Smarty Mom: Holly Graue

After Thursday’s pig out I cannot think of a better time to introduce you to this weeks Smarty Mom. She and her husband are fitness freaks and love to spread their gospel of good health to everyone. They are both certified personal trainers who work magic out of their small but insanely well equipped gym in South Charlotte. Holly is smart, quiet and ridiculously witty and she makes having small children and staying fit look so easy. Their training philosophy is simple “Do the Work”. Make sure you watch Geoff’s “Burn the Bird” Video at the end, it’s hysterical and just might give you the inspiration you need to work off those extra pounds.

Family Life?

Married to my partner in crime, Geoff. He’s the “G” in the H&G Personal Training. Proud mom of Aubrey and Larson. Frustrated dog owner to Chief who is “Marley” reincarnated(but I love him)!

Hometown/Years in Charlotte?

Albuquerque, NM is my childhood home. Charlotte has been our home base for 8 years. We love it here…unless I win the lotto, in which case an island is where you’ll find me.

When did you become so passionate about fitness?

I’ll give credit to my parents, who set the example early on in my life. They were great ambassadors of fitness, which is so important to instill in kids. Also, sports were a huge part of my life growing up which naturally created an overall passion for fitness.

What do you like most about being a personal fitness training?

There are too many things I love about training but the most fulfilling part is watching our clients truly embrace what it means to be fit and healthy. They drop the excuses and the fear and jump head first into a new life. Lots of sweat and soreness is earned but feeling strong is priceless.

What advice do you have for us mere mortals going in to this dangerous holiday season?

My answer is a question. Ask yourself, is the over indulgence worth it? Too much of a good thing is too much! Some simple tricks to consider: eat a snack before an event to fill the belly. Sometimes the trick works but sometimes the appetizers smell so good! If you must, fill your plate half full and go for it. You only live once, right? Most importantly, don’t repeat the gluttony at every party. And pretty please keep the booze to a minimum. The liquid calorie variety is a secret nemesis we must all keep an eye on.

What is one thing you want every woman who struggles with their body image to know?

Wow….where do I start? Let me begin by saying we should all be grateful for our health. Sadly, women(and young girls) have been conditioned to want the “perfect” body. I’m here to tell you that there is no perfect body BUT there is a perfect you! If you want to change something, set some goals and reach for the stars! Wanting a 20 year-old body is not a realistic goal, but looking like a hot mom is! It takes work but so does everything that’s worth a damn.

What did you learn about your own body after having two kids?

I’ve earned that it takes time to get everything back, especially after the second baby. Boobs go south….like, way south, stomachs are squishy and we get the added bonus of the random peepee leakage? What gives! If you work hard and eat right, it comes back. It takes time and the patience of a saint…but the body can return, with a few dings. Hey, I have to keep it real, right?

I have never in my life met someone as excited about fitness as your husband Geoff. What is his secret?

It is infectious. Geoff is a mad scientist in the gym. His passion is palpable. He is absolutely built and designed for training and owning a gym. He’s a genius at what he does and I strive to be as good as him one day. The problem is, while he immerses himself in a medical journal(as a hobby) I troll Charlotte Smarty Pants looking for new recipes from you and reading other their cool CSP articles.

If you could only use two pieces of workout equipment for the rest of your life what would they be and why?
1. Hands down, I’d use the TRX because I can strap it to a palm tree on the island I bought with my lotto ticket! The TRX is an amazing and portable piece that can travel anywhere and it delivers a killer workout.
2. The kettlebell is another piece that is portable(can’t travel as far) but the little sucker is amazing and again, it delivers a full body workout and packs a mean punch.

Okay now for the fun stuff…

Favorite family night activity?

We like a nice movie night filled with Candyland and some uniquely made up card game our daughter tries to teach us. Problem is she makes it up as she goes and convienently we always lose. Our son is only one, so his idea of family night is a bath, a bottle and two books before bed.

Go-to date night spot?

You know, I’m impressed with the date night phenomenom. Geoff and I are super lame. We don’t go out very much without our kids. I have issues letting a babysitter watch the kids. What is wrong with me? On the rare occasion we do go out it’s usually to a good steak house like Ruth’s Chris.

Funniest thing your kids have said or done to you?

My son is little so his facial expressions and mischievous ways make me laugh. My daughter cried last night at the idea that school might be cancelled due to icy conditions(thanks weather man). She cried and said: ” THIS IS AWFUL…I HAVEN’T LEARNED ENOUGH YET!!!”

When are you and your sister Shannon taking your comedy act on the road?

I think the circus has enough animals to deal with. We’re a rare breed of animal that can’t be tamed.

What does your life look like in when you are 80?

It’s freaky to think about being 80 but that’s where we’re all heading. I know this much…I’ll fight tooth and nail to be as strong as possible to live a good life. I just want to be healthy and happy with my family in tow and some grand children as my side kicks. Not to be repeat myself but I’d prefer to live in a warm climate with an ocean breeze. That way I can wear my hot pants and tube tops year round. Nice image, right?

If you want to see what we do in our gym, check out www.handgpersonaltraining.com. Or you can like us on Facebook (H&G personal Training). If you want my phone number, blood type or my top secret workout recipe let me know and I’ll get that to you ASAP!

Register for TWO Giveaways this week!

The 2013 Smarty Holiday Swag Bag:

When you become a mom, you quickly realize that after your first holiday season, it’s never going to be about you ever again. And that’s ok, because we adore our kids and the true meaning of the holidays. But what Smarty girl doesn’t like gifts wrapped up in a pink & green bow just for her?! That’s where CSP comes in. Smarties, we have scoured our amazing city and we bring you the BIGGEST and MOST FABULOUS Smarty Swag Bag to date! Feast your eyes, Smarty Charlotte and enjoy the pampering!

We present over $2,700 worth of fabulous Smarty Swag…Click here to join the holiday party, we’ll pick our winners on December 9th, all 22 of them!!

Win an American Girl Doll!

Smarties, in honor of our Smarty Holiday Gift Guide Week, we bring you the coolest girly giveaway of the holiday season! One lucky Smarty will win an American Girl Bitty Baby™ and one will win an American Girl Doll of the Year, Saige™! How cool is that?! Click here to register!