My Brother’s-In-Law version of “Pick Your Party”…

December 20, 2013

Here is a hilarious version of my “Pick Your Party” post from my very talented brother-in-law. Enjoy!

“In the next twelve days there are a lot of opportunities to celebrate. And celebrating is good. Indulging is even better.

I encourage you to party. Choose one event for indulging each and every day of the holiday season. Because, it is not one holiday dinner that causes holiday happiness. It is the daily treats, late nights, changes in schedules, parade of parties and increase in alcohol consumption that leave us feeling at peace with the world. Why choose just one celebration when you can choose all of them?

Don’t deprive yourself: More drinks! More indulgent food! Longer nights! You can always hire a personal trainer to get back in shape when this holiday season is over. And in my book, that is a plan worth considering.”

Shop Small Saturday Sale: $25 just for you!

November 30, 2013

Blakely Fit RARELY has sales. WIth our love for small business and our small group training “Strength In Numbers” we are celebrating Small Business Saturday with a sale!

New clients:

$25 off Strength In Numbers Assessment when you email interest today (click here)

Current clients (because we love you so):

$25 off your next bill when five friends sign up for our Friday Quickie (link here)

Email train@blakelyfit.com. We’ll let you know which of your nearest and dearest signed up – must sign up by Tuesday at midnight.

Current client sample text options to make your life easier:

“Hey pals, sign up for this awesome, quick, Friday morning email for some fitness inspiration. Save me $25 in the process! Thanks!”

“Ladies, as a source of all things fabulous in Chicago, trust me when I recommend you sign up for Blakely Fit’s ‘Friday Quickie’ – concise, inspiring and catering to women. You’ll love it and I’ll save $25 in the process.”

“Remember how we’ve been talking about getting back into shape? Here’s a great springboard- save me $25 when you sign up for Blakely Fit’s ‘Friday Quickie.'”

“You know how I’ve seemed healthier lately… here’s my secret. Join me and we can both save $25. A million thanks!”

Learn more about Michelle Blakely, Featured Trainer at The Trainers Gym

November 6, 2013

Guess who is the Featured Trainer at The Trainers Gym? Get to know more about Michelle here:

Name: Michelle Blakely
Age: 39
Hometown: Chicago
Current city: Frankfort, IL
Favorite gym equipment: Barbells – too few women use them
Favorite food: Dark chocolate covered grahams
Favorite TV show: 30 Rock (Tina and Alec – geniuses in their own right)

1. How long have you been/how did you decide to become a Personal Trainer?
I have been training for 12 years. I danced professionally in Europe and North America after college. An injury left me looking for answers. Strength training was a huge component to my recovery (and although not the original intent – weight management.) As I healed and continued my research, the benefits of strength training extended beyond recovery and athleticism. Strength training offers a solution to weight management, metabolism struggles, healthier living, flexibility and stress reduction, as well as consistently creating a long, lean physique. I love all things efficient and proven. I have been hooked and helping others ever since.

2. What are your core beliefs when it comes to health and wellness?

Be skeptical of hype and fads.
Make change systematically and incrementally.
Never underestimate your daily habits – they are powerful and life changing.
Seek out reputable experts and quality data.
When in doubt, participate in what is fun and joyful.

3. What is the most rewarding thing about being a Personal Trainer?
Client success. No doubt about it.

4. What kind of clients do you specialize in, if any?
Women only. Age 25 and better. Professionals and homemakers seeking efficient, ways to be be active, fit and lean.

5. Do you have any tips on ways to burn a few extra calories through the day?
Yes, get out of your chair. Seek excuses to move more. Pace every phone call. Walk a lap every hour. Never take the elevator. Meet for a walk instead of coffee. Park as far from the door as possible. Get off the train one stop early or late. Dance every time you hear music. (silliness might be required – well worth it.)

6. What is your favorite snack food (fruits, vegetables, snack bars, etc.)?
Currently, pureed vegetable soup. Perfect for really busy snack times, I don’t even have to chew. Microwave a cup in a coffee mug. Surprisingly tasty. GET THE RECIPE HERE.

