Thursday, October 23, 2014

Introducing Pauli

We're growing, again! I would like to take a second to introduce to you the newest member of our team! Pauli just started training clients for us. Her and I met and became friends two years ago and she is an avid fitness enthusiast, horse rider, and hunter. Actually, I have nick named her Hunting Barbie, as she is as blonde bombshell as they come. She is going to be an awesome addition to Forever Fit! She is beautiful, smart, driven and her energy is contagious. She is constantly building others up and makes you feel like you are the most brilliant, fittest, coolest person in the room-- and her "no bull" attitude helps us all dig deep to push to become our best self. We am so excited and grateful to have her a part of our team!
Pauli and our friend Gina, running the Hot Chocolate Run together in 2013

                                 Pauli and I celebrating the 4th of July with my fam bam.

What's your story? How did you get to be a resident of Eagle Idaho in 2014?
I came to the Treasure Valley in 2010 after completing my education. I love the small town feel and the close proximity to the outdoors, for skiing, hunting, and hiking. I have been tempted by other job opportunities, but I cant seem to leave!

How long have you been involved in fitness?
Ever since I was little. I remember in grade school sneaking my mom's Jane Fonda tapes and working out to them when she wasn't around. I grew up with property and horses. There was a lot of manual labor required and that definitely kept me active as a kid. I showed horses competitively in high school and in college. I qualified for the American Quarter Horse Youth World Show 2 years in a row in a few events, and competed there once. I have won several high point awards and numerous belt buckles, and was ranked 1st and 2nd in several events for the state. Showing horses requires a high level of fitness to be competitive. I worked out a lot outside of what my horse trainer had me doing with my horse so that I was more than prepared for the show ring. During college, I explored various fitness classes, and continued running and dancing up until my hip surgery last year. I am no longer running, but lifting heavy and dancing.

Have you ever lost a substantial amount of weight?
10 pounds. Some may disagree and not call this substantial, but to each individual, it is all relative. I am basically the same size I was in high school, and that 10 extra pounds was a lot for my body to carry. About 2 years ago, I had some hip dysfunction that greatly limited my ability to exercise, and even to walk at times without severe pain. I had a lot of days where I was in pain the entire day. Consuming food "felt good," even if the feeling was short lived. I over indulged to try and "feel good." After major surgery, I had major work to do to get rid of the effects of "feeling good." I took flack from people saying that I did not have anything to lose after surgery, but my clothes did not fit and I was not at my "normal." It was aggravating that no one could tell my body changed, even though I felt the difference of each pound.

Why are you becoming a trainer for Forever Fit?
I think each person's fitness or weight loss journey, no matter the point, is all about relativity. It is so personal and so individualized and it chaps my chaps when others try to weigh in with their opinions. We all tend to, unfortunately, care a little too much what others think and fail to be true to ourselves and true to our desires. I strongly feel that whatever point you are at: beginning, on the path for decades, needing a form of exercise,etc., you need someone to be your cheerleader. I want to be that cheerleader. I think we all set super high standards for ourselves, but would never even consider holding our friends or loved ones to those standards. I would like to lovingly bring all of us (myself included) back to to reality. I also want to be able to instill the importance of health and whole body wellness, besides looking good naked:)
What education do you have?
Bachelor's of Science in Dietetics

What goals do you have as a trainer?
I would like my clients to feel like they can push their limits, to find new boundaries, and new activities that they did not imagine they could do, while I provide them with a safe environment. I would like my clients to trust me, and to trust that I am on their team, every step of the way!

Favorite quote that has helped you get through hard times when you wanted to quit, on your own fitness?
No excuses! No fear! End of story!

What made you want to become a trainer?
I chose my Bachelor's degree because I strongly believe that food can be medicine, it can be fuel, but it can also be a drug when used inappropriately. I think exercise and physical activity can be described the same way: medicine, fuel, or a drug. I think establishing or re-establishing boundaries for each is vital to obtaining health and balance. I am not 100% at this, but I hope to educate and promote the importance of it.

Favorite "on plan" meal? Ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and broccoli, sprinkled with cinnamon
Favorite "off plan" meal? Sourdough soup bowl with Spring Veggie soup from Kneaders and carrot cake

Favorite body part to work and favorite exercise?
Abs, your core can never be too strong! I dont have a favorite, but I like finding crazy challenging exercises and becoming proficient at it...ASAP:)

Favorite type of cardio? Where at? (gym, outside etc)
Dance class

When are you starting? What will your availability be?
October 27th. Mondays