Several years ago, I found myself out of shape, uncomfortable and unhappy. I was a heavy set wife, mother of 2 and business owner. After an unfortunate event with a salesclerk in a department store dressing room (she asked me when my baby was due...I was NOT pregnant) I decided to start a "friendly competition" with a few friends. We each put $25 in a cash pot and set a date 12 weeks out with the idea that whoever lost the most body weight % would get the cash pot. It was amazing how this little challenge pushed us. So we kept the 12 week challenges going.
As I progressed in the challenges, I saw myself getting stronger, leaner, happier and truly enjoying sharing the success with others. I took my journey to the next level and competed in a Women's Figure Competition. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life, but I learned a lot about myself and how important it is to have a strong support system. I didn't win the competition, but I was definitely a winner because I learned what I could do for myself, I found support and encouragement from those that I love, and I proved to myself that I could do anything I put my mind to! The more people saw what I was doing for myself, the more they wanted to learn from me. My friendly challenges got bigger and bigger; friends inviting their friends and family and it just spread like wild fire through word of mouth. Now, several years later, I have over 125 people in the 12 week challenges. So how do the challenges work? Well, it's pretty simple... There is a small buy in fee that goes into the cash pot. The first week, you send in your starting weight on a digital scale and a "before picture". I tell people to take the picture in shorts and sports bra (women) or just shorts (men) This first step is SO emotionally difficult. What's the purpose of the pictures? Well, it's one thing to look at yourself and say, "ugh, I'm so tired of this" and it's another thing to take the picture and send to someone else and say, "ugh...here I am. I'm ready to change!" It's amazing to see and hear how apologetic people are for their pictures. That first week is so hard. So I tell people, " Do not apologize to me or beat yourself up. Just take a look at that person, say good-bye to those negative feelings and make a commitment to yourself to put your health and happiness first!" Easier said than done, I know. So after the pics and weights are sent, I give daily check ins, weekly weigh ins and challenges; both nutritional and physical. The group is essentially a competition, as the top three "losers" split the cash pot, but for most it is a support group that offers motivation, inspiration and keeps the focus on the ultimate goal of weight loss and fitness.
For some, they may only participate in one challenge, for others they have been in the challenges from the very beginning and tell me all the time that they will continue to do the challenges as long as I run them. I have seen weight maintenance, weight loss (anywhere from 5 to 150lbs!), fitness goals set and exceeded, and friendships formed and sealed! These challenges have kept me focused, connected me with others and have given me an outlet to reach out and inspire, motivate and support others. It seems each challenge gets bigger than the one before, and I reach more and more people. It really has come full circle. I'm happier in my life and I see the happiness and confidence in others as they set out to achieve their fitness goals. Throughout my journey, I have nourished myself not only physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. I've become a better wife, better mother, better friend and just all around a better ME. I've gained strength in what it means to love yourself and to give to others; this is definitely a lesson I want to pass on to my children.
Today, feeling tired yet exhilarated, I looked around and thought, "I love my body! I'm not perfect, nor do I look like some super model; I have crepe paper skin in areas, cellulite, dimples (not on my face!) and my abs aren't so easily visible. BUT I am strong, healthy and happy. I can run- feeling the morning air in my lungs, I can lift weights- feeling the life in my muscles. I do more and go harder than I could yesterday; I won't always be able to do that, so for today, I love my body and I love what it can do!
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July 2009
July 2010
