I first started working out when I was young, but mainly did dance classes and swim lessons. And then I started swimming for my high school swim team and took up running to beat the stress of AP classes. I continued to workout throughout college but gained a significant amount of weight and really had to take my health into full consideration. My weight kept creeping up and up and the number on the scale got higher and higher. I wore baggy clothes, bought hideous long sweaters and was in complete denial about my weight gain.
It wasn't until my doctor flat out told me that I could have a heart attack if I didn't get my stuff together. From that point forward something clicked in me. I started doing research into why I was blowing up like a balloon My parents are both super fit, healthy people, my family is not heavy at all on either side, so why was I fat? Food. I was eating all of the wrong foods. I immediately cut out soda, fast food, candy, chips, anything you could snack on that was high sodium had to go. And just like that 25-pounds came off naturally.
I liked the direction this was going in so I started to google workout videos and discovered that there were these hidden gems on You-Tube and those gems were FREE workout videos by the ever amazing duo: Fitness Blender. Fitness Blender changed my life, in a matter of days, I was doing their level 5 workout videos and really noticed a difference in my overall appearance, but more importantly my mental health. They kept me sane and continue to do so to this day. If it wasn't for them I would never know how to do a burpee, or how jumping jacks really do tone your entire body. I would have certainly never been able to do a pull-up or climb the tough walls at the rock climbing gym. I thank god every day for me stumbling onto this husband/wife duo out of Washington who did not like the direction the fitness industry was going in so they decided to do something about it.
I still struggle with anxiety and since my surgery, my anxiety has been ten-fold. I have an appointment to go see a psychiatrist at the end of this month, but doing my daily workouts literally is the key that holds it all together. For without fitness and health, I have no idea who I would be today. I'm a completely different person and I've turned into a better human being because of health and wellness. I turned my life around and lost 155-pounds and you can too! Baby steps is the key! Start by googling workout videos and find the free ones that you like and start there. Then start drinking more water and adding a fruit or veggie with every meal. These small steps may not seem like a lot at first, but in the long run they are life changing. Trust me, I've been there and I do not plan on being there again. I'm simply not that girl anymore. I don't run from my problems, I face them head on and losing the weight was paramount in all of that.
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If you're struggling as I did at one time, I hope this piece motivates you to get started. After all, taking the first step is the hardest part.....
Sarah@creatingbettertomorrow says
Prayers for the anxiety factor...I just started recognizing my anxiety over the past year...and taking medicine is the answer for me now ALONGSIDE a healthy workout and diet. You have come so far, It inspires me to keep working hard every day too!
Laura says
You look absolutely amazing! Kudos for losing the weight and for staying motivated to exercise! I myself used to suffer from anxiety, which made me unwilling to leave my home, and that led to weight gain and depression... For me, forcing myself go out and go to the gym on a daily basis was the solution to the problem. Off with the extra weight went my anxiety! I hope that you are able to deal with the anxiety successfully too! Good luck