What is your “WHY”?
My why was wanting to feel better in my body. I felt like a slug. I didn’t like the way I looked and I didn’t like the way I felt, physically or emotionally, about my body and didn’t see that getting any better with time if I didn’t do something pretty “out there” for me. I had a big birthday approaching and I didn’t want to pass that milestone going downhill physically.
What motivated you to start at AFS?
I found AFS through word of mouth. I knew others who worked out at AFS and loved it. I had long belonged to a gym, but used it only sporadically. Once upon a time, I got up early three times a week and went to the gym and did cardio and weight machines, but I couldn’t seem to maintain a routine like that anymore. My motivation lacked, big time. I knew I needed accountability. I didn’t know that I would love classes. I like the group setting, but the ability to adjust each class to your own level of fitness or personal needs is terrific.
How do you define your success?
I define my success by feeling better in my body. I feel stronger physically. I can move a bit more quickly. I feel more confident. My clothes look better. But best of all is I feel good when I leave AFS and that feeling lasts. I might be tired and sweaty, but I feel accomplished and confident. That’s the thing that really makes the biggest difference for me—feeling better in my head.
As a bonus, my cholesterol levels are better than they have ever been. They are all within normal levels now, which even with regular exercise and a good diet I struggled with in the past.
What was your biggest obstacle you overcame to achieve your success?
My own inertia. Motivation. I injured my knee after several months here (not related to AFS) and struggled to get back here. My trainer at the time suggested I work on strength while I couldn’t do WLS classes, but I didn’t listen. After surgery, gaining strength and motivation to return here was really difficult. With a personalized workout plan from Chris and close attention to my recovery I was finally able to get in a groove, get off the couch, and keep moving.
What was your biggest fear before you started?
I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to keep up in class. That I would be too slow or too out of shape, or (whispers) too old. I have arthritis in my knees. To say I was apprehensive about getting measured would be an understatement. All of these factors made me apprehensive to sign up. However, it’s an absolute truth that people come in all shapes and sizes and abilities and that is true at AFS as well. Only measure yourself against your own goals.
I’m more confident. I feel better in my body. I pay better attention to what I’m putting in my body. I’m never going to be a teeny-tiny person, I’m not built that way, but I can feel good about the health of my body.
What advice would you give others looking to start with AFS?
Take the leap! Good people! Great environment!
