In July, I realized my own efforts toward getting fit weren’t enough.  I needed an expert.  Luckily, a friend of Pulse had long ago recommended his trainer at A Balanced Body in Winter Park.  Enter Rob Murray, whose name has more initials after it than most doctors I know!  Seriously … did you know someone could be certified as an athletic trainer, massage therapist and a health and fitness director?

Sure, picking a personal trainer is, well, personal, but what if you knew you could get:

• A workout tailored to your fitness goals
• Efficient workouts that yield visible results
• Nutrition counseling (this one is more important than I ever gave it credit for)
• One-on-one instruction from experienced trainers who actually want to see you succeed
  

  The Gym at A Balanced Body

I’ll be the first one to admit, I was extremely skeptical.  What could a trainer do that I couldn’t do on my own in a gym? After several months of ongoing sessions, it’s impossible to list the endless number of things you can learn from adding a trainer to your fitness routine.

A couple of the most important takeaways for me so far:

• No amount of exercise can make up for a crappy diet, and by diet I mean crappy eating.  Your body “starts over” every four hours, so no skipping breakfast so you can have a cheeseburger later … it doesn’t work that way ( … I thought it did!)
• You’ll never push yourself as hard as a trainer would — this one is a biggie.  Beyond just helping you with proper form, a trainer is there to convince you to do two more reps when you were ready to give up the moment it becomes uncomfortable.
• Having someone put you ‘in check’ when the scale doesn’t move as quickly as you’d hoped is invaluable.

So, if you’re looking for a new way to jumpstart an old fitness routine, check out A Balanced Body.  The no-frills gym is the perfect place to get fit … they also offer Thai massage and Pilates in their neighboring studio.  What more could you ask for?

Details:
A Balanced Body
1971 Howell Branch Road
Winter Park
407/644-5001

Disclaimer: This isn’t a sponsored post. This is my experience.

Personally, I’m really looking forward to seeing Kelly Clarkson (the best American Idol winner, in my opinion) as well as Cyndi Lauper (you know we’re big fans)! Are you excited to see any of these concerts this year?

Here’s hoping Miss Clarkson will perform her latest single:



The first date Saturday, February 11th. More information and the complete line-up of artists can be found on Universal Orlando’s website.

The morning began with a treat thanks to The Daily City: waffles (via @ Melissa’s Chicken & Waffles)! Much needed at 6:15am, for sure! Then after everyone licked their fingers in delight, we all checked in and got the download about WESH 2 by way of Digital Manager @gabetrav and Team.

One of highlights of the morning, for sure, was getting an opportunity to watch a live broadcast of the news. Fascinating! Thanks to the Wesh 2 Crew for being so curtious:

• Jason Guy
• Syan Rhodes
• Kimberly Williams
• Amy Sweezey
• Aixa Diaz

Thanks, WESH, for this great experience! It’s much appreciated.

If you haven’t, check out the new Wild Manatee Cams at Blue Springs State Park for a birds-eye view of the gentle giants in their natural habitat.

The Save the Manatee Club was founded in 1981 by Jimmy Buffet (who knew?!) to protect the state’s official marine mammal (again, who knew?!).

For a mere $25 you can adopt-a-manatee, but for the price of your email address, you can check out the Manatee Cams for free!

(Location: South-ish Orlando, near John Young Parkway and Oak Ridge Road.)