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CKO KICKBOXING TRAINER! 

Remember when I became certified to be a personal trainer? Well, when I got home from passing the exam, Sal immediately told me to contact my kickboxing trainer at CKO. I've known him for years, first as their childcare provider, then as a kickboxing member, so it would have been easy for me to pick up the phone and give him a call. However, word travels fast, and he found out that I become a CPT, and asked if I was interested in becoming a kickboxing trainer. Truth is, it had been on my mind since I signed up for the CPT course and certification. 

Over the years, I fell in love with kickboxing, well maybe not just fell in love with, but I became addicted and obsessed over the way I felt during class, and the soreness of my body the days that followed. I told him, yes that I was extremely interested in becoming a kickboxing trainer, and the following week I found myself on the way to becoming just that. We had a few weeks of tough training sessions, that usually followed a kickboxing class I had taken. So not only did I leave sore from my class, I left bruised up from training. I didn't mind though, I loved the marks that it left me - it made me feel stronger, and like I could do anything I set my mind to. I got my form down, tested out the moves with pads and on the bag, practiced on the mic, and eventually made my own class. Before training my own, I did a warm up for another trainer's class, and then half of that same class the next week. Of course it was nerve-racking at first, but when you have that mic on and people are looking to you for their next move, those nerves just disappear and Jillian Michael's takes over your body. 

My family and friends have been nothing short of supportive. I knew they all believed in me, but having them take one of my classes, or better yet, having them buy a Groupon to take more than one?! That's such an amazing feeling, and I am extremely grateful for them.

It's now been a month since I've started training at CKO, and I could not be more proud of where I am today. When I'm training, I am screaming out the moves, with motivation, and challenging my class to really give it their all. That feeling you get when someone thanks you for kicking their ass, or mentions what a tough workout that was, is truly indescribable. Sometimes, when I'm watching my class, I smile, not because they're all sweaty messes on the floor (okay maybe partly because of that), but because I'm doing what I set out to do months ago. I'm using my certification as a personal trainer, and I'm instilling passion for fitness and wellness in others, helping them become stronger and more confident in themselves.

Set goals for yourself, and conquer them. 

Don't worry about what anyone else has to say about it.

Cellucor Review & Coupon Code!

Being a Fitfluential Ambassador, I'm able to test out products to review and share with my followers on all of my social media accounts, from my blog and Instagram, to my Get Fit with Kristyn Facebook page, and Twitter. I've been applying to many campaigns to review products and I was finally accepted two weeks ago. Cellucor sent me a few of their products - C4, Alpha Aminos, Super HD, and Whey protein powders - to sample and see what I thought of each of them. They also included a Vortex portable mixer that would take the drink shaking out of the equation.

C4 Extreme is basically powdered energy. It combines NO3 (Nitrate) technology with ingredients such as Creatine Nitrate that is to be taken as a pre-workout supplement, possessing the power to ignite your mind, muscles, and workout! It helps push you through that extra rep,  complete that last set, and get through the last ten minutes of your workout. It not only amplifies your energy and helps you focus, but it also tastes great, from flavors like icy blue razz, watermelon, and strawberry margarita.

Whey Protein [COR Performance Whey] makes it easy to meet your daily protein goals, packing 25 grams of pure whey protein per scoop with a wide variety of delicious flavors. It's tough to stick to a regimen of exercise and proper nutrition, but with the many flavors of whey protein, you will not get bored, and you'll be able to feel as if you're drinking dessert, from chocolate chip mint to chocolate marshmallow! It dissolves instantly in water, milk, or another beverage of your choice!

Super HD is a cutting edge stimulant thermogenic that combines ingredients that help promote fat loss, and potent nootropic compounds to deliver powerful energy and focus. It's a "feel good" weight loss product - yes, you will literally feel good while taking a weight loss product. It contains Rauwolfia, Amla Fruit and Yohimbe extract that delivers the most intense and high-powered energy blend on the market, and IFAS503, a novel compound comprised of three fatty acid synthase inhibitors aimed at reducing fat storage and promoting better appetite control.

Alpha Amino Sports Drink is the ultimate sports drink powder/BCAA product built with amazing flavors and a premium formula that fuels endurance, hydration, and recovery. This mix is naturally powered by Chia Seed Extract and Raw Coconut Concentrate, and is packed with heavy hitting nutrients. Chia Seed Extract contains eight essential amino acids, and a host of minerals and nutrients including omega-3s, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium and fiber. Raw Coconut Concentrate's electrolytes and minerals, helps you stay hydrated on the field, in the gym and in daily life!

