How did you hear about AFS?
I learned about AFS when AFS posts kept popping up in my Facebook Feed. It was a sign! I called and set up an appointment.
What/Who inspired you to take the first step toward getting in shape?
Over the past few years I stopped taking care of myself. I was eating anything and everything and not moving nearly enough. I gained quite a bit of weight and was sluggish, uncomfortable, and self-conscious. I was a few months away from my fiftieth birthday and decided it was time to make some changes. I started to look at different gyms, classes, and programs in the area. That’s when the AFS posts began appearing in my Facebook Feed. I called AFS about the fifth time it popped up and am so glad that I did!
What initially intrigued you about our program/why did you sign up?
There were two things that really intrigued me: the accountability factor and the structure of the WLS classes. I do much better with anything when I have an accountability partner. Knowing that Bailey, my awesome Fitness Practitioner, will be checking my food log weekly, providing regular encouragement and advice, and assessing me every few weeks really does keep me on track and motivated, and the Fitness Practitioners push me to do my best during WLS classes. What I appreciate about the WLS class structure is that I don’t have to think about what exercises to do. I have had gym memberships in the past, but I did not always know what to do once I was there, nor did I push myself. I would stop once I started sweating or once the exercise burned! I also tend to get bored easily. WLS classes are different every time, fast-paced, and challenging. I actually enjoy sweating and the burn now!
How did you achieve the success you’ve seen thus far?
I have achieved the success I’ve seen so far by following Bailey’s invaluable advice, being consistent, and especially being patient! I am the tortoise in “The Tortoise and the Hare.” I am taking the slow and steady wins the race approach. This has worked for me because it’s been sustainable. I have been able to stick to the calorie goal, even while enjoying my favorites—pizza, wine, and chocolate. Food logging keeps me mindful of what I am eating and has helped me to learn how to make choices that allow for me to incorporate my favorite foods. I have increased protein (hard—I adore all carbs and don’t like most meats). I go to 2-3 WLS classes a week, do thirty minute walks on my treadmill once or twice a week, and enjoy hiking/long walks on the weekends. Throughout the past seven months I have not felt deprived or overwhelmed. Allowing myself to lose the weight slowly and enjoying the journey, with the support and encouragement of the incredible AFS staff members, has been the key to sticking with my new, healthier lifestyle.
What changes have you noticed in your life since starting with AFS?
Since starting with AFS I feel soooo much better! I have more energy, more confidence, smaller clothes, and I actually like exercising and moving now!
Advice you can offer others looking to make changes you’ve made?
Be patient with yourself! I didn’t become out of shape and unhealthy overnight, so I didn’t expect to become in shape and healthy overnight. I did start feeling better immediately, though! The first steps were the hardest—making the initial appointment with AFS, the first assessment, my first WLS class, the first time I did level B, then the first time I did level A. Now my motto is, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
Results to Date: Down 25lbs Fat Mass, and Down 12% Body Fat
Practitioner: Bailey Paull-Baird
Start Date: October, 2015
Andrea, we’re so glad we could be here for your first steps. Keep walking!
Want to make changes like Andrea?
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