Optimism in October: Amazing Client Spotlight Allison Cass!

Hi sweet friends! 

We are half way though the month and our October Challenge is going strong! I hope you are trying to get in some type of movement everyday and recording it on your October calendar! Also, it's not to late to start the challenge, or restart the challenge! Make every day count this month! Let us know how we can help you with your exercise plan, nutrition plan (with a customized meal plan), or anything that would help you reach your whole body health goals.

Amazing client spotlight, Allison Cass, has been doing the October Challenge and has made changes over the last year which have lead to an amazing transformation! Allison has a bigger than life smile and her positive, encouraging  spirit shines when she is working out in the TransFit studio, working as a pharmacist, and at home as mom and wife! Allison is committed to making a least 2 strength training sessions in the studio a week, consistently come to the running workout on Tuesday, and just tried the new HIIT session this week! Commitment to a consistent exercise plan, working on striving for progress each day with nutrition, and staying accounting to her goals Allison has seem amazing results body, mind, and spirit! Thanks for inspiring us all Allison! Keep motivated and keep shining your brilliant, bright light! 

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I have always considered myself relatively active and enjoyed exercising.  I have run on and off for years and would occasionally mix in other forms of exercise, but I lacked any real consistency.  After things got busy with kids, work and all the other activities that are just a necessary part of life, I really fell into a rut with my exercise program.  I would go through periods when I would do pretty well and then I would get busy and fall off the wagon again and go weeks without exercising.  While I was doing “something” –which I felt was better than nothing at all, I still didn’t feel very “in shape” and I had become bored with just running. I had very little core body strength and definitely didn’t feel that I was taking very good care of my body overall.

We made the decision to move and built our home in Watkinsville about 2 years ago and in all the craziness of moving and building, fitness and eating healthy really took a back seat.  The thing about life and aging….it doesn’t slow down or wait for you to get settled and have time to make things a priority... you may just wake up one day and realize you’re not at all where you wanted to be and you’ve lost so much time that you could have used more wisely!  While I KNEW that taking care of myself and making my health a priority was what I needed and wanted to do, my actions did not reflect that at all. I was determined that once we got moved into our new home, I had to find a program to help me get on the right track and really establish good exercise and eating habits for myself and my family.  I heard about Caroline and started following TransFit on Instagram and really enjoyed her posts and blog.  Her approach to whole body transformation and philosophy of exercise as worship were very appealing and all of her posts were so motivational!  I decided I wanted to try it out in August of 2015 and made my first appointment.  Once I met with Caroline and we chatted about goals and how to get started I left knowing TransFit was the right program for me.  

Currently I go to the TransFit studio twice a week for strength training and the running class on Tuesdays. I usually play tennis a couple of times a week and try to fit in a run once or twice a week as my schedule allows.  The accountability factor has been HUGE for me! The TransFit team is wonderful at making sure I stay on track and they are all so encouraging.  There are many weeks it’s difficult to fit everything in and sometimes it’s hard….I would rather sleep in a little or skip a class, but never once have I regretted going after the fact!! It’s now a priority for me that I’ve discovered is necessary for stress relief and healthy living in addition to being such a great, meaningful part of my day-- I always leave feeling uplifted.  TransFit truly helps keep me balanced and I’m SO thankful for the positive impact and sweet friends that I have encountered in my time there!

One of Allison's favorite recipes is Goat cheese, caramelized onion, and spinach quesadillas! 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoonolive oil

• 1 cup thinly sliced onion

• 1/4 teaspoonsalt

• 9 ouncesbaby spinach

• Whole-wheat flour tortillas

• 4 ouncessemisoft goat cheese

• 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is dark golden brown. Remove from pan. Add the spinach and 1 tablespoon water to the skillet; cook 2 minutes, or until spinach is just wilted. Remove from skillet and turn off heat. Spread a quarter of the goat cheese on each tortilla and top with spinach, tomato and onion; fold closed and press lightly. Heat the skillet and place two folded quesadillas in it; cook two minutes per side, or until golden brown and lightly crisp. Repeat.

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Allison, we are so proud of you! We encourage each of you to give your best and finish October strong! We are at the halfway point of October and want to see how your October Challenge is going! Remember, our goal for this October is to do some sort of exercise daily! This can be stretching, walking, running, or joining us here in the studio for a workout. If you record your exercise daily and bring in your calendar at the end of the month, you will be entered into a drawing for a $100 credit!!! We believe in each of you and know that you can achieve this goal! If you have not started yet, we encourage you to start TODAY! It is never too late to begin! We are excited to see you this week for your transformation! 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Is Sleep Really that Important?

Happy Thursday friends!

What incredible start to October! We have loved beginning this month with you and are excited about our October challenge! Yes, you can do something active each day in October! Whole body health is what we strive to help you balance at TransFit and rest is one key that will help to unlock your total transformation ("rest...that that I can do"...I hope you are saying)!  Our TransFit yoga instructor, Melynda McCutcheon is sharing why sleep is vitally important for your body! 

At Transfit we talk about mind, body, and spirit a lot because we are passionate about your whole health body and well-being!  We want you to thrive in your daily lives.  In a world where we hear and see a great deal of value placed on the mom or career woman who can “do it all” while running on fumes, we sometimes get the impression that it is actually a good thing to sleep less and DO more.

Over one third of adults are getting less than the 7 hours of sleep minimum that we need to restore our bodies to health.  In addition to those who aren’t getting enough sleep, there are those of us who wake frequently during the night and who over estimate how much sleep we get as a result of that!  While we are sleeping our immune systems are revamping; our metabolisms are resetting; our muscles are healing and using the nutrients we consumed to create lean muscle mass; and our minds are resting and being restored.  Without ample sleep, we find ourselves feeling sluggish, less effective in our daily tasks, stalled out in our goals for our health and grumpy!  So, yes, wonderful ladies, 

our sleep is just as important as our nutrition and our workouts. 

We have a few simple tips to get you on the right track to a good night’s sleep.

At night…

• Turn off the TV or your electronics at least 30-45 minutes before lights out
• Read a devotional
• Write in a gratitude journal
• 10 minute yoga/stretching practice
• Keep a consistent bed time that allows for 7-9 hours of sleep each night
• Drink a cup of ward chamomile tea
• Take an epsom salt bath

In the morning... 

• Avoid the snooze button and get up and moving!
• Open your curtains or turn on soft lighting to help you body wake more easily
• Think of the breath you are breathing and be grateful for this new day

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Take note of your sleeping patterns and allow yourself to rest more! Rest is so important for your body and truly benefits whole health. Finding our strength in God and honoring Him by resting is vital for your transformation. Through proper rest you will have the mental clarity to focus on your goals and strive for progress. Rest in God's strength and believe that His plan will work for your good! 

The Lord replied, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

Exodus 33:14

If you have any questions, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com. To sign up for TransFit sessions, click HERE!  Rest well beautiful ladies, we believe in you! 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit 

How can YOU eliminate sugar from your diet? Do 5 days with us next week!

