Category: Inspirational Stories

Today I want to introduce you to one of the most focused, dedicated and nicest ladies I know.  I met Hema back in 2015 when she started attending Boot Camp at lunch time.  Not long after she started she learned she was expecting her second child and had to take a break.  Since the arrival of her beautiful baby boy she has shown everyone what you can do post-pregnancy dropping weight, inches and getting stronger than ever.  This is Hema’s fitness story!

How long have you been exercising consistently?

I have been exercising for a little over a year.

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

I feel so much better when I exercise!

How much weight/inches/jean sizes have you lost?  Or/and how much stronger are you?

I have lost over 20 pounds and 15 inches overall, down three jean sizes since I started!

What all do you do to stay active?

I committed to boot camp at least four times a week, I jog two days a week and my kiddos and I  dance almost every night for at least 20 minutes!

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

Making the time is the most difficult for me.  I love getting it out of my way on my lunch hour so I do not take away from my family time before or after work.

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

The biggest change that I have noticed is my energy level, I feel so much better and I can work through a day without falling asleep, physically I notice clothing sizes shrinking.

How would you classify your current eating habits?

My eating habits are good for the most part.

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

I have cut back on my portion sizes drastically and cut back on processed foods and carbs.

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

Zucchini lasagna is one of my new favorite dishes.

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

Start with an accountability partner! Usually having someone to motivate you and hold you accountable helps initially until you build a new routine for yourself.  Once you get hooked you will be good to go!

I want to thank Hema for sharing her story.  I always like to highlight a couple of take aways from every person story and Hema’s is no different.  Number one, Hema uses her lunch break to work out so it doesn’t take away from her family time in the evening.  Staying fit and healthy is important and you must find the right balance with staying fit and family time.  Hema’s found that balance.  Number two, working out and eating right helps maintain her energy level so she can power through her day.  Remember exercise + eating right = energy!  Number three, is a common theme with all of our fitness stories, having a friend or friends who work out with you helps maintain motivation and accountability.  A workout partner or partners is essential to success!  I’m glad to have Hema as a part of the lunchtime boot camp crew and again thank you for sharing your story!

Today I want to introduce you to an incredible lady named Consuelo.  One of the toughest and sweetest ladies you will ever have the pleasure to meet.  You see Consuelo injured her knee but continued attending Fitness Boot Camp until the day before her surgery then returned 8 days after surgery (She attends at 5:30 AM)!  This lady is tough and you never hear excuses, EVER!  In addition, as I stated she is one of the sweetest ladies you will ever meet.  Everyone who meets Consuelo instantly likes her.  She exhibits a positive outgoing spirit that’s infectious.  This is Consuelo’s fitness story!

How long have you been exercising consistently?

Right at one year.

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

I wasn’t pleased with what I was seeing when I started Baptist’s Weight Loss Program and I wanted to do something to complement it.

How much weight/inches/jean sizes have you lost? Or/and how much stronger are you?

All together I believe I’ve only lost about 15-18 pounds (which is the most weight that I’ve lost on my own through hard work), but I’ve gotten so much stronger. I’ve gone from no weight squats to squatting 115lbs, dead lifting 65lbs to 150lbs and bench pressing 45lbs to 125lbs. It’s a daily process, but I’m continuing to take things one day at a time!!

What all do you do to stay active?

I try to do some walking, when I can. After my Meniscus surgery, I’m going to get back to trying to start running.

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

Trying to stay on track and stay focused. Prayer is my go to thing to help me overcome these barriers.

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

I see and feel myself being and getting stronger and able to do more.

How would you classify your current eating habits?

My eating habits can go through all of those stages. Typically my eating habits are good. I normally stick to chicken, turkey and occasionally some bacon and or sausage, veggies (but I’m selective in the ones that I eat). My ALL TIME weakness is sweets.

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

I refrain from frying or eating a lot of fried foods. I bake more than anything.

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

Egg Muffins/Scrambled Eggs and Turkey Sausage or Bacon (breakfast) Baked Turkey Meatballs and Baked Sweet Potatoes (lunch or dinner)

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

Get started, stay dedicated, don’t quit, get an accountability partner and join Expect Results Fitness!!!!

