March Success Story – Nancy – Trainer April's Blog

Reflection:

When did you start your fitness journey? What motivated you to start? My fitness journey has been on and off for years! I believe I first started getting serious about it in December 2015 or January 2016 when I first began training with April. She has been WONDERFULLY patient with me as I’ve struggled through the years with my work and personal schedule, overeating, etc. I used to say I’ll pay more attention to getting fit and healthier after a big work project or after the holidays or after whatever. I finally realized that there is always something and there’s never a perfect time. So in December 2018 I started what I call my prep to dive fully into a healthier lifestyle starting in January 2019. So I’m working on getting healthier again through being more active, eating cleaner and getting my blood pressure and cholesterol back under control.
What is most different about your life since you have been consistent with your workout routine? My clothes fit better for one. I sleep better and I have more energy.
What has been your favorite part of your fitness journey so far? Feeling myself grow stronger.
Why do you like working with a personal trainer? Accountability. April pushes me to do more than I believe I can do when working out. She also makes me redo a rep if it’s not done correctly.
What were things like before you started working with Trainer April? I had more fatigue and a general feeling of blah.

What has been your greatest achievement and/or biggest improvement? Upper body strength. I never used to have a lot of upper body strength and now I actually can feel biceps and triceps. And I am able to do real push-ups!
What are you most proud of? I’m proud of the fact that I’ve never quit even during the most difficult times when it was hard to keep my workouts in my schedule. I’m also proud of the fact that I’ve been able to do more, like increase weights when lifting.
How do you stay motivated? (Vision board, visual representations of weight loss, fitness journals, social media, etc.). I write on a calendar each day what I’ve done. Did I track my foods, workout, etc. I also have two pint size mason jars that are part of my visual. One had marbles for each pound lost while the other one holds marbles that represent how many more pounds I want to lose.
How do you celebrate your success? So far I haven’t planned any celebration. I used to believe that I had to deny myself if I wasn’t a certain size or weight. I don’t do that anymore and that helps me deal with negative feelings when I don’t think I worked out hard enough or long enough or didn’t eat as well as I planned.

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in your fitness journey so far? Who or what helped you overcome it? At times I’ve been my biggest obstacle. There have been times when I was very discouraged and feeling like I wasn’t moving forward or felt I was losing ground due to not being able to work out as effectively due to injury or illness or just simple fatigue. I credit my husband as well as April for helping me through it.
What were/are your biggest struggles? I still struggle with making time for myself to do my workouts. I’m getting better at it.

How many times a week do you exercise? I train with April 1x a week. It’s in my schedule as practically a non-negotiable, cannot be missed appointment. And 2x week when my schedule allows it. I’m three weeks into a daily challenge involving pushups and sit-ups. I also do an at-home workout with exercises April has taught me 1x week. I call it my “half April” workout as I don’t push myself as hard as she does!
Favorite exercise? I have a few. I love Sumo Squats and 21’s. I also like the leg press if we’re talking about machines. And can I mention I hate pushups?? But I’m determined to master them!
What is your favorite fun activity? I enjoy hanging out with friends. We have friends that we do wine tastings with and try out new restaurants together. We have other friends that we go camping and hiking with. I also love to read.
Favorite snack? Hmm. depends on my mood!
Favorite healthy go-to recipe? Chicken stir fry with winter squash noodles is my current favorite
Favorite beverage? Red wine
What advice would you give to new clients or those thinking about starting a workout program? Don’t be afraid to start and don’t wait till the “right time”. The benefits outweigh any droughts or reservations you may have.
Do you take any supplements? I take half a multi vitamin, fish oil, vitamin D and calcium daily.

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