Member of the Month - Chelsea Silverthorne
AggieFit solutes Chelsea Silverthorne as the "Member of the Month" for April. Silverthorne is an avid fitness enthusiast and a NMSU Alumni who graduated in May of 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. We thank you, Chelsea, for your commitment to excellence both towards NMSU and your fitness endeavors.
What activities do you enjoy and take advantage of within the Activity Center? What aspects assisted you along the way to keep things enjoyable and consistent?
I participate in cardiovascular and strength exercises along with AggieFit aerobics classes. I really enjoy weight training. I also enjoy cardio (running- most recently intervals). I also think it's very important to include flexibility exercises. Weight training is a constant challenge; I can add weight, add reps, lessen reps, etc. to always keep my routine new and keep my body guessing. I always try to maintain/prefect my form. I stay committed to running because it helps ease my soreness after weights and it's completely relaxing. I'm always able to clear my head with some time on the treadmill. I've done yoga and spinning classes in the past and swam laps at the pool.
What is the basic format of your strength training routine - how do you change the format from workout to workout?
I alternate upper body with lower body and try to give myself a day of rest between two workout days. The day of rest can include some cardio. I prefer free weights to machines because I find that I use my entire body, especially my core to balance myself during the exercises I perform with free weights. I do supplement with some machines (calf raises, leg curls to work the hamstring area, etc.) I also throw in some abdominal exercises a few times a week. My favorites are the squat racks here at the AC, I can do a lot there... definitely the best in the city!
What other fitness/recreational activities you perform outside the AC?
My fiancé and I walk our dog or take jogs around Mesilla where we live- always nice. I also like to play tennis and basketball with him occasionally. I hope to get into hiking more in the future and can't quite let go of ballet- maybe I'll pick it up again someday!
What do you like the most about staying active and exercise?
Staying active and exercising is part of my life. It's my high, my balance. I am addicted. I know that I am taking care of my body and mind and I function at my best when I am physically active and eating healthfully. I also feel that strength training has helped me heal from a severe ankle injury I experienced in high school. At the time I couldn't really take time off to heal properly, but exercising regularly since then has helped so much. I am a nurse and strive to maintain my health and strength so I can perform at my best for my patients as well.
What motivational advice would you give anybody of the general public, regardless of age, in regards to the importance of incorporating physical activity within one's lifestyle?
I tell people that consistency is key. Any progress is better than no progress and in time everything that seemed impossibly challenging will get easier. You will be rewarded!
What advice would you give, based on your own personal experience and workouts, to someone who is just starting an exercise program (a beginner)?
Same basic concepts as previously mentioned - stick with it and make exercise a part of your life. Try not to "spot train" or "lose weight" specifically. Instead, start incorporating exercise into your life and make a regular habit out of it. Find something you enjoy and go for total body wellness, strength, and overall long-term goals.
Have you been active your entire life? If there was a specific time you began working out consistently, when was that
I played sports since as far back as the 3rd grade- basketball, softball, swimming, ballet, tae kwon do, volleyball, soccer, tennis, even floor hockey. I started lifting when I was in high school. I'd ask my basketball coach to open up the weight room early so I could lift before class in the morning.
Any other comments?
The NMSU AC is the best workout facility in Las Cruces. I love the place and the people that work here. I work at night, sometimes 14 to 15 hours and sleep during the day. On days off I love coming here to try to get in consistent workouts to maintain my body and strength and relieve stress from work. My fiancé works here too so I usually come in and spend time with him during time off. We also met in the AC weight room in 2008 so of course there is some sentiment here for me!
Know someone who deserves to be recognized? If you would like to nominate an individual affiliated with the NMSU community for the AggieFit "member of the month", please contact: smeyer@nmsu.edu or 646-5178
