Monica: The Best Measure of Success is How Your Clothes Fit!

Allow me to introduce you to Monica one of the many teachers who attend Fitness Boot Camp. Monica started training with us about 9 months ago after being invited by her friend Gina. Monica’s worked extremely hard and has reshaped her body as a result.

So Monica, what motivated you to become so dedicated to getting in shape?

My decision to get dedicated and be consistent was the need for something new. I was tired of the same boring routine. When I completed my first week at Expect Results Fitness, I knew this was the place for me. I loved that my body was confused each day. I didn’t get bored. The atmosphere was amazing and encouraging.

Thank you for the compliment. All the amazing people and the way they encourage each other is really what makes Fitness Boot Camp successful. Other than Boot Camp what else do you do to stay fit and healthy?

Include everything from hiking to landscaping to jazzercise. I stay active by running the stairs at the high school once a week, complete several 5k’s a year, hike with my son and neighbors and I try to get in my 10,000 steps a day.

Can you tell us about some of the barriers you run into on a routine basis and how you overcome those barriers?

Some of my biggest barriers to stay active are the need for sleep, little time, and busy work schedule. Doing the school year, I had to push myself to wake up and work out at 5:30 in the morning. I’m not a morning person. I had energy to work with my 2nd grade boys and girls each day. I was sometimes too drained to work out after school. I made sure to dedicate 4 to 5 days to work out. During the summer, I’m able to work out and do some 2-a-days. I make sure to do 5 or 6 days during this summer.

Since getting more consistent what are some of the differences you’ve seen in your physical and mental health?

The biggest difference I see physically is the way my clothes fit. I can see my waist. My backside is lifted and rounder. That’s a plus! I feel stronger. I never thought that I would be lifting weights, doing weighted squats and deadlifting. I hated lunges but now we are friends. The biggest difference mentally is that I’m more alert. I am able to think clearer. I no longer have brain fog.

How would you classify you diet? (Good, Bad or Ugly)

My eating habits are pretty good. I completed The Clean Eatery for 4 weeks. It allowed me to eat foods that I normally wouldn’t touch. I enjoyed the program. I will now experiment with some of the new foods that I had with the program. I love a good salad with chicken! I do have a bad sweet tooth. I’ve had It, as long as, I can remember. I love candy and ice cream! I try to limit my intake of candy and ice cream. The struggle is real, when it comes to my sweet treats.

Do you have a specific diet or eating strategy?

I don’t have a specific diet. I have a hard time following a diet. I have commitment issues with diets. I just try to eat healthy. I eat mostly chicken, turkey, and fish. I rarely eat red meat. I do eat my veggies and fruit. I have greatly cut back on my breads and pastas. This had helped out my stomach a lot. I did participate in the veggie fasting the last part of the school year. I will probably start that up again, when school starts.

What is your go to healthy meal of choice?

My favorite go to healthy meal is a delicious salad. I love salads. Any kind of salad will work for me. Caesar salads are so yummy. Grilled chicken and strawberry salads are so refreshing.

What advice do you have for someone contemplating starting a fitness journey or someone struggling to stay with their current fitness journey?

The advice I could give someone contemplating starting a fitness/weight loss journey is to make the first step and just do it. You have to step out of your comfort zone. Forget about what people will think. Try something new and have fun. Give yourself some time and don’t be too hard on yourself. The weight won’t fall off in a week. It takes time to work it off but it will happen.
The advice for someone struggling to stay motivated is to change up your routine. Work out at a different time. You may meet a new friend. Find an accountability partner. Buy yourself a new workout outfit or shoes. I always feel good in a new pair of workout pants.

Thank you for sharing your current fitness journey with us Monica. Monica is the epitome of consistency and that’s the real key to losing weight and getting fit. Look at your schedule and determine the best way to lock fitness into your schedule. In addition, strength training builds muscle and changes your busy more than any other type of training. Monica has learned that the scale isn’t the best measure of success. The best measure of success is how your clothes fit. Buying new (smaller) clothes or fitting into some of your old clothes is the best measure of success!

Inspiring Others To Take the Challenge,
Jeff