It has been sooooooo long since I've posted one of these interviews! I know, I'm sorry! I LOVE doing them too so I really have no excuse!
For those of you that are new to Camp Beach Babe, Fitspiration Friday is an old feature where I interview some of the most influential Tone It Up team members :)
This week I got in touch with the AMAZING Holli Berry, who was one of the four Tone It Up Bikini Series winners this Summer.
She talks about her experience in Cali, her routine and more! Check it out below! The purple is me, the blue is Holli! =D
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How gorgeous is Hol! |
Hey Holli! Thanks so much for doing this! First off, tell us how and when you first found Tone It Up :)
My best friend, Ashley (@ashluv77) introduced me to Tone It Up early in 2011. I jumped in on the very first Bikini Series Challenge, but didn't stick to it. Throughout the year, I did workouts here and there, but nothing consistent. It wasn't til April 1, 2012 that I basically dedicated my life to TIU. Now, I just love sharing TIU with others!
I can absolutely relate. It's addictive isn't it! Had you been working on your fitness before TIU? Did the girls inspire you to get started or give you that little extra push?
Motivation came in spurts. There were times I would work out for a few weeks and then quit. Nothing ever kept me going. Even when I would see results, I would think, 'oh my gosh, I've done so well...time to treat myself.' One treat would then lead to another and eventually, I was back where I started and all that hard work was gone. I was constantly fluctuating in weight. Sometimes I was thick, sometimes I was more on the thin side, but still never fit and happy. In March 2012 I hit a breaking point where I thought, I just can't do this anymore. I had finally hit my highest weight of 172 lbs. I was depressed and always down on myself. You can't have healthy relationships with others if you don't even have one with yourself. Seeing pictures of K&K and the transformations of other members of the community are what really pushed me.
Absolutely! I love how much of a community we are. Do you have a favourite Tone It Up workout?
Malibooty and Sunkissed Abs are both tied for my favorite TIU workotus. I love doing squats and lunges, but a lot of girls dread them. Malibooty gives you a fun way to lift and tone and make a "bootiful booty". Sunkissed Abs is similar in that sense; different ways to get true toned abs versus just crunches, which can get boring. It's fun to spice up your workouts. By doing the same routine every day, not only is your body not getting a variety to make results, but you're less likely to stick to your fitness plan.
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Holli getting ready for Christmas! |
Great advice! Malibooty is one of my faves too! Tone It Up workouts aside, do you have a favourite group exercise class?
I truly love spinning! I love getting lost in the music and my ride. Instructors that turn out the lights are the bomb. It's an easy way to focus on yourself and get in a major sweat. You don't notice anyone around you. I really want to try out a boxing class. I feel like that would be a blast!
I so want to try spinning! It's on my New Years Try-It List! Do you have a favourite cardio workout?
Circuits/HIIT's are number one on my list for favorite cardio. I don't like being confined to one machine, but I like being able to start my workout with a good sweat. Running outside would be my next fav. It's nice to get out and just take in everything around you; appreciate where you are.
Absolutely! I really learnt to appreciate nature when I started running! Tell us; what's on your workout playlist right now?
I use Pandora mostly, but my current station is "Salt n Peppa Radio". Love oldies that pump me up. When "Push It Real Good" comes on, you can guarantee it is about to be one amazing workout!
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ROCKING the Daisy Dukes!! |
'Push It' is the BEST SONG EVER!! Now, living the Tone It Up lifestyle like we do is more than just working out an eating right, it's about living a healthy lifestyle too. Tell us one of your beauty secrets!
I am obsessed with teeth! Mine, yours. Nothing is better than a pretty and clean smile. I probably brush my teeth 5-6 times a day. I carry a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a mini thing of mouthwash in my purse. I chew gum like it's about to go out of business. Got to have fresh breath 24/7! A smile says a lot about a person. If you're around me after I eat, it's a known fact that when I am done, I am going to ask you if I have anything in my teeth. Not as much as a beauty secret as it is a beauty obsession. ;)
HAHA! This is so true though - dental hygiene is so important! What is your beauty must-have? Toothpaste hehe?
I must have lipgloss! Even chapstick works! Some kind of lip moisturizer. If I were on Survivor, that would be one of my necessity items.
Ok, toothpaste and lip gloss! Got it hehe! Are there any blogs that you look at besides the Tone It Up website to get inspiration or new workouts to get you motivated?
I look at ALL of my Tone It Up sisters blogs! I sometimes just click from page to page of fitness blogs to get my motivation. FitFluential is one I look at regularly. I even go on Pinterest and type in fitness, workouts, or inspiration and find pictures or blogs that way.
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Holli (on the left) with Laura, Elle, Karena, Sophie and Katrina on the Girls Trip to Cali! |
Pinterest is amazing right? Do you have any favourite activities, besides running, to keep you active outdoors?
I love being outdoors! Hiking is the best! I enjoy getting lost in the hills/mountains, not sure where I may be going. Never been mountain biking, but I sure did bring along my bike my Daddy gave me. I finally put air in the tires, so I guess I will be taking that up soon. My boyfriend loves skiing! I would love to perfect snowboarding. I've been once, but it was an awful roll down the hill. But hey, I enjoy a good challenge.
I can just imagine! Try, try and try again right!? What are some of your favourite healthy recipes?
I love shakes! They fill you up, their refreshing. There are guilt free, holiday drinks for the winter or fruity ones for the summer. Lean, clean and green ones. Also, I love anything breakfast related. I could eat breakfast for any meal. The TIU Protein Pancake is my favorite TIU recipe. Sometimes, it comes out more as a scramble, but hey, it's still delish.
