Wednesday WOOT! Factor!!
Happy Wednesday Peeps!! I have been SICK AS A DOG the past two days--- seriously, the oddest form of sickness I've had in ages. I was up all last night with a fever, couldn't eat but felt so nauseated......ugh. Today is the first day my fever broke and thank heavens....I was so weak the past two days I could barely move, seriously! Makes me soooo appreciate my health....we often take that for granted, we can complain about being too tired to workout but really- WE AREN'T THAT TIRED. I had trouble just standing up the past few days. Not joking! Amen that it is on the way OUT of this house.
Below is the Wednesday WOOT! Factor interview with my BFF Angie Miller. Y'all know I've raved about her Kettlebell DVD for years- and I met her in person this year (small world!) and was in awe. Yes. She is that buff in person. But she's also very sweet, down to earth and truly CARES about helping people get healthy. You can see it in her eyes when she talks. Can't wait for you all to see more of her via FitFluential, as she has joined us as an Ambassador...wouldn't YOU love to potentially workout with her in person? I'm in!!
Wednesday WOOT! Factor Questions
When did you first start working out and why?
I didn’t start working out until college. I wasn’t a “sporty spice” growing up. In fact I was the last one picked in gym class because I didn’t like competitive sports and I was petrified of anything flying in the air that I was expected to catch. I was full of energy and active, but I didn’t even consider working out until I gained the dreaded Freshman 15 in college. After college I got much more serious about fitness and it became a lifestyle… My first job was teaching school in a city where I didn’t know anyone and I decided the healthiest way to meet people would be to join a gym. I fell in love with the fitness classes and I became an instructor so I could share for my love for teaching and my passion for exercise.
Are you at your “Happy Place” right now – meaning more of a maintenance mode, or are you still in a weight loss mode?
I’m at a Happy Place, but I had an ATV accident in Costa Rica this summer. I broke my arm and dislocated the ball from the socket so my shoulder has had to rehab as much as my arm… which now has a plate and seven screws. It put me in a not so happy place because it changed many of plans for future projects and limited what I can do, but it proved to be a learning experience and somewhat of an inspiration. I can be very self critical and tend to push myself, so I’ve have had to take a step back and be patient. I think all of us tend to take our bodies for granted sometimes and injuries can help us appreciate what we’re capable of on a whole new level. I also have a better understanding for the struggles my clients and class members face when they can’t meet the goals they want to accomplish.
What does your current workout “routine” look like now?
Right now I teach about 9 classes a week and I run when I can. I teach Fitness Yoga and Pilates, Cycle, Total Body Conditioning, Step, and Kettlebell Bootcamp, so my body, my mind, and my muscles, are challenged differently each day. I try to take one or two days off each week to give my muscles time to recover and my body time to relax.
What do you say to those that haven’t gotten fit and complain that they don’t because they “can’t get motivated”?
I say, that I understand how they can feel that way. I understand that there’s a huge emotional component to fitness. We have gym memberships, workout DVD’s lining our shelves, yet we can’t get motivated to make use of them. Why? Because we’re human and our emotions drive so much of what we do and don’t do. So what’s the answer? Accountability is huge. Make a schedule, post it on your fridge, and involve your family and friends. Do what it takes. Put pride aside and let your kids keep you accountable for your workouts the way you keep them accountable for their homework. Motivation is huge, but I’ll tell you this: It’s the times that you struggle most for motivation that you really need the workout. Whatever is dragging you down is exactly what you need to get out of your system, so you can feel good about yourself, your life, and your value.
What about any/all of the excuses like “No time”, “No money”, “no gym”, “no support”?
