Name: Elizabeth Maxim
Age: 23
Life's a fit exploration
I've always been active - I took dance classes starting at just three years old, ran track in 6th grade and then again in high school, and was on the cheer team at my school. College was the first time I wasn't on a team of some kind, so I started exploring ways to stay fit and active on my own. I have always loved running, so I started jogging regularly, and soon discovered that running outside was a fun way to explore the town while I attended UC Berkeley. I also took up Pilates, which kept me flexible and strengthened my core. I even took weight lifting classes, to improve my form and stay strong.
Now I'm working at Marketing Maven Public Relations in LA, and I'm lucky enough to have an athletic boss who believes in keeping active and healthy. She signed us up for two personal training sessions a week, so I go on my lunch break for a mid-day pick-me-up. My favorite thing to do with my trainer is the TRX Suspension Trainer, which uses your body's resistance to do different exercises for strength, core stability and flexibility.
On the days when I'm not working out with my trainer, I try to get in a 30- to 45-minute jog, and on sunny weekends, I love running along the beach or pier by my apartment. Some of my favorite activities to do when I am on vacation are hiking, biking, scuba diving and swimming.
Staying motivated and challenged
GirlsGoneSporty (GGS): What is your motivation for staying active?
Elizabeth Maxim (EM): A sporty, active lifestyle is so important to me for many reasons. I feel happier and more confident when I am fit and strong. I love knowing that my body can accomplish something, and I love the excitement of always trying to improve - running farther than I did the last time, doing more reps, squatting more weight, etc. I love the challenge, and trying to do better each time is my best motivation. Not to mention the rush of endorphins right after finishing a good workout! I find that when I am most active, the rest follows - I eat better, get more accomplished at work and have better relationships with my friends and family. There's nothing like a good run to clear your thoughts!
GGS: How do you keep challenging yourself to improve?
EM: Always pushing myself to try new things and do better than the last time. There is nothing more satisfying than getting a personal best. I’m definitely competitive with others, but even more than that, I’m competitive with myself. The next challenge I want to tackle is running a half marathon, hopefully before this summer!
Tools of the trade
GGS: What’s your favorite healthy food or dish?
EM: I love healthy food, so it’s hard to pick a favorite! I love steamed fish, especially salmon and white fish like sole. I love getting sushi, miso soup and edamame with friends. I always get a rainbow roll.
I love Greek yogurt with blueberries and rasberries on top. I recently became obsessed with quinoa, which is a really healthy grain, which is delicious when you cook it using chicken stock instead of water.
I make the best guacamole using just just avocados, tomatoes, onions, garlic, lemon juice, and a little sour cream. Theres a restaurant by my house called Nature’s Grill that has the best healthy food, from veggie burgers to salads to these delicious veggie quesadillas made with whole grain tortillas.
GGS: What's on your workout playlist?
EM: Anything fast-paced and happy. I love listening to techno DJs like Avicii, Kaskade and Afrojack. And, you can never go wrong with a good cheesy pop song! If it makes me want to dance, then it’s going to motivate me to work out!
GGS: What’s in your gym bag?
EM: I usually workout during work or immediately after work, so I carry all my clothes with me. I love Asics running shoes, which I have been buying since high school, but I desperately need a new pair - my current pair embarrassingly have a hole in the toes!
Target has the best inexpensive workout clothes, and the majority of my exercise clothes are from there. Lululemon is also amazing, and their workout tops are so cute!
I try to remember to carry makeup wipes for when I work out on my lunchbreak. My coworker introduced me to these great make-up remover towelettes by Comodynes for sensitive & dry skin that they sell at Trader Joes. I don’t like most makeup remover towels, but these leave my face feeling really refreshed and clean, rather than sticky.
I always pack my Lululemon water bottle that I bought in college. It’s covered with cool inspirational quotes and it’s made of aluminum, which is better than plastic water bottles that contain harmful chemicals.
Just in case I get really hungry before or after my workout, I like to carry several power/protein bars. I can guarantee that I will love any bar that is chocolate peanut butter flavor!
Live the sporty life
GGS: What does the phrase “live the sporty life” mean to you?
EM: To me it means to try and incorporate fitness into your everyday life. Try and do something active every day. Don’t work out to lose weight, but to feel healthy and energetic. Never be afraid to try something new or push a new boundary that you didn’t think was possible. Don’t be afraid to sweat - it just means you’re getting a good workout!
Lululemon Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lululemonathletica/4560932395/sizes/m/in/set-72157622208946948/
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