APRIL CHICK OF THE MONTH

With our recent filming in the CBC Dragon’s Den (you will have to watch next season to see what happened!), our April “FIERCE in 8″wk programs starting Monday (save $50 off!) and spring finally feeling like she is showing her pretty face,  we want to CELEBRATE! And how do we do that around the Coop without cake or vino? We CELEBRATE the fierceness of our chicks who we are so proud to get to help reach their goals!

The awesome, gorgeous, inspiring FIERCE Robin!

This month, we would like to introduce you the super fierce, fab & awesome Robin S from our Toronto Annex Bootcamp! With the encouragement of her friend (& fellow FIT CHICK) she took the plunge and joined us. Not only has she completely changed her body on the outside, but she is stronger, fiercer and more confident in ALL areas of her life (and reached her life long goal of doing push ups on her toes!)

Enough of us….Robyn, take it away!

What made you decide to join FIT CHICKS?

My friend Siobhan had signed up and knew I was looking to join a gym or incorporate more exercise in to my life, especially since biking in the summer had ended months ago. I realized without proper motivation I hadn’t really done ANY exercise in the last few months and knew that having a friend and class to be accountable for would be incredibly motivating, and I was right! Without Siobhan taking the plunge, I don’t think I’d be where I am today!

What is the biggest change you have seen in your life since joining FIT CHICKS?  How has fitness and nutrition changed your life for the better?

Oh my gosh… I feel like my ENTIRE life is different. I have more energy, more desire to be active, and feel like I’m more flexible and able-bodied. I feel like it’s not just a class – it’s a part of who I am, and I am now officially someone who works out on a regular basis. That is huge for me, and something I thought I’d never do. It’s a mental change as much as a physical one. I feel more powerful, stronger, and able to tackle things like I never could previously. It’s opening up a whole new world. which is inspiring to me on a daily basis.

Another goal of mine was to be able to do a pushup, which I’ve never been able to do in my entire life – not even from the knees. I have made more progress in these 2 months than I have in 20 years!

Another big change: having to constantly update my wardrobe because my clothes no longer fit!

Have you tried any FIT CHICKS recipes?  If so what was your favourite?

I have, but I had made them before I saw them on fit chicks! One is the banana ice cream (pureed frozen banana) and another is the 2-ingredient banana oat cookies. The ice cream is AMAZING!! I love the cookies too! I have read through and been inspired by the recipes and it definitely helps to get ideas for my meal planning.

What tools do you use to keep you on a healthy track outside of class? Do you use the FIT CHICKS Workout Map?

I do use the map! I purchased a pedometer, I walk more, I have started running which is HUGE for me because I’ve never been able to do it before. I started a couch-to-5k program and I am slowly but surely improving. In the summer I will continue to bike to and from work every day like last year, and on the weekend as well. And I use the videos from fit chicks on the weekend, I love the “Dirty 30 – Boxing Babes” video! I also do some yoga at home and have been looking in to going to yoga classes.

If you could give one piece of positive advice to a chick just starting on her fitness journey, what would it be?

Just one? I’m going to have to borrow from Nike here and say JUST DO IT. No matter how fit you are, how mobile you are, how busy you are, just do it, and stop making excuses (because we all know there’s ALWAYS an excuse). And when you do it, do it like you mean it, and really give it your all.

Do you have a healthy trick or tip that you use that you could share?

When I switched from eating “traditional” meat & potatoes (and cheese….) meal and started focusing on plant-based meals, a whole new world of flavours and textures opened up and I became a much more versatile cook. I went from eating meat every day with almost every meal, to having it as a treat a few times a week. Only buying local, humanely raised meat has helped as it’s too expensive to eat every day. Making your own food is essential, and I pack my own lunch 95% of the time.

Avocado is natures butter…& so pretty too!

Also my best discovery: use avocado instead of butter on toast! My favourite breakfast is whole wheat toast with some avocado spread on top, topped with sliced tomato and a bit of salt and pepper.

What is your fave FIT CHICKS Signature workouts & why?

I honestly like them ALL! I enjoy small-group tabatas because it’s really easy to push yourself when you know it’s only 20 seconds.

Robin- we are so proud of you and all of accomplishments! This truly is a total body transformation inside & out.  Keep rocking the healthy house and helping to motivate other chicks through your story that they can make healthy changes – it just takes that first step. Thanks for allowing us to help along your journey and sharing your story with us – you rock!!

Make today fabulous!

FIT CHICKS XO