NASM Certified Personal Trainer Journey

CPR - cardiopulmonary resuscitation
AED - automated external defibrillator

Last night I embarked on becoming CPR/AED Certifed through the Red Cross.  The class was 3 hours long and very informative.  As part of becoming a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, I must hold a current CPR/AED certification - which I now do!  Why you may ask?

"As fitness professionals, we work every day with people who are stressing their bodies. Often these are overweight, out of shape and high risk clients. People who might be at risk for a heart attack or coronary arrest. But they aren’t the only ones in danger. Even your fittest, most athletic client could choke on a piece of gum on their way into your gym. Would you know what to do?" ACEFitness

Having CPR knowledge is a blessing for me knowing that I now know what to do in case of an emergency.  I took CPR & First Aid a few times in my past; the last one I can remember was when I was a teenager preparing myself for the work force I took a First Aid/CPR course for babysitting!  This was a very informative class and I still remember all that I've learned!  Over the years CPR rules have changed but currently the American Heart Association states, 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths.

I have scheduled my NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) test for next Tuesday, February 5th at 9:00am in Long Beach!  I took my sweet time taking the CPT course and doddled around quite a bit and finally decided it's time to buckle down and finish this 6 month long journey!  I am taking the test on the very last day I can take it without financial penalty. EEP!  >:)

I have made it a point to take my practice test over, and over and over and over and over again, with my first test at a whopping 25% (fail) to my last practice test at 95% (superpass)!!  I finally prepared and ready to take my test and I am anxious to recieve my certification so the next process of my life can take flight.

Next Stop:
NASM FNS course (Fitness Nutrition Specialist)

My Paleo Diaries

Health and Fitness has been a sincere goal of mine for that past year.  From joining a privately owned gym, to becoming a 'Founding 15' member, to changing my diet drastically - I have developed this passion!

Since beginning my workout regimen, I have gown down 3 dress sizes! HOLY COW!  In perspective, I was at the upper end of a size 12 trying to squeeze my way in to a size 12 dress or pair of pants.  Today I am at the lower end of a size 6!

My transformation took place over 7 months of working out 3-4 times a week at Chalk Fitness, and changing my diet to 6 days of no bread, starches, fruits (sugars) and other carbs, with the 7th day being my "Cheat Day", meaning I can eat anything - usually started the day off with a cheese everything bagel, topped with a doughnut dessert, burger or sandwich for lunch, icecream or candy afternoon snack and for dinner anything!

See my reader's digest version of my transformation:
This is me in 2011 - Size 12

                This is me working out - Hockey Jumps>


 Hack Squats









This is me October 31st 2012 dressed as Sarah Palin - Size 6

2012 was an incredible year for me!  My health has improved my body has improved and I am geared up for a lifetime of fit!  I began my certification process with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a personal trainer and will taking my final test next month, following that I will be take a course to become a Fitness Nutrition Specialist and eventually I may become a Holistic Health Coach through IIN (Institute for Integrative Nutrition)! 

For the next week  4 weeks (28 days starting from Saturday, January 12th and ending on Saturday, February 9th) I will be following a strict Caveman Diet - I'm going PALEO!  As a member of gym pronounced it - Pall-eh-yo, I am excited to take on this new adventure.  While on this diet I am exercises twice as hard and throwing in Yoga to really enhance my results.

My goals for 2013
- loose 20% Body Fat
- Gain 9% Muscles
- Be Fully Hydrated Daily
- Get to a size 4!

So far, I have eaten quite a few seeds & nuts to snack on along with fruits and veggies.  I have tired a couple recipes I found on Pinterest that have helped me be creative with my food choices.  I've learned that I really LOVE Sweet Potatoes - Who knew?  I always hated them at Thanksgiving - probably because they were warm and mushy and I don't like marshmallows - unless they're in a S'more, which I tend to pass on.  Anywho - 3 days down, 25 to go of this crazy way of eating!

I will try to keep posting on my blog my update and follow up with pictures. 









Here's a toast to Health & Fitness!

Being the Fitness Bee

Today I begin to blog about my fitness journey; As a Fitness Enthusiast, Certified Personal Trainer in progress, Fitness Nutrition Specialist in progress and a short of health nut.
Fitness Bee...

bzzzz...

I work out at a great gym known as Chalk Fitness in Placentia, CA.  It's a group exercise, personal training atmosphere with exercises close to the style of cross fit.  Since beginning my serious work out there, I have lost 10 pounds of fat, gained 5 pounds of muscle, lost 1 dress size, feel great and even cut my hair!

Fitness to me has become not only important to my daily life, but has become my way of life.  I have created this blog so as I embark on finishing my certificate program as a personal trainer, you can go along with me!  And who knows where this all may go!

I leave this poster with you in closing: