GET FIT WITH CHRISTEN

November 3, 2025

True fitness, for me, transcends the mere act of exercising or adhering to strict diets; it embodies a holistic approach to well-being that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s about cultivating a lifestyle that not only enhances my own quality of life but also inspires others on their journeys toward self-improvement.

The Physical Aspect

At its core, true fitness involves maintaining a body that feels strong and capable. It’s not just about lifting heavy weights or achieving a certain aesthetic; it’s about finding activities that I genuinely enjoy, whether that’s running, dancing, hiking, or practicing yoga. These activities keep my body healthy and energized, allowing me to engage more fully with life. I believe that when I prioritize my physical health, it creates a ripple effect, motivating those around me to embrace their own physical journeys.

The Mental Component

Fitness also means nurturing my mental health. I’ve learned that a strong mind is just as important as a strong body. Incorporating practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or simply taking time to unwind has been crucial in managing stress and anxiety. When I share my experiences with mental fitness, I often see others feeling empowered to address their own mental health challenges. It’s about breaking the stigma and promoting conversations that can lead to healing and understanding.

Emotional Resilience

Emotional fitness is equally vital. It involves understanding and processing my feelings, building resilience, and cultivating a positive self-image. I’ve found that by embracing vulnerability and being open about my own struggles, I create a space for others to do the same. This shared honesty fosters a supportive community where we can uplift each other, celebrate our victories, and learn from our setbacks.

Encouragement and Community

A significant part of true fitness is the commitment to encouraging others. I’ve witnessed the profound impact that support and motivation can have on someone’s journey. Whether it’s cheering on a friend during a workout, sharing healthy recipes, or simply lending an ear, these small acts can ignite someone’s passion for their own health. I strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered to pursue their fitness goals, regardless of their starting point.

Continuous Growth

Finally, true fitness is about the understanding that this journey is ongoing. There’s always room for growth, learning, and improvement. I embrace challenges as opportunities to evolve, and I encourage others to do the same. Fitness is not a destination; it’s a lifelong journey of self-discovery and transformation.

Embracing true fitness has profoundly shaped my life, providing me with strength, resilience, and purpose. By improving myself and encouraging others, I hope to inspire a movement where well-being is prioritized, and everyone feels empowered to pursue their best selves. 

What does true fitness mean to you? How do you think we can encourage each other in this journey?

Would you take a moment to fill out this survey? What does fitness mean to you?

July 10, 2012
Tonight I was reminded that God has brought me through so much - some of the turmoil that I brought on myself and some I didn't -  some I had to go through for Him to show me what He was capable of....I have been delivered from some pretty nasty fires but I have also walked through some fires so that I could come out the other side without even the smell of smoke on me - do you get what I'm sayin?  My God is bigger, my God is greater than anything you can sling at me...and trust me when I say I wouldn't be where I am today if it hadn't been because of the fires I've been through.  And I wouldn't be on the path to success that I'm on now without knowing first hand that HE is leading the way.  God wants you to be successful!  I'm here to make sure you enjoy the journey - and to make sure you come out of the fire!!!  You can transform your life & your body with the right mindset and the right tools!!!

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As a new swimmer i'm always looking for ways that I can strengthen myself in the water as well as out of the water....if you're the same maybe this workout from USAT will be helpful to you as well.

Swim Strength 101
Do this routine as part of your normal strength training. Try to give yourself as little time as possible between each exercise to apply the most effective stress to the muscle groups. Repeat 2-4 times.

Simulated High Cadence Swim Drill

• Using resistance tubing (Halo or other) wrapped around a stationary anchor, hold on to the handles on each end of the tubing.
• Bend from the waist until your torso is almost parallel to the floor, with the head facing down, arms stretched out in front you as if you were streamlining.
• Back up until there is tension in the tubing with the arms outstretched.
• Move your arms just as if you were swimming, using an exceptionally high cadence or turnover.
• Repeat this for 40-80 “strokes.”

Crunches with Weight

• Grab a free weight or medicine ball weighing 3-10 lbs. depending on your fitness, along with a stability ball.
• Lay with your mid to lower back on the stability ball, holding the weight or medicine ball over your head with both hands, arms straight.
• Focus your eyes on the weight and crunch up towards it, then back down.
• Do 20-40 times.

Stability Ball Push-Ups

• Using a stability ball, place the hands on top with the body straight back in the push-up or plank position.
• Lower the body bending the arms to the sides to bring the torso closer to the ball.
• If this is too challenging, start with the ball against a wall, then work up to the free-standing push-up.
• Repeat 10-30 times.

Tricep Rotations

• Get a slightly heavier weight than you used for the crunches (5-15 lbs.).
• Standing up right with good posture, holding the weight in one hand, bring the arm up so that the upper arm is out to the side and parallel to the ground with the elbow bent at a 90 degree angle.
• Keeping the upper arm as still as possible, lower the forearm until it is parallel to the ground, then bring it back up to its previous upright position.
• Repeat 10-20 times with each arm.

Oblique Rolls

• Using a stability ball, assume the plank position, body straight, palms flat on the ground, with the legs resting together on the ball (the closer the ball is to the feet, the more challenging the exercise will be – start out with the ball under the knees or thighs).
• With the head continuing to face down, roll the legs and torso to the side until only one leg is resting on the ball with the other leg “stacked” on top.
• Roll back to the original position, and then roll to the other side.
• Repeat rolling to both sides 10-20 times.

We hope you enjoy your new-found swim strength, and always remember — there is no substitute for face-to-face coaching with a certified triathlon coach who has expert knowledge of you and the sport! If you are ready to take your racing to the next level, find a USAT certified coach or performance center (like Playtri) to help you work toward your goals.

Morgan Johnson is a USA Triathlon certified coach and the Lead Developmental and Youth Programs Coach at the Playtri Performance Center in Dallas, Texas. She is also a member of the USA Triathlon South Midwest Regional Council, and a former member of Team USA. You can reach her with questions or comments at morgan@playtri.com.