Summer Food Journal Challenge📔🍓🥗

Sweet friend,

A new week and fresh start is upon us! We have hope that change can happen in and out of the studio! Let's take ACTION in all areas of our lives and LIVE transformed. There is power in the present and there is such hope for the future! 

This week, along with our 8-Week Summer Transformation Challenge we are ready to fire you up with the FOOD JOURNAL CHALLENGE. We love doing accountability checks like this because it helps us to refocus our minds; and to be intentional and mindful while eating. Making journaling a healthy habit can jump-start your transformation. 

Remember that it's never too late to start changing your life for the better. Counting your macronutrients can propel your progress. Join the Food Journal Challenge starting Monday with us!
We RISE STRONGER TOGETHER.

💙Two favorite truths to encourage you to give your best daily and never give up! 💙

James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that thetesting of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

James 1:12 “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

What Is The Challenge?

Keep a food journal starting Monday and go through Friday, 5 DAYS! Download the free MyFitnessPal app and log your food, outlining the details of your meals and snacks throughout the day. You can also write down your nutrition in the notes section of your phone and send us your journal Friday or Saturday! We want to help hold you accountable! The challenge is for YOU! So whether you choose to do 1 day or 5 days- come out of your comfort zone, be accountable and try something new! 

Why Take The Challenge?

Using a food journal is the number one way you can take control of your healthy lifestyle. Everyone struggles with what we put in our mouths and self-awareness helps us to realize what food, beverages, and portion sizes we are actually fueling our body with daily. Journaling is an amazing tool for weight loss, assessing a food intolerance, or to treat a deficiency.  We have seen the MOST effective results with our nutrition clients who have kept a food journal and showed it to us weekly! The week of accountability can be one important key to unlock your success in reaching your personal goals.

You can live anywhere and take this challenge. No excuses, friends, you CAN DO this challenge!  We are here for you and will be your partner in this journey! Let’s do it –plan for it today, start tomorrow, Monday! Ready for a great week! 

5 Helpful Tips to Get Started on the Food Journal Challenge!

1. Download the MyFitnessPal app and create an account! You can also do a handwritten food journal if you don't care for the app.

2. Commit to doing the food journal every day for 5 days.

3. Write down 3 goals for the week right now, tell someone your goals, or text/email them to a TransFit Staff!

4. Be honest! We are not judging you on what you eat- the challenge is for you to become a healthier person and by journaling, you will gain a greater awareness of what you are eating daily!

5. Clean out the pantry and refrigerator. Start the week off right; any food or beverages that are tempting to you- TOSS! You don’t need it and neither does your family! Start the week fresh with a clean refrigerator and pantry so that you can restock with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. YES, YOU CAN!

   
   At the end of the week email or text us a picture or show us  the weekly challenge and be entered to win a prize!
   We believe in you! 

You CAN commit to 5 days of food journaling! We want to provide you accountability! Accountability is a key to your success! 

Let's fill our mind with positive thoughts, inspiring goals and give our best for the remainder of June, starting July encouraged! Have you filled out your summer goal sheet? If not, download it and challenge yourself to finish this summer strong! If you fill it out, send us a picture because we would love to hear what your goals are and encourage you throughout the rest of the summer!

The time is now if you are ready to walk, run, jog your first Half Marathon! The AthHalf will be here in October! Check out these plans for your best race here!

Studio is open all week and we will be seeing clients 1-1, semi private, traveling and group sessions. Please bring your sparkle towel and water when you come to the studio.

1-1 Session’s are a great way to reset and get the results you need. Email us for more details and to set up your 1-1 Personal Training Session.

Reminder! We have a FREE meal plans and recipes on our website under the Healthy Living tab of the website! Also, if you're on vacation check out our workout videos on YOUTUBE! 

Email us if you have any questions or would like to schedule a 1-1 with one of our Personal Trainers or Nutrition Consultants to help you reach your health goals! We are here to serve you! 

Check out our website for blogs, inspiration, recipes, workouts, and more!

Let us know how we can serve you!

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Top 5 Reasons Why Women Need Strength Training🏋️‍♀️🏋️‍♀️

Hey sweet friend, 

June 2022 is almost over, but not quite! Let's work to reach the goals that we have set for this month—step outside of your comfort zone. Try incorporating Strength Training 3x per week to reach your maximum strength potential and boost your metabolism. 

TransFit is unique because it provides Strength Training Workouts in an uplifting environment specifically designed for women to help you achieve the results you want to achieve. 

These workouts will transform you—body, mind, and spirit.

You may be thinking, “doesn’t lifting weights make me ‘bulky’”? Thank goodness that isn’t true. Today, we clear up the misconceptions! 