For this final week in September, we want to challenge you to give your all and push  yourself one step further by showing your strength through your nutrition! And we want to help guide you next week using our TransFIVE challenge! 

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We’ve changed up our TransFIVE program using a few of our favorite fall recipes, so even if you’ve participated before (or it’s your first time!), the recipes and meal plan are FREE for you to enjoy! 

What is the TransFIVE challenge? It’s simple. Five days of eating clean, whole foods. You focus on eating lean protein, lots of vegetables and fruits and healthy fats. You avoid foods with any added sugars and simple carbohydrates like potatoes, breads and pastas.

 It’s also quick — only five days so you can reset your mind, focus back to your transformation goals to finish September feeling your absolute best!

Next week, meditate each day on Mark 12:30, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

Together, let’s take our minds off sugar for five days, and instead relay our focus on the source of our inner strength. Focus on the One who gives us our healthy bodies, gives us the strength to do squats and push-ups and run a mile. Focus on our Creator and love Him with your WHOLE self. 

Our Team will be doing the challenge right alongside each of you! We’ll be checking in on our Facebook page and encouraging you as well! Let’s help motivate one another to giving our best to the challenge next week!

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Here are three easy tips to help:

1. PREPARE!

Over the weekend, take an hour or two to get your kitchen ready! Clean out your fridge and pantry. Get rid of those unhealthy snacks or any foods that might tempt you. 

Grocery shop early. We make that easy by including a shopping list with your TransFIVE e-book! As soon as you get home, wash and chop all your fruits and veggies. Prepare your September Salad and portion it out into individual containers for lunches. 

2. SET AN ALARM!

Use your smart phone and set an alert during those “tempting” times of your day. Is it in the afternoon when your kids get home from school? Is it in the evening? No matter the time of day, set an alarm on your phone to go off to help refocus your mind toward your goals. We recommend a 3:00 p.m. alarm or 8:00 p.m. (or maybe both!)

Use scripture for encouragement like 1 Corinthians 6:20, “You were bought with a price, therefore honor God with your body.” When you see this pop up on your home screen, it can help you remember the reason you’re doing the TransFIVE challenge! 

3. BRUSH YOUR TEETH!

One of our favorite tricks to help fight cravings! No one wants to eat with minty, fresh breath, so brush after every meal! Pack a travel toothbrush and toothpaste in your purse so you can brush even when you’re on-the-go. And at night, commit to brushing by 8:00 p.m. to help prevent those late-night snack cravings!

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We believe in you and know you can do anything you set your mind to! So let’s set our minds on fueling our bodies next week with wholesome foods!

To download the TransFIVE challenge, click here. Enter code CLIENT for your free download!

You’ve got this!
Team TransFit

TEAM TRANSFIT 

Incredible Client Spotlight: Lisa Shirreffs

Happy Thursday! September is flying by and each of you are working so hard to achieve your goals you set at the beginning of the month. Continue to give your best this month! We know you can do it. Today, we are excited to introduce you to our client spotlight, Lisa Shirreffs! Lisa is an inspirational mother, wife, and friend! We love how each time Lisa comes into TransFit she has this enthusiasm and spark in her eye! She always gives 100% and has seen such a transformation in loss of body fat over her time at TransFit! Lisa has been consistent with weight training weekly and is adding in exercise one travel vacations!  Keep giving your best Lisa and inspiring so many women that no matter your age - you can live transformed! 

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                                                                       LISA & HER FAMILY

"In February, I began my workouts with Caroline after trying numerous other "work out" plans in town.  I've always been an active person but a life-long and regular work out warrior, not so much.  I did not do an organized "aerobics" class until well after college. I was in and out of work out programs while in Atlanta, DC and after I married and moved to Delaware.  I (and my husband) realized quickly that working out was a great physical release but also a HUGE mental equalizer. I have always struggled to make my workout a priority. I need an appointment time and personal accountability. Caroline's motivation and energy have helped me continue to stay on task. I love that I make an "appointment" and have it on my calendar. No excuses and I block out an hour for my personal physical and mental health.

I've reached a point in my life where my fitness is a priority. I work out at Transfit at least a couple of times a week and get regular cardio and stretching a few times a week. I'm on the road a lot in the fall to see my boys in college and try to get in workouts on the road. Walks, tennis, TransFit sessions and the past couple of weeks - great hikes have helped me keep on track. 

My diet is probably my biggest challenge. I love healthy food.... but there isn't much that I don't like. I've been lucky to be able eat pretty freely but as I get older and want to stay healthier, I recognize I have to be more cognizant of what I put in my body. As I began to work with Caroline and TransFit, I logged my food... for the first time ever.  I became much more aware of the nutrients that I need and the "other stuff" that I don't. Though I don't always eat what I should, I do have a much better understanding of what I am consuming and it's effect on my body, energy and well-being. 

After being diagnosed with osteopenia a couple of years ago and given the fact that my Mom and sister both have had osteoporosis, I am considered high risk and need to increase my bone and muscle mass. I also have had back issues for the past few years and Caroline is very careful to adjust exercises for my individual needs and check in with me to see how my back is feeling. 

I married into an extremely athletic family and have two sons (now 19 and 21) who I had to learn and continue to try to keep up with. I was really humbled this spring when they came home from college and noticed a difference in me. They were so excited that I had muscle definition, seemed to be in better shape and healthier that I had before. Thanks to Transfit, I'm probably in the best shape ever."

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Way yo go Lisa! You are incredible! Let's all strive to make progress on day at a time! In order to finish September strong, we are encouraging you to join us for our TransFIVE challenge starting next Monday. The challenge is 5 days of completely restoring your body, and will revamp your health in a new way. This challenge can help you focus on removing sugar and toxins from your body. 

Let us know if you have any questions!

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Living Transformed!

Biking for Multiple Sclerosis- Mom, Kaitlyn, and me 

Happy Sunday Sweet friends! 

Hope you have been able to rest and recharge this weekend so you can be ready for a successful week! I am heading back from North Caroline where mom, Kaitlyn and I rode bike to support MS! I urge you to find something active to do that supports a cause that is near to your heart!  

 Now that our schedules are back on track, we want to encourage you to grow in your strength in the spirit. We have been talking about strength this month and the importance of gaining strength physically, but now we have the opportunity to grow together in spiritual strength. 

We are excited to offer the opportunity to dive into scripture through the Live Transformed Bible Study. My prayer for you in this study is for you to learn what God wants for your life, for Him to reveal to you your strengths, and His plan for your amazing body, mind, and spirit.

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When you think of the word transformation, what immediately pops into your mind? Is it the possibility of a different looking body?  A renewed spirit and joyful heart? Or a transformed life in which you are satisfied and content with just being you? Join us for the Live Transformed Bible Study. 

