Whole body health: Client Spotlight Lisa Douglas!

Happy March! I don’t know about you all, but I am definitely welcoming our first spring month with open arms! This month I wanted to share with you the importance of family as well as how healthy families thrive! As much as I love training all of my lovely clients, my primary role is to be a mother to my wonderful children, a support to my husband, and an overall family woman. Family sits at the core of who I am, and because of this, I like to incorporate health and fitness into my family dynamic. This month, I want to share some of my insights and inspirations to help create a healthy home!  Last week I shared some family dinner tips and I thought I would highlight a wonderful and inspirational mother and friend. Lisa Douglas has lived all over the country with her family and she knows the meaning of true family whole health.

Client Spotlight:  Lisa Douglas

Lisa is proof that fitness has no age limits. She has taught me that no matter what your age, your background, or your fitness level, you can reach your goals! Lisa is constantly moving! Her workout before she came to TransFit consisted of hoeing, bee keeping, & working her beautiful farm land in Bishop Georgia. She loves a challenge and works hard everyday to improve everything she does! When Lisa started personal training, her primary motivation was to get fit for her son’s wedding. She reached her goal before the event and has continued to push harder and now loves a new challenge! One of her main focuses is core strength. We focus a lot of our efforts on improving balance and strengthening the core muscles. When I think of Lisa, I think her always saying “you said do 15; I need to do 20”! I just love that extra push she gives herself. Life is busy in Lisa’s world but she holds it all together with a word I call CONSISTENCY! This word should be a key word for all people trying to transform into a healthy lifestyle.

Client of the Month: Lisa Douglas

Age: 50

What sparked your interest in joining a personal training program?

My motivation for beginning an exercise program was my son's wedding last August.

How did you choose TransFit?

Looking online for a personal trainer, I came upon Caroline's website and felt that she would be perfect for me. 

What were your first couple sessions at TransFit like?

The early days were difficult because I had very little core strength and lacked the art of balance despite the fact that I had played doubles tennis the past few years and had been walking and doing farm chores on a daily basis!

Have you seen change or progress in your time with Caroline?

Day by day I have gained strength and balance over the past 9 months, lost weight and changed patterns of eating. For example, I now eat 5 smaller meals a day as well as am drinking more water and trying to establish better sleeping habits too.  I still have some goals to reach and maintain so I will continue with twice weekly TransFit workouts.

What is a favorite food or drink that you would never give up?

 Herbal Teas have long been a favorite of mine and my three favorite herbs for tea are our homegrown Lavender, Mint, and Lemon Balm.  Sweetened with honey from our beehives.

Final words?

 I cannot quit; I would miss Caroline and my workout partners!

Not only are clients getting a great workout, but they are surrounded by people who cheer them on, suffer through tough workouts with them, and are there for support inside and out of the studio! TransFit is truly a fitness family-- a community like no other! Congratulations Lisa! Keep setting and reaching new life goals!

Lavender Tea Recipe

• 3 Tablespoons fresh lavender flowers or 1 1/2 Tablespoons dried Lavender flower
• 2 cups boiling water
• honey and lemon if desired

Put the flowers in a teapot or container along with the boiling water allowing them to steep a good 4 to 5 minutes.

Pour into cups straining if necessary to remove the flower buds. Serve Lavender flower tea with honey and sliced lemon.

Lisa also loves to cook Lentils. This recipe is a whole meal in one dish! Try something out of the norm this week!

Lentils with Wine-Glazed Winter Vegetables

• 3 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups dried lentils
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 1  cup chopped celery
• 1 cup diced parsnip or other root vegetable or potato
• 1 cup diced carrot
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon, divided
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2/3 cup dry red wine
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

1. Combine water, lentils, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and bay leaf in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes. Remove lentils from heat, and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a medium cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, parsnip or potato, carrot, and 1 1/2 teaspoons tarragon, and sauté 10 minutes or until browned. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, tomato paste, and garlic; cook mixture 1 minute. Stir in wine, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in mustard. Add lentil mixture, and cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat; discard bay leaf, and stir in butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons tarragon, and pepper.

Enjoy! Blessings dear friends!