As my fitness level declined so did my self-confidence

My current fitness journey began in January 2017. I was at my heaviest weight and the worst physical condition I had ever been in. My clothes weren’t fitting and I did not have the energy to do the things I wanted to do. Years prior to that I trained for and completed many 5 and 10 K events, a full marathon, and triathlons including a half iron man. I was in the best shape of my life and feeling great. Then as is the story for most of us life happens. We get busy with family, work, pressures and stresses of life and my personal health (nutrition and fitness) got put on the back burner. I started gaining weight. I would purchase and “hide” my extra weight with bigger baggier clothes and stand behind people in pictures or not have pictures of me taken at all. As my fitness level declined so did my self-confidence and enthusiasm to enjoy life the way I use to. As it became more difficult to find clothes to wear that I felt good in and as I became more and more aware of my physical limitations I knew that I needed to make a change and get back into a healthy routine. Over time I made small changes, I’d go for a walk or eat healthy for a short time, but I didn’t make it a lifestyle change, just a change in that particular moment whether it was a week or a month but that doesn’t get lasting results. 

One day my son asked me why I don’t run or work out anymore? Kids aren’t always subtle with suggestions or comments, but I was thankful at that moment for him not being more direct about the weight I had put on over the years. I took this as the subtle hint and push that I needed and realized that I needed to do something about my health. I needed to be healthy not only for me but I want to be a good role model and inspiration for my family and friends. 

 

So, in January 2017, I started on my wellness journey. I went back to the gym and made small changed to my diet. The process was slow and I will admit it was a bit intimidating and difficult to go back to working out and seeing people that knew me when I was 60+ pounds lighter and much more physically fit. However; I was determined to get my body back in shape. The weight started to come off, but I felt it was coming off very slowly. Some ladies I work with asked me to join the Thinner to Winner competition in April 2017, I was hesitant at first as I wasn’t losing weight the way I thought I should be. I had to be reminded the hard way as we age the weight doesn’t go away as easily as it used to. Inspired by the amazing results of some of the other people I work with who attended Boot Camp I agreed to join their team and I am so glad that I did because that ignited my competitive side and I had some really great results. So I decided to join Boot Camp and the results kept coming. 

 

I do follow a strict diet and work out plan but I never feel that I’m deprived of anything. I just make good nutritional choices for most of the week and look forward to my cheat day. Now that I’ve reached my fitness goal I plan on staying here this time. It took a lot of determination, hard work, and dedication to get to where I am. I’ve made lifestyle changes that will allow me to maintain where I am, including recruiting my husband on my journey! The journey is much nicer having a dedicated work out buddy. Recently my son (that same one that inspired me to start this journey) told me he was looking at pictures from a couple years ago and recently and commented on my progress. He even remarked about my strength and muscle tone. Hearing that from him gave me a great sense of accomplishment.

In 2017 I’ve lost over 65 pounds and got my body back. I can now wear the clothes that I like and feel good about myself again. I’m in better physical shape than I’ve ever been. I’m toned and strong and have the energy that I need to get me through my hectic days. I’m happy and proud when people recognize my accomplishments and I hope that I can be an inspiration to some, even if it is just one. We all have set backs and bad days but we can get back on track and it is never too late to get in, or back in, shape.