Sweat Fixx

Low Impact | High Intensity | Total Body

Instructor Spotlight: Carly Fortier

We’re so excited to announce our newest instructor to the Sweat Fixx crew – Carly Fortier! She’s been crushing it with us since day one, and knows first hand how the rowers can humble even the fittest person. This newly-minted Fixx Instructor and Wakefield mom will be bringing the heat to her upcoming classes, and we can’t wait to strap into the rowers to see what she’s got.

But before she takes over the mic, we decided to get to know Carly a little bit more and learn what makes her push her limit each time she steps into the studio.

 

How did you hear about Sweat Fixx?
Sweat Fixx is a stone’s throw from my house. I was definitely curious about the studio when it opened. After hearing a friend of mine rave about the studio and the workout, I knew I had to give it a shot.

What kept you coming back?
Do I have to narrow it down?

There are so many reasons! The classes are super challenging (which I love).  I am competitive with myself, so being able to see those numbers improving and changing, really pushes me to drive a little harder each time. Every instructor is unique and they each offer a different twist. I have yet to find a class that I felt didn’t deliver. Finally, people keep me coming back – seeing each and every person push their comfort zone motivates me like no other.

When you aren’t on the rower, where can we find you?
With my children Jake (8) and Brynn (6)! Between sports, activities and friends, we live a pretty busy life. They keep me on my toes, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Otherwise, you can catch me at night on the couch watching LOTS of shows with my husband, Ryan.

What made you decide to take the leap to become a Fixx Instructor?
Becoming an instructor has always been a dream of mine so when I was approached, I was thrilled, shocked, happy, a little nervous – but mostly SO excited.

Fitness has been a huge part of my life for a long time now. When becoming part of the Sweat Fixx crew became a real possibility, it just felt right. I felt home.

What’s your favorite thing to do, when you aren’t at Sweat Fixx?
Brunching with my girls, hanging by the pool or snuggled up on the couch with Ry (again watching allllll of my favorite shows).

Favorite guilty pleasure? (Sushi? Wine? Mai Tai?)

All. Of. The. Above.

I am 100% a firm believer in balance. I’m an 80/20 kind of gal. I believe in working hard, enjoying and indulging. For adult beverages, I can be seen enjoying wine, vodka soda or a frosty beer. For food, a juicy burger and fries have never let me down.

OH and dark chocolate coconut covered almonds. You will not be disappointed.

What’s one thing you couldn’t imagine living without?
Aside from the obvious (my family), the ability to work out.

I get pretty cranky if I miss a planned workout. I am all about rest days (they are absolutely needed), but if I am supposed to workout and life gets in the way, watch out world! Also coffee – this is another time you might want to stay away from me ;).

How has the Sweat Fixx community helped you in the last six months?
How hasn’t the Sweat Fixx community helped me?! As corny as that sounds, I have really felt at home each time I come to the studio. Lots of my fellow moms and Sweat Fixx members are kicking a$*  every week and it truly motivates me to be better, stronger and more present. The instructors continue to motivate me to work harder. In the end, being there gives me that time to myself – for myself and that is so important in being the best you can be.

Anything else you want to share?
I can’t wait to get on that schedule, and see you on those rowers!

AND WE CAN’T EITHER! Catch Carly next Monday August 28th at 4PM (subbing for Kayla) and 5:45PM !

 

#FuelFixx Recipe: Cauliflower Fried Rice

Busy days usually call for quick and easy dinners.

I like to take my favorite meals and see how I can make them at home. That way, I can control what goes into the dish and try and make it as healthy as possible.

I am a huge fan of cauliflower, and when grocery stores started selling riced cauliflower the possibilities became ENDLESS.  It makes prep so much easier. No more steaming  cauliflower florets and bringing out the food processor to chop it up. Taking out that prep step of the process meant I could enjoy  riced cauliflower meals more often – especially one of my favorites, cauliflower fried “rice”.

This meal is not only super easy to whip together, it is also delicious and I am never left missing the take-out version!  I add scrambled eggs to it make the meal a little more balanced, but you can also choose to add diced chicken. The veggies I use are usually whatever I have on hand, so choose your favorites and throw them into the mix.

Ingredients:

  • 1 small white onion diced
  • 1 large carrot diced
  • 1 small head of broccoli chopped
  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • 2 cups riced cauliflower (you can find this at almost every grocery store)
  • 2 scrambled eggs
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • Soy sauce or liquid aminos to taste
  • Salt & pepper (optional)

 

Directions:

  • Saute onion in oil for about 2-3 minutes
  • Add carrots to oil and onions for another 2-3 minutes
  • Add in broccoli and any other of veggies of choice
  • Stir in peas and riced cauliflower. Let it all cook together for another 4-5 minutes or until veggies are soft,
  • Push veggies to the side of one pan in order to make room to pour in the eggs (you can also do this in a separate pan if you would like). Scramble the eggs and mix it all together
  • Add soy sauce, or liquid aminos, and stir
  • Season to taste

Seriously, this meal could not be easier to make!