Exactly! Execution is not always important ;) You went to Cali this year!!! What did you do when you found out that you'd won?
Before they announced the winners, I stared at my computer all day, refreshing my facebook, twitter, the TIU blog, watching everyone write they were "patiently waiting". After hours, I decided to step away from my computer and watch a movie. I heard my phone beep, then another beep and eventually, that thing was going crazy! I got up and looked at my twitter, and my news feed had blown up with "Congratulations". I never even imagined I won the trip! When I opened the blog and saw my picture, I had to refresh the page, cause I just knew it wasn't right. Sure enough, I was going to Cali! My heart was racing, I was screaming and just in shock. Called my parents immediately and SCREAMED then balled my eyes out. Was the best feeling ever! I called everyone! My boyfriend didn't believe me. Took me an hour to finally calm down...at least a little bit. I don't think I ever got off that cloud.
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Try not to get jealous!! This is Holli on ones of the gorgeous Cali beaches |
I know!! I think I will always have that page bookmarked! Was it the absolute best girls trip ever?
It was the best trip ever, PERIOD! It was such an amazing experience. It felt like I was in a dream. We had an itinerary, so we were constantly doing something or meeting new people. I went there with three girls (Sophie, Laura, Elle) I didn't know, leaving there with three new best friends that I wouldn't trade for the world! It was nice having them to share this experience with. And Karena and Katrina...I left Cali with more than just trainers. I can't even describe how genuine they are. We honestly have the best supporting us. Just writing this is making me cry. Oh gosh, I'm pullin' an Elle. I swear, when I got off the plane after the trip, I was like, 'wait, did that just happen?' It still to this day doesn't seem like it did.
Awwe that's so special! I can 100% believe it too! This is going to be the hardest question ever but what was your favourite memory from the trip?
Our "low key" night was the best memory. It was a personal and private evening of dinner and just six new friends hanging out. We all shared stories and got to really be ourselves. We laughed, cried. I got to see who these girls really are and why I got to be so lucky to sit amongst each one of them. Lots of fun times, inside jokes, and new memories were created from just those three days in Cali!
Oh wow! That sounds amazing! You've recently moved to a different state. How did you make your new home fit in with your new routine?
I did just move. Moved from Kentucky to Colorado. A big jump, but I made the best decision. It's been difficult adjusting my routine. Before I knew that when I was done with work, I was going to the gym. Same routine every day. So far, I haven't been working, so having a set time to wake up every single day and get my workouts in has been tough. Sometimes I go in the morning, sometimes at night. You would think that by me having all day, every day to workout, I would be rocking this bod, but even little things like cardio have been a struggle. I have mentioned many times that the altitude here has had an effect on my workouts. After finally getting into running before my move, I am now starting over. Of course, I won't let that stop me. It's just going to be more of a challenge to keep going. It'll be easier when I get back into working again.
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Holli with Karena and Katrina on their JustFab shoot |
Now that you're in a new home, do you have any goals for the next few months, or for 2013 in general?
Constantly setting new goals is what keeps me going. In January, I pick up my dress for my sisters wedding. I ordered a size 4, which is two sizes down than I was this past summer. I would love to be that 4 by that date, however, I won't stress and will just keep working hard if I am not there by then. Her wedding is in May, so I have time. I would also love to run two half marathons. One in the spring and the Rock n Roll half in the fall. I've never done a run before, so why not just start big!
Exactly! I'm so nervous for my half! Finally, to somebody on the fence about joining the Tone It Up team, what would you tell them?
Do it! It is so worth it and it's more than a "diet". Caring about your fitness and health becomes a lifestyle. I consider this a new way of living. K&K make working out and eating fun. We're taught to feel good about ourselves, not strive to be a certain weight. The Tone It Up Team is not even just a community to me anymore. It's my family! The support from our trainers and our fellow team members is tremendous! I don't think you can get the constant love and support we do from each other anywhere else.
I love that!! We really are a family
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I love this haha! Holli lounging in her swag! |
Here are Holli's 'Just For Fun' questions!
Favorite Fitness Related Quote?
Wake up with determination. Go to bed with satisfaction.
Favourite Color?
All shades of blue!
Favorite Pair of Shoes you own? =P
Well since it's fall, my current favorite pair are the Quynetta boots @ JustFab. Love any boots with a little heel.
Best Place You've Ever Visited?
Home. There is no place like it. Being far away makes it tough, so when I want a break from where I'm at, home is my getaway.
Happiest Memory?
My happiest memory was my whole Cali trip. I was able to feel free and just take everything in. I didn't have a care in the world. And for the first time, I felt comfortable with myself and more happy than I had ever been! Being able to get back home and share my trip with my family, friends and all my TIU sisters was amazing! I get my happiest every time I talk about it.
Anything Else You'd Like to Say?
Thank you! Thank you, Georgie, and for every other Tone It Up girl that has taken the time just to say hi. Some of you don't know the power you have of brightening up someone's day, just by a simple hello. I am so lucky to know such beautiful, positive women who are out there changing lives, not just in health and fitness, but in everything that you do!
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BEAUTIFUL! Bikini Series Winners 2012 |
You can contact Holli on Twitter (@Berry_Holli) or she has her own blog which you can access here :)
Search for 'Fitspiration' in the box to find even more interviews! I love doing these so if there are any people you would like me to get in touch with comment below!
Love and Hugs!
THANK YOU, GEORGIE! Love all the pictures that you picked. So glad you didn't draw any mustaches on me. ;) Love ya, hun! XOXO
ReplyDeleteI almost did!! Hehe thank you so so much for doing it!
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