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Musings on eating + moving

Change making and sustaining tips from gym owner John Casto

Posted by Erin Ryan on Feb. 29, 2016


Talk to fitness expert John Casto for 5 minutes and you’ll understand why he named his women’s only health studio, Action Fitness - this guy’s a doer. Get idea, take action, make stuff happen. So it was with his gym. Seeing a void in women’s fitness from too few options, John jumped in to try and fill it with a results- driven, balanced approach to long term health that he thought could make a difference.

The result is yet another great example of the super positive outcomes fitness community builders like John make happen. And more fodder for why we love sharing their stories and tips for making changes you can sustain. Here’s John’s take:

Q. What was the catalyst for Action Fitness?

A. Gym intimidation, fear of injury and financial limits were all keeping deserving women from reaching their physical goals and there wasn’t yet a program that addressed these big barriers for plenty of would be movers. As a fitness professional I had to help!

Q. Any particular member change story that keeps you motivated?

A. There was one remarkable woman who completely changed her life and now changes others’. Between stress at home, a full time job and being a busy mom, her self-worth had taken a dangerous turn and she was medicating herself with food every night.  Then she made the courageous decision to try and change the script, got going at our gym and ended up becoming one of our most successful members.

Q. What’s the biggest step on the road to making a change on eating and moving? Mind giving a few quick hitters on how to get started?

A. Above all else, it takes a conscious commitment. If you want big results you need some serious dedication! But what does that really mean?  Let’s break it down:

  1. Choose a plan or program that has  results to back it up. Ask for referrals or seek current/previous users to ensure your commitment has the validation of real people like you!
  2. Make an investment that will hold you accountable. It’s incredibly easy to sign up for a $9/month gym membership but the best results are those that require a deeper level of commitment and value.
  3. Surround yourself with a tribe that fits your vibe! A support system that encourages your goals and expects you to show up (literally) will strengthen your commitment as well as your body.

Q. If you could change the world tomorrow, what's the first thing you’d change?

A. This world needs more people who believe in the ability to make dreams a reality. Whatever your jam, passion and purpose create needed change...the world needs more of that!

Q. If not this, what would you be doing with your life? Any passions that are a runner up to fitness?

A. I’m super excited to teach America’s Youth that owning a business is 100% possible with the right tools and resources. I have gotten so much fulfillment as an entrepreneur and I plan to begin a non-profit focused on cultivating this message. Not only does owning a business provide the opportunity to revel in your passion everyday, it provides literal sustainability at so many levels.

So I guess it’s not really an alternative or runner-up in my life...it’s just what’s coming next!

Q. How does offering Power Supply as a food solution fit with your business model/beliefs? Any personal faves on the PS menu?

A. There are two overwhelming reasons why people fall off the healthy eating bandwagon and Power Supply nails them both: quality and preparedness. 

Many of our members begin with the false idea that healthy foods lack quality. That to maintain a healthy weight they need to eat dry chicken and watery spinach. Heck no! Power Supply demonstrates the tasteful joy that nutritious foods can be incredibly delicious.
Most have also experienced the necessary component of preparation and have gotten discouraged, e.g. “how can I make healthy, tasty meals for the entire week when I have a PTA meeting, soccer practice and a dentist appointment?!” BAM, in walks Power Supply and they know they're getting balanced, nutritious meals without the stress of making it themselves.

While I’m not one to pick favorites, I do need to sing my praises to the Chicken and Sausage Arroz. Flavor packed chorizo, tender asparagus, bright herbs and spices...all over a bed of brown rice?! Sign me up every time.


In the Fairfax, VA area and ready to sweat and smile your way to a healthier YOU? Give a holler to Action Fitness today 703-877-0700 or coachjohn@actionfitnessinc.com Let's Begin 


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