Fitspiration Interview; Frances Murphy

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It's time for another interview! I asked you on Twitter who you'd like to see on the blog and a lot of you suggested Frances (or @FrancesGetsFit) as you may know her! Take a look at what she had to say! 

How was it that you first found Tone It Up and when?
I first found Tone it Up when they hosted Self Magazine's Facebook page in spring of 2011. I don't even remember why I was following Self magazine but now I believe it was meant to be! I saw photos of Karena and Katrina and thought they were models! I couldn't believe they were trainers & had nutrition and fitness advice. I was instantly intrigued. I followed their status updates and found their "eat like an athlete" philosophy interesting. I had never found anyone who could give real advice on how to eat for a flatter stomach, etc. I thought about buying the nutrition plan for a few months and finally took the plunge last July.


Had you been working on your fitness before? Did Tone It Up first inspire you to get going or give you that extra kick you needed?
I'd been working out on and off at Jazzercise for the last 12 years. I worked out between 3-5 days a week but sometimes took breaks. I had also lost weight with Weight Watchers in the past but felt I needed something to mix up my routine. Since joining Tone it Up I exercise at least 5 days a week. I really love their advice to walk away from your house for 15 minutes and 15 minutes back. People don't realize that they don't have to spend hours at a gym but can start small to make healthy changes no matter their fitness level. Tone it Up definitely gave me that extra kick I needed!
What's your favourite Tone It Up workout and why?
I think my favorite goes back to when I first started -- Bikini Abs and Tone the Inner Thighs because those are the two areas I really need to tone up! 

Frances Rocking her TIU Shirt!


Do you have a favourite group fitness class?
I LOVE group fitness classes! Because of my son's school schedule I was no longer able to get to many of my Jazzercise classes (which I loved!). I never thought of myself as a gym person but being a newly dedicated Tone It Upper, I joined a gym close to home which has a larger variety of classes at plenty of convenient times. I love Zumba, WERQ (a new dance fitness class that started here in Chicago! It's choreographed to current music you hear on the radio), sculpting and kickboxing. I love variety! 
Do you have a go-to cardio machine at the gym? What is it and why?
I'm not a huge fan of machines at the gym. I tend to get a little bored on them and watch the clock. I love the group fitness classes because they give me the structure I need and a lot of them are disguised as fun :) But, I do occasionally use the stairclimber or walk on the treadmill or use the elliptical. 

What's on Your Workout Playlist right now?
I don't really have a playlist. If I'm on a machine I'll listen to something on Pandora, something high energy. I do love dance music. I like a lot of the songs on the radio and that are played in the classes. 

Frances with Sarah Dussault!
Living the Tone It Up Lifestyle, like we do, is about more than just working out and eating right. Tell us one of your beauty secrets!
Hmm...I don't know if I have a beauty secret but I'm a huge makeup junkie. I really don't often leave the house without a little bit of makeup because it makes me feel good about myself even if I'm just taking the kids to school or running errands. I love Bare Minerals foundation, etc. It evens out your complexion without making you look like you have a ton of makeup on and it contains SPF which is great. I also use a little blush, eyeliner, mascara & lip gloss.

What is your beauty must have?
I LOVE Aqua Eyes eyeliner pencils from Make Up For Ever. They are sold at Sephora. They come in tons of fun colors and are perfect for a quick pop of color. They are especially great for summer because they are waterproof and smudge proof. 
I also recently discovered Limitless Long Wear lip Gloss from Smashbox which has SPF in it too! I usually wear a neutral color.

What are some of your favourite healthy recipes?

I like Chocolate Covered Katie for healthier desserts. I love her deep dish chocolate chip cookie pie made with chickpeas! Also Fitnessista's Amazeballs (protein balls) really live up to their name! I'm inspired by the meals I see other Tone it Up girls posting. I am a pescetarian, I eat a lot of kale, quinoa, beans, lentils, tempeh & occasionally seafood.

 
What are your favourite activities to keep you active outdoors?
I like walking and riding my bike 
Do you have any goals for the next few months or for 2012 in general?
For a long time my goal has been to flatten/tone my tummy and lose weight in my inner thighs. I need to step it up a little more and meet those goals! I guess I'm trying to enjoy the journey and see how far I've come. 
To someone deciding whether to join our Tone It Up Team, what would you tell them?
Do it!! You won't regret it! If cost is an issue, save a little each month so you can get it. The recipes and the plan and the support you get from Tone it Up and the Community are priceless!

 
Randoms; Just For Fun!
Favourite Fitness Quote: If you don't squeeze your butt - no one else will! 
                                     Work out like a pig to look like a fox
                                     You'll never regret a workout :). (Often I don't want to workout (lazy by nature) but if I make myself I'm always glad I did!!!)
Favourite Colour: Dark Red / Burgandy and Purple
Favourite Pair of Shoes You Own: A pair of Nine West Mary Jane platforms with two straps :)
Best Place You've Visited: Greece
Happiest Memory: Probably my wedding day. I planned almost every single detail and that day it all fell into place. I was so happy. I felt like I was floating on air.


Anything Else You'd Like to Say?
Thanks for thinking of me to interview, Georgia! I LOVE being a part of the Tone it Up team. It is one of the best things I have ever done for myself!!!




Thank you so much Frances! It's great to get an insight in to the life of another TIU Girl! You can follow Frances on Twitter - @FrancesGetsFit

Be sure to check out my interviews with Kate Bear and Liz Trewhitt Schultz

If you have somebody that you would like me to interview let me know!

Georgie ♥

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