The Live Transformed Bible Study is a 6 week study learning more about transformation of the body, mind, and spirit! Here is an overview of the study:

Week One: Foundation for Transformation 

Week Two: Your Body is a Temple

Week Three: Nutrition is Vital

Week Four: Exercise is Worship

Week Five: Your Mind is the Center

Week Six: Be Filled with the Spirit 

Extra Materials: Daily Checklist, Goal Worksheet, Steps for Success

Workouts: 6 Total Transformation Workouts

Meal Plans: 6 weeks of daily meal plans

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 Don’t put off your health another moment. No matter what is holding you back, God’s plan is already prepared for you.  The time is NOW to take action!  Let’s make our whole bodies ready to work and serve to it's fullest capacity! We have been given this beautiful gift of a body and let's use this gift to produce good works! 

 I am so thrilled to get to know YOU and study the word with you on this journey and I will be praying for you to be transformed by God’s love! This Bible study will meet on Thursday's at 12:30 PM. I would love to get to spend this time with you and get to personally know you. 

Please register for the Bible Study on the app or through MindBody or email me directly caroline@transfitathens.com. If this time does not work for you, but you and a group of ladies are interested in going through the study, email us at transfitathens@gmail.com for more information about working through the study together.  I am excited for this opportunity to learn and grow with you!  

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Find your true STRENGTH in September!

Happy September! We can't believe September is already here! Now that we are back into the swing of things with the routine of school, work, and activities settling into place, it's time to focus in on your whole body health! We are talking in the TransFit studio this month about "growing strong in our weakness".  

Does your body need strengthening and toning?  Your nutrition need cleaning up?  Or possibly your attitude toward a certain situation needs lifting? 

WE ALL have weaknesses and the way we grow stronger is to have faith in those times of difficulty. Leaning on the One who loves you unconditionally rather than leaning on your own understanding is how you can grow strong in your weakness. 

Please take this verse to heart when you need encouragement:

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One way you can increase your body strength and stamina is to set a new September goal and work daily towards achieving that goal. In the month of September we are going to reach for new goals and do a new monthly challenge! 

September Squat Challenge

While we want to use this challenge as a means to reach new personal goals and get stronger in body, mind, and spirit in the month of September, we are also going to include a squat challenge that we can do together as a community!

Not only is this a great way to strengthen your lower body, tighten and tone your glutes but clients who do the challenge will be entered in a raffle to receive a FREE SESSION! Each day you successfully complete the day's challenge, check the chart attached or take a picture of yourself doing an exercise and post to social media using the hashtag #tfsquatchallenge. 

Throughout the month, we will draw a names out of a raffle and the winner will receive one free session in the  TransFit Athens Studio!  If you need a mental reset for September or want to have a 1-1, thirty minute or hour session with one of our personal trainers or nutrition consultants please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com or book the session on our new TransFit App

. We want to help you reach your goals! Remember accountability is the key to unlocking your success! 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

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ABSolutely Committed for August

Happy August!

A new school year is about to begin, schedules are changing, and you are going to achieve your goals this month! This August we are focusing on committing to our goals! August is a perfect time to make a new exercise plan and commit to making 2016 your best year! Make exercise a priority and come join us in the studio! Whether this is your very first time or you have been a loyal client for years, we are so excited to get to spend this August with you! 

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Today is the day to realize that you are a product of your choices. Small choices you make each day become habits. Habits lead you directly into your goals! Goals are such an important part of your transformation because it gives you an idea of what you are working for in life. Your goals are made specifically for you and by you!  In addition to setting goals, we want to encourage you to have accountability partner. Let this August be a time that you use accountability in exercising, nutrition, and faith. Let this August be a time where you break down your bigger goals into daily habits and achieve your dreams! 

Make sure to download our NEW APP. This app will allow you access to recipes, workouts, inspiration, and allow you to sign up for classes directly through our personalized app. The app links directly though Mind Body so any credit you have will be carried forward. We are offering a middle school girls session beginning August 15. If you, your daughter, or anyone you know of would be interested in joining this session, you can sign up for the program on the new app! If you have any questions about the app or how to find categories within in the app, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com. 

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Let's make this August one to remember! Stay ABsolutely committed to your goals- starting today! We believe in YOU! If you would like to meet with one of our trainers or nutrition consultants one-on-one please let us know. You can sign up for these 1-1 sessions on the TransFit app!  We would love to set up an opportunity to meet with you to help you reach your whole body health goals! Clean the slate, August is a new month!  

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! 

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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. 

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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.

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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

Finish Last Five Days of June feeling your best!!!

Hello friends! 

We had such a great week in the studio! Thank you for working so hard and for being so determined to reach your goals! We realize the summer can be a hard time to stick to any routine, but let's focus on the goals we set at the beginning of the month and give our best these last 5 days to achieve success in the last week of June!  

Today TransFit has updated and is re-releasing the TransFIVE Challenge. This 5-Day challenge focuses on eliminating sugar from your body and reviving your body, mind and spirit! It includes a 5 day meal plan, recipes, tips, daily inspiration and more!  We have updated the e-book with a new summer meal plan and new recipes! This is a great time to challenge yourself, as we finish out this month! You can do it!

The TransFit community and anyone who wants to join us will start the TransFIVE Challenge this Monday! Join in the fun and download the TransFIVE e-book (FREE for TransFit clients), plus be added to the TransFit Facebook group to join other ladies in this journey! We are so excited to encourage and inspire each other as we do this challenge together! To download the free ebook, use the code CLIENT at checkout and you will get it for FREE. 

Spend time this weekend preparing for your upcoming week through nutrition and exercise. You can create a weekly calendar and can plan your meals and exercise, so that you are not in a scramble each day, wondering what to cook or when to fit in your exercise. Please try to book classes at least 24 hours in advance, so that we know you are coming and can specifically prepare the workout for you! You can see this upcoming week's studio schedule below! In addition to these sessions, we offer one-on-one personal training consultations and nutrition consultation by appointment. Email us at, transfitathens@gmail.com if you are interested! Continue to purchase and sign up for classes on MindBody. You can access MindBody online HERE or on the free app HERE. 

There will also be the Friday Running Group session with Lisa at 6:00 AM! It is FREE! We would love to see you Friday mornings! 

Let's finish this month strong! If there is anything we can do to help you, please email us! Enjoy this beautiful Friday and your weekend!

Blessings,

Team TransFit 

Jumpstart Your June- Client Spotlight on University Cancer & Blood Center

Hey, friends! Hope you are enjoying this week of sunshine and warm temps! It’s definitely feeling like summertime!

We had an amazing first week of June at the studio! We started off summer at TransFit with a bang!! New KickBox and Flexibility and Core sessions began, along with new Transformer and regular small group training sessions. We are also providing 1-1 sessions for those who would like personal training or specific goals.

