Braci: Can You Spare 2% of Your Day for YOUR Health?

Today I want to introduce you to an exceptional young lady who just graduated high school in May.  Braci started attending Boot Camp a little over a year ago and we’re going to miss her this fall as she heads off to college.  Braci impresses me because she is/was a high school student who came to boot camp consistently 4-5 times per week by herself.  It’s a big deal when someone her age puts a priority on health and fitness when so many other things compete for her time.  In addition, she’s been willing to try things out of her comfort zone and as a result’s gotten stronger and cut fat.  This is Braci’s fitness story!

How long have you been exercising consistently?

One year.

What influenced your decision to get dedicated and be consistently active?

I was unhappy with myself physically.  A friend introduced me to workout classes and lifting weights. I immediately fell in love with it!

How much weight/inches/jean sizes have you lost?  Or/and how much stronger are you? Or what are the changes you’ve seen in yourself?

I’ve lost around 10 pounds and went from a size 6 to a 2.  The change was so gradual, I didn’t even notice at first! In the beginning I could only do a few push-ups, but now I can do as many as the timer allows. I can also lift a lot heavier and squat heavier. I did not take measurements unfortunately. 

What is your favorite thing about Boot Camp?  What Exercise most scared you at first?

My favorite thing about Boot Camp is the people!  Everyone is so friendly and helpful.   Dead lifts scared me, but they aren’t too bad after all. 

Can you briefly tell me why you continue to do Boot Camp?

My results are too great to not show up for class.  I know I won’t feel my best if I don’t attend.  My sleep schedule has evened out from exercising too.  I will be so sad when I leave for college and can’t come anymore!

What are some of your biggest barriers to staying active and how do you overcome those barriers?

Just being lazy, but it’s a part of my everyday routine now. It only takes a short amount of time out of my day. I feel great afterwards so there is no reason not to. 

Since becoming consistent with your exercise, what’s the biggest change you see in yourself physically and mentally?

I finally have abs on my clean eating days, which is so exciting for me!! This is the smallest and most fit I’ve ever been!  

How would you classify your current eating habits?

Good, but sometimes McDonald’s just gets me Ha Ha.

Do you have a specific diet/eating strategy that you follow?

I drink a breakfast shake in the mornings and eat small snacks throughout the day to keep my metabolism up. I only keep healthy foods in my fridge, so I have nothing else to reach for. In general, I try to stay away from fast food. 

Do you have a favorite go to healthy meal or food?

Sushi, chicken salads, yogurt, or any type of fruit are my favorites.  Halo top ice cream is also the best!

Do you have advice for someone contemplating starting a fitness/weight loss journey or advice for someone struggling to stay motivated?

I suggest starting out with a workout partner.  Once I got comfortable with everything I was perfectly fine by myself!  You have nothing to lose but the weight!  A great way to think about it is that a thirty minute workout is only 2% of your entire day.

 I want to thank Braci for sharing her story.  Reading her story made me think of three things I want to share with all of you.  First, being skinny doesn’t mean healthy.  Healthy is a combination of eating right and being strong and has very little to do with your size.  Second, whether you want to lose 100 lbs or 10 lbs the process is long term and a life time of commitment.  There are no shortcuts regardless of where you are in your journey the key to getting results is  being consistent every day.  As many of you have told me after vacations it’s much easier to lose fitness than gain it.  Last, is something I never thought about until Braci put it in her closing remarks, 30 minutes is only about 2% of your day.  Can YOU spare 2% of each day for your health?  If you don’t currently, I hope you will consider it.  Your health will thank you for it!