Dope Fit Chick of the Week!
Our Dope Fit Chick of the week is fitness motivator Ashley Nicole! Read our interview with her and find out how she maintains her 60lbs weight loss!
Name: Ashley Nicole
Location: Dallas, Texas
Age: 35
Height: 5’ 4
Weight: 155
What motivates you to work out and live a healthy lifestyle?
I’m motivated to work out and live a healthy lifestyle because you only get one body and you must take care of it. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in my early twenties so this affected my activity level. It is hereditary so I knew I had to learn to live with it and push through on days that I didn’t feel like it. On top of dealing with arthritis, I became very overweight by my mid-twenties. This is when my “why” was created. I knew that in order to improve my quality of life and live with this autoimmune disease, I had to change my lifestyle. As a result, I’ve maintained a 60 pound weight loss and inspiring others to get active despite their ailments.
What does your workout routine look like?
I love High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Monday, Wednesday and Friday consist of HIIT with lighter weights during circuits. Tuesday and Thursday consist of heavier weights targeting the full body. Every day is leg day in my book. I’m learning to incorporate more upper body weight lifting although I have to adjust weights so that I don’t put a strain on my arthritic wrists. I may not be able to do a push up or pull up like the “normal” person, but I can modify anything to fit my needs.
What do you eat in a typical day to stay in shape?
Lean proteins, veggies, fruits and grains. Portion control is key! Breakfast = egg whites with veggies, turkey sausage, roasted sweet potatoes or oatmeal/fruit; Lunch = Salad with veggies and chicken, fruit or lean protein and cooked veggies; Dinner = lean protein and veggies; Snacks = fruit of any kind, string cheese, peanut butter, peanuts, fruit/veggie protein smoothie
How do you maintain your hair while working out?
It’s a daily struggle, but it never stops me from putting in work! I normally have a short hairstyle so I’ll wrap it with a mesh wrap or use a “save my do” head wrap. I’ve recently fallen in love with protective styles (weave) which is super easy maintenance. My hair is in that awkward growing out stage now, so I just use a headband and looking forward to getting another sew-in!
What might we catch you doing outside the gym?
Outside the gym, you’ll catch me working full-time as a development manager at a nonprofit, enjoying time with family and friends, listening to live music and working on bettering myself spiritually.
Give your best 3 health tips that people can implement right now.
• Eat more green veggies! All veggies are great, but load up on the green ones 😊 They are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber and low in calories!
• Drink water and green tea! Drinking half of your body weight in ounces of water in be sure to keep you hydrated and toxins flushed out. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and aids in digestion. It also reduces inflammation. I drink one cup of green tea a day.
• Beat the week with your exercise. My favorite trainer always said “4+ days of exercise to change, 3 to stay the same. Beat the week.”