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Chris and Mark have been selected as this month's Kudos award recipients! Two of our afternoon regulars, Chris & Mark always have a smile- when they come-in before their work-out and when they leave after their work-out. It is the fact that they can smile after the difficult work-out in-between that is the reason they have been selected for the award. Their contagious enthusiasm is a welcome treat each time they visit. They have been members since February 2009.

KCC: How do you know each other?

Mark: We work together at City Hall, Chris is with Access Osceola and I am with Code Enforcement.

KCC: How long have you worked together?

Chris: 5 years

KCC: When did you start exercising together?

Chris: Last April

KCC: What prompted the two of you to get started?

Chris: We just wanted to get in shape

Mark: Yes, get back into shape and get back to our handsome selves : )

KCC: Whose was the primary instigator?

Chris: Mark

Mark: Yup that was me, sad but true.

KCC: What was your routine when you first started?

Chris: 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weights

Mark: It was three days a week at first, just trying to drop some weight then and including some core strength routines.

KCC: How has your plan changed since then?

Chris: Our program is more structured and fast-paced- we try to cram more into the hour we are here   at lunch.

Mark: Well, half way through we started to go at it pretty hard. Like five days a week, doing weight training three days a week and the other two days we would do cardio and core workouts. Now its more like what Chris said, we try to use our hour lunch break and get in and get done as fast as possible at the same time as getting a great workout.

KCC: How is your exercise program structured?

Chris: We try to focus on something different each day of the week.  Monday we focus on back and biceps exercises, Tuesday we do a combination of cardio and abs exercises, Wednesday we work on our chest and triceps Thursday is a mix of cardio and callisthenic exercises, and Friday is shoulders, legs and a mix of biceps exercises and ending with some abs.

Mark: I would defiantly agree with that. What I could add is that we try not to focus on heavy weight routines but more on core exercises. I think we mix it up pretty good though.

KCC: Did you design your own program?

Chris: We made our own program with input from the fitness specialists.

Mark: Yes, some research on one hour routines was done and a lot of input for the specialists and other Civic Center members.

KCC: Who is the better motivator?

Chris: I have to give that one to Mark.

Mark: Yeah that may be me, but Chris can mix it up pretty good too.

KCC: Did either of you exercise with a partner in the past?

Chris: I had always worked-out alone and was definitely not as motivated.

Mark: Yes, I agree. It’s definitely better having a partner.

KCC: How is it different exercising with a partner?

Chris: We are able to push each other when one person is not feeling it- the biggest thing is motivation! It makes you feel really bad if you don’t come in.

Mark: Yes, I think it is always better to workout with a partner. First, for motivation and secondly to help against injury. Plus, you need someone there with you so you doing look crazy when you talk to yourself… J

KCC: What is your favorite exercise?

Chris: I’ll have to say the elliptical.

Mark: For me it’s anything with the free weights and the cables. Arms, chest, back- anything to get the blood pumping.

KCC: What is your least favorite exercise (that you do)?

Chris: The plank!

Mark: Wow…..Running for sure! But you have to get it done.  That’s why I try to get it done first.

KCC: Do you do any exercising on the weekends?

Chris: I go jogging or biking- outdoor activities but nothing too crazy.

Mark: I have two small children, so I need my energy for them. They can put me down really fast J.

KCC: Have you pushed each other in other areas?

Chris: We have made an effort to better our diets; we avoid fast foods, red meats, and sodas/carbonated beverages.  We try to focus on drinking as much water as we can throughout the day.  My co-workers and I each put in a little money to buy water at bulk, and we try to motivate each other to focus on drinking water.

Mark: The only thing I could add is that we don’t think of it as a diet, just a change in our life and what we put into our bodies. But with that said we always have a cheat day. Again, I have two kids so on the weekend I may go out with them and have some ice-cream or something fast foodish but never over doing it. You have to remember that you have to get back to it on Monday.

KCC: Do you have any special summer plans?

Chris: Whitewater rafting in West Virginia and outdoor activities in general.

Mark: I like to take weekend trips and try to enjoy the weather. My next trip would be to North Carolina and then on a weekend camping trip to a beach on the west coast of Florida. But in all just try to enjoy life.

KCC: Do you have any advice for those new to exercise?

Chris: Find what motivates you, then you’ve just got to do it, and make yourself come in (to the fitness  center).  Once  you’re in, you’re in.

Mark: First, get a partner, it’s always best when you have someone there dedicated like you. Second, get a routine that works for you- all routines are not for everyone. And last, watch what you consume but don’t think of it as a diet- think of it as just changing your life a little. I’m sure in the end when you see the results you will be proud and pleased of what you have accomplished.

KCC: Do you have any advice for those that are more experienced?

Chris: Try new things, be open to new ideas, and change-up your routine.  Go harder and up the intensity.

Mark: Share your routine and your experience. Everybody can use a little help. And try something new, like Chris said, just try to mix it up a little. If you get bored or if you stop seeing results just try something different and your body would react to that.

As this month’s winners, Chris and Mark received a month extension on their memberships. To nominate someone for a Kudos!, send an e-mail to rhinson@kissimmee.org.