I want to thank Consuelo for sharing her story.  I want to highlight three things we can all take from her story.  Number one, success can’t always be measured on a scale.  Consuelo has gotten much stronger and continues to improve.  Getting healthy is more than a number on a scale.  Getting healthy is the total person and I’ll take strength any day because strength gives me the energy to take care of myself and others.  How many people do you know who has the strength to return to Boot Camp just 7 days after meniscus surgery?  Number two, you can tell the first time you meet Consuelo that she is a prayer warrior.  Consuelo uses prayer to help her stay consistent.  She never gets too high or low the things that kill motivation and persistence.  Her walk with Jesus can be seen in everything she does and every person she comes in contact with.  Can you really say anything better about a person?  Number three; while she has several accountability partners, she is that same accountability partner to others as well.  She is encouraged by others and provides encouragement to others everyday!  I am glad Consuelo is a part of the 5:30AM Fitness Boot Camp Family!  Thank you for being you and for sharing your fitness story!

Today I want to introduce you to an Awesome lady named Holly?  Holly’s real name is Ms. Consistency because she attends Boot Camp six days a week and usually does two classes.  As a result of all this hard work I’ve watched this lady get Super Fit & Strong.  She can out work anyone.  I asked Holly to share her fitness story and she agreed.  This is Holly’s fitness story:

How long have you been exercising consistently?

Almost a year.

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

 I started to feel really run down and like I was falling apart. I wasn’t sleeping well and I felt sore and achy all the time. It was just time for a change! I saw ERF through a friends FB page and decided to give it a shot!

How much weight/inches/jean sizes have you lost?  Or/and how much stronger are you?

I’ve lost about 35 pounds since I started boot camp last May. I feel so much stronger and healthier!

What all do you do to stay active?

I’m at boot camp as much as possible. I feel awful when I can’t be there! I’m addicted to it! My husband and I also like to go hiking when we can.

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

I really try not to miss class unless I absolutely have to. It’s a priority for me!

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

I just feel better all around. I’m stronger and happier. Losing a few pants sizes was nice too!!

How would you classify your current eating habits?

 Good!

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

Yes, I completed a Whole 30 last summer, and it completely changed my relationship with food. I had been feeling like there were certain foods that were causing me issues with inflammation. I felt so much better after I completed it. Since then I try to stick to a mostly Paleo diet. I have moments of weakness, but I really try to stay away from sugar, and processed foods as much as possible.

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

My go to foods are sweet potatoes, turkey burgers, brussel sprouts, apples, and guacamole and carrots.

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

 Just do it! It’s so worth it. It was so hard for me at first, but I was determined! Allow yourself time to get acclimated, and don’t be too hard on yourself. The results will come with time so don’t quit! Jeff is wonderful, and this is such a great place with such great people. I love how everyone encourages each other. I’ve made some really great friends that have kept me motivated! This gym is such a blessing to me. I’m SO thankful I was introduced to it!

Thank you Holly for sharing your story!  Three important points I want you to take away from this incredible lady.  Number one, when you want to change your health it has to become a priority.  Too many people complain about the fact they can’t lose weight or can’t get their diabetes under control but they never put their health in their Top 3 priorities.  You must first take care of yourself or you will never be able to take care of others.  Number two, diet is the key to feeling good!  Eat a poor diet and you will feel run down, sick and even depressed.  Change your diet and you will become the winner you know you are.  Number three; don’t be too hard on yourself.  YOU can be your worst enemy.  The little voice in your head is the thing that stops YOU from pursuing the things that are difficult.  Be defiant to that little voice, make it silent and turn that silence to a raucous crowd cheering you on to even bigger things.  All of YOU have it inside you, the thing it takes to make you incredible.  Incredible like Holly!

Today I want to introduce you to one the most wonderful most consistent women I know.  Yvonne’s attended boot camp a little over a year and has made considerable health improvements.  In addition, she has made a concerted effort to change her diet the most important part of health.  We sometimes have to trick her into stepping outside her comfort zone but she always handles it like a trooper.  This is Yvonne’s fitness story!

 

How long have you been exercising consistently?

I started seriously about a year ago.  Before that it was sporadic at best.

