Wednesday WOOT! Factor!!

Happy Wednesday Peeps!! How is your week going? Mine is AWESOME! Despite this ratty Chicago weather that makes me want to run to Miami like YESTERDAY, I'm doing great. Workouts YES, Diet YES. And here we are with a Wednesday WOOT! Factor interview that is sure to AMP YOU UP IN A BIG WAY. I discovered Ms. Darla Leal on YouTube ages ago, and I know I've shared some of her earlier vlogs like this:

And also here are some others that made me say, HOLY COW this chick ROCKS and knows her stuff!

Yea.

So, clearly I was excited to eventually connect with her on Facebook and now she is blogging again in a BIG way. So, stay tuned and enjoy today's Wednesday Woot! Factor interview, of course, always brought to you by the Fun, Fabulous, Fitness Minds at Sears FitStudio! BOOYA! Join us every Wednesday night at 7:30pm CST for Twitter chats on all things diet and fitness- just follow #FitStudio and join in!! Good times. And....if you haven't yet, check out FitStudio.com or join in to some great discussions on the Facebook page- CLICK HERE and show us the LIKE LOVE if you feel it. 

Wednesday WOOT! Factor Questions ~ Darla Leal

When did you first start working out and why?

I have always been an athlete since junior high, but would have to say that after the birth of my 2^nd child  in 1991, I started applying weight resistance training regularly and also to prepare for the Galaxy competitions.  I needed more shape in my upper body and I created my curves with muscle to be more proportionate.

Are you at your “Happy Place” right now – meaning more of a maintenance mode, or are you still in a weight loss mode? 

I am in a very happy place with my body and workouts. I am definitely on a maintenance mode program living the example of what I teach to my clients & online.

If you are in maintenance mode, do you feel that you work just as hard to maintain your level of fitness as you did to lose it?

Working out feels like breathing to me, and during the workouts, I do push as hard as I can with my limitations, but it does not feel hard to maintain this lifestyle.  I hope that makes sense….I live this way every day of my life and it feels very comfortable.  This can be a no/yes question,  as yes, I work at it every day, but since it has been my lifestyle for over 20 years, it does not feel like I am working as hard as I did to let’s say, prepare for a competition.

What does your current workout “routine” look like now?

A great mix of interval training, cardio, weight resistance training, and stretching.  I workout 5-6 days per week & I come from a running back ground, so utilize my ARC trainer prior to every workout.  My goal is to complete my workout in an hour.

One of my weeks could look like this:

Day 1: Cardio/core: 45-50 min ARC trainer /Variety Abs/Stretch

Day 2: Interval Arc Trainer (20 min): Legs & Modified Back

Day 3: Interval Arc Trainer (30 min) & Bodyweight Leg workout/Arms

Day 4: Recovery day

Repeat of Day 1

What do you do for cardio?

CYBEX ARC Trainer….Talk about a thrill ride;)

Do you workout at home or the gym?

I have a private gym studio where I train myself and my clients

What do you say to those that haven’t gotten fit and complain that they don’t because they “can’t get motivated”?

I am a “say it like it is” trainer, I pull no punches because I do want EVERYONE to live a Stay Healthy life…so this would be an excuse…but I would also pursue further with them to find out what motivates them….& take it even deeper after that question is answered and show them how to apply that to their workouts.

What about any/all of the excuses like “No time”, “No money”, “no gym”, “no support”?

Bullshit…oops…can I say that.  If a person is so busy with life to not take care of them self, a re-evaluation of their life needs to take place…I mean really??? Again, I do not except excuses, especially when it comes to making health a priority.  Of course, I say this all in fitness love, and in a way that makes sense to them.  Without our health, where would we be?  It is truly time for everyone to wake up to what happiness, health, & success really means.  There are no rewinds in this life & living a quality life is so important. These are excuses that I hear almost every day during consultation, and by the end of the session, there is always an enlightenment of time wasted that could be used for that 30-60 minute “sweat session”. This is a soap box question for me Kelly….I could make this whole interview about this one question;)

What does your “diet” look like i.e. how you eat, what is your Philosophy?

I utilize my Stay Healthy Nutrition Guide that I share with all my clients.  Eating healthy should be fun, taste good, and keep you satisfied all day long.  I believe in stress-free eating and I LOVE to eat, and eat often. My nutrition consists of lean proteins, antioxidants, fiber & healthy fats.  I eat 5-6 times per day, using the palm size portion method,  and every 2 ½ hours. 

A day of eating can look like this:

Meal 1: pre-workout shake

Meal 2: post-workout shake

Meal 3: Powered Up Oats with whey, nuts & cinnamon

Meal 4: Sweet potato with lean protein source

Meal 5: Steamed or Grilled Veggies & Salmon

Meal 6: Protein Pudding

What changes have you made over the past several years in your diet and/or workout approach and why?

