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!