Let me start by saying that Sherrie Lynne Carnicle is 36 years old. Yes, the very same person in the fit photo above is closer to 40 than she is to 30. WHAT?!? If that’s not the ultimate advertisement for being active and eating healthy, I don’t know what is. Sherrie has a degree in Exercise Science, plus she’s a personal trainer (14 years), nutritionist and Independent Consultant for Isagenix. When she’s not inspiring people through her company, Sherrie Carnicle Fitness, you can find her training others at Personal Power Training Studio in Scottsdale or Camelback Inn Spa and Resort. Here’s how the entrepreneur and mom stays fit, fierce and motivated…
How to find a workout you love… After having competed in 14 bikini and figure competitions, I’ve become very aware of my body, how it responds, what works and what doesn’t. I learned that long sessions of cardio and light resistance training were less effective at producing the best results and only facilitated adrenal fatigue, boredom and were too time consuming. I’m a strong advocate of implementing HITT cardio (bike/sprints/stairmill), functional/balance training and heavy resistance training with compound movements, which sculpt my body the best and keep it lean, functional and balanced. I really enjoy outdoor distance running and hiking, but limit long runs to only 1-2 days/week. To find the most enjoyment out of your workouts, it’s essential to vary your workout mode, duration, intensity and environment.
How to eat healthy… I’m extremely mindful of the quality of food I take in. I really look at nutrient content over calorie content. I log my food daily with MyFitnessPal and I choose to eat a diet of whole foods including organic sources of protein, organic fruits, vegetables, and fats when at home. I am primarily gluten and dairy-free, rotate my food sources often, and enjoy implementing carb cycling and regular cleansing with Isagenix Cleanse For Life system and juice fasting. I follow a 90/10 rule (eat healthy 90% of the time and enjoy a nice meal 10% of the time) and realize that when eating out or enjoying a nice meal on the weekends, the food sources may not be organic or as clean – and that’s ok. I really enjoy eating healthy and being mindful about food choices. I strive for a healthy lifestyle, not perfection 🙂
How to avoid overeating… I keep my blood sugar stable by choosing healthy, lower glycemic whole foods (like raw nuts and seeds, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, quinoa, spinach, yams, apples, grapefruit, pears, wild fish, cage-free pastured eggs) and avoid processed foods containing refined sugar to reduce cravings that can lead to overeating. Eating adequate protein and healthy fat facilitates satiety and keeps me from wanting more. I also drink 3-4 liters of water per day and eat every 2.5-3.5 hours. I allow myself organic dark chocolate if I feel the need for something sweet.
How to tame trouble spots… To keep my body lean, balanced and to avoid those trouble spots, I really focus on details when working out, such as squeezing the working muscle groups, proper breathing, practicing time under tension (meaning a combination of the time it takes to lift the weight, pause/contract, and lower the weight), maintaining good posture, tightening my core, and really being mindful of what muscles I’m focusing on. Many times I see people working out and just going through the motions. Try being as detailed as you can, imagining that with every rep you are sculpting your art – your body. A focused workout in conjunction with a clean, balanced diet, adequate sleep and proper hydration can really help to keep those trouble spots in check.
How to stay motivated… I’m highly motivated when I focus on why I’m doing what I’m doing. Exceptional health and wellbeing is a priority to me. Since it is in my profession to inspire others to greater health and well-being, I must be inspirational to myself, and consistently set and achieve new goals. Being a mom also motivates me to lead my daughter to outstanding health by setting a good example for her. You can really be of service to others when you live your life to the fullest capacity of health and well-being. I also love to listen to motivational podcasts, read inspirational books and quotes, say regular positive affirmations, and listen to EDM music that moves me.
To learn more about Sherrie, follow her on Twitter and Facebook
