Kim: Take That First Step And Never Stop

Today I want to introduce you to an awesome lady named Kim.  She was one of the first people to join Fitness Boot Camp when we opened.  She overcame her intimidation of weight training and as a result has lost weight, inches and has gotten really strong.  In addition, Kim has a background in martial arts and boy, can that girl kick!  This incredible working wife and mom makes time to get/stay fit every week.  This is her fitness story!

How long have you been exercising consistently?

About two years now.

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

I had not exercised in a long time and a friend from work invited me to try Expect Results Fitness shortly after it opened. My first work out I realized how horribly out of shape I was! I didn’t like that feeling and that’s when I realized I needed to take better care of my body.

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?

Over that time I’ve lost over 20 pounds! I haven’t gone down too much in my jean size, but I can definitely see that my clothes fit so much better, and I feel more confident in them. I feel so much stronger as well! I would’ve never thought I could deadlift and squat over 100 pounds!

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

I love the variety in each day. If you attend a few times a week you can really work out your entire body. I would have to say the weights were the most intimidating to me. But I’ve kept increasing my weight gradually and can’t believe where I’m at now!

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

I feel so much better after I work out! There are times when I just can’t make it to a class due to my schedule, and if I miss so many days I can really tell a difference in my energy level. It’s also a huge motivation to continue when I can see the results of my eating and work out choices.

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

I would say my biggest barrier for staying active is taking the time to do it. When you work all day you just want to come home and spend time with your family and relax. I try to work out as much as I can on my lunch break, or I go right after work before heading home. I know if I don’t do that, when I get home something will come up or I’ll convince myself I’m too tired.

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

I definitely have more confidence in how I look and just feel better and healthier. I also feel very proud of myself when I meet a goal I’ve set and have a stronger will power to make better choices for myself.

How would you classify your current eating habits?

It depends on the day…it’s harder when I’m taken out of my normal environment, like if we go over to a friend’s house or if we have a birthday party or something. Overall I would say my eating habits are good though.

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

I really try to stick with low carb options and limit my desserts, which was very hard at first because I love pasta, rice, and sweets!! But again, once I saw the results of how much better I felt when I don’t eat those types of foods it helps me when I have to make that choice.

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

I love pasta dishes! So I’m really enjoying substituting that with spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles, or eggplant when I feel like that type of dish.

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

Just try it! Taking that first step is hard, and until you actually try it you won’t see what you’re missing out on. I had no idea how out of shape I was or how horrible my diet made me feel until I started working out and watched what I ate. When you see the difference in what you can feel like you probably won’t want to go back to the way you were before.

I want to thank Kim for sharing her story and would like to point out a few things all of us can learn from.  First, getting fit and staying fit requires you to schedule it into your day.    Whether you exercise early in the morning, at lunch or after work it must be a part of your daily schedule and become a habit.  If you make it home and its not been accomplished there is a 95% chance it won’t get done.  Second, ditching the sugar and simple carbs is not only the key to weight loss but the key to feeling better.  If you have swings in your energy and mood changing your diet will make all the difference.  Start slowly counting and lowering that total carb intake.  Last, overcome your intimidation to weight training and start getting stronger.  Strength instills confidence from every aspect of your life.  Get in the weight room and start getting strong inside and out.  Again thank you Kim for sharing your story.  I hope her story inspires you to get in the game and start your journey to a better YOU!

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