Favorite Classes: Combat HIIT, Circuits, and P90X

Dog’s name: Finn

Current favorite Binge Worthy Netflix Series: “Ozark” & “You” 

In September of 2019, I had my yearly physical.  My cholesterol numbers, blood sugar, and my weight were elevated again.  I refuse to increase my medication dosages, I refuse to be on a restrictive diet, I refuse to buy bigger clothes.  I have taken cholesterol medication since I was 20. I have battled with my weight ever since I was a teenager, and after having 3 kids. My dad passed away at 48, due to complications with lung cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. I am very aware of that number right now, as my 48th birthday is right around the corner.  This is my story, and I needed to make a change, so I did. Right now, it feels sustainable, and that feels good because in the past, I have been the type of person who gets complacent. However, now, I am very interested in living on a path of quality longevity, so I plan to continue to allow this journey to evolve and unfold. 

Before focusing on fitness and nutrition I felt lethargic, upset about how my clothes felt and in general disappointed in myself. I joined The Warehouse in 2016 because I won a FREE month during Leprechaun Days, and I knew Nickie from High School (Go, SSP Packers!) In my personal life, I have been married to my husband, Dave, for almost 23 years. We have 3 kids. 1 in college, and 2 in high school.  In my professional life, I work with people who are coming out of prison, usually in crisis. My relationship with fitness has helped me manage my own stress, and helped me feel more balanced at home.

After my physical, I decided to up my game and get clear on the things that needed to be true for me, if I wanted to live a life of quality longevity. To me, that means moving freely, and having energy. Why does this matter to me? I don’t want my kids to go through what I went through, with losing a parent, and I want to control the controllables when it comes to my health. 

I rebooted my mindset, and made a plan to attend workouts at The Warehouse 4-5 times per week.  Finn, our puppy, also needed to get out on walks, and that has gotten me more active outdoors (even in the cold weather) which helps me add some extra low impact movement to my week. 

When it comes to nutrition,I am intentional about making better food choices, and trying to eat within an 8 hour window.  I wouldn’t say I am strictly “intermittent fasting”, I am simply more aware of unnecessarily snacking in the evening. By “closing the kitchen” after dinner,  I am allowing my body to focus on sleep, and repair & recovery at night vs. making my body process those night snacks that I truly didn’t need. By eating inside my 8 hour window, I never miss a meal, and never feel hungry. I like that; no deprivation.  Also, two of my children started working out!  With that, I often heard complaints about not “having any healthy food in the house.” I wanted to support them in any way possible, and it opened my eyes to an area of opportunity I could improve in our household that would benefit all of us. 

Since beginning this renewed plan for myself in June,  I have lost 22 pounds, and I have the energy that I want.  No more staring at the closet feeling like I have nothing to wear. No more random grazing. I feel so much better about myself, not just because of the weight loss.  The weight loss is merely a super cool side effect, and my body’s natural response to living on my path to quality longevity. The gym time is ME TIME, and I need that so I can show up strong in my professional role, and strong & energetic as a mother & spouse. I leave there feeling a lot more relaxed, which I’m sure my family appreciates! I am also confident that my labs will also show an improvement next time I go in to see the doctor. I feel good inside and out, and I know where I am going, and more importantly, WHY.