Here's what's in my cart this week...

Re'Chelle Turner Testimony

Thank you Re'chelle Turner for the super sweet testimony! I'm humbled you chose me to help with your fitness goals! 💪🏻

Can't wait to watch you compete for the crown!!! 👑

"Hello my name is Re'Chelle Turner.  I moved to Mississippi In March of 2015. I was looking everywhere for a great trainer that could help me get back in shape! I came across The Club and Brittany on Facebook! I signed up for Club SHRED Bootcamp with Brittany and it was the best decision I have ever made ! Brittany challenges me each session to push myself ! The workouts are intense and fun! Plus Brittany gives you a step by step nutrition guideline. I have gained a more healthier lifestyle since bootcamp !  I always wake up sore, but the result are amazing ! This October I will be competing in Miss Mississippi USA as Miss Ridgeland USA 2016 and I cannot wait to see my how my much my body has transformed since I started bootcamp. Since  have been in bootcamp I have lost inches of my waist, hips, bust, arms, legs, thighs and dropped pounds! Not only is Brittany a sweetheart with a beautiful heart and soul but she is an amazing trainer! I'm so proud to call her my friend and trainer! So if you are looking to get in shape get with Brittany she is the bomb.com ! Brittany thanks for making me feel better and look better!"

Be YOU

If I'm completely honest...There are days I just don't want to workout or I try to workout and my body just won't work with me...It's like I'm moving through syrup. Then there are other days I feel like Wonder Woman and can breeze through a 2hr workout. There are days that I want to eat pizza and drink a bottle of wine. Then there are days I won't even put a morsel of processed food into mouth or touch a drink. There are days I look in the mirror and pick out every flaw on my body. Then there are days I wake up and feel beautiful and confident with my body. Now, I may sound crazy by telling you all this, but I think most everyone can relate. I just want to get the point across that people who may seem like they have it all together and have perfect "fitspo" pages, are so far from perfect. They have off days. They don't eat perfect 100% of the time. And they definitely don't look perfect 100% of the time. I've seen plenty of fitness models and competitors during off season, and trust me...they don't have six-pack abs and cellulite-free thighs 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. They have imperfections and insecurities just like you!! So do yourself a favor and stop comparing yourself to everyone's hi-lite reel!!!!!!! Be YOU and be the BEST version YOU can be! Don't beat yourself up when you fall off the wagon, just dust yourself off and get back on. 

XOXO

10 year battle!

Hard to believe this was 10 years and 20lbs ago.😳 This was at the peak of my eating disorder. Oh what I would say to the girl in these pics...

The number on the scale does not define you. The size of those shorts does not define you. Find your worth in Jesus, not in the things of this world. 

My journey has made me stronger and the reason I am so passionate about training and helping others be healthy, but ultimately happy with who they are!! I still struggle with confidence and sometimes still compare myself to others. I pray about it daily and I'm so glad God has put this passion in my heart and helped me see that true beauty shines from within. A beautiful body is nothing if you don't have a beautiful soul. Know your worth, keep your eyes focused on the Lord and strive to be the best YOU can be!!!

Here's what's in my cart this week!

Grocery shopping on a budget! Nick's out of town so I got to use the little cart today! Here are some staples in my diet! 

Egg Muffins

Egg muffins with kale! A great way to get protein and veggies on the go! These are so easy to make. I made some Sunday & put them in individual ziplock bags. They are perfect for my early mornings, because I just throw put them in microwave for about 30sec then eat them in the car in the way to the gym! 

Protein Pancakes

Protein Pancakes

• 1 1/2 cups oat flour
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder


• 1 tablespoon stevia in the raw
• 1 1/4 cups unsweetened almond mik
• 1 egg
• 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
  Mix together. Use 1/4 cup to measure out pancakes. Serve over warm skillet or griddle. I coat mine with a little coconut oil! 

Best of Jackson

It is a huge honor to be a finalist for "Best Fitness Trainer" & The Club "Best Fitness Center" in the Best of Jackson poll. We could really use your support to win! Please go to bestofjackson.com to vote! Thank you!!! 👍😊

Workout at Home!

