7 Savvy Fitness Secrets From Ruby's Trainers

Fri., Oct. 2, 2009 9:00 AM PDT by Drew and Shazia Edmonds
Drew Edmonds, Shazia Edmonds

Ruby's trainers, Drew and Shazia Edmonds of Train Me 24/7, are here to share some tips that'll help you start and maintain a successful fitness program.

1. Start Small. Many people view a fitness program as an all-or-nothing proposition. We believe that making small changes now will lead to big changes long-term. Want some painless swaps? Try replacing soft drinks with water, dessert with 10-minute "metabo" walks around the neighborhood, or family TV time with play time in the park. Too much change at once can become overwhelming and lead to burnout, so take it one small step at a time. Success will follow!

2. Set Goals. Without goals, it is difficult to measure the success of a fitness program. Be sure to set realistic, measurable and time-specific goals. A goal can be anything from pounds or inches lost to a specific number of workouts completed by a selected date. Ruby loves setting goals to keep herself motivated!

3. Break It Up. If time and endurance are limiting factors, break up your workout into three 10-minute sessions spread throughout the day. Some fitness professionals believe shorter, high-intensity workouts can actually produce results similar to longer workouts. Ruby started with shorter walks and bike rides spread throughout her day and has now worked up to 50-minute continuous sessions. You can, too!

4. Be Accountable. Share your new program with other people in your life, including family, friends and coworkers. Let them know what you are doing and when you are getting started. This will create a "team environment" in which you are accountable not only to yourself, but also to your team.

5. Get Tracking. It is important to keep a journal or log of your activities and eating. We ask Ruby to write down every meal and fitness activity she performs daily. This helps her (and us) assess progress, stay motivated and make necessary adjustments. A journal is also a great place to plan ahead!

6. Keep It Fun! You may need to try a variety of activities before you discover one(s) you really want to do long-term. Sign up for a Pilates or dance class. Try cardio boxing or biking instead of walking. Go with others or go alone. Try exercising in different environments or at different times. Keep your options open and find exercise you enjoy so you never view it as a chore. Ruby loves dancing, boxing and biking—she is truly having fun with fitness.

7. Ask for Help. Ruby never hesitates to ask her team for help, and neither should you. If you have concerns, seek a qualified professional for assistance. This may be a registered dietitian, physician, personal trainer or therapist. And if you have questions about exercise and wellness, feel free to send us an email.

Categories: fitness , ruby , drew and shazia edmonds , diet and fitness , healthy , ruby tips
Photo by: Courtesy Drew and Shazia Edmonds
Back to mystyle.com Blog home

24 Comments

  • pat james Thu, Oct 22, 2009, 2:54 PM

    1. Just wanted to know if Ruby was going to be back. I think she is such a beautiful person and wanted to know if she was going to continue her weight loss journey.

    Report abuse

  • Connie Forhan Sun, Oct 25, 2009, 3:58 AM

    2. I, too, want to know if Ruby is coming back. She is such an inspiration. I have lost 56 pounds so far with her help.

    Report abuse

  • Betty boop Sun, Oct 25, 2009, 10:21 PM

    3. Before she took her Facebook page down, Ruby said she was filming season three. So I guess that means she's going to be back.

    Report abuse

  • Lois A. Hansen Tue, Oct 27, 2009, 12:38 PM

    4. I am waiting for Ruby to come back. Where can I find this info. zip is 95326 I too have been on the same journey and have about 70lbs to go. Love Lois

    Report abuse

  • betty seward Sun, Nov 1, 2009, 4:29 PM

    5. Will Ruby Show Come back,

    Report abuse

  • Karen Mon, Nov 2, 2009, 12:09 PM

    6. I would like to know also when Ruby will be back. I admire her for working so hard to lose the weight!

    Report abuse

  • Wanda Wed, Nov 4, 2009, 11:43 PM

    7. I can't wait for Ruby to be back. She is such an inspiration to me! I've lost 42 pounds with her. Ruby, I MISS YOU!!

    Report abuse

  • Rose Barret Thu, Nov 5, 2009, 5:16 AM

    8. I miss Ruby. She is an inspiration to me as I have never known anyone before who had as much weight to lose as i did. I have lost 50 ounds so far. I miss her. When will she be back on?

    Report abuse

  • Jilla Rahimi Fri, Nov 13, 2009, 4:10 PM

    9. My family and I miss you so much! You have been such an inspiration to us all! May God bless you and Inspire you more with each day!

    Report abuse

  • Wanda James Mon, Dec 21, 2009, 1:47 AM

    10. Ruby I have been struggling with my weight since childhood. I am not physically able to exercise due to a back surgery gone bad. I love you and pray for you to reach your goal and to be healthy. I lived in Brunswick Ga right below you, but now am in SC. I really want to be healthier so I can get off meds. I consider the lap-band surgery but couldn't go thru with it because of my fear of surgery since the Dr. who did my surgery was drunk when he operated on me. Please pray for me for strength. Wanda

    Report abuse

  • Rebekah Fri, Feb 19, 2010, 10:39 AM

    11. Oh my goodness; I just watched this season's new hour hour episode! All of it was good but how amazing it was to listen to the personal story of the newest member of Ruby's team! I cried as I listened, watched and learned as she discussed the healing steps. It occurred to me as I observed...I am doing exactly the same thing with my own demons! To all the women in Ruby's club, keep the faith to remain committed to this journey. What a great opener! Ruby...please, please, please keep your faith in this journe! Your message and healing are important elements females need to hear in a society which glorifies glamour. We all have our own inner beauty to share!

