Health Corner

ALEX HARRIS

Alex Harris actively participates in crossfit and has been involved in health and fitness for over twenty-nine years. His diet consists of water, protein, nutritional food along with his favorite drink of "Spark". Harris says self-motivation is the key to overcoming anything in a person's life, especially sports injuries like he has experienced. 

MALISSA PIPES

Malissa Pipes teaches fitness classes at St. Michaels and is also an advocate for High Intensity Interval Training. Malissa has been interested in fitness since her freshman year of college. Her diet contains organic foods, whole foods, nothing processed- mainly she is a pescatarian. A pescatarian is someone who does not eat meat besides fish. When Ms. Pipes needs a snack, she enjoys almonds and  almond butter with apples. Malissa keeps herself motivated by the idea of feeling accomplished and her desie to stay healthy. Although she enjoys staying fit, she does admit to having a hard time finding people that enjoy the same life style. 

GREG FENTON

Greg Fenton alternates weights and cardio throughout the year and depending on his work schedule, the amount of each changes. Fenton generally eats three to four balanced meals per day, consisting of lean proteins with moderate amounts of carbs and fats and when he wants to snack, he enjoys peanuts, almonds and raisins. He struggles with lower back and shoulder injuries that worsened with age, so he stays motivated by enjoying the types of physical activities that brighten his day. Fenton plans on staying fit for as long as he can. 

SHELBI PHILLIPS

Shelbi Phillips enjoys working out at Planet Fitness and will start Naval physical training soon. She has had an attentiveness for fitness since January of this year. Shelbi's  diet contains of mostly red meats due to her petite size. She focuses on proteins, breads and a lot of meat. She drinks mostly water and vitamin supplements, while consuming very little carbonated drinks. Her favorite snack is Ezekiel muffins with natural peanut butter, honey, fruit and a tall glass of water. Although her injuries and eating the certain foods are a struggle for her, Shelbi keeps herself motivated with the "you're almost there" mindset. "When I go for a run, it is better to think of how close you are to being done rather than how you currently feel. I also apply this to my eating. when I'm done eating or drinking something, I'll just think about how great it'll be when I finish it. Dragging it out will only make it worse. Thinking about my goals makes the process that much simpler."

HAYDEN TURNER

Hayden Turner actively plays baseball, lifts weights and has been into health and fitness ever since middle school. Hayden consumes a lot of protein and does not eat bread. Hayden drinks water and chocolate milk only and loves fruit. Although he enjoys the lifestyle of eating right, he admits that his regimine is, at times, difficult to maintain, but wants to be the best version of himself and stay as healthy as possible.  

TYZHANE WALKER

Tyzhane Walker is a vegetarian and has been interested in health and fitness since July 4th of 2017. By being a vegetarian, Tyzhane feels no need to limit herself from any other foods. This is a struggle for her because she really enjoys steak. For a snack, she chooses Granola bars. Tyzhane's motivation?  Living longer and being in better health. 

ANDREW RYTHER

Andrew Ryther has been working out with school athletics for four years but began to be serious about his health about ten months ago. Andrew is involved in the Athlean-X Bodybuilding Program. His diet consists of eating high protein and low calorie meals. He does struggle in finding the right supplements and protein products. Andrew keeps himself motivated with the progress he is making. His favorite snack is peanut butter and his favorite meal is grilled chicken breasts.

STEPHANIE NELSON

Stephanie Nelson is a member of Barbell Butterfly, a women's health and fitness group, and has been since last November. She eats "clean" meats with very little sugar and enjoys almonds as a snack. Something she struggles with in this process?  Making sure that she eats the appropriate meals on time. Ms. Nelson's motivation? The idea of longevity and maintaining a healthy mindset.

KARA BARABAS

Kara Barabas prefers  essential oils and non-toxic replacements for items such as shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, deodorant, makeup and so on. She also enjoys organic food when possible. She strives to pre-plan meals to make sure she does not over eat. When the topic of exercise is concerned, Kara prefers a mixture of cardio and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) four to five days of the week. "I used to work out 6 days a week and kill myself of the treadmill for an hour and then complete an hour worth of cardio class. I was thin, but my body was suffering. I was constantly tired and sore...and not healthy, a good sore. My number one tip for anyone trying to get healthy and fit is to avoid over-training and starving yourself. This is not sustainable for the long run and only damages your body. " 

URSULA JOHNSON

Ursula Johnson has always enjoyed health and fitness but has only truly pursued it the last four years. She is part of the TRS Active Program. Ursula enjoys fast pace walking and walks six miles daily. Her diet consists of vegetables, chicken fish and grapes, almonds and carrot sticks as snacks. Her diet cuts out all fried foods and carbs. Although she enjoys this lifestyle, Ursula does struggle with not having her favorite fried foods and potato chips. Ms. Johnson's motivation is her daughter. "Not only does she keep me on track,

 but because of her, I want to "eat to live.' I plan to be here for her for a long time. She is my strength."