What are your 2019 intentions? 1) To accept that I can’t always please everyone and that I am doing the best that I can. 2) In terms of my own fitness, have begun to incorporate lifting into my weekly regimen twice a week with the goal of gaining more lean muscle mass. 3) To create more diverse workouts for my clients. As an instructor, it is easy to find one thing that works and stick to it so I want to challenge myself to break from my regular routine and to push myself creatively to bring something new to the gym.
You were recently voted most motivating instructor….where do YOU find your motivation? What is your WHY? The impact that physical health has on mental health is undeniable. I don’t crave feeling out of breath, dripping sweat, and the burn my muscles feel when I am really working them… I crave the feeling I get when the workout is done. The instant “high”. Almost immediately after my workout, my energy level shoots up, the endorphins rush, and I feel almost euphoric.
In terms of motivation, I actually get most of mine from my clients. Seeing the effort they put into every single workout whenever they come to Fight Club is incredibly motivating for me to see and it pushes me to create better classes, to work out harder myself, and to give my all every single time I am in the gym.
With it being a new year, what is one piece of advice you’d give to everyone to help them stick to their goals JOURNAL!!! As silly it might sound, I find that when I actually write something down and can’t erase/cross it off until I’ve done it, I am more likely to actually do it. Also, physically seeing what you intend to accomplish on a certain day or week can motivate you more than just thinking it. And when you can see exactly what you’ve done at the end of the week it is SO rewarding.
How did you first get into fitness? I was a vey competitive track a field runner and pole vaulter in high school. When I started school at UT Austin (hook em!), the biggest gap I felt was not training anymore. So, I tried a bunch of different gyms around Austin to keep myself in shape and get the sweat session I so wanted. One day I stumbled into Fight Club! That was almost five years ago and they still can’t get me out of the ring.
What’s the best health/wellness advice you’ve ever received that has actually helped? “Fiber and protein at every meal makes losing weight no big deal” –Tanya Zuckerbrot. This is THE motto. I follow Tanya’s F-Factor Diet and it has significantly changed my eating habits and the way my body feels. This is a lifestyle diet, not a kick start diet.
What’s your favorite workout to do when you’re not teaching? Besides getting a nice ass kicking from the other incredible trainers at Fight Club, I am totally addicted to Pilates. You can find me at Pure Pilates pretty much every day of the week! I love how well the slow, specific movements compliment that fast paced cardio of a kick boxing workout.
What’s the last song you listened to on Spotify (or iTunes, Pandora, etc.)? The last song I listened to was Don’t Leave by Snakehips (Throttle remix). I am a BIG SoundCloud girl. I publicly post all of my Fight Club playlists there so that all of my clients have access to them! (Shameless plug: go follow Hallie Meland on SoundCloud)
Best thing in your fridge right now? Going through a phase right now and can’t get enough of these prosciutto wrapped mozzarella sticks from Trader Joes.
Go-to pre or post-workout snack? An F-Factor 20/20 protein powder smoothie with strawberry, raspberry, beet, chia seeds, and coconut water.
Go-to morning beverage(s)? I am that crazy human that doesn’t need caffeine because I wake up like the energizer bunny. But if I do get something it would be a venti very berry hibiscus refresher with light ice from Starbucks (specific, I know) or if I am home I’ll put a scoop of Vital Protein’s matcha powder in some coconut water.
Favorite splurge meal/dessert? I am that even crazier human that doesn’t like chocolate (GASP!). Favorite splurge meal would probably be P Terry’s and dessert would be anything without chocolate from Gourdough’s.
Where do you get your health/wellness information? I learned a lot about how the body processes food and why we should eat one thing over another from Tanya Zuckerbroot’s book. Also, two of my good friends have health Instagram accounts. I love the recipes on @fittgirlfood because they make healthy cooking easy, versatile, and ridiculously delicious. I also love @astoldbyrachy because she posts tons of “F-Factor approved” recipes and gives easy to understand explanations of the nutritional value of certain foods.
If this wasn’t your job, what would be your job? Surprise! It actually isn’t my full time job! I work as a business development consultant at a large software company full time and after work is when I head to the gym to work out and teach my classes! That’s why you’ll only find me on the schedule at 5:30pm and 7pm.
Favorite way to unwind after a long day/week? The recipe is: long hot shower, face mask, The Office, and a glass of wine.