    Report abuse

  • dlm Sun, Mar 7, 2010, 6:16 AM

    12. I was wondering what kind of bike Ruby has. Is it hard to find a bike that can be comfortable for a plus size person. Also how important is weight training?

    Report abuse

  • Mistey035 Fri, Mar 12, 2010, 8:21 PM

    13. Ruby, I am so proud of you. You are a true inspiration. I have watched your show for a long time and your progress is very uplifting and inspirational. Thank you for sharing and never giving up. You keep on going girl. You are beautiful...and it is wonderful to know that "We as big girls can always accomplish our goals.:

    Report abuse

  • VLZ Sun, Mar 21, 2010, 1:37 PM

    14. Can anyone tell me what is on the poster that Ruby keeps about her weight loss? I know it is decorated and she uses it for motivation. I would love to know about it in detail, so I can make one for myself. Thanks

    Report abuse

  • Sharla Beebe Sun, Mar 21, 2010, 7:03 PM

    15. I too would like more detail about the progress poster Ruby is using. It seems like a great tool. I love Ruby * her show. Please keep it going. Ruby you are wonderful * I pray for you. You can do it!

    Report abuse

  • lynette Thu, Mar 25, 2010, 1:15 AM

    16. i think ruby is so inspiring i would like to know what i can do to lose weight i'm 80 lbs over weight it's so depressing sometimes i often think about taking my own life because i don't have any positive freinds * i recently stoped using drugs * i've put on a lot of extra weight &all my mother does is ccall me fat.I tell her she is so negative.&that only makes me eat even more ;i don't have money where i can join a health club or any thing can you give some suggestion i would really appreciate it .I just happen to be channel surfing * i came across ruby * happen to hear her story about when she started her journey she weihed 716lbs.& now she weighs 388 i think thats great keep up the good work please returna comment .desprete in chicago.

    Report abuse

  • Melinda Wed, Apr 21, 2010, 11:31 AM

    17. Ruby, You have opened my eyes again to my personal addiction to food and how it replaces the comfort of having close friends and people in my life. I envy you for having the wonderful friends you have around you. I have always allowed my weight to seperate me from others because of the views and oppinnions people have expressed to me about my appearance all my life. Keep up the hard work it is paying off, I see it every week on your show. If anyone in the Frederick, Maryland area would like to start a support group like Ruby's lets get together!

    Report abuse

  • Beautibug Wed, Apr 28, 2010, 6:28 PM

    18. Ruby, today I turned 53 yrs old and I'm a 100 lbs overweight. I tried for years to battle this desire to over indulge. I do fine for awhile and then I sabatage myself. Not sure why? I wish I could join you in the intensive and maybe figure out some things as to why I do what I do. I know this wt is affecting my health. I would love to talk with you anytime. You are an inspiration to many I stand in awe of your accomplishments...NEVER give up! I admire your ability to share so openly your struggles. I have considered surgery but insurance will not cover it all. I gain a little hope every time I watch your show. Sometimes I watch the same show many times trying to gain a little more insite as to why I overeat. Tonight I am starting over again. My plan is to never give up!

    Report abuse

  • jacqueline givens Sun, May 2, 2010, 11:23 AM

    19. hey ruby,i sooo enjoy watching ur shows on tv,u r so inspiring an motivating,its so hard to loose weight,i had a gastric band fitted 4 months ago an still struggle,very hard to loose the fat head,anyhow,good luck an continuing sucess,love jacqui,northern ireland xoxoxo

    Report abuse

  • mary maurice Sat, May 29, 2010, 12:09 AM

    20. Ruby, is a great source of inspiration to me, i love her show and pray to God that someday i will get to my desired weight just as he has helped Ruby....

    Report abuse

  • FancyNancy Thu, Jun 3, 2010, 11:35 AM

    21. When will this season of shows start again? I so enjoy the journey you are taking Ruby, which many of us obviously, can relate to. Keep up the good work.

    Report abuse

  • Mary Beth Carthern Sun, Jun 27, 2010, 7:57 AM

    22. Ruby, I can't wait for your show to come back on. I've had a weight problem all my life. I have at least 90 pounds to lose. Ruby you are an inspiration to me and all the people that watch the show. When i watch you i feel i'm with a friend. May God Bless and keep you in his care. With God all things Ruby CAN DO!!!!

    Report abuse

  • b Tue, Jun 29, 2010, 10:24 AM

    23. Great ideas, I'm going to print them out and keep them close by to moivate me to lose the weight. Already I'm walking more, at different times of the day, gave up the soda already cut the sugery cereals out, and stopped eating chips.

    Report abuse

  • Amber Sat, Jul 31, 2010, 4:45 PM

    24. Please, please, please, please make more Ruby episodes. I love this show. Ruby, you're an true inspiration.

    Report abuse
Now loading...

Add Your Comment!

1000 characters left (No tags or HTML)

Post Comment

Get Your MyStyle News Now

Top steals and more, straight to your in-box!

Email

Email

Birthdate:

Enter your full birthdate:

Next

has been subscribed to the MyStyle Flash Newsletter.

DONE