Harnessing Strength: A Look at Transformation Through Fitness
Certified personal trainer and Pilates instructor Amanda Lee is living proof that fitness can completely transform your life. “There’s nothing wrong with being skinny,” she shared, “but I was really self-conscious about it – I didn’t have my first boyfriend until I was 21. Working out completely changed my life and confidence.” Amanda’s journey isn’t just about physical change; it’s about discovering inner strength and embracing a healthier, happier lifestyle.
Building Strength Inside and Out
Amanda is a firm believer in the power of strength training. “I don’t do a lot of cardio because it’s the most time-consuming,” she explains. Instead, she dedicates 45 minutes four to five times a week to strength training. “I’m obsessed with not losing weight,” she adds, “If I look at the scale and it goes up, I get excited I gained 2 pounds!” This approach aligns with the Mayo Clinic’s finding that strength training helps reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and efficiently burn calories. Beyond physical benefits, strength training can lead to stronger bones, weight management, an enhanced quality of life, better management of chronic conditions, and even sharpended thinking skills.
Moving Beyond the Gym
Amanda understands the importance of integrating fitness into everyday life. She enjoys getting her steps in while spending time outdoors. “Time in nature renews me,” she captioned a recent post. Her perspective is supported by research published in JAMA Internal Medicine which found that brisk walking for about 30 minutes daily led to a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia, and death compared to walking a similar number of steps at a slower pace.
Engaging Every Muscle
Amanda emphasizes the crucial connection between mind and body during exercise. “So many people go through the motions and don’t see results because they don’t connect the mind and body to really feel the exercise,” she says. “You can’t go through the motions – you really have to squeeze your butt and engage your abs to benefit.”
TRX: Strength Training Made Simple
Amanda champions the versatility of TRX workouts. “Complete total body TRX 💪,” she captioned a recent post. TRX workouts, which utilize simple straps connected to a ceiling or door, offer an efficient and effective way to engage in various strength training moves using your own bodyweight as resistance. This method is perfect for both at-home and gym environments, allowing for flexibility in fitness routines.
