Jacqueline Adams

I have always been active but, I think my true passion for health and fitness surfaced when I took a basic Fitness and Nutrition course in college. What started out as a class requirement, quickly turned into the start of a career path. I was not only initially intrigued by the information, but I also realized how amazing it would be to have a career centered around helping others improve their quality of life. I ended up changing my degree plan and graduated with my degree in Exercise Physiology. After graduating, I moved to Washington DC where for two years I worked for the White House Athletic Center as a Fitness Specialist/Trainer. In August 2007 I accepted a Fitness and Wellness Coordinator position with one of the University of Texas schools and have been working here ever since. For the past 5 years I have dedicated a hefty portion of my life to expanding my fitness/wellness knowledge. I have my AFAA Personal Training Certification, Group Exercise Certification, Indoor Cycle Instructor Certification, WEFNA Pilates Certification, American Red Cross Instructor Certification, and Behavior Modification training. My Fitness Philosophy #1-I believe that FITNESS is for EVERYONE...you just have to find your own niche. Our abilities and our bodies are pretty incredible gifts so let’s keep them active and healthy so we can have an amazing quality of life. There are so many great ways to stay active; running, weight lifting, sports, dancing, etc...Test them all out and find your personal niche! #2-Set Goals/Commitments and KEEP THEM! One of my favorite quotes of all time is " The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!"(Confucius). So often, we look at the big picture and get discouraged and intimidated by what we see. So let’s take things one step at a time! By taking things step by step suddenly things become a little easier to grasp and more feasible to accomplish. Remember that any accomplishment must first start with a decision to try and that great accomplishments are made not by strength, but by perseverance and diligence. #3-Get your MIND on board! Have you ever heard the saying “what your mind decides, your body will follow?” Put positive thoughts and a positive picture in your mind of what the end result of your goals will be. There is a lot to be said about the power of positive imagery. #4- Get others on board! Whether it's a family member, a friend, a spouse, or even a co-worker, get others involved with your goals. Not only will you be building a strong support system, but by sharing your goals with others, subconsciously it helps hold you accountable. 5-Do it for you! We all know many of the benefits of exercise...it helps reduce stress and anxiety, it helps reduce or maintain body weight, improves confidence, helps improve our psychological well being… the list goes on and on. But I think one of the greatest and most incredible things is that Exercise and Nutrition are without a doubt THE BEST preventative medicine tools out there! Exercise has been proven to help reduce blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and many types of cancers. Staying active will help maintain and improve joint mobility, helps maintain and build stronger bones, and some studies suggest it can even help prevent memory deterioration. We get one body...only one! So treat it right, keep it active, and feed it the proper things so you can live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life!