Orangetheory Fitness...Proven Results for Even the Busiest Mom

There's no denying that moms are busy, but it's sad to know that many moms deny themselves time for exercise. Yes, time is a common excuse, and we all know there's never enough time to get it all done. Yet, if you knew you could burn 500 to 1,000 calories in one hour and continue burning calories after you finish exercising, you just might make the time.

Owner, Kristie Shifflette

That's exactly what drew Kristie Shifflette and her husband, Matt into opening an Orangetheory Fitness studio in Morrisville and another location to open soon in Chapel Hill. Kristie, a mother of two children aged 3 and 4, understands the stresses of motherhood, but as an avid fitness enthusiast she wanted to share the benefits of exercising with others. "Fitness is proven to be energy, confidence, and mood boosting," explained Kristie. Orangetheory is also result-driven with their scientific based workout that combines 60-minutes with 5 zones of interval heart training that is measured by a heart rate monitor that all class participants wear during sessions.

Treadmills, indoor rowing machines, interval training blocks, weight room or resistance training blocks are used during each session. The results of the Orangetheory are based upon the participant reaching their maximum heart rate to push you into the Orange Zone that stimulates metabolism and increases energy which ultimately burns calories. Classes are led by skilled instructors. It's like having a personal trainer without the added expense, Kristie explained. "It's the best of both worlds, and knowing what you have accomplished" Kristie continued.

Since opening the Morrisville location, Kristie has been rewarded by seeing people's lives changed and their fitness goals achieved. She is excited to bring Orangetheory to the community of Chapel Hill so more people can experience this result-proven workout. The new studio is scheduled to open in late fall of this year and will be located in Meadowmont Village. Pre-sale opportunities at reduced founders pricing with no long term contracts and no payment until the studio's grand opening can be purchased at 606 Meadowmont Village Circle in Chapel Hill.


Although Orangetheory Fitness doesn't provide childcare, it does offer evening and weekend classes to fit your busy schedule. Available class sessions can be viewed on their website at Class Schedule. Don't deny yourself any longer, all it takes is 60-minutes towards feeling great, and with all that extra energy who knows what you can accomplish.

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In celebration of the Chapel Hill grand opening, you can register to win a free Month of unlimited classes at the Chapel Hill studio. 

Kindergarten Survival Tips for Moms

My son recently started kindergarten in one of the local year round elementary schools. It's been somewhat of a transition for him attending a new school and staying there longer than preschool, but I think it's been a little harder on me. I really thought I was prepared for this step, especially since he has been attending preschool since he was 3-years-old. Yet when the first day rolled around, I discovered I was less prepared than expected. I found myself daydreaming about the night Aiden was born. I remember holding his little 5 pound body, and wondering if I was doing it right. Aiden came six weeks early, but he was healthy and I made sure of that since that time.
Now, I need to trust that he will be safe at school for 6 hours each day. I know in my heart that he's going to a wonderful school with talented teachers and administrators. I'm his mom, and I still worry, a little. So, I gathered some tips to help us all cope with the changes.

1. It's OK to cry just make sure you do it when your child is not around. I've noticed when I'm brave in new situations my children tend do the same. Tuck some tissues in your purse and pull them out after school drop-off.

2. Walk your child to his classroom. Walking Aiden to his classroom on his first day of school allowed me to see his classroom and say hello to his teacher. Not only did it give me peace of mind, but it gave my son more confidence.

3. Get Involved! Our school has a wonderful PTA, and they are always looking for volunteers. I volunteered to work with the school's newsletter. Some teachers recruit parents to help in the classroom. Inquire with your child's teacher and the your school's PTA about volunteering. It's also a great way to meet new people plus make a positive impact in your child's education.

4. Plan a fun weekend Activity.  I love taking the kids to parks, museums and kid-friendly places when the kids are out of school. Our fun time will be reduced while they are in school, but I started planning a family activity on the weekend. It has lifted my spirits and has become an incentive for my son to try his best during the school week. Ideas include: picnic at their favorite park, visit a kid's museum, go bowling, or make a family craft.

Moms, we will survive, and our kids will thrive!

Simply...Sunset Beach

I have been vacationing at Sunset Beach, NC, since I was 12-years-old. It started with long weekends with my parents that stretched into an annual week at our favorite house to weeks with my own family and children. We've always had a good time, but for some reason this trip was special. We actually thought of trying a new beach this year, but our favorite spots and familiarity with the area lured us back.

It began when we arrived at our rented beach house. The kids and I excitedly got out of the car, finally after nearly three and half hours of "are we there yets". The aggravation of the car ride seemed to blow away as I inhaled the salty air. It was if the sea was welcoming me back. We hurried up the stairs and opened the door to be greeted by green and blue walls that reminded us of the water nearby. The boys picked their bedroom with blue and white striped walls, and the room adjacent to the boys' made a perfect master retreat with a brightly colored comforter and curtains. I put our bags down. I was ready to relax.

Sunny days, warm nights and an occasional thunder storm, we were blessed with amazing weather. Our days began with leisurely breakfasts followed by making sandwiches, applying sunblock and heading down to the beach. A short walk to the beach filled with beautiful sites. Sunset Beach prides itself on it's protection of sea life and dunes. We walked over a wooden bridge surrounded by trees and flowering green plants. We walked through a mini jungle until the trees parted and the dunes emerged leaving us standing on the white sandy beach. It was an "awe" moment as we stared across the surf and off into the horizon where the sea meets the sky.

Nearly every day we experienced the sand between our toes as we built sandcastles and jumped waves. Between our beach romps, we enjoyed North Carolina seafood at our favorite restaurant, Dockside. It is a quick drive to the small town of Calabash which is nationally known for its seafood restaurants. Broiled or fried; it's served fresh with complimentary hush puppies. Afterwards, it's a tradition to walk on the dock outside the restaurant and look at the shrimping boats. It's another reminder of how fresh dinner was as we catch the scent of fish and salt water.

No beach vacation is complete without gift shopping for t-shirts, shells and fudge, and once again Calabash is home to Callahan's Nautical Gifts. The store stretches over a block with a Christmas shop on one side to kitchen accessories on the other with all the trinkets you expect to find at the beach in middle.

Diets tend to take a vacation, and so instead of my regular Greek yogart stand-by, I splurged and enjoyed ice cream and a little candy. Sunset Beach offers two fun spots. A newer place, Candy Island, that my son refers to as the bubble store because it's almost magical bubble blower fills the parking lot with bubbles and all around the brightly colored candy store with an assortment of candy plus Sunset Slush classic Italian ice. Our long time favorite How Sweet It Is is a delightful ice cream shop

located next to the "old bridge" which is fun to explore with an ice cream cone in hand.

It was a wonderful trip, and I savored each moment whether playing on the beach, eating ice cream or just enjoying a quiet moment. I feel like I left a piece of my heart on that sandy beach, and I can't wait to go back and watch the sun set again.