Jeanne Kettles- One Year of Inspiration!

Jeanne joined Power Fitness PDX for the Challenge. When she called the first time, I remember hanging up thinking I hope this woman can do the Challenge for herself. I have a feeling she could get so much out of it if she allows herself to believe in herself.  Guess what, she did and is PHENOMENAL!! Jeanne has inspired so many others without realizing it and has more strength than she once believed. To say I have been honored to train Jeanne and have her be part of Power Fitness PDX is an understatement. Jeanne also taught me to believe in my own strengths as a trainer and coach, as there are little nuggets brought out that can help every client on many levels. Let Jeanne inspire you to take the time to Challenge the POWER of YOU! 

Jeanne (on left eating), New Years Eve 2010

Jeanne Kettles

This time last year I was floundering…big time!  I was burned out:  overwhelmed, overweight, under a tremendous amount of stress, and feeling totally depleted.   After three years of a challenging Masters program followed suddenly and unexpectedly by three years of a nasty divorce which left me totally broke and completely on my own as a single mother with no job, I felt “washed up” on some strange shore as the divorce became final and I landed a wonderful but demanding full time job.  I had been “coping” with years of stress by self-medicating with all the wrong food and drinking, staying up late “too tired to work out”, forgetting myself and throwing everything into caring for my children and the demands of life.  I wanted things to change, and I realized the only way they could would be to change the course I was on – but how?

I saw a postcard for Power Fitness PDX which boldly affirmed, “YOU have the power, strength and courage to make your life the best yet. Without even realizing it, you possess incredible determination and dedication to be your most active self possible...you just need a little nudge, education, and support”.  It’s like Erin was talking directly to me.  I went on line and read about the women’s only boot camp and Erin’s philosophy.   I remember my first conversation with Erin: it was remarkably easy to talk with her about my fears and reservations “would everyone be more advanced than me? – I’m really out of shape”  She encouraged me by letting me know that although everyone might seem at different fitness levels that everyone had their challenges and that was the point – we would come together as a group to challenge ourselves – together.  I made the commitment to do the fitness challenge – a three month intensive diet and exercise boot camp.  I never imagined how it would change my life.

I tried and I cried.  I sweat and I hurt and rode the waves: from the troughs of fearful doubt and self-loathing to the crests of accomplishment and self-affirmation.  When my determination threatened to falter, Erin and the women of the group helped nudge me back with an understanding comment or self-revelation that reminded me I was not alone.  The laughter and “way to go!”s we fed each other with sincerity through the grunts, groans and sweats, bonded us in camaraderie, mutual respect and appreciation as we each challenged ourselves and each other to “dig deep and play hard” and bring it!

Jeanne looking & FEELING great December 2011

I lost 10 pounds those first three months, but I lightened up more than that.  I found a part of myself that had been buried in heavier weight for a long time.  I signed up for the year, knowing it was going to take a long term commitment to myself to see me through to where I wanted to be.  But Erin always kept it interesting with some fun and cutting edge way to push all our workouts to the max - and not take no (or slow) for an answer!  She is famous for casually "suggesting” to the group, “You know what would be fun…” and then get  us all signing up for See Jane Run 5K or 10K – or some other race or half marathon - even if we never ran a race before!  And we had a blast!  Even though I wasn’t yet able to run the full distance straight through, I paced myself and pushed myself and completed a 5K.  And the crazy lift it gave me (“I did it!”) fed into my increased commitment to pushing my training and see exercise as fun.   My kids are ever more proud of me and it gives them strength and encouragement to see me be active and make better choices for my well-being.  Now we often “work out” together and they don’t ever seem to grumble anymore about walking someplace instead of taking the car.

One day, months later, as I lugged my workout bag with 2 twelve pound weights, 2 five pound weights and a full large water bottle, I realized that I had actually lost that much weight (and a little more: forty pounds and twenty inches)!  I laughed in amazement that I wasn’t carrying that around anymore and how good it felt to feel energetic every day, throw out my size 18 clothes and shop for size 10 instead!  And the fun part was sharing that with the group of friends who had seen me from the start of this journey and have them celebrate with laughter and joy too!