The TransFit team wants to challenge each of you to try something new this summer! Sign up for a variety of classes and change up your normal routine. If you’re home with the kids this summer, we have Transformer and TransFlex classes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m., as well as early morning times. Our goal is to help provide you more opportunities for time in the studio with us to help you reach your transformation goals! Log into our MindBody app and find a new class that fits your schedule! You’re guaranteed to work different muscle groups and meet new friends!

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Today, we want to feature a group of clients who tried something new. We’re very proud of their commitment to whole body transformation at home and in their workplace, and we want to share with you their transformation stories!

Located here in Athens, University Cancer and Blood Center (UCBC) recently participated in TransFit’s corporate wellness program. More than 30 of their employees signed up for a 12-week journey to better health and nutrition!

TransFit’s Nutrition Consultant Katie Woodall visited the UCBC weekly highlighting a different nutrition topic at each session. Starting with the foundation of good nutrition, she also provided a plan for adding exercise to their everyday routine. The group covered topics like cleaning out the pantry/fridge, eating healthy on-the-go and at restaurants, meal prepping, the shopping pathway at the grocery store and much more.

Participants received weekly meal plans that also included grocery shopping lists and recipes, as well as, an exercise plan for each week. This group was always up for the challenge! We challenged them throughout the program to food journaling, eating more fruits and vegetables, and drinking up to 100 ounces of water. Of course, prizes were involved for challenge winners and at the end of the program for individuals with the most progress!

But one of the keys to their transformation was accountability, and UCBC understood that for their employees’ success with the program! Participants weighed in each week to help them stay on track with their progress and toward reaching their goals. At the beginning and end of the program, we took body measurements, including body fat percentage and body mass index (BMI).

We want to highlight a few of their successes…

Josh

Lost 22.8 pounds, 4.2% body fat & reduced his BMI 3.1 points!

Pam

Lost 18.2 pounds, 13.5 inches, 3.6% body fat & reduced her BMI 2.9 points!

Lyndie

Lost 9.2 pounds, 8.75 inches, 2.7% body fat!

Tessa

Lost 9.4 pounds, 15 inches, 3.6% body fat!

Tracy

Lost 17.6 pounds, 18.5 inches, & reduced her BMI 2.9 points!

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One of the clients, Pam, had incredible results that she wanted to share. 

"When our physicians presented the opportunity for our office staff to have nutritional counseling, I jumped at the chance to participate.  The idea of having someone provide a meal plan with recipes really appealed to me and I was tired of the excess weight that I had gained.

I am fortunate to have a husband that was willing to try the meal plan and have my food ready when I came home each day so that was helpful, but I did the prep work on Sunday and found that to be an exciting part of the week.  I found myself being more aware of the nutritional value of the items that I was purchasing and started buying a variety of vegetables and fruits.  I also found that I was sleeping better and had more energy since giving up processed items and diet drinks.  I enjoyed getting back to walking and having the energy to do my 3 miles several times a week.  My biggest accomplishment was finding that my lab work and blood pressure had returned to a normal result when I had my physical near the end of our 12 week plan.  This was so exciting to me since diabetes and heart disease are illnesses in my family history.  I felt like a winner!

I have continued to be aware of my dietary intake and still have a few pounds to lose before I look to maintaining my weight, but I feel that this goal is attainable.  I still enjoy my morning smoothies or yogurt parfait for breakfast and love my crockpot recipes for our supper.  I am so glad that I have all of my meal plans, recipes, and nutritional information that we received to use as my guide as I continue this pathway to healthy living.  I'm grateful to our physicians for getting this program in the work place and for my coworkers that provided encouraging words along the journey."

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Many others were committed to the 12-week program! They attended weekly nutrition sessions and weigh-ins, food journaled and exercised regularly. Individuals with success toward their transformation goals were consistent with good nutrition and exercise and had amazing results!

We are proud of each of them for trying something new, whether it was exercising or incorporating nutritious foods into their everyday lifestyle. UCBC and their program’s participants recognized the value of whole body health and made a commitment to honor their bodies with better nutrition. TransFit helped by giving them a plan, extra motivation and encouragement, and most importantly accountability!

Do you own a business and want to learn more about TransFit’s corporate wellness programs? Email transfitathens@gmail.com for more information. We would love to help your employees transform in reaching their whole body health goals!

How to Live Transformed on Vacation

Friends, it’s sweet summertime! The kids are out of school and that much anticipated summer vacation has finally arrived! Each of you have worked so hard in the studio toward your summer fitness goals. Thank you for giving your best! 

Just because you’re traveling and away from your normal daily routine, doesn’t mean you must compromise good nutrition and exercise! You’ve put in too many hours of strength training and cardio sessions to throw it all away! Right?!

You want to feel your best before, during and after your vacation! We want to help you enjoy your vacation and come home feeling relaxed and refreshed — instead of feeling guilty or like you’ve blown your transformation goals!

Just like with everyday life, preparation is key! Planning ahead can help you avoid any slip-ups with your goals and your whole body transformation! So let us help you with 5 simple strategies for Living Transformed when you’re on vacation!

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1. Pack smart!

First things first, grab your workout gear! Throw your tennis shoes and exercise clothes into your suitcase. Take your tennis racket if courts will be available.

Pack your favorite healthy snacks. Lots of fruit, nuts and protein bars. Apples and oranges are easy to throw into your carry-on luggage or purse. Pick up a box of the 100-calorie packs of raw nuts. On-the-go packs of roasted edamame can also be found at your local grocery store. And protein bars are an easy snack to pack — just remember to check the nutrition labels and pick bars with 5 grams or less of sugar!

Also, consider packing a shaker bottle and a few servings of protein powder. You can portion out individual servings in snack-sized Ziplock bags. Or Blender Bottle has a shaker bottle that comes with separate containers for storing protein powder.

2. Research ahead of time!

Get online and see what’s close to your hotel or rental. Is there a grocery store nearby? What healthy, local restaurants are close?

Also, if you’re staying in a hotel, find out if there’s a kitchenette or mini-fridge available in your room. Does the facility have a fitness center available?

3. Hydrate!

So many of us neglect hydrating our bodies while traveling even though dehydration is very common during trips. Pack extra water bottles (in a cooler if there’s space) or take your favorite water bottle to refill along the way. Drink water as soon as you get up in the morning, and when you sit down at each meal, drink a large glass of water first!

4. Make smart choices when dining out!

Most importantly, choose restaurants that offer healthy options that support your lifestyle! So many restaurants post their menus online now so you can look it up before you dine. Then you’re prepared to order when you arrive and aren’t tempted with less healthy options.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a healthier option or to customize your meal. Most restaurants are used to this now and don’t mind accommodating your needs!

Choose seafood, chicken or another lean meat option and order them steamed, broiled, grilled or roasted. If fried is your only option on the menu, remember don’t be afraid to ask for another option!

Order your potato baked, boiled or roasted instead of fried! And ask to leave off the butter and sour cream! Consider ordering a sweet potato instead of white potato!

