When I first sat down at the Pt desk I was asked, “Why? Why did I want this, why now?” I had all these answers that were all in all part true; I want this for me, I want to be stronger, I want to be a good influence for my kids, I want to learn how to exercise, I want to be able to do a pull up,one freaking pull up. The trainer kept asking me, “but why, okay then, well why?” I told him if he asked me “Why” one more time I might just punch him in the face or cry.
Bottom line, I have struggled with my weight my entire life. (Except for maybe when I hit my middle school growth spurt and was taller than all the boys.) I have always been told that “Oh, you’re just big boned,” and I guess I learned to except that. Sure, I lost 20lbs in college and managed to lose the baby weight after both pregnancies. But I was overweight to begin with. I wasn’t fully happy with myself from a physical standpoint and wasn’t who I needed to be in order to keep up with my kids. I finally realized I wanted more for myself and I owed it to myself to focus on me; for me and for my family. I owed it to all of us to change the way we eat and focus on our health.
Hence, I started personal training in December 2015 with Johnnie. Personal Training has changed my life. I was the person who was intimidated by all the machines. I knew how to do cardio, that was my comfort zone. However, after starting PT my whole perspective changed. I became curious about everything, wanted to learn everything and soak it all up. Even though things would be hard, I loved it. I loved how it made me feel and knew it was worth it. Johnnie pushed me and challenged me; he definitely got me out of my comfort zone. He said thats where the magic happens! He also encouraged me to do metabolic testing right before the 90 day challenge started. So I signed up and met James. I was a little more than nervous because, “I don’t run”. However, James was extremely encouraging and helped me understand my heart rate zones and what I needed to do as far as training went. Now, here I am at the end of the 90 day challenge and I look forward to my runs from him. Are they challenging? Yes, but are they worth it? Absolutely. And I learned I can run after all!
I know that my journey is just beginning and I couldn’t be more excited about that. I want to be the best me I can be; I want to inspire others. Because if I can do it, then anyone is capable. I’ve learned so much; about health, nutrition, fitness, you name it. Most of all I’ve learned that health is not about the weight you lose, but the life you gain. Even though, this started out as a weight loss journey for me, it has become so much more. I have found an inner strength and confidence that I didn't know existed. This journey has made me stronger, in so many more ways than just physical and for that I am grateful. Its helped me throw the scale away and be proud of my accomplishments no matter what the numbers indicate. It has taught me that it’s not about being perfect but putting forth the effort every single day. It all starts with a step, one single step!
So thank you Lifetime Fitness! Thank you Johnnie Walker for pushing me, challenging me, and fighting for me. Thank you James Hamill for working with me, always being so positive and encouraging, and kicking my butt with those treadmill runs, and thanks to Jonathan Meyer for asking me “Why?”, after all you helped spark the flame!
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