Hey,
Most people don’t think about it, but if you don’t do something to improve your strength on a daily basis you slowly lose that strength. Day by day you slowly get weaker and weaker not even noticing the effect until your asked to do something that requires strength and boom, you figure out how weak you’ve become. Today I want to introduce you to a wonderful lady named Sheryl. Sheryl works in the medical field and see’s first hand every day the effects on people when they lose strength and their ability to take care of themselves.
So Sheryl, how long have you been exercising consistently?
Almost a year, I began in October last year.
What influenced your decision to get dedicated and be consistently active?
I have known for some time that I needed to be doing something for myself but fitting it into my schedule was a challenge. One day my son said “mom, I bet you can’t do a cartwheel….” I thought nothing of it since I used to be able to do those no problem! It was a wake-up call for me that my arms gave out and I fell. I was shocked at how weak I had become without realizing it. I decided then that if I wanted to grow older in the best way possible that I had to take better care of myself and that included becoming physically stronger.
What all do you do to stay active?
I have always been a fairly active person and am up for almost anything when time permits but on a consistent basis I have to say yard work ( we have a lot of that ), and walking. I also try to always take the stairs and get up from the desk at work and move around as much as possible.
What are some of your biggest barriers to staying active and how do you overcome those barriers?
Time and energy! There are always commitments whether work or family related that have to be balanced. Another is energy; at the end of a long day it is so tempting to go home and take care of the dinner, family etc. and then just sit down. I have just tried to think of working out as an extension of the workday that I must take care of and with that mindset I have been able to stay on track.
Since becoming consistent with your exercise, what’s the biggest difference you see in yourself physically and mentally?
Physically I’m so much stronger. When I began I clearly remember how difficult it was. I have progressed throughout the year and little by little I have become stronger and have much more stamina. Mentally I feel as though I’m doing something good for myself that just makes sense. I work in the medical field and I see the impact that diet and exercise play in the quality of your life as you age. I don’t want to be 20 or 30 years down the road and say I wish I had taken better care of myself.
How would you classify your current eating habits?
My eating habits are fairly good with a little bad mixed in with it. I’ll just say there is room for improvement……
Do you have a specific diet/eating strategy that you follow?
I really just try to make healthier choices on a more routine basis. If I think “diet” I automatically feel that I’m depriving myself and want to eat more. I just think of choosing more wisely and that works best for me. I’m the same with working out, when doing sets I always count backwards because in some silly way that seems to put me closer to that goal of finishing.
Do you have a favorite go to healthy meal or food?
I’m really trying to be conscious of getting enough protein these days so I try to add that to whatever I may be eating. Favorites would include salads and any kind of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Do you have advice for someone contemplating starting a fitness/weight loss journey or advice for someone struggling to stay motivated?
I hate giving advice, but I will say this. The key to staying consistent comes down to three things. 1. Make it enjoyable. 2. Make it convenient to your schedule. 3. Do something that will show you results from all your hard work. I want to thank boot camp and all its members for helping me improve my strength and my health.
I want to personally thank Sheryl for sharing her fitness story with us today. It’s been a pleasure getting to know her and watching her improve her strength every day. If you see that yourself or someone you love has lost strength and can’t do some of the things they use to do, introduce them to strength training and how fun and easy it can be. You might even come to boot camp and find a bunch of friendly folks who love to help others achieve their goals.
Inspiring You to Take the Challenge,
Jeff