Below are some key facts and benefits to help you understand why we, as strong, healthy women, need to build strength training into our weekly fitness plan.

Strength Training 101:

Strength training involves resistance bands and balls, hand weights, barbells, kettlebells and even your own body weight in order to boost your metabolism and lean out your muscles to create a sculpted, toned, strong body.

More importantly, Strength training is just what your body needs to fight the loss of muscle, and increase bone density and build muscular strength that women normally lose with with age.

Top 5 Reasons Women Need Strength Training:

1. Improves body composition & increases lean body mass (builds and maintains muscles mass) If you would like to meet with a Personal Trainer to assess your body composition (body fat %) please email us here or ask!! 

2. Increases metabolic efficiency (burns fat and aids in weight management)

3. Increases joint strength and stability

4. Improves your cardiovascular health

5. Increases bone density

MORE Important Reasons WHY Strength Training:

• Decreases psychological stress 

• Increases energy levels and mood, and aids in mental health

• Icreases balance

Never too late to join:

The Summer Transformation Challenge has strength training workouts for you! 

Keep TRANSFORMING over the summer with our Summer Transformation Plan! Includes recipes, workouts, and encouragement to keep you going strong!

Interested in TRANSFORMING with the whole family? Check out our Kids-Couch-to-5K running plan on our websight!

High Protein Recipe for Strength:

The Simple Summer Salmon recipe is high in protein and great for building strength! Try it out and let us know how you like it! 

We can’t wait to see you in the studio or virtually!

TransFormer sessions are strength training based metabolic conditioning sessions are offered multiple times a day.  HIIT sessions are cardio endurance focused. Our new Bone Strength Session is 9:30am on Thursday. TransFit Yoga is now offered 2x week. Friday sessions are a combination of strength + HIIT.

We are grateful to serve you.
If you have any questions, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com.

If you would like to do a 1-1 or semi-private session with one of our Personal Trainers or Nutrition Consultant please reach out. We are here to serve you and want to help you live transformed!

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Ready for A Challenge? TopGun Training & AthHalf Here We Come!🏃‍♀️ 🏅

Sweet friend,

Team TransFit Top Gun, what a fun start to the week! We learned from the movie that life is all about how you deal with setbacks in life. When you are open to them; lessons and inspiration can come from anywhere! You have a choice each day on how you will handle any situation- you can quit, or you can learn from past circumstances and use them to propel you forward! Let’s be inspired this week to go all in! To reach toward big goals and dreams! 

With all the summer excitement and people traveling again, our goal is to keep you strong, healthy, and feeling your best! Summer is a perfect time to set goals and achieve goals. One of the things we value is the importance of cardiovascular endurance and how it impacts overall health. We want to invite you into the challenge of beginning to train with us for the Athens Half Marathon which will be taking place on October 23, 2022! I know what some of you are thinking, 13.1 miles, are you crazy?

We understand, that some days self-doubt can creep in but we must remember, that we are all vessels and our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit! Our bodies are capable of doing amazing things, immeasurably more, so why not challenge yourself! Did you know there is also 5k that weekend, too? We are so excited and have two goal-shattering plans that can help you as you train for the race! 

Mentioned below are many other races that are coming up in and around Athens that we encourage you to look into a 5k or another adventure event.

The basic plan includes an 13-week, training schedule to use as the race approaches. Join Team TransFit and let's run the AthHalf! We believe in you!

The Advanced Half Marathon Performance Health and Fitness Guide eBook will help you prepare for your upcoming half marathon! It features a running plan, workouts specific to runners, and a sports nutrition meal plan and recipes to help you feel your best, while preparing to run! The eBook is specific to the AthHalf Half Marathon on October 23!

Upcoming Races In and Around Athens!
 

1. Peachtree Road Race - July 4th, 2022 - Atlanta, GA 

2. 12 Days of Christmas in July Races - Day 4 - July 8th, 2022 - Athens, GA

3. Milledge Mile - July 30th, 2022 - Athens, GA

4. Coach Mike's Run Through The Woods 5K - August 6th, 2022 - Athens, GA

5. Brain Fitness 5K - August 14th, 2022 - Athens, GA

6. Birchmore Memorial 5K - September 11, 2022 - Athens, GA 2022

7. Jack-O-Lantern Jog 5K - October 16, 2022 - Athens, GA

October 22 + 23, 2022 - Athens, GA 
Click AthHalf Half Marathon & 5K to Register for the AthHalf today!

For some healthy recipes to keep our bodies fueled, click the link below to grab our Summer TransFormation Plan FREE.

Questions about your summer nutrition plan and how you can reach your personal goals? Contact our staff to set up a 1-1 with any Personal Trainer or Registered Dietician. 1-1 or semi-private sessions are a great way to jump-start your transformation or reset your goals.