I can’t say enough about the incredible spirit and skill Erin brings to her work in guiding the group and each participant on our individual paths.  She is knowledgeable and fit, yes, but something so much more.  It’s not everyone whose passion burns so bright and true that it sparks the hearts of others even when they feel burned out or their light seems doused.  Erin and Power Fitness PDX are amazing and I recommend the experience to anyone – no matter where you are in your journey to Challenge the Power of You.

Annie (Challenge Winner 2011), Coach Erin Kreitz Shirey, Jeanne - Holiday Party 12/2/11

Gemma Lim- She made a change and continues to do so!

Today I got an email from Gemma, a Mom to dynamic boys who was trying to find her time to train. She has been a PFPDX'er since January 2011, even doing workouts in Paris when traveling with friends.  Gemma shared her journey, which will hopefully inspire you to make time for yourself too.  What a gift to read these words of real, life transformation.
Cheers-
Coach Erin Kreitz Shirey

Erin,

This note has long been overdue! I hope that you know how much I APPRECIATE you.  I have not expressed my appreciation in so many words and ways, but I am so thankful that I met you.  I have indeed come a long way from the first day I came in to try out your early morning boot camp class (thank you Karen for pestering me incessantly that I must meet Erin!) armed with nerves (the trepidation of “going to boot camp”) and vertigo! You kicked my butt on the first day and I have been hooked since!

It has been almost a year since I joined PowerfitnessPDX and I see all the positive changes in myself both physically, emotionally and mentally.  Who knew that I could do over 20 military push ups - in proper form! And for someone who has never run in her life, I am amazed that I can jog for over 30 minutes WITHOUT stopping!! It is so exhilarating and rewarding each time I finish a workout with you and the gals. My days are always better when I start them with a PDX workout.  Before I met you, I was so out of balance when I didn’t get a workout in first thing after I woke up.  I would always try to pencil in my workouts and as everyone knows, our own personal goals go to the bottom of the list.  Kids, husbands, significant others, jobs – LIFE takes over and we play second fiddle, again. Before I joined the group, my workouts were not very consistent. I exercised after 10 pm when everyone in my household was upstairs and left me alone to get my workout in. I traded in a decent night’s sleep for what workouts I could squeeze in during the workweek. I didn’t realize that this was working against me. I wasn’t losing weight and inches and I felt so resentful of the little time I had for myself.  My fitness regimen did not work as well as I wanted it to.  Until I met you and started my Power Fitness PDX workouts. Boy, did you change my life!! Do you remember the first few weeks when I did the stairs at Washington Park? I thought I was going to throw up! Living with vertigo, stairs was not my cup of tea. In fact, I avoided workouts that involve climbing up and down stairs for fear of falling down or losing a step and injuring myself. Erin, you changed all that! I conquered my fear of stairs because of you. I have learned that the stairs don’t rule me. I RULE! It is now all on my own terms.

Over the course of the year of doing PDX, you helped me understand that exercise/fitness is very fundamental to how we should live, that it can be fun and it doesn't have to feel like a chore.  You have inspired me every morning to challenge myself, to do that extra push up and lunge, that extra sprint up the stairs. I have become one of your bonus Betties! Doing PDX, I am much more alert and in perfect equilibrium.  Take it from this neurotic Libran, I am so much happier when my scales are in perfect balance!  

So Erin, a huge THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for helping me believe that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. 

Dig deep, play hard!!

xoxo,

Gemma

Where you been??

Hello body, curious where you have been? Oh wait, I know, you have been evolving and changing each day and year like I ask you to!  

Many of you have shared comments about wanting to be "back in my skinny jeans", "want to be as strong as I used to be before kids/before work/before I was 40". But why focus on where you used to be, why not focus on moving forward and getting to be your strongest and most dynamic self now?  Why look back, when looking forward is the only way to go?? You don't know what you've yet to become??  

