work: check. kids: check. get strong: check.
Imagine getting stronger as you approach 50 than ever before. Imagine focusing less on the scale and more on your strength for longevity. And imagine figuring it all out while having fun, hanging out with friends, and getting in a 1,000-calorie-burn workout.
Meet Alyson Parker
The lovely Alyson Parker has graced us for five years. She might possibly be the nicest person who has walked through our humble doors. Over the course of those five years, we have seen Alyson’s fitness level explode.
Alyson has been active all of her life. She has played tennis, run, participated in classes and many outdoor sports. A Floridian transplanted to DC, Alyson used to run miles upon miles on the Parkway (George Washington). Then she learned her weak core was causing her back pain. “I realized that even though running miles was not a problem, I had a weak core which was leading to back pain.” In addition, Alyson had ACL (knee) surgery in 2013 and was unable to exercise for several months. She gained weight and felt like her body changed. It was at that point, she returned to Fitness on the Run for good. Now, we can confidently say she is extremely fit and can be challenged with every movement we throw at her.
Of all the movements she completes, Alyson likes the challenge of the Kettlebell swing the most. She admits she was not crazy about Kettlebells when she started taking our classes. “They seemed so complicated. I felt as if I would never “get it.” Now, she says she feels like a million dollars after class. “I love that I can use heavier bells now and it gives me a cardio workout, but also works on strengthening my entire body.” Alyson really likes to think of her training sessions as time with friends, new and old. They laugh and commiserate but always leave happy.
Alyson says, “I love the feeling of being strong and having a stronger core and after I have a hard workout, it puts me in a great mood.” What could be better? She says it helps her stay sane sitting in DC traffic on her way to and from work in Washington. Alyson owns a real estate management company and is legal counsel for a small defense consulting firm. She has not one, but two careers, two children, a husband and dozens of really good friends.
Alyson likes to think of this part of her life, like her work and home life, as a journey. She has realized it takes time, patience and clean form. “I think my idea of fitness has changed. I want to be able to do push-ups with great form.” Alyson admits she turned 50 this year, and embraces it due to her renewed wellness and fresh outlook on her journey.
So, when can she get this part of her life “in”? She exercises right after she takes her kids to school. She says, “Otherwise, the day gets away from me with the typical demands of work and being a mom.” She aims for four training days a week, two of which are strength training with Kettlebells.
It isn’t all about the fitness either, she’s learned. “Now that I am a little older, I find that sleep, diet and exercise are crucial.”
Alyson attributes her success in managing the household, her career and fitness to getting sufficient sleep. She is in bed by 10PM. No negotiating. She admits it used to be earlier saying, “I wish it could be nine, but my kids stay up later now!”
Alyson Parker: mom, business owner, lawyer, wife, and super strong! What a great combination.
- About the studio
Alexandria Wellness offers achievable answers for anyone who is tired of chasing fitness and health without a clear plan, someone who has struggled and is not satisfied with their fitness and wellness or someone who is open to maximized healthful longevity and fitness along with healthful weight loss. Adrien and her team offer help with food guidance, body acceptance, sleep and stress issues, and insist you have fun along the way.
Schedule your free 30 minute consult here!
Alexandria Wellness
215 North Payne Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.299.9333
contact@alexandriawellness.com
