), my most important goal is to finish all three races strong and healthy.  I know Alex will be there to help me and remind me when to push and when to rest! 

P.S.  I think a 50 MILER is the next goal…shhh…I haven’t told my “runner girls” yet! 

January 2017 Client of the Month Jenna Orick

My Journey

by Jenna Orick

Fat…no other way to describe it.  The terms overweight and obese weren’t really used back in the 70’s when this journey began.  I was always the fat kid, or so it seemed in my childhood brain.  I was always heavier than everyone else…so that equaled fat.  I have to say though, growing up in a small town, I never really experienced the bullying…well except from another girl who was as overweight as I was.  All through my school age years I battled weight issues, yet I always seemed to have great friends who didn’t really care.  Looking back, God blessed me with special people in my life so that I didn’t have to experience the bullying that is prevalent in todays world.  In some ways, I think I was sheltered by my parents and my friends because I never felt as though I was limited.  If I am honest though, I limited myself.  I allowed my weight to hinder me from doing so many things that my friends were doing.  I never had the confidence to try anything…not softball, not dance, not cheerleading, purely because I felt self conscious and limited by my weight.  Why would I put myself out there to be judged on how I looked?  I let it control me.

While I had great friends, there are defining moments from my childhood.  A middle school friend called me Pillsbury dough girl; it is etched forever in my mind.  During my teenage years, I went on a weight loss plan and had lost a significant amount of weight.  I felt great and thought I looked good, my self confidence sky rocketed.  Later I learned that an Aunt of mine said, “She will gain it all back,” talk about a confidence killer.  To bad she was right…

I met Geoff my senior year of high school, during my “thin” stage.  I never actually pictured myself as “skinny.”  We dated all through college where I gained the typical Freshman 15, but for me it was more like the Freshman 150.  You read that right, add a zero to the end.  Oh the emotions that come with putting that down on paper.

Geoff was my rock through it all…his love never wavered and he always thought I was beautiful.  After we got married and bought a house, the time came to purchase life insurance.  Well, that is when my world was rocked.  I received a Letter of Denial due to Obesity.  Nothing like a slap in the face…but I think that was God’s plan.  He knew that it would take something so huge to make me see the reality of where my life was headed, my AH-HA! moment.  It was that day that I took my official weight, 278 lbs, and made it my motivator.  I went on my very first walk of two miles that day.  A new journey had begun and there was no stopping me.  I remember thinking, will I really have to still be exercising in 20+ years?  That's a long time!  LOL

The process was slow…daily exercise and change in eating habits over time became my new normal.  It took close to 7 years and two pregnancies to lose the 130 lbs, so obviously it wasn’t fast.  I continuously told myself that it wouldn’t happen overnight and to remain focused.  Jazzercise and walking were my life savers, along with the friendships I forged along the way.

Over time walking progressed to running.  Who would have thought the girl who couldn’t make it around the school track one time would EVER choose to run?  It was hard, painful and exhilarating at the same time.  I found that the more challenging something was, the more I loved doing it.  I actually had a competitive streak…never knew that before! 

I love getting outside, I love to move, I love the feeling of exercise.  Thing is, it doesn’t seem like exercise when you love what your doing!  Who knew?  I have discovered that while being outside and moving, the endorphins kick in and I can’t say no to a challenge.  A girlfriend asked me to run a half marathon with her; what?  seriously?…sure, why not?!  Little did I know that saying yes to that one question would set the stage for what the future held.  Several 10k’s and half marathons followed. Then there was a new challenge…lets run a marathon!  So, Geoff and I trained together and ran our first marathon, the Disney Marathon.  How was I going to run 26.2 miles?  Upon crossing the finishing line the tears flowed…the one time fat girl ran a marathon!  Talk about life changing.

As my running evolved, I met some very special people along the way.  We formed a running group and met at 4:30am to get our run on.  What crazies do that?  One person threw out another challenge…lets do a 50k!  Really?  Lets run 30+ miles at one time, on a trail?  Have you lost your mind?  Well, I guess we did, because we’ve done several at this point.  Each one seems to get more difficult and more challenging to the core.  It tests not just the physical endurance, but the mental endurance as well. 

In order to take on the rigors of all the running, I added strength training.  It is amazing how much better you feel when you feel strong!  Alex Wilson of Alex Wilson Fitness has been a blessing.  Her specialized training and food coaching has prepared me for all the rock climbing, trail running and falling that I could ask for!  The core strength, leg strength, and upper body strength that she builds in conjunction with food coaching is what allows me to do what I love to do and to feel the way I love to feel…STRONG!  She has helped me understand that food is not to be feared and that I must eat to train.  Our bodies were designed to take in fuel. 

I traded a food addiction for an exercise addiction; but one has to be better than the other.  I struggle everyday with the negative chatter going on in my head; I don’t think it ever goes away.  I remind myself it isn’t about a number on the scale anymore, in fact I have not weighed myself in over a year.  It is about feeling STRONG and BEAUTIFUL in your own skin.  It is about appreciating how God designed you and taking care of it.

Seek out what makes you happy and amazing things will happen. For me, it is being an athlete at 42 years old.

December 2016 Client of the Month - Andie Spain

So excited to show off our first featured FITgirl as client of the month!

But first a little backstory…

Paige Brigman of One Love Photography http://onelovephotography.zenfolio.com/ contacted me about collaborating on a small effort to show how girls today can be fit and strong and beautiful all at the same time.  We organized a fun busy day with a few of my FITgirls and enlisted the help of super talented Jennifer Kelly of Salon Gloss.  I couldn’t be more proud of the results or more grateful to Paige and Jennifer for their time and talent.

These FITgirls inspire ME with their strength, positive attitudes and encouragement of each other and make me belly laugh on most days.

I am looking forward to sharing the beauty and strength of these girls, as well as their favorite quotes, this month, and throughout 2017.  I hope they impress and inspire you too!

Client of the month for December

FITgirl Andie Spain

12 year-old competitive diver

Andie is extremely coordinated and loves working on the details of form and technique.  She is also super competitive like her mama!  I can tell Andie how many reps of an exercise her mom did and she’ll do whatever it takes to beat it.  Much to her mom’s chagrin ;-)

Andie’s friends describe her as courageous and funny.  She is the girl that both encourages others and gives a good ribbing when you least expect it.  She is always thinking about others and finding ways to help and contribute.  She is a true joy to train and to know.