7. What do you think is the most valuable benefit of working with a Personal Trainer?
We don’t know what we don’t know. An expert’s insights can make all the difference.

“I’m here to learn!”

October 26, 2013

I am attending Club Industry at McCormick place in Chicago this week to learn from some of the best in the industry. Looking forward to sharing their insights in the coming weeks and months as I implement any of their great ideas!

Photo: Sergio Rojas and Michelle Blakely at Club Industry 2013. Sergio is the fitness expert for NBC5 news in Chicago, a regular contributor for Men’s Fitness Magazine and former Executive Director of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports. Excellent presentation and outstanding fitness professional – it was an honor to hear his talk.

PS Did anyone catch the Billy Madison reference? Anyone?

Your Lean In Photo Please

October 18, 2013

Last week, many of you responded to my blog, post and tweet about Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead. I’d love to hear more from you. Please post “why I lean in” and a photo of your “lean in” here, on our Facebook page or reply to our tweet. Friends that might like this? Spread the word – the more the merrier.

My reason? “For my daughters, that they might have fewer hurdles in the future.”

Video Demo of “Strength In Numbers”

September 20, 2013

Click here and watch this one minute video of our “Strength In Numbers” class.

Join us for Tuesday and Thursday morning classes! Class size is limited to eight women. Email to check availability and schedule your Assessment.

Strength in Numbers is built on the premise that every woman should have access to high quality resistance training program design and instruction. Every client is tracked with our quarterly BFit Reassessment System and all programs include modifications for various fitness levels.

Blakely Fit Open House 9/22

September 12, 2013

Chicago Reader’s Best Personal Trainer and the city’s best hairstylist (if you ask me) are coming together for an hour of fun and fitness!

Blakely Fit Open House

Sunday, September 22nd 10:30 to 11:30am

The Trainer’s Gym 401 West Ontario STE 400 Chicago

Excellent fitness secrets from Michelle Blakely – motivating, entertaining and informative

Easy braid techniques, demo of dry shampoo, and fast up-dos for gorgeous “workout hair” by our special guest, Jessica Rieger: gifted hairstylist and consummate professional.
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Free hair product for each woman registering in advance.

PLUS, we’re celebrating our 10 year anniversary…
$10 iTunes gift card when you bring a friend (must register in advance) AND 10% off first month of Strength In Numbers registration that morning (7am and 6am classes available.)

Dress? Weekend Casual

Parking? Metered Street

Food? Of course! Quiche, fruit and coffee 🙂

Interested? Register Now: train@blakelyfit.com

Want to bring a friend or two? Share our event on Facebook.

September 10, 2013

Blakely Fit Open House

Sunday September 22nd 10:30am

The Trainer’s Gym 401 West Ontario 4th Floor, Chicago

Not bad for a 39 year old mother of two, right? Standing up for my oldest brother at the Ravenswood Event Center this weekend. Absolutely wonderful day and marriage of two extraordinary men. Hair in this photo is by Jessica Rieger – truly gifted hairstylist and consummate professional. (You didn’t think I put this together myself, did you?) Join us on September 22nd for a Blakely Fit Open House at the Trainer’s Gym – refreshments, fitness tricks (shared by moi), workout hair do’s and don’ts and braiding tutorial by our guest, aforementioned, Jessica. It’s going to be lovely. RSVP to train@blakleyfit.com

VOTE for Michelle Blakely

May 5, 2013

VOTE FOR “MICHELLE BLAKELY” ONLINE NOW!

The 2012 Best of Chicago Reader voting has started. Your 30 seconds could make all the difference! I’d love to have your help.

1. Click Here

2. Enter your name and email address

3. Select the “Sports and Recreation Section” and type “Michelle Blakely” beside Best Personal Trainer (bottom of page)or

Click to page 5 and type “Michelle Blakely” beside Best Personal Trainer

(you do NOT have to vote for any other categories)It was an honor to be a runner up in 2011 and an absolute joy to win in 2012. I would love to have your help again this year! Please feel free to forward to friends and colleagues or click on our Facebook link.