Michelle Dozois reveals a fail-proof way to get in a quick workout during a busy day.

Michelle Dozois walks us through the basic push-up. The push-up is a great exercise because you can do it anywhere, anytime and it works all the muscles in the upper body as well as the core.

Now that you have learned a little bit about Michelle’s background, Michelle reveals why it is so important to share her love of fitness with others, how she helps people find their inner athlete and gives some great advice for someone just starting out a workout program.

What role does fitness play in your life & why is it so important for you to share it with others?
Fitness plays a huge role in my life. Fitness for many reasons, gave me the will to keep going when things got tough for me. Being fit and healthy makes you feel strong, confident and happy. I share my love for fitness with others because I feel so many of us do not live up to our full potential. Being fit translates across all areas of your life. Nothing gives me greater joy than seeing others experience transformations both physically and mentally. Viewing life from a renewed sense of vigor unveils so much for us to be grateful for.

What do you love most about teaching?
The shared energy exchange, group camaraderie (we are not in this alone) and the shear joy of movement.

What advice would you give someone just starting a workout program?
Take it one step at a time. Know that your body is capable of being in top physical shape but allow it time to transform one step at a time. The good news about exercise is it gets easier and more enjoyable with time.

You are known for helping people find their inner athlete – how do you do it?
I absolutely believe we ALL have athletic ability. Even if you didn’t experience athletics when you were young, there is always time to learn, grow and progress. Our bodies are capable of so much more than most people allow themselves to believe. I am lucky I get to experience this process with people every week. Seeing the joy and wow in their eyes as they do their first push up, or jump or lunge or bend with ease is one of the most rewarding things for me. When you accomplish a new athletic skiIl, it gives you a sense of “what else can I do” in life.

Women have many things to juggle in life – how can making time for workouts & maintaining a healthy lifestyle help?
I really be believe you have to MAKE time and schedule it in just like you schedule in other things in your life. Make fitness an appointment you just can’t miss. It is the best thing you can do for yourself. If you have the choice do it first thing in the morning before any part of your day can get in the way.

Internationally recognized fitness expert, award-winning athlete, creator of multiple top-selling DVDs, and owner of Breakthru Fitness in Pasadena Ca., Michelle Dozois has been helping people lose weight, get fit and lead healthier lives for over 15 years. Her contagious energy and unique, effective programming have helped her sell in excess of 4 million DVDs.

Michelle’s ability to appeal to a wide audience, from the beginner to the super fit, has made her an inspiring and motivating teacher for people of all levels of fitness. She was one of the stars of Jenny Craig’s Fit in 15 and has created easy to learn workout videos for both Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers. Michelle is also the creator of the new PeakFit Challenge designed for experienced exercisers wanting to get ripped, lose fat and reach theirpeakfitness level. Michelle is also a regular contributor to numerous consumer magazines such as Fit, Shape, Fitness, and Natural Health.

Learn more about Michelle Dozois:

Denise Klatte explains how a little bit of music can get you up and moving on the days when you really don’t feel like exercising.

Denise Klatte walks us through the plank, step by step. The plank is a great exercise to stabilize your core, shoulders and back. It is also a great overall body exercise.

Now that you have learned about Denise’s background, Denise explains how her approach to health is different as a result of her unique expertise, tips on how to stay healthy while at work or working long hours and advice on how to start a fitness routine later in life.

You’re a physical therapist and a fitness instructor. How is your approach to health different as a result of your unique expertise?
My work experience allows me to work with people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities. Quite often, my PT and fitness programs and progressions overlap. And certainly both have an impact on the choices I make in my own life. Because most of my physical therapy patients are older, I often see the repercussions and benefits of the lifestyles that people have led, including choices of food, exercise, work responsibilities, body mechanics and postural alignment. This insight is infused into my teaching style, where I’m often seen as conservative and overly concerned with postural alignment, breathing and less aggressive progressions. However that doesn’t believe that a workout should be “easy”, for myself or others…just safe and effective for each person!

You work with companies to develop corporate wellness programs – how can women stay healthy while at work or working long hours?
It’s very important for individuals to infuse activity, proper posture and alignment and correct movement strategies while in their working environments. If a job requires prolonged sitting, I recommend taking intermittent walks, standing breaks and performing chair stretches to increase circulation, range of motion and changing one’s alignment. When sitting at a desk, ensure that your work environment supports correct postural alignment and the best possible organization of your environment to avoid unnecessary bending, lifting and rotation. Additionally, choose a chair that offers back support and allows your knees to remain over your ankles while your feet are on the floor. If your job requires prolonged standing and walking, ensure that your shoes offer good support and comfort. Take the time to stretch your ankles, hips and back, as well as standing tall with beautiful posture! Most of all drink plenty of water and remain hydrated!

What’s your advice for someone who wants to start a fitness routine later in life?
My advice is that it’s NEVER too late to start a fitness routine! Make it fun and make it personal! By this, I mean, choose a routine that you will enjoy doing and adjust the moves and exercises so that you feel simultaneously challenged and successful. There are many different fitness programs available, including ones that are dance based, use light weights, performed in a chair or require a trained professional to guide and instruct you. Additionally, start gradually and build up your endurance, strength, balance and mobility. There is no need to be exhausted or injured! My favorite saying is that “it’s better to finish and say ‘I could have done more… rather than saying ‘I over did it and now I’m paying for it”.

What do you tell your clients to keep them motivated?
I remind them of the benefits of including activity in their lives, including improved heart health, flexibility, decreased osteoporosis and improved ability to participate in all facets of life…for the rest of their life.

What is your favorite fitness routine/go-to workout when you’re short on time?
If my day is jam packed and I can’t get to my normal workout, I squeeze in 1-5 minute bursts of jogging in place throughout my day. This may sound crazy, but it increases my heart rate, boosts my metabolism, and certainly elevates my mood.

Denise Klatte received her degrees, BS Exercise Science and Masters Degree in Physical Therapy, from The University of Southern California and is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine(ACSM). She has written and published fitness and health related articles, presented fitness workshops and lectures throughout the US and internationally, and has been a consultant for numerous Mind/Body and Fitness Video/DVD projects.

Denise is the co-creator of the flow- yoga Teacher Training Program and has been a Program Developer and Consultant for several fitness and wellness companies, including Nfiniti Sports, Oxygenfit, Mad Dogg Athletics and Bodyblade. She teaches fitness and mind/body classes and works one-on-one with Physical Therapy patients in the South Bay region of Los Angeles.

Learn more about Denise:

Move around in all different directions with Alex McLean as he demonstrates this variation of the grapevine.

Alex McLean explains how a change of scenery and a touch of nostalgia will combat workout boredom.