Last year I started working with a Power Fitness PDX'er who ran 3 miles a couple times each week, but never raced. She was active, but never really pushed herself.  Then she started coming to classes. She said she'd sign up for Summer and then go back to her routine at the gym after.  It has now been one year in July 2011 and she still comes to Power Fitness PDX 3x/week. But she comes because she has learned that getting older doesn't mean getting weaker, but getting stronger. It means pushing her body to see what it can do next.  Thus, her running...  She registered for a half marathon to do after her 40th birthday.  She'd never run one before and guess what...she did incredible and now runs regularly 5-7 miles on her own ALL THE TIME!  She does push ups and is focused in class to engage her muscles with each movement, attempting to get lower with each rep.  Her biceps are stronger, legs faster and energy increased.   

Why look back, when looking forward with unending potential and dedication 

can make your body the best yet? 

I want you to mull over this idea.  While you may have been dancing on a bar at age 24, in a dress that was shorter than a 60's miniskirt, your legs hadn't worked as hard as they do now.  They most likely didn't have had the definition that 100's of squats give them.  Your core may have been smaller, but might not have been leaner or full of the dynamic scars of birthing little miracles. But your core now is stronger from countless planks and froggers; it has definition that makes younger gals swoon.  Be confident and keep looking forward!  

Our bodies are incredible and can do so many dynamic things.  When utilizing and challenging them, they respond. When nurturing them with good food consisting of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and clean carbs, they show the hard work.  Be proud of where you ARE and what lies ahead.  Run around in your swimsuit at the pool and not a big cover-up.  While you may have a few laugh lines to go with the triceps of steel, who cares because the laugh lines are from belly laughs and great memories and your triceps of steel from hard work and focus. Next month could be when your strong self completes a triathlon...something your 20 year old self would be to nervous to do. You are just discovering your potential....keep discovering, evolving, and expanding on what you can do and how strong you can get.  

I ask again...where you been?  The answer...I've been working hard to sweat and grow to love who I am and what I can be each day! 

Take some time to Challenge the Power of YOU! 

Cheers-

Coach Erin, Age 35, now getting more running PR's than when racing in college 

Perfect 10

What is the Perfect 10?  Do we really compare ourselves to Bo Derek running down the beach with her braids and swimsuit?  Are we, as women, comparing ourselves to the Sports Illustrated swimsuit models?  I hope not!  I see every women as a Perfect 10 in their own right, it is accepting your own strengths and differences that make you magical.  It is holding your head high when trying something new and being comfortable in your imperfections, embracing your body you were born with, and using it with pizazz!  It takes a sense of confidence to see your own Perfect 10, a sense of ownership in adoring the one life you have and the body you have been given.  A Perfect 10 is not letting the little things you think are imperfections define you, but you define them and own them! 

When doing gymnastics two weeks ago, I felt we were all perfect tens.  It was ladies fun night out for Power Fitness PDX and we decided to have fun at gymnastics. Words can't describe how much fun it was!  We walked in and could have been Moms to the other participants of Open Gym. But we didn't care! We sought out Ian, the teacher for the night, and asked him for some pointers and advice for fun "moves".  Mind you, the moves we were talking about we hoped wouldn't have our strong, but not gymnastics trained, bodies injured at night's end.  We all were eager to hop on the balance beam, climb the rope net, jump on the trampoline, try the rings, do back walkovers and LAUGH!!! 

Through the training in Power Fitness PDX has evolved a greater sense of confidence in trying new things...amongst everyone.  We laughed, we performed and we embraced our bodies for what they can do!  For some it was trying a jump on the balance beam, a feat that wouldn't have been conquered before.  But now, knowing that each body is unique and can do incredible things, the feats were tried and tried again.  We tried trampoline routines, sweat as we did back bends,  and flexed our quads when pointing on the beam.  We were and are all PERFECT 10's!  It is our own inner score card that we must believe in.  Not a judge holding up numbers, but our own inner score card of "10".

Own yourself and who you are. Own your strengths and walk proud.  Be it big chested or flat chested, apple or pear shaped, short or tall...own YOU!  You are a Perfect 10 and have one body that can do incredible things.  Challenge it daily, appreciate it hourly, love it every moment.   Now, gymnastics hands back and stand in Perfect 10 pose!!