TransFit Running Director, Lisa Patton is ready to help you plan and train for your next race! Contact her to help you plan your best 5k, 1/2 Marathon, or Marathon!

You can also email us to schedule an appointment to meet with any of our staff! Check out our website HERE for a nutrition package that fits your needs! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at transfitathens@gmail.com. 

Check out our website for blogs, inspiration, recipes, workouts, and more!

Let us know how we can serve you! Email us at transfitathens@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to schedule a one-on-one.

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Light Your Fire In June❤️‍🔥🧨

Summer of 2022, we are walking into new hope, new change, and fresh possibility in the days ahead. We know we are stronger together and we want to lean in, listen, and learn to be a part of change for the Kingdom of God! This is what we have been training for: to LIVE TRANSFORMED.

When our thoughts are changed: actions change and lives change.

Our TransFit Community strives to love and serve each other fully and be transformed to be more like Christ by the renewing of our minds, daily: Romans 12:2. We are in community to encourage, love, and to pray for one another. We are grateful to walk along side of you in your goals for summer 2022

Yes, it sure is getting hot outside and it's time to turn the heat up in the TransFit studio, your home, your workplace, or vacation destinations! We love the theme we have for the month of June: 

Light A Fire In Me!!!

 This month, our prayer for each of you is to ignite a spark of passion and excitement in YOU for your whole body health journey! Enjoy exercise, eat nutritious foods, drink water, and focus on what really matters in life- what a privilege. We realize many of you are in and out of town for the next two months, but try to get in 2-3 strength workouts and 3-4 cardio workouts each week! Spice up your workouts with our LIVE VIRTUAL Sessions (daily 9:30am) or check out FREE workouts on our  TransFit Athens youtube channel!

To help light your fire, here is Your FREE 8-week Summer Transformation Challenge! You NEED to be a part of this!

Light a Fire in June!!
We want to provide you with this 8-week Transformation Plan that not only challenges you physically but spiritually as well. We will be going through Galatians, Ephesians, and Phillippians together. We are so excited to walk through the next 8 weeks with you. Along with a daily devotion, the challenge also includes travel workouts, recipes, meal plans, and more!

Today print out your Summer Goal Sheet and start filling it in! 💪🏻

High-protein snacks? Yes, please!

High-protein on the go? Yes, please!

Let’s Light a Fire in June! Try a great healthy recipe from our Transformation Challenge. Meet with our Integrative Health Coach Lea Wallace to transform your summer nutrition. 

Sometimes the freedom Summer brings can create a whole lot of chaos when coming to routine meal planning. Get back on track with some of our Spring/Summer meals found in our meal plan! Click the link below to access it!

We love hearing from you! Please continue to give us feedback on times and sessions that work best for you.
We want to be accommodating to the needs and wants of your body, mind, and spirit!

EMAIL CAROLINE@TRANSFITATHENS.COM WITH ANY FEEDBACK!

Want to check out even MORE TransFit workouts? Head over to our YouTube Channel!

Summer is a great time to LIGHT A FIRE with your family! Thankfully, the Athens Half Marathon is coming so soon! On October 23rd, 2022 we will have a team running and would love for you to join us! Linked below is some of our great running plans to get everybody moving, and don’t worry the updated AthHalf plan will be coming next week! Get excited TF family!

Let's relight the flame within! Over the next 8 weeks, challenge yourself to be active every day, increase your water and protein intake & meal prep! Continue working hard this week, getting in your strength workouts and HIIT cardio!

Sign up for all sessions in advance.  Please cancel or reschedule your session within 24 hours so others can get into the sessions they need to transform.

Thank you for all that you do by being such an incredible woman in this community! We are grateful for you!

Check out our website for blogs, inspiration, recipes, workouts, and more!

Let us know how we can serve you! Email us at transfitathens@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to schedule a one-on-one.

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Budget-Friendly Guide to Healthier Eating🤸‍♀️🍎🥑🛒!

For one of her final projects UGA Senior, Sydney Hood, was interested in finding out the most effective, budget-friendly way to approach grocery shopping. To write her article, she decided to sit down with Caroline and talk about how wise spending and healthy eating go hand in hand! They came up with some tips and tricks for making a trip to the grocery much easier and way less stressful:

"This story is a personal interest of mine as a college student who struggles with budgeting money and eating healthy. With the stress of school, extracurriculars, and other work-related activities, it can be easy for me to completely disregard healthy eating habits and take the easy way out with a quick Chick-Fil-A run. As an avid runner, I know that nutrition should be at the top of my list. Through this project I definitely learned that it is in fact possible to eat healthy without completely cleaning the bank and I hope others who read this are inspired to take the first step toward a lifelong healthy journey as I am."

