Brittany Horton, Award-Winning Personal Trainer
Are you ready to focus on a refreshed lifestyle and fitness routine changes to meet personal goals for that wedding around the corner? Premier Wedding Mississippi and Premier Wedding Mobile Bay writer, Jenny Cox Holman, interviewed Brittany Horton, an award-winning personal trainer, to gather valuable fitness tips for those getting ready for wedding season! Enjoy Brittany’s helpful fitness advice on our wedding blog today to feel empowered and confident to make healthy changes for impressive results.
Brittany Horton is a graduate of The University of Mississippi where she studied health, exercise science and recreation management. She holds multiple certifications including her most recent certification through ISSA. She has been awarded 2015 Best Fitness Trainer by Jackson Free Press, 2015 Best Personal Trainer by The Club, and 2016 top 3 finalist for Best Personal Trainer in Mississippi by The Clarion- Ledger. Brittany is also an accomplished fitness writer and model and has been published in multiple local and national publications, including the #1 business resource in the fitness industry, Club Solutions.
Brittany, can you tell our readers about yourself – what brought you to your career? How did you get started?
I grew up dancing and that kept me in pretty good shape during my high school years, but once I got to college I gained the “freshman 15” and quickly learned that I was going to have to start changing my eating habits and workout in a gym. By the time my sophomore year rolled around, I had lost the original 15lbs plus 15 more. I made the Rebelette dance team that year and the team ended up asking me to lead the workouts, because I was so into fitness. That is when I realized I had a passion for fitness and training. I have been training ever since. I have been in the industry for 10 years and I have had the wonderful opportunity to help hundreds of people reach their fitness goals.
What special services do you offer for a bride-to-be and her fiancé? Or those in a bridal party trying to get in shape?
I offer online training for anyone looking to get in shape. I have a website and personalized fitness app to track all of my clients’ workouts and nutrition. I create individualize plans that cater to each client’s specific goals and needs. I stay in constant contact with each client. It’s been such a wonderful feature, because I am now able to train people all over the country.
Do you specialize in any training styles?
I specialize in strength training and high intensity interval training. I also started kickboxing over a year ago, so I do a lot of mitt work with some of my one-on-one clients. It’s such an empowering workout and many clients love it!
What’s your advice for someone just starting to get into an exercise routine?
If you are just starting an exercise routine, my biggest advice is to to stick with it for 2 solid weeks so that it will become a habit. When it becomes a habit, you will starting feeling better. Once you feel better, you’ll be more motivated to continue with your fitness journey. So many people want a quick fix, but results don’t happen overnight. It requires hard work, dedication and patience. Know that if you are eating clean, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest…the results will come. Write down your goals and post is somewhere you will see it every day to remind you of your WHY. And throw away the scale. Measure your progress every couple of weeks through progress photos and measurements instead.
What is the advantage of incorporating weights into an exercise routine for your female clients?
Strength training is your foundation! 9 times out of 10, the women who come to me say they want to be “toned”. To get that “toned” look, you must build muscle. To build muscle, you must strength train. Plain and simple. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest and ultimately the more fat you will burn.
How many times per week should someone train? And for how long?
How many times per week one trains is solely based on his or her fitness goals. The more you train, the quicker you will see results, however it’s very important to give you muscles adequate rest. Most of my clients train 3x per week with a split strength training routine and cardio on their off days. You never want to train the same muscles back to back, so a split routine is the way to go. Also, you don’t have to kill yourself for hours at a time. Try to do 30-45 min 2 or 3 days a week of strength training and 1½-2 hrs of cardio during the week if you are just starting out. But anything is better than nothing. Even a 15 min workout counts! Just get moving!!
What are some easy changes a bride-to-be can make to her diet?
