Staying healthy during the holiday season can be a challenge for all ages. The Keys Weekly recently caught up with Gisela Donahue, fitness coach and owner of Inspire Fitness, to learn more about her journey and some tips on how to stay healthy and prepare for 2023.
We live in Naples since 2017 before moving here in 2021. We used to live in southern Vermont; however, I am from Cape Town, South Africa. My husband, Paul, is from Boston. He was part of a ski restaurant group, and after our first child, Kylie, we decided to move south for the warmer weather.
When I was in Naples, I worked with a lot of country clubs, and I ended up liking it. My client’s goals went from the typical “I want to lose 10 pounds”. to “I want to work, climb stairs and enjoy life.” It grew a whole other side of my brain. In the Keys, I have a nice combination of both types of goals.
Since it became more of a love for health and fitness than “I lost 10 pounds”, I find I connect with a lot more people because they can see the value in the work they do. I often hear the comments: “We went on vacation and I was able to lift my own suitcases. I went to the beach with my grandkids and was able to keep up.
If it’s about everyday life, then you want to do it, and you do it with a different attitude. It’s a whole different way of thinking. Fitness is a lifestyle; it is a journey. And it’s not just for the short term; it’s a lifetime.
My activity is mainly individual, and I’ve worked with clients ages 16-93. I’ve also done bands before. Group configuration can motivate customers. I originally had a studio at Cirque Salon until September, but now I’ve created a studio at home. I also have virtual clients and some clients that I drive to see. Virtual also works if people are traveling or are snowbirds and want to stay in shape.
The main personal training focuses on strength and balance. Also, focus on having a strong core to lean on. It doesn’t need to be heavy. The “old mentality” is that women didn’t understand the benefits of weights and mostly did aerobic exercise.
Therefore, we work with a variety of exercise equipment such as smaller dumbbells, resistance bands, spinning bike, Pilates exercises and equipment, water rowing machine and short burst heart rate exercises” hit” A.K.A. I adapt to the needs of my clients because I like to get to know them and what works for them.
Strengthening your core and glutes is essential. However, if there is an exercise that someone hates, like burpees, I will suggest another exercise that still targets the area. However, some customers come to love it.
For me, exercise helps clear my head; I love it. But you still have to find the part of your brain where you think it’s important for your life. I really don’t feel like I’m working – I’m obnoxiously in love with what I do.
Part of my training focuses on nutrition. I don’t push nutrition, but I’m there for them if they want my help. I have found that keeping it simple has worked for me. Portion size and understanding of the food categories the foods are in. I learned what is good for my body and roughly what I should absorb from it.
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Gisela Donahue works with a variety of clients. S LURAY PHOTOGRAPHY / CONTRIBUTES 100vw, 836px”/><figcaption class=)
Gisela Donahue is the owner of Inspire Fitness. S LURAY PHOTOGRAPHY / CONTRIBUTESHow did I start? All my life I have been athletic. Then, in my mid-twenties, I went down a long road of infertility. I gained a lot of weight during this period. Once Kylie was born, we went to the mall together. I went walking down the mall stairs and had to stop twice to catch my breath. I was only 30 years old. So I had gotten so lost in my journey to becoming a mom that I hadn’t taken care of myself. It was a turning point.
Where we lived in southern Vermont, it was a small town, so there were no big gyms or trainers; therefore, I began to learn and understand on my own; Over the year I went from a size 14 to a size 2. I’m 5ft 3in so that was a big deal. I then participated in my first half-marathon; people saw me running and training and started asking me for advice. Why am I not doing this for a living? I passed all the possible certifications and I followed all the courses. So, one by one, I started helping people.
First I took responsibility and understood what it’s like to be on the other side.
There are some easy things to think about to get you started: Do you like working in a group? Look up Pilates or Zumba or start a walking group and meet. Do you want to be outside? Is it walking or running? What kind of person are you and what will make it easier for you? What do you like the most?
But you have to introduce yourself. Short-term goals can work, but when you stop, they disappear, instead of seeing them as a lifetime commitment. Our bodies are made to move, heart, bone and joint health. Find what works for you, but working with me will help you engage.
Why are we waiting for Jan. 1? People like to procrastinate, so they like to have a future date. But I say start today. You don’t know what awaits you, so why not start today? The right to indulge above. Portion size, learn to stop and don’t carry it beyond the holidays. Don’t think you feel gross afterwards. If your stomach is bloated and sore afterwards, why eat it?
When I think of my dinner party, I choose my portion, my vegetables, but I don’t go up for seconds or thirds. Take your dessert and your glass of wine. Choose what you like, portion size and do it.
Top tips to help you:
- Practice self-control and responsibility, but don’t deprive yourself.
- Stay active – take a family walk.
I work with clients to get them like to be active, so it lasts. There will be times when it will be difficult to do an exercise, but then they will say, “I just did it!”
Just give me 50 minutes, bottles of water, a chair and I can make you sweat.
Inspire Fitness hours of operation are Monday through Friday. Follow IG @inspirefitnessfl and contact for consultation and pricing 802-558-7982.
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