As part of our K-Factor TEN monthly series, we will share ten questions and answers from people in the 50+ community with a fitness lifestyle each month.
Our goal is to help people get started and be encouraged, and know that it’s not too late to start, and anyone can do it.
This month we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Adair.
- Please give us some background on how long you’ve been working out and what started you down the path of fitness?
I have been working out since 1998. At 36 years old, a single working mom, I was in the worst physical shape of my life. I knew I needed to make some changes. And I did. Fast forward 22 years at the age of 58, I celebrate I have made it this far in my journey, and I’m not done yet! I’ve also learned along the way every new season brings a new body. I appreciate each stage my body went through, from childbearing in my 20’s to a 40 lb. weight gain in my 30s, to menopause in my 50’s, to here, still strong, crepey skin and all. I celebrate I can play basketball with my grandson in the driveway or pull my two granddaughters in a wagon, uphill, running! I am honored to be a Personal Trainer and teach Les Mills Body Pump and Body Flow classes to people of all ages and sizes, showing that strength and beauty first start from within and then resonate out. I celebrate each of you who may be overcoming your own set of obstacles as you continue to push forward with a brave heart and smile on your face touching the lives of those around you. Like so many of you over the age of 50, we are not done. And it’s NEVER too late to start. - How did you figure out what to do in the gym – what exercises work? Terrified, I joined Golds Gym and had no clue what to do. I was also very fortunate to come across an expert by Bill Phillips from Golden, Colorado, who published a magazine called “Muscle Media.” This magazine was my saving grace. I learned everything I needed to do from his publication. I had NO background in weight training, and I was not in a position to hire a trainer. I had to learn how to do this on my own. I studied everything Bill wrote. I learned how to use machines and free weights. They all worked! My body had never experienced the science of weight training, and I was stunned to see how it responded to this new form of exercise. The only thing I had ever done in the past regarding exercise was cardio and aerobic classes. And I could never understand why I kept getting bigger?
- Did you start and stop working out before it became lifestyle?
I was committed from day one to seeing this through until I got my desired results. I was committed to finding my healthiest and fittest body. Stopping was not an option. It’s been my lifestyle ever since. I am still weight training, but I have also added basic Yoga and stretching, which I think is important as we age. Strength is paramount, but we need to maintain mobility, flexibility, and balance more than ever! - Why did you stick with it? What are the main benefits for you?
I stuck with it at the time because I knew it was now or never. It had to be a complete lifestyle change for me. I had no longer worked in the past, and I knew I had to take a new approach to get healthy. When you start gaining more energy than you’ve ever had when your clothes fit you better when you feel better and more confident, why would you ever want to go back? This was the first time I had ever had a GOAL in my life. It’s never been an option for me to go backward. I can’t say I have never had a few setbacks in 22 years; no one is perfect, but I am grateful nothing has derailed me. I’m kind of like the tortoise! I keep chugging along with consistency. - How do you motivate yourself on the days you don’t feel like working out? How do you get past that?
I’m not going to lie. Some days are harder than others to get yourself motivated to work out. But I go to the feelings of how great it feels when I’m done with the workout. You feel so accomplished; you feel proud you maintained a self-promise that you would do it. And it feels so good to put a big checkmark next to “work out” on your to-do list! Sometimes I’ll make a deal to myself that I’ll do an “easy” workout! Once you get your engines going, you want to do the best you can. My biggest piece of advice is to just put your workout clothes on if you find yourself wanting to weasel out of a workout. Start with that one step. I can almost guarantee a switch will flip in your heart, and you want to follow through and do your work out. And a little workout is better than no workout at all, right? When you focus on “Progress,” not “Perfection,” you will stay in the game, learn a ton, and maybe even enjoy the process! - Please give us some background on your nutrition, and were there foods or strategies you tried in the past that didn’t work?
