A wife and proud mother of two girls, a personal trainer certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and a former elite track-and-field athlete, Idalis Velazquez is a top expert in total body fitness. Velazquez specializes in fast and effective workouts that help busy people get the results they want in the time they have. Velazquez’s workouts and fitness tips have been featured in too many national publications, websites and TV shows to list. Paws Up is thrilled to have her as the featured fitness expert at the AdrenZen: Fall wellness weekend on October 20–23, 2017.
Paws Up: How would you describe your fitness style?
Velazquez: My fitness style is all about time-efficient workouts and building sustainable habits. The workouts and programs I create combine resistance training and are metabolic, meaning you will challenge your cardio and keep your metabolism revving for hours after you are done. I’m tough, but more of a cheerleader with those I train to help them unleash their fullest potential and keep them motivated.
Paws Up: How many times a week do you work out?
Velazquez: Four to six times a week. These workouts can last 15 to 60 minutes long, depending on the workout.
Paws Up: What is your top weight loss tip?
Velazquez:
- Focus on building positive and healthy habits instead of creating restriction.
- Learn to be mindful with your nutrition and exercise routine. Consistent application of small, sustainable habits along with your workouts will help you reach your goals.
- When it comes to training for weight loss and fat loss, prioritize strength training and don’t overdo the cardio.
- Resistance training builds lean muscle mass, which helps you burn calories and fat all day long and boost your metabolism. You’ll feel younger and energized and achieve the “toned” look most people want.
Paws Up: How do you keep yourself motivated?
Velazquez: I see fitness and living a healthier lifestyle as tools that help me be at my best physically, mentally and emotionally. I challenge myself during my workouts, but I also have fun. Knowing that caring for my body and mind will help me feel and be at my very best keeps me motivated. Plus, it’s nice to look in the mirror and see how this lifestyle pays off.
Paws Up: What inspires you?
Velazquez: My kind and loving daughters. The way they look at me and look up to me. Knowing that the way I live my life and that my habits and behaviors will have a huge impact in their life inspires me.
The community I’ve built through my social media also is inspiring. Knowing that I’m helping to reach a follower’s goals is priceless. I know that many of them don’t have a personal trainer nor gym memberships, and they have chosen to follow my workouts and tips. They inspired me to get creative with exercises and workout ideas that will keep them motivated to get their sweat on anywhere.
Paws Up: Why are you excited to visit Paws Up?
Velazquez: All of it! Every time I plan a vacation with my husband, I always tell him that my ideal vacation includes a beautiful resort surrounded by nature where I can just disconnect and enjoy fitness, healthy meals, rest and relaxation with spa treatments. The Resort at Paws Up has everything I would want for a perfect wellness retreat and more. I look forward to having the opportunity to share my love for fitness and wellness by teaching and meeting new people!
Paws Up: What advice would you give to someone who is trying to regain their fitness or start a new program?
Velazquez: Just start! Focus on what your body can do, rather than on what it hasn’t mastered yet. Create a plan, do your best and stay consistent. Even if you start with 15 minutes a day. Set positive, performance-related goals, since these will help you stay motivated and empowered.