I tell my clients that carbs are not the enemy. “Good carbs” can be a GOOD thing! It’s all about learning the timing of what you eat. Think of carbs as energy. The best time to eat carbs are first thing in the morning or in the afternoon. Try to cut them out in the evening. You don’t want to eat a whole bowl of energy (pasta) at night right before you go to bed, you want to eat them when your body actually has time to burn them off. Also, water is SO important in aiding fat loss. Keep a water bottle on you at all times and drink it throughout the day. Small changes in your diet can do wonders over time. There are so many diet trends that it tends to get overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep it simple. Cut out processed foods and think more lean protein, veggies, fruits, healthy fats and good carbs. My go-to when someone asks me about “clean eating” is basically “If it didn’t come out of the ground or doesn’t have a mama, don’t eat it.” Ha! I do encourage the occasional cheat meal, so you don’t feel deprived. Treat yourself to some pizza or your favorite sweet treat every now and then. Life is too short not too!
Can you give an example of types of foods that you would recommend your clients to eat for breakfast, snacks, lunch or dinner?
My go-to breakfast is overnight oats. I mix 1 scoop of protein powder, ½ cup of oats and 8oz of unsweetened almond milk at night and drink it in the morning for breakfast. It’s great if you are “on the go”. For snacks I always keep 100 calorie packs of raw almonds on me as well as protein bars, so I never catch myself running through a drive-thru or gas station when I’m hungry. My lunch and dinners always consist of a protein and veggie. I cook all of my ground turkey and chicken on Sunday, so during the week all I have to do is heat it up and throw in a couple cups of veggies. Being prepared is everything!! Grocery shopping and meal prepping on Sundays will change your life!
What can someone do to stay on track, even on their days off?
To stay on track I recommend doing some type of activity every single day. I encourage “active rest days”. Go for a walk, play tennis with friends, just keep moving. A body in motion stays in motion.
How quickly will someone see results?
As I mentioned before, results don’t happen overnight. It’s a process if you want to get to your fitness goal and stay there. I say try to shoot for 2lbs a week for a weight loss goal. This is not too drastic and you are more likely to lose the weight and keep it off. One major thing I’ve learned as a trainer is that everyone’s bodies are drastically unique. It is hard to determine how quickly one will see results, as every individual is different. If you haven’t exercised routinely and had a poor diet, once you start any type of routine you will probably see pretty instant results. For those who are already active and eat healthy, it may take more time to really see changes. Again, just stay focused and keep your eye on the prize. It will happen!!
Can you craft a special exercise or fitness routine for new clients if they are out-of-town and not able to train with you in person?
I constantly craft workouts for my clients to do from literally anywhere. Many of my online training clients workout from home. I can design workouts with little to no equipment at all.
What do you like most about what you do?
I love the relationships that I build from being a personal trainer. A lot of my clients have been training with me for years and I consider them family. It’s so rewarding to know that I’m making such a positive impact on their lives, but they don’t realize they do the same for me. I am so passionate about people and enriching lives. I want everyone to leave me happier, empowered and confident!
How far in advance do you need for a bride to schedule your services? What is the best way to reach you?
The great thing about my online training is that I can take on a client at anytime, from anywhere. I just need a week notice to get all of the information and the programs posted. I would recommend that any bride wanting to get in shape, try to do so at least 3 months in advance, so she doesn’t find herself doing some awful crash diet weeks before the wedding. I can be reached via email ([email protected]) or through my website www.brittanyhortonfitness.com.
What’s your fitness advice for those getting ready for their weddings?
Your wedding day is the biggest day of your life, so obviously, you want to look your absolute best. I encourage brides to stay consistent with their routine, but also enjoy the process. Take each day as it comes and know that if you slip up, IT’S OK! Just drink plenty of water the next day and get right back on track. Set a countdown calendar on your phone with a picture of your dress, so each morning when you wake up you get that reminder of what you’re working toward and some extra motivation to stay on track.
Do you have any additional information or advice that you would like to add?
Take care of your body and it will take care of you. Yes, some quick fixes work, but they are temporary. Remember that. The most important thing you have is your health. Make small changes over time that will help gear you toward a healthy lifestyle and better version of you…long after your wedding day! P.S.- You’re beautiful!
Would you like to reach Brittany Horton for help to meet your fitness goals? She can be reached through social media? Instagram: @brittanyhortonfitness (business) @fitbrit (personal) or Facebook: Brittany Horton Fitness
For more ideas for your wedding planning journey, check out creative ideas of wedding inspiration on our wedding blog.
