Hey,
I want to introduce you to a fabulous lady named Kristy. Kristy has been attending Boot Camp consistently since February and has gotten considerably stronger and has lost close to 30 lbs.
So Kristy why did you start your fitness/weight loss journey?
I started working out because my daughter, Markell approached me and asked me to start going to boot camp with her. I really felt that was her way to ask me to be healthier for my family and be active for my grandbabies.
What does your fitness routine look like?
I try to come do boot camp at least 5 times a week to stay active. And I’ve taken up walking for about an hour at least 2-3 evenings a week.
What are some of the barriers you’ve encountered and how have you overcome those barriers?
Since I’ve been working out there are two major barriers. 1. My work schedule doesn’t always cooperate. Sometimes I work out of town or very early in the morning. In those cases, I’ve committed to walking wherever I am and using the weight room at the hotel. 2. Finding a consistent workout partner. I need accountability but my workout partner can’t always come as often as I do so sometimes I’m stuck motivating myself or hoping someone in class will help push me! I’ve made some good friends just by coming to class and that helps! I use social media as an accountability factor as well…I post pics, I put it out there that I’m doing this for myself and others just naturally support it and they help motivate.
Can you tell us about some of the changes you’ve seen so far in your short journey?
Since I’ve started I feel so much better. Yes, I’ve lost some weight (almost 30 lbs.) and I’ve dropped 4 sizes but I also feel and see my muscle! I am always flexing my arms and legs to show my husband how proud I am of the actual muscle lol! I have a group of friends who meet once a year in January and I can’t wait to show them the new me…I’m shooting to be under 200 lbs. by January!
How would you gauge the current status of your diet?
My current eating habits are good…could probably be better but they were definitely a lot worse before I started this journey!
Do you have diet a strategy/plan and are there still things you’re working on?
I am trying to cut out bad carbs…no bread, pasta, rice or anything like that. I pay attention to calories and sugar as well. I am trying to stick to mostly protein and veggies. I have actually adapted and learned to really like sauerkraut lol and stay as close to the food source as possible so I am trying to do that as well. Portion control and eating from boredom are my problems…I’m still working on solving these problems!
Do you have a go to meal?
My go to meal is just chicken…when in doubt or family is eating something I can’t eat I just grill me up some chicken…I use either Cajun seasoning or lemon pepper. It’s quick, easy, and flavorful!
Do you have advice for someone contemplating starting a fitness/weight loss journey?
My advice to others who are contemplating starting or not sure how to start would be JUST DO IT!! Try something for a month before you decide it doesn’t work! And I had to start slowly…if I had it in my head that I was “dieting”, I would’ve created a mental block and sabotaged myself. So I had to start with the boot camp and establish my routine and then slowly work in the eating right. I cut things out slowly so that I could establish a meal plan and develop some recipes that worked for me! I LOVE food lol…I had to find meals I would still enjoy so that again I didn’t sabotage myself! You asked me my ideal weight and I shot out a number but as I later said I am simply focusing on the “next 10 lbs.”. It’s been many years since I’ve been under 200 lbs. so I don’t even know what to shoot for so I’m doing this to change my body, my energy level, and my overall health! Not putting a number goal…just gonna keep working it and I’m certain I will continue to surprise myself and see what happens!!
That’s what worked for me…find what works for you and do it for yourself!! I’m proud of the changes I’m making in myself and you will be too!
The take away from Kristy is three things. First, stay committed to your goals and do something every day to move forward. Even if your schedule is crazy find a way to do a 15-20-minute walk, do some push-ups and squats. It’s not about how much you do it about building a habit and being consistent with that habit. Second, celebrate the things you control. Kristy is currently building muscle faster than she’s losing weight. Don’t torment yourself with the scale, be proud of those guns you’ve built. Last, we all must follow our own course because no two people are the same. Be happy with your journey and how YOUR changing
Thank you Kristy for sharing your story with all of us.
Inspiring Others With Your Stories,
Jeff