Robin Godwin: SouthBMore Fitness Corner: Reflex’s Fitness Challenge to SoBo #reflexsobochallenge

Sponsored Post from Reese Ashe of Reflex Functional Fitness:

No more excuses! South Baltimore, I’m daring you, read this entire article and at the end I will propose a serious, realistic solution that is damn near excuse-proof if you accept the challenge.

Summer is over and the holiday season is right around the corner, which means resolution season is also right around the corner. How many of us made and actually stuck to our fitness resolutions this year? This is in no way a guilt trip, this is just a chance to take a good hard look at your fitness goals and make a plan, a real plan that you can start and keep. I talk to people every day who have the best intentions to start a fitness routine and every day I hear the same list of excuses why they don’t. Let me know if any of these sound familiar:

I don’t have time to workout
I don’t have time to cook healthy meals
Gym memberships are too expensive
It’s hard to get motivated

You may also think “it’s easy for him because he works in a gym.” Well, full disclosure folks, it’s not that easy for me and that is my motivation for writing this article. Believe it or not, I started making my own list of excuses. While I am a personal trainer at Reflex Fitness, I’m also a group fitness instructor, maintenance man, janitor, book keeper, responsible for marketing, social media, and sales, and the list goes on. I started saying I will work out tomorrow, which is never a good idea. Well, today the cycle stops!

Enough about my excuses for now, let’s talk about the ones I’ve been hearing:

“Not enough time to work out.” Take into account the time spent on social media, watching TV, dragging after your alarm goes off. Starting to get the idea? Eventually you will be able to find and string together at least 20 or 30 minutes to get in a workout. Not to mention in South Baltimore there are so many options for gyms and training studios, you’re bound to find one that offers hours or classes that you will like and that fit your schedule. I mean, we have classes that start at the ungodly hour of 5am. I know, ouch! I even know trainers who make house calls if you can’t get away. Why am I talking about other gyms and not just Reflex? Like I said, keep reading and I’m going to make this as easy and excuse-proof as I can!

“You don’t have time to cook healthy meals.” Meal prep! If you have time to go out to eat, you have time to cook. Think about investing in a grill if you don’t have one. By taking one or two hours on the weekend, you can prep for the entire week which will free up time that you can rededicate for, I don’t know, exercising? Still no time to cook? There are so many local options that deliver pre-prepped food to you. Look up options like Terra’s Kitchen or Fit Foods to You, they literally bring the food to your door!

“Gym memberships are too expensive.” This one may be my favorite. Why? It’s true, gym memberships that average $60 to $120 monthly are a financial investment, but it’s an investment in you, in your health. Try to look at it like this. On a given night out, you can spend anywhere from what, $50 to $100 in bars and restaurants on food or alcohol. That’s in one night! And lets face it, some of those nights out we may not be making the healthiest choices. If you go out two nights a week every weekend in a month you can spend $200 to $400 a month. Not to mention snacks, Starbucks and other indulgences? Well those indulgences are way more expensive than a gym membership, just sayin’.

Finally, and bringing us to the #reflexsobochallenge! “It’s hard to find the motivation.” While many are self-motivated, there are some who need accountability, guidance, a coach, or a friend. Ready for the challenge? I want you South Baltimore to hold yourself, your neighbors, friends, and coworkers and ME accountable!

My challenge to you is simple, set a goal! Be it anything from weight loss, muscle gain, prep for a race, or starting to eating healthy. From now throughout January, make your goal and post it. Document your progress on your social media and use the #reflexsobochallenge and tag @reflex_functional_fitness, and you’re automatically registered for the challenge. I want all of South Baltimore involved!

I want progress pics, before and after pics, the works! The winner/winners of this challenge will receive swag from Lululemon, Race Pace, Studio 921, and one free month at Reflex Functional Fitness. Talk to your trainers, your group fitness instructors, your friends, and coworkers. Get them to join in. Have them hold you accountable and you hold them accountable. Need more help getting started?

Message Reflex Functional Fitness on Facebook or on Instagram @Reflex_functional_fitness or emailing reesefit185@gmail.com. Sign up and Reflex will get you started with a FREE 5 pack of fitness classes. 5 FREE classes folks, I’m basically paying you to do this challenge. Get fitness and nutrition advice from our trainers and be on your way to become a better, stronger you. Just by entering you’re already winning. Do yourself a favor, accept the Reflex Fitness SoBo Challenge, encourage others and get ready to see results!

Reese Ashe, NSPA, ISCA, and Black Belt., is the owner and operator of Reflex Functional Fitness at the Southside Marketplace in Locust Point/Federal Hill. Reese, a familiar figure in Baltimore, has more than 15 years of experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, group fitness leader and martial arts instructor. He won Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Reese Ashe, NSPA, ISCA, and Black Belt., is the owner and operator of Reflex Functional Fitness at the Southside Marketplace in Locust Point/Federal Hill. Reese, a familiar figure in Baltimore, has more than 15 years of experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, group fitness leader and martial arts instructor. He won Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Baltimore “Best Personal Trainer” in 2010, Baltimore Sun Magazine’s “Top Trainer” in 2011, and Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Baltimore “Best Fitness Class” in 2012 and was again nominated in 2014.

Reese was a four-year NCAA Division I wrestler at Coppin State and has experience in Jiu Jitsu, boxing, Mui Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts. Reese has been taught and trained by some of the world’s best, which has fostered a discipline and work ethic that he strives to instill in all his clients.

Are you interested in ramping up your health regimen? Make sure to stop by Reflex Functional Fitness for a group fitness class, a personal training session, or to get more information.

410.962.8400 – www.ReflexBaltimore.com