Let Me Introduce Myself

Since this is my first blog, I thought it would be appropriate to introduce myself.  I am an 11 year Mansfield resident and, most importantly, the mother of three children (ages 11, 9, and 8).  I am also the owner, with my husband Andy, of three Koko FitClubs, including the Mansfield location.

Before I became a local business owner last year, I enjoyed a 17 year career with Eaton Vance in Boston as a mutual fund manager, among many other hats.  During my career in Boston, I found myself in a constant struggle with how to best manage my time.  After all, it was no longer just my time; I needed to find time now to be a mother, a wife, a corporate executive, a friend, and, hopefully sometimes, just me. 

In the quest to be the best of all of those people, I consistently pushed fitness to the back burner.  I was so busy running around that I think I had convinced myself that I MUST be active enough just through every day life.  Clearly, not true.  Periodically, I would move fitness to the front burner and try to work it into my routine.  I have had multiple gym memberships and even worked with a personal trainer.  Unfortunately, despite my attempts, fitness always moved back to the back burner.

The list of obstacles that kept fitness from becoming a priority for me was long:
 I don’t have the time.
 I don’t know what to do when I get to the gym.
 I can’t spend time doing something for myself; what about my family?
 My schedule doesn’t match up well to my personal trainer’s schedule.
 My personal training is expensive, and I am just not seeing results fast enough. 

Fast forward to September of 2010 when Andy discovered Koko FitClub while researching businesses to own.  After spending just a short amount of time with Chief Fitness Officer, Michael Wood, I was convinced that I may have finally found the fitness solution that worked for me.  I joined Koko FitClub in Easton within a week and have successfully made fitness a priority ever since.

Why?  Because I found something that worked for me, and I can see and feel the results.  I have also been educated as to the benefits of both strength training and cardio exercise to not only my body but also my mind and my mood.  And, perhaps more importantly, I have been educated about the effects of aging on muscle and how my body will change, for the worse, if I don’t strength train regularly.

Am I here blogging to convince you that Koko FitClub should be your fitness solution?  No. I am here to convince you to find a fitness solution that works for you.  I am here to tell you why strength training is critical as a component of every fitness routine; cardio just isn’t enough.  I am here to tell you why making fitness a priority is not just about doing something for yourself; it will benefit your kids, your spouse, and your friends as well.  I am here to pass along some of the education afforded me by Michael Wood because being educated is an important foundation in your quest to become a healthier, FITTER you. 

So, if you can relate to my story - as a mom, as a woman with a career, or as an individual who has constantly struggled with fitness - check back soon!