Jennifer Steele
Stay at home mom of 7, Pennsylvania
The Trigger:
About two years ago, I had found myself being at the heaviest point in my life. Pictures of me were terrifying. I was unhealthy, unmotivated, and miserable. I was on medication to relieve migraines, but the medication made me gain even more weight. I knew something needed to change. I had never been a fan of exercise. I loved sports, but was in no shape to play any. I began with dieting and began to lose the weight. After losing 30 pounds, I found myself with no muscle tone, loose skin, and I was no happier than I was 30 pounds heavier. I knew the gym was next step.
The Change:
I walked into the gym with absolutely no idea of where to begin. I would search online for workouts, print them out and flip through them at the gym. I bought a book and ear marked pages. I spent hours and hours trying to come up with a workout routine. Then I stumbled upon Fitbod and everything suddenly came together. I was no longer guessing at what I was doing, no longer wasting time trying to figure it out. It was all spelled out for me, step by step and instruction after instruction.
Did you change anything in addition to exercise/fitness?
I have continued on my healthy eating journey, although not as strictly as I had been when I lost my weight. My eating can still be a struggle, but thankfully, working out has definitely helped give me the motivation to not undo my progress by poor eating.
Any specific fitness goals that you have?
Although I would definitely love to shed a few more pounds, I am no longer totally focused on the scale. I go by how I feel, both mentally and physically. My goal is just to continue on. As a very competitive person, I find that Fitbod keeps me always striving to better myself with my fitness streaks, personal weightlifting records, and my accountability to the tons of fellow Fitbodders that have become my friends.
Results:
I am in the best shape of my life. My body has totally transformed. I am no longer ashamed of putting on that bathing suit and joining my kids in the pool. I am more active and enjoying life again. I have regained my self confidence, my self worth, and learned to put myself and my health high on my priority list.
Advice for others:
My advice to others is to just start. One day at a time. Any effort is better than no effort. You’re not going to rock it every day, but there is always tomorrow. Just don’t stop. Take pictures, hold yourself accountable, find a friend to encourage you. Do whatever it takes, but do something.
Anything else?
The Fitbod Community has become my absolute favorite page on Facebook. The people I have met through that page are so inspiring and uplifting. My husband is now also using Fitbod and is part of the community. We often have our own challenges to push each other along. Fitbod has definitely brought a love of lifting to my life, one I never thought I would have.
Disclaimer: This post has been edited for brevity and clarity.