The most time consuming part is chopping the veggies, but once that’s done everything cooks super fast – it’s the perfect meal for when you get home late and just need that quick dinner! This healthy version of vegetable fried rice will satisfy you without leaving you with that yucky feeling you get sometimes after eating take-out fried rice.

Get creative, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and #fuelfixx dinner  with us!

 

Jeanette’s Upper Body Towel Workout

For anyone who has taken my class, you know that a towel is going to make an appearance.

The great thing about working out with a towel is you can do it at the gym, at home, on vacation, watching tv, at the beach – you can do it anywhere! Not only is it super convenient, but it’s also going to help tighten and sculpt your arms with high repetitions, low weight. I end all my arm segments at the gym with a towel burnout, just like I do to all of you in class.

Since we all have crammed summer schedules, I’ve put together some of my favorite towel exercises that you can do with no matter where you are. You can do these as part of your arm workout, as a burnout at the end, or do whole series as your complete arm workout.
– – –

Set 1
Do each individual exercise for 20 reps, with no rest in between.

When you finish the last upright row, immediately do FIVE of each exercise in this sequence for a final burnout. Make sure to engage your core, squeeze your glutes, and pull that towel tight!  Roll your shoulders down your back, keep your chest open, and elbows up.

Overhead
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Pull the towel tight, as you bring it from the top of your thighs to over your head (palms face out).

45 degree angle push/pull
Pull the towel tight at shoulder level. Bring the towel in towards your chest, then push it out at a 45 degree angle, and pull it back in. That’s one rep.

Straight out push/pull
Towel is taught at shoulder level. Bring the towel into your chest, push the towel out and then pull back into your chest. That’s one rep. Don’t forget, keep your elbows up!

Upright Row
Starting with the towel at your thighs, pull it straight up to your chest. Pull as hard as you can, almost like you are trying to rip it into two pieces.
– – –

Set 2

Do each of the following exercises for 15-30 reps, 4 times through:

Bicep Curl (elbows at waist)
Change your grip on the towel, palms are now facing you. With your elbows at your waist, and a narrower stance with your hands on the towel, arms are at your sides, towel is down towards your thighs. While pulling the towel, bring your arms up in towards your chest.

Lifted Bicep Curl 
Same move as above, just bring your elbows up to a 90 degree angle. Back stays straight.

Push-ups
Put the towel aside (not too far away) and get into a high plank. Hands are under your shoulders, core is engaged, and your back and hips are in a line. Leading with your chest and tightening your core – back stays level, slowly lower your body towards the ground (elbows out for traditional pushup, elbows close to your body for a tricep pushup), and push up back the to starting position.

Tricep Extension or Pulse
Extension – Return to standing, with the towel in the same position as the lifted bicep curl. Bring the towel overhead. Elbows will stay close to your head, while you slowly bend your elbows and lift your arms up and down, while pulling the towel.

Pulse – Bring the towel behind your back, palms facing down. You can mix it up with full  tricep extensions from your lower back (over your glutes to your hamstrings) or stand straight for small pulses.
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So, where will you be doing your #TowelFixx workout?!  We want to see, so make sure to post and share with us!

JULY MEMBERS OF THE MONTH: JOYCELYN CHIODI & MIKAELA WALSH

If you’ve been to the studio this summer, chances are you’ve seen this dynamic duo.

Since they first stepped foot in Sweat Fixx at the end of May, they have taken a combined  total of 179 classes in just 65 Days!

Joycelyn Chiodi & Mikaela Walsh crush every type of class, and from HIIT Fixx to Sculpt Fixx, they are always working as hard as they can. Need proof that all that hard work pays off?! Along with getting stronger and faster on their rows, Mikaela has lost more than 17 lbs in 65 Days, and Jocelyn has a back that the whole Sweat Fixx crew is envious of.

Whaaaat?!

They double. They triple. They set their goals high, and don’t stop until they crush them.

Mikaela can hit a 16s 100 meter PR after the end of a Sunday triple, and Joycelyn is the newest member of the 100 Class Crew – and we are pretty sure she’s the quickest person to get to 100 classes to date!

They come to class together, kick butt together and even work together. So, when the Sweat Fixx crew was deciding who should be the member of the month for July, we couldn’t just pick ONE of them. So this month, our Member of The Month spotlight is on BOTH Joycelyn & Mikaela!

How did you hear about Sweat Fixx?
J & M: We heard about Sweat Fixx through our mutual friend, Jen. She had been taking classes and raved about how much fun it was, so we had to try it out. We took our first class at the end of May and we were hooked immediately.

