Lawrence County fitness feature…
WHERE IS FITNESS?
By Jennifer Ferguson
With the New Year well underway lots of people have set out to accomplish their New Year’s resolutions. With one of the most common resolutions being to lose weight, get healthy or start a diet – The Lazer brings you a series of interviews from people from throughout the county who have already done just that.
Through hearing their stories and seeing their pictures, hopefully it will serve as encouragement and motivation for you to embrace healthy lifestyle changes too.
Our first story… comes from Ashley Patton, a long time resident and Lawrence County High School graduate. To date, Patton has lost over 70lbs, 30 inches and six sizes. Though she never really struggled with her weight until after having her third child in June 2013, it was then that she realized she needed to make some changes.
“So many things went on in my life in just a few years; I just lost who I was. I was trying to learn how to be a good mom, how to take care of a home, how to work, how to finish my degree, how to be a wife, how to please everyone else…I just completely lost who I was. After giving birth to my third child I knew in my heart that I wanted more out of my life for myself and for my kids. It was like God opened my eyes to all the blessings around me, that mainly being my three beautiful, healthy children.”
Starting her journey to become a healthier mom didn’t start out with weight loss as the goal.
“I understood that my life was far from perfect, but it was my life. It’s okay that it isn’t perfect as long as I tried every day to get the most out of it. My initial journey didn’t quite start out as a weight loss or workout mission, it simply started out as a ‘live life to the fullest’ mission.
Even though her life certainly hasn’t slowed down any, with three active children and a husband, through the help of Jamison Christina’s 21 Day Fitness Challenge, an online program that gives exclusive workouts and teaches clean eating (staying away from processed foods), Patton has managed to not only embrace a healthy lifestyle, but also instill it in her kids.
Í think the most important idea that I have learned with the help of the Fitness Challenge is that I should be focusing on a lifestyle change, not just a diet. Once I learned this concept I was able to grow in every way. I focus on things I can do with my kids and you wouldn’t believe how active they are! They actually amaze me! I stopped thinking of what I needed to do, and started looking for activities that we could do as a family like going hiking or swimming. I think initially just in my ‘mom mindset’ I would think that I didn’t have time to go to a gym or workout. When in reality, you don’t need a gym to get in shape, that’s only an excuse. What you really need to get in shape is the mindset that you’re tired of excuses and ready for a change.”
Though the online challenge group brought Patton workouts such as weight exercise, ab strengthening, and cardio options, she has recently ventured into heavier lifting at a local gym and also attends Cross Fit sessions when time allows.
Along with clean eating, Patton relies on Isagenix protein shakes as meal replacements and also deep cleansing products.
“I have found that these help me focus, boost my energy and curb my appetite. As a very busy mom of three, these shakes are a key factor in my daily diet. With no artificial stimulants or ingredients, they have helped me physically by targeting fat and turning it into muscle. It also helps progress my workout achievements by keeping me healthy and strong.”
As Patton continues her journey, her advice to others is simple.
“Tomorrow is a new day. Don’t wait for a new yr, or your next birthday, or a wedding. Take control now. I have been way down at the very bottom of the hole, where I thought I would never get out. I couldn’t even see the light to crawl out. I did it though, and if I can then anyone can. My baby is always with me, every weight lifted he is right beside of me in the stroller. Every mile I’ve ran, he is in front of me in the stroller. I do workouts with my kids and try to instill in them that life is what you make it to be. The only person that you have to be better then, is yourself. You walked half a mile yesterday, then walk ¾ mile today. I tell this to my kids every day, and repeat it to myself every time I bring up the question….”what if?” What if I can’t lift 10 more pounds? What if I can’t run that far? What if I can’t possibly do one more burpee? Do me a favor and just ask yourself, What if I can? What If I can run a 5k? What If I can lift my own bodyweight? What If I can do more burpees? What if I can reach any goal I set for myself? I can, because every day I know that I’m going to do better than I did yesterday and that’s all that matters.”
To connect with Patton and follow her on her journey, visit her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ashley.patton.79 or on her website www.ashleypatton.isagenix.com
(Disclaimer: Please note that The Lazer does not promote, endorse or encourage any type of product, diet or exercise. These interviews are simply telling someone’s story and encourage others to maintain a healthy lifestyle. As always, before beginning any type of exercise or diet consult with your physician.)
The following is a list of workout options we’ve found hroughout the county:
Blaine;
Zumba with Jennifer Ferguson : Mondays/Thursdays 6:30pm, Blaine Community Center, $5 per class
For more information visit Jennifer on facebook, or www.facebook.com/finallyfitinblaine
Fallsburg:
Zumba with Makayla Meade: Monday-Friday 6pm, Fallsburg Community Center, $7 per class or $25 per month
Louisa:
New Beginnings Fitness Center/Body Shop: monthly membership $35
Tabata: Monday/Thursday, 5pm and 6pm, $5 per class
*Classes are not included in the price of membership.
Zumba with Jennifer Pannel:
Monday, 5:30, First Baptist Church
Tuesday, 6pm, Louisa West Elementary School
Pound with Jennifer Pannel
Monday, 6:30pm, First Baptist Church
Tuesday, 7pm, Louisa West Elementary School
Thursday, 6pm, Louisa West Elementary School
All classes $5 each. Kids welcome!
Pound with Shonda Maynard. All classes at Louisa West Elementary School:
Monday, 7pm
Wednesday: 5:30pm
Thursday 7pm
All classes $5 each. Kids welcome!
Yoga with Debra Pennington:
Thursdays, 5:30 and 7pm, $10 per class, $5 seniors. Scholarships available if financially needed.
Crossfit (beside of Giovannis)
Contact Monica Hickey via Facebook for more details.
First week is free.
Free
Yatesville Lake: hiking, walking, bike riding, swimming
Lawrence County High School Track: walking, running, bleacher sprints
Blaine Community Center: walking/running track and playground
