Beginning this month, Fresh ‘N Fit will be featuring various trainers, motivators and professionals from around Atlanta to help keep you feeling inspired, which is crucial especially during these times of uncertainty. Our first installment is with Rayan Marks from MARKS on Fitness. A self proclaimed “virtual fitness motivator,” Rayan recently moved to the Atlanta area with her family and dog, Teddy Bear.
Her fitness journey began back in 2010 but unfortunately after experiencing some challenging life events, she was sidetracked for several years. In January of 2018, Rayan decided that it was time to make a change and get serious about her health and fitness again.
“I’ve never been a person who would like to do traditional type of cardio so my biggest struggle was finding the right type of cardio that would help me improve on my journey. That’s when I found out about H.I.I.T. (High Intensity Interval Training) and it was best discovery ever!” Rayan explains.
“I loved that I could do high intensity cardio exercises for a shorter amount of time and I wouldn’t have to spend 30 boring minutes on the treadmill or elliptical.”
Being a “lover of sweets,” one of Rayan’s goals was to still enjoy her favorite foods in moderation without them sabotaging her overall health and fitness results.
Since March, COVID19 has affected people all across the country and world. Self quarantining, among other things, had become the new normal. Many industries, especially fitness, were greatly impacted and a lot of gyms had to temporarily close their doors which made staying active a little harder to do.
She explains, “Because working out is a coping mechanism for me, there was no way I was going to let all of my hard work go to waste.“
Helping others succeed and holding them accountable is what a fitness motivator does and with all of the different types of technology out there, doing it virtually has become easier than ever. “As of today, I’ve lost a total of 30 lbs. I always tell my accountability partners that consistency is the key.” Rayan continues,” If you’re on your fitness journey and are struggling with results…don’t give up! Your ideal weight loss should be 1/2 lb. to 1 lb. each week.“
Proper nutrition and physical activity go hand-in-hand and when combined, your diet can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight as well as eliminate illnesses. “I reduced my high blood pressure down to normal readings and all of my annual checkups have been perfect,” Rayan said.
“I truly believe MARKS on Fitness and Fresh ‘N Fit are a great fit because we both promote a healthy lifestyle and diet that still allows you to enjoy delicious food. And because a lot I times I struggle with new ideas for meal prep, Fresh ‘N Fit has been so helpful and convenient.”
If you want to stay motivated with Rayan, stop by her blog or give her a quick follow at @marksonfitness.