Gabby Mag

Agnes Ramsay specializes in health, fitness, and nutrition. AgnesFitness.com

HEALTHY LIVING ADVOCATES
Agnes believes that “we live in a time where we have to be our own healthy living advocates and understand that the more we invest in our health and wellness, the more our lives will become ones of quality and vibrancy!”

TIRED AND DRAINED
Fitness became Agnes’ passion when she was in her early 20’s while nursing on a physically and emotionally taxing Surgical Cancer unit at an Ontario hospital. But life happens. “In my 30’s due to a divorce, working two jobs to make ends meet, and trying to give my young son a good life as a single mom, something had to give. I gave up my physical fitness.  In my early 40’s, I was increasingly tired and emotionally drained from day to day stresses. These manifested themselves in physical ways with sleeping concerns among other, more serious health issues, and decreased emotional well-being.”

GOING BACK TO THE GYM
At 43, a friend talked Agnes into going back to the gym. “I hadn't been in over 10 years so I was nervous, but thank goodness I listened. My physical concerns have diminished substantially and life is once again a pleasure! That’s when I decided: rather then treat people who have become ill, why not aid them towards pursuing optimal well-being? In my late 40's, I once again began to enter physique competitions and have been fortunate to do well, proving it's never too late to achieve your goals of feeling and looking great! I am now 50!”

LOSING WEIGHT
Speaking of goals... says Agnes, “Always in the top 5 of the most popular new year’s resolutions are become more fit and lose weight. But most people give up in weeks as they become overwhelmed and discouraged. By the time they get to summer, they think it's too late. It's not! The number one mistake is not clearly defining your fitness goals. As with any realistic goal, you need to make a business plan for success.”

BEST FITNESS TIP 
“The best fitness tip for I can offer,” says Agnes, “is to encourage people to write out their fitness goal exactly. Is it to run a marathon by this time next year, or carry in several bags of groceries without getting winded by Christmas? Or is it to fit back into those pants (we all have a pair!) in two months?

MAKE AN I WILL PLAN
“Write out short and long term goals and make a plan. For example, I will go to gym Monday/Wednesday/Friday (write it in your calendar as an appointment with what you're going to do when you get there), or I will do one hour of outdoor activity every Saturday and Sunday. I will eliminate all carbs from dinner from Monday through Friday. I will drink 2 liters of water per day... You get the idea. Be specific and be realistic. And good luck! (And post your successes, says Agnes.)