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What are your current goals and why?
My current goals are to lose weight, gain strength, and achieve a leaner physique. I began this program in February of this year when my life was particularly difficult. I am now finishing my master's degree in public administration and studying causes me to binge/stress eat. I was aware that I was overweight, stressed, and not exercising, and that despite moving my body, I wasn't eating well. Fortunately, Emma reached out to me at the right time, and it served as a wake-up call. I was prepared to make the necessary changes to improve my health and general wellbeing. I didn't want to see myself in the mirror and feel disgusted, unhappy, or even inadequate. I wanted to be more confident when I went out with my friends or family, to have more energy, and even to be able to fit into clothes that I thought I liked.
What keeps you motivated?
My younger self, growing up, I knew I was so hard on her and I didn't take care of her. I don't want to let her down again. I don't want to fall back into old patterns and start from scratch. I used to work out with a different trainer and had amazing results, but I didn't have the same motivation as I do now. When I'm feeling down, I simply remind myself that I'm not where I want or need to be. I want to better my health, so going to the gym is a nice way for me to let off steam, and I also want to look good in general. I'm doing it for myself, by myself, and with myself. Only I am going to make the effort, and the results will come after. My lovely coach Alexa said “Sometimes you won’t be motivated to get to the gym. But your consistency in the gym always brings that motivation back. Keep showing up.” I'm trusting the process and my coach Alexa; little does she realize that she's the one who's pushed and driven me. I look forward to her weekly check-ins because I love hearing her input, and her energy is contagious.
Why is it important to you to live a healthy lifestyle?
I know for a fact that both my mother's and father's families have diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and whatever else you can think of. I don't want to fall into any of those groups. My goal is to maintain good health—both physically and mentally—and to avoid developing any difficulties with my health. This program taught me how important it is to eat the right things and exercise regularly for both your physical and mental health. Everybody needs to maintain a healthier lifestyle since it fosters better habits and a whole new way of living.
What is your most memorable experience in this program?
One of the most memorable experiences I had in this program was the first phone call I had with Emma, who was genuine and attentive to my health goals. I initially believed Emma would be my coach, but it turned out Alexa was. I really liked Alexa's energy and how eager she was to start my program when we first chatted so she could understand my goals. At that point, I knew she was going to challenge my limitations and get me out of my comfort zone with training. That's when I realized I was going to make so much improvement. I must admit that I was hesitant and afraid to begin my journey in the gym rather than with my food routine. I can now look back and say that starting this program was the best choice I have ever made. I have learned to accept who I am, to occupy space, and enjoy the numerous benefits of being strong. Lifting weights is something I enjoy doing since I can feel strong.
BRIGHT SPOTS. Hype up your accomplishments, what are you most proud of so far since starting the program?
I have lost around 20 lbs so far and lost half of my body fat from 34% to 24.2%. I gained muscle mass started at 118.8 lbs. and went to 120.67 lbs. I understand that different foods give you different benefits and give you the proper nutrients you need. I have built so much confidence in the gym and out of the gym.
I used to go to the gym and be so self-conscious about if other people are looking at me working out, now people are looking at me killing my workouts. Several people have come up to me and complimented me on the progress I have made, they talk to me or even just say Hi or Good morning. They recognize the hard work that I am putting in and it feels great that others see that.
I underestimated my physical strength throughout this process, I can push myself so much that I surprise myself every day, even on bad days. I love food so I managed to create a healthier relationship with food; when I go out, I try my best to look for the
best nutritious meal that will fill me up. I don’t eat just to eat, but I eat to maintain the habits that I have created for myself. Sometimes when it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise, you end up staying in the same place. I discovered that in order to change your ways, you simply close your eyes and do it. Yes, you will fail, but in failing you discover who you are and what you are capable of, which shapes who you are. You have two options: either you change for the better or you stay the same. Life is all about growing and learning to be the best version of yourself. The same is true for fitness: you must learn to fail. Maybe you won't beat your personal records for a particular period of time, or maybe you'll eat more calories than you should. You just get back on track the next day and continue your way. It’s all a process that everyone goes through, even our own trainers.
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