5 Successful Habits of
Fitness Professionals: Cortnee Blackie
Have you ever wondered what type of habits fitness professionals live by? What do they eat? What type workouts do they do? Do they practice what they preach?
Believe or not, these are common questions we get asked all the time. To shed some light on what habits we subscribe to for success in our lives, this week we are addressing some of those common questions.
Last week, we profiled Hannah, and this week we are continuing with our Successful Habits of Fitness Professionals series with Cortnee, who is a Certified Personal Trainer and holds a USA Weightlifting certification. Follow along as Cortnee shares her top 5 strategies and habits for success when it comes to health and fitness!
#1: Make a Schedule (and stick to it!)
At the beginning of each week, I plan out all of my appointments, obligations (including my own time to workout), “must do” list and “wish to” list. Once my schedule is set, I do my best to stick to it. I’ve found that when it comes to depending on others, especially gym partners, it can be toxic for sticking to the plan. In the end, the only person you can rely on is yourself.
#2: Meal Prep
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. I have to remind myself of this often, especially with my diet. Every few days I will cook meats, vegetables and some healthy carbohydrates for quick and easy meals. My schedule normally doesn’t allow me to cook until later in the evening, so it’s most efficient to have food prepped in grab and go containers to microwave or even eat cold in the car! I know the first place I drive to when I get hangry, so I try not to let that happen!
#3: Go Heavy
I have countless reasons for why I love to lift weights. Once I started lifting heavier weights, I noticed a remarkable difference in my bone density and overall strength. As my metabolism increased, I lost body fat without changing my diet and saw a transformation in physique. Of course, use a spotter if needed and always lift safely. An injury is never worth it!
#4: Variety
This goes for diet and exercise! When it comes to the gym, if you ever find yourself in a monotonous routine, add something new or switch it up completely! Keep learning new exercises and new ways to work out. Who knows, you may find yourself a new passion! If I’m feeling bored with my routine, I’ll take a Yoga or Cycling class or go for a hike to change up the scenery. Meal prep is also important to keep new and fresh. If I eat the same thing for lunch and dinner seven days in a row, pretty soon, I’ll never want to look at that food again. Each week I try to find one new recipe and add my own healthy twist!
#5: Learn from Everyone
I’ve come across many educators, coaches, clients and peers being in the fitness industry. I love asking questions. Asking the question ‘why’ is the most simple and effective way to expand your knowledge and improve yourself. I used to be apprehensive to spark a random conversation and ask questions; it was getting me nowhere. Once I stopped being timid, I realized that most people are more than happy to share their own perspective and philosophies. Don’t stop learning
**Stay tuned for next week when Certified Personal Trainer, Jodi, shares her top habits for success!**
Written by DeHenzel Training Systems
5 Successful Habits of Fitness Professionals: Cortnee Blackie
About DeHenzel Training Systems: DeHenzel Training Systems offers In Home Personal Training services throughout Northern Virginia and Washington DC. Aside from in home, personal training is also available at the office gym or outdoors at a local park.
Within Northern Virginia, we service Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William Counties including: Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Ashburn, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lansdowne, Leesburg, Lorton, McLean, Oakton, Reston, Springfield, Sterling, Tyson’s Corner, Vienna and Woodbridge.