Here's What I Think

I was extremely excited when I received a huge box filled with Cellucor products, and I immediately wanted to share them so I could have a couple of reviews, instead of just my own. I had two packages of C4, four packages of whey protein (2 mint chocolate chip and 2 chocolate marshmallow), 1 tub of Alpha Aminos, and 1 tub of Super HD, as well as the Vortex mixer.

I tested out the Alpha Aminos during a CKO Kickboxing class that I took one morning. I often get dehydrated in class and have two water bottles with me at all times. During class I found myself getting thirsty and tired, and I took a sip of the Watermelon flavored water, and it was as if I sipped right from the watermelon. The sports drink not only kept me hydrated during the rest of class, but it tasted great. It didn't taste fake or too sweet, instead I found my thirst quenched and my tastebuds happy. I did need to switch from the Alpha Aminos to regular water because I never have sports drinks, or juice for that matter, so it was new for me to taste a drink with so much flavor. I ended up only drinking half, because that's all I needed to get me through the class. I would definitely recommend this to keep you hydrated during your long workouts, or on a really hot day when you find yourself wanting an ice cold glass of nutrients!

I also tried the whey protein. I've had protein powder before, but I've only ever had brown rice protein, specifically Perfect Fit Protein. I drink it in a shake right after a workout, or use it to make a protein pancake or protein cookies. It settles nicely in my stomach, and I haven't had any problems with it. So I was a little hesitant when I knew I'd be trying the whey protein, but I was up for it. I combined the mint chocolate chip whey protein with almond milk in the Vortex mixer, and was delighted when I smelled the shake. It smelled exactly like mint. And guess what it tasted like? Mint chocolate chip ice cream! I sipped that protein shake faster than any I've ever had before. However, an hour or two later my stomach felt all sorts of weird. It was an unsettling feeling, which I was told is how my stomach may react when it's never had whey protein before. The taste in itself makes me want to keep drinking it, even though it made my stomach feel funny. I know not everyone feels like this after whey protein, in fact, my brother who also tested out the protein loves it and would recommend it to anyone. He enjoyed the flavors as well.

The Vortex mixer was awesome; all it took was the press of a button, and in seconds my protein shake was ready for me to drink. Instead of me shaking, and shaking my protein shake, all I had to do was press the button and watch it spin around and around, mixing the protein in with the almond milk. It's quite and easy to use. To wash, you just take the bottom off and wash the cup. I use it now for all of my protein shakes, but it can also be used for pre-workout, eggs, cocktails, juice, baby formula, and energy drinks ... of course, not all at once. Check out the video below to see how easy it works! 

I gave two packs of protein powder to my brother, as well as a package of C4 Extreme. I gave Sal the other package of C4 Extreme and the Super HD tub. Yes, I gave away both C4 Extreme packages because I have a heart condition, and was nervous about what it would do to my heart, since I have heard pre-workout makes your heart race. I also gave Sal the only tub of Super HD because I am not looking to lose weight.

My brother has tried the C4 Extreme and protein powders before, and had nothing but good things to say about them. C4, according to him, "mixes easily, has a good taste, and definitely helps you get through your workout." He did mention that you get a "tingly feeling" because of the Beta-alanine in it, but he likes that though because he "know's it is working." He said the protein powders are great, as well, and did not mention any of the side affects that I experienced because he's used to having whey.

Sal also enjoyed the C4 Extreme, and does not workout anymore without taking it for that extra boost, that helps him power through his workout with every ounce of energy he has. He tried the Blue Razz flavor and thought it was great tasting, it dissolved easily, and was extremely easy to use - just drop a scoop in water and shake! He also had the Super HD fat burner, in the Peach Mango flavor, which tasted "REALLY good," according to Sal. It also mixed well after shaking. In the week since he's taken it, he has lost three pounds - we know the workouts that he's doing, as well as his healthy eating have also aided in the weight loss, but we can't help but think that the Super HD weight loss product has also pushed him over the weight loss edge.

Now that you've read a thorough review, and have heard great things about the Cellucor product line, I know that you'll want to give these products a try! I have a coupon code just for my followers, for 25% off! Go to Cellucor's website and type in CELLUCORFIT to enjoy 25% off of your order! 

Disclaimer: I received the following products through FitFluential and Celluclor in exchange for this post.

