{Fit Mom Feature} Mary Ann
By Kate Horney
As a busy mom, a business owner and a busy family-oriented woman, I know that endless hours in the gym and eating nothing but chicken and veggies (BORING!) just isn’t going to work for real women and real fat-loss!
I created BeyondFit Mom to give women like you – and me – everything we need to reach our fat-loss, health, energy, nutrition and training goals.
Through BeyondFit, thousands of moms and real-life, busy women just like you are out there 24/7 living the BeyondFit lifestyle and sharing their experiences.
I love meeting and connecting with these women just like you: moms with new babies, women with busy families, executives with stressful jobs and everything else life throws at us! Together we make a great support network, and together, we get results!
Today, I’d like you to meet one of our BeyondFit moms. Her name is, Mary Ann.
Kate: For those reading the blog who might not know you, or your background, can you give us a little background on yourself—how did you get into the fitness industry, where did you begin?
Mary Ann: I have always lived an active lifestyle. Growing up on a farm created the environment for much physical labor. In college, I tried a host of diets and activities including running, playing racquetball and leisure walks with girlfriends. My thought was I could eat whatever I wanted as long as I burned it off.
Most recently, the past 6 years, I have been road biking. I would start my training in April riding 80-100 a miles a week preparing for a bike tour in September riding 200 miles in one weekend. My cardio was great but I was seeing no change in my body.
Kate: Tell us about your priorities? Family? Training? Both? Other? Etc. How has your focused changed over time?
Mary Ann: My faith, health, family and career are very important to me. After 40 years old, I saw a dramatic change in my body and the things I used to do to burn calories and fat just quit working. I began looking for a way to achieve my fitness goals that would not take more time away from the things that mattered most to me.
Kate: You have obviously made fitness a priority even in your busy schedule. Was there a moment of definition where you consciously decided to go for it or was it more of a passive thing? In other words, did you make a concerted effort or did you just get lucky?
Mary Ann: I heard that the definition of LUCK is when preparation meets opportunity. I was definitely prepared after trying all the things that didn’t work and then I met Kate Horney. It was absolutely a decision. Something HAD to change and I was willing to do whatever it took to make it happen.
Kate: As a busy mom yourself, how would you advise other busy moms who wants to leverage their time better? What’s the first step?
Mary Ann: The first step is to connect with a personal trainer that provides tips and accountability. Someone who tells you the things you need to hear when you get frustrated. Just get started and don’t quit.
Kate: What about moms who say they cannot achieve their goals because they don’t have time?
Mary Ann: I have never felt better or looked better and I work out 3 times a week, 30 minutes each time and tweak my nutrition with one change at the time. Out of 168 hours, 1 ½ hours is a DEAL compared to what I was doing.
Kate: What is ONE THING these moms can start on today that will not overwhelm them?
Mary Ann: ONE THING…take a look at the pantry and compare it to the shopping list with BeyondFit to see the small changes that can be made…ABS/BODY is made in the kitchen.
Kate: Take us through a typical day for you. How have you “created your life?”
Mary Ann: When I wake up, I make a cup of unsweetened cocoa with stevia (as my coffee). I start my quiet time with devotional, journaling and reflection. On the days I do not go to boot camp, I make my breakfast (protein pancakes are my favorite) or a veggie omelet. On the days, I head out for my workout, I make breakfast when I return. I always make extra pancakes because they are so good for snacks, plain or adding a little peanut butter.
I own my own business so I have office days and client days. Depending on which day, I always plan what I am going to eat. If I don’t carry it with me in a cooler, I know in my mind what food choices I will make before ever leaving my house.
I am thankful to Kate Horney who has provided me with great knowledge on how to make good choices in the marketplace. I always keep a large gallon container with water and make it my goal to drink ½ my body weight in water during the day (helps with cravings and flushing the body). I enjoy a cup of hot, green tea with stevia in the evenings and make it a goal not to eat after 8 pm.
In addition, I keep a 3 ring notebook with recipes that I really enjoy. I am also tracking my numbers (measurements) so I see progress happening.
Kate: How do you personally channel your energy and get focused on your goals? In other words, how do you manage “everyday stuff” getting in the way? Any hard & fast rules?
Mary Ann: Making the decision on what, when and how to put the food menu together is key. If I have healthy choices available, I stay on track. I review my LIFE PLAN which contains my HEALTH goal and strategy on how I am attaining the goal.
Kate: Personally, what is most important to your wellbeing?
Mary Ann: Feeling great and being able to keep up with my 13 year old son when he challenges me to do pushups, sprints, or any sports with him.
Kate: How do you maintain a positive outlook, or do you? Are there times of doubt, insecurity, fear, etc? How do you deal with them?
Mary Ann: My quiet time first thing in the morning helps me to stay on track with a positive outlook. I keep a journal and write down details of my daily life and reflect on ways to improve each daily. Absolutely, there are days of doubt. One thing that has helped is reviewing my numbers in the 3 ring binder to see how far I have come in the process. The other thing I do is connect with my amazing personal fitness coach, Kate Horney. She always has an article to send me or place to visit on Facebook or the website for encouragement. Her reminder often to me is that I am creating a LIFESTYLE. There is no “stop date”.
Kate: What one piece of advice would you give to moms who want to take their fitness to the next level?
Mary Ann: 90% of success is getting started. If you have not started a fitness plan with BeyondFit and Kate Horney, that is your first step. Find out what works best for you.
If you have already started a fitness plan and want to take it to the next level, I would recommend tracking your progress. That way you are only competing with yourself. When you are seeing those numbers change because of choices you are making, it doesn’t matter what any other mother/friend is experiencing. This is YOUR LIFE.
Kate: What are your top 3 daily practices to stay focused, perform at a high level and get stuff done?
1. Quiet time, journaling, bible study
2. Time set aside for workouts/ food preparation
3. Accountability with other like-minded women
Need support accountability and the tools to help you get (or stay) on track? Check out our secret fat loss club HERE!