 

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

There we several factors.  My job is sedentary but very stressful.  I was going through a lot of upheaval in my life and was diagnosed with diabetes and knew I had to do something if I didn’t want the complications associated with diabetes.

 

How much weight/inches/jean sizes have you lost?  Or/and how much stronger are you?

I am down 2 sizes since I started this journey.  I’m also much stronger.  I remember when I started at ERF and we would do battle ropes I’d have to stop because my arms would give out.  That doesn’t happen anymore.  HA.

 

What all do you do to stay active?

For me it’s hard in the winter but I still try to walk a little over a mile every day.  When the weather is good I work in the garden and mow my yard.  Yes, I use a push mower.  It’s fun.

 

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

My biggest barrier is winter.  I hate being cold.  So, it makes it a challenge to stay active.  The best way that I overcome is to get into a routine.  If I don’t walk I feel as if I missed something. Of course coming to ERF helps a lot.

 

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

I have a lot more energy.  I can get more done without feeling I need to take a break.

 

How would you classify your current eating habits?

I think my eating habits are good.  I’m a label reader.  I know carbs and sugar are my enemies so I make an effort to watch those very closely.

 

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

I try to do a modified diabetic diet very little bad carbs and lots of vegetables and nuts.  When I say modified I mean I might eat a hamburger once in a while, but I will get a small hamburger take one of the buns off because I might want to eat 5 fries.  That way I still feel I’ve had a burger and fries but keep my blood sugar under control. It’s not for everyone but it works for me.

 

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

I love fruit specially Mangoes.

 

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

I’d say try to be consistent for at least 3 weeks.  That’s how long it takes to establish a pattern. After that that time I think you’ll feel a change and be motivated to continue.

 

I want to thank Yvonne for sharing her story with all of us.  She makes three great points everyone can use in their health journey.  Number one, when confronted with a health issue that can be treated with lifestyle the choice is yours to take action and take control of your health.  Number two, learn to read food labels and keep those carbs to a minimum.  Last, set a goal to stay consistent with any lifestyle change for a minimum of three weeks, chances are you will see physical and mental changes that will motivate you to stay with it.  If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes the best thing you can do is educate yourself and take action through exercise and diet.  You can do it. I promise!

 

 

Today I want to introduce you to an awesome lady named Keri.  Over the past 6-8 months I’ve really seen Keri take off from a physical standpoint.  She’s no longer afraid of weights and is more than willing to try heavier lifting and is seeing great results.  In addition, she’s embraced healthy eating which is the real key to losing fat and inches and keeping it off.  The last thing I see that’s critical to success is a strong social support system and Keri definitely has that.  This is Keri’s fitness story!

How long have you been exercising consistently?

I have been exercising somewhat consistently for about a year. 

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

What influenced my decision to be more dedicated was seeing pictures of myself and not liking what I saw and knowing I could do better and better and more healthy. 

How much weight/inches/jean sizes have you lost?  Or/and how much stronger are you?

I have lost 17.5 pounds since Jan 12. Not sure about inches.  I lost a whole size in my pants.  I’m wearing pants that have been hanging in my closet for 3 years. 

What all do you do to stay active?

I stay active by going to boot camp 3-4 times a week. It’s easier and more fun to exercise with friends and family. I walk sometimes with my daughter and like to ride bikes with my family. 

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

My biggest barriers to being active is finding the time and other family commitments.

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

The biggest change I’ve seen in myself is how my clothes fit and how much easier it is to jump on the box and do rows.

How would you classify your current eating habits?

My current eating habits are very good. I’m motivated and in a good mind set to eat healthy. Nothing taste as good as skinnier feels.

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

Specific diet:  stay away from fast foods and soft drinks. Lots of fish and water. And fruit smoothies for breakfast instead of donuts. 

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

Go to healthy food: Fish . Sliced almonds for a snack. 

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

Advice for someone:  do it with friends. Exercise is more fun with others. Someone else holds you accountable and when you don’t feel like going they will encourage you to go. Set small goals for yourself. Look at old pics that you don’t feel you look your best.  Once you start feeling lighter and stronger it is so easy to stay motivated. I want to exercise more and eat better every day because I know I can do it. 

