I know this chick named Kelly, last name Drive....

I moved to Philadelphia 4 years ago to follow my heart. Along the way I met a few good people, some bad, and some whom I'll probably never have a conversation with again. It's hard sometimes to move to a new city and kind of start over again as far as friends. Especially as an adult. So rather then make new friends, I found new hobbies (sad but true). I became a bit of a hermit. I found myself at gyms taking fitness classes and yoga studios getting my "Namaste" on! Hoping that I would find a friend that shared my same interests. But no luck! I heard word around town about this chick that everyone knew and I wanted to meet her. Some confided in her and she never told their secrets. She's the type of chick that's always there when you need her, And I mean 24/7. Her beauty never made her cocky or overly confident. In fact I heard she had curves for days. I had to meet her, I felt we had a lot in common. She made time for any and every body and never bailed on a work-out buddy. I asked around town on how I could meet this wonderful gift from god and one road led me right to her. So one morning I decided to meet her. As I laced up my running sneakers, I felt a little nervous about our encounter. I pulled up to the front of Lloyd Hall, our meet up spot, and she welcomed me with open arms. As I embraced her and we started our morning run, I smiled, we introduced our selves. I learned that day that Kelly was a cool, calm, therapeutic chick. She always there when I need to let off steam or just want to feel the breeze. Were a match made in heaven. Yeah! I know this chick named Kelly, last name drive, and we've been running together ever since.

Fit Pick Of The Month

While cruising through the pages of my Fitness Magazine I came across this fabulous Falke Workout Top. As I read on I soon learned that this top is no ordinary top but an anti-bacterial top- How Awesome! It's hard enough trying to wash those smelly work-out clothes, and how often do we throw away a pair of pants or top because the odor just wont come out- Too often I'll say! I've read articles and blog after blog trying to find the best ways on getting odor out of work-out clothes, but with this top, it actually fights odor causing bacteria. Only costing $45, this top pays for itself. So bye-bye to throwing out smelly work- out clothes and hello to the new wave of the future. This top gets my approval and two thumbs up. Be well..............

See You In The Gym,
Alicia Nura

On sale---->Falke Online

Fitness Magazine

This crazy little thing called a "GYM"

Sometimes I sit a laugh just thinking about how much fitness has changed my life. If anyone would have told me six years ago that I would become a personal trainer and then later start teaching Zumba classes, I would have told them they're crazy. In the past I never been a frequent gym-goer or healthy eater, in fact I was that girl who ate pizza and chicken boxes (a b-more thing) 3 in the a.m. Never even considered lifting a weight or taking a step class. It boggles my mind how poorly I lived and still didn't put on a pound! Those were the days *sigh*. As the years past I notice that my metabolism wasn't what it used to be and decided to sign up for a gym membership. I met with a trainer who put me on the right track and also started taking boot camp classes. I started feeling great but getting bored and quick. So I stopped. Still paying on a membership that I signed my soul over to I hit the gym every now and then. But still I was bored. I wanted to train and look great but I needed motivation. So I thought "self" how can I get motivated? And eureka! Why not create your own work-outs and so I did. I would rip pages from different magazines and compile them in a binder and take them with me to the gym. Sounds cray but effective. I didn't care who looked at me while I flipped through my little notebook ,and I got it in. I loved it so much that I wanted to share my love and passion with others who were in my same boat. I mastered the moves in the magazine and became a Certified Personal Trainer. The gym and I have a little love hate relationship. Its like I hate to love this crazy little thing called a gym but it has a strange hold on me :)

See you in the gym,
Alicia Nura

It's me against the scale

Today I walked by my scale twice and gave it one dirty look and a swift kick. Much to my dismay the only person that I hurt was myself (and my poor toe). It's like my scale is playing tricks on me. I never truly relied on the scale but lately it's been calling my name. This morning I finally stepped onto the "metal devil in disguise" and to my relief I maintained my weight goal (surprisingly). I know as a fitness professional were looked upon as" mentors" but were only human as well. There are times were I cheat too and give into a craving or two, or three *bite nails*. With that being said my diet could improve a tad bit and I could have a little more will power. So I decided today that I'm putting the scale in the closet and I'm focusing on how I feel rather then what I weigh. I won't beat myself up for having a snack as long as I don't indulge. I'm kicking my work-outs into high gear. I will win this epic battle! It's me against the scale! My scale won't defeat me! Who's with me?!?!

See you in the Gym,
Alicia Nura

National Dance Day!

I'm soooooooooo uber excited about National Dance day! July 30th is the official day that dancers everywhere celebrate their artistry. In celebration of National Dance Day, a group of local dance companies and studios have teamed up to offer a Saturday packed with FREE classes. So what better way to celebrate dance day then with yours truly:) So come out and move, shake and drop! For more info email me @ platinumsilhouette@gmail.com.

No Excuses Moms! Just Results!

To the beat of the rythym of the night.....

