Please welcome "Life Fit" expert for That's Fit, Laura Lewis. As a television host, book author, nutritionist, ACE-certified instructor, media host, book author and former fitness gym owner, Laura brings her expertise to That's Fit with several weekly offerings. Be sure to check out her weekly features, Life Fit with Laura Lewis on Tuesdays, Ask Laura on Fridays, and her voice on the feature That's Fit Weekly Podcasts. She also contributes with her Life Fit Chat and The Daily Turn On! posts.
1. Who are you?
I am a person who is passionate about spreading the word on how to live a great life, no matter what! I am also known as the "Life Fit Expert" for That'sFit.com. Actually, I have been involved in the health, fitness and wellness field for over two decades. Just a multi-media "chick" with a Bachelor of Science degree in food and nutrition and becoming a certified clinical nutritionist through IAACN, who ended up "accidentally" becoming an ACE certified fitness expert, radio talk show host, published author, speaker, television personality and producer. Whew! And I'm a single mom of three, ages 9 to 19! I am really just this high energy, upbeat person who has "been there, done that" in all sorts of life scenarios. And the best part? I adore inspiring others to live a fantastic life no matter what. Being fit, healthy and happy are essential elements to achieving and actually living life to its fullest. You could say that I am on a mission to touch many people's lives in the most positive way.
2. Age you tell people you are:
The calendar says forty something and I am a host of a new television series that is geared toward empty-nesters. HMMM. Reality check! But often I feel ageless. But does it really matter?
3. Where you're from and where you live now:
Originally I am from the North Eastern United States, I landed in the Dallas, Texas area in my early teens due to my Dad's transfer with work. I love Texas. Big dreams are common here. And I am most certainly a big dreamer, a visionary.
4. Do you have a personal blog?
5. What is your day job, or rather, what do you do when you're not fitness blogging?
My day job now is as host of a national TV show. We are in production for the Fall Season so I am very busy shooting 26 episodes! I also am president of my company,
Laura Lewis Enterprises, LLC. I am also a Mother, a job I take really seriously. I love my kids very much and I know I am their guide in the beginning of their journeys out into the world. It is my ultimate desire that all three contribute to society in the most positive way yet follow their hearts.
6. Do you have a specific fitness background or are you a mere mortal who's just passionate about being healthy and fit -- and living to write about it?
I started teaching "Aerobics" in the mid 80's (now I date myself!) and was a "gold" certified instructor through the International Dance Exercise Association, which later became "ACE" certification. I also taught at various IDEA conferences, teaching other instructors my style. In Dallas, under my direction, Goodbody's became the number one aerobic studio to work out in, and the local news touted our classes as the "toughest workout in town." Let's just say I had a blast kicking "butt" during that time! I created and taught the very first "low impact" aerobics class in Dallas, ever! I went on to run two more fitness studios, a destination spa and then a husband and babies came along! Fast forward and I became a local media personality with a radio talk show called "BodyTalk." I had a wonderful time interviewing brilliant people in the realms of health, wellness, alternative medicine, fitness and more. I continued on to do a few more radio and TV shows in the health arena. I "lived" in this world for many years. I still love it ... but what is really important to me now is really feeling my best mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
7. What's the worst fitness or diet idea you fell for?
Atkins diet, no doubt. Come on folks ... it's simply not a long term fix!
8. What motivates you to exercise and stay healthy?
I want to be strong, flexible, healthy and happy for as long as I can. I know working out is essential for my living a long and wonderful life in addition to having a positive attitude. I want to feel good in my clothes, be confident and physically strong as well as feel good about myself in all aspects of my life. I have been working out for so many years that it plays an integral part of who I am. I also like to keep in shape for my kids so I won't be left in the dust biking, hiking, dancing, you name it!
9. Who's your favorite fitness role model?
All women who are sexy, fit and confident.
10. What's your exercise "M.O." -- Gym workouts or outdoor endeavors; team or solitary sports?
My exercise routine is fairly simple. Having taught fitness for so many years, which I do not currently, I do my own thing. I get up each morning during the week, throw my athletic shoes on, grab a leash and walk my tall 115lb Golden Retriever named "Tucker." I walk and run for about 30 to 45 minutes, return home, and use my free weights for arms, back and chest, and ab "roller" (I love that thing ... protects my neck!) where you can do sit ups supported. I also do about 50 squats, back lunges on each leg, "curtsey lunges." I make it to the gym two to three times per week and on those days I forgo my "home" routine. I LOVE the "lat pull down" machine, treadmill ... and leg press! I "rest" on weekends unless the mood strikes me to workout.
11. Choice of fitness gear: Baggy sweats or sultry spandex?
Baggy on my walks. A bit more "slick" in the gym. Hey, a girl can't give up some habits!
12. What's your favorite fitness activity?
I love walking outside. Looking up at the sky, the clouds, birds, listening to the sounds. I am lucky enough to live in an area where nature is present. "Eco-exercise" is most certainly my thing. Being outside in nature.
13. Do you have any non-fitness-related, non-blogging hobbies?
Reading. I love books. If I were to be stranded on a desert island, food, drink and books ... that would just about do it. But wait a minute ... my kids ... and my soul mate ... and ....;-)
14. Confession time! What nonhealthy food do you eat -- or what unhealthy habit do you indulge in -- that would get you banned from That's Fit? What's your excuse for doing so?
Okay, Okay, I admit it. I love frozen custard! I only have it once every few weeks, with a few almonds thrown on there. Umm, and whipped cream. Perfect! It is quite decadent. And I must say a good glass of cabernet hits the spot on ocassion too ... not together of course! Hey, it's life in the balance isn't it?
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Throughout May, we hooked up with our channel partner AOL Body to challenge you to slim down with us. Because here's the newsflash: Summer may officially begin on June 21, but a quick glance at store inventories (the shorts! the sundresses!) and the rising temperatures across the nation remind us that summer is here. Like, last week here. And we -- being the nice bloggers that we are -- wanted to help you get ready. 
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Today is Day 28 of our 
We're always looking for fresh and innovative ways to blog about news and trends fit for helping you live a healthy life. Now, thanks to 
on staying healthy this summer. We're calling it Summer Health Strategies.
Summer Slimdown Guide: Instant self-confidence boosters
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Summer Slimdown Guide: Calorie-free foods (or close to it)
