When I began this Challenge as a team member, I was mostly looking forward to the camaraderie within our LifeSpa department. As I was progressing on the leaderboard, I shared my success with coworkers who then began to motivate me and impress upon me that I was actually capable of winning this Challenge. Coming from someone who has seen 200 lbs more than once in life, grew up with unhealthy eating habits, and was called “chubby” for as long as I can remember, I just never imagined. So, then my goal was to make them proud: my coworkers, my coach, my family and, most importantly, myself. This wasn’t the first Challenge I had signed up for with Life Time, but I was determined to make it the one that counted.

I would be inclined to say that Life Time helped me achieve my goals by providing team members (personal trainers) with the knowledge necessary for weight loss and muscle gain. I have spent years in the gym working out 4-5 times a week and still unable to achieve the look that I desired. The meal planning was the key to my success, and meal preparation was the most difficult part. There is absolute truth to the saying “When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
Meal preparation is now a staple for me and my husband in our household. We have now gotten ourselves used to thawing meat in advance, bringing along protein powder and shaker bottles everywhere we go, and keeping a stash of healthy snacks in our vehicles for our children. All are things that we failed to prepare for in the past but are such a staple for eating clean and staying healthy in the future.

My plan for the future is to continue the exercises 4-5 days a week, but with the help of a personal trainer. I enjoy strength training on my own, but I am definitely no professional at it – staying in contact with a fitness coach is a must. Also, I have learned that staying on track with meal plans is important. If an event arises I can cheat, but it’s important to recognize that consistency is key. Eating protein-packed meals with fruits and vegetables on a regular basis makes my body happy which makes me feel good. During this Challenge I would be so excited to have the cheat meals that I worked so hard for, but literally every single time I felt “it wasn’t really all that.” Food needs to be looked at with more nutritional value than feeling. It never makes us feel better, and that’s something I have struggled with my entire life.

This has been such a great experience for me and my family because we have learned great things about the importance of nutrition. I have proven to myself that I can make it happen through determination. My husband enjoyed himself as well during his Challenge. We have learned about the value of food and the feelings of lethargy that come with nutrient deficient food versus the feeling of energy and fulfillment in nutrient-dense food. As we continue this year, I will continue to make healthy choices a priority for myself and my family, mainly so I can maintain these abs I have gained! Ha. As for my husband, he will be making a commitment for the next 60 days to “make it happen” (abs) for him too!

I’m a very proud team member and member of Life Time and have been so moved by the motivation of my teammates and friends during this Challenge. Thanks, Life Time for making healthy a way of life!