Trainer Weight-Loss Secrets

If Elite trainer Melissa Hatton had one piece of advice for her clients it would be to go for their fitness dreams. “If you can dream it, you can achieve it. No obstacle is too great!”

On Sharecare Hatton answers questions on topics ranging from how to prevent common running injuries to making walking your dog part of your fitness routine. Here she gives her tips on how to reach your fitness dreams.

Day Job: Personal trainer and faculty member in Exercise Science and Sport Studies at California University of Pennsylvania.

Favorite Quote: “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.”  — Jimmy Valvano

Proud to be: “Able to share my knowledge of health and fitness with others so they may learn to live a healthful lifestyle.”

Favorite activities:  “I am a swimmer at heart but a runner in real life.”

Health mission: “To be in a position where I can inspire others to take control of their health.”

What’s always in her fridge: “Greek yogurt, almond milk, eggs, blueberries and pork tenderloin.”

The one healthy thing she does everyday: “I give thanks daily — thanks for life, good health, family and the many blessings that I have received.”

Her passion:  “My true passion is my family; raising my children to be respectable and responsible adults able to contribute to society.”

Secret Pastime: “I enjoy doing home improvement with my husband.  I know how to cut and lay ceramic tile, solder pipes and hang drywall.”

Weight-management secret: “I try to only eat foods that are natural and unprocessed — plenty of fruits and vegetables and lean protein. Do your grocery shopping with a list, and only buy what is on the list. Try to stick to the perimeter of the store; produce, dairy, and meat areas.  The food in the rows in the middle will stay on your middle.”

How to jumpstart your fitness:  “It is important to choose an activity you enjoy — walking, swimming, hiking — and make that part of your routine.  Arrange to exercise with a friend.  This keeps you both on target and accountable.”

Want to jump start your fitness in 2012? Get fitness advice from our experts in our Fit Friday Twitter Chats every Friday 12-2 PM EST or our Fit Friday Center.

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File under: Fit Friday