In The Gym with Althea Thompson

I am super excited to share this very first “In The Gym” interview with all of you because it is about a person I find simply AMAZING!  Read on and find out why she is fabulous.

FFF: Tell our readers about yourself.

Althea: I am a wife, mother of 2, studio owner, Yoga & Pilates instructor, wellness professional, author, on-air personality, martial artist, and a motivational presenter. I’m always moving (I only sit still to meditate, read and type). I love climbing mountains and playing in the ocean. I love letting the sun and warm rain touch my skin. I’m usually barefoot. 

FFF: How did you get interested in fitness?

Althea: My parents were competitive distance runners for most of my childhood and youth. Our weekends were spent traveling the country going to road races – 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and marathons. Spaghetti dinners, stretching, vitamin popping, healthy eating, massage – anything healthy was a part of my life from a young age. I don’t really know any other way to live.

FFF: What prompted you to make this career choice?

Althea: I got certified in group exercise and personal training while I was working in Corporate America. When I started scheduling my work and personal appointments around my gym life, I knew it was time to make a change.

FFF: What do you like most about what you do?

Althea: Freedom. I like the freedom of setting my own schedule. I like the freedom of dressing any way I want whenever I want. I like the freedom of creating exercise routines and adding music and props for a unique experience. I like the freedom of working with whoever I want. I like the freedom of exercising anywhere in the world I want. I like the freedom of including my kids and their friends in my classes or at my studio. I’m free to be exactly who I am without care of judgement. Helping others to experience levels of freedom is the real joy. 

FFF: What is your favorite exercise routine?

Althea: Yoga & Hiking 

FFF:  What do you consider the most useful workout equipment?

Althea: Your body and a mat 

FFF: What do you think is the biggest misconception about this field and what you do?

Althea: That there is a magic diet, pill, drink, piece of equipment, particular exercise that will fix whatever problem we have with our body. It is simply not true. If it was, Oprah would have discovered it 25 years ago.

FFF: What general tips do you have for the average woman balancing family and career with health and fitness?

Althea:

1. Find something you truly enjoy doing as a form of wellness or exercise. Find an activity you miss when you don’t do get to do it.
2. Find someone equally motivated to be a part of what you love doing for wellness
3. Be willing to give to yourself the same way you give to everyone else in your life. Patiently and without guilt.

FFF: Do you have any competitions or events coming up?

Althea: I just returned from hosting the Spa, Yoga & Hiking retreat to Canyon Ranch Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. I am now preparing for the Yoga & Hiking retreat to Amicalola Falls in the Georgia Mountains in August. I am currently in the planning stages of an Adventure Retreat to Puerto Rico (Waterfall hiking, ziplining and kayaking) in February 2013 and a Spa/Yoga retreat to Canyon Ranch Miami in October 2013. 

FFF: How can our readers find you on the web or contact you to inquire about your services?

Althea:  [email protected], 678-749-7777

WEB: http://aymfitness.com/ (my studio outside Atlanta)

WEB: http://altheatized.com/ (my personal wellness website)

YOUTUBE: http://youtube.com/altheatized

FACEBOOK: http://tiny.cc/AYMFacebook BLOG: http://aymfitness.blogspot.com/ TWITTER: http://twitter.com/Altheatized