Dawn Strozier is one of the nation’s most requested health and wellness experts.
A few reasons may be because of her ability to motivate, achieve desired results, and develop customized corporate wellness, adult, and youth training programs.
Her philosophy?
“You’ll win if you don’t quit.” Dawn gladly explained in a recent interview with BlackDoctor.org.
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She adds, "I actually apply that philosophy to my life on a daily basis. Whenever I feel like hitting the snooze button one more time or when I tell myself, 'I’ll do it tomorrow.'
Dawn believes that having a strong mentality is key to success. "To not quit and push through each one of those scenarios gives me a small ‘win'. Each of those small 'wins' builds the momentum necessary to push through the big barriers in life. When I do that consistently I write my own history and create the habit of not quitting. Having that habit propels me and prepares me for the ‘Big Win’".
Impressively, Dawn has not only trained celebrities such as Steve Harvey and Kim Kimble. But she has also co-authored two books: Unleash The Leader Within You and Unleashing the Vision Within You.
In addition to those feats, Dawn is the founder of The Fitness Kidz - a youth-based fitness group that tours nationally performing high energy choreographed exercise and workout routines.
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The Power of Exercise
Many people with fantastic bodies were unathletic at some point. Not Dawn. “For as long as I can remember, I have always been an athletic person. While in high school, I ran track, I was a cheerleader, a member of the dance fitness team, and was even on the gymnastics squad. I completely immersed myself in anything involving athleticism.”
Most people are not involved in that many sports activities in high schools, and it makes me wonder if Dawn had enough time to study for classes! Although her physical stature deemed her indestructible, she developed insecurities about herself just as many others do in their late teens. Want to know how Dawn eliminated those securities?
Exercise.
"A friend suggested I go to the gym. He believed the gym would empower me and help me feel good about myself. Well, on my very first visit to the gym I stayed for five hours. It felt as if I found where I belonged,” revealed Dawn.
Empowering Others Through Fitness
She adds, "At a very critical time in my life I found that the gym that was exactly what I needed. It was not long after that my desire to help others began to grow."
"At first, I simply wanted others to know how empowering the gym could be. I wanted everyone to experience, not only the physical benefits but the same dramatic boost of self-esteem and confidence that I did."
"However, over the years it became so much more than a simple sharing of my experiences. I came to realize that I could truly impact the lives of others in a very meaningful and lifelong way. Ultimately, I was totally transformed by the gym."
"I became a woman with an absolute passion for helping others. I had finally discovered my purpose, my life’s work," Dawn revealed.
Dawn also talks about the power of tapping into your calling and using it to make the world better. "I fully and completely embraced this calling and embarked on a mission to help people take better care of their health and to enhance the quality of their lives.”
Constantly improving both clients’ bodies and her own, people began to take notice. Soon, Dawn began training celebrities. She explained that it wasn’t just about being at the right place at the right time. She also had to look the part. “I was noticed by a particular artist and complimented on being in great shape. Then I was asked if I was a trainer and the rest is history.”
Exercise Goes Beyond What You See
Exercising isn’t just a physical activity; muscles get tired at some point.
Exercising isn’t just mental activity; even strong-willed people can only do so much without the proper physical strength.
Exercising encompasses mind, body, and soul.
As both a fitness trainer and lifestyle coach, Dawson understands that “Every element of a person has to work together and in sync in order to accomplish your goals. Your mind is the greatest tool you could ever employ. It’s conscious and directed use is what allows you to plan, execute, and apply yourself toward your passion."
She adds, "Your soul is where that passion resides. Your passion is the fire that drives your thoughts and actions. It’s why you spend most of your time thinking about a specific thing. Your body is simply the vehicle you use to drive yourself toward the execution of your plans and strategies.”
Exercise Routines for Beginners
At this point, Dawn has priceless experience under her belt that has come from years of exercise, training, and nutrition consulting. Surely some of her exercise routines are too advanced for beginners.
Exercising is just like many things in life: you have to start off small. For example, you cannot just decide that you want to bench press 200 pounds on your first day of exercise. You have to see if you can lift 100 pounds first! For people who are just beginning to exercise, Dawn suggests, "If you are just getting started with a workout regimen you want to focus on exercises that will allow you to work for more than one muscle group at a time. My favorite exercises [that exercise multiple muscle groups] are burpees, squats, and pushups.”
According to Dawn, burpees are probably the single most effective and complete, whole-body conditioning exercise there is.
No other movement on the planet will work for as many muscle groups and burn as many calories at the same. If you are a beginner you can start off with low-impact burpees.
Squats target virtually every muscle group in your legs and, depending on your weight and exercise duration, squats can be a great calorie burner as well.
Push-ups are another great body exercise activating the chest, shoulders, arms, and core.
With cardiovascular exercise being the cornerstone to any weight loss regimen, running allows you to be as effective as possible utilizing every muscle group in your body. When your time is limited, sprinting is a great way to burn some stress, release endorphins and blast off fat… fast.
Dawn's Diet Plan
Dawn’s diet philosophy is that you should love yourself enough to make healthy choices.
Simple.
"Healthy eating means eating a variety of foods that give your body the nutrients it needs to operate at an optimal level. These nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, good fats, water, vitamins, and minerals."
Dawn believes that nutrients are a necessity. "Nutrients are important for everyone. No food can prevent you from getting sick. However, eating proper nutrients is an excellent way to help your body stay strong and healthy. If you desire to get in better shape and you are not eating in alignment with your goals don’t expect to reach them.”
Dawn added, "Appropriate portions, low carbs or no carbs play a huge role in your outcome. I strongly suggest no carbs after 5:00 pm. Carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, beans, potatoes, and bread are energy food if you don’t burn them off they will store in your body as fat.” A healthy body is your main line of defense against illness. You have got to give your body a chance to fight if necessary.
Teaching Kids Fitness
Dawn isn’t just restricted to working in a gym setting or celebs. Her touring group, The Fitness Kidz, is on a mission to educate, motivate, and encourage kids to ask for better diet choices.
"Teaching kids why they should ask for better choices and how to make better choices allows them to assist their parents in leading healthier lifestyles as well. This knowledge empowers them with the confidence they need to feel that fitness success is possible,” said Dawn.
"We stress the importance of an active healthy lifestyle for kids."