- Sydney Hood

10 Expert Tips for Grocery Shopping on a Budget:

    1.    Set your weekly budget & revisit it monthly. If possible take our cash for groceries

    2.    Shop for nonperishable items online (protein bars, shakes) Amazon can have free shipping, and you can do price comparisons. 

    3.    Plan your meals. Planning ahead, and making meals At home can save! Meal prep and cook extra. Plan your menu then make a shopping list.

    4.    Buy fresh fruits and vegetables in season. Less expensive and have more vitamin  and mineral 

    5.    Buy meat and grains in bulk.  (Sams & Costco are great cost-effective options). Choose organic when possible and choose wild fish if available.

    6.    Limit your purchase of ready-prepared foods. Shop generic.

    7.    Clip coupons with caution. Coupons can actually make you buy more expensive items you do not need. 

    8.    Get creative with leftovers! 

    9.    Stay away from prepackaged snacks (most expensive and typically not calories friendly).

    10.    Learn the Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen. The Clean Fifteen are items that you do not have to purchase organic. The Dirty Dozen when possible as they are more likely to have been sprayed with pesticides and chemicals.

Transform Your Nutrition:

Download our free TransFIVE No Sugar Challenge today to jump start your nutrition plan this week.

Click Here for Nutrition Plan

Directions:

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin. Break off each lettuce leaf individually. Peel and shred the carrots.

2. First, mix the peanut or almond butter with olive oil, hot sauce, and honey for the two sauces. Then make the other sauce simply by adding pepper flakes and sesame seeds to the soy sauce.

3. There’s no actual cooking in this recipe and people assemble their own wraps… all you do is set it all out in bowls and on plates.

4. Everyone assembles their own! Take a leaf, put a little of what you want in the middle, finish with a little of each sauce, wrap, and munch… it’s finger food!

Summer is fast approaching and we are so excited! We know that with school being out, schedules can change a lot. We want to hear from YOU about what you'd like to see this summer-- days and times that work best for you and any special requests!

Let us know your input by emailing transfitathens@gmail.com! We will be closed Memorial Day weekend and have a modified schedule the week before as many people are traveling.

Ingredients:

• One Earthfare Rotisseries Chicken

• Two Boston Bibb Lettuce heads

• 4 Carrots

• 1/2 cup toasted almond slivers

• 3 scallions sliced thinly

• 1/2 cup Cilantro chopped

• 1/4 cup of mint chopped

• 1/3 cup crunchy peanut or almond butter

• few splashes of olive oil hot sauce to taste

• dash of honey

• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce

• sprinkles of red pepper flakes and toasted sesame seeds

TransFit Weekly Schedule

Email transfitathens@gmail.com to schedule a 1-on-1!

Let's keep the fire going this month! Be sure to check out our weekly schedule below to find the session that works best for you. If none of these sessions work for you, we would LOVE to meet with you 1-1 wherever you are (time or place)!

Congratulations to the UGA Class of 2022! We are proud of you for all of your hard work and determination. We wish you luck in your future endeavors and are praying for you always!

Meet Mallory and Come Transform With Us!

Happy Monday! 

We are so excited to announce that we are welcoming a new Personal Trainer to our TransFit Team! Meet Mallory Gilliam! Many of you have met this bright spirit in the TransFit studio over the past weeks and she starts her new sessions tonight! We are so excited to have Mallory on our team to encourage and inspire you and we are so thrilled for her to meet her! Mallory cheered at UGA and her contagious energy and bright spirit will propel you give your best inside her sessions and living transformed outside our #happyplace! 

My name is Mallory Gilliam, and I am so grateful to be a part of the TransFit community!  I am thankful to share my passions for health, wellness, and faith through TransFit!  I want to inspire, motivate, and encourage all women to trust the Lord with their hearts, minds, and bodies because that's when transformation unfolds.

While attending The University of Georgia, I obtained a Bachelor's degree in Advertising.  My love for Georgia Athletics came alive as I was fortunate enough to carry out my endeavors as a member of the UGA Cheerleading Team.  My time Between the Hedges, on the competition mat, and in the weight room lifted my passion for exercise.  I was named to the NCA All-American Team and honored as one of the Top 20 NCA Collegiate Cheerleaders across the nation.  After cheerleading ended, I moved to Dallas, Texas for my dream internship.  During this time, I truly began focusing on the foods I was putting into my body and I began overtraining.  I was left broken and tired.  This is when I knew it was time to focus on my faith.  I finished my last semester of college and later became a pharmaceutical sales representative.  God had blessed me with everything I wanted, but as I began focusing on my still moments, I felt Him leading me in other directions.  After trying a few other career paths, His purpose for me became clear.  I am passionate about helping others through exercise and nutrition, so I honored His gifts for me, and pursued group fitness and personal training.

