Meet Blake Elarbee - My Health and Fitness Jedi.

I've done Weight Watchers. And HMR. I've also tried to "wing it" and go it alone. For me, when it comes to the overwhelming task of improving my overall health, I know I need guidance. This time, I wanted an approach that was personalized for me, my lifestyle and my long-term goals.Cue Blake Elarbee, BS CSCS SNS. Private trainer, sports nutritionist, health coach and all-around cool dude. (And cute too. But, you know, whose looking? Not me. I'm very serious...)Here's how it's going to work: Blake is going to bust my ass and help me stay accountable. This means I will probably both love him and want to throw things at him at the same time. Except by the time I will want to inflict bodily harm to him I will be so pooped out, sweaty and gross that I'll be focussed on not barfing and breathing instead of inflicting Ninja-like pain on him for making me do the extra set of squats.In all seriousness though... I am both really excited and really nervous to start working out. I like physical activity I'm just really bad at it. Which makes it really hilarious how Blake and I actually met. Ready for this? On Tinder. No joke. He must have done the "all dudes swipe right all the time" thing, because I came across him once day and said hi first. Yes, I said hello first. Here's kind of how it went down.Me: Hmm. Look at this interesting and cute and (not normally my type, but ok I can run with that) guy who has lots of interests. Him: (Who knows, I don't read minds.) Me: Wow, this guy is really interesting, I should Google him. (Cue my looking at YouTube and watching this video ) Wow, this guy seems totally down to earth and non judgmental, thats SO cool!Him: (Still no idea, cause I don't read minds, yet again...) Me: Wow, this guy should totally be my new friend. I will maketh himmeth my  friendeth at onceth! Him: (Yup. No idea, but at he seemed willing... and, well, as I always say, where there's a will there's a way!)And thats when started talking about real stuff. Life. Health. Inspiring people. What both of our goals are as people and professionals. How we both want to make a difference in helping others to live better lives. And, the more and more we chatted the more and more I became convinced that Blake was just the perfect guy to work with here. And when I ran the idea by him? He was on board. SCORE!

When we finally sat down face to face... I'm pretty sure I had tears in my eyes. I told him he was going to see my at my worst; probably panting for life, dripping sweat from places a lady should never admit, struggling to catch my breath, snot running from my nose. But, if he could stand ALL of that and not judge me for who I am and the limitations of my body... That I would hand my trust over to him to kick and mold and shape. And he said yes.

When we finally sat down face to face to discuss my goals, I'm pretty sure I had tears in my eyes. I told him he was going to see my at my worst; probably panting for life, dripping sweat from places a lady should never admit, struggling to catch my breath, snot running from my nose. But, if he could stand ALL of that and not judge me for who I am and the limitations of my body... That I would hand my trust over to him to kick and mold and shape. And he said yes.So, Blake Elarbee. You scare the f*ck out of me and we haven't even worked out together yet. I know it isn't actually YOU that scares me (cause you're cool, duh) but that you are going to force me to see things in myself that I don't like.  That is what really freaks me out... and then there's this pic. I'm not gonna lie. This kinda freaks me out too.You will see a LOT more of Blake in the future. We'll share workout pics (ugh) tips and lessons, Snap live and even make some videos. When not in the gym, you can find Blake riding his motorcycle, playing drums or hanging with his puppy. Also, you can find him in social media land here:    Also, you can find Blake on YouTube here!

When someone commits to being more healthy, even if they have a long way to go, I tell them…Fitness is a lifestyle and not a quick fix. Every day is a chance to be “better” than the chance before.Blake Elarbee, my Fitness Jedi