Lynn sticks to the basics to maintain a healthy lifestyle. She
follows a dedicated, vigorous workout routine, eats as healthy as
possible, and gets plenty of rest.
Article updated: 3/30/2010 8:31:31 AM
I work out 5 to 6 days a week, 2 days with my trainer at American Family Fitness doing total body weights, 2 days running (outside if the weather is nice), and the other days doing a combination of weight training/cardio (no running those days). I usually work out about 2 hours each day,” says Lynn.
In addition to her workout routine, she participates in the two popular Richmond running events. “This year will be my eighth time running in the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, and I do either the HCA Virginia 8k or the McDonald’s Half Marathon during the SunTrust Richmond Marathon,” she says. “I would do more events if my schedule permitted.”
Lynn was born and raised in Richmond and is a graduate of Varina High School and Liberty University, but working out wasn’t something Lynn grew up doing. “I didn’t work out when I was a kid and didn’t start until my last year in college,” she says. “I hated working out and I was mainly a radio geek in school.”
Now she is very focused on staying in shape, and part of that is due to her profession. “Staying motivated is easy. When I see myself on TV every day it keeps me motivated to stay in the gym. Television automatically adds 10 pounds to everyone and honestly the camera and lights tend to be very cruel to individuals, not always showing our best features.”
So she sticks to the basics to maintain a healthy lifestyle. She follows a dedicated, vigorous workout routine, eats as healthy as possible, and gets plenty of rest.
“I make sure I stay away from sweets and junk food with high calories (comfort food), and I stick to lots of chicken and fish,” says Lynn.
“For carbs I eat sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes and I limit my sugar and portion size. I only eat out about once a week because a lot of foods served in restaurants have a lot of salt which helps the body to retain water. And I try to drink a lot of water even in the cold weather.”
Tracy’s 5 Favorite Fitness Tips
Try something new, especially during the winter. I’ve rediscovered jumping rope. It’s a great cardio workout and burns tons of calories.
Use motivation to stay in shape. For me it’s seeing myself on television. Find a favorite picture of yourself and use that as your inspiration.
Fight the winter blahs by setting a time to go to the gym and follow through. Once I’m finished, I feel like a new person.
Be especially careful of your diet in winter. I don’t eat white rice, only brown rice. And NO bread (which is very, very difficult).
Join a group. I have trained with coworkers, which helps keep me motivated. And when I am ready to run the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, I plan on participating in an organized training program. I don’t think I could motivate myself to run a full marathon. I need the encouragement of others.
Article first appeared in SBQ Issue #12, January/February | 2010
