I am so excited to be working with some pretty wonderful people through my MIND. BODY. Fitness Challenge! Before you begin the challenge, I wanted to introduce you to the people behind the push for this GET FIT challenge!
Physical Trainer | Gilbert Johnson
Gilbert is a 29 year old personal trainer originally from Miami but grew up in Memphis. He got into personal training in 2011 when his mother had a herniated disc from too much pressure on her spine caused by being over weight. Through his experience with his mother he found his passion to help others achieve optimal health. He has a wealth of credentials and experience not limited to being CPR certified, strength and conditioning certified, PT certified, 8 years of experience with personal training, 6 years of experience with athletic team based training, 3 years of private bootcamp training and 2 years of house call training. He offers several services that help his clients to live a healthier and more proactive life such as 1 on 1 training, small private group training (2-6 people), summer only bootcamps, and house calls for those that have an in home gym. He even travels with his clients if needed!
Gilbert will be training me twice a week as well as providing everyone who has joined the challenge a weekly workout guide. This guide will change up weekly to work different muscle groups.
Dietician | Amanda McLeod
Amanda is a 42 y/o mother of an 18 y/o son who is amazing! She has been a nurse for over 13 years and has worked at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital for over 11 years.
Six years ago she found her love for living a healthy lifestyle, including working out and eating healthy. She saw how positively it affected her, not only physically but also emotionally and mentally. She loved working out so much that the habit was developed, and helping others find their love for health became a passion. She earned her nutrition certification through ISSA and has since obtained her personal training and group fitness certification as well. Seeing women empower and encourage each other in such powerful ways was exactly what she wanted to do.
She helps others build confidence in themselves, feel empowered, become stronger and feel better overall. She truly enjoys helping people learn how to live a healthy lifestyle and make changes through becoming their “life coach.”
“There is more to working out then the aesthetic benefits. It is a change that happens from the inside out. I believe we are created to take care of bodies, minds, and spirits because they are all a part of who we are as human beings. I believe that making small changes daily and not getting overwhelmed with too many changes at the same time is what works best. Everyone needs a nutrition and workout plan that fits their lifestyle. Fad diets never work, so getting back to the basics is always the best way to get the results you are looking to achieve. Set short and long term goals. Surround yourself with positive people who will push you, encourage you, support you and hold you accountable. We all struggle with some type of insecurity, but it’s important to remember that we each have unique gifts and talents to offer the world so let yours shine. Find purpose in what you do each and every day, and you will find true joy and contentment. Taking care of yourself is not selfish but makes you a better person for everyone in your life!” -Amanda McLeod
Amanda will be providing us with weekly menus to cleanse our bodies and jump start our healthy eating diets.
My Fill In Workouts | Bikram Yoga Midtown
Bikram Yoga is a complete system of wellness, restoration and rejuvenation. The challenging 90 minute series consists of 26 postures, each increasing in benefit and challenge. This unique studio is heated to facilitate deeper stretching, relieve stress and tension, prevent injury, detoxify the body and facilitating weight loss. Bikram Yoga was designed by Bikram Choudhury to systematically stimulate and restore health to every muscle, joint and organ of the body. Bikram tailored his series for the Western person and specifically for our cultural problems of job stress, overeating, bad posture and fast-paced lifestyles. This series is scientifically formulated to regenerate tissue, cure chronic ailments and keep you young, healthy and vibrant. Participants of all ages and fitness levels notice an increase in energy, strength, balance, flexibility and mental focus. With regular practice, Bikram Yoga helps you to focus your mind and control your breath leaving you with a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.
Bikram Memphis offers an exclusive program of wellness and fitness classes that are both fun and challenging. Bikram Yoga Memphis opened on Sanderlin as the first and only Bikram studio in the Memphis area. The school is 3,000 square feet with the yoga classroom itself being 1,400 square feet. With a central location just off Poplar Avenue behind Whole Foods, the East Memphis studio provides ample parking for convenience and accessibility. They have since opened a location in Overton Square, the heart of Midtown. Both studios feature cutting-edge industrial heating and ventilation, specialty anti-bacterial flotex flooring and state-of-the-art sound equipment.
I will be specifically focusing on the Bikram studio’s Buti Yoga practice. Buti Yoga is a soulful blend Vinyasa and Kundalini yoga, cardio-intensive tribal dance, and plyometric strength and conditioning. The Sanskrit word “Buti” means “a cure that has been hidden or kept secret.” It is believed that the only true cure to all obstacles in our path come from within, and that this deep, intense, yet upbeat and fun practice can facilitate transformations from the inside out.
The Buti Yoga methodology allows us to clear away stuck energy, revitalise the body, and reveal unshakable power and hidden confidence. Asanas and movements practiced in this class will activate and open the chakras- elevating spiritual intelligence, creativity, and empowerment, while the rate at which we do these creates a HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout, allowing us to burn calories for up to 36 hours after the class is over.
