Atlanta Fitness Pros Partner with the Enchanted Closet to Get Girls Moving This Summer

ATLANTA - July 19, 2013 - PRLog -- A few months ago, massage therapist, personal trainer and yoga instructor, Kim Conley, heard the Enchanted Closet President and CEO, Bonita C. Johnson on V-103 radio station speaking about the organization’s mission, and was inspired to call and volunteer her services. “It was perfect timing, said Bonita. We did not have our May program planned, but knew that we wanted the GIRL$ MOVE! Program to expose girls to something new that would peak their interest, aid their self-esteem, and motivate them to focus more on their health.”  Since that initial conversation, Kim has teamed up with other fitness professionals in the metropolitan Atlanta community, including Isatu Bah, an avid runner, Lilian Abdelmalek, sports trainer; Daniel Wilcox, 8-year NFL Retired Veteran and former Baltimore Raven, and most recently Carlos Daniels, a former Minnesota Viking, to help the Enchanted Closet get girls moving.

With 20 years of experience in physical fitness, professional sports, mixed martial arts and boxing, Carlos enjoys a thriving personal training business (www.cpowered2.com) in metropolitan Atlanta. He trains a variety of clients from amateur to professional athletes, working professionals and celebrity clients such as the triple threat actress, dancer and vocalist Jasmine Guy.

On July 13, 2013 at the Little Five Points Community Center, over 40 girls learned how their decisions can be impacted by their self-esteem and body image. They discussed how external influences, including the media, movies, and even friends and family members can affect the way we feel about ourselves. Carlos and Kim shared their personal stories of overcoming adversity, finding consolation in fitness, and provided tools for more healthy living. Carlos provided a meal plan and exercise schedule, and shared his 10 Commitments. He encouraged the girls to eat 5-6 times a day (every 2-3.5 hours) and to exercise 4-6 times per week, and to not feel guilty if they stray. "Feelings of guilt and regret create drama and turmoil. You cannot succeed with drama, Carlos said."  Carlos led the girls in an ab workout and Kim led them in yoga; new experiences for most of the girls.


About GIRL$ MOVE!:

GIRL$ MOVE! Health and Wellness Program was inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move Initiative. The goal of the GIRL$ MOVE! Program is to help reduce childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles. According to Better Health USA, the percentage of overweight or obese children has doubled over the past 30 years to 25 percent of the under-19 population. A child who is overweight has a greater chance of becoming an overweight adult, putting them at high risk for diabetes, heart problems, cancer, high blood pressure and other serious diseases. The Enchanted Closet aims to provide education, options, and opportunities to help reduce childhood obesity and to promote healthy lifestyles. While the primary target of the program is girls ages 12-19, educational seminars and activities are provided that include their families. The Three Point Focus is on Healthy Eating/Cooking, Healthy Living, and Physical Fitness. All programs are free and open to girls living in the 20 plus metropolitan Atlanta counties. The organization is continually looking for girls who want to focus on their health and have personal trainers to assist them. Contact the Enchanted Closet at info@enchantedcloset.org for more information.


About The Enchanted Closet:
The Enchanted Closet is a volunteer-run, private non-profit service organization whose mission is to physically, mentally, and emotionally outfit Metro Atlanta high school girls from primarily low-income families through programs that prepare them for social and professional milestones. Established in 2003 to distribute prom dresses to girls in metropolitan Atlanta, the organization has provided over 4500 dresses. The Enchanted Closet also offers a GIRL$™ Service-Learning Program throughout the year to increase the self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-sufficiency of girls. For more information, visit the Enchanted Closet web site at http://www.enchantedcloset.org