Mission
ToneTeen is dedicated to educating America’s youth about health and fitness through the use of informative articles and interactive tools.
Founded in July 2002, ToneTeen was created by a 17-year old high school senior who was disappointed by the lack of health and fitness information for kids and teens. As the site continues to grow, ToneTeen remains dedicated to finding the most innovative and creative ways of making health and fitness an active part in the lives of kids and teens.
Ally Fiorenza, PFT
Certified Personal Fitness Trainer
& Founder of ToneTeen.com
Ally’s Story
I always loved junk food. Cookies and milk, nachos, potato chips, and all sorts of candy was typically what I would eat as an after school snack. Between 7th and 8th grade, I managed to gain 30 pounds in less than one year. Being only 5 foot 2, 170 pounds was a pretty heavy weight. I hated the way I looked and I hated shopping for clothes. When a size 13 - one of the largest junior sizes around - began to feel tight, I realized I needed to change.
As I entered high school, I started to lose the weight. By the end of 9th grade, I dropped 20 pounds. Throughout the rest of high school, I steadily lost 30 more pounds. My final 10 pounds were lost thanks to a lot of cardiovascular activity and strength training.
It’s really hard for me to pinpoint how I lost all of my weight at the beginning, but I believe a large part of that weight loss was simply cutting the junk food out of my diet. I also stopped drinking soda, iced tea and any other sugary drink.
I knew I wasn’t going to lose all of the weight just by eating better. I used television as my motivation to exercise. If I wanted to watch a baseball game or any of my other favorite shows, I promised myself the only way I could watch those shows was if I was walking on my treadmill at the same time. I also did a few exercises (crunches, push ups, stretches) as soon as I woke up and right before I went to bed.
Even while eating healthy and working out 6 days a week, there were months where my weight would peak. By stepping up the resistance, increasing the weights I lifted, and most importantly - sticking to my routine - I was able to reach my goal weight.
Now that I’ve reached my goal weight, I focus my efforts towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I continue to exercise almost every day. If I can’t get to the gym, I try to at least go for a walk. I eat out occasionally and love to splurge on desserts on the weekend, but most days I eat healthy. Yogurt, salad, carrots, fruit, and turkey sandwiches make up my typical meals, especially when I’m on the go.
I love my job, love accounting and business, but I’ve dedicated almost all of my free time towards ToneTeen and helping educate kids and teens about health and fitness. In October 2004, I obtained my certification as a Personal Fitness Trainer. I attend numerous fitness conventions throughout the year and also stay up to date by reading health publications, books and news.