To avoid over-eating, eat small meals throughout the day so you’re not starving at dinner. Take your time eating your meal, enjoy every bite as well as your company at the table!

Of course it’s vacation, so relax and enjoy a cocktail! Just don’t overdo it! And make sure that you’ve hydrated throughout the day.

5. Sweat!

You know the feeling you have after you’ve worked out, so why sacrifice a good sweat session when you’re on the road? That’s why you packed your workout gear — so use it!

Lace up your tennis shoes and hit the pavement (or sand!) This is a great way to explore the city you’re in, too. And since you researched ahead of time, you already know the parks or running trails nearby! We promise that you will not regret a workout!

If you want a good strength workout during your trip, here are a couple options you can do anywhere without any weights:

Five, very simple things you can do to take your transformed lifestyle with you on the road! We are so proud of you and all your hard work you put in through the winter and spring months! You look amazing and deserve a vacation! Enjoy this quality time with your family!

If you would like to meet with our Nutrition Consultant, Katie Woodall, to discuss nutrition and assist you in meal planning, please contact her at katie@transfitathens.com. Additionally, you can purchase our eBook- Healthy Families Handbook. This eBook has a full week of meal plans, "family tested" recipes, family devotions, a kids couch to 5K program, and workouts for the whole family!  

Awesome new classes are being added in June — check them out on MindBody! TransFit is offering Kickboxing, Kettlebell, Flexibility and running sessions. Sign up for something new this month! If you have any questions about MindBody or our summer schedule, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you in the studio and hearing about your summer travels and your new summer goals!

INCREDIBLE Client Spotlight- Dr. Tina Carpenter

This week at TransFit in while we are gearing up for the Holiday Extravaganza  we are challenging everyone to do a food journal for 5 days! If you complete your food journal Monday- Friday and email it to me on Saturday you will be entered in to win an awesome prize!! You can hand write a food journal OR take a screenshot of your MyFitnessPal (app)!!

Amazing client spotlight Tina Carpenter has been so diligent and has been food journaling for 80 days straight and has had huge success! Tina is such an inspiration for all women! I am so proud of Tina for her commitment to living transformed- body, mind, and spirit!  I can't wait for you to read her life-changing story and be encouraged to reach your health and wellness goals! 

"My latest adventure started almost three months ago when I asked to meet Caroline for a one on one session. I was finally ready to be intentional about my health, and I wanted her help to be my best self and to learn how to create and achieve my health goals. I had spent the last year maintaining what doctors would call a healthy weight, but it was a roller coaster each week of eating healthy and exercising during the week, and then spending my weekends eating what I wanted with my family and not necessarily exercising. 

When I was a PhD student, I did a 90 day health and fitness challenge and I lost 30 lbs. I truly understood what athletes mean when they say they are in the "zone". I was strong, lean, and fit, and I felt amazing! I am so thankful that I did this prior to interviewing for professor positions. I was glowing, and I am sure that much of my success in getting an offer at UGA was because of this glow. UGA was my first choice then, and it is my first choice still today. I am so thankful to have made tenure here at UGA. I have had a wonderful time in Athens with my awesome husband Don, and I have loved being a mom to our amazing children, Daly (8) and Court (5). As a mom, I began to listen to those who said, "Oh Tina, you have had two children now, and you are 12 years older- don't worry about your weight, you look great!" While it was wonderful to know that people loved me the way I was, I realized that if I was going to find that glow again, it had to come from within me!

TransFit is AMAZING, and gave me just the right guidance, support, and inspiration that I needed to make a change. I got a fancy new Polar heart rate watch, some great new shoes, and the Fitness Pal app, and I was on my way. I tracked everything, every day, and I learned a tremendous amount about calories, how many to take in, and how many each exercise burned. It was a lot of hard work to track that first week, but I did, and I was feeling great…until I stepped on the scale, and my weight was up one pound. I felt deflated and frustrated, but I only took one minute to feel that way. I immediately texted Caroline and another supportive friend and they both replied almost instantly with don't give up, don’t worry, and don't change anything…stay the course, and focus on the process- you are making positive changes to the way you live, and it will pay off! That was just what I needed to make it through that day. The next week, I was down two pounds, and while I was wishing the weight loss was bigger and faster, I was encouraged. I was bringing vegetables to tailgate parties with hummus, I was eating one small brownie, one glass of wine and I was feeling fully satisfied. I remember even eating a hot dog at the stadium, all under my calories for the day. I was solving this fun puzzle each day and I was staying motivated. I had very little fluctuation after weekends, and my weight was decreasing by a pound or 1/2 pound each week. Now for special occasions, I order the small Mellow Mushroom pizza (490 calories), I fill up on the delicious greek salad, and I order the Gigi's mini cupcake for 195 calories (and I am absolutely fully satisfied). Please know that I am a huge Mellow Mushroom and Gigi cupcake fan and I am in no way telling you to not have pizza or cupcakes (especially for a special occasion). Just live, learn and laugh along the way…and enjoy your life as you strive each day to be your best. If you are misguided, or if you make mistakes …shake it off, and get back on your path to being the best you can be! None of us are perfect ( I certainly am not), in fact I cried twice last week so overwhelmed with trying to balance all of the balls in my life. Rather than strive for perfection, strive to be the best you can be each day (and that may be different each day). This is a long term journey, things can make you stumble in the short run, but if you take each stumble as a learning block and you are kind to your heart and soul- loving yourself for the awesome person you are, you will get closer and closer to your goals of being your best!

Now…80 days later, and my Fitness Pal is giving me badges for tracking (I.e., journaling my food and exercise for 80 days straight). I am down 10 lbs., and last Caroline checked I had lost 12% body fat. Most importantly, I am feeling stronger, healthier and more vibrant. I have learned a lot along the way. I now understand the importance of cardio and weight training, and I am still trying to work yoga in too, but perhaps most importantly to me is my food journaling. I have learned that healthy eating is critical to long term success.

I was also recently touched by Caroline's blog to live a "full" life rather than a "busy" life…and I LOVE that! As a full-time accounting professor at UGA striving to be the best mom, wife, friend, daughter and professor I can be, I constantly feel crazy busy (sometimes even frantic). I have learned to breathe into this awesome life that I have been given. To raise my hands on this roller coaster of life and enjoy the ride! My children have taught me the importance of fun and laughter! It is truly contagious and the benefits to your life are amazing. I have learned from my girlfriends that we all have something that can get us down if we let it, so don't let it. My husband has taught me the importance of love in your life. Love until your heart overflows!

Inspired by so many in my TransFit workout class, I recently went for a walk/run in Central Park in New York City while there on a business trip. After staying up late and getting up early to get ready for my research grant proposal presentation, I decided to get up early again and get my exercise in. I sent the picture of me in Central Park that morning to Caroline to thank her and my TransFit Transformers class for the inspiration to get up and go.  She replied "you are glowing!" Little did she know how much those words meant to me…my glow is coming back!…and we even won the grant…a reminder to me that with hard work and balance you can have it all! I will continue to strive to be the best I can be, and to learn something new everyday, and I will always keep laughter on my to do list of life!