My nutrition has come full circle and I no longer count or measure anything….too stressful.  As long as I am eating something healthy every 2 ½ hours, I am good to go.  My workout has changed dramatically since my cervical injury.  There are many things I can no longer do…like pound the pavement for running, pushups or overhead work.  I also do not utilize heavy weights.  I maintain my physique with lots of interval work, light weight high rep resistance, core & balance, and cardio. 

What is your food weakness?

Hmmm….I really do not have one of those…but if I had to choose, it has to be quality home baked apple crisp or other out of this world pie.  I do enjoy a chilled peppermint patty every once in awhile;)

What is your favorite healthy breakfast?

Steel cut oats hands down.  I mix in vanilla whey protein, flax meal, raisins, cinnamon & walnuts….YUMMMM

When did you start blogging and why?

I started blogging in 2008.  I enjoy writing and this was another way I could reach people to get healthy.  My passion is to help as many people as I can to get healthy and Stay Healthy.  Blogging is a great platform to share my recipes, tips, videos and my life.  I get asked all the time “how I got this body, what do I do, what do I eat”….I am putting it all on my blog and enjoying the feedback.  If I can reach one person, then I have done something to change a life for the better….if I can reach thousands, millions….my reward is to celebrate that I made a difference in helping people turn their lives around, reach their goals, and most importantly, live a quality Stay Healthy Life!

How has blogging enhanced your fitness efforts?

It truly is an accountability tool and my personal motivator to be true to my workouts & nutrition because I am teaching others through my life.  The audience expects to see the vision of health & fitness through my videos & images and I am determined to continue to do that for the rest of my Stay Healthy Life….no hypocrite here….what they see is ME…and that is what I give;)

What is your Twitter/FB/Email?

http://stayhealthyfitness.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stay-Healthy-Fitness/159559142619

http://twitter.com/#!/DarlaLeal

fitness@stayhealthyfitness.com

www.stayhealthyfitness.com

What haven’t you done (fitness wise) that you’d like to try?

Hmmmm……I will have to think on that.  Things that come to mind…Stay Healthy food show on the food network…this really needs to be represented in a fun way.  Possibly a Masters Model Competition…that is still in the contemplative stage.  My passion truly is in the area of helping people now. 

What motivates you to keep at it?

There is nothing better in this life than feeling healthy, and having a quality of life, in spite of my limitations, that embraces that I am taking the BEST care of me.  Everything about living the way I do motivates me….I feel strong, young, healthy, sexy & happy. 

Are you a morning workout person or evening or lunchtime?

I feel strongest for workout in the morning…and what a fabulous way to start my day;)

What is YOUR biggest excuse that you find yourself battling in not wanting to workout a certain day?

This is rare, but when it does hit, it is usually around my cycle…the whole hormonal tired issue…not fun. 

Do you weigh yourself or measure yourself?

On rare occasion do I weigh myself.  I never measure.  This is how I feel….it comes down to a “bare me” and the mirror…if I like what I see then that is what counts, and I am good with that!

More from Darla:

Over the years and to this day I get told “I want to look like you”.  My response…it is about looking like “YOU”, being the “BEST YOU” with the genetics you have.  Everybody has the ability to get healthy and Stay Healthy and this is where I enter the picture as a motivator, encourager, trainer, consultant, and coach.  I celebrate every pound shed, every exercise progressed, & every newly implemented healthy food item shared. I am touched on a daily basis by the clients that I work with physically and online.  I read every comment, kudo, concern, and question….everyone deserves that attention.  I am very passionate about what I do, sincerely care about people and their health, and I long to be a HUGE voice to help people develop a Stay Healthy life for LIFE.  When a client comes to me with a readiness to get healthy, it is ON with me and them.  I promise to give 100% of myself, but expect the same from them.  It is truly team work that makes this happen.  It is a trusting bond of I am serious about what you are teaching me, and me believing that they are doing it…..I know when it is not happening.  Honesty is so important because who is kidding who and why waste my time or why waste your money.  I am here to truly make a difference in a life and for those who know me, it is apparent with how I live my life.  I walk the talk of what I teach.  I do not sweat the small stuff and live a life of only controlling those things I can and letting go of the rest.  I am REAL, down to earth, live simply, kindly, and passionately. I am a true motivator in every sense of the word.  This is who I am…I look forward to meeting you. Exercise is a journey and not a destination….I say…let’s enjoy the Stay Healthy Ride!

She is awesome. Do you have any questions for Darla? Share them in the comments and be sure to bookmark her killer blog! 

Wednesday WOOT! Factor!!

Happy Wednesday Y'all!! Finally I'm getting my LIFE schedule back in order....this travel has invaded my sanity. I don't think I've posted a Wednesday WOOT! Factor in a month! For Shame Kelly, for Shame!! 