I am excited to help TransFit ladies on their journey, and my goal is to encourage transformation through shifting thoughts of comparison and perfection to happiness and peace.

Some of Mallory's favorite things outside of TransFit include:

• Cooking, especially for others
• Taking walks around Five Points
• Painting
• Yoga
• Georiga Athletics
• Wednesday nights with my small group ladies
• Dancing in my kitchen
• All dogs, but I have a special place for big dogs
• Sundays
• Giving and wrapping gifts
• Spending time with loved ones
• Spreading kindness and smiles because we all need encouragement
• Having alone time to pray

Mallory will be teaching our NEW Monday 7:15 PM session and Saturday 10 AM session! We hope that you will come meet Mallory and join us at these sessions! You can sign up on our FREE app! 

Keeping our hearts healthy is such a vital aspect of our whole body health! We look forward to seeing you in the studio soon! Let's kickstart this week and make it count! Continue to work hard towards your February goals! We believe in YOU!

Don't forget to sign up for our new sessions! We hope to see you soon! If you have any questions, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com. 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Why you need strength training to transform your body! Awesome Olympic HIIT Workout!

Happy Saturday, sweet friends! It has been another awesome week in the studio. We love seeing each of your smiling faces! Each day is on step closer to the right direction when you are staying accountable to your goals! Continue to strive for progress- this weekend! Please try to book your exercise sessions for the week ahead and come 11:30 Tuesday to the FREE Transforming Goal Workshop! Sign up online, email us, or use the app (Special Events tab) so we know how many to expect! The lululemon ladies will be teaching all about how to reach your goals and we will have fun prizes & giveaways! 

Caroline Ward, Demetria Hunte, & Katie Woodall

---

Dee wanted to share with you why she feels strength training is so important to transform your body! 

It has been such an amazing 2 weeks working full time at TransFit and continuing to meet so many inspiring and dedicated women! What an amazing constant reminder of how much of a blessing TransFit and the TransFit family have been in my life. I am looking forward to a new season of growth and inspiration!

TransFit is so unique in that it provides for women something that is so commonly left out, strength training! Strength training is just what your body needs to fight the loss of muscle, bone mass and strength that comes with age. Resistance bands and balls, hand weights, barbells, and even your own body weight can be used as resistance when designing a strength-training program. Even better, all that new muscle and strength pays off in a long-term boost to your metabolism, which helps keep your body lean and sculpted. Suddenly, dumbbells sound like a smart idea! Below are some extra benefits to help explain why we as women should and need to build resistance training into our fitness plan.

Benefits of strength training for women:

• Improved body composition & increase lean body mass
• Increased metabolic efficiency (burn fat!)
• Increased bone density
• Decreased psychological stress
• Increased energy levels and mood

---

Here is an awesome workout we want to share with YOU! This workout can be done anywhere and is great to take with you when you travel! Check out the video below!  

Olympic HITT Workout- TransFit Athens

---

Dee is pictured doing the squat with shoulder press here! 

Let's work to finish this August strong! We know that you can achieve those goals you set at the beginning of the month. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you! 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

FREE At Home ONE DUMBBELL Workout!

Sweet friend!

You are off to a great start this week and working hard ready to make the end of July your best! Summer is quickly coming to the end and the new school year is approaching. As we finish our summers and kick off the another great school year, we encourage you to stay motivated and determined to work hard in all that you do. This week in the studio we talked about doing everything with all of your heart!

Matthew 22:37 says- Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God will all your heart and with all your soul and will all your mind." 

---

This is the book I have shared about this week in the studio! Click on the picture to purchase the book! 

---

The Lord calls us to devote our hearts to Him. In the same way we love the Lord with all of our heart, let's work at everything with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength giving Him all the glory! Let's finish this month with ALL of your heart! You can do it! 

---

Sometimes the summer schedule can be hectic and it can make it more challenging to find time to workout, especially if you can't make it to the studio. But, no need to fear! We have an awesome workout that can be completed with only one dumbbell! Try this workout 2-3 times a week, in addition to your normal exercise routine, to transform your body! 

Here is the awesome One Dumbbell Workout! 

---

Continue to sign up for your classes in MindBody! Take advantage of each opportunity you have and plan to make time to exercise, in the studio and out of the studio! Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you! Let's achieve these July goals! 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Finishing June Strong- Amazing Client Spotlight: Vanessa Lawrence

Happy Thursday, sweet friend!

It has been such an awesome week in the studio as we finish out this month! This week we challenged each of you to try the TransFIVE sugar challenge. If you didn't get to try the challenge for these last days of June, give it a try for the start of July! It's never too late to start!

