Many women go from heels to sneakers to fit in a little exercise in their busy lives but one local woman took on a whole new challenge after her 40th birthday.

The Shannon Dey Classic is heading for Panama City Beach, it's a true test of an athletes endurance and figure... And as Jennifer Ashby will tell you - training for this fitness and body building competition isn't easy...

"I agreed to it, scared to death but I agreed to it... It's been hard changing my diet, changing my lifestyle, getting up an extra hour, do my cardio and plan my meals," said Jennifer Asby, a trainer at Golds Gym.

Ashby loves fitness, always has - that's why she became a personal trainer.

She trains 40 clients in the area and works at least six days a week.

She says finding the time for herself has been difficult since the past eight weeks she's been sleeping at least one hour less and incorporating a strict workout schedule in between clients and eating.

But it's her clientele that's getting her through.

Her colleague, Savanna Poyner says she watches her on a daily basis working with clients, she says watching Ashby work as hard as she does, makes her clients work that much harder.

"They know if I can do it, they can do it. You know, it doesn't matter where you are (in your fitness level) if you're young or old - change is always good. This is your body... It's your longevity, it's what you plan to do with the rest of your life," said Ashby.

Likewise her clients are inspired by her story, and seem to be going the extra mile.

Ashby says fitness has given her a new outlook on life and with her job, she's just hoping to share the inspiration..

"I'm happier than I've ever been, I don't like who I was, I'm a better person," said Ashby.

The Shannon Dey Classic will be held in Gulf World Garden Theater on May 15th and 16th. Tickets for kids under 12 are $10 dollars and adults $20.

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Jenn recommends:

Get up every morning and drink 8 oz of water!

Try 30 minutes of cardio - if you want to do it on a treadmill- take long, slow steps, squeeze gluteus on incline 3 days a week.

Or

Stair master 30 minutes slow deep steps squeeze gluteus, 30 minutes 3 days per week.

Work 1 muscle group per day - 5 days a week and focus on isolating muscle.

Try to eat 7 times per day, every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. If you can't eat a meal, drink your calories. Avoid fast food or dining out.

Watch your portions. 4oz. Size on meat, 3/4 carbs and 1 cup veggies.

You get one cheat meal per week.

Write down your goals and post them where you can see them every day. We all talk but writing takes time. If you take the time to write goals down your chances of actually achieving them are greater.

Remember that not everyone agrees with what you are trying to do. Don't get discouraged and give up!

Do you want to workout with Jen? Call Golds Gym at 850-233-2111