Ann
May2022
1. WHAT DID LIFE LOOK LIKE BEFORE YOU FOCUSED ON CONSISTENCY ON NUTRITION AND FITNESS?
I have been active throughout my entire life, sometimes more than others. I was an athlete in high school and a 1 meter and 3 meter springboard diver for 3 years at St Cloud State University. These experiences not only shaped lifelong habits and a passion for activity, but also taught me that humans are capable of much more than we think. I truly feel that we are only capable of what our mind allows us to believe.
After college I worked active jobs, slugging bags at the airport, teaching swim lessons and flight instructing. I also found biking, rollerblading, waterskiing, downhill skiing, walks with my family and just playing with the kids filled my time.
As far as nutrition goes, I like to eat fresh and healthy foods but I will not turn down a yummy snack or dessert! I have been a member of the clean plate club my entire life, thanks to my grandma’s influence, there are very few things I don’t like. However, for many years I had abdominal pains after most meals. I dealt with this by taking the easy route of feeling crummy, continuing to eat what I liked and putting up with the discomfort.
2. What made you decide to make a change?
When we moved from International Falls to Rosemount in 2007 we continued to be active but found it more difficult as I was in nursing school and our family was growing. After our second child was born in 2009, Ed and I began a new habit of working out after the kids were in bed with P90X DVDs in the basement. I eventually got bored as we did not expand our library. In January 2018 I decided to check out the Warehouse. I had never been involved in group fitness classes until this point. I don’t recall the details of joining as I was very tired back then but I do remember falling in love with the energy and positive vibes I got from the Warehouse. I was inspired by the fitness challenges and found that having a goal is what motivates me to show up and work harder. I have never been very competitive with others but have discovered it is myself who I compete with.
Somewhere in this time I dabbled in running. I always thought it wasn’t for me but once I realized I could run an entire mile without stopping it became my new challenge and I signed up for a 5k, which then led me to a few mud runs. My next new challenge is the YWCA Sprint Triathlon in August. I’m super excited for this because I’m a bit intimidated by the idea of a triathlon but am told this is a great one to start with.
A few years ago I finally decided to address my abdominal pain. I began nutrition testing with my chiropractor who recommended eliminating many foods. Sadly I removed gluten, most grains, dairy and sugar from my diet. The first week of this plan I remember thinking I was going to die! But I found this way of eating easier every week and began to notice my stomach felt so much better! Not only that, but I realized I was not having heart palpitations and my energy had improved. Over time I was able to reintroduce some of these foods with no issues. It really opened my eyes to being aware of what I put in my mouth….sometimes you need that “ah ha” experience.
3. What has changed (attitude, energy, weight, habits, priorities, race times, blood work, confidence, etc.?)
When I workout and focus on nutrition I definitely have more energy, a much more positive outlook and I’m probably easier to live with! I have also found that when I am participating in classes regularly, the transition back into seasonal running is easier. Group exercise classes are my favorite physical outlet but all movement definitely improves my mental state. I love that I have found the Warehouse. The trainers and every one of the members have been inspiring. This is why I chose to pursue Pound Pro training in the Spring of 2020 and continued on with Group Fitness training. I am excited to expand my knowledge and lead more classes. I truly appreciate all of the support I have received from the Warehouse family as I explore this new side of fitness.