My favorite exercise would have to be walking Daly and Court to school and then my run/walk home…but I always LOVE my Transformer class at TransFit and a yoga class when I can get it in. 

I love having family come visit (anytime), but especially during the holidays. I love this egg casserole, and you can make it the night before so you are just cooking it in the morning. With the holidays approaching, this is especially good for Thanksgiving or Christmas morning- great protein and delicious, and if you make the night before, you can just enjoy your family while it bakes that morning!

Hummingbird Breakfast Casserole

• 1-2 pounds ground (lean) turkey sausage (depending on your preference)
• 1 cup grits (cook according to directions)
• 2 cups light sharp cheddar cheese 
• 5 eggs
• 1 1/2 cup skim milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook turkey sausage and crumble in the bottom of the dish, cook grits, add cheese (stir to smooth- let cool), beat eggs, milk and salt and pepper together- add to grits mixture. Pour over sausage in casserole dish- bake at 350 for 1 hour (you can refrigerate the night before (or even freeze and put in the refrigerator the night before)

Congratulations Tina! Continue to strive for progress each day- living a life transformed! 

How can you give your BEST this LAST WEEK in October?

Hello sweet friends!

Can you believe it's the last week of October already? It seems like just yesterday we were headed into this month- focusing on being optimistic and striving to reach goals we never thought possible. What have you been focused on this month? What goals have you accomplished? Congratulations to so many amazing women who completed the 4 Day Challenge! So proud of you!   Comment below on a goal you reached this month, we would love to hear from you! 

This past Sunday I had to privilege of watching as many friends of our Athens community achieved a HUGE goal- completing the Ath-Half! It was such a wonderful morning surrounded by other runners and supporters who pushed hard to finish the race. I loved watching runner after runner finish, succeeding in a goal they had been training so hard for!

Thank you so much to all the friends cheering on the participants! You all are the biggest blessing and it is supporters like you who get tired runners through the race! 

As we head into this last week, I want to encourage each of you to try something new. Whether that be walking or running a distance you never have, trying a new workout, yoga, or making a new, healthy recipe for your family- let's all go a little out of our comfort zones this week and push ourselves to further our healthy lifestyles. One thing you could try this week is a new smoothie recipe! Here is one of my all time fall favorites below- let me know how you like it! 

 

Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
• 1/2 cup pumpkin (I used pureed, canned, organic)
• 1 serving Vanilla Protien Powder or vanilla greek yogurt
• 1/2  frozen banana
• 1 TBSP Ground flax seed
• 1 tsp. Pumpkin Pie spice (no sugar added)(nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
• 1 tsp + Cinnamon
• ½  tsp Vanilla extract
• Crushed ice to fill - (you can also throw in a few small carrots for extra veggies!)
• 1/2 cup chopped zucchini **optional

Directions

1. Place all ingredients in a blender, and blend till smooth.
2. Pour it into a pretty glass, top with cinnamon, coconut & enjoy

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Let us continue in this last week, no matter how we have done in the rest of the month, to push harder, grow stronger and seek to know the Lord more than we ever have! Scripture reminds us how each opportunity and moment is precious- so let us dedicate every moment of this next week and of the rest of our lives to living a healthy, dedicated and Christ-like life for His glory! Praying for you all this month, sweet friends! Finish strong!  Blessings, Caroline

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. ”

— Hebrews 12:1-2

Unlock the key to your total transformation!

Sweet friends,

I hope your Optimistic October is going well.  Each new month can be a fresh start with renewed motivation and willpower to reach our new  goals and follow a healthy lifestyle. However as we all know, the month goes on and the craziness of life begins to set in and we often will struggle to remain as driven and focused as we were at first. Is this natural? Completely! So, today I want to offer you a solution to this problem of falling off track and becoming disappointed and frustrated. One of the keys I have found for many clients in reaching their goals for lasting transformation! 

That solution is to find an accountability partner!  This could be someone who is seeking to live a healthy lifestyle as well, and someone who can encourage you in all areas of life- body, mind and spirit.

This is your "go-to" person when you are feeling stressed over meal planning, don't think you have time to fit in a workout, have struggled to have a quality quiet time all week or are facing any of life's many obstacles. As we see in Proverbs 27:17, we weren't meant to do this life alone. God has intended for us to live this life together, and by doing so we "sharpen" one another and make each other better. This proves to be true for any area of life! When you work together with a friend, you both will be much more apt to achieve goals and live the lives that you long to live.

Take time today to seek out an accountability partner. Pray over who this person could be in your life and then reach out to them! Have a honest discussion about how you will both be able to walk through life together, growing physically, mentally and spiritually and helping each other every step of the way.

Don't forget to be active in this challenge! If you have something in your life that keeps you optimistic and full of joy, if you are spending time with your accountability partner, if you completed a tough workout- post it on Instagram and tag us @transfitathens! Or comment below and tell us about it.

No time and no weights? Here is an excellent body weight you and your accountability partner can try to do this week! This TRANSFORM body weight workout can be done anywhere and at any time!  I like doing it outside while the kids are playing in the driveway!  Enjoy encouraging one another and unlock the key to your total transformation! 

Blessings,

Caroline

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Amazing Client Spotlight- Sarah Ellen Cain

This month at Transfit, we are going to be focused on optimism! With Optimism in October, we will remain positive and focused by using accountability partners and by keeping a daily food journal that includes a gratitude for each day.

As this verse says, we will not grow weary in doing good for we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don't give up. This month, we will focus on giving our best in every area of our lives. While at times this may be challenging, holding each other accountable and remaining focused on having an inner joy and optimism will pay off in the end.

This month, our client spotlight is an incredible example of staying motivated and optimistic as she strives for her goals. Amazing Sarah Ellen Cain, a sweet college student who comes to the Transformers session at TransFit is taking control of her health by staying dedicated, committed, and motivated through college with her body, mind, and spirit! 

With college being such an easy time to fall off track as students leave the familiarity of  home and enter into a world of new activities, difficult classes and packed schedules- finding time for proper nutrition and exercise can be tough! I hope both college students and all busy women will be motivated and inspired by Sarah Ellen's perseverance and dedication to her health! 

