Friday, December 7, 2012

Drum's Alive Classes!

Here is a complete list of the cardio drumming classes that I teach!!

Creekside Fitness (Boardman, OH)
Tuesday's 4:30pm-5:30pm
Thursday's 5:30pm-6:30pm
Saturday's 8-9am

Hunkus Chiropractor
(798 E. Liberty St.  Girard, OH)
Wednesdays 6:45pm-7:45pm
Saturday's 9:30-10:30pm

Please come and join us for an amazing workout! After one class you will fall in love with the program! Cardio drumming IS for everyone, no matter your fitness level, you can make this class your own! Hope to see you soon!

Friday, June 1, 2012

Zumba on Local News!

Here is the segment on Zumba from WYTV 33...my Creekside ladies & Ryan, Jim Loboy, & Len Rome rocked it!!

Dare Daybreak-Zumba!

Soon to come...another segment on Drum's Alive through WFMJ 21!!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

My Superman

I am so proud of my husband for setting the goal this year to ride in the Pan Ohio Hope Ride. The Pan Ohio Hope Ride is through the American Cancer Society which helps raise funds for cancer research, treatment, etc. Funds also goes towards an amazing facility in which cancer patients and family may stay during treatment, called the Hope Lodge. During my husband's treatments, the Hope Lodge opened their doors to us and gave us a home away from home, a support system of others who truly knew what you were going through.

On July 26th my husband will be riding in honor of those who have lost their lives to cancer. It was only a few years ago when my husband could have been one of them. Each day we have is a blessing and it is an honor to be married to such a strong man...my superman!

If you would like to donate towards the Pan Ohio Hope Ride, check out my hubbie's link below....any gift is greatly appreciated, thank you for making a difference!
Pan Ohio Hope Ride

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Drum's Alive on Local News!!

Check this out!!!! : ) : )  I am so excited that I was able to do this for Creekside Fitness & for our community! I just love this program and cannot wait to share it with more interested peeps!!!
Fitness Gets a Whole New Rhythm

Check Out Drum's Alive Video!

Tomorrow morning WYTV 33 will be airing the piece on Zumba Fitness!! Tune in @ 5am!!

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Reflection & A New Goal

So in the past 6months, I have expanded my professional background. In addition to the beloved Zumba, I am certified in Drum's Alive, Personal Training, and as of this past weekend Tai Chi & Team Boot Camp. Each program has their benefits and I cannot wait to incorporate each piece into my workouts for others.

I am so blessed to have come so far...it has been 5 years since I have officially kept my weight off (May 07-May 2012). Don't get me wrong, there has been moments of weakness (darn cupcakes!) & a few sneaky pounds, but for the most part my motivation & will power have remained and I continue to push myself to become stronger & healthier each day. Every day I walk into the gym, I make it a point to remember what it felt like to be 190lbs, to remember that day I saw a reflection I did not want to see again, and to remember the day I decided to make a lifestyle change.

I am now about to embark on a new challenge! The other day at the gym, one of my Zumba ladies asked me if I had competed in a strength competition a few weekends ago. The answer was "no". I learned that apparently there was a girl there that looked like me competing. I took a few moments to ask about the details and strength requirements. It sounded like a challenge....push ups, burpees, farmer's walk, sled pushes & pulls, relays, etc. As she was describing the program, I think my face looked like a child's on Christmas morning....pure excitement!! So here it is, my new goal....to compete in a team strength competition this Fall.

It is going to be difficult and, no doubt, painful...but in all health goals I am going to look at the end result! Hopefully by Fall I will be one strong chic! I am going to make it a point to chart my progress & set backs on my blog, because let's face it...you will keep me accountable!



Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Fundraiser for Hope Lodge @
Creekside Fitness

Saturday June 16th, 2012

Zumba-1-2pm
Drum's Alive-2-3pm

Cost-$5/class
Basket & Goodie Raffle-$1/Ticket or $5/6 Tickets
All proceeds to go towards the Hope Lodge through the American Cancer Society

Come join me, Ali Johnson, for an afternoon @ Creekside Fitness! My husband and I will be hosting the event with possibly some other Zumba instructors. We will be sharing with you our story and connection with the Hope Lodge!

There are 31 Hope Lodges stationed throughout the United States. These facilities are used as a home away from home for Cancer patients who are undergoing treatment.

Please sign up now for this event!
Register by Saturday June 9th to reserve a spot!

Friday, March 9, 2012

A New Love!

