How I gained weight...
However, the difference between now and then is that I am more conscious of my health. How, you might ask, did I make the change? I guess it started with this feeling of “I must do something”! I never felt so tired, run down, and out of shape- when you see me in my “before” picture.
In 2008 I was running, I was taking classes at the gym (my favorite being Turbo Kick), and eating fairly well. I didn’t lift any weights, mainly did cardio workouts. In 2010 my weight started to slowly creep up as I stopped working out, and started eating bad foods. By 2011 I was at my highest weight ever. I knew I needed to do SOMETHING, but what that something was, I wasn’t sure. I knew it had to be different then what I was doing before because I obviously got bored with that.
What I decided to do...
I decided to try the at home version of my favorite class at the gym Turbo Kick, but the program for the home version was Turbo Jam made by Beachbody. You know, Beachbody? The company that has all those infomercials for P90X, Insanity, T25, etc.? Well, I knew a lady who was a Beachbody coach, so I reached out to her for support. I ended up with a challenge pack (Turbo Jam combined with a 30 day supply of Shakeology). On 11/11/11, I joined a private facebook group with 3 other ladies committing to 90 days of an at-home program, eating clean, and Shakeology (by Beachbody). The support from my coach, and the other women in the group was what really pushed me to stick with it. I am not going to proclaim there is some “magic” ingredient in Shakeology that makes you shed tons of weight instantly… but it really helped me STAY on track. It was super yummy, filling, and it gave me all the vitamins and energy I needed for the day. I read about the “super food” ingredients in it, and did some of the math. If I were to purchase the supplements that were in Shakeology separately at a Whole Foods store, I would be paying thousands of dollars. I knew it was doing something for me!
At the end of the 90 days, I lost weight. If you must know the number I think it was around 25 lbs. (and more in the months after that). More importantly, I had energy, my clothes fit better, I had more confidence, and I had created HABITS! Working out was just part of my daily routine. I didn’t think twice about it, I didn’t dread it as much as I used to. I am not going to lie, there were still days I was like “do I HAVE to?!” those were the days I would write in my support group on facebook and the ladies would remind me how good I usually feel after I work out, and to do it for myself… always motivating and encouraging me.
New Habits, Not Quitting...
So I didn’t just stop at 90 days… I was so motivated I wanted to try a new program from Beachbody, something that challenged me a little more. What I really loved was working out at home. I didn't have to worry about what I looked, pay a gym membership, and I could take things at my own pace. I was comfortable. I decided to try Turbo Fire. Half way into Turbo Fire, I became certified to teach Turbo Kick at gyms. I started teaching locally at a high school gym, moved on to renting a dance room at a local ice arena to teach privately, and then finally getting hired at our local YMCA. Somewhere in between, I decided to try ANOTHER program by Beachbody… ChaLEAN Extreme. This is when I really started to change some of my body composition and began toning and noticed toned arms, legs, abs, HOLY COW! I never knew my body was capable of that! I was always scared in the past of getting “Bulky” but what a MYTH that is!!!! Muscle burns fat. Muscle makes you have a faster metabolisim. Having muscle= burning more calories sitting around then if you have no muscle.
With my journey teaching at the Y, I incorporated weights and strength training into the Turbo Kick class, and it was called “Kick and Pump” (30 minutes of Turbo Kick, 30 minutes of strength). I think my decision to teach, and become a Beachbody coach was because I TRULY believed in what I was doing. I knew that if I could do it, anyone can do it. I never had a negative thing to say about ANY of the products I had ordered from Beachbody, and gaining what I did from doing their programs ( a new “side” career, a new “life”, a new “confidence”, a heart to give back to others what I had learned). I wanted to motivate and inspire just like my coach had done for me.
My next two ventures were getting my Group Exercise Certification from the Y, and then getting certified in PiYo Strength (another AWESOME program by the creator of Turbo Kick). I went from teaching two classes at the Y to 5 classes… 2 boot camps, 1 PiYo, and 2 Kick and Pump classes! I can't say enough about teaching at the Y... creating friendships and relationships while people are reaching their goals, and making classes FUN, was more rewarding than any weight loss I EVER had!
I went from being a non-runner, to training for a half marathon. I went from running 11 minute miles to 8 minute miles.
Disclaimer!
One thing I want to clarify- these programs and shakes are not a "magic pill" that instantly make you slim/ or fit... what they were for me will be different for you. They were a starting point for me, that got me to where I am today. The biggest help was the support I received online from my coach. Also, there are programs/ fitness plans that work for everyone- you have to find what you love... and I can help with that too if you would like! Not everyone will love Turbo Fire... find what works for you as a starting point. Something not SOOOO challenging that you will want to quit after a week.
Who's Next??
I could go on and on about everything I have gained, but it’s really not about me anymore. I want to pass on my knowledge and motivation to others who need it. It is now YOUR chance to make the changes you want to make, and it doesn’t have to occupy your entire life, it doesn’t mean having to spend HOURS in the gym, or spending a TON of money.
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