Words from Caprice Carter- Power of YOU New Year NEW You Fitness Challenge Recipient

When it came time to pick who was deserving of the Power of YOU New Year NEW YOU Fitness Challenge, it was very hard.  Many women wrote with incredible stories that would inspire anyone. They were all deserving.  In the end, I picked two Challenge Winners.  One attending the 50+ Boot Camp and one attending the Women's Only Boot Camp.  The women have come to class, been pushing themselves and will be blogging about their journey.  Caprice Carter won the 50+ Boot Camp category, and over $1450 in services throughout the 3 month challenge.  Read on to hear about Caprice and how incredible she is....Coach Erin

Caprice's words....

March 1, 2011

Erin has asked me to write something for her blog about my experiences so far with the Power Fitness PDX Challenge… I’m not much of a writer but I will do my best.

First of all I would like to say that so far, it’s been ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!

I was one of the winners of the scholarships for the challenge which I am incredibly thankful for.  I had been thinking for a long time that what I needed was a personal trainer or something for me to get my butt in gear and do what I needed to do for myself.  For me. I could never find the time or the money or the organization to follow through on getting back in shape so when I saw the poster and read about the scholarship, I immediately went home and wrote up my story and sent it in. I was so, so surprised and thrilled to learn I had won! Whoo Hoo!

I felt that to honor this opportunity I would need to fully commit myself to the challenge and I have to say that I’m so inspired now, that I think this will be a life changing experience.

As for my story, well… I’ll try to be brief.

About six years ago my twin nieces ended up in foster care in Oregon. Since we were out of state, it took us a year to get them down here through a very lengthy and stressful, emotional and exhausting process. We had to become a licensed foster family, taking classes, having our personal lives exposed and turned inside out and then having to license our home by having to legalize part of our home that was added in the 1940’s (when people just didn’t pull permits for such things), etc… In the end it all worked out and they came to live with us but it took a toll on us. That’s when the real work began. It’s been an incredibly challenging journey and odyssey for us, and for them, for which I can happily say that we are now a family. After a year we were able to adopt them and through working with a family therapist have worked on adapting to our new family life.

That said, as the years were going by, I began to feel that I was giving everything I had out and there was nothing left fore me. No personal time to take care of myself, my body and my spirit. It had been about 13 years (since my daughter was born) that I had worked out consistently. I tried to get back into exercising with bicycle riding here and there, walking and hiking, yoga, etc. but found that it just isn’t the same as an actual work out and it seemed that every free moment I had went to the kids. 

Now my dream has come true. I am so inspired by Erin’s complete and total commitment to what she is doing and her enthusiasm is not only inspirational but contagious! She makes you feel like you can do anything by starting with tiny little steps and on to bigger and bigger steps. The support of all the other women who are also doing the challenge is not only FUN but very inspirational as well. Everyone has their story and they are all here to work on making their lives better together.

I’ll never forget the first morning, all nervous about going out in the early morning dark, and the surprising beauty of watching the sun rise over the still bay with the crystal clear crisp sky. Absolutely Amazing!

I look forward to every work out (and every sunrise) now… Caprice

 

Caprice on right working with Tammy on left. 1st Workout of the Challenge- 2.8.2011

IMPORTANT- Challenge Date Change- Learning COURAGE!!

Tomorrow was to start the Power of YOU Fall Fitness Challenge, but the date is to be postponed until next week.  That is not my norm when it comes to classes and my business, but my little girl, Makenzie Christina Shirey, is about to teach all of us a lesson.  The lesson of being strong, courageous and using your body because you can.


