Get Fit with Ayla

by Ayla Riggle

Ayla Riggle is an Everett resident and owner of Thrive Fitness, providing customized fitness programs for all fitness levels.  Certified by the American Council on Exercise as a Personal Fitness trainer, she provides personal training in home, at Anytime Fitness in Lake Stevens and outdoor fitness boot camps. For more information on Ayla and her services, visit www.thrivefitness.info.

Here at the North County Outlook, we've kicked off our five-month fitness challenge, with nearly 60 teams participating. Follow our journey as we make 2010 the year of transformation and lifestyle overhauls.

This is not just another attempt at losing weight--that is so last year. This is a year to reach for the sky, and not stop until you get there. The only thing limiting you is yourself. If you believe you can do it, and equip yourself with the tools to change, you will.

It's never too late to start a New Year's resolution. In fact, I think it's better to begin when you are prepared with an eye focused on your goals, not simply when the calendar strikes January 1.

However, January does hold a special energy in the air, and I've got a good feeling about 2010. It's ripe with opportunities and fresh starts. This is the year to invest in what matters most, your health.

Health is defined as the soundness of body or mind, freedom from disease or ailment (according to dictionary.com). Create a sound body and mind through taking control of your health. Take some time to reflect on where you want to be this year, and what choices need to be made to get there; don't stand on the sidelines watching all the action, get in the game!

Let's start with the basics: a whole foods diet made up of lots of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins and fruits and vegetables, strength training and cardio to boost your metabolism, all in addition to nurturing your spiritual life, investing time in family and friends, having gratitude for the lessons learned each day and being patient with the process.

There will be many tempting "quick fixes," promising instant results. If those worked, our country would be in a lot better shape than its current state. I'm challenging you to take some time and learn the basics of healthy eating, start moving and walk right past those "quick fixes."

The only way to achieve a healthy body is by learning to make fitness and healthy eating part of your daily lifestyle, not a "diet" with an end date. Admittedly, learning to eat healthy, nutritious foods and workout to fuel fat loss and good health is a big task, but the lessons will last a lifetime, and will surely inspire your family and friends.

We are such a blessed community to have the opportunity to desire a change, and have the ability to pursue our dreams. What are you waiting for? Start today!

I would love to answer your fitness questions. Feel free to contact me at thrivefitness@live.com.