Real sporty women: Quyen Hamilton

Name: Quyen Hamilton

Age: 35

Involved in: Bar Method!!!

Finding her true fitness love

I am lucky to come from tiny parents. My brother may not be as pleased with it, but my mom is 4'10" and my dad 5'6". Both are slight in stature and are naturally slim. Until college, I never thought of exercise as a necessity and did not make time for it in my young, busy life. It was Spring Break of my freshman year at UW that had me panicking for the first time -- I was headed to Florida after packing on the cliche Freshman 15 (thank you UW Greek System) and was not comfortable with myself in short shorts, let alone a bikini. All students had a free membership to the on-campus fitness facility, so I started making use of mine. I became a slave to the Stairmaster, elliptical and weight-training machines and after two months, left for Orlando with more confidence.

That was the beginning of a love affair with exercise that has become more a part of my life as a wife and mother of three than it was over 15 years ago. I can't imagine life without movement, without physical challenge, without breaking a sweat daily. I have enthusiastically embraced every fitness trend that has come to town from yogalates to Xgym, but have finally found my true love in Bar Method.

Staying motivated and challenged

GirlsGoneSporty (GGS): What is your motivation for staying active?

Quyen Hamilton (QH): I am motivated to stay active because it makes me feel strong. Entering the middle phase of my life, I recognize that I am a role model to my three observant kids. I want to show them that I respect the body I was given and strive to keep it healthy. I plan to become stronger and more fit with each year that passes so that my kids will have a hard time keeping up with me!

GGS: What sports and fitness accomplishments are you most proud of?

QH: I am most proud that after completing my family, I have become a Bar Method Instructor. I had dreamed of having a career in fitness and am honored to be part of such a special community of people who share my passion for Bar Method. It gives me a lot of joy to push myself harder every day and to help others do the same.

GGS: How do you keep challenging yourself to improve?

QH: I refuse to mail it in. The only person who misses out when I don't give it my all, is me! I challenge myself to reach my personal best each day, whatever that may be. It helps that I am surrounded by amazing instructors and clients who inspire me even when I'm not in the mood. The Bar Method community is pretty remarkable in that way, and the support everyone gives each other is unique.

Tools of the trade:

GGS: What’s your favorite healthy food or dish?

QH: Chopped seafood salad

GGS: What's on your workout playlist?

QH: What isn't?! Lots of Hip Hop: David Guetta, Maroon 5, Calvin Harris, Flo Rida, Outasight, Kanye. Some old school Stevie, Billy Squier, Michael Jackson...

GGS: What’s in your gym bag?

QH: Secret invisible solid, homemade hair ties, Taste Nirvana coconut water, Bar Method grippy socks, Goody 2" headbands, KIND bar (apricot & macadamia nut), Asics Gel Kayano running shoes (for the unexpected free half hour), off-the-shoulder crop top by PINK (to throw on after a sweaty workout and still look kind of cute!)

Live the sporty life

GGS: What does the phrase “live the sporty life” mean to you?

QH: Hmmm. It means make movement a regular part of who you are. Whatever you love, do it! Sweat every day, get your heart rate up and challenge yourself to be your very best. Not just for the physical (and obvious) benefits -- but for the spiritual, emotional, life changing and long-lasting benefits you won't expect.