It’s Fit Friday! Do You Know Where Your Motivation Is?

Some people are just born cheerleaders and coaches. Pamela Fortner, a fantastic Sharecare Fitness pro, is one of those people. Happily, I can get her motivational advice right here on Sharecare where she blogs about putting yourself first and answers questions about everything from how to lift a saggy bottom to how to maximize interval training.

On our first Fit Friday she shares what motivates her and why she wants to go on a mud-crawling, fire-leaping extreme run for the fun of it.

Day job: “I’m a fulltime personal trainer and fitness instructor. I teach six classes a week. Two cycling, two boot camp and two body-sculpting classes at an indoor sports center. I personal train for the sports center, as well have my own personal-training business, Fitness by Pamela, Inc.”

Weekend plans: “I do yard work, housework and enjoy our pool, weather permitting. I’m a big football fan so I watch a lot of college ball on Saturdays.”

Personal mantra:  “I can do anything for 30 seconds.”

Proud to be:  “A Texan—even though I currently live in Illinois”

Favorite hobby: “I just did my first 5K adventure race and I am hooked. A 5K run with obstacles—yeehaw! The Warrior Dash is next for me.”

Surprising talent: “ I play the trumpet in our church worship band, orchestra and jazz band. I have played since I was about 11 years old.”

Health mission:  “Fitness is a lifestyle choice— your health, your fitness, your future, your choice; make yours now.”

What’s always in her fridge:  Original Almond Milk and diet sparkling cranberry juice.

What she never misses: “I jump rope every day.”

Passion: “Fitness is my passion. That ‘s why in 2008 with my husband’s support, I quit my fulltime job and started doing what I love for a living. Helping others get healthy, lose weight and live longer more productive lives. Becoming a personal trainer was the best decision I ever made.”

Secret vice: “My secret pastime is playing Xbox games, especially during the long, cold winter months here. I really like single person shooter games. I have played through all the Halo games several times on each level.”

Weight-management secret: “it’s simple: Be accountable for every calorie you eat. I believe in ‘Fuel the machine,‘ and I am the machine. Eat it to burn it.”

Healthy life approach: “A positive attitude will get you through anything. Having self-confidence and the internal drive to succeed makes anything possible. I just know I can.”

Calorie-busting party strategy: “Meal timing helps you not overeat at dinner or parties. I try to eat every 3-4 hours so I am not starving and tempted to eat too much.”

What she loves about Sharecare.com: “We all have a common goal to live an active and healthy lifestyle and to be accountable for our choices. Sharecare is a nonjudgmental support system unlike any other social networking platform. We are a team, we are a family and we are there for each other period.”

File under: Fit Friday