One of our clients, Vanessa Lawrence took on this challenge and saw such transformation, as a result! Vanessa is a wife, mother, nurse, and such a hard worker! She gives 110% in and out of the studio! She is dedicated to living transformed and has learned about the importance of accountability and dedication, even when it might be challenging! Read more about how her journey started and the progress she is continually making! 

---

Vanessa Lawrence

I reached out to Caroline last August after seeing so many inspiring photos of her clients on her blog. Those ladies all looked like they were truly having fun in a positive, encouraging environment. The only time I had really felt that way with a group of ladies was on a pretty porch with some wine, cheese and bread, not doing planks!   

For quite a few years, I had been exercising regularly but could neither feel nor see any real changes in my energy level or strength, and the numbers on the scale seemed to head in the wrong direction. After reading more about TransFit and talking with friend, I realized that I had been missing a huge factor in my attempt to reach healthy goals; accountability. Who, besides that grumpy little voice in my head, really knew about that second bite of brownie, that bite (or two or three) of the kids' snacks, or that second helping of some gooey delicious dish at dinner? And unless it was something I had signed up to do, like a class at Canopy, exercising felt like a chore. I could easily find something else to do that seemed like more fun.

So, after beginning TransFit with my lifelong friend, Melynda, I began to establish that missing accountability factor. I signed up for a weekly session and weigh-in, had an accountability partner in Melynda, and such positive encouragement from Caroline. I truly knew it was time to start appreciating the body I have been given and all that it is capable of doing. The scales remained the same for the first few months, but my body fat percentage went down 3 points. I was developing a new enjoyment of exercise and even made time on vacation to visit those empty hotel fitness centers! After the Holiday Challenge through Transfit, I totally surprised myself by losing a couple of pounds during the time of year when I typically gain five to ten. Then came the Five Day Sugar Challenge. Guys, this was such a biggie for me! I was SO hesitant to join in this challenge. I kind of enjoyed my relationship with sugar! But, I quickly realized that my hesitation indicated that this might just be my problem area. I'm not a big dessert eater, although I should admit to all those bites of treats I would take at kids' functions (and with three kids, this ends up being A LOT of bites). I also began to take notice of all the sneaky sugars that were present in my diet; in my coffee, peanut butter, yogurt, salad dressings, the bread on my sandwich, that amazing dark chocolate, and that relaxing glass of wine. After a week of sticking with the challenge, I lost four pounds! And more importantly, I was sleeping better, feeling much more energy during the day, increasing my water intake and becoming so much more mindful of all my dietary choices. 

Since the sugar challenge, I have continued to be aware of all the sneaky sugars, reconsider a glass of wine, and decide if that treat is really worth the energy crash I would feel shortly after. My relationship with sugar has definitely changed for the better! I believe this awareness has made a huge impact on my fitness motivation. I'm feeling so much stronger and feel a renewed endurance with working out. I have never been a runner, other than a couple of two mile excruciating attempts. Over Spring Break, however, I surprised myself again and ran over five miles with some girlfriends! It was hard but I did it and felt so proud! I could totally picture Caroline giving me high fives along the way. Even more shocking to my husband, who knows better than anyone that I am not an early riser, I sign up and look forward to those 5:30 AM Transformer sessions! No other workout has felt worth it or inspiring enough to get me up that early. I am trying to get in three sessions a week at Transfit, and I still love my three classes at Canopy. One thing Caroline has encouraged us all to do is to focus on progress not perfection, and I remind myself of this daily. When I do extra reps of something that used to feel impossible, learn a new trick at Canopy with less struggle, achieve a weekly goal I have made for myself, and feel better in summer clothes, PROGRESS feels really good. 

---

Here is one of Vanessa's Favorite Recipes! 

Healthy Crustless Quiche

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 3 large egg whites
• 3/4 cup milk (could use skim, 2%, unsweetened almond milk)
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 2/3 cup shredded cheese (any type you have on hand works)
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/2 of red pepper, chopped (could use more or another pepper as well)
• 1 cup torn baby spinach leaves
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 2 Tbs grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, egg whites, milk, salt, pepper, and cheese together. Set aside. Heat a 10 inch oven-safe skillet over medium high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil, and salute onion and garlic until tender (2-3 minutes). Add the chopped pepper and cook another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the prepared egg mixture and spinach, then sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese. Bake for 45 minutes or until filling has set and no longer jiggles. Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack before slicing and serving. 

This quiche makes great leftovers and could also be baked and then frozen. You could also add meat to it without altering the recipe.

---

As June ends, we can begin to prepare for July! Check out the studio calendar and find classes to try this month! Continue to register for classes on MindBody online HERE or on the app HERE! 