I want to thank Keri for sharing her story and congratulate her on the progress she’s made and continues to make.  Keri provides us with three important tips for success.  Number one, having an exercise buddy is invaluable because of the accountability factor.  Keri and Taylor hold each other accountable to show up.  Number two, diet is important.  Lose the fast food and soda, just making those two changes alone will go a long way toward the big overarching goal.  Keri said it best “Nothing taste as good as skinnier feels.”  Number three; don’t worry about the scale measure success with how your clothes fit and how much strength you’re gaining.  My hope is that everyone reading this uses it as motivation to continue fighting the fight.

For most people when they make the decision to go to the gym it’s usually because they want to lose weight and improve their health.  However, for some it has nothing to do with weight loss and everything to do about feeling better and gaining confidence from the strength they gain.  Eileen has been attending Boot Camp almost from the day I opened my doors.  While she’s never had a single pound to lose, boy has she improved her strength and put on some muscle.  This is Eileen’s fitness story!

How long have you been exercising consistently?

Since joining Expect Results Fitness April of 2015.

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

A co-worker in my office saw your open sign and told us about it, so we decided to check it out and try Boot Camp.  Besides I was tired of being a slug & couch potato and not liking the way I looked or felt.

What all do you do to stay active? 

Of course I do Boot Camp, I also walk  and take extra steps when cleaning house.  I park further away from the entry of a shopping mall or Walmart.  Run up stairs instead of just walking up them.  (Always amazes my kids & grandkids Lol!)

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

Being lazy and wanting to stay in my comfort zone (home). I make myself go. Reminding myself how good and confident I feel when I go exercise.

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

I’m feeling better than ever and more confident.  I’ve always been blessed with good health and lots of energy, but now it’s even better. I feel good about myself.  I can do push-ups, I could NEVER do before.

How would you classify your current eating habits? 

My diet is bad. I still like my sweets.

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

I don’t overeat I really focus on my serving sizes.  At restaurants I eat half what I’m given and save the rest for dinner or lunch the next day.  I cut back on caffeine and sugar in my tea or coffee.

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

No not really. I try to eat more chicken than beef. I’m definitely not a fish person, but will eat it occasionally. I do love a good salad.

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

Just get out there and do it! You’ll feel better about yourself and be happy that you did.

Believe it or not multiple studies indicate the number one thing a woman can do to improve confidence is to strength train.  Physical strength not only improves confidence but improves health and independence.  Eileen has become pound for pound one of the strongest ladies I know.  A big thanks to Eileen for sharing her fitness story and as always I hope she inspires you to start or continue moving forward.

Inspiring Others To Take The Challenge,

Jeff

Hey,
Lots of people start exercising for lots of different reasons.  Some do it for their health, some do it to feel better, and some do it so they can spot their husband who’s a power lifter.  I want to introduce you to Amy.  She’s been attending Boot Camp almost since the day I opened.  In the process she has packed on some muscle, improved her health and gotten strong enough to help her husband train.  This is Amy’s story.

How long have you been exercising consistently?
Since you opened boot camp in April 2015.

What influenced your decision to get dedicated and be consistently active?
I wanted a healthier life for myself.

What all do you do to stay active?
Besides boot camp I work in the yard and work in and around the pool.

Since becoming consistent with your exercise, what’s the biggest change you see in yourself physically and mentally?
The biggest change is that I can help my husband with his workouts (to a certain weight) and I am not scared to go in to the weight room at a gym.

How would you classify your current eating habits?
It is a healthy mixture of good and bad. I have added more veggies and water to my meals. I have really cut back on my alcohol consumption and can see a difference.

Do you have a specific diet/eating strategy that you follow?
I really don’t have one, just try to eat more veggies and drink more water.

Do you have a favorite go to healthy meal or food?
Sushi is my FAV!!

Do you have advice for someone contemplating starting a fitness/weight loss journey or advice for someone struggling to stay motivated?
It just takes one step to start your journey!  Get started!

Inspiring Others To Take the Challenge,
Jeff

Hey,
Sometimes life gives you lemons.  What do you do?  Make that awful face and throw them away or add a little water and sugar and have lemonade.  Missy is a prime example of a lemonade maker.  Through injuries, surgeries and a heat stroke she has persevered to get stronger and more fit, using boot camp to improve her running performance.  This is Missy’s fitness story!

