December 2016 Member Of The Month
01/09/2017 @ 2:33 PM
December 2016's Member of the Month is Erica. She was chosen for her daily dedication to fitness. She is so consistent in her workouts and caught our attention with the dedication to her personal routine and self-motivation. When asked if she would be our member of the month, we learned so much more about her story and what brought upon the change in her life. We really appreciate that she shared her story with us (see below). It is so motivational and just goes to show, you really never know what someone may be going through or have gone through in their life. She is an inspiration to everyone and a true example that there are always two paths you can take when the worst happens, and she chose the one more positive. Great job, Erica. Thank you so much for sharing, and keep up the great work!
"In December 2011, I lost my eldest daughter, Grace, to SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death from Epilepsy). She was almost 8 years old and an amazing little girl. Our family was devastated and the grief was unbearable. It was clear that I needed to make a choice on how I wanted to fight through the depression, either continue the path of emotional eating or get out of the house and try to move forward in a positive direction. In February 2012, our family joined Anderson Family Fitness. It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, and it made me realize that I had truly neglected my health since becoming a mother to three children. As a mom and wife, I had fallen into the same routine as many women and put myself at the bottom of the list. I knew a healthier me would benefit us all.
In the first year, I lost 30lbs (172lbs to 142lbs), by working out 5 days a week and eating a Paleo diet. I was able to maintain my weight loss for two years, however, in June 2014 the scale started to creep back up even though my nutrition and workouts remained the same. After a year and a 14lb weight gain, I finally went to the doctor and was diagnosed pre-diabetic. The doctor handed me medication and told me to come back in 6 months. I walked out of the office angry and feeling defeated. It was at that moment I decided I was going to fight the diabetes diagnosis without medication.
I removed all high carbohydrate foods from my Paleo diet and slowly my weight began to plateau. After a full year on my modified diet blood tests showed a slight improvement, but I was not completely out of the pre-diabetic range. It was evident that I needed to make additional changes in nutrition, so I started to research other nutritional options that might be more successful for diabetics and found the Ketogenic Diet. In May 2016, I modified my Paleo plan to align with the Ketogenic diet. Within 4 months my blood test results showed improvement into the normal range and I had dropped 10lbs (146lbs). Ketogenic way of life isn't for everyone, but for those fighting diabetes, it's definitely worth considering.
It's been nearly 5 years since I joined AFF and I continue to enjoy making the gym part of my daily routine. I'll be turning 46 in a few months and honestly can say I'm healthier and stronger than I was 10 years ago. I've found working out to be a great way to clear my head and to relieve the stress of day to day life along with stress of losing my daughter."
- Erica
Member Of The Month
11/29/2016 @ 8:44 PM
When choosing a member of the month, we consider so many different things. This month AFF's Member of the Month is Jen Grunder. Jen is one hard-working, amazing, inspirational woman. Her dedication to her fitness is second to none.
I remember meeting Jen almost a year ago when subbing in a kettle bell class. When instructing the class to perform a plank, Jen asked me for a modification as she has two rods in her back. I remember being taken aback and amazed that she would attempt a class that most people wouldn't try purely based on the fact that it seemed intimidating, let alone her medical condition. Honestly, I was impressed, but I am sad to admit that I didn't know that she would stay with it. I was so wrong! I learned that Jen was taking back-to-back Boot Camp and Kettle Bells in the same day while attending other classes the other days of the week and working nights. Jen has stuck with this routine for almost a year now, which is so amazingly impressive. That dedication has led her to succeed in losing 58 pounds, not to mention the muscle she has put on. And she did it all natural and healthy by cleaning up her diet and exercising. In a world of quick fixes, that is truly astounding!
Not only has Jen lost weight, but her strength is incredible. She no longer does a modified plank. In fact, she holds perfect form for as long as the best of them. She increases her weight, but always focuses on form. She is an incredible student, and she is a leader in class and helps others. She is one of those REAL people. You know what I mean? Well, you will see in her refreshingly honest words.
We are so sincerely lucky to have Jen as part of the AFF family. She is a joy and an inspiration to me and so many others at the gym.
Great job, Jen! Keep up the great work!
"How did I get to my before? I have Double Scoliosis and had surgery when I was 14. When I was 28, I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, which causes you to gain weight So between those times my dad went to Iraq for two years and asked me to move in to take care of my sister. I was 25 and she was 15. I was too young to take care of a teen. I was working and going to school. Then after he came home I moved closer to work and a few months later my grandma was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. So I was taking care of her, working and going to school. Life and stuff just happens and I really didn't worry about me. Stress and stuff piles on. So I realized one day I couldn't constantly be in a crappy mood, unhappy and really unhealthy! I had to change everything, a lifestyle overhaul I guess. So I started coming to the gym and finding my way around. I got motivated for myself and I stayed motivated by the people I was working out with. It does really help when I get to work out every day with some awesome, positive, super cool people. The feeling I get after a good workout keeps me positive and makes me feel so good."
- Jen Grunder
Fighting The Holiday Blues
11/15/2016 @ 11:15 AM
The holidays are upon us! It's a wonderful time to mingle with friends and family and spend quality time with the ones we love. But let's face it; we all know that the stress of cleaning the house, shopping in the crowds and trying to find time for everything can get us a little down at times. While navigating through this busy time of year, don't forget to take care of yourself. Sure, finding the time may seem like a chore, but make it a priority! Staying focused on your fitness goals and keeping that workout regimen will actually help you to stay positive and be more productive while fighting that anxiety. You deserve to feel great while enjoying this busy time of year!
FIT FACT
10/27/2016 @ 11:31 AM
Work It Out
08/04/2015 @ 8:20 PM
Let's face it, we all have those days where even getting to the gym or getting outside for a workout is harder than what I imagine running a Fortune 500 company would be like. When this happens, push through it. Persevere and get it done. You will be glad you did when it is over. Of course, you should listen to your body so you don't hurt yourself, but if it is just a case of the lazies, work it out!
My husband, who is a long-time athlete and personal trainer always reminds me that these workouts are the best kind. Character building he calls them. By sticking with your program even when everything in you wants to skip it, you are actually making more progress than those days when you p.r. a run or have a new personal best in the weight room.
So, when your legs feel like bricks and it's all you can do to get your butt off the couch, work it out! Your body will thank you later.
Taking The First Step
07/28/2015 @ 1:13 PM
Every photo finish began with a first step off the starting line. Every championship-winning, game-ending hit, interception or basket started with a first step onto the field, line of scrimmage or court. Every change you make in your life begins with a first step. So Congratulations! You did it! By simply being interested in reading about fitness means you are taking that first step toward making the change toward a fit and healthy lifestyle.
For me, this is my first blog entry. This is my first step in sharing with others how a fit lifestyle has changed not only my life but the lives of my whole family. So thank you for taking the time to let me share with you some of the experiences I have had and some of the tips and tricks I have learned from people who have inspired me to make health and fitness a lifestyle.
My journey has been one that is six years in the making. It started with just a couple of Pilates classes a week and grew into Kettle Bell conditioning, sprint triathlons to even marathons. I went from being the person who hated working out, especially running, to the person who has absolutely fallen in love with it.
You don't have to change everything all at once. You just have to find what works for you as an individual, even if you start with baby steps. You cannot fail at this if you are taking steps forward. No matter how big or small, a step forward is always a step in the right direction; And someday you may look up and realize that all of those steps have taken you on a journey to a place you might never have thought you'd be or doing things you might never have done. That is what is so amazing about making a change...you never know where that first step might take you!
