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My name is Kristen Mercier; I’m in my mid 30′s and I am very passionate about health and fitness.  I lead by example and my goal is to inspire you to live a fit and healthy life.  I made the commitment to health and fitness about 8 years ago and I’ve never felt better.   Prior to that I did exercise but I wasn’t very consistent nor motivated.  And I definitely didn’t pay much attention to what I ate.  I weighed 30 pounds more than I do now.  I wanted to be fit, healthy and most importantly feel better.

My first step towards health and wellness involved a change in my exercise routine.  In 2004 I started taking group classes with Andy Haynes of Corpbasics, a Martial Arts based fitness system.   Next thing I knew I was at the gym every night, having fun, seeing results and feeling better about myself.  I truly felt fit for the first time in my life.  I could now check this off my list.

About few years later I took my second step towards health and wellness.  I looked at my diet and paid more attention to what I ate.  I eliminated processed foods and began eating natural, wholesome meals with a higher nutritional value.  I also changed my eating schedule.  I started having 5-6 small meals a day which really fired up my metabolism.  That’s when I noticed the next significant difference in my body, I had more energy and a lot less stomach aches.  :)  As it turns out eating processed foods was taking its toll on my digestion system.  This was definitely a change for the better, I truly felt healthier than I ever had before.

So how did fitness become a career for me?  Well in 2006 Corpbasics offered their first  instructor certification class designed to teach the regular, average person the basics in exercise and group class instruction. So I thought, why not sign up? No experience necessary – this would be perfect!  I entered the program with little intention on actually becoming an instructor.  My goal was to learn more about fitness and improve my own workouts. Well, let’s just say I caught the inspiration bug.  I felt empowered and wanted to inspire others to follow my lead.  Not but a month later I taught my first class, Cardio Kix, in downtown Boston. About a year after that I became a Certified Personal Trainer through both Corpbasics and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. In 2007, I left my job in telecommunications to pursue a full-time career in fitness; and that’s how I got to where I am today.

These days I am one busy girl.   I privately train clients and teach group classes at a fitness studio in Somerville Ma, Corpbasics Fitness & Training Club.  I teach Spinning and TRX  suspension training classes at the YMCA in Charlestown MA and I work with the Town of Brookline to offer a strength training program for Senior Citizens.  I somehow find the time to squeeze in a few in-home training clients.   And as I’m sure you’ve also guessed, I blog!

In addition to this blog I have a health blogger for  the Somerville Patch and I am an affiliate blogger for EmpowHer, one of the largest online resources dedicated exclusively to women’s health and wellness.

I believe that leading a fit and healthy life can do wonders to clear your mind, sharpen your focus and strengthen your soul. I blog  about anything from fitness tips to healthy eating, recipes and overall wellness.

I hope that my philosophy on fitness inspires you in some way, shape or form.  I invite you to engage in the topics that inspire you, asking questions and sharing your stories with me.  You can do this by either commenting on my posts or dropping me an email at kristen@befitwithkristen.com .  I always love to hear from my readers.

Be fit, be healthy and love life ~ always.

Kristen

Disclaimer

My posts are meant to inspire, motivate and lead you towards a fit and healthy lifestyle.  As fitness professional I recommend that you consult your doctor before taking on any significant changes pertaining to health, nutrition and exercise.   The recommendations, opinions and advice I write about are based upon my own experiences and what works well for me.

I am a certified personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist and group fitness instructor.  I am not a doctor, registered dietitian, certified nutritionist or physical therapist.  You should always be mindful of any injuries, food allergies, special diets or specific health conditions that pertain to you.  If you do have any such health considerations you should seek the advice of a health profession before trying any of the ideas I write about.

Make the best of every day by making mindful choices regarding  health and wellness.  It is my hope that you enjoy my articles and feel inspired to make better, healthier choices in your own life.