For those of you in college or anyone who leads especially busy life, I am so thrilled to announce that I have developed a new meal plan package especially tailored to your busy lifestyles!! For more information, email me at transfitathens@gmail.com

Sarah Ellen's Journey

"I have always been very active, from gymnastics at a young age to competitive and sideline cheerleading in high school, so having a summer without cheer everyday was strange. I didn’t like sitting around and knew I wanted and needed to do something.  As I was finishing my senior year of high school and kicking off the summer, I began talking to my parents about my fears of college, one of which being, the “freshman 15”. I knew that my health and nutrition was about to fall completely on me and I would no longer have my mom preparing healthy, nutritional meals for me. I wanted to get a jump-start on my health and nutrition before beginning college. Therefore, I began working out this summer at Transfit and to say it is and was one of the biggest blessings for me is an understatement. Caroline and all the ladies at TransFit welcomed me in with open arms and worked alongside me to push me further than I could have imagined.  

During the summer, I worked out twice a week at Transfit and would do some sort of cardio exercise, whether running, walking, or swimming on the days I wasn’t at TransFit doing strength training. I also worked with Caroline on my nutrition throughout the summer. I learned how to keep a food journal and chart the foods I was eating to become cognizant of the foods I was putting in my body and the affects they had on me. While exercise is so beneficial, I found that my changes in my diet helped tremendously in how I felt, the energy I had, and the ways it made me want to work even harder in the gym. Now in college, I work out once a week at TransFit. It is definitely harder to find large amounts of time to set aside for working out, but I know that I must do it and make it happen. When I am unable to go the Ramsey Center for workouts, I do circuits in my dorm room. Additionally, I walk to all of my classes and around campus. The buses are always available, but I feel better and more engaged when I walk to and from class. Quickly, I learned that UGA is far from a flat campus; so walking around a large campus definitely increases my daily mileage.

Exercising allows me to step away from whatever is going on in my week or at school and to take time to let it all out. I often get stressed or worried about what I have coming up or have during the day, but taking an hour or so to have time for myself and workout has been a huge help. Also, Transfit is one of the most encouraging places I go. It is a blessing to me because it is a place of community, energy, and faith that balance so well together and allow me to push myself while working out. I love coming in each week and getting to spend time with such amazing women, who push me to become a better person, both in and outside the gym. 

While many people have races and huge weight loss gains to celebrate, I am celebrating the ability to go and workout at TransFit as a college student. Each week I look forward to my day at TransFit and spending an hour with Caroline and the amazing women in the studio. It’s not everyday that you get to be in such an uplifting environment that can typically be one of disappointment and disapproval.

Coming into Transfit, I had one goal in mind, to lose weight. However, I realized there is a lot more to just losing weight and that it should not be my one and only goal. My fitness goal is to tone my body, lose unnecessary body fat, and have energy. Nutritionally, I am working to cut out the “junk” foods and implement a healthier diet and lifestyle. I am determined to drink more water and eat more protein. While the dining hall is very tempting to throw everything that I have learned out the door, I am reminded of my goals that I am working toward and that I am trying to achieve balance.  

After my first week of working out, I felt determined to change my lifestyle. Let’s be real, that first work out- I didn’t think I was going to make it. So after that first day, I went home and wanted to make a change instantly. In addition to working out, I sat down with Caroline for Nutrition Counseling. I’ve always been told to cut calories and you will see results, so I would try to just cut everything out and never be able to stick with a diet, but this was so different and so much better. Caroline encouraged me and made me feel like I could take little steps to change my diet, in order to see a bigger effect than I had ever seen before. Not only did this help me during the summer, but also it helped me know how to prepare for college. I was able to learn about good, wholesome snacks to eat and that I need to watch the types of food and nutrients I consume. I now enjoy grocery shopping each week to buy healthy foods and snacks to keep in the dorm. 

I have always loved Peanut Butter, so one of my favorite recipes is the Peanut Butter Treat Smoothie! After beginning my workouts at TransFit, I was determined to find ways to still enjoy some of my favorite foods, but in more beneficial ways.  This was definitely one of my favorites that I can enjoy after a tough workout!"

Peanut Butter Treat Smoothie

1 cup almond milk

1 frozen banana

1 tsp cinnamon

1 serving vanilla protein powder

1 tbsp ground flax seed

1 serving PB 2 (or tsp peanut butter)

1 cup crushed ice

*sometimes add in a cup of spinach

BLEND UNTIL SMOOTH

Sarah Ellen's theme verse

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Who for the joy set before him he endured the cross, scoring its shame and sat down at the right hand side of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2

Congratulations Sarah Ellen! Keep inspiring all those who cross your path!

You are truly beautiful! 

Blessings, Caroline

14 days to recharge your body, mind, and spirit!

It’s hard to believe that it is almost September! Most of us by now are finally getting back into the routine of school, work, fall activities or whatever else occupies our days during this fall season.

With September right around the corner and things falling back into a steady routine, NOW is the time to refocus your health priorities. September is the perfect month to make and achieve a new goal. Let’s take these last few days of August to really prepare our minds and hearts and get ready to reach new goals in September. Research has shown that it takes at least 30 days to set a new habit, so let’s be thinking about new healthy habits that we can implement into our lives in the coming month. I would love for you to take the next few days to be thinking and praying about a specific goal that you would like to reach.  Write it down, make it specific, and make it realistic! 

At Transfit we are setting our clients up with 3 goals: Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily, stretch and breathe deeply at least 5 minutes daily, and then one personal goal specially for you. My hope is that each of you would strive for these goals this month. YES you can! You are more than capable- I believe in you!!

30 days may seem daunting but let me encourage you. Defining your goal and taking it one day at a time is the secret to success. I would love to help motivate you and see you reach new goals and develop new, life-long habits THIS MONTH! One of the easy ways to do this is through a new plan I am releasing called “14 day Recharge”. This plan jump starts your month with 14 days of clean eating nutrition plans, 14 daily workouts and inspiration to build a solid foundation for you body, mind and spirit as we go into this new month. This plan is perfect to set you on the right track for success with your goals.

Here at Transfit we have also been preparing for something big for the month of September – the release of our new website!!

www.transfitathens.com

My hope is that through this website you will be encouraged daily and be able to easily navigate through every service we hope to provide. It is my prayer that this website will be a blessing to you and that you will be able to use it to make a complete and total transformation, body mind and spirit and share it with others so they can achieve that transformation as well. 

Finally, let me just take this time to thank you all. You have all been alongside Transfit as this business has grown and evolved, and it is because of you that this new website is possible. So thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I hope that you can be blessed, encouraged, and motivated through using this new site!

Blessings, 

Caroline
www.transfitathens.com

Most Inspirational Client Spotlight, Jessica Beaver!

Jessica came to meet with me four months ago and had a burning desire and heart to want to get healthy so she could be the BEST mother, wife, and friend she could be to all those around her. She wanted a program that would help her stay accountable and help her reach her goals for whole body health – body, mind, and spirit.  Over the pst four months Jessica has lost weight, decreased body fat and inches significantly but more importantly has found her TRUE STRENGTH!  Jessica’s story is so inspirational and I am so proud of her for staying committed and reaching her goals to be her very best!

 “Set your minds ready for action, being self disciplined, and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you by Christ!” 1 Peter 1:13

I am so thankful that Jessica found her true strength and I know she will keep acheiving her goals and dreams!

