A Little about ME!

Hello and thanks for joining me! I started this blog to give you all a little extra insight into the world of working out. I'll post my workouts as well as tips and tricks to hopefully increase your results and knowledge of exercise. Just so you can know a little about me, here is a little background information: I graduated from Purdue University in December 2011 with a degree in Health and Fitness and an also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer. While at Purdue, I was avidly involved at the Rec Center where I gained experience working as a Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Insturctor, and Fitness Center Supervisor. After college, I found myslef struggling to break into a fitness career. I spent a few months working as a "trainer" at Planet Fitness (please don't judge me for this) After that job crashed and burned rather quickly, I struggled finding another fitness related job so I took a job as a Leasing Agent for a Property Management company. This job was completely different than anything I had ever done. I am still employed here part time and have definitely gained a lot of knowledge and skills that I never expected to have.

Last April, I finally stumbled upon another fitness opportunity when I was hired as a part time trainer at the LA Fitness where I worked out. I was thrilled to finally be doing what I enjoyed again. The big, commercical, health club atmposphere of LA Fitness wasn't exactly ideal for me, but I still loved being able to train and teach people about lifting weights again. I worked at LA about four months when a personal training job at the new YMCA became available. I had been trying to get hired there since I graduated so I immediately took hold of that opportunity and have been working there part time sice August.

I not only enjoy training others, but I also make my own workouts a top priority. As a former "cardio queen" I used to rely soley on cardio for my workouts. I was an avid runner and participated in multiple half marathons and other running events. All the cardio was not giving me the physique results I desired so a couple years ago I decided to try my hand at weight lifting and loved the results it gave me.

Currently, my workouts consist of heavy weight lifting four times a week, conditioning three times a week, and 1-2 days a week of light cardio (walking, usually) this regimine has given me fantastic results! Since the beginning of summer, I have dropped about 12 pounds and 7% body fat...and the best part: I get so excited for my workouts and no longer have to dread the thought of running mile upon mile :)

So, basically, this blog is going to focus on the benefits of lifting heavy weights. Most females I see in the gym tend to shy away from the weights; or if they do strenght training, they gravitate toward the machines or don't use anything heavier than a 10 lb dumbbell. I'll provide tips, articles, and workouts for females (and males are more than welcome to read too!) to show you how to get the most from your strength training and I promise we'll have lots of fun along the way!!