On Becoming a NASM Certified Personal Trainer

I had been researching how to become a certified personal trainer for months. I looked at websites of different certification programs, and fell in love with the National Academy of Sports Medicine mission. It seemed a lot more challenging than the other certifications, but it was based on the science aspect of fitness and nutrition, had the OPT model, and nothing but good reviews. Most of the gyms look for NASM certified personal trainers, above all others. 

When I found my passion for working out, fitness, and nutrition, the thought passed through my mind to share my passion and positively influence friends, family, and even strangers. The thought only passed through, and even though it passed through often, I never made the plunge. I kept saying how expensive it was, and how I wasn't sure I could fully commit to it - I did have a full time job, and a long commute. Sal mentioned time and time again that I should just do it because I'd be so great at it. I was already giving advice to my friends and family, but with a certification, it only made me more knowledgable and professional. It wasn't until, weeks and weeks later, when I found myself on Instagram every night, looking at the NASM hashtag, and feeling jealous of everyone who received their NASM backpacks and textbook, that I knew I needed to enroll. I asked my followers on Instagram, most of who were either personal trainers or fitness friends, which NASM package was the best. Most of them suggested the self-study, I thought I'd do better with the CPT online classroom, and Sal wanted me to purchase the most expensive to ensure a job in 60 days. In the end, I decided on the CPT Self Study because I knew this wasn't going to be a full time job for me, at least not yet, and it was the cheapest. 

When my backpack and book arrived, I quickly tore open the box that looked exactly like a locker. I felt like a little kid again on the first day of school, I was ready to give it my all. I had my binder filled with paper, my pen and highlighters by my side. The program allows 180 days (6 months) to study for the exam. The first few days were relatively easy, but as I kept reading, the chapters seemed to get harder. I followed the syllabus that was provided, which helped provide a guideline to follow that would enable me to study for 70 days and be ready for the test. However, I did about a chapter a week, and it was difficult. There was so much information, and I found myself more worried about what I needed to know than actually learning the information. I found another study guide online in the middle of my studying, and found that it highlighted information from each chapter that was necessary to know for the test. Instead of writing down everything in my notes, I found that I could highlight the important information easier. 

Over the summer, Sal and I headed to our friend's house on the lake. While he fished, I studied. I would write out flashcards, take notes, and perform the moves of exercises, stretches, and assessments. It worked out well. I was able to breathe in the clear air, and have a clear mind as I studied.  I found out quickly that that wasn't enough though. I honestly tried to study more, and carried my notes with me everywhere, but I rarely looked at them. I brought the flashcards with me on vacation, but found that I was just too overwhelmed to even glance at them. 

It wasn't until the last month that I became super motivated to study. I finished reading the book, and created a study guide of my own. I took this study guide with me, and highlighted key terms, and I even went over the flashcards in small sections at a time. I assessed Sal's exercises, and practiced moving each muscle as I went over it in my head. Before I knew it, it was the weekend before the test, so I took the practice exam twice. The first time around I didn't do great, and I was upset, but quickly reassured by Sal that it was the first time I had seen what their test was going to be like, so he pushed me to try it again after reviewing what I had gotten wrong. I did and scored much, much better. I reviewed some information that I was struggling with, and went to be feeling somewhat calm. Whatever was going to happen would happen. The morning of, I had a healthy, energizing breakfast, and then drove to the testing center early. I sat in my truck for a little bit, going over more flashcards, but only the ones that I was struggling with. I walked into the building with my head held high. 

I took the certification exam, and felt extremely confident. There were one or two questions that had been on the practice exam that I knew immediately, and I felt like I knew most of the answers to the rest of the 120 questions. There were a few that I was stuck between two answers, so I flagged them, and went back to them at the end. I submitted my exam, and went out to the lobby area where the man would print my results. I was nervous when he didn't look at me as he handed me my paper, but as soon as I looked at it, I smiled. I HAD PASSED! I was shaking I was so excited. I left, and called everyone that I couldn't wait to share the news with, and then I announced it on social media. I was so proud of myself at that moment, and knew right then and there that I could do anything that I set my mind to. 

I went home to an empty house, and texted Sal asking him what I was supposed to do now. He went on to tell me all of the people I should contact and how I should start my personal training business. It was great and all, but really all I wanted to know was what I should do with the rest of my day. 

I'm sure I'll be making another announcement about my future endeavors real soon, but for now - Go and Like my Facebook page - Get Fit with Kristyn - for the latest fitness and nutrition information, challenges, and motivation.