As a child, teenager and young adult I did whatever I could to AVOID exercise. As a young dancer, my mother would often discover me sitting down when she picked me up - I said I was too tired to complete the class. Running the mile in high school was TORTURE. I was lucky, I had a fast metabolism and a lean build - I didn't NEED to workout. In my twenties, my body was not as lean - I had a small "pouch" in my belly - thanks, Freshman 15, beer and ice cream!! A woman I worked for generously gave me a gym membership for my birthday. I went to the gym excited and nervous. I was given a free trainer (5 sessions) and followed what he said. I felt self conscious and embarrassed that I was weak. I would make excuses for why I could not go to the gym and eventually I just stopped going.
Several years later, my sister said she wanted to go to the gym - at 4:30 am before work... I was getting heavier and feeling depressed about my appearance so I bit the bullet, joined the gym and made my New Year's Resolution to meet my sister, Beth at the gym at 4:30 am 5 days a week. I could not let my sister down - I HAD to get there for her - not just me. Plus, my insecurity about working out in the gym was reduced because I had my sister by my side! Beth's accountability helped me create a HABIT. I FINALLY realized that working out everyday made me feel GOOD - it overflowed into my work day as well - as I drove to work still glowing from the morning workout, I was a happy co-worker and representative for my organization. The increased energy that working out provided also helped me be efficient and productive at work - promotions, accolades and pay raises followed. We trained for a 5k race, and I was SHOCKED that I enjoyed running! It was an amazing calorie-burn and gave my endorphins an even bigger boost.
Beth and I worked out consistently during my first pregnancy (2007-2008), but once my son was born I was no longer able to follow the 4:30 am workout schedule with my sister. I joined a gym near my workplace and tried to go 2-3 days a week, but Mommy-guilt was strong, plus my gymtimidation was back without a workout partner to lift me up. I embraced my running bug during this time and lost my baby weight in time for my second pregnancy in 2010. Once again, I felt there was no time for my fitness. My babies needed me and I could not put my fitness ahead of their needs. I started to workout in my living room some mornings, but I didn't have a great routine, and I was running when I could. I was feeling better, but I still didn't feel FIT.
In 2014 I found Beachbody. My Facebook/High School friend was doing T25 and sharing her results - it was EXACTLY what I needed to find the consistency and time to workout! 25 minutes a day at home! I ordered the T25 Challenge Pack which included Shakeology. This became my morning routine: workout at 5 am, get myself ready for work, get the kids ready, make my shake, drop kids off at daycare, and go to work. I lost weight and toned up! After completing the T25 workout calendar, I moved onto 21 Day Fix and then 21 Day Fix Extreme - 30 minute workouts before work, Shakeology for breakfast and more positivity and productivity to perform better for my job and family! The 21 Day Fix came with an easy-to-follow nutrition guide and portion control plan. No counting calories - just follow the meal plan, eat the number of containers for each colored area (proteins, vegetables, fruits, carbs, nuts/seeds and healthy fats), and NEVER feel hungry. This helped me realize how to eat whole foods in proper portions - once again, I lost weight and was leaner!
I have completed 10 Beachbody programs to date and I will continue to follow their programs. The programs give me a no-excuse plan: I follow the calendar and nutrition guide with the support of my team and results follow. Working out is my habit - I do it everyday just like I take a shower, or eat breakfast. It is scheduled into my day and I know that if I don't get it done first thing before the rest of my family wakes up, I am unlikely to get it done. I have been able to create "hybrid" workout programs to reach other goals - incorporating running so I can train for 5ks, 10ks, or half marathons.