About 8 years ago I became an aerobics instructor for a couple gyms, Lady of America and LA Fitness. It was never a desire or thought of mine to become a fitness instructor. Originally I was just a member at Lady Of America. During this time instructors were moving on to other opportunities leaving us with a lack of instructors. There became a big need for instructors so they randomly asked me to become one based on my consistency as a member and I accepted. It was a new challenge I took on, while being a Mary Kay Sales Director, that I knew nothing about. The only knowledge and experience I had was from being a dedicated member who wouldn’t miss class for the life of me. At first I failed, lost class attendance and eventually lost the class entirely. Then I was offered a position at LA Fitness where I was taught and became one of the best instructors around. I ended up back at Lady of America. I worked both gyms, taught over 10 classes a week and had successful class turnouts.
In 2011 I decided to step down from my position as Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay, which was what allowed me to have the flexibility of part-time fitness teaching, and accepted a new job offer. Not too long after I decided to step down from fitness teaching as well to focus on raising a teenage son and grow in my new career. I kept up with my personal fitness with home programs, home exercises and also gained a passion for jogging. Home exercising worked for a while until I started slacking off by doing more Happy Hours and eating out instead of working out. I lost all my lean muscle and gained 20+ pounds.
In February of this year (2016) I began to explore the fitness field again. I started a random Thursday morning after suffering from a stressful job, frustration, anger, bitterness, weight gain and lack of sleep. I attended the top bootcamp gym in Miami, FL – Legacy Fit. Inspired by a high school friend who led most the boot camp classes at the time, I became one of the regulars of the 6AM class. I started by attending 4 days a week, then 5 and now I am at 6 days a week. Every now and then I wear myself down and my body demands rest so I take an extra day break but for the most part I’m trying to get my workout in as much as possible even when I don’t feel like it (like this morning.) Since I’ve been back at it I’ve made a commitment to myself and others to live a healthy lifestyle and share it.
Additional to fitness, I gained an interest in a healthy diet. I actually dislike the term “diet,” most people associate it with crazy or unreasonable diet plans that promise unrealistic turnarounds based on depriving yourself of things you enjoy. I believe that a healthy diet means 1) eating all meals and snacks of a given day, 2) consciously making an effort to have vegetables and fruits as part of your meals and snacks, and 3) cutting out or lessening the foods and/or meals that have no nutritional value.
I also believe in natural remedies to help build your immune system, fight the chances of diseases and create a strong healthy body. I began to explore Apple Cider Vinegar which was recommended by a close friend. She suggested and introduced me to BRAGG’s Apple Cider Vinegar. I normally buy the BRAGG’s brand unless it is not available at the grocery store, just one tablespoon per serving up to 3 times a day. Some of the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar based on studies I have read are as follows:
- Antioxidant
- Promotes Healthy Cholesterol
- Assists in Healthy Weight Loss & Management
- Lowers risk of Heart Disease
- Energy enhancement
- May kill many forms of bacteria
- Fights diabetes and lowers blood sugar
- Protects against Cancer
I first added this to my diet by drinking a tablespoon every morning before my workouts. Then I added it to my green tea. Eventually I made a concoction based on my studies of all the ingredients I use and my personal beneficial findings. I always suggest starting off small and light. Fit it into your drinks or meals how ever you see fit. Try not to have it late afternoons or evenings as the energy enhancement may trouble your sleeping pattern.
Below are two recipes I have used in the course of this past year to help me with my fitness goals:
1 Recipe: 1 Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 green tea bag, half of a lime and 1 tablespoon of honey in 8 to 10 ounces of boiled water. Drink warm.
2 Recipe: Boil water. Cut up an inch of ginger root and an inch of turmeric (also equivalent to a teaspoon of turmeric powder.) Mash it up in a strong mug or a mason jar. Add boiling water, about 8 to 10 ounces. Stir a few times while sitting for 5 minutes, then add 2 green tea bags and let it sit for another 5 minutes. In a separate mug squeeze half of a lemon and add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Drain the ginger root, turmeric and green tea bags through a strainer into the mug with lemon and vinegar. Drink warm.
Please be sure to research these products prior to digesting and make sure your body has no allergies or possible reactions to the ingredients.
Let me know how it works for you!!
With love <3