The most common excuse I hear when I ask people why they don't workout is "I don't have time". Well we are all busy and on a time crunch, but let me ask you this..do you have 20-30min? This workout can be done at home in only 20min and you don't even need equipment. Stop with the excuses and make exercise a priority. You will find yourself feeling stronger & more energized! Trust me, it's worth your time!

Get your greens in!

Looking for an easy way to get your greens in? Add some spinach to your protein shake! This is 1 scoop of protein powder, 1 c spinach, 1 1/2c almond milk & 1tbsp natural PB, & 1c ice blended in the ninja!

Cheat Clean

So I had this major craving for homemade chocolate chip cookies yesterday. I decided to whip some up with the ingredients I had around my house, and I must say they turned out delicious! Very moist & fluffy!! I've learned a lot about food swaps, so I've been able to get creative and make some of my favorite treats healthy. Here's the recipe!

Ingredients:

2 1/2C Oat Flour

3/4C Brown Sugar in the Raw

1/2C Stevia

1/3C Coconut Oil

Splash of Almond Milk

2 eggs

1tsp Baking Powder

1tsp Vanilla

Dark Chocolate Chips (as many as you want)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine ingredients in mixer. Fold chocolate chips in. Bake 8-10min.

Hotel Room Cardio

Traveling a lot this summer? That's no excuse not to get your exercise in. Try this hotel room cardio workout!! 💪

A letter to my 10 year old self...

Dear Brittany, 

I know that life seems hard right now. I wish I could tell you it's going to get easier.

But honestly, it's never going to be easy. There are always going to be cruel people in the world trying to bring you down. You think that if you are beautiful and skinny that people will love you, but they will only hate you worse because of jealousy. I know, I know... It doesn't make any sense. But it's life. 

You have a lot of struggles ahead. What you are going through now is hard, but it's preparing you for what's to come. 

God gave you a very big and tender heart. It is one of your most precious gifts, although at times you will feel like its a curse. Hold onto that gift tightly no matter how much it hurts sometimes. Always love people, even if they don't love in return. Your reward in the end for being a good person far outweighs anything anyone can give you. 

The bullying you are dealing with now is going to cause a lot of insecurities and self doubt, but you will overcome it. Stay strong. You have something inside of you that is great and you have a bright future ahead. Dream big and never give up! Fight for what you want and never lose faith that God has an amazing plan for your life. 

When you do become successful, stay humble. Never forget where you came from and always remember the girl that you see in the mirror now. 

Lastly, share your successes with the people who love you, and make sure they know how much they are appreciated. You've got some unbelievable people in your life who will always be there and more to come. You have so much to look forward to. Keep your head up and your heart strong. 

Love, 

Your future self 

Photo copyright: Michael-David Photography, 2014

1,000 Rep Challenge

Perfectionism

So last weekend I had my big photo shoot with the AMAZING Michael-David Reilly. It was an awesome experience! After the first round of pictures, MD showed me a few. I looked at them and honestly couldn't believe it was me. I was so happy with what I saw. Of course it helped having a fabulous make-up artist, Julia Snider work on me! And my boyfriend, Nick, was there to pull out my true smile. 

When we got home from Houston, I got a chance to sit down and look through all of the pictures. After only a few minutes of going through them, I began to pick myself apart. What I had worked so hard for and was so proud of just a day before, was now something I was critiquing. 

Since I started training, I've tried to be an advocate for positive body-image, and I even spoke to MD about that a lot. I felt utter disappointment catching myself in that weak moment and thought, "Nobody is perfect. You're never going to be perfect. Why do you insist on tearing yourself down?"

My boyfriend has always made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world and he was there to tell me how crazy I was and how proud he was of me. After all, he's been the one beside me day in and day out witnessing how hard I work. He was quick to remind me of how far I've come and how I had just spoken about overcoming body-image issues.

It was a humbling experience, and you know I like to keep it real on this blog- So I'm here to admit that I had a weak moment, and it probably won't be the last one. But the only thing I can do in those weak moments is pray and ask God for forgiveness. He loves me and has blessed me in so many ways and I am just a product of His amazing grace. 

