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o t “ W y e Personal trainer Wendy Hood, right, works with a client, above and right, in her studio.
Photos by Bradley Wiseman
Get in shape for 2018 Fitness ‘not a one-size-fits-all thing’
By Adlen Robinson Whether you want to lose some weight, or just want to live a healthier life, this is the month millions of people dust off their sneakers, grab a bottle of water and head to the gym. Forsyth County resident and personal trainer Wendy Hood left corporate America and founded My H.E.A.L.T.H Kick. The acronym stands for Helping Everyone Achieve Life Through Healthy Habits. Hood is passionate about helping others. “Being healthy is all about setting goals, making good choices and living a healthy lifestyle,” Hood said. “How can you live out your mission if you are not healthy?” Hood trains clients in her home gym and also teaches physical education and martial arts to children in four Montessori schools. When asked about tips for fitness and health goals for the New Year, Hood advised you make a plan. “I think it’s helpful to ask yourself, ‘what do you want your life to look like?’” Hood said. “Instead of yo-yo dieting, change your lifestyle — eat real, unprocessed food, exercise and drink lots of water.” Hood advocates a 90/10 plan when it comes to eating. In other words, if you
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THE LIFE | January 2018
are eating clean 90 percent of the time, you can eat things that are not so healthy 10 percent of the time and you will be fine. Karen Cleveland, one of Hood’s clients, said her primary goal right now is to gain muscle, learn all she can about nutrition, and live a healthier life. She works out with Hood several times a week and she also does routines Hood designed for her at home. Genesis Performance & Fitness Owner and Certified Personal Trainer Brian Teague said his team is dedicated to helping clients get fit and stay that way. Teague became a personal trainer back in 2000 while working in corporate America. In 2002, he left his job and entered the world of fitness full time. Teague opened Genesis three years ago and never looked back. “We have small groups — no more than 12 individuals, with one personal trainer for every six clients,” Teague said. “We really get to know our clients, which helps us hold them accountable.” There are 16 sessions every day, so clients can choose the best time for them. The exercises change daily, offering no oppor-