Sip Series No. 5 | Mat & Mimosas

This weekend we're putting our favorite "athleisure" gear to work with Alise Acker and The Fitness Factor.

8-9 am → Bring your mat and head to the lawn at The Shops at Brickerton for a free mat pilates class and early morning fuel via Southbound Coffee.
9-10 am → Mimosas, giveaway and Q&A with Alise + The Fitness Factor at The Mill

Get to know our girlfriend, Alise and this weekend's Pilates instructor ... We can't wait to see you guys on Saturday at The Mill. XX

The Mill: Tell us about what inspired you to become a fitness trainer/consultant.

Alise: My family moved to Columbus the fall of 1999. We joined The Fitness Factor immediately. I have always enjoyed working out and staying active. The Fitness Factor had the classes I love, friendly faces, all the equipment, and most importantly great child care. After being a member for 4 years, I was asked if I was interested in teaching/training. Honestly, Beth Jeffers and Ann Buster were my inspiration. I fell in love with the classes and these two ladies were great role models. They encouraged me to get certified and the rest is history.

The Mill: What are some of the key benefits that someone can expect to gain from attending a Pilates class regularly?

Alise: Pilates is an exercise method that yields numerous benefits, including: improved strength, flexibility, and an increased mind/body connection. Pilates focuses on improving control throughout the body and places a great importance on breathing, core strength, balance and coordination, all of which can be improved by practicing Pilates consistently.

The Mill: What are some tips/insight you would give to someone that is wanting to start taking Pilates?

Alise: Start where you are; in other words, don’t compare yourself to others in the class and do what you are capable of doing. Improvement comes with consistent practice and despite sore and fatigued muscles, Pilates will get more familiar to you. Also, don’t push through pain; if your body is telling you to stop or back off, listen to it! You know yourself best!

The Mill: In a world where it is so easy to let our health be placed on the back burner, what encourages you to stay healthy and focused?

Alise: Staying healthy and focused is a way of life. Being active makes me feel so much better and stronger. I exercise to relieve stress, stay strong, and keep up with my kids ;)

The Mill: What wellness ritual or beauty routine is making you feel your best these days?

Alise: Taking care of my skin has become an obsession. Getting older is tough on women and we all want to look younger. I encourage all women to find a great beauty routine and stick with it. Exercising and great products can make us glow and age gracefully. But also remember, aging is beautiful.

The Mill: Staying on track with health and fitness can be pretty demanding. Do you ever unexpectedly slip up? How do you stay motivated and accountable?

Alise: I do have a day here and there that I just don’t want to workout. I try to take a day off every 3 to 4 days. I also mix up my workouts to prevent burnout. I slip up all the time...diet and exercise. You gotta live! I really love to workout so it is not hard for me to stay motivated. Having a workout partner does help too. Makes it fun and holds me accountable.

The Mill: What is your mantra when it comes to fitness and health?

Alise: “Comparison is the thief of all Joy!” “Be the best you...You are enough!”
When I finally realized that all I can do is be the best “ME” my view on fitness and health changed for the better. It’s about what is best for me and my health. I can’t compare myself to anyone else. And...we all slip up. So what if I ate 2 cupcakes yesterday...were they good? Heck yeah :)