Page 10 - LVAC-Summer-2017

Success Story

ANDREA TAYLOR

member Andrea Taylor heat. I was consistently participating in group
is a busy mom with six fitness classes, but when my co-worker invited
LVAC kids; two boys and four me to a HIIT (high intensity interval training)
girls! Married to her high school sweetheart for group fitness class, I immediately knew that it
13 years, she works in the food service industry was the class for me. My coworker and I now
and still finds time to volunteer as a Girl Scout go like clockwork; he keeps me accountable for
leader and helps with her sons Boy Scout and Cub showing up, which helps when life gets crazy.”
Scout troops when she can.
“I love training for races because they keep
Andrea says that “Participating in these programs me goal oriented. I’ve done the Las Vegas Half
has given me confidence and a great love for the Marathon as well as the Super Spartan twice.
outdoors. I love being able to share that with I’ve also run the Las Vegas Ragnar. My goal is to
my kids. I love the clear mind that comes from one day qualify for and run the Boston Marathon.
exercise. Now I have the energy and strength to I grew up four houses down from the course. I
take on whatever comes my way whether it is make sure to participate in one race per year.
a long night at work, a race, or just taking my My older kids love being included in some of the
family camping and hiking.” obstacle races and I love bonding with them in
that way. My workouts vary depending on which
LVAC: Was there a catalyst or ‘last straw’ race I’m working towards. As for classes, High
that motivated you to change your diet and Intensity Interval Training is my favorite followed
lifestyle? by Boot Camp and occasionally I'll do a cycling
class. I also run outdoors when the weather
Andrea: “After baby number three, I didn't bounce permits and use my nice double running stroller!
back to my pre-pregnancy weight like I had after I love how I can get out and clear my head while
the first two deliveries. A year after delivering, I the younger kids get a nap in. To make sure I stay
was the same weight I was right before I was due on schedule, I use my iCal Calendar. The older
and I wasn't pregnant. At my heaviest I weighed kids all have subscribed calendars that notify
about 178 pounds. Coming back from pregnancy is them of their appointments or family events
always tough, it feels like the baby weight takes they need to attend. I also print out the monthly meal of their choosing a week which gives me a
forever to come off. Working in a restaurant calendar so there is an in-house visual that can break. They know it must be a balance meal that
made healthy eating difficult, but I knew I had be referenced. I have my gym class schedule includes vegetables and protein.”
to change. I started by walking and making small blocked in for the year so that I can schedule
dietary changes. Then I decided I wanted to run a appointments around my workouts.” LVAC: What are your favorite things about
half marathon before I turned 30. When I began being a member at LVAC?
running, it was a run/walk. Slowly I built up my LVAC: Tell us more about your family’s diet.
endurance and did the Las Vegas Half Marathon Andrea: “LVAC has been essential to my success
in 2008.” Andrea: “With kids it’s easy to fall into the habit in staying in shape and training for races. My
of eating chicken nuggets and pasta all the time. weight now stays around 135 pounds. The
LVAC: What type of exercise and workout I love to cook and am a bit of a foodie - working childcare is fantastic and my kids even ask to go,
routine has helped you to succeed? How do in restaurants for over 20 years will do that to which means I have no excuse not to go. Since
you make your workouts fit into your busy you. I subscribe to a few different food magazines I take regular classes I've developed new friends
schedule? and do a produce co-op, so I force myself to try and the group fitness classes have become a
new fruits and vegetables and make sure I get community. I look forward to seeing friends each
Andea: “I joined LVAC and started taking group them on the table for the whole family to enjoy. time I’m there. All the instructors have been
fitness classes. I also used the indoor track so We post our weekly meal plans on the fridge and inspiring and welcoming and they always keep
that I didn’t have to run outdoors in the summer stick to the plan. My older kids cook at least one things new and fresh each class.”

10 Summer 2017 LVAC.com