Gym Class Hero: Summer

I am excited to bring you this new feature called Gym Class Hero, where people who have committed to an active lifestyle share their stories and knowledge on fitness. Summer has an amazing story of transformation and is an inspiration. Read on for her story, advice, and tips on maintaining a healthy active lifestyle. 

How do you view fitness?

In my opinion fitness is a mind over matter situation. People see the lifestyle that I live and they assume that I love to workout. The truth is that many times during the week I do not feel like working out. However, I do so because I know that the pain and discomfort that I feel is only temporary; the results and how I feel are always worth the sacrifice. Fitness goes beyond going to the gym. It includes living a healthy active lifestyle that includes but not limited to: eating healthy, drinking lots of water on a daily, mental health, doing activities that make you happy and brings you joy, etc.

What’s your favorite type of exercise, machine, class,  or workout?

I enjoy group workouts and any workout that involves leg exercises!!!! Working towards a goal is ALWAYS easier when you have someone to share it with. I believe in surrounding myself with like minded individuals.

Where do you do most of your workouts? (i.e, home, outdoors, the dojo, etc)

Most of my workout are done at the gym just because it works with my schedule. However, I love the outdoors, so I workout outside whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Were you always active, or was there a turning point in your life that made you decide to become more fit?

I have always been an active person. However there have been periods in my life where I have gained more weight than I should have. For example, my first year in college and when I became pregnant with my first child. Health and fitness has always been near and dear to my heart. Many of my family members have illnesses that are related to the unhealthy lifestyles that they live. I am all about preventive care; making health choices daily will allow me to live my life to its fullest potential!

What’s your favorite workout song?

Currently, my favorite workout song is “Turn Down for What?” by Dj Snake and Lil John.

What are the three must haves for your gym bag?

1. My half gallon water bottle 

2. Beats by Dr.Dre headphones 

3.Lifting gloves

What do you do to motivate yourself when you just don’t feel like working out?

When I don’t feel like working out I think about how far I’ve come, and why I started. I decided to live a healthy active lifestyle so that I could feel comfortable in my own skin, be a more confident person, and boost my self-esteem. I believe that these three factors affect every other area in my life. When these attributes are in check, then it allows me to be a better wife, mother, sister, friend, student, etc.

Do you have a mantra? What is it?

Yes, “Carpe Diem” this means to “seize the day.” Ever since I was a little girl my mother has always said this to me (at least once a day). When I think of the saying, it reminds me to be all that God has called me to be.

What is your workout schedule like?

I workout five days a week (at least once a day, sometimes twice). My workout typically last 75 minutes. The first 30 minutes I do Cardio, then weight training, and stretching at the end.

What piece of advice do you have for others that would like to become more fit?

I would say to someone who is looking to become more fit that, “pain is temporary, but quitting is forever.” What I mean by that is becoming a better version of yourself is not going to be easy. However, living a healthy lifestyle is ALWAYS worth the blood, sweat, and tears that you will endure along your journey. Also remember that this is a marathon not a sprint; stick with a program that you can see yourself doing the rest of your life. Yo-Yo dieting is not the way to go.  

So far, what has been your greatest accomplishment in terms of your fitness goals?

-I lost 70lbs in a period of 10 months after giving birth to my son

-I now squat 120lbs and I started at 50lbs (my goal is to reach 200lbs)

-I can do overhead dumb raises with 30lbs (started with 10lbs)

How do you fuel your workouts?

I fuel my workouts with the Herbalife nutrition products. I have seen a major difference in my workouts since being on the products.

How do you recover from your workouts?

I recover from my workouts with the Herbalife nutrition products. Since being on the products I am not as sore and my recovery time has been cut in half.

What makes you hella fresh?

What makes me hella fresh is my willingness to be me. When I’m in the gym and I’m taking a few seconds to rest in between sets, I dance. I dance because God has been wonderful to me. He has given me opportunities I never thought possible!

What’s your favorite workout friendly hair style?

For those who don’t know me I am a naturalist. I LOVE my hair, and the most friendly workout hairstyle for me is a two hand twist.

Where can we find you in the webosphere? 

All the lovely people that desire to follow my journey and/or join me:

-Website summercarterbarnes.wix.com/healthyliving

-Facebook Summer Carter-Barnes

-Instagram @all_things_natural

-Twitter @summercarter23