Money: I always tell my kids that everyone has a pot of money… some people’s pot is big, some small, but we all have to prioritize and make decisions about how we spend our money. With a good pair of shoes, some great music on your iPod, you’re set to walk, run, ride a bike, or hike. A good workout DVD and you’re set to exercise in the comfort of your living room. For most of us, if something is truly valuable we find a way to afford it. Time: We’re all busy, to different degrees. But what gives us the energy we need is movement and exercise. I am in a stage right now where I feel like there are not enough hours in the day, but ultimately if I plan, set up a schedule, and force myself to stay on task I find time to do the things that need to get done. I give my clients the same advice and it usually works very well. Support: There are on line diet and calorie trackers, on line workout trackers, etc., there are on line groups everywhere so even if your family doesn’t give you the “love” you need, it’s out there.
What does your “diet” look like i.e. how you eat, what is your Philosophy?
My philosophy is balance and moderation. I am not a certified “clean” eater. I wish I were. But for now, if I can keep my chocolate cravings under control I figure I’m doing pretty well. I work out, and I eat relatively healthy, but I do love chocolate and I love to have fun, so sometimes I have to work out harder than others to balance out my bad deeds.
What changes have you made over the past several years in your diet and/or workout approach and why?
I used to be all about fitting into my skinny jeans. Now my goal is to remember where they are someday. I lost my dad to Lewy Body Disease, a form of dementia, and I’m watching my mom struggle with the same disease. Through my reading and research, my appreciation and knowledge for what exercise can do for our overall wellness has grown considerably. I’m no different from anyone else, I still want to feel good in my own skin, but I also have a much greater mission: I want to stay mentally strong and exercise is proven to help you do that. There’s so much research out there that supports what exercise can do for your brain, your emotions, and your physical health, and it’s very inspiring.
What is your food weakness? Chocolate.
What is your favorite healthy breakfast? I don’t think I want to answer this… It’s Fiber One.
What haven’t you done (fitness wise) that you’d like to try? I would love to be on the Amazing Race. But if not, I’d settle for training for a Triathalon.
What motivates you to keep at it?
Much of it is the inspiration I get from others, and feeling like I actually make a difference. Part of it is my acceptance that I love food and if I don’t exercise I would probably have to buy a whole new wardrobe. But the biggest part is that I truly love it. I love working out, I love to sweat, and I LOVE working with people. I love making people laugh and feel great about who they are. I’m also very motivated to keep my brain healthy, my emotions in check, and to keep my body in the type of physical shape that makes me feel good.
Are you a morning workout person or evening or lunchtime?
Morning. But not before 8 am.
What is YOUR biggest excuse that you find yourself battling in not wanting to workout a certain day? Fatigue.
Do you weigh yourself or measure yourself? I do rely on my scale for honesty and accountability.
What do you bring to the industry that you think differentiates you and might interest fitness enthusiasts and home exercisers?
My degree is in education and my Master’s Degree is in Counseling. My experiences in these professions, combined with my fitness knowledge and expertise, has given me the tools to help people overcome mental and physical obstacles. My mission is to empower others, and to help them feel cognitively, emotionally, and physically healthy so that they can achieve their goals. As a mom and a caregiver, I know how easy it is to put other people’s needs before your own, whether it’s your career or your family. As fitness professionals we need to understand that there’s a missing link… most people have all the equipment and opportunities they need to get fit, but many are not doing so… we need to do more than show them how to use the equipment, we need to motivate them to want to use it.
With so many videos on the market, what made you decide to take the risk of making your first DVD?
Okay, here goes... The cat is officially out of the bag... My husband was offered another job transfer and I was at a turning point. I was tired of starting over and rebuilding my network, community, and reputation. I had wanted to film a fitness video for years and I kept putting it on the backburner… too much of a risk, too much money, no "name" in the consumer market...
But I decided if I was going to start all over again anyway, it was time to take that leap of faith. I had made sacrifices to support my husband's career and to keep my family secure through multiple transitions, and it was time to do something for me. I had a passion I wanted to share and I was dying to share it. I was over 40 when I filmed my first fitness video and I couldn't be happier that I made that decision. I want to empower women and let them to know that it's never too late to follow your dreams and do what it is that makes your heart sing.
LOVE HER. ;-)
Angie Miller, Wednesday WOOT! Factor 