In the past, a morning in our household was quite a scene. I would pour my hubby a glass of milk and then sit down for breakfast. Every morning he would ask me..."Where's your milk?" I have developed so many tactics in how to respond...funny, cute, embarrassed, ignorance, tears...just to try to get out of drinking my milk. I am almost 30yrs old, but when it comes to milk, I am instantly a 3 yr old. Hubby would always win and I would down a small glass.
Yes, I know milk has many benefits, especially to women, but there is just something about it I can't stand.


This scene has been going on for quite a while. I have gone from 2% to 1% and then to whole milk...skim is totally pushing it, and I would rather drink water.

A new solution was brought to my attention recently while I was chatting with a woman from the gym. She was talking to me about coconut milk and how there are many health benefits to it and that it is a great sub for milk. A solution for milk...I'm on it! I went home and started doing my research!


I happened to have a jar of it in my fridge from when I tried a new chicken recipe (which was rather tastey too!). So first I looked at the nutritional label ( a must!!!) and determined it really wasn't too bad when compared to the milk label. The mineral and vitamin columns were exploding on the coconut jar. Milk does have more Calcium, but CC milk was higher in Phospherous-so when paired with the amount of Calcium in a serving-EXCELLENT! Also for those of you who might be anemic, guilty over here, CC milk is also a great source of iron. In the type I have there are 100 calories in 8oz...I only drink 4 oz every morning, so I am only consuming 50 calories. When looking at the fat content, some people might frown....there are 5g of Saturated Fat/serving. But what people don't realize is that the saturated fat that is in CC milk is a medium chain triglyceride which means that it is easliy burned as fuel for the body. Meaning, if you are living an active life (and you better be!) that fat won't be staying around too long!


I then went online and read reviews on CC milk and there are many health benefits to drinking it! They say it helps lower cholesterol, blood pressure, helps fight diabetes, aides in digestion, is a source for antioxidants, good for those who are lactose intolerant, it helps with weight loss, and that yes, it was a good sub for milk!


But BEWARE...DO NOT BUY IT IN A CAN!!! There are more calories, fat, and added preservatives that our bodies do not need! If you do not have the resources to make it fresh, I recommend buying it in a jar. I find mine at Giant Eagle down the juice aisle for $5.99 (it is more expensive, but my body is worth it!) Also if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome...I have read you should not drink CC milk. Another precaution, remember everything in moderation-do not drink CC milk at every meal-limit yourself to 1 8oz glass or 2 4oz glasses throughout the day!


Overall a big thumbs up to Coconut Milk! We now are able to sit down and enjoy our breakfast tantrum free!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

New Class Added!!

That's right you can find me once more @ Creekside Fitness!!

Mondays 4:30-5:30pm

30 min ZUMBA & 30 min DRUM'S ALIVE

Come check it out : )

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Fundraiser for American Heart Association

Saturday, February 18th, 2012
Join the Creekside Zumba Instructors for a fundraiser for the

American Heart Association.
12:15pm-2:15pm
Cost will be $10 with all proceeds to be donated. We will also have baskets to raffle-$1/Ticket or $5/Six Tickets. Refreshments will be provided. Wear your Red & invite your friends and family. Let’s get Heart Smart!
If you have any questions please call

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

My Wish...

So January is coming to a close and here is my wish:

That those treadmills, elipticals, classes, weight rooms, spinning bikes, climbers, & stability balls all remain full in the gyms around the world!

My wish is that everyone who started 2012 with the goals of losing weight, building self esteem, getting toned will continue to do so throughout the entire year! That means you need to find the motivation to keep going in February. Trust me, in Ohio at this time of year, motivation is at an all time low because we know winter is about to get worse.
It always makes me sad to see the gyms/classes empty because people have given up their "resolutions". I believe I have stated this before...making the decision to be healthy and becoming more active is not just a resolution...it is a lifestyle change!! If you truely have the desire to make the difference in your body, you can do it!! Only you can make that choice for yourself to becoming a healthier you in 2012!

As a side note...I just wanted to say how proud I am of my Zumba & Drums Alive participants at my current locations for sticking with those programs! I have seen a lot of new faces throughout the month and I do hope to continue seeing them!

As a side note part II...guess who has 2 thumbs and will be taking her Personal Training Cert in March...that's right-THIS GIRL : )
I am super excited and have been studying like crazy...I cannot wait to take this next step!!

Until I write again-Keep Fit and Keep Healthy...make it hurt so good!