HEATHER WILLISON: ASF SOUTH ATHLETE OF THE MONTH – JUNE 2018

“Heather has been a consistent client of mine since Sept of 2015. She is extremely dedicated & motivated. When she puts her mind to something she gets it done,” said her coach, Chelsea. “Most recently, Heather set the goal of being able to do a pull-up. Now she is smashing that goal, cranking out 2,3,4 at a time! On top of working full time & raising 2 kids, Heather manages to come to me at least twice a week which is very impressive, and it shows! She not only looks amazing but has steadily gotten stronger.”

Read below to learn why Heather loves training at ASF and how she manages to keep fitness a priority in her life!

 

What do you do for work/ in your professional life?
I am a Managing Director and Founding Member at Beautycounter, a line of safer skin care, cosmetic and personal care products. We educate and empower people to make safer and healthier choices for what they use on their skin, and we sell safer product alternatives. You can learn more here: www.beautycounter.com/heatherwillison

How long have you been working out at ASF?
Almost 3 years!

Why did you decide to join ASF?
I loved that the gym was only for personal training clients, that the sessions were short in duration and the convenience of the studio to my house.

What were your goals when you started?
I honestly just wanted to get in shape, plain and simple! I have two kids – when I started ASF they were ages 4 and 6. My post-baby body was not great. I have always been fairly slender, but I was fluffy, untoned and honestly just out of shape. I felt like I didn’t have energy and I didn’t have any strength. I wanted to look better but also feel better.

How close are you to meeting them?
I have met my overall weight and fitness goal, and just strive to maintain. Now that I’m in my 40s the maintaining is just as hard as achieving in the first place! So Now that I’ve been at it for almost three years, I challenge myself with small, tangible goals – for instance I want to do 5 pull ups by summer (June 21st) – I’m at 4! So I’m close!

What changes have you noticed in your body, mind, spirit since starting at ASF?
I am stronger than I have ever been, I see muscles and definition in places I’ve never seen it (hello triceps! nice to meet you!). I feel great in my own skin now, but more importantly – my mental clarity is so much better! I find now that if I workout, I’m in a better mood and more focused on positivity and motivation in life!

What challenges have you had to overcome, if any, since starting out at ASF?
I’ve had some physical setbacks that are frustrating, like a sore shoulder, weak knees, etc. I’m almost 43 so I have to accept that my body isn’t as nimble as it used to be! I often don’t like to slow down to put in the proper attention to stretching, rolling out muscles, etc but I’m working on it!

Any surprises since starting at ASF?
It’s surprising how much I LOVE lifting weights! I used to do it because I had to. Now I do it because I WANT to an because I love pushing my strength limits.

Why do you like working out with Chelsea?
Chelsea is awesome! She is tough which is a good thing. When I feel like giving up or stopping short, she doesn’t let me. She’s become a friend as well – I love talking about our weekends and what we do outside the gym.

What is it about Chelsea/ASF that keeps you coming back?
Again the convenience and “short and simple” workouts are the best. I can’t stand being in a gym for an hour – that doesn’t’ work for me. And Chelsea has become a friend and someone I look forward to seeing!

What are your goals & plans for the future at ASF?
I’m going to keep working out 2 – 3 x a week as long as I can! My goal is to introduce more friends to ASF, as partners sometimes too hopefully! I would love to continue to grow stronger and continue to seek definition in my muscles and body.

What is your favorite food?
Queso..sadly. Not really on my current menu of daily options! Second I’d say a really good steak!

Any advice you’d share with a newcomer to ASF?
BE CONSISTENT. Both in and out of the gym. You won’t see results if you popcorn in and out. Just stick with it – give it a month or two and you are going to love your results!

Anything else you’d like to add about your experience at ASF or with Chelsea?
I just love the support I feel at ASF. It’s become my own community and family and it’s something I look forward to every week! I have never thought of myself as strong, let alone an athlete. It feels good to now be looked at as someone who is physically fit and strong!