Each morning when I wake up, I wake up inspired just thinking about my clients and members of the Tone and Strengthen family. Needless to say, I love what I do. I get to change people’s lives and set them on a healthy path. But my work in the fitness industry is only worth it because of the Tone and Strengthen family members.  The clients who log on to my virtual classes and personal training make me feel excited to be there to teach the class or lead the training session in front of the camera. My clients literally pump me up for my work. My clients are a constant reminder of why I’m passionate about my mission to move people towards a healthier version of themselves.

Today I am going to throw the spotlight on our long-term family member Judith Ring.  Judith is a cheery, joyful, and committed member of the Tone and Strengthen family.  She is always following our Instagram challenges and at-home workouts. I want to celebrate Judith’s commitment to wellness and the successes she achieved in the process. Let me introduce Judith to you. Judith lives in Hatboro, PA. She is an attorney by day and a fitness junkie by night (I can attest to the latter). Her goals for work, fitness, and life are based on her drive to be better at everything she does. She considers herself a work in progress, meaning there is always room for improvement. Here are a few things about Judith’s fitness journey that she shared with me over the weekend.

How did you get started on your fitness journey? What inspired you?

Looking back, I see that I have been on a fitness journey my whole life.  My biggest inspiration was probably the Olympics.  My first fitness activity was gymnastics, and from there, I moved into competitive sports in grade school (soccer and track), high school (field hockey and track), and college (track).  I was the Philadelphia Catholic League Champion the 100M hurdles (long ago).  Since there are not many opportunities to run the hurdles after college, I started running 5Ks and then started competing in triathlons in my late 30s and early 40s:  that really expanded my fitness repertoire.  It went from mostly running and weightlifting to running, swimming, cycling, yoga, and circuit training.  For about 5 years, all I did was work, workout, and race – it was awesome.   That was also when I first started personal training and other coaching (running, cycling, and swimming).  Since then, my racing has been limited to running, but I finally got over my sprinter mentality and did a bunch of longer races including a 10K and three 12Ks including one in Las Vegas where I got to run through tunnels that were carved out when Hoover dam was being built.   I love working out – it makes me feel strong both physically and mentally, confident and, the endorphins are real! It is how I handle stress, keep calm, and stay centered.

What are your current fitness and wellness goals?

To continue to improve and get stronger.  My focus for 2021 (I think) is cycling.  My boyfriend is an excellent cyclist. I have to bust my butt just to keep up with him. What for him is an easy pace is interval training for me!  No matter how much I improve, he will always be able just to kick it up a notch and ride away from me. The goal is to be able to keep up with him.

What challenges do you face in keeping up with your fitness goals?

Probably some of the same challenges as everyone else- Time!  I’ve learned that the key is to schedule fitness.  It’s easy to push it off because other things pop up – work, chores, something good on Netflix – but if I make it a priority and treat it like an appointment that I can’t miss then, I am always moving toward the goal. Keeping a workout journal helps me feel a sense of accomplishment and see progress.

How did you find Coach Aesha and started working with her?

Just luck on my part.  I took different classes through Northampton Township Recreation center, I had signed up for a Tabata Boot Camp class, and the rest is history!

Tell us about your experience of working with Coach Aesha?

Rave reviews all around.  Coach Aesha is an excellent exercise instructor.  Her group fitness classes are fun and challenging. She takes time to make sure I am using the proper form and techniques to work out safely and that I get the most out of each class.  She has a joyful personality and wants me to exceed at my fitness goals and have fun in the process.

How has Coach Aesha’s training helped you with your fitness journey?

Every workout is something new – different exercises (except there are always planks, LOL) and challenges – and they are always fun.  Coach Aesha also offers many opportunities to squeeze in a workout even when I thought I had no time for one, like a daily ab challenge and a 10-minute Tabata workout challenge.  She knows that fitness is also wellness and encourages me to understand that it’s about more than working out, it’s about healthy eating, mental fitness, wellness, and being well-rounded in all parts of my life.

A great big thanks to Judith for taking the time out of her busy schedule and sharing her fitness journey with us. It was a pleasure to get to know Judith through this interview. She truly embodies healthy living. Her interview has inspired me to get moving and set new fitness goals for 2021. I hope it does the same for you.