Well, stay tuned kids because you will also see on some of the next several Wednesday WOOT! Factor, some of my besties from the Sears(R) Fit Studio Club! (formerly Sears Fit Club) We're building a great communtity of fitness peeps over at Facebook.com/SearsFitStudio and also at the newly launched FitStudio.com. If you haven't yet, hop on over and register to join in this rapidly growing family of fitness fanatics! You'll be able to connect with others and learn from nutritionists, trainers, dieticians, celebrities and more! Very cool stuff. 

And of course, every Wednesday Woot! Factor is sponsored by the fabulous Sears(R) Fit Studio Club. Join us tonight and every Wednesday night on Twitter at 7:30pm CST for a fitness-themed Twitter Chat- simply log in and follow the hashtag #FitStudio. Tonight we are talking about Winter Doldrums and How to Get Creative With Your Workouts! 

Today's WWF is Joyce Cherrier, I think I originally bonded with her on Twitter because we are both BeachBody "coaches". Now she is a partner with Sears(R) and me and I finally got to meet her in person at Blissdom. She is as beautiful in person as she is here in these photos- check her out!! 

Joyce Cherrier- Wednesday WOOT! Factor Questions:

When did you first start working out and why?

I learned to surf at 16.That was the beginning of being healthy for me. Sports and fitness snowballed from there.

Are you at your “Happy Place” right now – meaning more of a maintenance mode, or are you still in a weight loss mode?

I have to admit I’m never satisfied because I always feel I need to improve. I’d say I’m more in a refining stage.

What does your current workout “routine” look like now?

It’s a mix of heavy lifting and more rest right now. I’m working around a nagging shoulder injury.

What do you do for cardio? How often?

Ok, I hate cardio. I like cardio like hiking or a short run or stand up paddle boarding but when it comes to having to jump on a treadmill or elliptical, I dread it. So right now my cardio is anything outside, 4 times a week for at least 30 minutes.

Do you workout at home or the gym?

I have a home gym with a squat rack, weights and benches, a cable machine and a variety of dumbbells, kettle bells and weighted balls. Everything I need, but always love to add cool toys. Occasionally I’ll hit the gym but more for the fun social part of working out with a partner.

What do you say to those that haven’t gotten fit and complain that they don’t because they “can’t get motivated”?

I think ultimately, you do what you want to do and make time for it. All motivation can’t come from outside sources. You have to discover your why. Sometimes the why ends up being a health problem or bad report from a doctor. My hope is that everyone finds their why before it comes to that point.

What about any/all of the excuses like “No time”, “No money”, “no gym”, “no support”?

I think all of those excuse are a real and true, but human beings are amazing in the fact that if they really want to accomplish something, they will.

What does your “diet” look like i.e. how you eat, what is your Philosophy?

I strive to be a no sugar, no gluten, minimal dairy, lots of lean protein and tons of colorful veggies. I do the best I can wherever I’m eating. It’s not always perfect, but it’s what I shoot for. I’m also a big believer in organic whenever possible.

What changes have you made over the past several years in your diet and/or workout approach and why?

Cutting out the dairy, gluten and sugar have really helped and personally I physically thrive on heavy weights and shorter more intense workouts. I realize I need a bit more recovery time now to keep my immune system healthy.

What is your food weakness?

Chips and dip. Especially guacamole. Although I can do some damage with a good hummus too. I love chocolate, but I’m ok if I have a little. Chips and dip are a whole different story.

What is your favorite healthy breakfast?

Oats and egg whites, cinnamon and whey powder.

When did you start blogging and why?

I got hooked on P90X and started doing the coaching thing. Opened a twitter account and then started blogging. I really had no plan. It all just evolved as time passed.

How has blogging enhanced your fitness efforts?

I think blogging and the community that comes with it does because you end connecting with people and building a whole support system. You know you’re never alone in your efforts. You can always be a help to someone else. That’s incredibly motivating to me.

What is your Twitter/FB/Email?

Twitter is mainly what I prefer and like to connect from there and then I end up sharing further to facebook and email. My twitter handle is @joycecherrier

What haven’t you done (fitness wise) that you’d like to try

I’ve really wanted to try TRX lately.

What motivates you to keep at it?

It’s part of my DNA now. I wouldn’t feel like me if I didn’t.

Are you a morning workout person or evening or lunchtime?

Mid-morning, 10-11am is perfect.

What is YOUR biggest excuse that you find yourself battling in not wanting to workout a certain day? 

Feeling like I have to do all these other things first. But I always find that I do those other things better if I’ve worked out!

Do you weigh yourself or measure yourself?

Occasionally weigh myself but mostly use my clothes as my measure.

More from Joyce:

Exercise has to become a part of your lifestyle to stick. Work on small goals to reach one at a time. Accomplishing a small goal is incredibly satisfying and motivating. It encourages you to accomplish another goal. For some people it’s day by day, for others 3 months at a time. Do whatever works for you. Every goal made is a stepping stone and every goal reached an accomplishment. It then starts to become a lifestyle.