So Missy how long have you been exercising consistently?

I’ve been consistent since June.  I’ve been exercising off and on for the past few years but injuries and health issues made it very hard to be consistent.

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

In the beginning it was weight loss now it’s more about being healthy and staying that way.  I also wanted to be able to keep up with my granddaughters and not be out of breath and tired.

What all do you do to stay active?

I run several days a week, boot camp class, walk my dogs, cycling, hiking and I also spend a lot of time out with the horses.

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

The biggest barrier that I have is the effects from having a heat stroke.  During summer months I have to run really early before the sun comes up or run late in evening.  I have to be mindful of what I do and listen to my body and adjust workouts/running as needed.  Another is that my day starts at 4 am 7 days a week and there are days that I’m tired and I just don’t feel like working out but I make myself get out the door and I never regret it!  I do take one day as rest day to give my body a chance to recover.

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

That I’m stronger both physically and mentally.  Working out and running helps me burn off the stress which makes me a happier person.  I feel that I can focus better throughout the day.

How would you classify your current eating habits?

They’re good.

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

No not really.  I do try and eat healthier and make food substitutions when I can.  For me it’s mainly proportion size and moderation.  I never say “I can’t eat that”.  If I want that chocolate chip cookie I’m going to eat it.   It’s all about moderation.

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

Well not really.  I usually have either turkey or chicken and veggies.  I like hummus so I usually have it and veggies for a snack.

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

The hardest part is getting started.  Find an accountability partner to workout with.  You’re more likely to start and stay with a fitness program if you have someone counting on you to be there.  It also makes the workouts a lot more enjoyable! Also, the biggest thing for me is that even though I’ve had injuries, surgery and a heat stroke I didn’t give up.  You must persevere. You can’t let yourself get defeated!!

I want to personally thank Missy for sharing her story with us today.  I love watching people overcome personal adversity and getting more out of life and their health.  Missy’s story teaches something very important.  Learn to listen to your body. I watch many of you who are type A personalities like myself.  You push yourself too hard too fast at times and wind up injured or burned out as a result.  One of the most important things we can learn is when to push, but more important when to back off.  Building health is a long term objective that requires slow consistent progression.  Like Missy I want all of you to stay healthy and build a body for the long haul.

Inspiring Others To Take the Challenge,
Jeff

Hey,
Mike started training at Expect Results Fitness about a year ago.  In that time, HE has turned his health around.  The first day Mike came in, he told me his goal was to lose weight and get off his diabetic medication.  Guess what Mike has lost over 40 lbs and is medication and insulin free.  This is a tribute to his hard work in the gym and discipline to change his diet.  This is Mike’s story.

So Mike how long have you been exercising consistently?
I’ve been consistent for about 11 months.

What influenced your decision to get dedicated and be continuously active?
I wanted to take control of my health and diabetes and get rid of my medication and insulin shots.

What all do you do to stay active?
I do boot camp at Expect Results Fitness.

What are some of your biggest barriers to staying active and how do you overcome those obstacles?
I have the heart for people and give a lot of my time to others which means I don’t always take care of myself.  As a result, I’d let my health go and developed diabetes.  I had to change my thinking and determined if I wanted to continue to take care of others I had to take care of myself.  It’s been life changing!

Since becoming consistent with your exercise, what’s the biggest difference you see in yourself physically and mentally?
The biggest difference is how exercising relieves stress, helps me sleep through the night, and helps me with concentrations.

How would you classify your current eating habits? 
I have a great handle on my diet now.

Do you have a particular diet/eating strategy that you follow?
I eat under 50 grams of carbs and close to zero simple sugars.  I make sure I get plenty of protein and a ton of vegetables every day.  I find this keeps me full between meals and I do not crave anything.

Do you have a favorite go-to healthy meal or food?
Steak and cheese with chopped salad and vinaigrette dressing (Subway).

Do you have advice for someone contemplating starting a fitness/weight loss journey or advice for someone struggling to stay motivated?
I enjoy group exercise classes like the 5:30 AM boot camp I attend.  I would tell others to find a place where everyone encourages each other and builds each other up.  Expect Results Fitness is a positive environment and I wouldn’t go anywhere else.  The people in my class are the most awesome people I know.