The studio will be closed on Monday, July 4th! We will kick off July in the studio on Tuesday, July 5th! Prepare for the first week of July and get registered for your sessions!

Let us know if you have any questions! Enjoy your 4th of July! 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Are you ready for a January Jump Start?

Hello friends!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your families and are enjoying this time of rest and relaxation. In this last week of December 2015 as we move into the New Year I encourage you to stay motivated! I know this time between Christmas and New Year's can be tempting to indulge in leftover sweets and treats but let us finish the year stronger and healthier than ever! Take this time of rest to really focus in on your goals for 2016 and all that you want to accomplish, not just through your health but in all areas of life. 

Sweet friends that are participating in the Holiday Extravaganza finish strong and remember why you started this challenge! Remember the challenge is not a diet or a phase meant to restrict, but meant to encourage you to treat your body as a temple and reward you for doing so! 

Thinking about the New Year - Are you going to be looking to jump start your body, mind, & spirit for a successful 2016?
The TransFit January Jump Start packages will provide you a healthy all- inclusive approach to help you achieve your fitness goals! The January Jump Start packages will get you on the right track to make 2016 the best year yet body, mind and spirit!

January Jump Start Package A

•  4 weeks healthy lifestyle meal plans, recipes, shopping lists
• Blank Meal Plan Template for you to customize
•  2 home workouts per week plus weekly inspiration
• One month exercise plan                                                            
• Getting Started Guide & 10 New Year's Steps to Success
•  2015 Goal Sheet                                                           
• Accountability Chart
• TransFit January calendar with weekly challenges
• Weekly Inspiration and email support

                                                                       $75. 00                                                                    Will be emailed directly to you in PDF format

January Jump Start Package Elite

 January Jump Start Package A plus add in a 25 minute consultation with body composition (body fat % & measurements) with Certified Nutrition Consultants: Katie Woodall or Caroline Ward    $100

January Jump Start Package Premier

January Jump Start Package A plus add in 2 -25 minute consultations before & after 4 week nutrition plan $125

January Jump Start Package Platinum (*awesome savings!*)

January Jump Start Package A  plus 25 minute consultation before & after 4 week nutrition plan  plus 2 Transformer in studio workout sessions per week for the month of January    $225.00                                                                                                

Email transfitathens@gmail.comor go to SHOP to sign up

Here is a January Jump Start recipe and my favorite 2015 Transformer workout to help you stay focused during the last week in December. 

Enjoy this salad recipe over the next few days to leave you feeling satisfied and energized!

---

Transformer Pear & Spinach Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted
• 1 cup pomegranate arils
• 4 oz feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 2 Bartlett pears (firm but ripe), cored and sliced
• 1 avocado, peeled and sliced tossed in lemon juice
• 9-12 oz baby spinach

Dressing

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste 

Directions

Place all dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake well or blend. Place all salad ingredients in a large salad bowl, drizzle with desired amount of dressing then toss to evenly coat. Serve immediately.

---

Here is one of our favorite workouts of 2015 - try this some time in the next few days to feel recharged and strong! 

I want to say thank you so much for another incredible year. God has continued to bless this business and I have loved watching Him use TransFit as an amazing ministry. You all inspire and encourage me each and every day, and I could not be more grateful to do what I love and serve you all!

Blessings,

Caroline

Beach Body Bootcamp Workout! No weights needed!

My family and I just returned from an amazing beach vacation! This week we were all able to relax, focus, and recharge  and now we are ready to continue strong for the summer ahead. Restoration is so essential for whole body health and can give you renewed energy in all aspects of life!  Our health is such a gift! God has given us an amazing temple and in all areas let's honor Him with our bodies.

Matthew 11:28-29 “…Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 

Here are a few pictures of our beach getaway below!

So much fun!  All the fun in the sun made me think about a workout that could be done in the the sand and could be done without the hassle of weights and gym equipment.  BEACH BODY BOOTCAMP WORKOUT!  Although it can be difficult to find time to exercise during family vacation, this workout will is one that the whole family can do together and you don't need to bring anything (no weights necessary)! Whether on the beach, at the lake, by the pool, a hotel or wherever you may be, complete this anywhere workout and feel GREAT the rest of the day! With Fourth of July right around the corner this will be an awesome workout to do before or after your family fireworks!

             For those of you at the beach here are some helpful sand tips:

• Try exercising with bare feet to give your feet and ankles a workout. But, if you have a history of weak ankles, wear shoes.
• Always wear sun protection.
• Make sure to drink water!
• Check your training area for any sharp or hidden objects.
• Knock it out and enjoy a great workout with the family!

Blessings, Caroline

Power Up with this Plyometrics Workout!

