How do you define FitFluential?
My definition of Fitfluential is definitely different than it would have been 18 years ago when I first discovered my healthy living path.
Back then I was hell bent on dragging everyone with me whether she liked it or not. As with any new discovery I was over-zealous and veered toward believing mine was the only path to health. Close to two decades later, I’m an older and far wiser misfit.
Now, for me, being FitFluential is acknowledging the fact we may all want the same outcome (living longer, healthier lives), but will most likely take different paths to the destination. My blog tagline, fitness isn’t about fitting in, is also my way of life.
I’m always eager to share and teach, but I’ve found when I practice what I preach there’s rarely a call to ‘preach’ a word.
What is your main motivation to be fit?
I’m what they call a long-term loser (a phrase which causes me to both snicker and think they knew me in high school?).
I lost 35 pounds 17+ years ago and haven’t regained.
When I lost all the weight my motivation was definitely looking good in my clothes.
I was single and the call of the skinny jeans was all I needed to stay on my path.
As a married mom to a six-year-old girl my motivation hasn’t waned but what keeps me on track unquestionably has. I still stay fit for myself, but on the days I can’t find the motivation to do it for me I simply think about my daughter. I’m a firm believer once we have children we forfeit the luxury of ‘losing our mojo.’ We owe it to our children to get and remain healthy, fit and around for them as long as we can.
These days the thought of seeing her graduate from high school or getting married definitely trumps ‘looking sexy in my bathing suit’ for motivation.
FitFluential believes that the key to balance is Eat, Sleep, Move, Enjoy. What is your favorite way to Enjoy Life?
I believe the key to getting and remaining healthy is consistency. Move a little. Eat as healthfully as you can. Every day. Till you’re dead.
As a result I don’t spend much of my day exercising and have lots of time left over to enjoy life.
I’m a voracious reader, movie lover, clarinet player, tattoo-getter, and BRAVO reality TV addict.
More than anything, however, I spend time with my family. When we had our daughter, I decided fitness would be something that brought us together rather than something which took me (& time) away from her.
We spend lots of time enjoying life together and doing PLAYouts™ (everything from hula hooping to creating obstacle courses) all over Austin.
What is your regular fitness routine?
As a full time stay-at-home/work-at-home mom the last six years my routine has mainly been home workouts and PLAYouts. I’d squeeze in exercise throughout my day (mainly circuits) and burn off a few calories with my daughter while we belly danced, hopscotched & monkey bar’ed.
Now that she’s in school (and our PLAYouts are relegated to afterschool and weekends), I’m working out more traditionally.
I tend to do cardio in the wee hours of the morning (hello 4am!) and go to the gym and lift weights later in the day.
What advice do you have for someone at the beginning of their fitness journey?
More than anything I’d give the advice I wish I’d had when I was told to start an exercise program. I had no clue what I was doing and was fortunate only to over-train and not become injured. I detail specifics of my S.T.A.R.T tips here, but over any other advice Id just say START.
Don’t allow yourself to experience paralysis by analysis (what did) and waste time searching for the “best and perfect” workout.
PICK ONE, try it, decide if you like it and if you don’t you can always switch. Walking is the easiest way to start: simply yank on your shoes, throw open the door and go at your own pace!
In addition, I’m a firm believer in doing less than you can the first week or two of a program. It may sound counter intuitive—but this approach leaves your body wanting more.
Nothing derails the best laid exercise plans than doing too much (& getting too sore) the first week of a program. Start slowly, stop before you’re 100% depleted, and your body will look forward to the next training session!
What are the drawings all over your leg?
What a fitting person to feature in your inaugural spotlight! A healthy lifestyle is solidly my “normal” now, but I still find words of wisdom and golden nuggets to ponder in Carla’s writing.
I love me some MizFit! A great fitness roll model and a great momma, too.
I agree whole heartedly with Coco & Lori. Carla is a true example of teaching & leading by example! She lives what she preaches!!! AND I even learned a couple things I did not know here – WOW! Clarinet – I did not know that OR my older mind forgot it!
Anyway. Carla is the perfect person for this & she will help many like she has helped me & others already!
I love me some MizFit but even more, I love me some Carla behind the MizFit!
Im so so so honored to be here.
As I said on facebook it’s one thing to be hired/noticed by brands and ANOTHER to be shown love by your peers.
Thank you.
<3 miz! she is truly an inspiration!
YAY! Go Carla! (and loved reading about the tattoos – I don’t have any, but maybe I could be persuaded if you went with me!)
uh oh.
group Fitfluential tattoos?
Dr Seuss?!?! You keep getting more awesome
I love the Miz and I also love the before picture of her soooo much, is she drinking a beer with a straw? if so she is DEF my hero.
Woo hoo! You go, Carla!
“Eat as healthfully as you can. Every day. Till you’re dead.” I love that! Simple, blunt, and true.
I never knew you had a leg sleeve! I am not very observant I guess. I love your honesty in regards to your motivation to look good in your clothes. I feel like that is the beginning for many of us fitbloggers but it turns into so much more. In just 5 short years, my focus has largely turned into overall health and well being for the long haul.
Fantastic post. Great to “meet” you Miz….and absolutely love the ink! =)
I love your answers. Open & honest. I believe everyone has a little misfit inside them waiting to get out! Thanks for showcasing how awesome it is to be FitFluential with some Seuss on the side
I think I have a girl crush on MizFit…
oh did I just say that out loud?
but seriously, loves Carla and all she is, stands for and does!
Outstanding Ms Tattoo Lady! That is very funny…I adore that you’re not traditional and that you celebrate your krazy mizfitness. Hugs!
Love the idea of eating consistently healthy, and moving a little, as often as possible so that you have time to also enjoy life. Thank you Carla, I have been a reader for a couple years now!
MizFit is one person who always inspires us to work hard in our workouts. and reminds us to be happy while living life!!
Great post!!!! Love your story and the way you and your daughter work fitness in together!
Love this spotlight! I had the pleasure of meeting Carla at Fitbloggin’ 2011 and have found her to be not only a great source of inspiration but a wonderful person as well!
Congrats on never gaining the weight back! Love the post and your great tips. And loving the Dr. Suess tatted leg.
You rock, Carla! They couldn’t have found a better Ambassdor of fitness. From beer through a straw to fabulous mom – all while staying on your fitness track. Quite impressive. Xoxo
What a great way to kick off this spotlight series! I love Carla’s attitude and approach to fitness and happy living. A big hug from Boston.
Love it!! Congrats on the feature Carla! You are such an inspiration and your blog is a joy to read!
love carla! she definitely defines FitFluential!
A great first ambassador spotlight post! Great interview, great thoughts from Carla, and I loved the tattoo insight…I want another so badly! Love yours, Carla, and I’m always amazed at your triceps (although more your approach to life!).
Carla is the very definition of fitfluential for me! But even more she’s been a friend to me since the beginning and now I can’t imagine my life without her gentleness in it.
Great spotlight!!! You are an inspiration to all Carla!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
i get to share a city with this great woman and have met her before. I can’t say enough about carla and how incredible she is, all of her! her heart, her soul, her family, her INFLUENCE!
reading your insights are heart warming. . So glad to be on your inspirational list.
Ok I’ve gotta point upward and give a shoutout to my 90 year old great aunt Ruth. She rocks.
Welcome Great Aunt Ruth!!!
I love that you used “long term loser” to describe losing the weight and keeping it off! You look amazing!