Fitness Together ALL STAR

Ann with her medal from Philadelphia half-marathon

Ann Pequigney has been a loyal client of Fitness Together North Buckhead for over three years.  There are many reasons why we consider Ann a fitness “All-Star”, but in a nutshell she has worked very hard to maintain a strong synergy between cardiovascular exercise, strength training, nutrition, and additional activity.  To become a Fitness Together All Star you have to be something special.  

Ann balances a successful career, active social and family life, and participation in the local community while still maintaining a daily fitness routine.  Besides consistently training two to three times a week at the studio, Ann is an avid runner who regularly participates in half marathons and thoroughly enjoys yoga (Sandy Springs Yoga).   Ann also enhanced her overall wellness by participating in the Nutrition Together program to make sure her nutrition optimized her athletic training.  

For Ann, coming to Fitness Together is not just about looking good (she looks great), but it's about incorporating the right lifestyle, beating stress, and being healthy.  Recently she just finished racing in the Philedelphia 13.1 (half-marathon) and most recently the Atlanta 13.1 (where she did 6 minutes better).  Here is what she has to say about why she recommends Fitness Together:

W hat initially drew you in to try out Fitness Together?

I had worked with trainers in years past and had recently started a search to become involved in a strength training program again.  I researched some of the local gyms and studios, and happened to see the “Fitness Together”sign while passing by.  The location was ideal, and upon coming to the studio the welcoming, professional, clean, friendly atmosphere resonated with me much more than the big, impersonal gyms in the area.

You have been with FT for over three years, what are some of the reasons why you have remained loyal?

Over time I have developed a great close relationship with the trainers and the other clients, which is invaluable in staying motivated to achieving goals.  The trainers provide what I call “gentle accountability”—they push you to work hard, but keep progression at a comfortable pace.  The studio is clean and private and supportive, providing a welcoming environment to work out in. FT is a safe environment in all aspects of the word.  A place I can push my limits or adjust according to what is happening with my life and body.

What are some of the biggest benefits of coming to Fitness Together?

The training is solely on a one-on-one basis, where you have the uninterrupted focus of one trainer at all times.  The trainers pay full attention to detail both in the areas of form and technique and program design.  The environment is positive and fun, and while they use scientific principles to see progressive results, they still customize routines to fit the clients’ individual goals and training status.  The trainers are well-educated and actually make an effort to enhance my knowledge of fitness and nutrition.

How has training had a positive impact on your everyday life?

My initial goal was to be “fit and fabulous at 50”, and now I intend to carry that on for the rest of my life.  Developing the physical and mental strength that training enhances, I feel I am better able to deal with the stresses that come up in day to day life.  As a runner, I also value the importance of strength training to stay injury free and be able to compete in a few main races per year.

Why would you recommend Nutrition Together?

Though I had been physically active for quite some time, the more in-depth Nutrition Together program gave me the accountability that I needed to stop sleepwalking through my nutrition choices every day.  The power of journaling your foods gives you an invaluable awareness of how important proper dietary choices are to maintaining a healthy body composition and energy to stay active on a daily basis.  One of the most important pieces of knowledge from the program for me is a greater awareness of proper portion size.  Before I may have consumed a whole serving at a restaurant with no thought to how much my body truly needed, whereas now I realize that I can share a meal out and be just as satisfied and still feel good about my choices.