Gym Room Confessions #MBC

So the precious Joi is really, really taking me outside of my comfort zone. It is day 4 and she's asked us to do a Vlog, Video, or Podcast. Oh, lawdy! Here goes nothing.....





Here is another confession that I forgot to state in the vlog. I'm totally doing this entire video on my Razr HD! I've been wanting to check out the quality of the video and honestly it's much better than my tablet (even though I really don't know what I'm doing) and it was also super easy to take. The phone was easy to set on it's side and video without any flopping over or anything. I should probably see what else this baby can do! I'm wondering if it would work for a workout video?


Small Talk:

Simka or cartoon character? Do you notice your tastes and preferences changing the cleaner you eat? Are you pushing yourself at the gym?




Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Health and Fitness Voices program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.



My Passion Is....



I don't think that it's a shock to anyone that my passion is health and fitness. Nor do I think it's a surprise why I've been this way as long as I can remember. But why do I love teaching others? Why am I so passionate about being a trainer?

I have a dream. A dream that I've shared with Britton on her blog post about her dream job. She asked what our dream job was and this is what I said (oh, and if you want to know Britton's dream job please visit her blog post)....

That is a wonderful dream job! Working for family services can be quite taxing on the spirit. I did volunteer work at ours and I worked in the health department for two years worth the WIC program. One of the best programs out there IMO. My dream would be to get my Masters in Psychology and use it along with all my PT certs to work with the obese population. Especially with parents who I know are trying super hard but have a hard time seeing the bad food influences they are passing on to their children. My BS is in Psych but I need that Masters to get a counseling license.
That is my dream. I have a passion for it but I'm not sure I'll ever actually see it fulfilled. I know I can come close and this blog is part of that outlet for me. I've even stated some of my pet peeves regarding teaching our children to eat. Don't get me wrong. I'm no mother of the year! I went to the McD's drive through quite often. But as I learned more and the kids got older these things started getting cut out more and more. Until it was a balance. A balance between letting kids be kids and having healthy, nutritious foods.

There are many reasons why a family might need help fighting obesity...disease, lack of information, emotions, habit, maybe they are just too close to the situation to see it realistically. I want to help. It saddens me that our children will not live as long as we do but we continue to eat pizza,taco bell, make crockpot meals with cream of xxx, homemade family meals that are nothing more than deep fried such and such, and then spend the evening watching TV on the couch instead of outside playing ball.

While you may be reading hundreds of healthy fitness blogs that percentage of the population is small. As a society, we are getting larger and larger. A lot of doctors don't want, or can't, address the issue. And it's deeper than just a medical condition. But there is more to it. It's roots are much deeper. There needs to be someone checking in with the family weekly or monthly. Once a year or only when ridden with some other disease as a consequence of the weight isn't going to do it.

Do I think everyone has to be a size 0? Absolutely not! But I think you need to be healthy enough to keep yourself out of the risk of disease. Healthy enough to play with your kids and grandskids without getting winded. Healthy enough to enjoy a splurge every now and then and not feel guilty about it. Healthy enough to feel good about yourself (yes, I'm talking mental health here).

Healthy means different things to different people. There are times that someone might need help in identifying what healthy means to them. Until it is defined the goal can't be achieved. I want to help people reach that place and then take the steps to get there. I'm lucky enough to be a personal trainer and get to work with people to do this. But I'd really like to work with families also.

That is my dream, my passion. Why I've been carving the path I've been on. And why I'll continue to move in that direction for the rest of my life.

Small Talk:

What is your passion?



The Great Four Week Personalized Fitness Plan Giveaway

Since Joi gave us a little bit of creative license, I decided to create a media kit for my blog (finally!) to cover today's challenge, "Letter to Your Readers is your opportunity to explain your blog to your readers/potential sponsors & maybe host a giveaway to entice them to connect with you on a social network or maybe break the ice with commenting." Okay, I'm a little outside of the box because she suggested a letter to the readers/sponsors. To me letters are personal and I want this to be factual. Just the facts, Jack! And here they are....




So to celebrate an official coming out as a health and fitness blog, I'm doing a giveaway. Joi suggested we get creative. I'm getting creative. I'm doing something I've never done. I'm giving away me! Okay, no, not really. What I am giving away is one customized workout (no gym required!) made specifically for the winner! 

What is considered?
  • Your full medical and health history 
  • What you like to do, what you don't like to do
  • Your goals
  • What is available in your house (if anything) to use for your workout
  • Your diet

What you get?
  • A four-week customized program designed specifically for you
  • A full length video (provided via private link on YouTube) that includes a 45 - 60 minute video that includes warm up, workout, and cool down with explanations of the exercises
  • A review of your current diet and any suggestions to tweak the diet to meet your goals (note: I am not  a registered dietitian. Diet discussions revolve around the food pyramid and my education/experience as a personal fitness trainer)
  • Email support to answer questions and concerns over the four weeks. 
  • One 30 minute phone conference to answer any questions you might have about the program

Who is eligible/my specialties?

  • Sorry, guys, this one is for the women only. Given my size I do not do workouts for/with men. Any healthy man can bench press more than I even weigh. :)
  • I work with women from all walks of life, all shapes, and all sizes. In particular, women who are wanting to make a major life change to a healthy lifestyle. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Small Talk:

What would you like to see on Real Into?


 

F.I.T. Interview: Meredith Uses Running to Get Through Deployment

Meredith is a little, flexible dynamo! Those Yogi's can bend! On top if it all, she runs. A lot! I met Meredith through Sweat Pink and love her story. Especially since it's a love story and a family story. Her and the hubs love staying fit together. Let's let Meredith inspire you!


http://www.realinto.com





What got you started on the fitness lifestyle?

When my husband was deployed to Afghanistan a year and half ago, I decided to make the most of the time apart and use it to better myself. I started workout daily, I joined a local boot camp class and I slowly started running on the treadmill at home. I kept at it and got into the best shape of my life. I loved every second of it. I weened myself off of the treadmill and took my running outside. A friend wanted me to sign up for the Disney Princess half marathon with her and I reluctantly did. The training was hard but we did. I finished my first half marathon in February and loved every second of it. I've signed up for my second half marathon in September and cannot wait!

http://www.realinto.com



What are your favorite ways to stay fit? 

Running is definitely my favorite. It's a great stress reliever and the best therapy ever. I also enjoy group fitness classes. They're great for staying motivated.

What are you upcoming fitness goals?

My next half marathon is in September so I'm going to start training for that shortly. Eventually, within the next couple of years, I'd love to take the leap to a full marathon. That sounds crazy to me right now but then again, so did running a half marathon. I think it'd be a great way to continue to stay in shape. I love the training for races. It's fun to start making the days off of the calendar as you go!

Who has inspired you most on your fitness journey?

My husband. He has been my biggest fan, motivator and support system throughout this whole thing. We run together every night after work. It's our time. I love it more than anything. It gives me something to look forward to every day.



After a local 5k, we both placed 2nd in our age group!

How does blogging fit into your fit life?

This has been a struggle for me from day 1. I work a full time job, I try to workout everyday after work and then it's time to make dinner and clean. I'd love to get some advice from some of you blogging veterans because I know I need help in this department!


Hello! I'm Meredith, I manage a yoga studio full time. I'm currently obtaining my certification to become a certified Pharmacy Technician. My husband a Sailor in the US Navy. Our lives are all over the place and I love every second of it. I love to run, it's my therapy. You can check me out on Twitter @meredithnolen or on my blog at www.runlovefit.blogspot.com.

Small Talk:

How do you get through stressful times? Any advice to Meredith on blogging.  What else do you want to know about Meredith?