How #teamNFC Is Keeping Me Motivated at National Fitness Center

Follow along to #WitnessMyFitness in a promotional #teamNFC program at National Fitness Center!

What keeps you motivated to shake the mid-winter blues?  I admit to daydreaming about long, sunny days when I can feed my family picnic lunch in the backyard and run barefoot with my kids.  Many days when I sit staring at the computer screen, I’d rather be outdoors, if only the weather were warmer.  Some days even feel too cold to go for a run or walk, or I’m too busy working to spend time outdoors before darkness falls.  Researchers tell us exercise has a positive correlation with preventing both depression and heart disease. So where’s my motivation to get moving?

No matter what excuse I could make, I’ve found myself more likely to get in some kind of exercise this winter since I’ve been connecting with so many people at National Fitness Center.  I’m appreciating the #teamNFC concept that goes far beyond the impressive facilities and variety of equipment to try. I’ve been meeting a team of fitness professionals who are impressively knowledgeable and supportive!  All of this helps me keep my motivation to push through the winter blues.

The cycling instructor was so thoughtful when she knew I hadn’t been cycling much before and I was trying my first session with the Real Ryder Indoor Cycles that move in place much like real bikes. She gave me permission to stay in the saddle the entire time. I still challenged myself to prove her wrong by trying to build up some stamina on the standing portions.  Another favorite cycling instructor tells us all “come on team” each time she leads her class, so I don’t feel quite so lonely in my beginner zone.

In Body Pump class, which has built up my confidence in using weights, keeping my neck and back safe was a strategic priority stressed by the instructor.  When I struggled a bit, he insisted I try a modification to relieve stress on my neck.  Although I felt challenged and even a little sore later, I never got hurt.

In High Intensity Interval Training, the instructor leading our small group took time to show me proper form.  The Insanity instructor was pulling for the entire group even as she intimidated us a bit with a nonstop workout! In learning what personal trainers can do to help, I’ve discovered that I’m much more motivated with someone guiding me through a weightlifting session.

Yoga is another group class that I find incredibly beneficial.  Even though I haven’t become regimented enough to see visible results, I can feel the difference already.  The way it helps me stretch, the way it helps me breathe, it empowers me to take on the rest of the day!

If I’ve budgeted just enough time to pop into the club for 20 or 30 minutes, it’s still helpful to have anything I need — from a session with kettle bells (thanks to the trainers who’ve showed me how to use them) to a quick walk around the track or time on the treadmill.

I may have a very different set of goals than others at the fitness center, but that’s okay.  I’ve become less intimidated by those already moving beyond a get-fit zone into higher performance, mainly because they’ve been encouraging me in what I can do.

I’d like for you to meet the rest of the #teamNFC members who are encouraging others in fitness and wellness all over East Tennessee:

(top row left to right) Kate Spears, Brittany Sheffey, Anne Brock, Chase Ketron, (bottom row left to right) Anne Brock, Krystal Taylor, Tyrone Beach, Julie Smith, Melissa Peplow, Vicky Wallace, Jessica Byrge, Shamir Peshewa

Kate Spears is a public relations professional who blogs at the delightful blog Southern Belle Simple and you may have seen her from time time in morning television segments about all things Southern and stylish!  Tyrone Beach or Tyrone on Phones produces and adds personality to a popular morning radio show on Star 102.1!

Best friends Melissa Peplow and Vicky Wallace race together through summer, winter, good roads or even mud – and inspire others via their Facebook page, calling themselves 2 for 1!

Chase Ketron has been impressing people for a while now as a professional fitness model!  He’s a perfect gentleman and has a keen interest in competitive bodybuilding.  You may have seen Shamir “Hella Kitty” Peshewa with the Hard Knox Roller Girls or in competitive mixed martial arts fighting. She is an ambitious college student and dedicated MMA member.  Jessica Byrge is a young mother who inspires other women with her own unique dance style!

If you’ve never tried a yoga class with instructor Krystal Taylor, you should.  She has a skillful, caring style all her own.  Plus, she’s a very competitive runner.  Julie Smith has been inspiring East Tennesseans with her heartfelt approach to personal training, and her dedication is apparent in everything she does.  One of our newest members is former UT Vol distance runner Brittany Sheffey, who is encouraging the rest of us to make time for wellness!

And then there’s me.  I only recently learned that this versatile piece of equipment I had the privilege of trying out is a called a TRX, a heavy-duty suspension training system, inspired by the Navy SEALS!  I’m far from military ready, but with the right instruction, I’m open to trying innovative ways like this to get into shape.

I’ll be introducing more #teamNFC members as the year goes on.  Hopefully, I’ll have some personal progress to share with you, too.  If you decide to step out of your comfort zone like I have and visit one of the National Fitness Center locations, tell them Anne sent you.  I hope you feel motivated like I do to keep moving, indoor or out, no matter what season, and keep challenging yourself.  If I can do this, you can too!