What keeps you coming back?
J & M: Honestly, we relate it to a “runner’s high”… every time we leave we feel so good even though we are sore. Every class and instructor is different and motivating in their own way. We both signed up for the 3 month unlimited before even taking a class.

We love seeing both of you in so many classes, how do you keep each other accountable?
J & M: Mornings are the hardest!

We usually text each other in the morning to make sure we are up and ready to go. Some days, we need the other to say something motivating to push us out the door. Usually it’s incoherent swearing followed by “see you soon”.

When you aren’t crushing your Fixx, where can we find you?
J & M: We both work in dermatology, but when we aren’t working we love to be outside. Usually, you can find us having a few drinks and grilling out on the porch, or at Aria getting mani/pedi’s.

You both frequently double (and sometimes TRIPLE ) – what motivates you to keep going?!
J & M: We have both seen so much improvement not only physically, but mentally too. I think Sweat Fixx is a huge stress reliever from work and everyday life. It’s 45 mins (or 2-3 classes) to relax and just do something for ourselves.

How do you keep each other motivated?
J & M: Lots of bribes! HAHA Just kidding –  but sometimes when we double, we will end up going for a reward after class… we LOVE sushi at Fengs! I also think it helps knowing that we are BOTH doing it together. When the work day is hard, or it just hasn’t been a good day, it helps to know that just one single text asking if the other person will be in class will make the day 10x better.

What is the biggest change you’ve noticed about yourself since you first came to Sweat Fixx?
J & M: Both of have never been competitive. We never played sports and were the shy, quiet ones. Since coming here, we’ve been trying to push outside our comfort zones and try new things.

What is the biggest change you’ve noticed about EACH OTHER since you first came to Sweat Fixx?
J: Mikaela pulls some crazy numbers on that rower! Sometimes, I sit down on the rower after her during HIIT Fixx and I’m like
“Damn, I have to beat that number!?!?! How?” Aside from getting faster, she has gained so much strength and she looks amazing!
M: Joycelyn’s back is ripped. We’ve only been coming a short time and she looks awesome. I can only imagine what she will look like 6 months from now. It is motivating to see each other’s progress.

One thing you can’t come to class without?
J & M: WATER and our punch cards! Seriously that card keeps us so motivated. It is so satisfying to complete a card and look back at all the classes we have taken in such a short time.

What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?
J & M: We LOVE ice cream, that’s another thing we treat ourselves after few Sweat Fixx classes. Its the perfect way to re-hydrate!

Favorite Fixx class? Why?
J: I like Battle Fixx , because I really push myself and end up surprising myself. Especially, when I walk in there thinking ” I don’t know if I can do this today”, and then I see everyone else pushing so hard. Battle Fixx motivates me to work to get on the board. Sculpt Fixx is my second favorite –  it works your whole body and the class goes by so quick.
M: My favorite class would have to be Sculpt Fixx. I honestly have a love/hate relationship with the rower, so it’s nice to have a class that’s just focused on how weight work every muscle in my body.

What would be your biggest piece of advice for someone who is coming to Sweat Fixx for the first time?
J & M: Don’t think about it, just try it. It’s not your typical group fitness class. You get to know everyone pretty quickly and everyone is super nice. I never once felt uncomfortable in a class. Going to the gym always intimidated me but at Sweatfixx everyone is so focused on themselves and not what’s happening around them.

When can we catch you getting your Fixx?
J & M: We like to come in the mornings when we can, but if we can’t get in, we will always be at the 5:45 PM  and 6:45 PM classes.

#FuelFixx: What’s In Your Bag?

 

“To be prepared is half the victory” – Miguel de Cervantes

I have tried to ingrain this idea many times into the minds of my clients, friends and family. That being said, I always try to practice what I preach.

My schedule is insane.

Most days, I leave my house at 5 AM and don’t walk back in the door until 8 PM. If I don’t fully prepare my bag for the day, I am lost!

I am a morning person, so I will make sure to set my alarm an extra 10 minutes earlier, so that I can pack my bag. Here’s what my bag looks like on a typical day – snacks, drinks, and my essentials!

RX Bar – If it is a morning that I am heading to the gym before work, I make sure I have an RX bar. RX bars are my protein bar of choice, mostly because it’s made of clean and real ingredients with “no BS”. Most processed proteins don’t work for me, so I try to avoid them. The key is to find something that works for you!

SWELL water bottle – I always try to carry a reusable water bottle with me, so I can refill it throughout the day (and cut back on plastic use!)

Vital Proteins Marine Collagen (single serving) – About a year and a half ago, I began having serious knee pain. From the moment I stepped my feet on the ground in the morning it hurt – ALL day. I talked to some extremely helpful people at Natural Food Exchange in Reading and this collagen was recommended to me for joint pain/health. I have taken it every day since and no exaggeration, the knee pain is gone! Plus I get the bonus of some more protein!

