Friday, February 14, 2014

TRX Trainers: Worth the Money?

The buzz around the city these days (in addition to the millions of pilates and barre studios popping up EVERYWHERE- and even though they are everywhere classes are ALWAYS full) is a new tool called TRX: and classes involving these are filling up faster than a class at Soul Cycle. So what is it exactly? Basically, it's a rope-like system that provides a suspension based workout. It seems pretty interesting, and something that might be a great workout alternative when I don't get out of work early enough to make it to one of my usual group-ex classes. I can even hang it from my door in my apartment! Talk about super convenient, not to mention vacation or travel friendly!

Friday, November 2, 2012

Ultramarathon Registration... Complete!

I don't know if it was the double shot of Nespresso I had this morning, or the long standing debate on running the Way Too Cool 50K I have been having with my friends, but either way something made me feel bold enough to take the leap! Screw the 30 miler, why not jump straight into a real ultra that offers half paved roads? I just registered for the American River 50!

http://www.ar50mile.com/default.aspx

Set in my hometown of Sacramento, its a solid uphill climb to Auburn, and frankly, no joke. It's a qualifier race for the Western States 100, so a good race to see what I'm in for when it comes to training for my life goal. My rationalization was that this race is half paved road, and half trail. A [nice] way to ease into the trail races... Right? Maybe the 50K trail race was a better option because it was shorter. Either way, it's too late now! April 6, 2013 will mark the day for my first anticipated ultra finish! Training begins Monday! Between studying and training, I'm not going to have much time to do anything else!

Check out the ridic course profile. The last 3 miles look like hell on earth. What a crazy way to end a race, especially one that long!

Certifications, Certifications, Certifications... Oh, and money.

There are dozens of certifications that a personal trainer can hold. However, four main organizations are recognized by most personal trainer professionals and businesses. Beware of the $50 certification ploys and other too good to be true programs. It's meant to be tough, otherwise everyone could do it!

 I have been browsing thorugh several of these different certification programs, and have narrowed it down to inc ISSA Master Trainer, ACE Group Exercise, ACE Personal Trainer, and NASM Personal Trainer. I'll elaborate a little on each:

ISSA Master Trainer: You basically get a few certifications in one, which is helpful, but also adds to the amount of studying and time it will take to get certified and then be on your way to signing clients. Personal training techniques is the primary focus of this certification, but there is a substantial amount of nutritional studies, which can be a great hand in hand certification for some clients that are looking for guidance in their diet as well.

http://www.issaonline.com/downloads.cfm?ref=%24%2BR%40%25P0%20%20%0A

ACE Personal Trainer: Well rounded, this program offers a more in depth biological study than the other programs, and also offers the least amount of mandatory training prior to the exam. It has a reputation for being a standard certification which takes the least preparation and money to obtain so it is desirable for people who want to try out the personal training profession with the least investment of time and money. It's a great base certification for those looking to get hired by a gym, and build on their knowledge from there. All you need is a CPR/AED certification to sit for the exam.

http://www.acefitness.org/

NASM Personal Trainer: This certification offers a couple options for their students: you can simply study on your own, or attend a workshop to get some training. NASM is the largest personal certification, continuing education, and higher education provider for exercise science. NASM offers many certifications including the CPT or Certified Personal Trainer which is becoming one of the most popular and respected personal trainer certifications in the world today. The CPT does not require a college degree but some other NASM certifications do.

http://www.nasm.org/

After a few weeks of the back-and-forth, I ended up choosing the ACE certification, as it was the most financially friendly, and had the best study plan given my crazy work schedule. I cannot wait to get out and start my new career in the fitness industry or something similar! From here on out, you get to hear all about my hot dates with my study material, and my enthusiasm (or lack thereof depending on the day and rigor!).

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Where It All Started


What do Louboutins, firearms, San Francisco sports, and ultra-marathons have in common? Me. I am the girliest tomboy you’ll ever meet. You may ask, what does that even mean? Some refer to this personality type as a guy’s girl, but for me personally, I really don’t like to put a title on it. I am who I am, and have no time to apologize for it.  For the general population, it seems to be a societal faux pas when you see a girly girl keep up with or smoke the boys, finish an ultra marathon, or win a fight or debate. It may not be an openly communicated opinion, but it’s definitely there in the back of the minds of many guys and girls in today’s world. It’s a tough road with this personality; one that gets a bad rep among girls, and guys that get intimidated by it. Some call you a fake, or wannabe, or the like. Most don’t take you seriously, or think you’re trying too hard. However, the world couldn’t be more wrong about the token frou-frou coated females that exist across the world of sports, corporate America, and outdoor activities.  Inside, they share the same love of sweating it out with a tough workout, seeing the world, breaking records, and simply loving everything about the outdoor and professional world around them.
I started this blog to share my experiences and provide a place where girls (and guys!) can come to share a laugh about the city, fitness, food, and motivation for being an all-around bad-ass in life. I want to let the world into the mind of one of these dynamic and strongly active girly girls: what piques our interest, what motivates us, what fitness gear and training plans rock our world, and how we reach our fitness and life goals. We’re tougher and more spontaneous than our personal style lets on, and we’re more than just a pretty face.