For most of my life I have been a healthy, active person. My husband, Britt and 2 children, Amelia (10) & Landon (7), enjoy being active together at home and on vacation. With life and priorities, over the last few years my exercise routine had become sporadic and I developed some unhealthy eating habits. This led to a 30 pound weight gain. I struggled for some time with different diets, exercise programs, ‘fix-me-fast’ concepts that just did not work. I was in a place where I didn’t recognize myself, on the inside and out. I was defeated, hopeless and so ashamed of allowing myself to get to this point. I had even stopped doing physical things I loved to do. I have always been self-motivated, a do it on my own type, but after much prayer and I knew I needed some help. I needed consistency, accountability & encouragement. Caroline came to mind and I gave her a call. Of course being Caroline she was so sweet, encouraging and supportive. She was just what I needed to turn my defeat around. I decided on the Advance Your Fitness program –Weekly meal & exercise plans with weekly weigh ins. This was end of March, so I have been sticking to the program for 4 months now.

The exercise plans are great! Honestly, I love exercising, always have. I love challenging my body and trying new things to see what I can do.

I will admit that on some days I did not think I would make it through the strength training workouts! I was pushed to my limit and it was hard. But I kept going. These workouts also taught me to listen to my body – when I could push harder and when I needed to take a break. My favorites are lunges and squats with planks mixed in. My current routine is strength training (body weight, HITT) 3 times a week and cardio 2 times. I try to get in yoga or stretching once a week.

If you haven’t worked with Caroline on nutrition – you should. I have to admit I was skeptical about the concept of losing weight eating nuts, oils, avocados, etc. I am convinced that is the most significant contribution to my weight loss. More importantly, I have more energy and no longer crave the bad things I thought I had to have a few months ago. My new favorites are chia seeds, farro, avocado on most anything, and smoothies. Adopting this all around healthy lifestyle has benefited my family as well. This has been a family movement – for the most part I am not making separate meals for them and me. They are eating things we had never heard of – and loving them!

When I initially began the shift to a healthier lifestyle, my main goal was weight loss. I just wanted to get it off. 20 pounds lighter, I have achieved that. Although I still have more to lose, that is no longer my focus. It has been an amazing experience to see my body transform. It was so encouraging to not only see the scale go down, but my BMI & body measurements were significantly lower. I am stronger, healthier, and more confident in my own skin. I had no idea it would happen this fast. It has been HARD and I still struggle, it is a daily battle. But it is worth it. I look forward to seeing even more progress over the coming months. My family has noticed a difference too. I am in a better mood : ) I want to ride bikes again. Go to the park. Be active WITH them.

My goals at this point are to maintain my current exercise routine & nutrition when I begin working full-time. I am also working on increasing my push up max and developing core strength. 

I encourage you to take time for yourself – to give your body the care you deserve. 

Below is one of Jessica's favorite recipes!

Cucumber, Feta & Sun-dried Tomato Farro Salad

Ingredients:

* 1 cup uncooked pearled farro

* 2 tbsp minced red onion

* 1/4 cup minced sun-dried tomatoes

* 1/4 cup fresh grated feta

* 2/3 cup finely chopped cucumber, seeds removed

* 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper

* 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (use vinegar if you don’t love lemon)

* 1 tbsp olive oil

* 1 tbsp finely chopped mint or parsley

* kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Directions: Cook farro in salted water according to package directions, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool. Combine olive oil with lemon juice. Gently mix ingredients and toss well. Serve chilled or room temperature.  Add in chicken or avocado. Delicious over a bed of fresh spinach for a hearty, healthy lunch.

Makes 4 servings.

Kids get active! Family Couch to 5k Program!

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Summer is a great time to be outside -running for fun, or training for a race. I love talking with mothers who are doing both, and they tell me how much their kids want to run with them. It's always a great idea to get your child to start a healthy habit, but we need to be cautious about the right way to do so. Just because children seem hyperactive and energetic, doesn't mean they'll be ready to run a few miles right off the bat! Kids need a plan, just as adults do, and they need incentives along the way. Download the chart below for a Kids Couch to 5k Program. This program is designed to gradually build up endurance through 10 stages until they are ready to run for 30 minutes straight! Add in games like a scavenger hunt,capture the flag, or dodge ball as fun running games! Start this program with your kids for some fun family bonding, and you may even spark a passion for a lifetime of running on the way!

kids couch to 5k

Even though this program is designed for children, it can be used by anyone to train for a 5k. If you find it hard to start the regimen by yourself or with your children Transfit offers customized running plans for people of all ages and levels- we love walkers too!!!

Please email me at transfitathens@gmail.com if you would like to discuss a customized running program or visit http://www.transfitathens.com/running.html

Remember to stay hydrated and to stretch with any physical activity for best results!

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Happy running,

Caroline

Totally Transform Your Arms! 5 best arm exercises to strengthen your arms!

Summertime is a perfect opportunity to show off those strong arms you've put such hard work into all year. If you're not quite there yet, don't despair because this amazing 30 minute TransForm Your Arms workout will whip your arms in shape in no time! Try doing these exercises two-three times a week in addition to your normal exercise routine and see the difference it makes in not only the appearance of your arms and shoulders, but your total upper body strength.

The verse in Psalms reminds us to keep our bodies strong and able to serve.  "He trains my arms for battle, so my arms can bend a bow of bronze" Psalms 18:34

This TransForm Your ARMS workout would also be helpful to those participating in the July Push-up Challenge! Stronger upper body strength will help to increase the number of push-ups that you're able to do! Remember that the friend able to  show the most improvement in the number of push-ups by the end of July will receive one FREE session!

Can't wait to see the improvement in all of you! Good luck!  I would love to hear your favorite arm exercise!

Blessings,

Caroline

How to find True Freedom- body.mind. & spirit

July has officially arrived and the theme for this month is Freedom in Him! True freedom in Him means never losing hope. God promises us peace, joy, and eternal life when we trust in him. Nurture this hope by getting encouragement from friends and family and making time for prayer and mediation.

Isaiah 26:3 says "You, Lord, give true peace and freedom to those who depend on you-when they trust in you."

Let's find true freedom in Him and honor God in our bodies!

This July I would like to challenge all friends to a July push-up challenge! I would love to help you build arm and core strength, and we're doing that with a contest! This week take a video or picture  of how many push ups you can do in one minute, practice your pushups and maintain consistency throughout the month of July, and retest your one minute pushup challenge the last week of July. The freind able to show the most improvement in arm strength and  do more push ups than at the beginning of the month will receive a free session! Post videos of before and after videos on Instagram and tag @TransFitAthens to qualify and a chance to be featured on the TransFit Instagram page!  Good Luck!

Can't wait to your progress with increasing arm and core strength by doing   push-ups this month while you find Freedom in Him!

Blessings,

Caroline