I would like to thank Mike for the kind words about my business and I know the 5:30 AM class appreciates the compliments.  Mike’s story is a true health success story that shows how every person has the ability to take their health back.  The key is being consistent with exercise and being disciplined with your diet.

Inspiring Others to Take the Challenge,
Jeff

Hey.

Today, I want to introduce you to Melanie.  Melanie does everything it takes to get fit and stay fit because she knows key to fitness success has less to do with what you do and everything to do with how hard you work and how consistent you are with working out.  Melanie is Ms. Consistency and she knows how to crank up the intensity as well.  In addition, she doesn’t let injuries put her on the sidelines.  Instead she finds ways to work around those injuries and continue to work toward her goal.

So Melanie, how long have you been exercising consistently?
5 months I have been working out since May 31, 2016

What influenced your decision to get dedicated and be consistently active?
I had been a runner but due to complications from a surgery I had to stop. I gained weight and realized it wasn’t going to come off until I started getting active again.  In addition, I want to be a good role model for my grandchildren.

What all do you do to stay active?
I do boot camp Monday thru Saturday.  Until a foot injury I was running 3.5 miles on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and hiking.

What are some of your biggest barriers to staying active and how do you overcome those barriers?
One barrier is being afraid to try something new or challenging myself to do more. I remind myself; everyone is new at one time or another and there should be no fear.  Time can also be a barrier and you must make health a priority.  I have also learned to say no to people that want to schedule events or appointments during my scheduled workout times.  I’ve made a commitment contract in my journal to run and be at boot camp on specific days and times.  I try very hard not to schedule anything on those days or during those times. If it is necessary to schedule a work appointment at that time I always make a commitment to work out at another time.  In addition, I’ve learned to like morning runs rather than evening runs

Since becoming consistent with your exercise, what’s the biggest change you see in yourself physically and mentally?
Physically my runs aren’t as hard as they were.  I have more physical strength than I’ve ever had. I used to feel mentally exhausted from work or other stresses; by exercising I can work out those stresses. I am also more focused and more regimented in daily activity.

How would you classify your current eating habits?  
My eating habits are not perfect or always where I want them to be. I struggle with sweets. I for the most part cook meals that are healthy and rarely eat out. I allow myself one cheat day per week in order not to deprive myself of the things I crave, but also try very hard not to go overboard on that day.

Do you have a specific diet/eating strategy that you follow?
No I do not. I eat as many veggies, fruits and proteins as possible and stay away from simple/processed carbs.

Do you have a favorite go to healthy meal or food?
Absolutely, ground turkey and sweet potato chili.  My favorite foods right now are sweet potato, butternut squash, ground turkey and finding recipes that combine them in soups with a Mexican flare. The spicier the better.

Do you have advice for someone contemplating starting a fitness/weight loss journey or advice for someone struggling to stay motivated?
My advice for someone contemplating starting a fitness/weight loss journey would be; don’t wait and don’t let fear stop you.  Make your health top priority. Another piece of advice is if this journey is one you start with a friend or family member do not let their commitment determine your commitment. Make a promise to yourself the commitment is first and foremost for you.  If the person you started this journey with quits, DON’T STOP!  To stay motivated, I suggest finding people at the gym who are just as motivated as you are and push each other to new goals. Find someone who will hold you accountable. I have made greats friends at Expect Results Fitness who hold me accountable, encourage me to do more and it makes me want to do it for someone else as well as myself.

Thank you Melanie for sharing your story with us.  I know you are an inspiration to your friends as well as your family.  Melanie shared some great take a ways that anyone can use.  First, make your health a priority and schedule that priority accordingly.  Second, its OK to have a treat day on your diet.  Being too stringent on your diet will lead to binges and then lead to feelings of defeat that sidetrack the whole process.  By giving yourself permission to have a treat day enables you to eat some of the foods you crave, but then get back on track the very next day with none of the guilt.  Third, finding motivated friends to help you on your journey is the most important piece of any fitness and weight loss process.  Since starting Expect Results Fitness, my biggest satisfaction is watching people build new friendships and helping each other achieve more out of life every day.

Inspiring Others to Accept the Challenge,
Jeff