Happy Monday everyone!

This June Transfit wants to light a fire in you, and this plyometric workout is just the way to begin the flame. Plyometrics used to be called "jump training" when it emerged back in the 1980s. It mimics fun activities kids do, like jumping on the trampoline, playing hopscotch, and skipping, and is a high impact workout that boosts muscle power, strength, power, and agility.  If you aren't already in shape you may want to start slow with this exercise. Plyometrics can help people to train for any activity which involves explosive movement, including basketball, volleyball, running and football. Just in case consistency is an issue for you this summer this plyometrics workout can be done less frequently and still deliver powerful results! Plyometrics are also great for summer months and vacations because it can be done with little to no equipment! All you need is a sturdy bench or step!

Check out pics of Kaitlyn and I demonstrating some explosive moves from this workout while kitten sitting our lovable new kittens!

Think you're up for the challenge? Here is a regimen for the whole workout! For best results the plyometric workout should be done 2 times a week, always add in strength training, and steady cardio on additional days!

Hope this workout is effective for you! With determination and perseverance you'll be sure to see results in no time!

Blessings,

Caroline

Exercising While Pregnant - Yes!!!

There are many wonderful benefits of pregnancy exercise! One of my amazing clients, Carinne Hardin, has been exercising at TransFit for almost 2 years! I have been most proud of her accomplishments and how she is taking care of her body these past 9 months! Carinne was eating clean nutritious foods and was exercising consistently until the day she gave birth! Carinne is an inspiration to many women and she is a wonderful example of the many benefits exercising while pregnant! To know more about Carinne or exercising while pregnant, message me and I would love to share in more detail!

Here are some wonderful benefits of pregnancy exercise: 

1. Boost your energy

Pregnancy can sap your energy, but regular bouts of exercise will help you get through your daily tasks or cope with a demanding schedule: Exercise strengthens your cardiovascular system, so you don't tire as easily. With muscles that are strong and toned, you need less effort to engage in any activity, whether that means grocery shopping or sitting through meetings at the office.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), you can safely take part in 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise every day, as long as you don't have a medical condition or complication that your doctor or midwife has told you rules out exercise or limits your activity level.

2. Sleep better

When you're carrying an extra 15 pounds (or more!) in front of you, finding a comfortable sleeping position can be a real challenge. But exercise will help you work off any excess energy and tire you enough to lull you into a more restful sleep.

3. Reduce pregnancy discomfort

Overall, regular exercise stretches and strengthens your muscles, which helps your body cope better with the aches and pains of pregnancy. Stretches ease back pain, walking improves your circulation, and swimming can strengthen your abdominal muscles.

4. Prepare for childbirth

Giving birth is akin to running a marathon, which requires stamina, determination, and focus. Though it hasn't been well researched, training for childbirth through exercise may ease labor and even shorten the time it takes to deliver your baby.

5. Reduce stress and lift your spirits

Having a child is a life-changing, momentous experience that can leave you feeling simultaneously ecstatic, overwhelmed, and anxious. One study found that exercise boosts levels of serotonin, a brain chemical linked to mood, putting you in better spirits.

6. Improve your self-image

Watching the scale inch its way up to numbers you've never seen before can be disheartening. Staying active helps you feel better about yourself and improves your odds of gaining a healthy amount of weight.

 

My hope for is for all women to know how important exercise is in every phase of life! If you have any questions about exercising while pregnant please contact me! Have a healthy day!  Caroline

 

 

Summer Blast Workout

During the summer, it can be hard to find time everyday to get to the gym or complete an extensive workout! So I have come up with a full-body, quick (40 minute) SUMMER BLAST WORKOUT! Complete these exercises for an amazing full body workout! The best part of this routine is that there are NO WEIGHTS NEEDED! Complete this workout anytime throughout the day, all you need is 40 minutes!  

Remember, the question isn't CAN YOU, it's WILL YOU?? 

Enjoy the workout and keep striving toward your goal of a            healthy lifestyle!

TOTAL BODY WORKOUT! GREAT JOB!!

For the month of June, I challenge each and every one of you to complete a set of abs every day! Try each morning when you wake up or right before you go to bed to complete any type of ab workout! Whether it be crunches, planks, scissor kicks, reverse crunches, shoelace touches, or any other type of ab workout you can think of! Anything counts! Try starting off with 3 sets of 15 reps for the first week (add more if that isn't challenging enough), and each week try increasing your sets by 1! Click on the calendar below to download the June abs challenge to help you keep track of what ab set you complete each day! Fill in each day what you complete and show it to me JULY 1ST and one person will win a FREE TRAINING SESSION! 

I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT! Good luck!!

     Blessings, Caroline