“I grew up in a heavy family from the American Midwest — think Big Macs and Thanksgiving dinners. I knew no other lifestyle other than sedentary. Of course I had heard of exercise, but it wasn’t for me. I didn’t like to get sweaty, I was busy, I had other things to do, etc. etc.
During my first year of undergraduate, I was pulled away from my family. It was the first time I started to question my lifestyle and I found that it didn’t make me satisfied. I started exercising, light at first — just going on walks while listening to some podcasts – and soon felt great! Why had no one told me that life could be this amazing? That my days could be so clear, that I could have so much energy? It was like waking up into a world of possibility, energy, and life! So much different than the dark, sluggish world I knew before. I added in push ups to my walks, then crunches, then found my way into the gym. I found that what I once thought was a gruelling chore was soon becoming the best part of my day. It took some patience, no doubt, (and I had a cheat day here and there), but by staying consistent and disciplined, I found myself shedding pounds and turning into something beautiful.
Now you can’t keep me away from the gym, a round of pushups, or an on-the-fly HIIT class! If I’ve learned anything from this journey, it’s to go out and do what you think is amazing – no matter what those around you think. Don’t wait for anyone else’s permission, don’t seek anyone else’s approval but your own, don’t let others negativity get you down! Get out there and get fit! Let’s do it!”
