V3 June 2016

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“Developing a consistent training schedule also reduces stress,” she explains. “It only makes sense that when the body feels better, so does the mind. According to the ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America), exercise and other physical activities produce endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers which also help the body to properly sleep.” Stewart offers programs from boot-camp style and barre classes to functional strength training, and specializes in helping ladies achieve their personal fitness goals. Having previously worked at other more conventional gyms, she easily pinpoints the things that make Wright Athletic Development unique. “It is common to see up to 75 percent of new gym members without personal trainers only last a few months,” says Stewart, “because people start out with the best intentions and life gets in the way. We want to implement healthy lifestyle changes that our clients practice outside of the gym and help them stay the course. One of my clients lost 95 pounds over the course of a

year. But, that’s not how I judge success. She now runs half marathons, plays tennis and has improved her overall quality of life. She seems really happy about the new things she can enjoy in her life.” However, the trainers at Wright Athletic Development offer a source of accountability that is much more personalized. “All of us who staff the gym have a specific reason for everything we do. This is a direct result of the personal fitness goals of the client,” she says with a smile. “If my client wants to be able to do a pull up, then we’re going to find many ways to work on all of the required muscles. We can achieve that.” Though the job of a personal trainer is certainly a fulfilling career, it is not an easy one if done correctly. Corey Pitts, a former fire fighter who is now offering his own training services he’s coined as “Corey Micheal Pitts or CMP Training,” is a true example of the devotion a career as a trainer requires.

“I start at 5 a.m. every morning and end at 7 p.m. in the evening,” Pitts says. “I know that getting motivated can be hard and a personal trainer serves as an accountability partner.” With his personal philosophy – “Your performance will tell” – Pitts has helped clients ranging in age from 7 to 92 achieve their personal fitness goals. Pitts has a personality and smile that will light up the room. His light-hearted demeanor brings a sense of fun and energy to his workouts. Major Pitts, as some of his clients have nicknamed him, is known for taking

From left to right Gail Cothran, Shields Harris, Ricky Wright, Tommie Norton, Brian Lovering, Corey Pitts, Crystal Stewart

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