Spring is quickly approaching, along with more opportunities for outdoor activities. Get ready to feel great this spring by contacting me today. I will assess your current fitness level and work with you to meet your goals. If your idea of a goal is simply in the gray area of  “lose weight” or “have more energy” then start thinking in more black and white terms!! With a concrete, measurable, and realistic goal in mind, you are more likely to stick with exercise.  Rather than focus on losing 10 or 20 pounds, or fitting in a bikini, channel your inner competitor and pick an event that both challenges and interests you. Work towards completing and doing your personal best at whatever that event may be… if you are a new exerciser, we’ll start with baby steps. Running a mile, walking a 5K, completing a charity bike ride. More advanced folks might think ahead to triathlons, duathlons, trail runs and longer distances. Perhaps you know you want to lower your marathon time. The point is to set a goal and focus on working towards that goal. Weight loss will happen in the process. Cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength will be byproducts of your hard work and effort towards reaching that goal.

If you want to channel your inner competitor, there are hundreds of events happening in this area that are within your reach! From running a 5K to cycling a century, I can help you find that target that helps you get the most from your workout. I am working on an events calendar that highlights some of my favorites in the area…most are ones I have participated in myself and found to be a great experience. I am particularly looking forward to Powerman Alabama at Oak Mt. March 27-28. I have never competed in PowerMan before and hope to be ready this year to participate in one of the many events scheduled for that weekend. These will include various distance trail running, an offroad duathlon (run/mtn. bike/run) and on-road duathlons of varying distances….choose to compete individually or join a relay team…there is an event for everyone from beginner to professional athlete. The premier event will be the elite duathlon race which is only for professionals but promises to be a great spectator event. Really, how often do we get to watch elite level athletes compete in Birmingham?? Powerman weekend also offers a PowerKids duathlon race with distances for youth from age 4 and up. This is a chance for your whole family to enjoy an active weekend and cheer each other on. My firm belief is that the family that plays together stays together!

Lets get busy working to meet your personal goals… you may just surprise yourself with how much you enjoy the challenge and competition!! Call me at 205-999-4067 or email mary@fitnessoutside.com

I am very excited about the opportunity to help out our local schools by participating in the CHIS gala silent auction. I provided 8 one hour sessions to whomever bid the highest and I’m really looking forward to meeting that person. It is a great opportunity for me to get the Fitness Outside name out there and of course, the schools are always a winning cause. So, if you happen to be the high bidder, get ready to tackle your personal fitness and get on your way to meeting healthy goals! We will start by having an initial assessment and going over a health screening questionnaire to determine the appropriate level to begin training. Talking with you is the best way for me to determine a course of training and help you refine your goals. Then, we will figure out a time and place to meet and get busy! I work hard to make sure each client has an individualized program that meets his or her specific needs. We are all different, and we all respond to different types of motivation and exercise programs.

In addition to the gala at CHIS, I am excited to be on the PTO board at my son’s school, Chelsea Park Elementary. I originally signed on as Grounds Chairperson because I have a real love for gardening and plants, and I grew tired of seeing the landscaping around the school go neglected. But, I’ve benefitted this year by being on the PTO board with a dynamic group of individuals who really care about the needs of our children’s school. This year the PTO has tackled the challenge of organizing the FUN RUN at CPES. It will be called the BUZZ at CHELSEA PARK! Of course I am totally on board with anything that motivates kids to move and be active…especially outside! CahabaWeb, Inc. will be helping with the website and marketing of the event. We are hoping it is a huge success and will grow each year. Look for the event to kick off soon!!

Many people are tempted to just coast through the rest of the year right now as the prospect of holiday parties, family get togethers and shopping looms on the horizon. It is easy to put off exercise with a growing to-do list and less time. However, if you can squeeze in a session here and there, you’ll enjoy a much easier holiday season and have a jump on the New Years crowd. A few minutes spent outside getting the heart rate up and enjoying the crisp air of late fall can really calm the nerves and make it easier to enjoy this special time of year. Though it may not be a time of year to focus on weight loss, you CAN avoid unwanted weight gain and be ready to really take off in January!

Starting a new session this month with special introductory pricing!! Our focus will be on staying sane and avoiding unwanted pounds during the holiday season! Get a jump on your new years resolutions and approach the stress of busy holidays with a new focus! Call or email me or feel free to leave comments here. Come join me at Oak Mtn State Park for a great outdoors experience each Wednesday at 9 am. We’ll hike (no one left behind) and also incorporate some strength training and finish it all off with a much needed stretch. Excellent stress buster and the perfect time of year to enjoy the scenery of Oak Mtn.!! Bring a friend on the hike and split the cost, this month only.

Overhauling this site, which has just been a way of recording some training and experiences thus far to reflect a focus on personal training/group classes. I am very excited to finally have the time to do this!  For well over a year, I’ve thought about offering bootcamp type classes and training outside the confines of a gym. For almost two years I’ve worked part time at the YMCA. Working there has been wonderful in the sense that I’ve met some great friends, the kids have enjoyed lots of programs, and my triathlon training couldn’t have happened without that pool! But, the best workouts I have happen far away from that weight room! I love finding ways to work fitness and athletic training into my busy life, and I know that I can help others do the same thing.