Q: What is your athletic background?

A: After high school is when I discovered my love for fitness. I was 18 when I started lifting weights but it wasn’t until I moved to Charlotte in 1997 that I decided to make a career out of it. After receiving my personal training certification, I began working at Bodywise Inc. Personal Training, where I am still training now. I believe that continuing education is the key to staying fresh and current, so through the years I have taken a variety of classes on health, nutrition and aerobics. I am currently planning to attend classes at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas to receive an additional training certification.

Q: What motivates you to exercise?

A: Many things motivate me but mainly the ongoing desire to stay healthy and look and feel great. In addition, and just as important, I want to be a great role model to all of my clients and also my 8 year old daughter. You are never to young to start healthy habits.

Q: Do you have any favorite workouts or exercises?

A: Squats and lunges!

Q: Describe a typical workout week for you:

A: It can vary, but typically I workout my chest and back on Mondays, legs on Wednesdays, and shoulders, biceps and triceps on Fridays. I do cardio and abs on Tuesday and Thursdays. Saturday if I am not working, I enjoy being outdoors.

Q: How important is nutrition to your total fitness?

A: Nutrition is key to my (and anyone’s) total fitness. You have to eat right in order to see the ultimate results that you want, not to mention how much better you feel. I don’t believe in diet gimmicks. I believe in healthy eating 5 to 6 times a day.

Q: We understand you recently lowered your body fat, tell us about the process:

A: It was in Jan. of 2005 that I came to the realization that I didn’t physically represent what a trainer should look like. I had a great workout routine, but my diet was way off. I began to eat the way I preached to my clients. I cut out simple sugars and saturated fats, began eating 5 to 6 meals a day. At every meal I made sure that there was a lean protein source, a healthy carb (vegetables and/or whole grains) and that the meal was low in fat. I didn’t have cheat days, or even a cheat meal. I was very focused and determined on healthy and frequent eating. In 4 months I lost 10% body fat! I am a totally different person. I look and feel much better and what a better role model I am to my clients. Not to mention that my clientele has tripled. You have to practice what you preach. Now if I want to have a cheat meal, I can.

Q: How important is it for a personal trainer to be in shape?

A: Being in shape and healthy are both very important in being a successful personal trainer. Like I tell all my clients, healthy eating habits and exercise are a way of life. There is no healthy, quick fix for getting in shape, it’s a lifestyle.

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