The Certified Personal Trainers behind InnerStrength Fitness & Nutrition, Denise & Curvin, believe in moving their clients toward their health and fitness goals in the safest and most efficient way, and will design a program for you around your personal fitness goals & your current level of health and fitness- no generic plans! They believe in the total package of Mind, Body, & Spirit; exercise alone will not bring the total results that you desire, it is the combination of exercise, nutrition, & understanding how the two interact with one another. 

I was able to chat with Denise about their business, as well as how people can start making small changes towards a healthier lifestyle. 

What motivated you to get into fitness and personal training?
  "In 2005, after giving birth to my 5th child in 9 years, I was obese (100 lbs. overweight) and extremely tired and very unhappy. I was slowly dying inside knowing that I was losing myself while putting everyone else first. Prior to having kids, I was an athlete, playing various sports and always fit and strong. So to find myself in this position was devastating. 


I decided to lost the weight the best way I knew how- exercise and nutrition. I had five failed attempts from 2005-2008, losing up to 30 lbs., but then gaining it all right back. In 2009, my sixth attempt, I took all the lessons from my past failures and put together a game plan that would allow me to be successful. Nothing would stop me. I did countless hours of research, lots of trial and error, and in 7 months (by my 40th birthday goal), 80 lbs. was gone, and I've never looked back. 

I chose personal training because I want to use my knowledge and experience to help others on their journey. I understand exactly where my clients are coming from mentally, emotionally, and physically, because I've been there. I help people discover how powerful they truly are in mind, body, and spirit". 


What's your personal philosophy that you bring to clients and your business?

"Our mission is to give our clients their money's worth. I also bring the PERSONAL into personal training. My many years as a Trained Interrogator have helped me understand people. I dig deep to understand the person I am training and why this is important to them. I find out what motivates them, and keeps them focused. Each client is designed a personalized plan just for them- no two trainings are ever exactly the same. My clients love that they never know what to expect walking in the doors, but they do know when they leave they have just experienced an amazing, one of a kind session. My motto is: "Always leave them wanting more!".


Where do you get your inspiration?

"First, within myself. I know what I want, I know I have no limits. I know I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. This creates excitement for me each time I go into a workout or training a client. 


My partner Curvin inspires me because of his passion for his own workouts, and for his passion with our clients. It's great to have a training partner so focused walking the walk with you. 


My clients inspire me by showing me how hard they try each session. It is rare to hear a client tell me 'no'. I ask and demonstrate an exercise, and they go after it with everything they have in them. It is great inspiration to see them so fearless in that moment".


What are the best foods to eat pre- and post -workout?


"This varies person to person- there is no one size fits all. Even for the same individual this varies time to time. This is a great reason to use a trainer and nutritionist to maximize their input and output. We provide whole food nutrition plans to feed the body properly. I've seen so many people kill their workout at the gym, but little to no body change or strength change because they aren't eating to support their training goals. One answer should dominate regardless of goals: whole foods, organic if possible! Stay away from processed food and supplements as your primary food intake. 


Advice for those who have trouble staying consistent with workouts?


"Write down at least five reasons why your training/nutrition goals are important to you and read them every morning as a reminder. Place these goals in various places around the house (i.e. the fridge, bathroom mirror, cabinet with goodies, etc). to remind you in your weaker moments". Also, go body shopping on the internet. Find the body that inspires you and you want to look more like, and show it to your trainer, and then hang it around the house as visual inspiration". 


Thank you Denise for your inspiring interview. If you'd like to learn more about InnerStrength Fitness & Nutrition, please visit their website at www.innerstrengthfitnessnutrition.com . 

Whether it be weddings, or backyard BBQ's that you attend this summer, be sure to keep an eye out for the latest trend hitting events in 2015. 

We know that party hosts are incorporating a lot of personal touches that reflect their personality into their event, but did you know that one way they are doing this is through their food selection?

2015 will bring smaller versions of big-impact items. For example, if a couple is really passionate about camping, they might bring in small gourmet camp-themed foods to serve their guests such as s'mores, mini hot-dogs and sliders, etc. 

Have you spotted any appetizers or mini treats at the last event you attended?