Getting Pumped

Hello friends and fitness enthusiasts!

I'm getting so excited to start this new program at Great Falls Park: Training on the Trails! We're going to take this park and turn it into a gym. I'm going to keep this blog updated throughout the whole program so you have a record of all the workouts we do. I'll also include pictures/videos to demonstrate in case you forget or have any questions about an exercise (perhaps our lovely participants will be featured??). By doing this, I hope to encourage you to keep visiting the park (and all the National State Parks) for a killer workout.

A little bit about me:
My name is Lauren Hidalgo and I love working out. I've always enjoyed sports but wasn't very good at them. I found a passion for fitness at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA where I earned my B.S. in Exercise Science in December 2010. Through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), I became a certified Health Fitness Specialist later that year enabling me to personally train normal, healthy populations, those with chronic diseases, and other special populations. Instead of playing team sports, I run, bike, swim, and practice yoga. Earlier this year I completed my first half marathon and first sprint triathlon. I am currently a graduate student at The George Washington University studying for a Masters in Public Health in Physical Activity. Implementing this fitness program is part of my coursework to fulfill my practicum.

My philosophy for fitness, physical activity, and health in general is you get out what you put in. If you want something, you have to go get it every day until it's yours. However, you will soon find out that with me, you can't sweat without smiling. I want you to have fun and enjoy yourself while you reach your goals.

Alright, less than two weeks until it all begins...get pumped!

In health,
Lauren