Start the day right

Shlinda Hardrick, 39, of Detroit, likes her daily routine, especially when it involves fitness. “Working out is how I get my day started,” she said. “Not only does it make me stronger, it boosts my adrenaline and helps me relieve stress. Fitness has changed my life not just from looks, but it has helped me motivate others to do things they’ve always wanted to do. This makes me push even harder knowing someone is looking up to me.”

Hardrick is operations supervisor at Ford Motor Company. She said she works out five days a week at Performance 80 training in Ferndale.

“Some days are easy there,” she said, “but most of the time, the workouts are very challenging. We mix the days with upper body, lower body, cardio, and of course every day is leg day someway somehow.”

In addition to a strong work ethic, Hardrick said she eats healthy food whenever she can.

“I am not following a diet currently, but I make sure to take in plenty of water and less sugar and sweets,” she said. “I do eat in portions throughout the day. I think about the hard work I put in daily. I can honestly say I have cheated on my diet from time to time, but not often.”

She said stays focused in her training. It’s the advice she gives to others.

“My advice to others are my simple hashtags I use every day,” she said. “Don’t give up. Keep pushing. One day at a time. No one ever said it will be easy. You got this! Remember not everyone is built to lift heavy weights or run 10 miles per day. Take your time, stay focused and you will find your own drive.”