Gina Kaplan

CCF: What was it that made you first seek a personal trainer, and what were the main issues you needed help with?

GK: I first sought out Lisa Coors at CCF newly engaged and ready to start my bridal bootcamp.  I needed a complete fitness and nutrition overhaul in order to lose weight and add definition to my arms and back… think Tina Turner.

CCF: How has training with CCF helped with those issues? What can you do now that you couldn’t do prior?

GK: Training with Lisa not only helped me get ready for my wedding almost 10 years ago, she helped me throughout my three pregnancies. If it weren’t for Lisa and her training, I don’t think I would have been able to have great deliveries and speedy recoveries.

Lisa will be the first to tell you, I despised running.  I dreaded our weekly “Cardio Wednesdays.” Somehow, the stars aligned with CCF because I now run on a regular basis (on my own!). Since Thanksgiving 2014, I have run over a half dozen races including my first official half marathon.

Without the training, guidance, and support I’ve received from Lisa, its unlikely I would be calling myself a runner.

CCF: What would you suggest to someone who is considering an exercise routine, and what do you think is the most important exercise and why?

GK: I’m by no means an expert at this, but from my experience, I would suggest keeping your routine fresh and new. One of the main reasons I’ve been following Lisa around for years is because she mixes up my workouts.  I don’t think I’ve ever repeated the same workout twice in the last 11 years.

For my cardio, I like to alternate between spinning and running.  Lisa’s routines, plus Yoga and Pilates, balances it all out.  With so many new exercise classes to try you can’t help but get excited, and since I have made working out part of my daily routine I need to be able to look forward to it, not dread it.

For me the most important exercises are the cardiovascular ones.  Heart issues run in my family, and I want to make sure I keep my heart healthy and strong.