"I can confidently do push-ups and am no longer intimidated by the weight training room."

​"I have always considered myself an active person rushing from work and beating the traffic to make it on time for my group exercise classes in the evenings.  It is what keeps me sane after a long day of work and what I enjoy as a hobby. This weekly exercise routine helped me shed some weight after a few months. But, after awhile, the weight loss came to a standstill. I would tell myself,  “What I know gets people fit is exercising regularly and eating healthy. Why am I not looking any different?”  At the time, I interpreted this as do as much cardio as you can and eat all the sugar you want as long as you burn in your group class and eventually you will see results. This mentality helped in the short term but it did not help in reaching my fitness goals of doing a single push-up and having a flat belly. This is definitely not Ashley’s motto and it is not mine anymore.
 
My journey with Ashley started back in February when I was getting ready for my dance team’s performance season.  I began to panic because at the time I could not keep up with the routine like the rest of the girls and I did not like how the uniform was fitting.  I decided that I needed to finally give in and try something new and I walked over to the weight training room. I remember looking at the machines and being inundated with all these questions and concerns:  Where to start? How much weight do I add? How many times do I do this machine for? How often a week should I be in this room for?  So, I started simple and attempted to do some push-ups since I felt more comfortable knowing their efficacy than the efficacy of the machines. My noodle arms could not keep my body up and I collapsed on that yoga mat. That was my turning point. I knew I needed help and there was no shame in asking for some guidance. That week as a sign from the heavens, I met Ashley.
 
The last 4 months have been life changing.  It has not just been a shift in workout and diet but a life style change.  The first day of training with Ashley consisted in having an in-depth conversation on getting to know our short term and lifelong fitness goals as well as our current diet and exercise habits. She then went about giving us options on how to make changes to our diet and fitness to attain realistic goals.  The thing about Ashley is that she believes in giving you options. She will never force you to do anything you don’t want to do. She gave us the choice to help us tweak our current diet or provide us with  a highly supportive one.   She meets you where you are, but she will strongly advise or work around certain things in order to keep you on track. I have such a sweet tooth and Ashley found recipes for me to satisfy the craving without steering too much from the diet plan.  What a difference in energy levels and productivity did the diet plan have at work and at the gym. 


Ashley doesn’t force things upon you but she pushes your potential. She intuitively knows how much you can handle and will always challenge you in her weekly session. I have to mentally prepare every time I meet with her because we juice every minute of the hour we are together.  After the insane workout we have, Ashley checks in with us on the current body-weight training and the diet plan. She is always willing to make suggestions to better cater your taste buds and modify the fitness routine.
 
I started at 122lbs. and am currently 115lbs. 7 lbs. give or take may not sound like a lot to shed in 4 months but now I know that the number you see on a scale cannot be the only factor to consider in your fitness journey. Many friends have asked me what I have been doing since they can see significant changes. People have pointed out toner arms, legs and waist. It truly has been an all-around transformation. I have to admit it has been difficult to notice the physical changes for myself because I see myself everyday.  Rather, I can sense the changes  in my strength. I can confidently do push-ups and am no longer intimidated by the weight training room.  

I feel stronger and I am stronger. Being disciplined with the diet and fitness routine roots from having the inner and outer strength to persevere.  I know that there is always room for growth-to be stronger, leaner and more disciplined but I am glad that I will have the support of a positive and inspirational coach such as Ashley to guide me in reaching my potential."

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