Teddie Peanut Butter – Yes, I pretty much always have an entire jar of Teddy’s in my bag (Elise can attest to this). It is a true addiction, and I am trying to get better about it. Some weeks, I will try not to buy it to give myself a break. But it is so delicious! When I am on the go all day, a spoonful is just the right pick me up to keep me going or just enough fuel to hold me over until my next meal.

Serving of almonds, piece of fruit, or sugar snap peas – Snacks are a necessity! I try to make sure I have the healthiest options with me, so I don’t have to grab an unhealthy option while I’m out and about! !

Pacifica cleansing wipes – CONFESSION: A lot of times, I try to fit in an early morning workout before the work day begins. This means, a full shower is not always an option. To feel a little less gross, I’ll use a wipe to clean my face & underarms. The best part is, Pacifica products are 100% vegan and cruelty free! (important things I look for a lot of the time when buying beauty products)

Find what works for you and stick to it. I will be the first to admit that I am not perfect, not even close, so every day is not always planned this well. But, I do the best that I can to get through the week and feel as healthy as I can!

Miriah’s 5 Tips for Getting It All Done

 

Our supermom instructor, Miriah, seems to do it all with a smile on her face. She pushes us to get one inch lower, each and every time she’s on the mic, all while having an ultrasound career, and well, being a mom.

So how does she do it (seriously, we all want to know)? This week, Miriah took over the blog and shares her top five tips for getting it all done with all of us.

 

1. Take time for yourself

This is SO important. If you do not take time for yourself, you can not take care of anyone else.

When you are happy, healthy, and fulfilled your whole attitude will change. This, for me, is when I started my fitness journey. I always wanted to be an instructor and I finally took time to focus on my goal, and make it happen. I am not going to say it was easy…. I may have had to lock myself in my room.  And you know what happens when you close a door when you have kids – my kids ended up banging on that door every single time. Sit back and think about what really makes you happy and take some time to focus on it . Remember if mama isn’t happy, no one is!

2. Embrace the chaos
” Mom, Mama, mommy, ma, ma, ma!”

All the crying, yelling, and laughing –  just love it! Two kids, Italian husband, hugeeeeee dog, ultrasound career, Sweat Fixx instructor, bill payer, taxi driver, cook (kinda), maid (kinda) the list goes on and on! All day, all I seem to hear is:

  •  “I want a snack”
  • “He isn’t sharing”
  • “She won’t play with me”
  • “Mom, Dantae is naked again” (**eyeroll** boys)
  • “The dog got loose”
  • “I am hungry”
  • “What’s for dinner?”

The demands are endless! People say all the time we should have a tv show… If there was a camera on our 24/7 lives, we would be rich! Yes, we yell and cry, but we laugh way more.  Take a step back and look around you – you’re so lucky to have all this chaos, so just LOVE it!

3. Organization
My co-worker calls me the most disorganized organized person she knows. My “book” is my life even though to some people, it might just look like a game of tic tac toe. It’s color coded, full of scratch outs and white out, but it is literally my life! I have it with me 99% of the time. My tip for you is get a calendar and never let it look like mine. We also have one at home, to keep the family up to date.

Make lists – I love lists! I write down everything, even small tasks that that might take two seconds  to complete, and cross them off so I feel more accomplished.

Also, start saying  “no” to things. The less that is in that calendar, the smaller that to-do list!

4. Healthy lifestyle
Eating healthy and exercising is a huge part of my life. I try to schedule workouts whenever I can. Sometimes things come up, and I can’t get that workout in – and I’ve realized that it’s ok! Some weeks I might not get as many in, while other weeks I can do more than usual. It all evens out!

Eating better has impacted my life on another level. Last year, I did Whole 30, and this year I did the #FuelFixx Three Day Reset. It’s feels so good to reset and start fresh. No matter how much you go to the gym, ultimately your diet is what will lead you to those big changes.  Don’t get me wrong –  I love all food and drinks so I usually try to be good during the week so I can splurge a little on the weekends.

5. Have fun!
This is the thing I am best at! I do this 100% perfectly!

I dance in every single situation I can  – sometimes on top of tables, during movies with my kids, in my truck, and sometimes even in the shower! It may not be super graceful, but full of passion and laughs!

 

So, we may not get it all done. We’re human.

But, as long as you work hard, keep yourself organized and do the best you can do, you’ll surprise yourself at how MUCH you can get accomplished. Give yourself permission to let those dishes or the laundry wait – especially in the summer! It’s way too short, so spend it with your family.

There you have  it – this is how I keep my chaos under “control”. My secrets have been revealed, so the next time I see you on your mat and rower, I want to know how YOU are managing your busy lives – let’s share and learn from each other!