Fitness Files: Gretchen Zelek

Gretchen Zelek is a fitness enthusiast, business woman and mother of 4. Her passion for exercise and business helped her to successfully merge the two worlds and form DOD fitness. Gretchen is excited to introduce dod fitness tools to the exercise world and help everyone gain the most out of their workouts no matter what obstacles they may face.  Continue reading to learn more about Gretchen and DOD Fitness. 

NMF: Has fitness always been a major part of your life or was there a catalyst/point in your life when you made it more of a focus and priority?

GZ: I took fitness for granted growing up- every day I was doing something at the Y, town park, or participating in a sport after school. As I got a job, married and children, I did not make time for it. I realized after the birth of my 4th child, I needed to dedicate time to getting fit and healthy. It  really just snowballed;  first I was playing tennis and needed to gain endurance so I started running and then to strengthen my core to become a more comfortable  runner, I  started taking group fitness classes.  It is now a necessary way of life.

Gretchen using her DOD Knee Donut

NMF: What are a few of your go-to healthy snacks/drinks that help keep you on the straight and narrow?

GZ: Nuts, with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, coconut, chia seeds, dried cherries, dried ginger. Greek Yogurt with fresh fruit or organic baby strained fruit.

Aqua Fresca: fresh or bottled pineapple juice 6 oz handful fresh organic mint, 1 T Coconut Oil (optional) Ice to fill blender….  Blend the pineapple juice, mint, coconut oil and ice in a blender until slushy.

NMF: How do you train your mind and stay motivated?

GZ: I make sure to “manifest” something that is healthy or fitness minded each week- I write it down in a notebook as a goal and check it off when completed.  I love incorporating fun music into my workout, run, etc.  I have contests with myself- how many squats I can do, how many reps I can do, etc.

NMF: How do you change your body?  What are your fitness favorites?

GZ: Anything that challenges  my core-all kinds of planks, on a ball-ball rollouts, leg lifts, v sits.

• Balancing
• Stretching
• Free Weights- V raises, shoulder presses, kickbacks, curls, etc.

For more information visit www.dodfitness.com

Nadia 

Training minds, changing bodies!

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