I'm NOT perfect. I will NEVER be perfect, but I am healthy and I am happy!!! 

In case you need a reminder today-- you are beautiful in God's eyes! He created you with a purpose and you are precious!! 

Keep your head up and don't let the negativity of this cruel world get the best of you!! 

In Health,

Brittany

 

 

Milestone

Well, today's the big day...big 3-0! Can't believe it. I have honestly been dreading this day, but today I woke up so excited! I have been reflecting on my life and when I truly remember everything God has brought me through, I am so grateful. I am in the best place of my life. I have a wonderful family, an amazing God-fearing man who pushes me to always be my best, true friends, and an awesome career surrounded by like-minded, wonderful people. I am truly blessed. I set a goal last year to be in the best shape of my life by "30", so on April 26th I will celebrate my success in reaching that goal by having my first professional fitness photo shoot.

You see, you're never too old to chase your dreams. Every day is a new opportunity to become exactly who you want to be.  You just have to believe in yourself and fight for what you want. With your eyes fixed on Jesus anything is possible. Stay strong, my friends! Xoxo

Fitness Tip of the Week

What to look for when hiring a personal trainer!

Hiring a personal trainer is a big commitment toward your fitness goals. It is also a pretty big financial commitment as the going rate for a personal trainer can be anywhere from $40-$100 per session. To ensure you get the most out of your experience, I created a list of some key things you should look for when hiring a trainer. 

(Obviously there are some varying opinions on this subject, but through some information that I've gathered and from my own personal experience, I would like to share my input.)

** Is he/she certified? A personal trainer should have a current personal training certification as well as an up-to-date CPR & first aid certification. 

** Does he/she have experience? An experienced trainer is ideal, however many trainers are young and may just be starting out in the field. If thats the case, keep an open mind, but make sure they are certified. I've met and interviewed several trainers who are currently in college studying kinesiology or exercise science.. That shows that they are serious and passionate about their field and obviously obtaining essential knowledge. 

** Does this person understand my fitness goals? Look for someone who can relate to you and truly understand your goals. A good trainer should be able to customize a program according to your fitness level and goals. 

** Does he/she know how to work around my physical limitations/injuries? A knowledgable trainer should know how to work around common injuries to prevent any further harm. If you have back problems, ask the trainer how he or she plans to work around that issue.

** Can this person motivate me? A trainer should motivate, not intimidate. Look for a trainer who can push you and uplift you. You will be spending A LOT of time with this person, make sure you like them and they make you feel comfortable. 

** Is he/she fit? I wouldn't want to go to a dental hygienist who has bad teeth. Do you want to go to a trainer who isn't in shape? The answer is probably NO. Look for a trainer who practices what he/she preaches. 

Bottom line... If you go in for a consultation with a potential trainer, don't be afraid to ask questions. The right qualified personal trainer can make all the difference in the world, but hiring an inexperienced/non-certified trainer is just plain dangerous. Make sure you do your research to choose the best fit for you! 

New Beginnings

As most of you already know, I recently took a new job with The Club. I am very excited about a new opportunity and I am overwhelmed by the warm welcome I've received. If you live in the Madison area, come see me. I will be training at The Township, Lake Harbor and Madison locations. Check out my bio below and also please go visit the website,
www.theclubms.com

Brittany Horton is from Brandon, MS. She is a graduate of The University of Mississippi where she studied Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management. She has 7 years of experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and fitness manager. She received her certification through National Exercise Trainers Association and American Sports and Fitness Association. Brittany's extensive background in dance and performing arts led to her passion for fitness. While attending Ole Miss she had opportunity to dance for the Rebels and lead the JV Rebelette team workouts; That's when she realized she wanted to have a future in personal training. 

Brittany is a NPC fitness competitor as well as a fitness blogger. She practices what she preaches and her main goal is to help motivate others. She has trained and helped hundreds of people reach their fitness goals. Her favorite quote regarding her career as a trainer is, "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away."