Get Your Fitness Boost

Achieve more in business by investing in your fitness.

Your 2010 big-dream goals require you to get your grit on! And if you’re going to serve at your highest level, you need to be in the best shape possible to deliver those outstanding products and-or services.

As a professional fitness trainer, I work with many women who are at the top of their fields. They are speakers and professionals on the champion track. And I’ve found a common thread among them: While they are pulling off their A-game on the professional track, they have left their personal fitness down in the basement. Closing that gap, though, is important to overall health and wealth.

A fit, energized woman on stage or leading a group translates into a dynamic presentation, greater sales and greater production. Additionally, the fit, lean and energized professional is respected and admired, because being fit requires a consistent, disciplined effort that isn’t acquired through a lucky break or a fortunate connection.

Here is a helpful checklist for closing that gap:

1.    Enlist a Fitness Professional. Let’s face it: If you bring a desire to change and a work ethic to conquer, that is wonderful, but it’s not going to get you very far if you don’t have the nuts and bolts. Hire a fitness professional. You can go to your local YMCA, health club, or even enlist a virtual trainer. The important thing is to take action and get a feasible plan that fits your specific needs and preferences.

2.    Pantry Raid and Reload. This is something you can do immediately. Go through the refrigerator and pantry, and toss any of the leftover holiday sweets and packaged chips and crackers. Restock with fresh fruits, nuts, lean meats, fish and olive oil.

3.    Eat More Protein. One key factor in maintaining lean muscle and reducing body fat is to increase protein intake. Generally, I find that most women are not starting their day with enough sustenance. I recommend protein powder supplementation, which comes in all forms: egg, rice, whey—to name the most popular. If protein powder isn’t an option, I like to start the day with scrambled eggs or an egg white cooked into my oatmeal.

4.    Water! Water! Especially during the dry winter months, it is important to make a conscious effort to drink water. Water helps metabolism, and is key in eliminating waste. A good rule of thumb is 64 ounces every day. This increased consumption will curb false hunger cravings.

5.    Minimize Sugary Foods. A little bit of honey or raw sugar is reasonable; however, larger doses are ingested by way of packaged foods. Stick to whole foods, and the waistline will thank you.

6.    Less Is More Cardio. If you’re exercising for more than 30 minutes at a steady pace, change it up, and add some higher heart rate intervals. This work is done at a hard effort, but it is for a short period of time and is then followed by a recovery pace. These types of workouts are great for burning fat. My clients warm up at an easy pace for eight minutes and then do six of the following: 45 seconds of hard effort, followed by 1:15 minutes of easy recovery.

I’m challenging you to light that fire in your belly that is calling you to take leaps over steps this year. Serve people who are craving your expertise—with a fit body and champion mind.

Ashley Mahaffey, certified personal trainer and Ironman triathlon finisher, is a fitness strategy expert specializing as the secret weapon for speakers and traveling professionals who want to be lean and energized for their big platform. Ashley has trained NCAA champions and business leaders alike. For more information, visit www.AshleyMahaffey.com.

Additional Reading

• Move into the Winner’s Circle!
• De-Stress for Health