The biggest mistake and then ultimate change I made to my eating was abruptly stopping drive-throughs for work lunch or taking home fast food home for dinner. Crappy food makes you feel crappy. I also got rid of all the obvious saboteurs from the kitchen. Insight, in mind, right? I wanted to eliminate all triggers. Throughout my adult life, I tried all the diets. My biggest mistake was taking out all the carbs. After a while, I can guarantee you’ll feel like you’re brain-dead and the wheels have fallen off. That’s when we crash and grab for all the sweets and carbs we can to make us feel better, temporarily anyway. The biggest lesson I have learned is our brains are craving nutrients, not calories. When you feed your body the proper nutrients, cravings go away. That is liberating. When you stock your fridge and pantry with healthy food, you eat healthy food! - Do you have a “cheat day/meal” on your plan? If so, how do you keep a “cheat day” from becoming a cheat weekend or week? What technique do you use?
A cheat day here or there is OK. But I make a pact with myself that I am back eating “clean” the following day; this is a non-negotiable. I also make a pact that I have to LOVE every bite, without GUILT. I do count special occasions, holidays, or celebrations as an opportunity for cheats and treats. But then it’s back to normal, healthy eating again the next day. 80% of your success comes from how you eat. And that happens in the kitchen, the restaurant, the lunchroom, the break room, etc. A slip-up or any of the events mentioned above is not a reason to think you can throw away all your hard work. Enjoy the special occasions. But if you fall off the wagon, dust yourself off, stop beating yourself up, and get back on! Fail fast, and you’ll be OK! - “I don’t have time to spend hours a day working out and preparing meals” is something we often hear – how do you answer that?
“When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” I think it’s important to have an idea of what you’re going to be eating for the week. This is going to take a little planning and prep time. But I promise this will put you ahead of the game. You will save yourself much frustration and heartache by having your meals planned out and especially having healthy snacks on hand. Like anything, it will get easier the more you stay aligned with your goals and why you are doing it. You will eventually feel less resistant, and you’ll find your flow in the kitchen. Lifestyle changes and creating new healthy patterns do not happen overnight. Take small steps if you need to. Improve upon one thing each week. - Do you have any tips to help beginners get started? Any ideas for those who may be intimidated about going to a gym or don’t believe it will work for them?
As much as I love being in the gym or a weight room, that’s not a requirement nor an excuse not to start. Many people have resorted to home workouts now more than ever, especially with the COVID crisis. The privacy of being in one’s own home is comfortable and safe. You can still get optimal results with minimal equipment. My biggest tip would be to find a mentor. Find someone who inspires you. Find someone who has a success story. And you need to look no farther than John and Kim! It’s comforting to have the guidance and support of someone who has walked in your shoes. It is scary and intimidating, especially in our “season” of life. But that’s not a reason to take the first step. It’s always the hardest one, though. Be brave. You can do it. - What is your go-to pizza or that cheat day treat you look forward to?
Now, we’re talkin’!! My favorite treats and cheat meals are pizza, cookie dough, and whipped dairy topping! Heaven on earth! What are yours?
Kelly made her entry into the health and fitness industry in 1998 after winning the national Body-for-LIFE competition and losing half her bodyfat. She believes all transformations must start from the inside.
Kelly’s pivotal moment was when she finally rejected the notion that losing confidence, gaining weight, and wearing elastic-waisted pants were just part of the aging process.
Twenty-two years later, at age 58, Kelly is still living a healthy, fit lifestyle and flourishing.
Kelly is a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise. She is also a Certified Les Mills Body Pump and Body Flow instructor. Kelly jumped into the competition arena at age 43, competing in NANBF and NPC competitions.
Her passion for helping people find their healthiest, fittest body lead her to the dream of a lifetime – standing next to Oprah Winfrey, sharing her message on the stage of the “Oprah Winfrey Show!”
Kelly is the proud mother of her daughter, Alexa, and cherishing her role in this new season of her life as Grandma to three, which she describes as more scrumptious than cookie dough!
Passion is the one word she uses to describe how she feels about helping others discover the benefits of exercise, healthy eating, and cultivating inner strength –AT ANY AGE.
Kelly understands how frustrating it feels to be overweight while juggling the demands of working, traveling, and raising a family. Most of all, Kelly profoundly understands the immense amount of courage it takes to make the first step.
Her attitude is NEVER SURRENDER. She wants you to know it is NEVER too late to reclaim your health and your life back.
The results you achieve will depend on your commitment to yourself, the application of training, realistic goals, and time frames. We can help and encourage you to take action. Contact K Factor Coaching today!
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