This week's featured member is Connie. I've only met her a couple times, but her positive energy is contagious!! Plus, she's a fellow teacher, so she must be awesome!
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am married and have two grown sons (one is a footwear designer for Saucony—I really enjoy getting free running stuff!). I am a teacher and have lived in Michigan for 9 years. I previously lived in Connecticut and grew up on a farm in Nebraska (go Huskers!). My hobbies include running (just this year, at 50 years old, I ran my first competitive races since high school and did pretty good! Proof that it’s never too late!), bicycling, kayaking, traveling, reading, learning about nutrition, spending time with my husband, children, family and friends, and, of course, working out at SWAT!
What is your usual weekly workout routine?
During the school year, I go to 5-6 classes each week—typically Body Pump and Body Combat; however, I am trying to add some variety and am trying Flow and Step (that class just kicks my butt!). I also try to include running and cycling, if time allows.
What are your go-to snacks and meals?
I found a recipe for protein bars that I love (google Alton Brown’s protein bars); they taste great and are easy to make with 11-14 grams of protein per bar! For snacks I enjoy fruit (fresh and dried), baby carrots and hummus, almonds, soy yogurt, and decaf coffee with almond milk and Stevia.
I read a book some time ago (entitled “The 35+ Diet for Women”) that I use as my guide to maintain a pretty balanced diet. It provides an excellent road map. The book has the most delicious recipe for low fat lasagna! I also really enjoy vegetarian dishes, especially during the summer to keep it light.
How do you balance being active with the demands of your daily life?
Because our children are on their own, I have more flexibility with my free time. I freely admit that I am selfish about working out, and it’s part of my daily routine (if I am having a difficult day, knowing I have a challenging, sweaty workout coming up helps me stay positive and keep going).
What is a fitness or healthy living goal you have for yourself?
I want to age “well”. I hope to maintain good health and feel energized. I would like to continue to run races and plan to start taking nutrition classes, to follow a personal interest. I am really enjoying this time in my life; I am more active than ever!
What do you like about being a member at SWAT?
OMG, I can’t imagine what’s not to love! I feel so fortunate that SWAT offers so many Les Mills classes so often. No other club compares. And, our instructors are the best! I am so impressed with their knowledge, enthusiasm, and positive attitudes. The members at SWAT are friendly, fun, and motivating to work out with.
What is your favorite class at SWAT? Why?
It’s a toss up between Body Pump and Body Combat. Both classes have helped me achieve fitness goals. I know that so much time and intention has been put in to every release to keep workouts at a challenging level. After class, I walk out feeling spent yet stronger.
Do you have a person who is your healthy living/fitness inspiration? Who and why?
On a daily basis I am inspired by SWAT instructors including Jill, Aaron, Rob, Emma, Marta, Kristin, Michelle, and Jessica. Thanks for making fitness so much fun!
Anything else you’d like to say?
Keep up the great work! Thanks to Emma for working on adding new challenges and classes. It’s exciting to try out something new. I really enjoyed the blitz and the decathlon to celebrate the new releases!
I am married and have two grown sons (one is a footwear designer for Saucony—I really enjoy getting free running stuff!). I am a teacher and have lived in Michigan for 9 years. I previously lived in Connecticut and grew up on a farm in Nebraska (go Huskers!). My hobbies include running (just this year, at 50 years old, I ran my first competitive races since high school and did pretty good! Proof that it’s never too late!), bicycling, kayaking, traveling, reading, learning about nutrition, spending time with my husband, children, family and friends, and, of course, working out at SWAT!
What is your usual weekly workout routine?
During the school year, I go to 5-6 classes each week—typically Body Pump and Body Combat; however, I am trying to add some variety and am trying Flow and Step (that class just kicks my butt!). I also try to include running and cycling, if time allows.
What are your go-to snacks and meals?
I found a recipe for protein bars that I love (google Alton Brown’s protein bars); they taste great and are easy to make with 11-14 grams of protein per bar! For snacks I enjoy fruit (fresh and dried), baby carrots and hummus, almonds, soy yogurt, and decaf coffee with almond milk and Stevia.
I read a book some time ago (entitled “The 35+ Diet for Women”) that I use as my guide to maintain a pretty balanced diet. It provides an excellent road map. The book has the most delicious recipe for low fat lasagna! I also really enjoy vegetarian dishes, especially during the summer to keep it light.
How do you balance being active with the demands of your daily life?
Because our children are on their own, I have more flexibility with my free time. I freely admit that I am selfish about working out, and it’s part of my daily routine (if I am having a difficult day, knowing I have a challenging, sweaty workout coming up helps me stay positive and keep going).
What is a fitness or healthy living goal you have for yourself?
I want to age “well”. I hope to maintain good health and feel energized. I would like to continue to run races and plan to start taking nutrition classes, to follow a personal interest. I am really enjoying this time in my life; I am more active than ever!
What do you like about being a member at SWAT?
OMG, I can’t imagine what’s not to love! I feel so fortunate that SWAT offers so many Les Mills classes so often. No other club compares. And, our instructors are the best! I am so impressed with their knowledge, enthusiasm, and positive attitudes. The members at SWAT are friendly, fun, and motivating to work out with.
What is your favorite class at SWAT? Why?
It’s a toss up between Body Pump and Body Combat. Both classes have helped me achieve fitness goals. I know that so much time and intention has been put in to every release to keep workouts at a challenging level. After class, I walk out feeling spent yet stronger.
Do you have a person who is your healthy living/fitness inspiration? Who and why?
On a daily basis I am inspired by SWAT instructors including Jill, Aaron, Rob, Emma, Marta, Kristin, Michelle, and Jessica. Thanks for making fitness so much fun!
Anything else you’d like to say?
Keep up the great work! Thanks to Emma for working on adding new challenges and classes. It’s exciting to try out something new. I really enjoyed the blitz and the decathlon to celebrate the new releases!
Connie is proof that us mature women can hang with the young ones; she always inspires me!
ReplyDeleteRemember, you are stronger than you think!
You rock Connie!!
I know Connie, she is my buddie from Combat and Pump !
ReplyDeleteShe is a true inspiration to me and recently to my daughter 13 yrs old...She is always SMILING even if the going gets tough.....
I would say "she is a mature woman who is able to kick A*@)! to young ones" haha
I remember seeing her running outside on ANGLING right after Combat on a very hot day !
Thx Connie for challenging me at combat ...I stand on your left and am about to move countries ...
haha
Signed : anonymous