Monday, September 20th, my family and I were at the pool playing and laughing.  We were swimming and diving, enjoying the nice warm night and being active.  The week quickly turned on us.  On Thursday, September 23rd, we rushed Makenzie to the ER at Children's Hospital because she had been very sick with the stomach flu for 36 hours.  She is a vibrant, active, dynamic and energetic 6 year old who lost her energy and the flu took over. Sadly, Makenzie is now in ICU and about to teach us a big lesson- the lesson of COURAGE.  Makenzie has been diagnosed with Acute Pancreatitis, in addition to many other things. She is in a lot of pain, but barely complaining. She has been the biggest trooper and hugging her stuffed puppy with little winces as they perform test after test.  She has been sweetly holding our hand and staying so strong, while scared and nervous of what is going on around her.  What Makenzie has is very, very rare in children and terminal in any 60 year old with a minor heart condition. But she keeps going on and is fighting like no other.  Thus, she is using her body with fierce determination as it is fighting against her. 


Which makes me think, while Makenzie is using her strong little body as best as she can, what are YOU using your body for?  Are you challenging it daily to make sure your muscles are moving, your blood is flowing and you are a fighting machine?  Are you taking advantage of the beautiful days outside and going on adventures, hiking the hills, walking the beach, running around the island?  Are you planning out your time to make sure you use it wisely? If not, do so because YOU CAN.  If not, do so because YOU HAVE ONE BODY TO WORK FOR YOU.  If not, use your BODY to the best ways possible and don't complain about what it can't do, but CELEBRATE WHAT IT CAN DO! I am making a list(will be uploaded to the blog) of everything YOU DO in class and celebrating what YOU HAVE DONE!  I ask YOU to make a list of what your body CAN DO, and how vibrant YOU FEEL after.  Keep it posted in your house and look at it this week, so you can move when Makenzie is not able to and I am making means to. Do stairs at the park, and know I am doing stairs at the hospital. Do lunges in the kitchen and know I am doing lunges down the hallways of the ICU. Do push ups and dips on a park bench and know I am doing them beside Makenzie's bed.  USE your body because YOU CAN!

With Makenzie in ICU, the Power of YOU Fall Fitness Challenge is being adjusted to a start date of October 4th. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, but family, love and wellness are  the most integral cornerstones to our lives.  I will use this week to adjust to our new reality of life at Children's Hospital for the next month and be ready to CHALLENGE YOU like no other on Monday, October 4th.  There are NO EXCUSES, all you have to do is lace your shoes and make it to Power Fitness PDX classes, Power of YOU Fall Fitness Challenge workshops, and check ins.  I will lead you through the rest.  I promise to because we all have been given the gift of one body to make as strong, vibrant and as healthy possible. I will do my best to help you reach your health and fitness goals like never before.

Let's work together to Challenge the POWER of YOU!

-Erin Kreitz Shirey, CEO Power Fitness PDX, Master Trainer & Coach
p- 503.703.1269
e- powerfitnesspdx@gmail.com
w- www.powerfitnesspdx.com
t- http://twitter.com/powerfitness

Fun part of being a girl

Hello-

You have done an incredible job in the Blast Classes, the beginning of Session 8, and those who 
haven't made it we miss you! We have been running stairs, jumping, 
pushing ourselves and going nonstop for 65 minutes! But one thing that 
some of you have asked me, as well as other PFPDX'ers before, is how 
to strengthen your pelvic floor and help lighten the Piddle Party.

I know, it is not fun to talk about for some, but it needs to be 
talked about in order to make exercise FUN and COMFORTABLE! If you
ever have a question, concern or wish on how to help strengthen your
pelvic floor, please do not hesitate to ask me.  Some tips you can do daily:

- When working, do 10 Kegals every hour on the hour
- 4x/week, do inverted toe squats and hold the lower position for a 5-count
- Do balance work: stand on a disk, rolled towel, BOSU ball

Think of your pelvic floor like any other muscle group and do the exercises 4x/week.
I am thinking about doing a 45-60 minute workshop on the pelvic floor and how to
strengthen it on a Saturday morning. Please email me with interest.

I look forward to seeing you in the morning, and remember, practice your
Special K's!

Cheers-


Erin Kreitz Shirey
Power Fitness PDX- Owner, Master Trainer & Coach
Powerfitnesspdx@gmail.com
Www.powerfitnesspdx.com