Michelle’s mentality determines her success.
I was introduced to AFS by my friend, Shawn Szalay. She encouraged me to give it a try since she was seeing great results. Since I’ve started, I feel so much better mentally and physically. The positive encouragement and community feel is the reason why I keep coming back.
I define my success based on my health. I have more energy, feel more confident, and working out helps me relieve my stress. My biggest obstacle was letting go of what the number on the scale is and focusing more on the way I feel and the positive benefits of my overall health. I am the main caregiver for several people in my family and knowing that if I do not take care of myself, I am not going to be able to take care of them. I have to take care of me before I can take care of anyone else!
MY ADVICE:
Don’t give up! You may not think you are changing, but you are! Focus on small goals and be proud of even the smallest changes you make. My long term goal is to continue improving my overall healthy by exercising and focusing on nutrition. I’d like to lower my fat mass and increase my lean mass while incorporating the lifestyle changes Jen and I have been working on over the past year.
About the Author:
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Michael Stack is the founder & CEO of Applied Fitness Solutions and Frontline Fitness Pros. He is a faculty lecturer for the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology. He is also the creator and the host of the Wellness Paradox Podcast, produced in conjunction with University of Michigan.
Michael is an exercise physiologist by training and a health entrepreneur, health educator, and fitness industry advocate by trade. He is dedicated to enhancing the standard of practice of, and advocating for, fitness and wellness professionals to ensure they become an essential constituent in the healthcare delivery system.
With a career spanning over three decades in fitness, health, and wellness Michael has a deep knowledge of exercise physiology, health/wellness coaching, lifestyle interventions to mitigate chronic disease and leadership. He is credentialed through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as an Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP), Exercise is Medicine practitioner (ASCM-EIM), and a Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist (ACSM-PAPHS). Michael is a National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and a CDC Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Lifestyle Coach.
Michael received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology in 2004 and is currently a Master’s of Public Health (MPH) candidate at University of Michigan, with a specific concentration in health behavior and health education.
Michael is a board of directors’ member for the Physical Activity Alliance and Michigan Fitness Clubs Association. He sits on the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology Alumni Board of Governors. Michael is an expert curriculum reviewer for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Finally, he is a member of the executive leadership team for American Heart Association’s Heart Walk.
Michael lectures nationally for several health/fitness certification and continuing educations, including; IHRSA, the Medical Fitness Association, the National Strength & Conditioning Association, and SCW Fitness.