“I always used excuses as to why I couldn’t work out. I told myself I was too busy and didn’t have the time, until I looked at myself and my life and then I just knew I had to make the time”.
How old are you? 36
Why did you come to One On One?
I wanted to start working out but was intimidated by the large gyms. I thought a small gym with a personal trainer was the way to go for me.
What does your exercise regimen consist of?
Three days a week I do resistance training. One day I do chest and back, the next is legs and then shoulders and arms. I do 20-30 minutes of cardio before each one hour resistance session. I also do 1-2 times per week interval cardio on my own.
Have your views on fitness changed over the years?
Absolutely! Fitness gives me life balance. You can’t expect to have a healthy mind and body without fitness being involved to help with both aspects.
How do you fit exercise into your life?
I just had to make it work. I always used excuses as to why I couldn’t work out. I told myself I was too busy and didn’t have time, until I looked at myself and my life and then I just knew I had to make the time. Simple as that, if you want it bad enough you make it work.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of fitness for you?
Feeling great about my body and seeing the changes I have worked hard to achieve.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Body image. I thought after I lost weight my body image issues would be solved as being overweight was always my reason for feeling unhappy. That’s just not true, my body image issues are just as strong now as they were then. So, I focus to overcome that. I focus on where I used to be and fight that fat girl everyday to make sure she is gone.
What did your friends and family think about what you were doing?
Everyone is very proud of me. I have received so much love and support throughout my challenge and transition. That said, there are a few people in my life that are negative about my journey but, it’s my journey and maybe one day they will start their own. They are not going to stop me!
What do you eat?
I eat a balance of whole grains, salad— ALOT OF SALAD—-, whole wheat pasta, vegetables and fruits and proteins like fish, turkey, chicken and beef. I do not eat sauces or fast food. Eating healthy at a restaurant is hard, but there are always choices. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy the odd chocolate bar or wings with my friends but before I used to eat 80% unhealthy and 20% healthy. Now I eat 90% healthy and 10% unhealthy. I have completed changed my view on food.
When you fall off track with healthy eating/exercise, how do you get back on?
I don’t dwell on losing focus or falling off track I don’t allow one day to ruin how hard I have worked to get results. I go right back to eating clean and exercising.
What are your goals now?
I am just happy finding a balance between eating, exercise and having a positive body image. Do I look like I want to right now? No, but I will I get there one day through continued focus, learning, patience and understanding my body and how to eat clean. It’s a balance.
If you could give advice to another person who was struggling with their fitness what would that be?
It starts with one small step. Five minutes on the treadmill and telling yourself you can do it. Knowing that your life is off balance without fitness, you don’t see it until you start to move. It changes your entire life, not just physically but mentally. You become stronger and you’re able to say “I am here and I am unstoppable!”.
Any other comments that you would like to add?
This experience for me has changed my life. I came from a place of extreme diets that promise you will lose weight fast but don’t tell you how easy it is to gain the weight back. Extreme diets will make you lose weight but they won’t help you on your journey of discovering who you are. Learning what to put in my body and how to move has been an amazing experience and I’m just getting started. I look forward to what is going to happen next.
Also, having an amazing support group at One On One is something I wasn’t expecting at all. From Sandra to the trainers at the gym and the other people working out; they all made me feel welcome and comfortable. It is amazing to be around people that will motivate and mentor you.
And of course Justin, I didn’t think I would have a trainer that is so supportive and motivating! Someone who has helped me through the tough patches when I feel like giving up. He has been there to remind me of all the reasons I need to keep going. One On One is just an amazing place to come in and workout, not only is it a gym it’s a family.
