A major concern many brides have when preparing for their wedding is looking great in their dream dress. You will definitely be beautiful at your wedding, but it’s important that you feel beautiful and confident in yourself. There are many ways to achieve this, many brides seek out a personal trainer who can help them achieve their goals and feel healthy and beautiful. Claire Silberman shares how she works with women to achieve their wedding fitness goals!
My name is Claire! I originally came to Chattanooga for college, and I actually graduated with a degree in HR Management. Once I graduated, I was already working at Vive and fell in love with fitness. I was very active as a child, I played multiple sports every year. My mom was actually a Personal Trainer while I was growing up. Fitness is definitely in my blood! I am now 24 years old and married to the love of my life, Taylor! We actually run Vive for Women Fitness Studio together! I teach group fitness classes and train multiple clients daily. I enjoy watching movies and some local Italian food on the weekends with my husband! We love the beach and warm weather!
I came to take a class at Vive for Women my junior year in college. I signed up for a membership and went all in. I took 5-6 classes a week and was always encouraging other members in class to push and continue working hard! After about a month, one of the owners (now my father-in-law!), approached me and said he wanted me as a coach for classes. I was shocked, excited, and nervous all at the same time! Shortly after beginning studying for my certification and training, I started also working as a studio assistant. Soon after, I was working full time while also in school full time. I became deeply passionate about fitness and health once I learned more and more, and now I’m running the gym with my husband!
I love helping women learn to become the best version of themselves through health and fitness! There is nothing better than helping women feel better and gain confidence in the gym and in their personal lives. When clients start seeing results and seeing how all of their hard work is starting to pay off, it’s a beautiful thing. I love sharing my knowledge and teaching women how to find balance with health and fitness. At the end of the day, it’s about living a long full healthy life. Word hard now for your life later! Take the hard road now so you don’t have to when you’re older!
I work solely with women! I have worked with so many women of different ages and sizes. I genuinely care about you and your journey. I will not only be a fitness coach to you- but a friend. Everyone’s journey is different and I would love to have the opportunity to help you with that! My name is Claire! I originally came to Chattanooga for college, and I actually graduated with a degree in HR Management. Once I graduated, I was already working at Vive and fell in love with fitness. I was very active as a child, I played multiple sports every year. My mom was actually a Personal Trainer while I was growing up. Fitness is definitely in my blood! I am now 24 years old and married to the love of my life, Taylor! We actually run Vive for Women Fitness Studio together! I teach group fitness classes and train multiple clients daily. I enjoy watching movies and some local Italian food on the weekends with my husband! We love the beach and warm weather!
I would love to tone up/ lose weight before my big day! How should I pick out the best gym or program for me?
First, think about your goals! Do you want to lose body fat or feel good? Is it important that you lose inches, or is it more about getting your body healthy? Whoever your trainer ends up being- they want to help you reach your goals so first find what those are! Then reach out to gyms and trainers. Meet with a few and even try one session or a class at a few places. Talk through your goals with them, then make a decision based on what they have to offer! You should be excited about your program- not dreading it! At the end of the day, you should enjoy your workout! So make sure you like your program and trainer! Your program should be hard, but not so hard that you think about skipping every time. You should also be open and honest with your trainer; if you’re having a hard time with that, maybe they aren’t the right trainer for you. Find a trainer and/or gym you love and trust, and they will guide you through the program. They know what’s best for you based on your goals!
I really don’t want to gain a whole lot of muscle, but would love to tone up! Is this possible?
Yes! Lifting weights will not make you bulky. It is one of the biggest misconceptions! In order for your body to progress and make changes, you do have to get uncomfortable and lift weights that are challenging! If you stick to the same 5lb weights, you will see very little results. I suggest to my clients that the weight should be challenging and hard, but not so much that your form is being compromised. Form is more important than how much weight you’re lifting! Lifting weights helps with your health in so many ways: better sleep, improved posture, boosts metabolism, helps inflammation, and more! Don’t be afraid of weights. If you do it right- you will have amazing results- physically and mentally!
Is there a way to focus on just one body area? Like my arms? Does it work like that?
No, we cannot spot reduce fat! Our bodies are all different and unique. We all lose and gain fat in a different order which is not under our control. Just work hard, be consistent and you will see results!
How many days a week should I work out?
Everyone is different. It all comes down to your daily activity and lifestyle. Always talk to your trainer first about your lifestyle before jumping into a program! I always like my clients to be working out 4-6 days a week with one full rest day. Rest is so important; you will not make progress if you are constantly working out and never resting. Always remember that consistency is key. You can’t expect your body to change in two weeks; It takes time!
As my trainer what would you help me do?
As your trainer, I would help you become the best version of yourself. That is my goal with all of my clients! Physical health is just as important in mental health, and working out is amazing for your mental health. You are taking the time out of your day for yourself- no other distractions, no one else to think about, except yourself. I would also help you find the right balance between workout out, eating healthy, and still enjoying your life! Fitness is a lifestyle, not a weekday hobby. A lot of times, I come across situations where a client is following a super strict diet and then binging on the weekends. My goal is to help find what works best for you and to help you find joy in working out! I will help you make it a lifestyle and actually enjoy it!
Do you offer one on one or small group training?
Yes, I offer multiple options! Personal training, small group training, or group classes. We would do an assessment and talk about your goals to find the right kind of program that will fit your needs! I also write up programs if you want to do your workouts at your apartment or home gym. We can even do two workouts in my studio and the others on your own time at home! I want to find the best program for you!
What should I be eating?
You want to be eating 3 meals a day with 2-3 snacks, depending on your activity! Food is FUEL! When having a meal, aim to have a protein, fat and carb source. When having a snack, aim to have protein and fat or protein and carbs! I encourage my clients to have a minimum of 100 grams of protein a day. I’m also a big advocate for eating vegetables, especially dark leafy greens such as broccoli and spinach! Treat your body right from the inside out. Nutrition often gets forgotten or thrown to the side because we get super excited about working out, or think that workout out is the only way to get results! But wrong, nutrition is super just as important as working out.
What is your biggest piece of advice for loving my body going into my wedding day?
Love yourself as is and be grateful for your body. I understand we want to feel good in our dress and sometimes look smaller, but at the end of the day, you are beautiful just the way you are. Everyone has stomach rolls. Everyone has body fat. But you have found your soulmate and he loves you already! Remember, God made your body and we must love, take care of it and treat it right. We are all perfectly imperfect.
Want to get in touch with Claire and get started on your training journey?
You can contact Claire via email at claire@viveforwomen.com or on Instagram @clairemariesilberman!
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