As I look at the clock at 1:16 am, I ask myself "self! why are you up?". And as long as I don't respond to myself makes it a sure indication that I'm not going insane lol. I have soooooooooo many things running through my little brain, and the fact that the little one is asleep does make my "me time" that much more intimate. I have new music and choreography that I need to break down, emails that I need to respond to, and a meeting in the am that I should be resting up for.........And still I'm up. I have half of mind to put my I-pod on and work on some new moves for class, but my other half of my mind is telling me to go to bed. How can I sleep when I have so much to create and innovate. I sat tonight and watched the Mo'nique show for the first time and listened to Laurie-Ann Gibson pour her heart out about her journey to becoming a dancer. I was so connected to her every word, I caught myself nodding to her words as if she was in my living room speaking to me herself. I've been up just thinking how many times and how often I lose sight with my passion of dance. I want to throw in the towel and just get a 9-5 job, then I remember that I was blessed. I'm blessed with a talent that few can achieve through classes and training. Dance takes me to a level of therapeutic bliss! And now I'm blessed enough to share my love and passion through teaching my classes. Even though the journey to success has a bunch of bumps in the road, I'd rather get that one flat tire to bring me back to reality. With anything you love you must fight for it. Nothing in life comes easy! My brain is now on creative overload, so as I sit here with the beat of the rhythm of the night I bid you farewell :)

See you in the Gym,
Alici Nura

I fell In love

I became a trainer because I enjoyed working out and I wanted to share my knowledge. It wasn't for the money. I wanted to provide training to those who were on a budget and just wanted to take control. For years I tried to find new ways to reinvent myself, competing with other gyms and trainers trying to finding what made me stick out from the rest. I've had my ups and downs, and my good and bad days. Fitness has been a love hate relationship, until I meet the piece that was missing all these years. Two years into training I was blessed with the birth of my first born. Stuck in the slump of restless nights and poor diet I had given up. I looked in the mirror and felt disappointed at where my body once was and where it is. One morning I received a phone call from a loved one expressing their love for a new aerobic program and how I should check it out. So I did, and I fell in love. The music filled my heart, the rhythm danced on my soul and the moves......oh the moves rocked my world. It mixed to two things I cared about the most dance and fitness and I had to have it in my life. I wanted to share my love for it with the world. So on February 2011 I made a commitment to become a Zumba instructor. And with this union I also gained a family unlike any other in the fitness world. The unity of the Zumba instructors is a phenomenal example of team work. This has been a great journey with more joy and years to come and I'm happy that I can share my Zumba love with you.

Be well,
Alicia Nura

Battle of the fittest: Abs Vs. Me

I'm in a losing battle and like most of you, I 'm sick of it! I need to take control of this mid section of my body before its too late. So I challenge myself to 30 days to regain control of my Abs. Who will join in this epic battle? Mind over abs, who's with me!?! I will be posting Tasks and Challenges on my Face book page everyday for 30 days to help me get back on track. Be well and as always.........

See you in the gym,
Alicia Nura

The Fit Pick of the Month!

Hey ladies you know how hard it is to get your work out on in the gym with unwanted stares at your booty (especially if your blessed with the "best") :)
Well as a Puerto Rican/African- American Chica I've been "blessed" with a little more junk in the trunk and I'm not ashamed of it. No matter how fit I get, I can't deny these good ole hips and rear end. Well now there's a solution: Introducing "Skants" Yup! just made that one up lol!!!! No more jackets around my waist and no more over sized men shirts, I'ma look cute with my Skants on :)

See you in the gym,
Alicia Nura

P.S.
A few places you can purchase these fab pants:
Zappos.com
6pm.com
TeamEstrogen.com

Lost for words!

I'm not normally one to be lost for words, but lately it’s been happening. As a fitness professional and mom I know how important it is to stay healthy, not just for you but for the sake of your child. Your health is as important or even more important during pregnancy. And I know bad habits are hard to kick, but think of this new life your carrying that has no say as to what goes into his body. With that being said, I find it hard, inhumane and even selfish how some mom-to-be's can't kick a simple bad habit such as smoking! Walking to my pharmacy and back home (which is a 3 minute walk) I witness at least two expecting moms lighting up a cigarette and going about their day. This is becoming more and more common for moms to be, because I see it way too often. If my words mean nothing, then please consider the risks.......

Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have:

* An ectopic pregnancy
* Vaginal bleeding
* Placental abruption (placenta peels away, partially or almost completely, from the uterine wall before delivery)
* Placenta previa (a low-lying placenta that covers part or all of the opening of the uterus)
* A stillbirth

Babies born to women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to be born:

* With birth defects such as cleft lip or palate
* Prematurely
* At low birth weight
* Underweight for the number of weeks of pregnancy

Info via March of dimes

I urge you if you are a mother or knows a mother that smokes, please think of this precious gift from god. Some women who are in the best health but are not able to conceive children would give anything to carry your baby if they could. And as always be healthy and I'll see you in the gym.

Alicia Nura

This is not a test!!!!

Hola Mi Platinum Silhouettes,

Oh how I've missed you! So my first question is(drum roll please).......... What's new? Ah!lets just cut to the chase, How are those new years resolutions coming along? Are we hitting our goals left and right or are we throwing in the "I got this next year" towel? I'll admit that I've fell off the wagon once or twice, but that's okay because I'm only human. I'll also be the first to admit that I don't feel my greatest when I'm not in top peak physical shape. Were not getting any younger my loves, and my aching knees prove that age wears on ya! This is not a test! I repeat, this is not a test! I don't want to wait to see what ever else falls off or starts aching. I need to strap on my running sneaks, put on my good sweats, and get in that gym BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY. I'm only in my 20's and I felt the effect of the aging process. Its no joke! My physical therapy days are far behind me and the only therapy I need is Gym therapy. If you feel like your lacking in motivation here are a few tips to get you motivated:

1. Instead of hitting the weights that day, try a dance class (i.e Zumba)

2. Get a friend to motivate you to get your butt off that couch!

3. Link up with a running group (most cities have local running groups.. Lululemon, City sports, Etc.)

4. Join a local team for exercise and meet other active people (kickball, roller derby, aerial sports and dodge ball)

5.Buy new work out clothes, that always motivates me to get my sweat on :)

And when all else fails, know that I'm watching you!

See you in the gym,
Alicia Nura